Devil's Night

Epilogue

"I've reached a point in my life where I'm ready for new challenges. I've been very... active in the community, especially the past couple years, and I'm proud of what I've accomplished. And at the same time, I'm eager to take on something new. Broaden my horizons... get a new perspective on the world, and the issues that we face as a global community. I know I get a lot out of the Youth Summit, like meet teenagers from around the world, and learn what's on their minds, and the problems they face. We can all learn from each other, and maybe even come up with solutions to each other's challenges."

He sat up a little straighter. "Teamwork is the only way people can achieve great things. No individual is fully self-sufficient, and when we cooperate and work to the mutual benefit of all involved, we can strengthen each other's weaker traits and encourage each other. And in the end, that team can achieve truly great things. I want to be part of a global team, and let my teammates motivate and inspire me to strive for some meaningful goals. And hopefully, I'll hold up my end, and do my part to motivate and inspire others as well."

Jason kept his dark gaze on Natasha Trotsky, who was busily writing notes. After a few moments, the Russian delegate looked up from her notes, smiling softly.

"Thank you very much for your time and interest, Mr. Scott," she praised, shaking his hand. "I must say, rarely meet someone with your conviction!"

Jason grinned at the compliment. "Thanks for seeing me, Ma'am. So, what happens now?"

"Once Dr. Kuiperi and the rest of his team complete the interviews, we'll discuss our findings and come to a mutual decision. We'll make our selection within the next two weeks, and contact the three nominees. Once all three are confirmed, there will be a public announcement on November 15th."

Jason nodded, taking his backpack as he approached the door. "Good luck to you, then."

The moment Jason stepped out of the temporary office, he let out a loud breath. He hadn't realized just how nervous he was until he was sitting across from the desk, watching program coordinator take scrupulous notes as he articulated just why he felt he belonged at the Peace Conference.

Dr. Kuiperi and his team truly wanted to make sure they selected three delegates who would make the most of the opportunity. They certainly wouldn't waste the space on someone who was only vaguely interested.

Did Jason really want to go? It was a question he'd been considering more and more the past few days. While he couldn't muster the excitement both Zack and Trini had displayed over the idea, he couldn't deny it sounded like the chance of a lifetime. But, was it the right choice for him? Would he truly feel comfortable at a summit focusing on world peace? Or would he feel guilty that he left the war for Earth in someone else's hands, just so he could explore other interests?

He wasn't a peacemaker by nature. He fought with heart, and he couldn't deny that he liked a good contest with a challenging opponent. Trini strove to make the world a better place, and even Zack preferred to diffuse tough situations that let them resort to violence. Both viewed their personal martial styles as art forms, and preferred to perform them strictly as such. They never competed, and they rarely sparred for fun. Only to keep their skills sharp, and learn new techniques. Never just to see who is better.

"Jase?"

I'll just have to see, he decided, I was as honest with Miss Trotsky as I could be without bringing up the Rangers. I'll have to trust that if I am chosen for this summit, then I belong there.

"Hey Jason! Earth to Jason Scott!"

Jason blinked, stirred from his thoughts by the peeved voice. He turned around, surprised to see Alexis standing directly behind him, her lips pressed in an irritated moue.

"Are you going deaf or something?"

He grinned sheepishly. "Sorry, Lex. I was distracted."

"Story of your life," she sighed with a dismissive wave. "So, how'd the interview go?"

"I think it went pretty well. Miss Trotsky seemed really genuine, and said that I have a lot of 'conviction.' Looks like I got a shot at being chosen."

He noticed Alexis turn away, taking a sudden interest in the wall behind him. Was it his imagination, or was she shuffling her feet? "So you really want to go, huh?"

It felt so strange hearing aloud the question that he had been considering and reconsidering for the better part of a week.

He didn't particularly care to speak to the side of her face. So without thinking, his fingers brushed her cheek, urging her to face him. And in doing so, he broke down an unspoken barrier that had existed between them.

He looked into her eyes, surprised by the sudden need to see her reaction to his words. "Yeah, I think I do. I think it would be a mistake for me to let an opportunity like this pass without even trying for it. I mean… it's not like the team really needs me, so I can..."

His words died on his lips as Alexis' gaze hardened. Eyes that were a moment ago quietly resigned suddenly blazed with determination.

"Look, Jase, I may not know much about being a Power Ranger. I've only been one for two weeks, and I still haven't got the hang of it. Still, even the newbie can make out the team dynamic easily enough."

She reached out, taking his hand between hers. Her grip was firm, silently pleading with him to listen to her next words. "I see how the other Rangers look at you, how they listen when you speak. They all respect you. Especially Tommy. Haven't you noticed that nearly all his orders sound like suggestions? He's running his every idea by you, and you're validating his tactical plans. Your opinion holds just as much weight as it did when you were giving the orders. You're a great value to the team... don't ever doubt that."

Jason stared at Alexis for a long moment, both surprised and awed by the absolute confidence that resounded in her words. Just like that fateful day in the school weight room when he first talked to her, genuine concern shone in those green eyes, promising that she would listen without judgement, and give an honest, insightful answer to any question he related. Only now, it was different. Now she actually knew him, quite well given the brevity of their friendship.

Her grip then shifted. One arm threaded through his, and with a small nudge the pair continued their trek through the quiet halls side by side.

After a few steps, she spoke again. "But, we can exist without you."

Jason froze dead in his tracks. "Huh?"

She chewed her lip, as if reconsidering the assertion she just made. Yet she didn't take it back. Instead, she continued, even though the expression on her face made it clear that it cost her to do so.

"The Rangers can go on without you," she elaborated. "I don't want you to think you have to stay in Angel Grove, especially if you want to go somewhere else. We'll keep saving humanity from evil aliens while you figure out a way to save humanity from itself. If you leave, we'll miss you… a lot… but we'll make you proud."

They continued walking, both absorbed in their own thoughts, as they approached the front doors of the high school. As they walked passed a bench, Alexis paused to take a seat. Confused, Jason turned around, and watched the Purple Ranger draw her roller-blades from her backpack, and replace her sneakers.

"You're not coming to the Youth Center?"

She didn't look up. "Nah, if I miss curfew, my mom'll ship me off to military school or something."

Jason frowned. "What did you tell her happened?"

"Nothing… she was just so beyond upset, I couldn't get a word in edgewise." She sighed softly, finally looking up. "Hey, could you do me a favor?"

"Sure."

"Tell Zack that Angela's going to the ball as a belly dancer."

An amused smile softened Jason's expression. "So you decided to tell him after all?"

She giggled. "I probably shouldn't have made him squirm, but he is funny when he's desperate. Hopefully he'll be able to find a matching costume in…" She glanced at the new wrist unit Billy had provided. "..three hours."

She then rose from the bench, and slowly rolled away. "I'll see you Monday, Jase," she murmured, "Have fun at the party tonight, okay?"

He waved silently, watching as she picked up speed. By the time she had disappeared down the street, an idea had already begun to take shape.

* * *

The mall was oddly quiet for a Friday night… which wasn't all that surprising, considering the big Halloween Ball that would occupy a large part of the teenage population.

Aisha sighed quietly as she continued through the aisles, straightening the hanging costumes for the umpteenth time. Another not-surprise: a full hour into her shift, and there hadn't been a single customer. After all, it was already three days after Halloween. The only event left in the season was the Halloween Ball, and anyone who planned to attend that party had already lined up a costume for use on Halloween as well. Well, except for her, who managed to ruin her Halloween costume beyond repair.

The teen passed a full-length mirror, and took an appraising look at her reflection.

All things considered, I look pretty darn good! she decided, adjusting the thick leather belt that fit snugly around her hips. After her "adventure" on Halloween, she'd spent hours trying to piece together a decent costume for her first party as an Angel Grove High student. While the result wasn't as eye-catching as her incredibly authentic Yellow Ranger costume, the seventies style disco outfit had plenty of sass to make up for it. The striped bell-bottoms and frilly top only needed some simple alterations to fit like a dream, and she even scrounged up a wild Afro wig and preposterously wide leather belt. Add platform shoes, courtesy of Steve Madden, some dangling jewelry from her mother's nostalgic collection, and costume makeup to exaggerate her eyes and lips, and she was ready to go.

Of course, she had to spend the next two hours sitting in her mother's store, bored out of her mind, until the proprietor returned for the closing shift.

"Hello? Anybody here?"

Aisha peeked over the clothes rack, and watched as a young man with ear-length braids wandered around the store.

Grinning, Aisha emerged from the aisle. "Hi, Zack," she greeted.

Zack turned, and took a moment to take in Aisha's appearance from head to toe. "Wow… that's a great costume! Lemme guess… Pam Grier?"

His compliment earned a wide smile. "Close enough. So, what can I do for you?"

He quickly grew serious. "I've got a Costume Emergency."

"Really? I thought you were going as a magician."

His eyes widened. "How'd you know that?"

"We were at the same Youth Center for Trick or Treating."

"Right. Good eye," he commented, tapping his temple illustratively.

She laughed lightly. "Well, I'm in the business."

As he watched her lean against the counter, a playful smile lighting up her face, Zack almost forgot what he was looking for. "Yeah, well… I'd like to coordinate my costume with my girlfriend, and she's going as a belly dancer."

Aisha nodded, her smile fading just a little. "Lucky girl."

Zack's puzzled gaze urged her to elaborate. "It's hard to get a guy to even coordinate colors, much less themes."

Her explanation waved away any awkwardness. "Please tell me you got something!"

Aisha rolled her eyes at his theatrical begging. "You're in luck, Zack… I believe we do have some sultan outfits. Just a second." She stepped behind the counter, and pulled out a binder. Glancing at him through the corner of her eye, she asked as casually as possible, "We've got five colors: blue, red, black, purple, and white. What's your pleasure?"

If Zack was disturbed by the question, he didn't show it. "I'm into black, but beggars can't be choosers."

Bingo! Aisha sang in her mind, That's three down, four to go!

Zack noticed her mysterious grin. "What's so funny?"

Aisha shook her head dismissively. "That's just what I thought you'd say." She then nodded toward the display floor. "Let's see if we have your size, shall we?"

* * *

The words in the textbook melted into a black blur that was beyond comprehension.

With a grunt of annoyance, Alexis rubbed her eyes, trying to force her mind back on her homework, and off a certain handsome, strong, intelligent, considerate...

Of course, it was a monumental task, considering she could still feel the warmth of Jason's fingers on her cheek.

Sure, he'd touched her before. In fact, he touched her often, adjusting her position in their practice sessions, tapping her shoulder to get her attention, shoving her out of the way of a Putty. She even had the distinct memory of being cradled to his chest on Halloween, as she struggled to stay conscious after the Misfits' sneak attack.

Why did this touch feel different? Why was it so… intimate?

She could've sworn the touch meant something. He drew her eyes toward his, and when she saw the disquiet in that deep gaze, she felt like they'd connected.

That brief touch… that momentary contact… brought them so much closer. It gave her the nerve to touch him in return, first taking his hand, then gripping his arm, in the hopes that the physical exchange could make her words poignant enough to get passed Jason's stubborn tendencies.

Thus far, their relationship had been casual. It had to be, considering that she was absorbed into his world of fierce battles and evil magic the day he finally learned her name. His attention that first day made her heart flutter, but the reality of being a Ranger quickly smothered any sparks before they really caught fire.

He walked her home, they shared smoothies, he taught her how to defend herself, and they came to each other's rescue a handful of times… that about summed it up.

Only, out of nowhere came the sudden reality that perhaps she'd be waiting a full year to even see him again.

She desperately hoped that he wouldn't be chosen for the Youth Summit, but even that hope made her feel guilty. He wanted to go… and he was more than qualified for the role. The fact of the matter was, Trini, Jason, and Zack had an excellent chance of being chosen. True, hundreds of teens throughout the county no doubt applied, but Trini, Jason, and Zack had strength of character that few could match.

She'd noticed him nearly two months ago, on the first day of the school year when he stepped into Mr. Wilton's chemistry class. She finally met him two weeks ago, in the weight room early in the morning. And after two weeks of near constant association, she finally reached him today.

Alexis frowned deeply, a sudden burst of frustrated anger making her slam her book shut and bury her face in her hands. She'd finally reached him, and there was even a dance that could help them continue down this new and exciting path in their relationship, and she was grounded for two weeks.

Time was of the essence. If Jason were chosen, he'd leave in a month's time. If there was something between them that could last, she had less than four weeks to figure it out. And half that time would be wasted as she rotted in her bedroom in solitary confinement.

Suddenly depressed, Alexis rose from her desk and headed to the kitchen to drown her sorrows in some sort of comfort food. As she descended the stairs, she heard a key turn in the lock. For a brief moment, she considered retreating to her bedroom. Ever since her mother's explosion three days ago, Alexis gave her very wide berth at the risk of angering her further.

Just as Alexis turned around, she heard her mother's voice. "Can you join me for some hot cocoa?"

Alexis stared at her. Back in happier times, the Darling girls often shared the day's events over a hot mug of cocoa. It was a practice that grew lax once Denise moved away to attend college, and finally died when Peter left.

"Okay," she finally breathed.

Amanda nodded and went into the kitchen, carrying a grocery bag. Slightly stunned, Alexis slowly walked down the rest of the stairs, listening to her mother pour milk in a pot.

Silence hung as the women waited for the milk to heat. Watching her mother stir the milk, Alexis retrieved the powdered mix and teaspoons.

"We don't have marshmallows," she murmured, scanning the cabinet.

"I just bought some; check the bag."

Sure enough a bag of mini marshmallows sat in the paper sack.

Alexis felt her eyes sting as she brought the marshmallows and spoons to the table. She then selected two coffee mugs, and set them on the counter.

A few minutes later, Amanda poured two mugs of cocoa, and carried them to the table where Alexis sat waiting.

Silence continued to reign as they each prepared their cocoa to taste: Amanda dropping two marshmallows into her mug, and Alexis dumping as many marshmallows as the mug would allow.

"How was your day?"

Alexis decided not to inform her mother of the only significant occurrence, and opted for something safer. "Not bad. We had a quiz in Statistics, and I think I did okay. I have an essay to write for History over the weekend." She took a sip of the chocolate, its sweet warmth easing her tension. "How was yours?"

"I got a very interesting phone call this afternoon," Amanda revealed, "from a Jason Scott."

Alexis suddenly froze, her eyes wide and mouth slowly falling open. Amanda regarded her youngest daughter with a raised eyebrow as she continued. "We had a nice conversation. He'd apologized for not meeting me yet, but told me he was a good friend of yours. He also let me know that he and a group of mutual friends were with you on Halloween night. The monster had attacked near the Youth Center before most of the Trick or Treat groups even left, and you all retreated to the nearest monster shelter. Phones were out of service, and the children were panicking, so you all made sure they were as comfortable as possible until the fight was finally over, and it was safe to leave. Which was, I understand, just about midnight."

She took a moment to sip her cocoa. "Did I miss anything?"

Alexis cleared her throat, slowly recovering. "Jason told you all that?"

"Yes he did. The question is: why didn't you?"

Alexis felt like the world was spinning. "I… tried, but you were just so mad, I didn't bother."

"I was angry that night because I was worried sick!" Amanda stressed, "When I finally calmed down, it felt like I was walking on eggshells with you."

Amanda took a long sip of her cocoa. "I don't know what it is… but it just feels like you're slipping away from me."

Alexis pursed her lips.

"Maybe I'm hypersensitive… no, I know I am… but it hurts me when you're so secretive. You stay out late, never call in, and give me excuses that I know aren't the whole truth. I'm… losing you."

At that moment, watching her mother fight for composure, Alexis almost told her the truth. The secrets were at the tip of her tongue, about her grandmother's coin, the Purple Ranger powers, even the Eaglezord… but she fought against the nearly overwhelming urge, and bit her tongue.

"I know you need your space… I was a teenager too," Amanda continued, filling the silence, "I remember feeling like I was suffocating. I'm trying not to do that to you. And when I think about what I did to you by uprooting you from Philadelphia to live out here, I know you resent me for it."

"I don't!" Alexis interrupted in a sudden outburst. "I mean… I did… at first. It was a shock to my system, changing schools and moving to a whole different climate, but I got over it. I just needed to find my place here."

She drew her thumb along the rim of the mug, watching the small white marshmallows melt into a sugary foam. "I'm sorry I was so inconsiderate. I guess I got so wrapped up in my Angel Grove life, I didn't pay enough attention to the life I brought with me."

The women exchanged a smile, without words accepting the apologies offered, and finally restoring the peace their household had been devoid of for some time. They sat in a comfortable silence, sipping their cocoa and just enjoying each other's company.

Finally, Amanda glanced at the clock, and swallowed the rest of her beverage in a harried gulp. "Well, that's enough dilly-dallying… your date will be here in less than an hour!"

Alexis choked on the mouthful of cocoa she was in the middle of swallowing. Struggling against the overwhelming urge to gasp in open shock, she forced down the beverage and stared at her mother, breathing heavily. "Date? What date?"

Amanda grinned slyly. "That boy Jason is really nice… I'm looking forward to meeting him."

That statement only confused Alexis more. "What?"

"After Jason had explained the situation on Halloween, he also requested that, in light of the circumstances, I reconsider grounding you. He was very respectful; he acknowledged that, as your mother, I'm within my rights to do as I see fit, but he noted that you'd been rather depressed the passed few days, and disappointed that you'd be missing the ball tonight."

Alexis felt the urge to pinch herself. "What does that have to do with the date?"

Amanda laughed openly at her daughter's shell-shocked stare. "He also let me know that he had been planning to pick you up tonight and take you to the ball. So if I let you go, I'd finally have the chance to meet one of your friends. He really is a charming young man, isn't he?"

Alexis was slightly dizzy. Wow… and Jase didn't think he'd be cut out for a Peace Conference! He made my mother do a 180 on my punishment in one phone call!

Amanda leaned closer to her daughter, grinning widely. "Why haven't I heard anything about this Jason Scott before?"

When Alexis responded with startled sounds not even resembling speech, Amanda stood up and took her daughter's arm. "Tell you what, you get washed up and dressed, and then you'll tell me all about Jason as I do your hair and makeup?"

Tears sliding down her cheeks, Alexis leaped from her seat and caught her mother in a fierce hug. "Thank you, Mom!!"

* * *

Forty-five minutes later, a red jeep pulled into the driveway. Taking a deep breath Jason slid out of the driver's seat, and tied the black cape over his shoulders. Settling his hat on his head, "Zorro" rang the doorbell.

Moments later, the door opened. "Jason, come on in."

"Hi, Mrs. Darling," he greeted, taking off the hat and bowing, "it's great to finally meet you."

She smiled at the chivalrous greeting, and shook his proffered hand. "Likewise. Would you like anything to drink? Alexis will be down in a minute."

"No thank you, I'm fine."

Amanda gestured to the sofa, and together they sat down. Jason felt Mrs. Darling's appraisal, and politely waited for the inevitable investigation to begin.

"I'm sorry, Jason… but this has been bothering me all afternoon. How did you know where I worked?"

He grinned. "I asked Kim. She's been my friend since grade school, and she absorbs just about everything a person says. She's always my first stop for info. She told me you worked at First National Bank, so I just looked them up in the yellow pages and called each branch in the area until I found the right one."

Amanda nodded, clearly impressed. "There are over twenty branch offices in the county… that must've taken some time."

"I started with your house, and called each branch in order of distance. It was only the fourth call, so it wasn't too bad." He leaned forward. "I'm just really glad I got through."

Amanda considered the potential double meaning… was he referring to getting through by telephone, or getting through to her and her sense of reason.

"Thanks again for reconsidering, Mrs. Darling," he continued, his face earnest. "We've been looking forward to this dance for a couple weeks, and we're all glad she'll be able to join us."

"You seem to have a tight knit circle of friends," Amanda noted.

"You really should meet them all. Kim's always planning some kind of activity. She organized the Trick or Treating so the local kids could be chaperoned and orderly, and she teaches step aerobics and runs a garden club. Trini's the nicest girl I've ever met, and she founded the Clean Up Club and other environmental programs at our school. Zack's always a lot of fun; he teaches some dance steps to kids, and puts on magic shows once in a while. Billy is a certified genius; not only does he get straight A's in A.P. courses, but he also tinkers in his garage lab. And Tommy's my best friend, he's a little shy, but he'd do anything for his friends. Plus he's our starting quarterback."

And in mere seconds, Jason had delivered a broad picture of who Alexis' new friends really were. Shaking her head in amazement, Amanda leaned deeper into her seat. "And what about you, Jason? What are you like?"

Jason obviously prepared for the question. "Let's see… I'm a junior, like Alexis and all the others, and I'm a fairly strong student. I'm on the football team, I lift weights, and I'm involved in school activities… mostly because either Kim or Trini plans most of them. After school, I usually work out in the Youth Center. I teach martial arts classes at no charge, usually with Tommy. We have beginner classes for the younger kids, and self-defense structured for the ladies in the community..."

Jason stopped in mid sentence, his eyes sliding passed Amanda to the stairwell. Amanda smiled fondly at Jason's expression, and hurried to get her camera.

"Hey, Jase," Alexis called as she descended the stairs. She wore the daringly-short linen dress that miraculously survived the nightmare with the Misfits, with pearly white stockings and satin sandals. The same wings hung from her back, catching the soft lighting above her to create the illusion of a natural glow.

Even though Jason had seen her costume on Halloween, he wasn't prepared for the transformation that had taken place.

Delicate fresh water pearls adorned her neck and wrist, and matching strands hung from her ears, nearly to the nape of her neck. Also, her bold red hair, typically hanging casually around her shoulders, was arranged in a graceful twist with frosted beads pulled through it. Her pale face was highlighted by shimmering makeup, giving her soft smile and emerald eyes an ethereal quality.

Alexis glanced away, a pleased blush collecting on her cheek. "Um… I think you're distracted again."

Jason suddenly realized he'd been staring, and grinned sheepishly. "Story of my life."

Before Alexis could ponder what else to say, her mother entered the room, fiddling with a camera. Amanda glanced up, and a tremulous smile lit her face. "You both look terrific!" she gushed, "Let's get some pictures before you go."

Alexis gave Jason a long-suffering look, but the tall man just grinned. "Sure. Do you want me with or without the hat and mask?"

"Both, actually."

"Mom…" Alexis moaned.

Jason laughed outright. "Hey, what's the rush? Besides, I for one am pretty proud of this costume. I wouldn't mind a few shots."

Then, he rested his arm around Alexis' shoulders. The Purple Ranger felt her heart quicken at the near-embrace.

Eager to capture the utter perfection of the evening, Amanda insisted on trying different lighting, backgrounds, and orientations. She wasn't satisfied until she'd used up half the roll.

Alexis was itching to leave, but Jason was, once again, the perfect gentleman. "So, Mrs. Darling, what time would you like Alexis home?"

Amanda blinked, flabbergasted that he'd asked. "Her weekend curfew is midnight."

"You got it." He then tipped his hat again. "It was a pleasure meeting you, Mrs. Darling. Maybe sometime soon the guys and I could come by? You'll really like them."

Amanda smiled as if inspired. "That's a wonderful idea! Yes, we'll do that."

Jason then opened the door, waited for Alexis to walk through, and closed it behind him.

The moment the door was closed, Alexis released long breath. "I'm really sorry about all that."

He waved dismissively. "Don't be… I have a mother too, you know. Two years ago when I attended my first formal, my mother actually followed me to my date's doorstep with a camcorder." He laughed at the memory as he opened the passenger's side door. "It was humiliating, but it made her happy."

Alexis glanced away, wondering whether Jason noticed he'd drawn a comparison between this evening and a formal date. She waited, hands clasped tightly in her lap, as Jason closed her door and circled the car.

When he finally stepped into the car, she forced out the question that had been repeating in her mind for an hour. "Jase, why'd you do it?"

He knew exactly what she was talking about, so he didn't pretend otherwise. "Honestly, it was a pretty selfish reason." He glanced at her once before turning onto the street. "I wanted to dance with you."

Alexis squeezed her mouth shut to prevent a squeal from escaping.

* * *

Green eyes stared out from beneath white bangs, cutting across the dance floor with experienced precision. He carefully scanned for the assortment of colors that would help him distinguish his friends from the rest of the partygoers.

Finally, he found a cluster of teens wearing predominately pink, white, and yellow. With a grin, he wound his way through the crowds to join them.

"Hey, Billy!" Kim called, waving eagerly upon his arrival, "What took you so long?"

"I wanted to make sure the repairs were complete on the Firebird before I left the Command Center," he murmured to the group. "I'm happy to report that your Zord is fully functional, Kim."

"Finally!" she sighed, "I was worried I'd be grounded next time Zedd came a'calling."

Billy then smiled his greeting to Trini and Tommy, a question quickly forming. "Where are the others?"

"No one has ever been able to keep Zack Taylor off the dance floor," Trini reminded him, "He's been showing off to Angela since we got here."

"And as for Jase and Lex," Tommy uttered, a smirk pulling his lip, "They're otherwise occupied."

At Billy's curious frown, Kim jerked her thumb to the dance floor. The "mad scientist" blinked when he saw his friends swaying slowly to the ballad.

"I for one am not the least bit surprised," Kim declared, "They're adorable together!"

* * *

By the main refreshment table, someone else noticed the couple in question. His dark eyes watched them sway to the music, the sharp black of his costume contrasting to the soft lavender of hers. They had been talking moments before, sharing a laugh over something "Zorro" had said. Now, they were engaged in the dance, her head resting comfortably against his cheek.

"Celery?"

Rocky blinked, bringing the pale green vegetable into focus. A grin slowly forming, he welcomed the distraction. "Thanks, Adam."

The "cowboy" nodded, leaning against the wall beside his best friend. "So, shall we do the pep talk?" he asked Aisha.

She watched Rocky absently bite into the bland snack. "Couldn't hurt."

Adam cleared his throat. "Rocky, you're now going to a school filled with available women you haven't even met yet."

Aisha then threw her arm over Rocky's shoulder. "This is the perfect opportunity for you to scope out your options. So why don't you stop moping, and start mingling?"

"I thought I saw a group of cheerleaders dressed as the Sailor Scouts over by the restrooms," Adam prompted. "Really short skirts."

Aisha rolled her eyes. "Men!"

The knight in shining armor chuckled at his friends' antics, his spirits rising to the Rocky DeSantos norm. He quickly washed down the celery with fruit punch. "I'm game."

Side by side, the three friends wandered away from the dance floor.