AN: Here it is, the last of the bits. Now I normally don't add lyrics to fics. But bare with me. It fits.

Sorry for the way long wait. Hope it's worth it. Not enough Kirommy for some of you? Perhaps I'll do a one shot kirommy about when Kira's parents are away…meh, we'll see….

Well, that's it, besides the disclaimer-I own nothing! Noda! Zip! Zilch! …I do own a nifty fountain pen though. It's blue and black speckled…. Right… Read on!

Of Endings and Beginnings and That Thing Called Love

"We did it you guys," Kira said almost disbelievingly. "That was our last day in that school." The partners in crime fighting stood in front of Reefside High and looked it over.

"I can't believe it," Ethan said, shaking his head.

"I can. Dude, we're free," Conner said turning to face the other two. "No more high school!"

"Yea," Kira said sadly. They lapsed into silence as they watched their fellow graduating seniors run around tossing papers and laughing with their friends.

"I have a try-out with the California State soccer team in two weeks," Conner said, breaking the silence. The three took one last look at the school and began walking away.

"That's great Conner. I'm sure you'll make it," Kira said, trying to sound more happy then she actually was.

Never thought I'd be sad about leaving high school. The thought brought on a mostly humorless laugh

"I leave for MIT next month," Ethan said as they entered the parking lot, sending a sidelong glace at Kira's laugh.

"I didn't know you even applied," Conner said.

"I didn't want to jinx anything. Then when I got the acceptance letter, there wasn't a good time to bring it up," He explained, shrugging. "I haven't accepted it yet though. I can't be off at MIT and still have big uglies attacking the city." Kira thought he didn't sound as sad as he should have.

"So what are you going there for then? Interview?" She asked, looking at him quizzically.

"And a tour of the Campus. My mom insisted on it."

"What about you Kira?" Conner asked, as she slid into the passengers seat, Ethan already in behind her.

"A summer of rest and relaxation," She said, trying to sound like it was something she had been planning all along. Although I will have Tommy to keep me company.

"What about college?" Ethan asked, leaning forward between his two friends.

"No college yet. Music's always been my thing. Besides," She added, knowing it would most likely shut Ethan up about her plans, "Tommy and I can officially be together now. I feel I should take advantage of that."

She saw Ethan's mouth drop open, along with Conner's and suppressed a laugh.

"We still on for Hayley's later?" Conner asked to break the partly amused, partly awkward silence. Ethan nodded, closing his mouth.

"Yea, I'll be there," Kira said, fiddling with the radio. Idly she wondered why Conner always let her mess with it. But she decided not to ask, least he stop letting her.

XXX

"There's my high school graduate!"

"Graduations not for a few days mom," Kira said as she dropped her overstuffed book bag next to the door.

Angry to smiley and chipper in 3.5 days. She thought, looking at her mom.

"I know that. Just let your mother have her moment," Mrs. Ford said hugging her daughter.

"I'm meeting the guys at Hayley's later." Kira said, once the hug was done.

"Let me guess, you wont be home for dinner?" Mrs. Ford said, quirking an eyebrow. Kira shrugged innocently.

"I might…Ok so I probably wont, but I'm not grounded anymore, remember-" Mrs. Ford raised a hand, silencing her daughter.

"It's fine," She smiled. "I know we said until school was out." She paused, "You've been going out all year at the most random times. I think I'm used to it by now. Even in light of you're new…relationship."

"That was a low blow if I'm right thinking it was a guilt trip," Kira said, picking up her bag and carrying it to the stairs. She gave her mom a small smile. She approved.

"Now why would I give you a guilt trip?" Mrs. Ford asked somewhat innocently. Kira shook her head and headed up the stairs, hauling her bag behind her.

XXX

"Kira! Phone!" Her mom's voice filtered up, followed by, "I'm leaving for work, tell your dad his dinner's in the fridge!" and the door closing.

Startled slightly from her sorting of old school things, Kira reached for the phone on her desk.

I didn't even hear it ring…

"Hello?" She answered, standing up from the floor and making her way to the hallway.

"Hey Kira," Conner's voice sounded hushed.

"Hey Conner, something wrong?" She asked, heading down the stairs to hang up the other phone.

"My mom's got a headache, I'm being the new, considerate, adult Conner."

Kira raised an eyebrow, even though he couldn't see it. "What are you calling for Conner?"

"I'm running late for Hayley's. Remember how I said my car needed a tune up?" Kira nodded, again, even though he couldn't see her.

Alright Kira, verbalize you're gestures

"Yeah, but it was working fine a little bit ago," She walked into the kitchen to see what, exactly, her mom left for her dad's dinner.

"Dude, I know! But it wont start now," Conner exclaimed, in a louder voice, then lowered it again. Kira could almost picture him looking around for his mom to chastise the loud voice. "I called Ethan, he's picking me up."

Kira lifted the lid of the Tupperware and wrinkled her nose. Tuna casserole.. Eww

"You mean his mom's letting him take her car?" She replaced the lid, and felt offended.

I hit one mailbox, and nada. No car for Kira! He backs over his mom's roses AND takes out their lawn gnome and he gets the car.

The mailbox is even still standing!

"Yeah. He said she was so proud of him, or something. Anyway, do you still need a ride there?"

"That's Ok Con, I'll call Tommy. I trust Ethan, he's a great ranger and all, but did you see what happened to that gnome?"

Conner laughed, before quickly lowering his voice again and commenting on how, for all they knew, that gnome could have been working for Mesagog all along.

"I'll see you there," Kira said, cutting off his speech of how the gnome was freaky looking too.

As she dialed Tommy's number, she wondered if Mesagog would ever make a large lawn gnome to attack the city. The thought made her laugh.

XXX

"I'm telling you dude, she was totally checkin' me out!" Conner and Ethan pushed open to doors to Hayleys and looked around for their other team mates.

"Whatever man, I still think she was looking at the car."

"No way man, not with that car," Conner took a seat next to Kira and shook his head.

"What's wrong with my mom's car?" Ethan glared at his red companion and sat between him and Tommy.

"It's a Volvo station wagon!" Conner exclaimed, as if that was all that needed to be said. Kira glanced between the two and Tommy, raising her eyebrow. Tommy shrugged.

"It's a sports wagon!" Said Ethan, indignantly. Conner mimicked him and rolled his eyes.

"Same thing."

"What happened to the 'new adult Conner'?" Kira piped in, a slight smirk on her face.

"I'm being an adult! Aren't I Dr. O?"

"Hey, leave me out of this," Tommy said, raising his hands in mock surrender.

"So guys," Kira said, to change the subject. "Who else thinks Mesogog would make a giant lawn gnome monster?"

Ethan and Tommy gave her confused and slightly concerned look, which shifted to Conner when he began laughing.

"Oh come on Eth, like you wouldn't have used that as an excuse for running down your dad's gnome if you could've," he said, between gasps.

"You ran over a lawn gnome?" Tommy asked, eyebrow raised and a smile on his lips. That caused Conner to go off into fits of laughter again, telling the story of how the lawn gnome met its demise.

The four lapsed into a comfortable silence once the laughter and story subsided, but soon Ethan declared that he wanted a milkshake, and headed to the counter.

Kira found herself staring absently into space, mentally singing a song that was on the radio and had gotten stuck in her head.

Well, things could be worse, I could be spacing out in a classroom again. The thought caused her to smile lightly and glance in Tommy's direction.

His attention was on Conner, who was still insisting that the girl earlier was, in fact, looking at him, not Ethan's car.

If someone would have told me at the beginning of the year that I would become a Power Ranger and date my science teacher… She shook her head and began looking around the room. It was more crowded the usual. Seniors celebrating their last day of high school, mostly.

She saw Cassidy sitting in front of a computer, with Devin at her side as usual. And if she squinted, Kira could just make out that Cassidy was googling for Power Ranger info.

Will she ever give up?

Kira rolled her eyes and let her thoughts wonder where they wanted again.

Gram's going to be at graduation. She bit her bottom lip.

Will she know about the others?

Tommy reached over and grabbed her hand, as if hearing her thoughts. Kira turned and smiled at him.

Their gazes held until they heard Ethan's dramatic gag behind them, and Conner's not so quiet whine of "Guys!"

XXX

Reefside High's graduation was the Friday after the last day of school. And Kira had never felt a mixture of more emotions in her life.

It's really over. I can't believe it.

"…Cassidy Cornell," Principal Randall's voice filtered in to Kira's ears followed by applause. She shook her offending tassel, which didn't want to lie were it was supposed to, out of her face and applauded softly herself. Cassidy had proven herself capable of being nice, whether the reporter realized it or not.

Wonder how long that'll last… Kira wasn't holding her breath.

"Devin Del Valle." One step closer. Kira took a deep breath to calm herself, and counted the number of people before her. Three.

Breathe in… Breathe out… It's only graduation. The end of a part of your life. No one is going to try and kill you.

"Kira Ford," Principal Randall called. You could practically see the venom dripping from her voice.

Though I wouldn't put it past Randall to try…

Kira walked up the four stairs to the stage and over to her as good as former principal. Excitement tinged with sadness washed over her as her hand connected with a simple scroll of paper.

"Congratulations Miss Ford," Randall said, grasping the rangers hand more tightly then necessary. "I'm sure this diploma means a lot to you," Innuendo's laced her words and Kira smiled wider, sadness momentarily forgotten.

"Thank you Ma'am. It does mean a lot," She held the diploma higher up and moved the offending tassel to the other side before finishing her walk across the stage and down the stairs to join her fellow graduates.

Tommy, applauding, caught her eye from his place in the teachers rows and winked. A sentiment which Kira returned before sitting and waiting for her two best friends to follow after her.

XXX

"I'm so proud of you," Mrs. McKnight said, hugging her son a half hour later.

"Mom…air," Conner wheezed.

"Sorry baby," she apologized, and moved to hug the other two teens.

"Don't call me baby," Conner grumbled, but it was lost in the shouts and laughter of celebrating graduates.

"Alright baby," Ethan said once he received his hug. "Hayley's having a party for us. Wouldn't want to be late." Conner narrowed his eyes at his blue comrade, who just laughed.

"Don't-" Conner started, but Ethan kept saying 'baby' and laughing.

Kira, while her two friends were talking about babies, she made a note to ask them about that later, was talking quietly with Mrs. McKnight.

"You're dad called me the other day," Mrs. McKnight said, "Asked me if I knew what went on in those study sessions you, Conner and Ethan always go to." Kira bit her lip. She had thought her father had gotten over the whole 'My 18 year old daughter is dating her science teacher' thing as soon as school ended.

"He did?" Was all she managed to ask. Mrs. McKnight nodded, putting a reassuring hand on the rangers shoulder.

"I told him you were studying. That Conner brings home the grades, as do you and Ethan I'm sure, to prove it," She shifted her purse up higher on her shoulder, and Kira wondered how exactly that did happen. "After some arguing, he reluctantly believed me and asked if I would look in on you when they're gone."

Kira's eyes lit up. "They're still going on vacation?" After the wedding incident, Kira thought the only way to get a house to herself was to move out and get her own.

"Apparently," Mrs. McKnight smiled. She rummaged in her purse for a minute and pulled out a key. "He gave me this before the ceremony. Said this way, I can just come in and catch you in the act with Dr. Oliver," She held out the key to Kira. "I can't do that to you."

Kira hesitantly took the key. Not believing her father did that, and not believing Conner's mom was giving it back. She looked down at it and shook her head. "No, you keep it."

Mrs. McKnight opened her mouth to protest, but Kira continued.

"For emergencies. Just incase." Conner's mom smiled, shaking her head slightly.

"If you need anything, I'm only a few blocks away," The older woman hugged Kira one more time.

"Thanks," Kira said. Then she spotted her parent's coming their way.

"There you are Kira! We've been looking everywhere for you," Mrs. Ford said as she pulled her daughter into a hug. "Congratulations my high school graduate." Kira rolled her eyes and her mom added, "Hey, I can say it now!"

"Thanks mom," Kira's smile faded as she faced her dad. "Dad."

Mr. Ford smiled widely and hugged his daughter. "I'm proud of you pumpkin." Kira could almost pretend things were fine between them.

"Oh Kira, I'm so proud of you too dear," Grandma Ford said, stepping forward and taking her turn to hug her granddaughter.

"Thanks Gram." Kira smiled, albeit a little hesitantly. Ethan and Conner gave her significant looks and she nodded slightly.

Yes, this is the gram who knows.

"We're proud of all of you," Came Tommy's voice from behind the two mom's that were talking.

"Thanks Dr. O," Conner said before his mom grabbed his elbow and started to lead him away, having noticed the tension increase.

"You'll be at Hayleys right?" Ethan asked, getting the same treatment as Conner.

"Of course," He smiled at the two boys as Mrs. McKnight led them away.

"Let's go find your mom Ethan," Mrs. McKnight's voice filtered back but was soon lost in the other noises.

"Hello Tommy," Mrs. Ford said nicely, standing next to her daughter.

"Mrs. Ford," Tommy nodded in greeting. Kira bit her bottom lip and looked over at her dad. Mrs. Ford cleared her throat.

"Dr. Oliver," Mr. Ford said stiffly.

"I know you," Grandma Ford said, eyeing Tommy. She looked him up and down and clicked her tongue, nodding. She mumbled mostly to herself, "I liked the White better." Though Kira, and Tommy heard her.

Oh no. What did Gram say? 'I lived in Angel Grove when the first team was chosen.' Oh no. Kira's eyes grew wide and she opened her mouth to distract her gram, but nothing came out.

What happened to those lying skills!

Tommy, for his part, kept his cool and extended a hand to her; Kira closed her mouth again.

"You must Kira's grandmother. She's told me great things about you," Gram smiled widely and shook his hand.

"And you're Tommy Oliver. Yes, I know all about you too," She gave him a small wink and turned back to her granddaughter.

"You're grandfather is sorry he couldn't make it dear, but his arthritis was acting up this morning."

Kira fought to say something, and Tommy slipped his hand into hers, giving it a reassuring squeeze.

"That's ok, Gram," She managed, and gave her a one armed hug, still holding Tommy's hand.

Mr. Ford stiffened at sight and turned to his wife.

"It's time we get going. Sara, Mom, Kira." Kira dropped Tommy's hand and looked at her dad sadly.

Mrs. Ford glared at her husband and put her hand on her daughters shoulder.

"Honey, what your father means is, he and I and your grandmother are leaving. You go have fun with your friends," she gave Kira another hug and the ranger watched over her shoulder as her father's lips formed a thin line before he turned on his heel and left.

Kira sighed. I wish he would just get over it already. All the hostility and tension is giving me a major headache.

Mrs. Ford pulled away from her daughter and turned to find her husband gone. With a knowing smile, Grandma Ford followed her son. She might have muttered, "Green was good too on him," but Kira couldn't be sure.

At least Gram seems to be fine with everything. Except maybe his color…

"I'm sorry Kira. He promised me he would be civil today," she shook her head sadly.

"It's ok mom, you better go," Kira tried to smile, but she was suddenly feeling very tired.

"I guess I should. I'll keep some pizza in the oven for when you get home," Mrs. Ford turned to Tommy, who was silently observing the family.

Kira caught a look of guilt in his eyes as her mom turned to him and made a note to talk to him about it later.

"I don't care how old you are, or if you were her teacher. Kira's happy with you, and that's all that matters to me," She smiled, a genuine smile of acceptance, pulled Tommy into a hug, said "Take good care of my little girl," then left in search of her husband and mother-in-law.

Kira felt her heart lighten, and Tommy seemed to sense it as he walked the few steps to her and hugger her tightly.

"I knew things would be ok eventually," he murmured into her hair, and Kira knew that was his gentle way of saying 'I told you so'.

XXX

Kira walked, 15 minutes later, into Hayley's Cyberspace Café feeling more and more like the day was going to be great. Only little pinpricks of thought poked at her subconscious, but she was determined to enjoy her graduation day. Nothing, not Mesogog and his lackeys or her grandma, who she still had questions for, was going to bring her down off the Cloud Nine she found herself on.

"Cassidy Cornell, Reefside Reporter."

Except her.

"What do you want Cassidy?" Kira sighed and pushed Devon's camera out of her face.

"Now that school is over and you're graduated, what is in your future with Dr. Oliver?" Cassidy eagerly held out her microphone.

"Cassidy, I just want to hang out with my friends and boyfriend right now. Celebrate graduation." Kira fought the urge to roll her eyes. I knew her stint of being nice and out of my business wasn't going to last.

"Just tell me, do you think you'll get married and have little Dr. Oliver's?" Kira practically gaped at the blonde reporter. Devon did openly gape, drooping his camera slightly.

"I'm leaving Cassidy. I'm going to go have an apple smoothie, and talk to my friends, and pretend you didn't just ask me something that's more 'none of your business' then usual." Kira took a few steps away, and amid Cassidy whinny "Devon…" and Devon's disbelieving "I cant believe you asked that!" turned back and cleared her throat.

Cassidy eagerly grinned and held out the microphone once more.

"Devon, feel free to come by and have a drink with us." Kira smiled.

"Thanks Kira," Devon smiled back, "I'll see yo-"

"Devon!" Cassidy cut him off and proceeded to drag him outside. Kira shook her head and walk over to where her friends were sitting.

"Man, I can't believe she said that!" Ethan said as Kira sat next to him.

She grabbed his drink and took a sip. "That's Cassidy for you. What is this?" She took another drink.

"Strawberry and chocolate milkshake." Ethan said, grabbing it from her before she drank the whole thing.

"Where's Dr. O?" Conner asked, turning from the girl he was looking at.

"He had to stop by the lab to check a few things." Kira made a grab for Ethan's milkshake and he moved it out of her reach.

"Get your own," He deliberately took a drink. "He still meeting us here right?"

"Yea. That's what he said." Kira stood. "Conner, just go ask her for her number."

"I have to see if she digs me first." He said, looking again over his shoulder to the blonde sitting at a computer.

"Who says digs anymore?" Ethan asked. Kira shrugged and started to make her way to the bar.

They don't know that Gram recognized him. The thought made her frown slightly and she decided not to tell them just yet. Nothing to make a big deal over. I hope.

"Guys," Tommy's voice halted her thoughts as well as her steps and she glanced down, then back at the table.

Ethan caught Hayley's attention, nodding to his wrist and Conner sighed, sending the girl one last look before heading outside behind Ethan.

Kira followed the two and glanced around, making sure there was no one around.

"You got all of us, what's up?" Conner said, and Kira and Ethan rolled their eyes.

Obviously something's wrong Conner… Ok, Cassidy really must have gotten to me.

Hmm, I wonder if it's a giant lawn gnome? Kira chuckled, though it quickly faded at the response.

"It doesn't look like Mesogog's holding back this time. I think this is it guys." Tommy's voice sent a chill through the three teens.

"On our way," Conner looked around at the other two, who glanced around at their surroundings. No one was around. "Ready?"

"Ready," Kira and Ethan agreed.

"Dino Thunder power up! HA!" They all chorused and hurried off to fight.

All three of them wondered if this would be their last time morphing up. Somehow, Kira knew it was.

XXX

"They're really gone," Conner said sadly, thinking of the destroyed Zords.

Tommy had been right. Mesogog didn't hold anything back. And now both he and Zeltrax are gone, and Elsa- Principal Randall- is back to normal.

Whatever normal for her is.

And so were they. They weren't rangers anymore.

Kira blinked away tears. She really didn't want to think about it all. Everything's ended.

She fell into step beside Tommy and he put his arm around her waist, hugging her close to his side.

"It's fitting you know. That our time as Rangers end on the same day we graduated high school," she said softly. Not really expecting an reply from anyone.

"You'll always be rangers. Just not active ones. You'll be a part of history," Tommy said, wisely.

I guess he of all people would know that.

"Or we can be like Dr. O and keep coming back," Ethan said, causing the other's to laugh-even Tommy, successfully breaking the sad atmosphere.

"I wouldn't say always coming back," He murmured through his light chuckling.

Kira smiled a bit wobbly up at him. "Close enough."

He kissed the top of her head and they walked silently back to Hayleys; back to the graduation party that was happening, oblivious to what just took place.

How anyone could have missed it, or any of our battles for that matter I'll never know. Kira thought a bit amused, I know I wouldn't have missed any of it for the world.

She drew herself closer to Tommy and slipped her right arm across her stomach and her right hand into the one that held her waist.

Neither Connor nor Ethan made any comment on the display of affection.

XXX

"Lady's, Gents, recent graduates- Kira Ford," Hayley announced, smiling at the now former Ranger.

The large crowd applauded loudly as Kira made her way up onto the stage with her acoustic.

"I had originally planned to sing some of my usual songs," She met eyes with each of her teammates as she sat on a stool, "But things change. Parts of your life end, and all you're left with is memories. This song is for the people who's lives have changed today." Her held the teams eyes.

She shifted on her stool and plucked out the beginning chords to Green Day's Good Riddance (Time Of Your Life).

"Another turning point a fork stuck in the road
Time grabs you by the wrist directs you where to go
So make the best of this test and don't ask why
It's not a question but a lesson learned in time.

It's something unpredictable
But in the end is right
I hope you had the time of your life."

Kira felt her eyes glistening with tears. Beyond closing her eyes, she never glanced away from Conner Ethan and Tommy. The song meant a lot more to them then the rest of the audience.

It's really over….

She closed her eyes again.

"So take the photographs and still frames in your mind
Hang it on a shelf in good health and good time
Tattoos of memories and dead skin on trial
For what it's worth it was worth all the while.

It's something unpredictable
But in the end is right
I hope you had the time of your life."

Although they would deny it later, both Conner and Ethan were having a hard time not shedding a tear or two. They were both blinking rapidly, least anyone get suspicious of the glistening eyes.

Tommy, meanwhile, kept his eyes on Kira. He had more practice with life as a Ranger ending. But that didn't make the song any less meaningful or special. He smiled when she opened her eyes again, locking with his.

"It's something unpredictable
But in the end is right
I hope you had the time of your life," Kira sang, tears rolling down her cheeks unnoticed.

Her life for the past year was over. No more high school, and now no more ranger duty. She never expected it to feel this way.

It actually hurts…

"It's something unpredictable
But in the end is right
I hope you had the time of your life," She finished off the song, swallowing the lump that had suddenly grown there towards the end of the last line.

I have Tommy, and my friends. And some of the best memories I could ever ask for. It doesn't have to be only a ending.

Her eyes held Tommy's. She mouthed the words she didn't know she could bring herself to say.

I love you

The last of the guitar chords were played and faded away into the erupting and tear filled applause.

And Tommy mouthed them back

And that's it folks! Hope you liked it. It just seemed to end itself there...

Reviews make my cocoa warm!