Notes: This takes place right after the events of the Green Candle. This is my first Power Rangers fic, and I'd like to dedicate it to psycochick32... Without your endless encouragement (and prodding, don't forget the prodding) this story would never have been written.
ooooo
He's hurting inside. The others pretend not to notice, but she feels his pain too keenly to ignore.
It's late afternoon. While their friends are pretending everything is still as it was, he lingers alone, lost in thought.
When she approaches, he knows why she's there. They've been friends too long for pretenses.
"I failed him," he says, miserable.
"He's alive because of what you did," she points out.
They are silent a while.
"The only one who hasn't forgiven you is you," she adds.
He gives her a look. For once, she doesn't know what to make of it. Maybe that look is saying he doesn't believe her, even though he knows deep down that she's telling the truth.
"I should have tried harder."
She gives him a look in turn, and can tell by his expression that he understands too well. "We need our leader back, Jason. If you let this stop you, then Rita's won, and there's no hope for any of us, much less Tommy."
He goes quiet, but she knows he's thinking about what she said. She'll get through to him, sooner or later, even if she has to beat the truth into his brain. It's her gift, of sorts, to bring understanding to her friends.
Finally, he gets it: "You're right. As long as we can still fight, there's hope... Thanks, Trini."
"That's better," she says, smiling. It's a start - at least he's not moping anymore.
When they part ways later that evening, the hurt isn't gone, but it's smaller. Someday, it'll heal.
