Title: One Is the Loneliest Number

Characters/Pairings: Jason/Trini; Jason/Kim; Jason/Aisha; Jason/Emily; Jason/Kat; Jason/Tanya

Rating: Strong PG-13

Disclaimer: Don't own them. Can't sue me. You know the damn deal. I'm not making a profit off of writing this story.

Settings/Classifications: Romance, One shots, Angst, Drama, Alternate Universe, One Sided Relationships

Spoilers/Notes: MMPR and Zeo

Summary: Jason has always been unlucky in love. A series of one shots about our original leader of the power rangers and the women he let slip through his fingers. One is really the loneliest number and he's living proof of it.

Author's Notes: So, I literally had a dream about this concept and it hit me. I just had to put this down concerning my absolute favorite red ranger from the PR franchise, Jason Lee Scott. Out of all of Zordon's original 11, he was the only one who didn't have a canon or one off love interest on MMPR and it took him coming back to Zeo that he finally got a love interest and even that didn't last long; because a certain creator has the tendency to let things hang, especially when it comes to the romances of the franchise. So I decided to write a series of short stories about him and the ladies of MMPR and Zeo and why he's still alone when it comes to love. Hope you like this!

Enjoy and happy reading!

Lots of love, hugs and kisses from your resident writer and friend, Nina!

X

Chapter One: Trini

When it comes to love and relationships, Jason Lee Scott is pretty much clueless in that department.

After all, he was just a typical teenager; going to school, hanging out with his friends, practicing his martial arts and saving the world as the leader of the power rangers.

Jason was considered one of the hottest guys in school. He was literally every girl's dream; from his short wavy brown hair, his sexy, cute, adorable, gorgeous baby face, his smooth, manly, muscular body and his massive biceps. It was all attributed to him working out every single day and practicing his martial arts at the Youth Center after school that kept him in tip top shape. And even after he left for the peace conference, he continued to stay in shape, so he shouldn't have a problem snagging a girlfriend, right?

Wrong!

However, he thought he had a chance at love with someone. Someone he has known since he was eight-years-old and always saw her like a sister. Someone who, like him, put romance on the back burner when she became a power ranger.

Someone like Trinity Jade Kwan.

For as long as he has known her, Jason thought she was one of the coolest people he had the pleasure of knowing. Trini was, by all accounts, a peacemaker, a mediator, someone who wanted to bring love, peace and diversity in the world. She was, as described by others, a beautiful Vietnamese girl, a straight A student, an environmentalist and a master of Mantis Kung Fu. There would be times that they were spar together at the Youth Center and he found himself getting excited at the chance of spending some time with her.

It was a little known fact that he harbored some feelings for her. And, as much as he had every single opportunity to tell her how he felt, for some reason, he chickened out. Maybe the overwhelming responsibilities of being power rangers, compounded by the everyday responsibilities of being a teenager and going to school could be it, but the fact of the matter is, he didn't open his mouth and admitted he liked her.

And he deeply regretted that.

Jason's heart would be further broken when Trini became smitten with the new boy working at the Youth Center, Richie. Though he never had a problem with the Puerto Rican cutie, it still hurt him to see the girl he had a secret crush on act all starry eyed over the new student, which was surprisingly considering she wasn't even interested in a boyfriend initially. However, after watching them exchanging conversation and flirting with one another, it was clear that she had a change of heart.

However, their would-be romance never came to fruition when Trini, along with Jason and their fellow friend and teammate, Zack Taylor, were chosen to attend the peace conference in Geneva, Switzerland. Not only was being in a new environment the perfect opportunity for him to explore new options in a foreign country, but it was also the perfect opportunity for him to tell her how he felt and hoped she would feel the same about him.

Or so he thought.

When he finally mustered up the courage to face his feelings head on, she had her own big news to share with him: she has fallen in love with a Chinese delegate named Russell and when she finally told Jason the news, her brown eyes sparkled with so much love.

He was happy for her, however, deep down inside, he was crushed. So crushed, in fact, that he put on a brave face in front of her, but the moment he was alone, he allowed a single tear to steam down his face. The one opportunity he had to reveal that he had fallen in love with her was permanently dashed when she dropped the bomb on him and now, he's experiencing firsthand what it's like to have your heart broken; even though he was never in a relationship with anyone.

In the weeks and months since Trini told him the big news, Jason remained distant towards her. He could barely stand seeing her and Russell act all lovey dovey at each other at social functions, night clubs and/or just having the same seminars together. Even Zack tried getting the original red ranger out of his funk by setting him up on blind dates, but they never worked out. It wasn't the girls fault, though. His heart just wasn't in it as he wanted it to.

After two years at the peace conference, Jason was up for staying in Geneva for another year, however, he was starting to get homesick. As much as he loved being a delegate and loved representing his country, he missed his family and his friends back home in Angel Grove. More importantly, he missed being a power ranger; being able to save the world and fighting the bad guys with the best of his ability.

So, when he got that unexpected phone call from one of his best friends, Tommy Oliver and informed him that his chance of being a power ranger again was available, Jason made his decision.

He was going home.

Not only to assume the gold ranger's powers, but to also finish out his senior year in high school and graduate with his friends.

When he informed Trini and Zack with the news that he's leaving, they put together a impromptu going away party at the last minute. It was a huge affair, with literally every single delegate from all over the world attending. As much as he appreciated his friends for doing this for him, he needed some time for himself, so he decided to step outside to get some fresh air and reflect on what's the next chapter of his life is gonna be.

"Hey, stranger. You've been out here long enough," a female voice called out to him.

Jason looked over his shoulder and noticed Trini approaching him with that warm smile on his face. His heart ached because he wished that he was the one who put that smile on her face, not Russell. However, he's not about to interfere with his friend's happiness and as long as she's happy, he's happy for her.

Even if it killed him.

"I just needed some time to myself before I go back in. I still have some things to work out before I head home," he said as he scooted over to make room for her on the bench, for which she sat right next to him.

"You know, we're gonna miss you. You, me and Zack; we were pretty much inseparable and now, seeing one of our own going home, well, to be honest, it's gonna take some time to adjust to the new changes," she replied as she reached over and took his hand into hers.

He squeezed it softly; feeling how soft and warm her skin was. "I know how you feel. But, I was getting homesick, so when the opportunity for me to become a power ranger again came about, I decided to take that chance. Furthermore, I missed my family and friends, so that's another reason why I'm leaving the peace conference."

"I have a feeling there's one more reason why you're leaving, Jason. Care to tell me what it is?" Trini asked, narrowing her eyes at him.

He sighed again as he squeezed her hand again. "Well, I had every intention of telling you that..I liked you."

"You liked me? As in 'liked me, liked me'?" she asked, looking surprised.

He raised his head up and looked at her. "Yes, Trini. I liked you very much. I had every intention of telling you, however, for some reason, I chickened out. First, you and Richie appeared to be heading somewhere, but then we got chosen to come to Geneva. Then, just when I finally had the opportunity to tell you, Russell came along. The real reason why I've been so distant towards you is because seeing you and Russell together, well, it broke my heart. But, then, I've never seen you so happy with someone, so as much as it pained me, I'm happy you found someone you love."

She was floored with his revelation. She had no idea Jason harbored any feelings towards her and as long as she's known him, he wasn't the type to let his feelings be known. Jason was perceived as the strong, silent type; a boy who would let his actions speak much louder than his words.

Now, she didn't know what to make of what he just told her. Though she does find him incredibly attractive, for some reason, she just couldn't see him anymore than a close friend, even a big brother type. As much as it pained her to do so, she just had to let him know how she felt about him.

"Jason, you're a great guy and I think any girl would be lucky to be with a guy like you..." she started off saying.

"But you're not interested," he finished for her, stating the obvious.

She gave him a grim smile. "I'm sorry, but Russell makes me happy. I finally have a chance of a future with someone and, as much as it kills me to say it, my future's not with you. As I mentioned before, you're a great guy; hell, even wonderful, but you're not the guy for me. Besides, you're going home and I'm planning on staying here longer. Long distance relationships doesn't always work and plus, we're moving in different directions and carving our own paths. I hope, in time, you'll find someone who'll make you happy."

Yeah, but what good will that do for me in the long run? Will I ever find the happiness she was able to find with someone?

"I'm sorry it has come to this, Tri. You're an amazing girl and...if Russell makes you happy, then I'm happy for you," he said honestly, looking at her with a grim smile of his own.

"And, don't worry, if he breaks me heart, I'll kick his ass. You taught me a thing or two," she chuckled softly, causing him laugh softly.

"I guess I did. Well, why don't you go back inside? I'm sure Russell's looking for you," he suggested as he released her hand.

Trini got up from the bench and dusted the dirt off her clothes. "Yeah, you're right. Are you coming?"

"In a few. I just wanna sit here a little bit longer," he replied, smiling softly.

Before she headed back inside, she leaned down and kissed him on his cheek, then she patted his shoulder gently before turning on her heel and heading back inside the big party, leaving him alone once again.

Maybe Trini's right. Maybe there's someone out there who can make me happy. Until then, I'll just continue to be one single, lonely ranger and hope for the best.

Still, it pained him to know that he'll probably never find the happiness Trini has or find the love he hoped to share with her. As he got up from the bench and started heading back inside to his farewell party, Jason just have to face facts: even dating a fellow power ranger doesn't always end in happily ever after.

It was definitely time for him to go home.

Coming up in the next chapter: When it comes to Kimberly, Jason will always be the 'big brother', never the lover. Stay tuned!

It was painful for me to write about my OTP, Jason and Trini, however, the whole point of this plot is about Jason's loneliness and his inability to find love with the female rangers (and Emily). I have a pretty good idea on where I'm taking this, so just bare with me.

Also, in case you're wondering, the Russell in this one shot is not the same Russell in my other story "Love Will Prevail". This Russell's a good guy and he makes Trini happy.

Please review!