Of Anime, Poetry, and Falling in Love: Mack and Rose

Disclaimer: In case the term fanfiction has misled you in any way…PR isn't mine.

Challenge: Scars

Timeframe: Somewhere after Kick Into Overdrive

Summary: He'd do it again in a heartbeat.

She was growing more and more anxious, pacing the floor restlessly. The other rangers watched her warily, knowing it would do no good to remind her of what Andrew and Spencer had already told them a thousand times: that Mack just needed a few stitched and he'd be as good as new in a couple of days.

Rose, however, seemed convinced that something terrible was bound to happen and that it would be all her fault. She'd been the one who'd needed to be helped. She'd been the one who got herself locked in combat with Moltor and nearly got herself killed.

Flashback

The five Overdrive rangers were out in battle fighting Moltor, a handful of his lava goons and one of his monsters. Mack, Will, Dax and Ronny were dealing with the lava lizards and monster, and Rose had somehow ended up fighting Moltor. The fire themed villain had dealt Rose a heavy blow to her ribcage, and the pink ranger had fallen, her breathing ragged. Mack had spotted that she was in trouble and came dashing to her rescue. The red and pink rangers double teamed against Moltor seamlessly…until Rose took another hit.

Mack defended his fallen comrade, giving her enough time to scramble to her feet. Moltor, smirking, headed towards the pink ranger again, his sword raised menacingly. He was just about to strike her when Mack dropped his Drive Lance, wrapped his arms around Rose and slammed them both to the ground.

The red ranger took the sword's strike. The blade ripped through his ran and white uniform, slicing his back open. Rose screamed and Moltor and the lava lizards and monster vanished.

"Mack," whispered Rose, and the others hurried over to them, already contacting Andrew back at the base.

End Flashback

Spencer and Andrew came out of the makeshift hospital wing, both looking tired. "He's all stitched up now, Rose," Andrew announced, managing a weary smile for the pink ranger. "You can go see him, if you want. I know you've been worried about him."

Rose shot her mentor a time smile in thanks and headed in. She smiled wider when she saw that Mack was sitting up with that quirky grin playing on his lips. A sigh of relief escaped her. "Oh thank God," she said as she moved to his side. Rose perched herself next to the red ranger, her brown eyes narrowed at him.

"It's not as bad as it sounds, Rose," Mack tried to assure her, correctly interpreting her glare. "Honestly it's not."

"Let me see."

Mack heaved a sigh and did as he was told. Rose took one look at the stitches crisscrossing Mack's back and gasped. "Oh Mack," she breathed softly, gently prodding his back near the stitches. "That's going to leave a scar. I'm so sor-"

"Don't tell me you're sorry. If you had taken that hit from Moltor it would have killed you Rose. You were already injured as it was, and thanks to my genetic enhancement all I needed was a few stitches."

"But Mack…"

The red ranger shook his head. "It would have killed you Rose. End of story. I don't want to hear another word about it." He gripped her hand. "Understand?"

Rose nodded. "Good," Mack said firmly. He tucked a stray lock of hair behind her ear for her and planted a very soft kiss on her cheek. "And don't ever doubt that you're worth it. I'd do it again in a heartbeat."