Of Anime, Poetry and Falling in Love: Mack and Rose
Disclaimer: Things would be different…oh how they would…
Challenge: Another Step
Timeframe: Somewhere after Kick into Overdrive
Summary: "Ballroom dancing lessons?"
"Oh come on, Dad, that is so unfair! Ballroom dancing lessons? What am I, forty?" Mack Hartford protested to his father.
"In the crowd with which our family runs, ballroom dancing is, unfortunately, a skill you need. All those dinners and benefits practically require it. I'm sorry, but I'm sticking to what I said. You will meet your teacher in the library at three this afternoon and that's final."
"I have plans with Rose this afternoon, Dad. I'm not going to cancel on her."
"Something tells me she'll understand," Andrew replied, and by his tone Mack knew there was no way he was going to get out of it.
"Fine, fine, just take away my social life," grumbled the red ranger.
And when he walked into the library that afternoon, he understood what his father had meant when he said Rose would understand. The pink ranger was waiting for him, a boom box at her feet. "Rose? You're my teacher?" Mack asked incredulously.
"Oh very good, Mack," Rose said sarcastically. "Your father roped me into it. Now, today we'll start with a basic waltz, very simple. The waltz is comprised of a simple box step and turn. Watch."
Rose proceeded to demonstrate the box step. "Do exactly as I did," she instructed once she'd done it three times. Mack mimicked her steps perfectly. "Good," Rose praised. "Two more times and we'll try it together."
Mack did as he was told. "And now we can be humiliated together," he said brightly as Rose hit the play button and a sleepy waltz tune began to sound throughout the room.
"Shh," Rose murmured, taking Mack's hand. "Now, lead me. Exactly as I showed you. Wonderful," she said as Mack executed the box step and turn sequence. And then the arm wrapped around her waist dipped her back a few inches, his face hovering above hers.
"I think I'm going to like these lessons," he whispered. Rose straightened up.
"Um," she breathed, her face red. "I have another step to show you." She thought for a moment, clearly flustered. Mack merely grinned.