How Far We've Come
Disclaimer: #Yawn#
Challenge: Starry Night
Timeframe: Post Crown and Punishment
Ships: Rose/Mack
Summary: It's always been hers.
She was out on her balcony, leaning against the railing and watching the stars twinkle. She was leaving tomorrow. Who knew if she'd ever see the view from this balcony ever again?
A lone tear fell onto the cement railing. Rose wiped her eyes angrily. She was being a child. It was ridiculous to think she'd never be here again. Spencer and Andrew and Mack (especially Mack) would let her visit. They wouldn't lose touch. They were family.
"Rose?" The former pink ranger released the tiniest sigh before turning to face the younger of the Hartford men. "Why were you crying?"
Damn him. He knew everything. "I…this is my home, Mack. This, what we had here with Ronny and Will and Dax and Tyzonn…this is my home. I just don't think I'm ready to leave it yet."
Mack laughed softly. "Baby, Operation Overdrive is what's over. We're always going to be gamily. We've been through too much to turn our backs on each other now." He moved to stand beside her, wrapping his arm around her shoulders comfortingly. Rose cuddled against him, needing him.
It was quiet for awhile. "Mack," Rose said finally, "Please be safe." There was worry in her eyes as she looked up at him.
Mack smiled. "I will. Just for you." He put his other arm around her, holding her close in a hug. "You worry too much, Rose."
Rose rested her head against his chest, listening to his heartbeat. She grinned at this, pushing away the memory of seeing him lying on the ground, broken and pale. She sighed. "Your heartbeat sounds nice."
"I think they all sound the same, Rose."
Rose shook her head. "Yours is different. It's special. like you." Her cheeks lit up. "I can't believe I just said that." She looked away, embarrassed,
Mack cupped her face gently, forcing her to look at him. He smiled softly, found her hand and placed it over his heart. "It's always been yours."
Rose's brown eyes widened. "What?" Had he really just said that? Had he really just told her what she'd wanted to hear for what seemed like years?
"Rose…you know how I feel when I think about you? I feel like nothing else matters but you, and nothing does matter but you. I'm happy when I see you smile, and when something hurts you I just want it to go away and make sure it never happens again. I love you Rose."
"Oh, Mack…"
"I understand, Rose. I know you'd never think of me like that. I just wanted you to know before we leave."
But Rose was smiling now, wrapping her arms around him as tightly as she could. "I love you too, Mack."
He rested his forehead against hers. "Baby?" She nodded with that big happy smile he loved so much. He smiled back, winked, and looked back at the night sky.