"Crush" by Zen'Aku Lati
Warning: Fluff.
Disclaimer: I don't own Power Rangers Zeo. But I tell what I would like to own: Jason in that Gold Ranger suit…Damn…
Author's Note: This is from Tommy's POV and is taking place during that last scene from "Good as Gold". I truly do hope that all of you have enjoyed my little tale thus far, and I hope that everyone appreciates what I'm implying in this installment.
Thanks: Thanks to my reviewers, Stellar Raven and Buffyxenaman for the encouraging reviews and thanks all for the lovely hits. Now for the latest installment!
Part VIII
There he was, sitting on a rock at the park, where I figured he'd be. Not to say that Jason was predictable, but it wasn't too long ago when I was in the same situation.
Losing my powers.
The first thing I wanted to do was find a place to escape. To pretend I was okay. To wonder what was next.
I figured Jason would want to do the same.
"Hey, what's up?" I began, taking a seat next to him. He didn't look startled or surprised that I'd figure out where he might be. But there was something else on his face when he acknowledged me; Loss. It didn't take me very long to identify it.
"Not much," he replied. But we both knew what was up, so I decided to get right to the point.
"Listen, Jase. I know how you feel. It's tough giving up your powers," I began, although the words 'violently ripped from you' would've been more accurate. And we both knew it.
"Sure is, man," Jason confirmed, looking out across the lake.
"So, what's the plan now?" I asked. Am I in it?
"I don't know, but one thing's for sure; I have a lot more free time on my hands," he delivered, trying to play it off, looking at me momentarily and then giving me his profile in favor of the lake.
I took the opportunity to absorb his features, trying to put a finger on that illusive word to describe him. He was…perfect…
I resisted the urge to run my fingers through his hair…touch his face…bring his lips to mine. I don't know why I didn't just do all those things…But instead I said, "You know no matter what happens, man, we'll always be friends, right?"
He finally looked at me, giving me that reassuring smirk, and said, "I know." And of course I believe him.
"And things can't be all that bad," Jason continued, looking back out across the lake.
I followed his gaze and added, "Things could be a lot worse."
We both got to our feet and dusted ourselves off. Then Jason gave me that same smirk and said, "So I guess I'll be seeing you," and turned to go.
Before I realized exactly what I was doing, my hand shot out to grab him. "Jason, wait," I said, but beyond that I didn't know what else to say. And almost just as instinctively, my arms were around him, gripping him tight. Can't you see I don't want you to go?
But the longer I held on to him, the dumber I felt, because I was growing painfully aware that he wasn't holding me back. So I loosened my grip and averted my eyes.
But before I could dwell too long on how foolish I felt, I felt the edge of his fingers under my chin raising my face back up. He brushed my bottom lip with his thumb. My lips parted in response.
He then rested his hand against my face, leaned in, and kissed me. My eyes rolled back when I felt his fingers in my scalp.
Finally he released the kiss and took his time distancing himself from me, letting my hair pass through his fingers as he went. I could only interpret the look in his eyes as affection. It was reassuring.
He smiled at me. I smiled back.
"Later, bro," he bade.
"See ya, man," I replied, and watched him walk down to the sands below.
Shortly after, some girl I soon identified as Emily caught up to him and threw her arm around him. "Hey, girl!" I heard him greet. I furrowed my brow as I watched them walk along.
I barely noticed when Katherine arrived.
"Is Jason okay?" she asked. Slightly taken off my guard, I quickly try to wipe the hurt look off my face before I answered, "Uh, yeah. He'll, uh, he'll survive." Then I put on a confident smile and continued, "Hey, there's more to life than saving the world, right?" Who was I trying to convince, her or myself?
"Yeah, I'd agree with that," she conceded, smiling sweetly at me. We then started walking along, and my mind wandered a bit.
There was more to life…
There were things I was letting pass me by. Things that were right in front of my face. Things that would stick around…
I reached out and took her hand.
Why not?
