I exited the underground base and walked to where I thought the Yellow Ranger was. The second I laid eyes on her, my pace slowed and came to a stop. I stood there watching her relaxing on a large rock that overlooked the small town. She sat with her back towards me and her legs dangling over the edge. Her deep breaths told me that she was trying to calm down from something.

I never completely understood my teammate. Her temper, her thoughts, nor her past. I now realize that I'm the only one that she trusts. Even if it's a small amount, it's something. I sure as hell don't want to mess it up. That little piece of information Derrick shared with me and the other Rangers was only a fraction of what she's been through. And that might not be the most disappointing thing.

"You gonna keep staring or what?"

My breathing stopped for only a moment and was brought back to reality. "Uh, yeah... I mean no. I mean... How did you know I was here?"

"I felt it." She replied.

"Oh, ok." Was all I could get out.

Since my voice has failed me, I took a seat next to her and looked over Angel Grove. I noticed her breathing quickened slightly and realized it was because of how close we were. She was leaning back on her palms and when I did the same, my fingers brushed over hers. I didn't dare look in her direction but kept my eyes on the town below.

Seeing Trini nervous like this was entirely different than the tough badass she shows herself as. Sure I've seen her at her most vulnerable but I the affect I have on her right now is almost unbelievable.

"I think we should talk." The Latina spoke.

"Ok, about what?"

"Us."

Oh, perfect, I thought. This is probably going to go south faster than Rita Repulsa getting bitch slapped into space. Talking about feelings and relationships aren't exactly common to me. And right now, I'm not sure how to handle this.

"Um.. Ok, shoot. What is it you want to say?" I asked softly.

"I want to know what we are." She answered and began to play with the hem of her shirt.

"I- I'm not sure." I cursed myself for stuttering. "Is everything all right?"

"I don't even know. I want to know what we are and what we plan to do because this is confusing the shit out of me."

"Yeah, I get it. It's confusing me too." We fucking had sex! Was it a mistake to? Did we rush into things? Does she regret it? I decided to shove those thoughts aside and focus on her in this moment.

"Do you though?"

"I'm sorry?"

"Do you get it? We share a bed, great. We hold hands, awesome. We kiss each other often, fucking perfect." Her voice raised slighted. "Normal friends don't do that shit."

"Do... you want to be something more?" I spoke slowly and carefully.

"Yeah, maybe, I don't know. I'm not sure I'm ready for that to be honest."

"What's holding you back?"

The smaller girl didn't respond and shifted uncomfortably. I had an idea of what she was going to say, but didn't want to pressure her. I let her think for a few moments and patiently waited for her answer.

"Pain." She whispered so softly I wouldn't have heard it if i wasn't paying attention.

"What?" I whispered back. "What do you mean?"

"I don't want to be hurt. I don't want to trust someone who could turn their back on me with the snap of their fingers."

"Woah, hey." I rested my hand on her forearm. "That will never happen with me, ok? Don't think like that."

"Sometimes I can't help it. I've been hurt so much, Kimberly." She met my gaze. There were tears threatening to fall but she held them back. "Physically and emotionally. I put all my trust in people who were no good for me. They said they'd be there for me, protect me, when they were the ones who hurt me the most."

It made me sick thinking about all those assholes who treated the Yellow Ranger like crap. People who played her as if they were gambling. People who don't keep their word, or act on their own selfish wants. Trini suffered because she opened up heart only for it to be ripped apart. I may have not known those bastards, but it doesn't matter. Anyone who dares to lay a finger on her will regret it.

"Were they... friends? Boyfriend, girlfriend?" I bit my tongue in attempt to hold in my anger.

To my surprise, Trini chuckled at that. "Kimberly, you know I'm gay, right? Like... extremely gay."

"Yeah." I gave her a small smile.

"But no, they weren't friends... Or a girlfriend."

"Then who? It's fine if you don't want to tell me."

"No, I want to trust you. Can I?"

I felt my pulse quicken. I wanted to say yes right then. That she could trust me and I'd promise her she'll be safe with me. But the fear of messing up and losing her as a friend made its way to head. It's not that I would do something intentional to hurt her, it's something I could potentially do without knowing it. The whole Ty incident was still fresh in my memory. And at the time, I didn't think I was doing anything wrong. I was blinded by my own anger and pain, I couldn't see the consequences.

I wanted Trini to feel the same way I feel when I'm with her: Safe. I wanted to give her the protection she needed and deserved. So I made up my mind.

"Yes."

"What."

I looked straight in her chocolate brown orbs. "You can trust me. I won't hurt you. Ever."

She let out a breath I didn't realize she was holding. It was more of a sigh of relief and her body relaxed.

"I truly care about you, Trini."

"Yeah... I know."

"And I don't want to be separated from you again."

"I'm so sorry about-"

"Stop." I cut her off. "You've already apologized for that. But I understand now. I really do."

"Thank you." She breathed out. "I don't know what else to say really."

"Then don't say anything." I took a deep breath and prepared myself for what I've been trying to get out since the day I met her. "Zack has been teasing me about this but I think I'm ready now."

The Yellow Ranger shot me a confused look before I continued.

"I really, really like you, Trini."

Her eyebrows shot up.

"And I think... I think I'm in love with you."

-

😉