Theme Challenge: Bridge and Z

From the Ars Amatoria Ranger Romance Theme Challenge

Challenge #40: Home

Disclaimer: No. I have no ownership of the Power Rangers. It's rather unfortunate.

A/N: Yay for inspiration! I've had this one sitting around, but there were a few things missing, and instead of studying for finals, I decided to work out the kinks in this one and post. (Don't worry, I have plenty of time to study. And that's the truth.)

Also, this goes out to Etcetera Kit, who left me a lovely, amazing review for the last chapter and told me not to give up on these challenges. Thanks, EK!

Oh, this is set directly after Messenger. You'd probably need to know that. Now, without further ado…

Home

She's lying in bed, staring thoughtfully at the ceiling, when a there's a knock on the door.

"Come in."

The door opens with a hydraulic hiss, and Bridge steps into the room, running a hand through his already-tousled hair.

"Hey," he says, and she sits up, smiling at him.

"Hey. What's up?"

He shifts a little in his spot by the door.

"I just wanted to see if you were all right. I know you were upset earlier."

Her eyes shine. "Oh. Bridge, that's really thoughtful of you," she tells him sincerely, and his face flushes.

"It's nothing, really…you're okay, though? Do you want to talk about it?"

Her first instinct is to say No, I'm fine, and forge on through the fading pain by herself. But she finds herself drowning in his warm blue eyes, and her mouth quietly forms the words—

"I was so scared."

She doesn't think it possible, but his eyes get even warmer and the door hisses shut as he takes a seat on her bed. The mattress sinks. His eyes never leave hers; he waits patiently for her to continue.

"I just didn't want to be homeless again, you know? I finally find this place, this wonderful, amazing place with wonderful, amazing people, and it's where I belong, and then I find out that it's all going to hell in a matter of minutes! I just—"

"Hey," he interrupts her, taking her hand gently. "Even if, god forbid, SPD were to fall tomorrow, you'd still have a home. Jack wouldn't let you be homeless. Syd wouldn't. Sky wouldn't." He pauses, and his voice falls to a whisper. "I wouldn't." Squeezing her hand, he gazes solemnly into her eyes. "You'll always have a home with me, Z."

Her smile is wide and teary-eyed.

"Thanks, Bridge. That means a lot."

Silence falls, and Z glances down at their joined hands and smiles. Bridge follows her gaze and blushes, starting to pull away.

"Oh, I'm sorry. I just—I mean, um—"

"No, it's okay," she says, gripping his hand with a strength that surprises both of them. Then she smiles at him, a shining look in her eyes.

"Leave it. It—it feels like home."

Thanks for reading! Please review!