Ars Amatoria Romance Theme Challenge

Time Frame: after "It's Hammer Time"

A/N: Props, kudos and a cookie to JuseaPeterson who figured out what was different about Chapter 9!

I'm not feeling too optimistic about this Chapter; I don't think its some of my best work, but whatever.

IMPORTANT: Every new paragraph means that someone has said something. You'll understand once you start reading.

Friends

Rose's POV

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I lifted the water glass to my lips, suppressing the urge to roll my eyes. This date has not gone well. Oh, he asked me a question. "I'm not sure." That's a safe reply. Oh, he wanted to go to a bar after dinner for some drinks. "I'm sorry, Frank, but I don't drink. It's a personal preference. I like to be in control of my body at all times. Besides, something might come up." There's more to being a Ranger than fighting.

Okay, now he's going on and on about how great it must be. "Yes, I enjoy it, but it's a huge responsibility." Yada, yada, yada. Will this night ever end?

"Well there's Will, he's an awesome fighter. Dax is hilarious and Ronny is fast becoming my best friend. Tyzonn is wonderful. He's always able to give me a fresh perspective." Mack, right. Of course he wants to know about Mack. He is the leader after all. "Mack is the glue that holds us together, even when he's not around. He's an awesome leader and a great friend." Yeah, friend. Nothing more.

"No thank you, Frank. I can get a ride home." Wait, well why not? It's a long way and I don't want to disturb anyone. The others will probably all be asleep. "All right, Frank. If you insist." Cue: big smile of gratitude. Yup, it always works. Well, on everyone except-

"Oh, thank you." Holding the car door open, what a gentleman. Now for the drive back. Frank really is very handsome. Blond hair, blue eyes. His smile isn't as wide as Mack's though.

STOP! I have to stop comparing every guy I know with Mack. It's not going to help me get over this crush I have on one of my closest friends.

If Frank didn't talk so much about himself he would be perfect. "Turn right here. Oh, you know? A business associate of Mr. Hartford's, I see." This driveway is too long. All I want is to be in my bed curled up with a good book, knowing that Mack is just across the hall…

Oh we're here. Finally. "Yes, I had a lovely evening. Watch your step, there are 3 of them." Let me guess, you want a good-night kiss? Why else would you be holding my hand?

"Alright." How can you cheat on a crush? Especially when there's no possibility that said crush would ever like me as more than a friend? Oh me – I could get used to this. He's a great kisser.

"Wha-" Stupid door opening and interrupting us. Wait, Mack? Mack opened the door? Couldn't he see that I was busy?

Huh? Why would Mack need me to look over some test results now? It's 10:30pm! His voice isn't normal. He sounds – angry? Annoyed? Cold?

"Very well, Mack. Goodnight Frank. We'll do it again sometime soon." Another kiss and whoa!

"Mack! Why did you just drag me inside? That was very rude." What has gotten into him?

Huh? He's accusing me of being desperate? "Well maybe I wouldn't have to be desperate if I was able to get myself a boyfriend. May I remind you that the past 5 dates I've been on have been interrupted by you?" What's he going on about now?

"How do you know they're not good enough foe me? How do you know what my type is? You have NO idea what I look for in a guy." No, you just ARE that guy.

"How can I be happy if every chance I have is spoiled? When the perfect is right in front of me and I have no chance with him?" Oops, me and my big mouth.

"As if I'm going to tell you so you can spoil it all." That's right, bluff it out.

"Yeah, sure you can help. You can talk to him for me and say 'Hey dude, Rose has a huge crush on you. Maybe you should forget the fact that you're friends and team-mates and ruin everything you've already built up together.'" Meh could have been better, but there's no going back now. I just hope I was able to pull it off.

"Will? No way." Uh oh, he's guessing and I can't lie to him!

"Dax, that's just silly."

"Tyzonn is great, but we're just friends." Thank heavens he's not jumping to the obvious conclusion.

"You think you guys are the only male friends I have?" Nice save.

"No, I can't tell you. It would ruin everything. Forget I said anything, okay." He is so understanding. Well, at least we're back to being friends. I hope he doesn't think about it too much, or he'll realize that there's another guy in my circle of friends.