The challenges can be found at Ars Amatoria's Ranger Romance Themes.

Challenge: Reaction
Pair: Sky/Z
Disclaimer: Don't own the Power Rangers, not even an action figure.
Timeframe: This fic is set somewhere between Perception and Reflection; and right after the "Dream" ficlet.
Summary: Sky and Bridge talk.

Bridge smiled in greeting as Sky entered their room after his date with Z. The Green Ranger hadn't been waiting up exactly, but he figured it would be far better for him to be awake enough to deal with any emotional backlash Sky might have than to try to deal with it in his sleep. But Bridge could tell, even before Sky entered the room, that the date had been fantastic and the only feedback Bridge would be getting from Sky would be positive.

Bridge was amused to no end when Sky walked in and looked around, utterly befuddled about what to do next. Even with his gloves on and shields up fairly tight, it was easy to read that Sky had been totally unprepared for his reaction to Z's kiss. Bridge threw his legs off his bed and approached Sky.

"It went well, did it Sky?" Bridge asked as he guided the Blue Ranger over to his side of the room and pushed him to a seated position on his blue covered bed.

Sky looked at Bridge like he was seeing him for the first time. "It was perfect." Sky grinned with the happiest expression Bridge had ever seen on his face. Bridge could only smile as widely in response – he couldn't help it, Sky's glee was infectious. But Bridge knew if he didn't talk Sky down a bit, neither one of them would get any sleep.

"Everything was good?" Bridge prompted trying to get Sky to talk – at least if he verbalized some of his feelings he wouldn't be projecting everything at the top of his mind all night. "The carriage ride? The gazebo?"

Sky nodded as Bridge spoke. "All of it – it went really, really well. And you know I was worried…after everything that happened." Sky's bright expression clouded over briefly. Bridge knew what he was referring to, and he was glad this night had not been a repeat experience. Truth be told, Bridge had been reading Z here and there to see if she was going to be responsive when Sky asked her out; if Bridge had any indication that she was going to rebuff Sky, Bridge would have made it his business to talk Sky out of the whole plan. Bridge was really relieved that hadn't been necessary.

Sky's face brightened as his thoughts turned back to Z. He got this wondering and delighted look on his face. "I wasn't going to…you know, because it was just our first date and I didn't know if it would be appropriate so I just walked her back to her room to say good-night. But then she leaned in and kissed me." He looked away from Bridge, sort of staring off into space reliving the moment.

Bridge laughed out lout and gave Sky a little shove. "You are totally gone, man!"

Sky laughed along with him. "I think I am." Sky got up from the bed and started to go about getting ready for bed. Bridge walked across the room back to his own bed. Abruptly Sky turned to face him. "Bridge? Is this all too much for you?"

Bridge blinked at the question. He was honestly shocked that at this moment when Sky was so totally happy, he was still thinking about how his feelings might be affecting Bridge. Sky was one of the only people in Bridge's life who would do that for him; it would probably surprise Jack to know just how considerate of other people's feelings Sky could be. Bridge didn't answer right away – Sky had asked the question in all seriousness, he deserved a thoughtful answer.

When Bridge paused, Sky grew concerned and stepped closer. Bridge stared at his hands as he began. "Sky, in all the time I've known you, I've never felt your happiness as clearly as I do right now." Bridge looked up at his roommate. Taking the glove off of his right hand, he stood up and offered his hand to Sky. Sky was taken aback, but didn't hesitate to take Bridge's hand in his own.

"If I ever get to a point in my life when feeling something so happy and wonderful is painful to me, then something is seriously wrong. We've been through a lot together, good times and bad. You've been brave enough to share some of those bad times with me, and I'm honored to share the good." Bridge wished that at a time like this his power was reciprocal – he wanted Sky to feel how sincere he was, but he had to satisfy himself by letting Sky read his expression.

"Thanks, Bridge." Sky's blue eyes met Bridge's own, and he could feel the honest gratitude from the Blue Ranger.

Bridge jumped in to answer Sky's unspoken question. "If it ever gets too much for me, I'll let you know." Bridge pulled his hand free from Sky's and gave him a little shove with his gloved left hand toward the closet. "You'd better get ready for bed, if we keep talking neither one of us will get any sleep."

Sky nodded, acquiescing to the Green Ranger's suggestion. Bridge didn't think it was a coincidence that Sky decided to go down the hall to take a shower, leaving Bridge alone to resettle himself. As Bridge lay back on his bed, he thought about Sky's reaction to Z, and it made him smile. A Ranger romance. He knew Z had an ally in Syd, and he obviously was there to back Sky – it made him wonder what Jack's reaction to this new situation would be.