Disclaimer: Not mine. Wish they were. Here's another Ars Amatoria theme story. Just in time for Valentines day. Please continue to read and review, I live for reviews! This one was inspired by my husband and I mucking around about who was going to ring the bank. Go figure where your muse will strike! Angel Mouse, February 2006.

Ars Amatoria Romance Challenge: Dare

By Angel Mouse

Set just after Robotploza

The common room was quiet due to the lateness of the hour. Practically everyone had gone to bed except for one lone figure by the window that was sitting there, head on his knees, gloved hands around his legs. His deep brown eyes were troubled and his hair was tousled. His jacket was undone and in a heap by his feet. All in all, Bridge was projecting an air of depression and despondency. Just then the door to the common room opened and two figures walked in.

"See I told you we'd find him here Sky."

"Okay, I owe you an ice cream in the park tomorrow." Syd grinned up at her boyfriend and then turned to the problem of one Bridge Carson. The Red and Pink Rangers walked over to him and stood next to him. Syd sat down in front of him and Sky stood next to her. They both looked at Bridge and after a moment there presence finally registered on him. He blinked and looked up at them both.

"Oh, hi guys."

Syd rolled her eyes and Sky just grinned slightly. Syd leaned over and gently put one of her hands on Bridge's. Syd was about the only person that could get away with touching Bridge on his gloves, as he was afraid that bare skin would bring into play his full powers.

"Bridge, what's wrong?" Bridge looked at her, confusion on his face.

"Huh? Oh, it's nothing." Now they both shared concerned glances. Bridge never, ever gave short answers to anything. Something was definitely bothering him.

"Come on Bridge, what is it?" Suddenly Syd had a premonition that she knew was right. She wasn't physic like Bridge, but she was a woman and as such, sometimes had an insight to the human heart like no other. "Is it because tomorrow's Valentine's Day and you haven't asked Z to be your Valentine yet?" Bridge looked up at her, startled and suddenly blushed fiercely. Syd laughed; glad her guess had proved accurate. Plus the fact that she knew Z had a major crush on Bridge anyways helped. "It's okay Bridge, I happen to know for a fact if you ask her, she'll gladly accept."

"Huh? She would?" Bridge looked hopefully suddenly, the air of despair surrounding him suddenly going. Sky smiled at him, encouraging him.

"Yes. So, go ask her already." Bridge shook his head.

"No, I can't. I'm," he swallowed and Sky reached out, putting his hand on Bridge's shoulder, encouraging him. "I'm afraid she'll laugh at me and say no." Syd reached up with her hand and turned Bridge's face to look at her.

"Trust me Bridge, she won't." A wicked grin appeared on her face suddenly. "Go on, I dare you to ask her." Bridge looked startled and then Sky suddenly laughed. He clapped Bridge on the back.

"I double dare you to ask her Bridge." Bridge looked between his two best friends and they were both hard pressed not to laugh even harder. Suddenly he sprang to his feet; he'd never been one to resist a dare.

"Alright I will. You'll see, I never back down from a dare." And with that he went running out of the common room and the two Rangers looked at each other and then doubled over with laughter. Finally, after a moment Syd recovered herself enough to speak.

"See, I told you all he needed was a gentle push."