Disclaimer: Power Rangers does not belong to me.
Chapter 9: A New Love
(Takes place a month after the last chapter)
"Wow!" squealed Syd, causing the other rangers in the Rec Room to look up from their reading.
"What is it now, Pinkie?" sighed Z, knowing that Syd could get excited even by something as minor as Cover Girl releasing a new shade of nail polish.
"Your horoscope says you will have a new love this month!" informed Syd seriously. "What will you do?"
Z rolled her eyes, fed up with the pink ranger's pop culture passions. Jack however on the other hand seemed to share Syd's interests in the superficial. While Sky continued to work through SPD files, the red ranger ran over to the girls excitedly and in the process pushed Sam – wearing his Omega uniform as usual – to the floor.
"What does my horoscope say?" shouted Jack impatiently.
"Why I am always the one getting accidentally thrown on the ground?" grumbled Sam as he shook his head in pain.
"Maybe it's 'cause you're a ball of light?" remarked Sky matter-of-factly as he helped the sixth ranger up from the floor.
"Read me my horoscope!" Jack continued to demand. "Oh, oh! What day is it today? What does my horoscope say?"
"Z, a new love!" sang Syd amorously. "This is such a big deal. I'll be sure to support you!"
"Can it Syd, before I loose my lunch," complained Z as Cruger entered the Rec Room. "Everyone knows horoscopes aren't real. Like I'd really waste my time reading that made-up junk."
"Looks like Z is back to normal," chuckled Cruger to Sam.
"Thank goodness," said Sam cheerfully.
"Hey Z," called Bridge as he walked over to the gang from the kitchen. "It's time to go on patrol now."
"Fine," whined Z before drawing in a quiet breath of surprise as she turned in Bridge's direction. "Oh!"
The mid-morning sunlight shown on Bridge's cheerful face, making the green ranger look even more good-natured than usual… as well as good-looking. Z had never noticed before what a sexy smile Bridge had or the way his dimples adorably appeared whenever he grinned and even how his ruffled hair made him seem so handsome. Plus the way he had chivalrously stood up for her against Ron had definitely won Bridge bonus points in Z's eyes with regards to his… 'masculine' appeal.
Blushing, Z shyly took a few steps towards Bridge before whirling around in astonishment at the realization of her growing romantic interest in the green ranger. "Could I actually be attracted to Bridge?" wondered Z inwardly in shock, placing her hands over her racing heart.
"Huh?" gasped Bridge, noticing the yellow ranger's flushed cheeks. "What's wrong, Z?" he asked as he brought a hand innocently to her forehead to feel her temperature.
"Woah!" yelped Z at her heart's unexpected flutter to Bridge's touch, proceeding to react by bringing both her hands to her cheeks in panic. "It's nothing, it's nothing," lied Z as she spun away and made soothing gestures at Bridge, who imitated her hand motions. "I'll meet you at the jeep!" exclaimed Z as she ran out of the Rec Room in embarrassment.
"Wha, wha…" stuttered Bridge in confusion as he ran after the yellow ranger. "Wait, Z!"
Reflecting on the scene, Syd and Jack exchanged knowing glances of approval while Sky and Sam looked at each other questioningly as to why their friends were acting so strange.
"That's….that?" asked Cruger, unsure as to the possible romantic nature of what had just passed. "Right?"
"That's that!" confirmed Syd happily, placing a hand amorously over her heart. "And Z said she doesn't believe in horoscopes!" thought Syd coyly to herself.
Meanwhile, Bridge was racing furiously through the halls of SPD trying to catch lightening-fast Z. "Why are you running away?" called Bridge in bewilderment to Z ahead of him.
"Because Bridge is chasing me!" offered Z lamely.
Z suddenly skidded to a stop as Bridge neared her. Ever the klutz, Bridge - noticing Z halt – couldn't reduce his speed in time and tripped to the floor. Bridge's eyes widened as he saw Z smiling down at him with a tenderness and affection that she's never looked at him with before. Happily helping Bridge up off the ground, Z pulled the green ranger giddily down the hall toward the patrol jeep.
The warmth of holding Bridge's hand sent thrilled chills through Z's body. Whereas she had spent the past weeks wondering if she could ever let herself fall for anyone again after the way Ron had betrayed her, Z couldn't believe the guy she was meant to be with all along was the one who had always been right beside her. Z now knew that some loves were short lived, but that in good time the bud of new romance had blossomed for her once again.
The End
A/N: I hope y'all enjoyed this story! Thank you so much to everyone who followed "Green With Envy." Big-shouts to those who took the time to leave reviews: Princess Aelita Lyoko, Blackie Frogz, ja5684, Islandgurlie12, the real vampire, Jnr Cpl Scarlett, Jessesgirl11, Princess Emmie, Blue Eyed Dragon Girl, sye04, garnetred, CrazyGirl47, irine18, DV2, and chaotic pink chocobo. Y'all were fantastic, and you're comments were so wonderful!
A final note: if you would like information on where to see the Dekaranger episode this SPD fan fic was based on, just drop me a line! Take care, y'all!