Power Rangers Alpha

Chapter 19: From the Moon with Love

After putting Fox through his paces at the Scott Dojo, Rex wandered into the Youth Center. Fox, he noted, rarely chose to hang around the Youth Center on his days off. Rex supposed he couldn't blame him since he also had to live there. Usually feeling great after a work-out, he felt kind of deflated instead. He half considered ordering some extreme chocolate concoction but decided against it. Last time he got some chocolate, people thought he was deeply depressed and liable to jump off a bridge. Instead he ordered a juice from Spring.

"It's getting that time of year," she remarked and gestured at the profusion of glittery shimmery pink and red hearts decorating the Youth Center. "What's it coming to when Tai Stapleton has a date to the big do and Rex Hart doesn't?" she asked as she gave him his juice.

Rex narrowed his eyes at the mischievous expression on her face. "Since you enjoy gossiping with my sister so much, you can get her to pay for this," he said and flashed her his best smile. He wandered off toward where Tai and Lani was cozied up.

Summer reached over and pushed her sister's mouth closed. "I'll make a note to charge Rena for the juice next time she's in," she said.

Spring scowled at her. "That smile shouldn't be legal," she grumbled and flounced off into the kitchen with her sister's laughter following her.

Tai glanced at his friend when he scooted into the booth across from where he and Lani were sitting without so much as a "pardon me". "You know, this might have been a date," he said.

"Then you shouldn't have come to the Youth Center," Rex pointed out. He winked at Lani.

Lani snickered. "He has a point," she said.

Tai nodded. He watched his friend broodingly chew on his straw rather than actually drink the juice. He followed his gaze. He saw Kat leading a small ballet class. There was going to be a little Valentine's Day show there before a big dance. Though a nurse by occupation these days due to an injury, Kat still taught a small group ballet at the Center. She was working on a routine for the show and had recruited a few older beginners. Nathan, Tori, Melody, Chloe and even Wood were dressed in leotards and learning the routine.

"I'm somewhat surprised Kat didn't try to get you participate," Lani remarked innocently.

"She wanted beginners," Rex said with a shrug.

"Rex took ballet for two years when we were kids," Tai explained. "And tap. And ballroom."

"Why doesn't that surprise me?" she said. "Why are you glaring at them?" she asked.

"I'm not. I'm just thinking while facing that general direction," he answered.

"Whacha thinkin' about?"

Rex dug into his pocket and pulled some money out. "Give this to Spring or Summer for the juice," he said and scooted out of the booth. Stuffing his hands in his pockets, he left the Youth Center.

Lani gaped after him. "What the--? Tai--"

"I'm after him," Tai said and kissed her cheek. He stood and followed his friend out. He paced a few feet behind Rex.

"I know you're back there," Rex said.

"I know," Tai answered.

Rex sighed. He turned slightly, pausing to let Tai catch up to him. "Don't ask me what's wrong because I don't know," he said. "Just let me sort it out in my head first. Okay?"

"Fine by me but I had to come out. Lani expected it," Tai said.

Rex chuckled. "You looking forward to finally having a Valentine's Day date?" he asked.