A Lifetime of Love
by
Pink-Green-White-4ever
AN: Done in response to the Ars Amatoria’s Ranger Romance Themes Challenge. Yes, I know that the Theme Challenge BloomingViolets and I started isn’t finished, but I got some great ideas for these two so I’m going to try my hand at a solo set of challenges, only this uses all 60 of the challenges, both sets 1 and 2.
Disclaimer: I don’t own ‘em, wish I did.
Rating: The whole series ranges from T to MA.
PAGE ONE: Let Me Tell You A Story - Impression - Perception - Dare - Match - Yield
- Triumph - Why - Patience - Friends
PAGE TWO: Routine - Color - Reaction - Time - Secrets - Smile - Game -
Closer - Denial - One Moment
PAGE THREE: Power - Duty - Darkness - Green Eyed Monster - Wish - Lost -
Mirror - Worst Case Scenario - Spellbound - Guilt
PAGE FOUR: Scars - Truth - Confidence - Quest - Fight - What If -
Sacrifice - Distraction - Beautiful - Dawn
PAGE FIVE: Test - Pride - Dream - Change - Chance - Another Step - Knight - Helm - Moonlight - Simplicity
PAGE SIX: The Call - History - Competition - Dependence - Song
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
Challenge: Routine
Summary: Bridge’s observations of the squad’s new routine…
AN: Thanks to Angela for helping me with the quote for this one!
Oh yes...
Seven AM, thinking about you
Wondering if the thoughts I'm feeling you feeling too.
Like a newborn child, soft to the touch
Baby, is it possible to love someone so much, mmm...
I wish, I may,
I wish, I might be that certain someone
You wish for every night
If you knew what I knew
You wouldn't say what you said
If you knew what I knew
We'd be together instead
Of you breaking my heart
(Breaking my heart)
With things that aren't true
My lady, yes, (AJ: My lady, yes, my lady)
If you knew what I knew
Ah...Ah...Ah..
Ahhh...
Time passes by
The only tears I cry
Are filled with this illusion
Fears I have inside
Like a lost soul
I feel like I'm all alone
(All alone)
If only I could feel your pain
-- Backstreet Boys, If You Knew What I Knew --
--
I can’t help but to roll my eyes as I watch my teammates and fellow B Squad cadets. The two of them have been driving me nuts for months now with the way they’ve been acting around each other. It’s like they’ve reverted to twelve-year-olds instead of the seventeen and twenty-year-olds they are.
Ever since Sky started ignoring Syd last year, and treating her like crap, Syd’s reverted to being a major pain in all our butts. She’s crabby, whiney, and snobbish when we’re around each other in public, while in private I see the intelligent, caring woman she really is. And I lay the blame at Sky’s feet.
You see, my stubborn, pig-headed, stuck on being Red Ranger roommate, who is currently staring Syd from the corner of his eye as he sits on the couch working on his model airplane, is in love with our equally stubborn, whiney, SPD Princess. And right now, they’re both driving me nuts because they’re trading insults. This isn’t new, but what no one else sees is that they are so in love with each other it’s unreal.
The three of us have sort of developed a routine lately. We’re nasty, snide and grouchy with each other in public, but in private, we all soften just a bit. Sky gets less critical of Syd’s performances in training, even if he won’t cop to it or even acknowledge it. Syd’s less whiney and more thoughtful. And me, I can stop being a grouch because my powers aren’t going wonky on me as much when they’re being nice to each other. Unfortunately, those instances are far and few between lately.
I can’t help but smirk now. Sky’s watching where he’s painting his model now while Sydney sits at her easel, brush in hand, her eyes focused on something over the top of the canvas. I can only smirk when I realize it’s Sky she’s staring so intently at; Syd’s been working on the painting for a few weeks now, having to rely on her memory and stolen glances at her subject. If Sky only knew what she was working on, he’d freak out.
Sitting here, feeling whatever they’re feeling, I can only wonder how much longer before Sydney will finally break through all of Sky’s shells. My female teammate is already aware that she’s in love with our unofficial squad leader, while Sky’s either aware and fighting being in love with her, or he really has now clue. Either way, I’m going to strangle them soon.
“Stop whining!” I hear him hiss at her.
“Stop being a jack ass!” Syd shoots back before turning and stomping out of the room.
Yeah, this routine is getting old. I think I’ll strangle Sky first.
Challenge: Color
Summary: She was never happier than to see him wearing Blue…
AN: The challenges are now entering the actual SPD season. Most of these
will take place after certain episodes, and I’ll let you know which episode.
This one is from Syd’s POV and is set after Beginnings Pt 2.
I was lonely
I needed someone to see me through
And I was at the end of my rope
I needed someone to cut me loose
And then an angel out of the blue
Gave me the sense that I might make it through
And somehow I survived with no rhyme or reason
And now I know I'll make it through the miracle of you
I know the color of love
And it lives inside of you
I know the color of truth
It's in the image of you
If it comes from the heart
Then you know that it's true
It will color your soul like a rainbow (Like a
rainbow)
And the color is in you
-- Boyz II Men, The Color Of Love --
--
Who would have ever thought? Sky Tate, Blue Ranger. Blue, not Red. Blue. That color describes him more than he’ll ever know. He’s cool like ice, the really pretty blue kind that you see in glaciers. It enhances the color of his eyes. Those beautiful eyes of his are a light, slate gray and ice blue mix and the royal blue that will be forever known as Blue Ranger Blue, makes his eyes stand out. It also describes his mood right now.
He’s beating up the punching bag in his and Bridge’s room. He’s pissed off, frustrated, irritated and above all else, confused and hurt. He’s been training to be the Red Ranger his entire life, just like his father. More than anyone, I know what kind of blow being made Blue Ranger is to him. He made some cursory noises about Jack being given the Red Morpher, but he’s hiding most of the pain he’s really feeling.
“Want to talk about it?” I ask softly, leaning against the doorframe.
“I really don’t want to hear you say I told you so.”
He knows better than that. As much as he’s hurt me in the last couple of months, I still care about him, and he damn well better start acting like he knows that before I pop him with one of my iron fists. “I wouldn’t say that, you know that, especially knowing how much you’re hurting right now. Or have you so easily forgotten who you told everything to not so long ago?”
“I’m not hurt, Syd, I’m angry at Cruger and disappointed with myself. Obviously, there is something wrong with me. I don’t deserve to be Red Ranger, but then, neither does a street thief,” he spits out, nailing the bag with a series of right hooks.
I bite my tongue. There’s so much I want to say about that, but I won’t because he doesn’t need to hear it. “Sky, give him a chance. No one knows what they’re capable of until some believes in them. You’ve been given the chance to do more with your life, not it’s Jack’s turn.”
He’s glaring at me even as his chest heaves with his accelerated breathing. I know he feels betrayed by what I just said. Bridge and I have never questioned his unofficial leadership of B Squad, not until now. It’s been the three of us for nearly two years, but now things are changing, and he’s having the worst time dealing with it.
“Thanks for the vote of confidence, Syd.”
“Sky, have you stopped to think there was a reason Cruger gave you the Blue morpher?” I spit out, my eyes going wide and my hand coming up to cover my mouth. I so did not just say that. Please tell me I just did not say that when I don’t have anything to really back it up with besides my own feelings.
He looks surprised I’d say that, but I can’t help feeling the way I do. The superior attitude he’s adopted the last several months has caught everyone’s attention, especially Cruger’s. Its no wonder he was given Blue, Cruger more than likely thought he’d endanger the team, let alone the world, with his attitude if he ended up Red.
“I have to,” I whisper as I turn to leave. I’m about out of the door when I feel Sky’s hand on my arm.
“Syd.”
“What?” I ask, turning my head to look back at him. I actually have to look up since he towers over me.
“Why?” He’s asking about my sudden attitude, I’m not stupid.
“Because I’m glad you didn’t end up Red. I can’t stand the thought of losing you, not like that. Have you ever stopped to think about how your mother or I feel about this obsession with being Red Ranger that you seem to have?”
I can see it in his eyes before he even says it. He’s never thought about it, but now he is. “No, I haven’t.”
“Both of us know one of these days it’s going to get you killed.”
Turning, I shrug out of his grip and head toward my room, blinking back tears as I rush past Bridge, Z and Jack sitting in the common room.
Challenge: Reaction
Summary: Sky deals with his reaction to Syd’s comments about his color
AN: sequel to Color, this also takes place after Beginnings Pt 2
You make me feel out of my element
Like I'm walkin' on broken glass
Like my worlds spinnin' in slow motion
And you're movin' too fast
Were you right, was I wrong
Were you weak, was I strong, yeah
Both of us broken
Caught in a moment
We lived and we loved
And we hurt and we joked, yeah
But the planets all aligned
When you looked into my eyes
And just like that
The chemicals react
The chemicals react
-- Aly & AJ, Chemicals React --
--
I know Bridge is watching me from his bed, trying to figure out why I’m still beating up my punching bag. Syd’s words from earlier are still ringing in m ears.
“I’m glad you didn’t end up Red. I can’t stand the thought of losing you, not like that”
I can’t help but wonder about her words and the reaction I had to them. For the first time, in a long time, I let what she had to say get to me, and she knew it. Normally I tend to just file whatever is said to me away in the back of my mind until I can be alone to examine it. She’s afraid of losing me, and I’m not sure why. I do know, though, hearing her say what she did, made me feel wanted, and dare I say, loved. For the first time in the last few days, I feel like everything’s going to be ok, even if my life is a massive mess right now.
“She loves you, you know that, right?” Bridge’s voice breaks into my thoughts.
“What?” I stutter, wondering I just heard him right. That’s one problem with rooming with a psychic, he has a tendency to butt in I least expect it. “Syd does not love me. You’re just imaging things.”
“Sky, in the almost two years I’ve been here, have I ever lied to you?”
Well damn. Now that I think about it, he’s got a point. Bridge is a lot of things, but a liar he isn’t. “Point taken.”
“She loves you. She still considers you one of her best friends even after all the shit you’ve dished out to her. But it’s more than that; she loves you more than as a friend.”
“How do you know that?”
He’s smiling; I can hear it in his voice as he speaks. “Because she wouldn’t have told you what she told you earlier, about being glad you’re Blue and about being afraid of losing you. If she didn’t love you, she wouldn’t have laid her heart bare for you, but she did. Besides, a blind man could tell she loves you from the way she watches over you and sneaks glances at you.”
I glare at him, thoroughly confused by his words. Half the time, I make her mad and piss her off so she won’t even stay in the same room as me and here he is telling me she’s in love with me. Yeah right.
“Maybe if you ever get past the stigma of not wanting to fall in love with your teammate and best friend, aka ever get your head out of your ass, you’d see it for yourself. You spend all your time pushing her away it would make any person who didn’t know you both wonder why she keeps taking the abuse. I don’t.”
I look over at Bridge and watch him chuckle as he continues to read his comic book. I let out a frustrated huff and toss my gloves onto my bed. “Oh, and Sky, a person would have to be dead not to notice the reaction you have to her, physically, mentally, and emotionally.”
I quickly snatch up one of my gloves and toss it at Bridge before glaring at him. And here I thought no one ever noticed that.
Challenge: Time
Summary: Syd and Sky discuss the power of time
AN: This one is set just after Confronted and is from Syd’s POV.
I know that I, I can't believe
Just what the past has brought me
To the man I wanna be
I know that we have had some times
That we can't forget the struggle
Cause we have so far to go
I know we've changed but
Change can be so good
So let's not forget why
It's understood that
chorus:
Time, look where we are and what we've been through
Time, sharing our dreams
Time, goes on and on everyday, baby
Time is what it is
Come what may(come what may)
-- Backstreet Boys, Time --
--
“Hey,” I whisper, walking up beside him as he watches Jack run the obstacle courses to make up for not running them with us earlier.
“Syd.” His eyes are glued to Jack, but his body shifts closer to mine, almost as if he wants to be closer to me. Making my own move, I lean against his arm and gaze at Jack too. “How’s he doing?”
I feel the sarcastic chuckle reverberate through him. “About as good as I expected. Why?”
“Just wondering,” I mumble.
“He has potential, not that I’d tell him that.”
“Heroes and leaders are made, not born,” I tell him. He looks down at me with a skeptical look. Shaking his head, he looks back at Jack.
We stand together in silence for the longest time, watching Jack complete the last obstacle course. I’m still leaning against his arm when Jack finishes and approaches us. “Better?” Jack asks Sky, bending over so his hands are on his knees.
“Not really, but it’ll do I suppose,” Sky grumbles. I close my eyes and chuckle.
“Yeah, ok, I’m heading in. See you at dinner.”
Jack disappears after that, leaving Sky and I standing in silence. “I guess I’m going to head in for dinner too. You coming?” I venture.
“Naw, I’m going to go for a walk,” he mutters.
I debate my options, and against my better judgment, I ask, “Feel like company on your walk?” I feel him touch my hand so I open my eyes and look up.
He smiles down at me. “If you’re up to it, sure.”
Color me surprised. We take our time walking around the grounds. We’re silent, but it’s not awkward. Instead, it’s comfortable and by far the most peaceful time we’ve spent together in a while. “It’s going to take a long time to get use to following him.”
I nod and look at the ground as I walk. ‘You’re use to doing things you’re way. Of course it’s going to take time.”
“He’s not as bad as I thought.”
“Surprising, isn’t it, when you start to give someone a chance?” I tease.
Sky just shoots me a look. “Growing up and being mature sucks.”
I can’t help the laughter that dances from my throat as I move to hug him. I can feel him stiffen when my arms wrap around him and I rest my head against his chest, but gradually he relaxes and loosely wraps his arms around me. “It’s going to be okay, Sky, just wait and see. All you have to do is give everyone a little time to adjust.
“We don’t have a lot of time now that Gruumm’s here.”
“It’s going to be okay, you’ll see. As long as we do what we’re trained to, it’ll be okay.”
He looks like he wants to believe me, but still doesn’t completely. That’s okay. Just as I’ve told him, like everything else, it just takes time.
Challenge: Secrets
Summary: Bridge spills the beans… Sky’s in love
AN: This one is set after Time, which was set after the episode
Confronted. This is set just before the episode Walls.
I have this vision I keep inside me
I've told to nobody else
Baby I'm gonna share it with you
Cause I can't keep it all to myself
I could tell you I don't want you
But you know it's a lie
You see the truth in my eyes
You are my heaven
You are my secret dream come true
My Heaven
And I want it just like this every night
And I wanna feel like this the rest of my life
Just like the sunshine when the rain is over
I looked up you were there
I'm giving thanks to the one who made you
You've answered every one of my prayers
Only you look deep inside me
And see who I really am
Only you understand
-- Mikaila, My Heaven --
--
“Come on! Sky have a serious secret? Not in this lifetime!”
Z’s laughing as she says that. Normally, I just as soon ignore her, but since she’s talking about me, with Bridge, I’ll listen. Bridge is good at a fair amount of activities, but keeping secrets isn’t one of them.
“You’d be surprised Z, trust me,” Bridge tells her.
“You mean to tell me stick-in-the-mud, by-the-book Schuyler Tate actually had a life at one time? Because we all know he lives for nothing but SPD these days,” Z sneers, looking at me.
Ouch. Damn. When the girl aims, she aims true. I know she’s looking in my direction still, so I’m going to pretend I’m reading my SPD handbook. “Yep.”
“I don’t believe it. What could he possibly hiding?”
Considering I don’t think Syd or I ever mentioned Dru to Bridge, this out to be a good answer. Dru left just before Bridge came to the academy, so only Syd knows about my most embarrassing moment with my oldest friend. Unfortunately, one of the A Squad cadets got us drunk one night and I managed to find myself in the lobby in nothing but my Cookie Monster boxer shorts. To say it was humiliating would be an understatement.
“He’s in love with someone.”
Oh shit. I don’t want to look up, but I do anyways, just so I can glare at him. How the hell he could tell her I was in love with somebody when I’m not is beyond me. “Gee, Bridge, you caught his attention,” Jack smirks.
I turn my icy glare on the Red Ranger before looking back at Bridge. “Bridge, people call them secrets for a reason. But the only problem here is, is that I’m not in love with anyone, so I don’t know what you’re talking about.”
He’s grinning at me. Shaking my head, I go back to my book. The others go back to teasing me, but I ignore them. I’m so focused on ignoring them that I jump slightly when Syd sits down next to me and leans her head on my arm. “What are you reading?” she chirps, looking at the book before looking up at me with that look that tells me I’m in for it now.
“What?” I ask in frustration, lowering my book to my lap. “What the heck is wrong with my reading material?”
“Don’t you what me. How many times are you going to read that thing?” she asks, looking slightly irritated and definitely frustrated.
I look at her and wonder what she’s really thinking. Some days, Syd’s a complete mystery to me, one with secrets and moods I know I’m never going to learn how to navigate. “I plan on reading this one until it falls apart, satisfied?” I sarcastically reply. I wonder for a moment why she cares anyway, but push the thought away. I know why she cares, because I do too for the same reasons; we were close friends once upon a time, despite my pushing her away.
I want to laugh at the cute expression on her face. It’s a cross between a pout and a grin, if that’s even possible. I know she wants to say something, I can see it in her eyes. “At least I know what to get you for Christmas,” she mutters, settling comfortably against my side. I know I’m staring at her, but I can’t help it. The mass of gorgeous blond curls laying against my shoulder and those clear blue eyes looking up at me make my insides clinch, and have for a while now. Damn if I don’t like having her so close. I know I should be pushing her away, because being attracted to her is a major mistake, but for once, I’m comfortable with her lying against me. I managed to drown out the noises around me as I focus on my handbook once again.
Bridge and Z are still talking, albeit quietly, while Jack reads one of Bridge’s comic books. I look down at Syd to see what she’s doing and find her sound asleep. Shaking my head, I gently wiggle my arm free and throw it over the back of the couch, causing Syd to cuddle against my side and shoulder, her head on my chest. When I hear the snickering from Bridge and Z’s general direction I suddenly realize why they’re snickering.
“Well, I’ll be…who’d have thought?” Z’s voice floats over to me.
Looking up, I flip Z off and go back to my book. “Don’t worry Sky, your secret’s safe with us.”
“What secret?” I ask.
“About who you’re in love with.”
I look up at Z, raise an eyebrow in warning and shoot Bridge a glare that has him smiling. I am not in love with Sydney, and the only secret I have is no secret; I’m not the type of guy who falls in love with beautiful, feisty, challenging blondes.
Challenge: Smile
Summary: The most precious thing to her now is his smile.
AN: This is set during Walls, the first of the episodes that featured Syd
and Sky moments that made us go “AWWW!”
I'm gonna smile, cause I want to make you happy
Laugh, so you can't see me cry
I'm gonna let you go in style
And even if it kills me
I'm gonna smile
I'm gonna smile so you can find the courage
Laugh, so you won't see me hurtin'
I'm gonna let you go in style
And even if it kills me
I'm gonna smile
-- Lonestar, Smile --
--
Even with millions of dollars worth of diamonds all around her, Sydney found herself thinking about something infinitely more precious to her than the shiny gems – Sky. Despite being mad at him for pouring water over her head, she realized the walls he’d constructed around himself were starting to fall. He was starting to turn into the friend she’d had not so long ago.
He’d actually smiled and teased her, before going back to being Mr. Serious. The look of pure amusement on his face was worth wet hair and a soggy uniform anyways. He didn’t smile like that anymore, at least not that she saw. If he did, it was in the privacy of his and Bridge’s quarters or around other people. Today, however, had been different. He’d smiled because of her, had smiled at h. For a moment, it as like seeing the boy who was her best friend break free from his self imposed prison.
He had no clue how important he was to her, not really anyways. She loved deeply, or at least that’s what she discovered earlier in the day during their shared moment. She hadn’t set out to fall in love with him, it had just happened. Nearly three years as teammates had given her unrestricted access to some of the most vital parts of who he was, even if he’d been shutting her out for over a year. She had a feeling she’d gotten too close too fast for him and that in turn had scared him.
She couldn’t blame him, not knowing what she did. His father, his hero, had been killed in the line of duty. Sky didn’t know she knew that, but then, he hadn’t been the one to tell her. During one of her nightly visits to the Command Center, she’d been playing around trying to test the computer’s against her hacking skills and had accidentally tapped into Sky and Bridge’s files, as well as her own. All the information contained in the files was kept close to her heart, but it had helped her to understand her teammates better. He was afraid to feel for anyone what he’d felt for his father, especially if there was the prospect of losing them. Her being his teammate meant that they’d be Rangers together, and there’d be the possibility of her getting hurt, and vice versa. He was just trying to protect himself, and her. Bridge’s advice about patiently waiting and loving him had taken on more meaning when she’d learned of his past.
However, if his smile and moment of playfulness earlier were any indication, she was chipping through his barriers and he was finally understanding that he couldn’t not love people or continue to push them away.
“What are you smiling about?” he called out to her.
“Nothing!” she grinned, ducking her head as she went back to picking up the diamonds. Yes, she was grinning about something, but now it was more than just being able to understand him. With a gleam of female satisfaction, she resolutely refused to mention to him that he’d gotten water all over his crotch and it looked like he’d peed his pants.
Challenge: Game
Summary: Oh the games we play…
AN: This one is weird, sorta, as it hits on something from the episode
Walls, which it’s set after. I hope it turned out all right.
How you play the game, how you play the game,
That's the only thing that counts
How you play the game, how you play the game,
How you keep your wits about you
As the tension mounts
It's how you play the game, how you play the game,
That's where it begins
How you play the game, how you play the game,
How you're feelin' at the finish, when it's all over
That's what really matters, not who wins
Even if some others pass you by (ooh)
If you play fair and square
You can still hold your head up high!
How you play the game, how you play the game,
In the end its how you play the game
You may win lasting fame
But what matters most is...
How you play the game, how you play the game,
In the end it's how you play the game
You may win lasting fame
But what matters most is...
How you play the game!
-- Jem and The Holograms, How You Play The Game --
--
“Sydney Drew, give me back that ball!” Z calls out, chasing Syd around the common room, the blonde shrieking as she runs.
Sky just shook his head at the girls’ childish behavior until Syd jumped onto the couch he was sitting on. “Sky! Save me!” she shrieked, trying to burrow herself into his side.
“Would you two kindly act your ages!” Sky grouched. “Sydney, hide that thing somewhere else!”
“Syd! We can’t play if you don’t give back the ball!” Bridge whined and smiled.
“I keep getting nailed in the head with it, no way am I giving it back to Z!” Syd called, tucking the ball behind her back.
“Listen Princess!” Z demanded, grinning. “Give it up or I start tickling!”
“No way! The only way you’re getting this back is if Sky plays with us!” Syd shot back, knowing that Sky wouldn’t even think of joining them.
Sky shook his head and muttered, “When hell freezes over. I told you earlier, I didn’t want to play. Let it go.”
“Awww, come on Sky! Suffer through one game so Syd will give us back the ball and we’ll leave you alone!” Bridge tried to coax him.
“No.”
“Stop being a hard ass and join us!” Jack complained.
Z looked thoughtful before she snapped her fingers. “Does Sky even know how to play? I mean, all I ever see him do is train and read the SPD handbook,” she challenged. “I mean, he did half ass it earlier, but still.”
Jack snickered. Bridge grinned. Z smirked and Syd smiled up at him. “I think he’d rather play games with his lady love over there then play with us,” Jack teased.
Both Syd and Sky blushed before Sky had a come back. “Maybe I don’t want to play your childish games,” he shot back at them.
Syd smiled up at him when he wiggled his eyebrows at her. She realized he was on her side in keeping the ball from the others, as it was thoroughly pissing them off, something he took pride in doing. “Dude! He’s actually having fun!” Z exclaimed with a laugh when she caught on to Sky’s mood.
Syd and Sky rolled their eyes at her before Sky handed Syd the book he was reading. She started laughing when she read the title. “You do have a sense of humor still!” she laughed, nudging him in the side with her elbow. “Wherever did you get this?”
“I found it in the closet earlier when I was going through some old boxes,” he grinned.
“What?” Jack asked.
Syd smiled and held up the book, which caused the others to laugh while Sky blushed and ducked his head. The title of the book was 101 Ways to Annoy Your Teammates. It had been a gift from Dru before he’d been transferred out of the academy.
“Well, that answers a lot of questions!” Z chirped.
Challenge: Closer
Summary: The truth is a little closer to the surface now
AN: This one is set just after Dogged, and delves a little more into Syd
and Sky from someone else’s pov.
You smile a lot it makes me wonder what you're thinkin' of
Cause baby your always on my mind
And right now I want you with me here by my side
With me till the end of time
I just can't help myself
I'm falling in love with you love, love with you
It doesn't matter what you say or what you do
No matter what you say no matter what you do
Just give me a chance
And I know I'll make you understand right
I just can't help myself
I'm falling in love with you
-- Nobody’s Angel, I Can’t Help Myself --
--
Z was surprised when she walked down a corridor and found Sky staring out a set of windows to the side walkway below. She moved quietly, coming to a stop beside him and looked out to see what he was staring at. She wasn’t surprised in the least to see Sydney out under a tree trying to wrestle a stick away from RIC. Z shook her head. She knew that Sky had been pretty worried and extremely over protective of Sydney since they’d found the Pink Ranger and RIC being attacked in a field a few days before. She remembered clearly the tone of Sky’s voice when he’d found Sydney’s morpher in a puddle and had voiced that as being the reason Syd hadn’t been able to call for help. He cared more about their Pink Princess than he wanted anyone to know.
The Yellow Ranger paid careful attention to her Blue teammate. For the first time since she’d met him, Z noted his face wasn’t guarded and hard. He was watching Sydney wistfully, almost as though he wished he was down there with her. “Can I help you with something?” Sky finally murmured.
“You really have no clue, do you?”
Sky turned his attention to Z with a confused look filtering onto his face. “What?”
“You seriously don’t realize you’ve got a thing for her, do you?” Z asked, looking confused as hell. Even though she didn’t know Sky as well as she should, she could plainly see his feelings for the perky blonde written all over his face.
“For the last time, I don’t have a thing for Syd, okay? She’s one of my best friends; she was in trouble a few days ago. Last I checked, it was okay in the unofficial friendship handbook to be worried about her well being even if she’s safe.”
Z shook her head at him and looked back out at Syd and RIC. She’d been noticing it more and more since Bridge had pointed it out to her a few weeks before. Despite whatever was keeping Sky from seeing it, the Blue and Pink Rangers were so much closer than any of them. Believe it or not, Syd and Sky were almost as close as she and Jack, just in a different way. She and Jack were brother and sister, Syd and Sky had something that was definitely not platonic or familial. What they had was something that they both needed and refused to acknowledge. They were in love with each other.
She remembered the way Sky had carefully wiggled his arm out from under Syd and let the Pink Ranger cuddle against him. Had it been anyone else, he’d have pushed them away. Anytime the five were in the Command Center, Syd and Sky stood together. In battle, Sky seemed to hover over the Pink Ranger a little more than he did any of the rest of them. Z reasoned, silently, that Sydney was the same. She’d been the first person to volunteer to stay with Sky during the mission where he was supposed to guard a bunch of diamonds. She was constantly trying to get Sky involved with the group activities. And from what Bridge had told her, Syd and Sky had once been extremely close, possibly on the verge of being a couple. Bridge had vaguely mentioned something about a training incident and Sky backing off from Syd.
“I know what it’s like to have a best friend that’s that close, and Sky, you and Syd are more than best friends,” Z smirked at him, watching in astonishment as he blushed. “You two circle around each other like you’re still trying to figure each other out. You don’t see Jack letting me hang all over him the way you do with Syd, do you?”
Sky sputtered at the implications of Z’s words. “I do not let Syd hang all over me!”
“You could have fooled me a couple weeks ago when we were in the Common Room right after we had that big blow up with Jack about him taking advantage of being Red Ranger. What about all the times in the Command Center when you two are standing a lot closer together than the rest of us?” Z questioned.
The Blue Ranger shot Z a glare that made her smirk internally. ‘Denial is not just a river in Egypt’ she snickered to herself. “Just admit it Sky, you want to be closer to her. It’s not a sin to love someone, trust me. Besides, Syd being around makes you almost bearable to be with some days.” That said, Z patted his arm and walked away.
Challenge: Denial
Summary: Denial isn’t just that neat river in Egypt anymore
AN: The sequel to Closer.
You might think
I don't look
But deep inside in the corner of my mind
I'm attached to you
I'm weak
It's true
Cause I'm afraid to know the answer
Do you want me too?
Cause my heart keeps falling faster
I've waited all my life
To cross this line
To the only thing that's true
So I will not hide
It's time to try anything to be with you
All my life I've waited
This is true
You don't know
What you do
Every time you walk into the room
I'm afraid to move
I'm weak
It's true
I'm just scared to know the ending
Do you see me too?
Do you even know you met me?
-- Ryan Cabrera, True --
--
She’s sitting on the grass under the tree, her back against the rough bark. RIC’s lying with his head in her lap. She’s sound asleep, her head turned to the side. I can’t help but think how peaceful and serene she looks when she’s asleep. It’s a definite change from the hyperactive, constantly peppy Pink Ranger she is when she’s awake. Carefully, I creep over and crouch next to them. RIC raises his head by I give him a command to keep him silent. Once his head is laying back on Syd’s leg, I reach out and tentatively brush a few stray curls out of her face and tuck them behind her ear. She’s tired, I can tell from the smudges under her eyes. Just like the rest of us, she’s been working round the clock to defend Earth, only now I can see the tell tale signs of the strain on her face. This is also the first time I’ve ever seen her without makeup on, so I know the only reason I’m seeing she’s tired is because there’s nothing to hide it.
Z’s words from earlier this afternoon still echo in my mind. Am I really in love with Sydney? I don’t think so, but Z had a point earlier. Of all of the other members of our team, Syd is the closest to me. Granted, Bridge is like my little brother, and he knows things I wouldn’t want anyone else to know, but I still can’t seem to unload my feelings and thoughts on him, not like I find myself doing with Syd, especially lately. So maybe it means I have a closer platonic relationship with Syd then Z has with Jack. What’s wrong with that? Nothing, that’s what. The only problem is, I don’t think Jack or Z have ever imagined or dreamed seeing each other naked like I have with Syd. It’s not like I haven’t noticed that my best friend is drop dead gorgeous. Any living, breathing, red blooded man would notice that Sydney Drew is beautiful. But I know it’s not all on the outside. Sydney’s beautiful on the inside as well.
She’s stirring now, making these cute little pouting noises that make me smile. I lean closer to her, so that we’re face to face, and I feel my heart start to jump up into my throat. Her lips suddenly look so tempting, so kissable. I’ve wondered for a while what it would be like to kiss her; wondered about it when I really should have been focusing on other matters. I shake myself when I realize how close I am to kissing her. As much as I’d like to find out what it feels like to have those rosy lips against my own, I’m too much of a gentleman to take advantage of her like that.
“RIC, up,” I command softly. The Robotic Canine instantly raises his head and sits back on his haunches.
Scooting forward, I slip one arm under Syd’s knees and the other around her shoulder and hoist her up into my arms. RIC is jumping around at my feet, but one sharp look from me and he’s back down. “Don’t trip me RIC, I’d hate to drop Syd on top of you,” I playfully tell him. He prances off in front of me as I carry a sleeping Sydney in my arms.
Halfway to her room, Syd wakes up and looks at me in confusion before she wraps her arms around my neck and snuggles close to me, going back to sleep in a matter of seconds. “Sky?” she moans softly in my ear, causing me to stumble slightly. I can’t help the blush that creeps onto my face at the sound of her voice.
Shaking my head, I manage to get to her room and get her to her bed. Z’s no where to be found, so I take my time tucking Syd in. It’s only about six in the afternoon, so most everyone’s still on patrol, training, or at dinner, which means I’ll have some time to sit here with her. It isn’t very often that I get to Sydney immobile, as she’s usually so animated and lively that she makes me tired. Watching her sleep like this, and knowing she’s comfortable enough around me to sleep through me carrying her up here, says something.
I gasp softly as a very clear mental image filters into the forefront of my thoughts. I’m lying on a bed, naked, and Syd’s lying on top of me, her head cuddled against my shoulder and her arm wrapped around my chest. Her skin is warm and smooth, her breathing even. I can feel her legs intertwined with my own and her breasts pressing into my side. I can see feel myself leaning down and nudging her mouth with my own, first in one kiss, then another, then another until we’re full on kissing.
Before I realize it, I’m back in the present and I’m full on kissing Sydney, who’s arching her back so her chest is against my chest and her arms are wrapped around my neck. My own arms are wrapped around her. “Syd?” I gasp softly, pulling back so that our foreheads are touching.
“Hmmm…Sky?”
“Shh, go back to sleep,” I whisper, easing her back down on the bed. She’s looking up at me with confused, sleepy eyes, like she isn’t sure what just happened was a dream or not. “Goodnight Syd,” I whisper, leaning down to kiss her forehead. Her eyes are closed and her breathing is even.
As I watch her slip back into the land of dreams, I find I can no longer deny my feelings for her – I want her. What’s worse, I realized something while we were kissing and I was dreaming. I more than want her, I’m in love with her. Shakily, I rise from her bed, making sure to minimize my movements so I don’t wake her up. Carefully I creep from the room and into the hall. Once I’m clear of her door, I start walking toward my own room, the realization that I can’t ignore what I’m feeling for her singing in my veins.
Challenge: One Moment
Summary: One moment can change everything
AN: Set after Sam Pt. 2
Everything Changes
But beauty remains
Something so tender
I can't explain
Well I may be dreaming
But still lie awake
Can we make this dream last forever
And I'll cherish all the love we share
A moment like this
Some people wait a lifetime
For a moment like this
Some people search forever
For that one special kiss
Oh, I can't believe it's happening to me
Some people wait a lifetime
For a moment like this
-- Kelly Clarkson, A Moment Like This --
--
I can’t help the small sigh that escapes me as Sky walks me to my room. For the last few minutes I’ve been in heaven, and the reason for that is the strong arm currently wrapped around my waist. After Sam called us old and weird, to which I said I wasn’t old and Jack said just weird, Sky wrapped his arm around me. He hasn’t let me go since then either. I’m practically plastered to his side, not that I mind. I’m just curious about the sudden shift in attitude.
“You okay?” Sky asks softly.
I look up at him and nod once. “I’m fine,” I whisper and lean against him, wanting to imprint the moment in my memory. Any time I get to be this close to him, I have to make sure I savor it, because I don’t know when or if there’ll ever be another.
“You aren’t really upset about being called old, are you?” he teases me.
“No,” I giggle. “My uncle and I are only about eleven or so years apart, so I can see how Sam would think we’re old. I use to call my uncle old too.”
“Okay, just checking,” he grins at me. “Come on, we all need some rest after today.”
We stop at my and Z’s door. Carefully, I step away from him only to have him take my hand. I’m a little confused by his rubbing the top of my hand with his thumb, so I look at him strangely. “Sky?”
“What?” he asks, looking up from where his gaze is on my hand.
I let one eyebrow arch as I stare at him. He’s looking kind of sheepish as he continues to caress my skin. “Are you going to let my hand go?’
“Sorry,” he mutters. The blush on his face makes me wonder what’s going on with him.
“Are you okay?” I ask even as I bring my free hand up to touch his face. I’m surprised when he leans into the palm of my hand, almost nuzzling it.
“Yeah. Goodnight Syd,” he whispers before letting my hand go and heading for his room. I’m left standing in the hallway, unsure of what just happened. I could have sworn for a moment Sky almost wanted to say something else to me. He’s been acting strange for a few days no, ever since he carried me in from sleeping under a tree outside. It’s almost like he’s got feelings for me beyond friendship.
It hits me so suddenly that I’m stunned to the point that I can’t breath. I stumble into my room and fall down on my bed. Oh my God, why didn’t I see it before? All this time he’s been pushing me away, not because he hates me, but because he’s in love with me. He’s afraid of getting close to people, because of how he lost his father and more recently because Dru left the academy and mysteriously disappeared. It’s no wonder he’s turned into a sourpuss on me!
“You okay?” Z suddenly asks. I squeak in surprise and turn my head to look at her. “Syd, what’s wrong?”
“Why didn’t I see it before? One little moment and now everything’s changed!” I rant, closing my eyes.
I know Z’s looking at me like I’ve lost my mind, which I may very well have. “Sydney?”
“Sky’s in love with me!” I chirp in shock.
“Well duh! You just now noticed that?”
My eyes pop open and I look over at Z and stare at her. “You knew?” I accuse.
My yellow teammate just grins at me and nods. “You just now figured that out? Everyone’s known, Princess, for quite a while might I add.”
I’m shocked beyond belief. Normally, Bridgey would have told me something like this by now, but considering all the subtle hints he’s been giving me for the last year, I’m suddenly surprised I didn’t get it. “Oh God!”
Z’s still smirking at me, and it’s starting to irritate me. “Are you going to be okay?”
“NO!” I screech at her, sitting up on my bed. Without a thought, I grab Peanuts and pull him to my chest. “Z, you don’t get it. I’ve been in love with him for over a year now. Until just recently, he’s pushed me away and been rude and obnoxious and so unlike the Sky I got to know when I got here. Like I told you that first week you joined, he never gets easier to live with, and I should know. I’ve lived with him longest.”
“Okay, my next question is what are you going to do about it?”
I mull over that question. The answer is clear enough. “To be honest, I don’t know if I am going to do anything about it.”
Z’s staring at me in quiet shock. “Sydney?”
I can only shake my head. I’m still trying to process the new information. Dreams that I all but put down for never going to happen suddenly have been given renewed life. I’m scared of the possibilities. I’m suddenly reminded of a movie my mom use to watch when I was little. It was called Where The Heart Is. There’s a quote from it that I’ve always remembered. ‘Time can change in every breath we take’. The same can be said for moments – it only takes one moment to change your life. For good, for bad, it only takes a moment.