I have no idea where this fic came from I'm a fan of platonic Jack/Z but this is my first romance type story (that's more than a paragraph long) so be nice and please r&r.
Disclaimer-It's not mine and I'm not earning any money out of this.
The dawn is breaking
A light is shining through
You're barely waking and I'm tangled up in you
Collide- Howie Day
Jack checked his watch again, yes it was definitely 12 o'clock an hour after Z had promised to meet him so they could study for their exam. Knocking sharply on the door of the shared room of the pink and yellow SPD rangers. Jack crossed his arms ready to make Z pay a high price for standing him up pizza or maybe a new comic he had read all of Bridge's.
"Wha..Jack?" Leaning against the doorjamb as if she did not have the strength to stand on her own Syd covered a huge yawn. Dressed in a skimpy silk nightdress, blonde curls sleepily mussed Jack could not help a look full of masculine appreciation before he mentally slapped himself. He was her team-mate and commanding officer those kind of thoughts were strictly off limits but he could not help having another quick glance as Syd turned around crawling back into bed.
"Z's not here." She called out from the depths of her covers.
Looking around at the clash of styles and colours Jack thanked Cruger once again for giving him his own room having to share his space was a huge no way.
"I can see that do you know where she is?"
Syd sighed dramatically, lowering her blanket enough so Jack could see her glaring at him.
"She had a date with Darrell last night and I haven't seen her since she ran out of here wearing my new jacket. So you do the math red ranger."
Putting down the book he had been flicking through Jack stared at her.
"Darrell? Whose Darrell?" He choked out, not again so soon after the last guy had done her over.
"The tech she's been seeing for nearly two weeks now." God where have you been her tone implied.
Sitting down heavily on Z's bed Jack became fascinated by his hands. He had not known, two weeks why had she not told him?
"Hey are you okay?" Getting out of bed Syd sat next to him shoving cds and clothes out of her way. "I'm sorry I didn't think you and Z were like that." Worried she had put her foot in it Syd hugged him.
Blinking Jack clenched his fists and pulled away forcing on his most casual mask.
"We're not I was just shocked Z could date a guy for that long. Hey!" He mused with brittle cheer, "Maybe she's got something on him." Standing he ruffled Syd's curls, "If you see her remind her about our forensics what not to do test tomorrow."
Still looking troubled Syd did not even berate him for touching her hair.
"We don't have a test tomorrow do we?"
Relieved that was all she was concerned about Jack smiled almost normally.
"Nah they're just making sure me and Z are catching up okay. I'll see you later."
As soon as he was outside Jack sagged against the corridor wall running a restless hand through his braids.
Okay, he thought. So Z is seeing someone it will fizzle all of her boyfriends did usually sooner rather than later. All her relationships had flashing neon expiration dates he just had to hang in there and patch his girl up enough so the next SOB didn't completely shatter her.
"Hey Jack!" From the other end of the corridor Bridge B squad's green ranger waved at him maniacally. "Want a game of light ball?"
Straightening Jack nodded and together they headed for the outside arena being stuck inside when they did not have to be did not hold any appeal.
"Should we ask Sky?" Jack asked. He was trying to make a point of team activities even if B squad was never the absolute best of friends they would at least have a solid working team.
Bridge shook his head.
"No his Dad called last night demanding a family get together so unless something big and ugly or even not so ugly attacks Sky is having a barbecue with roughly twenty of his nearest and most loathed family members."
"I thought Sky would jump at the chance to spend some time with his Dad guy has a serious case of hero worship."
"Worshipping someone on a pedestal is easy. Sky likes his Dad most at a distance." Bridge said shortly throwing Jack a playing glove. A little taken aback Jack caught it easily he always assumed Sky was pretty tight with his father.
In the arena members of C and D squad and several other base personnel were already in the middle of a vicious looking game.
Hand springing out of the way a zooming light ball which re-bounded off the wall Jack had been standing in front of.
"Hey look it's the B's here to show us how it's done!" Jeered a member of C squad pushing his sweaty hair off his forehead.
Sharing a look Bridge and Jack nodded at each other.
"You've got that right cadet!" Called Jack.
"Be prepared to be amazed!" Catching the ball as it was thrown at them Bridge tossed it to Jack. "Astounded!"
"Eliminated!" Cried Jack as he threw it as hard as possible at the cadet who had welcomed them.
The game was on and B squad had a reputation to uphold even without Sky.
Later they were all, minus Z who still had not turned up relaxing in the common room. Sky had returned from his family get together mostly unscathed just a little paler than normal and was working on a mini spaceship to soothe his nerves. Syd had spent the afternoon at the salon and was explaining to an intrigued Bridge all the benefits of the creams and lotions her therapist had coned her into buying.
His forensic book open on his lap but largely ignored Jack's attention was split between watching his team-mates and the door.
Most techs he had found out do not live at command they had no reason to. Unlike cadets they had no early or late training they were not rangers who were on immediate call out. The only ones who did were low paid or aliens who were not completely comfortable with Earth yet. So tracking down Z was more involved than knocking on lover boy's dorm room.
Jack had decided she had until 9 o'clock after that he was hacking into the highly private and confidential employee records and praying Cruger never found out.
Suddenly an attack alarm sounded overhead and his morpher beeped loudly.
"Rangers Krybots are attack down town report in and dispatch."
Leaping up leaving what they had been doing the four rangers ran to the garage Jack, Bridge and Sky went to their bikes leaving Syd alone in the jeep.
Leading the way Jack grew more and more annoyed. It was one thing to stand him up and lie to him for weeks but to miss an emergency just so she get horizontal with some guy. This whole thing had been her idea and now she was flaking out on it!
Taking a corner sharply Jack signalled to Syd and Bridge up ahead a swarm of Krybots filled Fountain Square. Coming in closer Jack's blood froze in the centre of the swarm unmorphed but proud and defiant Z was in her ready stance and then five Z's appeared each somersaulting in different directions throwing themselves at the bots.
Taking a moment to plan Jack studied her. This was why Cruger wanted them, they might be undisciplined and untrained but unlike the others they fought with everything they had too often in their lives wining a fight had meant surviving another day.
"What are you waiting for" Demanded Sky getting of his slower bike.
"You." Replied Jack unclipping the morpher from his belt.
"Squad leader we're in position." Came Syd's voice over the morpher.
"Go when ready."
"Acknowledged."
Turning to Sky Jack considered his plan. For some reason Z had not morphed even if she was near death Z would still expect him to ask if she needed his help, Sky on the other hand she would dismiss as not knowing better.
"Sky head straight for Z we'll attack from the sides." Nodding at each other both men held out their morphers.
"SPD Emergency!" They chanted together. Invincibility filled him the knowledge that he Jack Landors was the red ranger, unbeatable.
Taking out his blasters Jack watched Sky jump on and over Krybots quickly reaching a Z but a blue head coming straight at him prevented Jack from seeing if it was the real one.
It did not take long soon the bots were either laying in pieces of retreating. Powering down Jack knew he was missing something Krybots never attacked without a reason.
Looking around Jack saw Bridge and Syd also unmorphed making their way towards him Bridge was picking up broken bot parts and tossing them into a rough pile.
"I don't know why you're bothering," Syd was complaining as Jack came into hearing distance, "We're rangers now other squads clean up after us."
"I still have calluses from the years we spent cleaning up after A squad. Why inflict on others what we ourselves suffered through."
"Guys!" Jack interrupted before Syd and Bridge launched into their little whom can out talk the who game. "Where are Z and Sky?"
"I'm not sure I think I saw them go into that building." Said Bridge pointing to a glass fronted sloped building. Running inside Jack and Bridge called out to the others. Rolling her eyes Syd pulled out her morpher.
"Blue, yellow please respond." Feeling stupid Jack crossed his arms waiting for an answer.
"Sky! Z?" Syd shouted worriedly breaking regulations when they failed to answer.
"Come on guys where are you?" Using his own morpher Bridge was flicking through frequencies trying to get a response.
"We're in the ground floor parking lot." Sounding calm if a puzzled over their panic call outs Sky replied.
"Sky! Thank god you had us worried are you both okay?" Asked Syd.
"I'm fine Z's not," Sky said shortly, "Get down here."
"What?" Grabbing Syd's morpher Jack felt cold again. "What's wrong with her."
"She's fine calling me everything she can think of for daring to her rescue her but fine."
"Rescue me? What fight were you watching?" Breathing a sigh of relief at Z's voice spitting insults Jack closed his eyes in gratitude.
Telling Syd to get the jeep and meet them down there he and Bridge charged down stairs heading for the basement parking lot. It took a while but eventually Bridge spotted them.
An arm wrapped around each other's waist Z seemed to be letting Sky carry most of her weight. Ignoring the irrational stab of jealousy Jack called out to them.
"Guys!" It came out harsher than he intended and from the corner of his eye he saw Bridge give him a speculative look.
Z and Sky head's shot up.
"We need to get back to base." Sky said turning so he brought both of them around without Z moving that much.
Jack could see Z try to pull away but he was holding on firmly until finally she gave up and leaned back into him pinching his stomach Sky yelped engulfing her hand with his so she could not try that again.
Now he was closer Jack could see the forming bruises on Z's face and how she held one leg off the ground.
Biting his lip Jack touched the unmarked side of her face gently.
"What happened?" He asked softly.
"The blue head shot at my morpher." Smiling to take the sting out of her tone Z turned her head so Jack's hand fell away. Unreasonably hurt Jack dropped his arm to his side.
"The blue head fried your morpher." Sky corrected passing it to Bridge.
"Hey!" protested Z.
"He might be able to fix it and your not going anywhere on that leg unless you're morphed or god forbid accept help…your choice."
"Morphed." Chorused Jack and Z eyes meeting in perfect understanding. The moment past way to quickly for Jack's taste with a screech of tyres as Syd pulled up beside them.
Pocketing Z's morpher Bridge shrugged.
"Sorry Z your morpher's beyond field jiggery pokery it has to go to Kat." Moving to Z's other side shouldering Jack non to gently out of the way Bridge and Sky bent together hooking Z behind her knees lifting her between them.
"Put me down! I can to it myself!" Her voice unnaturally high Z wiggled trying to free herself.
"Z! They'll drop you it's just to get you to command." Jack pleaded trying to reason past Z's knee jerk reaction to being manhandled.
Carefully putting her in the back of the jeep Sky and Bridge climbed back out.
"Jack you'd better ride with her." Bridge said quietly.
Nodding his thanks Jack got in next to Z who was demanding Syd put the radio back to the 'good' station.
"Wait my bike." Frankly between Z and some bike their was not a competition but as Kat was going to be the first person he saw he would prefer not to have to explain leaving one of her inventions laying around to be sold for parts.
Opening his mouth Sky shook his head restraining himself from what ever he was going to say. "Radio headquarters they can guide it in."
The next morning Jack listened with half an ear while his forensic instructor reviewed his evaluation.
Z had been excused so Jack had not seen her since last night when Kat had kicked them all out of med bay. The morning doctor had refused to let him in at 6 a.m. it had been tempting to phase in and hide in something big so he could check up his girl but Cruger had come along and given him his I-Know-What-You're-Thinking- And-Don't look. Classes and practice had kept him busy all morning but now it was lunchtime official visiting hours they had to let him in.
After getting some chocolate for Z from the only vending machine on base that dispensed sugary goodness Jack went to the infirmary waving cheekily at the doctor who had kept him out earlier.
"…Feed myself I've had it mastered for a good few years now." Her tone softly flirtatious Z voice drew him further into medical. The only part of her Jack could see was blanket covered legs the rest was caged and hidden by a blonde Adonis feeding her pieces of white chocolate, her favourite Jack thought distantly.
"Never trust a squadie to get the job done within proper parametres." The Adonis moved in closer and for endless seconds Jack endured the sound of them kissing. Forcing his legs to unlock Jack took unsteady steps backward unable to hold himself together Jack passed through an examination table.
"Jack!" Exclaimed Z finally spotting him.
Stepping around all the solid objects unwilling to show Z and her 'friend' how off his game he was Jack moved back towards a blushing Z as she tried to smooth down her hair.
The Adonis moved to stand by her side taking her hand in his.
Anger bubbled up inside Jack. Who the hell was this guy? Standing there as if he owned a controlling interest.
"Umm hi you know Darrell right?" Smiling nervously Z indicated to him with their joined hands.
"No," Jack said coldly, "But this would be the guy you've been seeing for two weeks and never bothered to tell me about."
"It's not like that." Z said flatly.
"Look man she just wanted some time to know me before she told you. Your not exactly supportive of her love life."
Right then if he had been armed Jack would have shot the self-righteous bastard. How dare he explain Z 's actions to him. Jack knew her better than anyone, what made her happy, sad and everything in between. They had been through the worst together and for this stranger to be standing there and telling him how Z ticked. It went beyond unbelievable.
Taking a deep breath Jack ignored the other man focusing completely on his girl.
"When you're ready to talk to me yourself without the mouth piece…come and find me." Striding away furiously not caring to keep himself solid he missed the pitying look the doctor gave him. Jack knew he had to get away.
That unfortunatly was not on the cards.
"B squad report to the command centre."
The assignment much to Jack's regret did not involve any fighting. A powerful urge had consumed him demanding he destroy something, smash it into tiny little pieces so nothing was left.
He left the others to take the reports while he looked around hoping the thieves were stupid enough to hang around.
By the time they were back at headquarters Jack's temper had turned nasty. He had snapped or yelled at everyone clearing the common room and he had been banished from the squad's table.
"Oh that's so cute!" Exclaimed Syd.
Whipping his head around to the door Jack glared at a giggling and oblivious Z clutching a stuffed white dog. Jack was unable to look away as Z dropped the dog and reached up to cup Darrell's face kissing him softly.
"Strange." Said Sky.
"What?" Syd said scowling at Sky in case he dared to say anything bad about the cutesy scene being played out before them.
"I didn't realise how unhappy Z looks most of the time." Judas. Jack thought but as much as he hated it Sky had a point. Despite her bruises and bandaged hand Z glowed pulling away from Darrell she had a genuine smile on her face something Jack or anyone else rarely saw. Darrell whispered something to her and with another but thankfully quicker kiss he was gone.
Looking over to where the team was whispering or smirking at her Z seemed surprised to see them rolling her eyes she hobbled over until she caught sight of Jack and her wonderful smile faded completely. Without breaking eye contact she spoke to the others.
"Guys could you give us a minute." Jack was grateful she had asked right now he was not sure that he could talk.
With well wishes and see you laters their team-mates were gone leaving them alone together.
"What's your problem Jack?" Getting right to the point Z stood glaring at him.
Pushing himself to his feet Jack paced the room dragging his hands through his hair. Unsure of how to start, should he start or just brush it away? But it was too big Jack found he could not push it away even as he opened his mouth to deny everything other words came pouring out.
"My problem? How about you going off and doing some guy and I have to hear about it from someone we've known for five minutes!"
"Well maybe I didn't want to tell you cause god knows you've never liked any relationship I've had that doesn't include you!" Hands clenched they circled each other waiting for the others next attack.
"Well maybe of you'd stop choosing low life scum of the earth I'd have a reason to be nice. I mean do you wear a sign? Free sex and please treat me like dirt!"
"That low Jack even for you," Her voice dropping Z's eyes narrowed into slits, "At least I try for a relationship I know I deserve more than a quick fumble in the back of a dark alley without bothering to know a name."
"Maybe I don't want to know names, no ties, no commitments everyone gets exactly what they want!" His chest heaving with laboured breaths Jack's eyes fluttered closed as Z stroked his cheek.
"You deserve better." She whispered.
"I have better I've got you." Also dropping his voice to a whisper Jack covered her hand.
"Jack don't." She said brokenly.
"Don't what Z? Tell you what you've known for years? This brother crap was your idea I never wanted it but it was better than being alone."
"You don't mean that."
"Do you remember when you first said it? Be my brother Jack so I know you'll always be there." He parroted the hated words. "So I did but you never mentioned anything about it until that night we kissed."
"Don't stop please Jack."
"No we've put this off long enough." Blinded by his own emotions Jack took a step forward brushing his body lightly against hers. Sliding his free hand into her hair. Jack lowered his head slowly giving her plenty of time to back out. Touching his lips to hers softly tasting her quickly before he backed off rubbing their noses together before kissing her again moaning as she kissed him back.
"No!" Z yelled pushing him away. "You're my family."
"I can still be your family." Part of him was disgusted at how desperate he sounded but mostly Jack just wanted the rightness of having Z close back again.
"No this and then you go boyfriends leave Jack."
"I wont." He swore.
"You can't promise me that even family leave but they stay around as long as they possibly can first. Boyfriends go just because something else has caught their eye." Angrily Z pushed him further away until he fell onto the sofa he had been sitting on earlier.
"We've been together for years Z."
"As family." She insisted
"No as friends because that's how you wanted it. You've been running scared for a long time when are you going to trust me?"
"I do trust you."
"You trust me to watch your back, get you food when your sick but you don't trust me with yourself," Jack spread his arms out wide. "Isn't enough any more I can't be your brother." Spitting the word out bitterly Jack stood up again. "You wanted me back though, then and now." Making a last effort Jack looked her straight in the eye refusing to let her turn away.
Laughing without humour Z raised her chin.
"Then we were two very hormonal driven kids," stepping close she continued, "and now Kat's got me on so many drugs I'd kiss the dog."
Roughly scrubbing his face Jack sighed looking at her through splayed fingers. Looking lost and defiant daring him the only thing that stopped him from taking up her challenge was her over bright eyes. Tears Jack knew she would never shed even in front of him especially now.
"I can't be your brother." He repeated.
"Then you can't be anything."
"You know I never would have pushed this if I didn't think you felt the same but I guess that's always been our problem I've always needed you more than you've ever wanted me."
Taking a step back Jack turned and ran out of the room as fast as he possibly could.
A.N. I'm not sure if I should keep this as a one shot it's tempting but I've got some ideas for a Z pov.
Re-posting & this time fingers crossed ff wont mess with the formating