Variations Of Pink
Chapter 11: Officers Ball Pt. 2
Last Revised: August 25, 2005
Summary: It's time for the big dance
Rating: it's changed, M, for adult-themed situations.
Disclaimer: I don't own PR, Disney does
AN: The song excerpt comes from NSYNC – Something Like You.
AN2: "A leader is someone who always encourages his teammates to do better and to stand by them no matter what. A leader knows when to take over and when to let his teammates shine. He's protective, and is a great listener and would do anything for one of his teammates." – BloomingViolets.
AN3: With great appreciation for her support, advice, help and friendship, this chapter is dedicated to BloomingViolets. I hope you enjoy reading this as much as you enjoyed helping me pick the dresses, hairstyles and the song, among other things:winks: There is no shortage of Sky/Syd moments in this particular chapter, just so you know, and they were done for you and all the Syd/Sky fans out there!.
"Once in awhile, right in the middle of an ordinary life, love gives us a fairy tale." -- Unknown --
Leaning against the doorframe, he watched his friends work out. Jack was sparring against a wooden dummy that was often used for the Martial Arts classes. Bridge was laying on the bench press, working with a pretty heavy set of weights, while Z sat on his stomach and counted out loud during his reps. The secret about Bridge that few knew – the boy had abs of steel. Sky wondered if he could accomplish what Bridge was doing if he was on the bench press with Sydney sitting on his stomach. Of course, with his luck, other parts of his anatomy would distract him. Better not to think about that...
And then there was Sydney, headphones attached to her ears while she ran on the treadmill and sung quietly to whatever she was listening to. She was dressed in a pink S.P.D. t-shirt, running shoes, her hair pulled back in a tight ponytail, and the smallest pair of pink shorts Sky had ever seen her wear gracing her lower half.
Grinning, Sky moved into the workout room, bringing his finger to his lips to quiet the others, who were getting ready to call out greetings. Quickly, he tossed his sweatshirt over one of the empty benches and moved toward the treadmill.
After he'd gotten back from the tuxedo adventure with his dad, uncle, and Jason, he'd asked Kat where the others were and had been told they were in the gym doing a light workout to off set their partying at the ball later in the evening.
Quickly, Sky had donned a pair of loose fitting shorts that hung down past his knees and his favorite blue S.P.D. shirt, and then had set out in search of his friends. When he'd left his room, he'd also grabbed a sweatshirt, just incase they decided to head outside.
Carefully and quietly, Sky snuck up behind the love of his life, noting that she was oblivious to what was going on around her. Sky could see she had already gone four and three quarter miles at a steady jog, and knew she'd go to five miles before she stopped; his Sydney hated sweating.
Nimbly, Sky hopped up on the treadmill behind the Pink Ranger and began to run with her, ever thankful for the room the huge contraption gave him so he didn't bump into her. Once he was comfortable with the pace, Sky reached forward and trapped Sydney between his arms, continuing to run with her.
He smiled when she pulled her headphones off and reached for her nearby water bottle and suddenly noticed his arms. "AHHHHHH!"
"GOTCHA!"
"SKY!" she gasped, jumping slightly and yet, still managing to continue her run.
"Hi Syd," Sky beamed. The other tree Rangers present laughed at Sydney's expense, rolled their eyes at the mushiness displayed by the teammates, and then went back to what they were doing.
"What the hell are you trying to do, give me a heart attack?"
"No, but our dads tried giving me one earlier."
Sydney looked piqued with interest. "My dad's here?"
Sky nodded. "Yep. I spent the whole afternoon after my discharge with him, my dad, and my Uncle Eric."
"Doing what?" Sydney asked as they began to slow their run, cooling their muscles off.
"We went shopping for a tuxedo for me to wear tonight. I outgrew all of mine before I came to the academy, and since I've been here, I haven't had a need for one, until now."
The pair hopped off the treadmill and took turns gulping down water from Syd's bottle. "I so need a shower now," Sydney muttered, squeaking in surprise when Sky pulled her into his arms.
"No, what you need right now is give me a kiss," Sky teased, pulling her close. Their lips met gently at first, then slanted against one another as passion took over.
"GET A ROOM!" three voices rang out, followed by flying towels, which Sky swiftly deflected with a well placed force field.
"Walk me back to my room?" Syd asked, breathless, when Sky pulled back from her.
"Sure.
It was a good thing Sydney's bed wasn't far from the door, because the two of them tumbled down on it just seconds after entering the girls' room, their lips fused together and their arms wrapped around each other.
'It's never been like this with other girls' Sky mused to himself, thinking about the few girls he'd actually dated before, as he positioned himself so that he was half laying on Sydney and half laying next to her, their legs intertwined together. One hand cupped her cheek while the other hand caressed her now bare stomach, thanks to him having pushed her shirt up a little. It was, by far, the most intense make out session the Blue Ranger had ever experienced, and he'd barely done anything to the woman who was like a flame in his arms.
Sydney had both arms looped up and around Sky's neck, her fingers sifting through the hair at the base of his head while she was so thoroughly kissed, her body straining and reacting to every caress. She shivered when she felt his hand push her shirt up to just under her breasts. For a split second, the Pink Ranger thought of pushing her boyfriend back but she realized almost as suddenly as the panic hit her that Sky was simply caressing her stomach, not even daring to go higher, or lower, out of respect for her. He simply wanted to touch her skin, and probably thought that was the safest spot to do so.
"Sky!" Syd gasped softly when his kisses moved to her jaw line and then her ear and neck.
"I love you," he whispered, nibbling gently on her earlobe before he pressed his lips to the column of her neck and gently nipped and sucked at the pulse point, which was bouncing erratically just under the smoothness of Syd's skin.
"Sky," she whispered a little louder this time, effectively breaking the moment. Sky was gasping for breath when he pulled back to tower over her, putting his weight on each forearm as he trapped her between them, and finally realizing how badly he'd lost control with her.
"Sorry."
"It's ok, I liked it, but I don't think we're quite ready for that step just yet," she smiled angelically up at him, watching him nod and grin sheepishly.
"I guess I should let you shower and get ready for tonight."
Sydney laughed, rearing up and nipping the skin just under Sky's chin. "Yeah, I've only got three hours before I have to be ready, and you know me, I take forever. Plus, I have to help Z and Kat with their hair."
"Wow!" Z muttered when Sydney emerged from the bathroom. They'd both taken showers and had done their makeup after they had come back from their workout. While they were getting ready, Sydney had shared her and Sky's romantic moment with her best female friend. For her part, Z had sighed in happiness for her friend, and in a little bit of annoyance – the two of them were so damn mushy now days.
"You like?" Sydney asked, twirling around in her dress, her hair finally done.
"I love it."
"Good, let's get started on you before Kat gets here."
Commander Cruger stood with Jack, Bridge and Sky in the lobby of the academy, waiting on Kat, Z, Sydney and Jack's date, Allison.
The B Squad Pink Ranger, Allison, was the first to join them. Jack was pleasantly surprised at how beautiful she was completely dressed up. She wore her mane of red hair down around her shoulders, which were left bare by her pink and red dress. It was a tube style dress in pink with red accents, and in her right hand, a small purse of the same design as her dress was carried, along with his boutonniere.
Jack moved forward and presented her with a beautiful fire and ice rose done in Pink and Red, and allowed her to pin the lovely red rose to his lapel.
He wore a black suite very befitting of his status as Red Ranger. The jacket was single breasted with a notched lapel and four buttons. The pants were pleated with straight legs. He wore a classic white dress shirt with solid black studs and a regular red dress tie. Over the shirt, and just under the jacket, was a vest in the same color as his tie and he had a red hankie in his jacket pocket. To top off the ensemble, he wore polished, black dress shoes.
Kat was the next of the girls to show up, having left a few minutes before Sydney and Z as the two girls were making sure they had everything – handbags, lipstick, shawls, and of course, their morphers.
The feline doctor was wearing a Grecian goddess design in dark brown with two golden sequined stripes, one just under her breasts to define them and one at her waist, giving the dress a sectioned look. It had a tank style top with twisted straps and billowing skirt. To complete the ensemble, a pair of high-heeled sandals in the same gold as the stripes on her dress graced her feet, courtesy of Z.
Her hair was swept back, part of it woven and braided into a crown that surrounded the back of her head while the rest of it hung down her shoulders in a mass of curls and her bangs were curled as well.
Commander Cruger stood in his dress uniform, a white wrist corsage in his hand, which he slipped onto Kat's wrist once she was standing next to him. Leaning forward, Kat pinned the white rose to the lapel of his jacket.
Z suddenly came into everyone's line of vision, making them all gasp softly. She had cut her shoulder length hair, and had Sydney part it on the left side and brush it to the sides, held in place with two pale yellow clips, her bangs covering her right eyebrow, which left the back flared out.
She wore an a-frame two piece dress, in pale yellow with a tight, paneled, sleeveless bodice that showed a bit of her bust and a skirt that was tight at her hips and flared out as it descended. Very pointy pale yellow stiletto heels graced her feet. In her hand was a handbag in a color nearly the same as her dress, as well as a yellow rose boutonniere for Bridge, which she pinned to his jacket.
Bridge's tux was a single breasted, notched lapel suit in black with the classic set of tails on the jacket, which Z decided was so Bridge-like. He wore a classic white shirt with pearl colored studs, a vest and bow tie in safe green. He wore pants and shoes similar to Jacks, and had a black satin hankie in his breast pocket.
The only one left standing by himself was Sky, who looked dashing in his tuxedo. He wore a single breasted, black tux jacket with only one button, which was nearly invisible and located at the collar. His shirt was a classic white with black studs, and his pants were the same style as his teammates'. He wore no tie, and had no breast pocket or lapel on the jacket, which meant no hankie. He did, however, wear a blue colored vest to signify his status as a ranger, and he wore pointed black shoes that gleamed in the lights.
And finally, it was Sydney's turn in the spotlight. To say the others, with the exception of Allison, Kat and Z, who had already seen her, were speechless, was an understatement of epic proportions.
Sydney wore a blue silk dress with double layered skirt that stopped mid calf and had large, faint roses printed lightly on the material that started near her waist and went to the bottom hem. There were deep blue ribbons tied just under her bodice, giving the dress an illusion of an empire waist. A spaghetti strap tank style top completed the dress, and pale blue, lace up, high heeled sandals graced her feet, completing her outfit.
Her hair was pulled back into a series of ponytails close to her head with wisps hanging out here and there all the way down so that her long blonde locks hung down the middle of her back, and her bands were straightened and then curled at the ends, before she had tucked them behind her ears.
Sky was absolutely shocked to see her not wearing her signature pink, but shades of blue – his signature color. His mouth dropped open when Sydney began walking toward him. In her hands was a pale blue, rose print purse and a pale pink boutonniere, which she stood on tip toe and pinned to Sky's jacket in the spot where his lapel would have been.
"Definitely worth the shopping trips, huh?" Sydney asked softly when Sky placed the pale pink and white corsage on her wrist.
"Oh yeah."
"All right people; let's get going before we're late!" Jack interrupted the romantic moment, causing the others to glare or roll their eyes at him. Quickly the eight went outside to the limo that Commander Cruger had ordered for them and left for the ballroom where the festivities were being held.
"Ladies and Gentlemen, allow me to introduce the guests of honor!" the M.C. spoke as the team waited in the lobby of the building where the Officers Ball was being held.
"Commander Anubis Cruger and Dr. Katherine Manx of the Space Patrol Delta Academy of Earth!" the man in a black and white tux announced as Cruger led Kat through an archway decorated in twinkling lights and multi-hued roses. They stopped just past it and waved as their pictures were taken by dozens of reporters and photographers.
"Next, we have Cadet Jack Landors, former B Squad and newly appointed A Squad Red Ranger, and his date, Allison Parker, new B Squad Pink Ranger."
Jack and Allison walked through the archway and stopped, just as the pair before them had, allowing those with cameras to take their pictures.
"Bridge Carson, former B Squad and newly appointed A Squad Green Ranger and his date and teammate, Elizabeth "Z" Delgado, former B Squad and new A Squad Yellow Ranger."
Bridge gasped at the intensity of feeling that hit him as he and Z walked into the ballroom. There were so many people, that it almost overwhelmed the Green Ranger. Z merely smiled and then leaned close to him. "Relax. Use me and the team as a buffer if you have to."
When the two of them moved to stand with the others, the announcer introduced the final pair. "Introducing Schuyler Tate and Sydney Drew, former B squad, and new A Squad, Blue and Pink Rangers."
There were wolf whistles and cheering when the pair walked through the arch, which irked Sky slightly. He didn't like guys ogling Sydney, never had and never would.
After the introductions, the group of eight moved to the tables set up at the front of the room for them. Sydney was amazed, along with her teammates, to see so many former Rangers in attendance, as well as current cadets of the Academy and some of the most powerful people in the universe.
There was a speech from the President of the United States, one Trini Kwan Cranston – the first female President - about the legacy that was the Power Rangers, a legacy many learned Trini was apart of as the original Yellow Ranger of Earth. Z was surprised to hear that, as well as learn from Syd that Trini was practically her aunt, through both sets of parents.
After Trini's speech, one of the senators of California, Senator Rockford DeSantos, made a speech about S.P.D. and its Earth Academy. Following the former Red Morphin and Blue Zeo Ranger was the Governor of California, Adam Park, and another former Ranger, who talked about the exploits of the S.P.D. teams of the past.
Finally, Supreme Commander Birdie approached the microphone and spoke of the current A Squad Rangers, and their dedication to defeating Grumm as well as their current threat.
Mayor Carmine of New Tech City rose to join Birdie and motioned for Cruger and Kat to join him as well. He presented the key to New Tech City to the Commanding Officers of the S.P.D. Academy and thanked them for their service to the city, country, world, etc.
Commander Cruger stood at the microphone as the waiters began bringing out dinner for those in attendance. "I have a few awards I'd like to present, to members of the Ranger teams."
All eyes and ears were on Cruger as he stood at the podium, suddenly joined by Kat.
"The first of these is the Most Inspirational in Battle. This award is in recognition of the Ranger who helped his or her teammates out most in battle with encouraging words or actions. I'd like to present it tonight to Cadet Bridge Carson of A Squad."
Bridge looked shocked when he heard his name and had to have Z push him to head up to the podium, where he shook Cruger and Kat's hands and accepted the award before going back to sit down.
"The next award is Most Improved Ranger. The recipient of this award has, by far, worked harder than anyone else to become a better Ranger, and all around person. I present the plaque for Most Improved to Cadet Jack Landors."
Allison clapped wildly, while Jack's teammates remained a bit more sedate in their applause, when the Red Ranger went up and accepted his award, shaking Cruger's hand and hugging Kat.
"Most Dependable Teammate is an award I do not take lightly. This award took me days to figure out whom to give it to. But through analysis and careful consideration, I present it to Cadet Elizabeth Delgado."
Bridge kissed Z on the cheek and applauded with the rest of the audience when the Yellow Ranger made her way up to accept the award. She shook Cruger's hand and hugged Kat before going to sit back down with her teammates.
"Dedication is an integral part of being a Power Ranger. It means, when you feel like giving up, you push on. It means when a situation is not going as planned, you don't let it get you down, but you hope for the best and work toward your goal in spite of the setbacks. My next award is for Most Dedicated Ranger. For those of you who know the current Rangers, I'm sure you probably think you've got the Ranger I'm presenting this to all picked out. I can honestly say, your assumption is wrong."
The Rangers looked at each other, most of them figuring it would have been Sky who would get this award, but apparently Cruger was one step ahead of them.
"I present the Most Dedicated Ranger award to Cadet Sydney Drew."
The team looked honestly surprised by Cruger's giving of this award to Sydney, but only for a moment. Next to Sky, Sydney truly was the most dedicated of the A Squad.
With minimal pushing from Sky and Bridge, who were sitting on either side of her, Sydney stood up and went to accept her award. She stared at it then at the crowd, where she noticed her parents, Sky's parents, and many former Rangers smiling back at her. She leaned forward and hugged Cruger then turned and hugged Kat, before returning to her seat.
"My final award is, in my opinion, the most well earned, well fought for, and most appropriate to give. Allow me to give my definition of the word Leader. A leader is someone who always encourages his teammates to do better and to stand by them no matter what. A leader knows when to take over and when to let his teammates shine. He's protective, and is a great listener and would do anything for one of his teammates. A leader can be a hero, or an ordinary, every day person. Leaders come in all colors, as the recipient of this award learned that most valuable lesson during his struggles against Grumm this last year, as well as trying to find his place on his team. I present the Leadership Award to Cadet Schuyler Tate."
The team rose for a standing ovation, along with every other person in attendance at the Ball, when Sky, with poking and prodding from Sydney, moved to accept his award.
Sydney sat at the table, her chin propped up by her hand, just taking in everything. She'd spoke to her parents briefly, but had let them go enjoy their evening with her aunts and uncles who were in attendance – Adam, Tanya, Trini, Billy, Rocky and Aisha. She'd spoken briefly with Wes and Jen, and had been introduced to Eric and Taylor Meyers, both former Rangers themselves and Sky's aunt and uncle. Cruger, Wes, and Jason had introduce the A Squad to the other former Rangers in attendance.
Ambassador Andros of KO-35, his wife Ashley, both had been Space Rangers, Red and Yellow respectively, and Ashley had been chosen by Tanya to take on the Turbo powers when the last of Zordon of Eltar's Rangers had retired. She'd met Leo Corbett and Maya Henderson of the Lost Galaxy team, who were Ambassadors to the space colony, Terra Venture, and Maya's home planet of Mirinoi. They had come together as friends, their significant others having to stay on Mirinoi because they were both part of the crew for the colony, and she'd gotten to meet Carter Grayson and his wife, Dr. Dana Mitchell Grayson, who had been Lightspeed Rangers.
The last four Rangers she'd gotten to talk to were apart of the last few teams before S.P.D. – Ninja Storm and Dino Thunder. Meeting Tori and Blake had been nice, as they were both accomplished in not only their specific interests but as teachers at the Wind and Thunder Ninja Academies in Blue Bay Harbor, something that Sydney could now relate to since she and her friends had taken up teaching the younger cadets.
And then there had been Conner McKnight and his second wife, Kira Ford-Mercer-McKnight. That had thrown her for a loop. They had been the only team to be created and mentored by her birth father, Dr. Tommy Oliver. It was weird to see them now, older and less mouthy, when it had only been a few months before when she and her teammates had been tossed back in time to meet them. Conner's first wife, Krista, and Kira's first husband and the duo's white teammate, Trent Fernandez-Mercer, had both died several years back. Krista had been killed by a drunk driver and Trent had had a heart attack in his sleep and had never woken from it.
Sydney saw in them the same ease she saw in a lot of the Ranger couples, especially her parents. Many battles and years of being together had allowed each of them to hone a special understanding of the other, and had instilled in them an ease in the presence of the other that could not be understood by anyone who had not been a Ranger.
Turning her attention back to her friends, Sydney watched them come together as a slow dance started. She sighed longingly, wanting to join them, but Sky had been dragged off by her father, his father, Andros, Carter, and a few of the others.
Something magical,
Something spiritual,
Something stronger than the two of us alone, yeah...
Sydney felt a warm hand touch her shoulder. She looked up to see who it was and smiled. "Sorry, got side tracked. Would you care to dance?"
Nodding, the Pink Ranger let herself be led out onto the dance floor and enfolded in Sky's arms.
Something physical,
Something undeniable,
Nothing like anything that I've ever known
Sky rubbed his lips back and forth across Sydney's temple as they danced to the slow song blaring out of the speakers from the D.J. table. All around them other couples danced, and chatted, but Sky heard none of them and had eyes only for Sydney.
The song playing was one his mother had played for him once in a while when he'd been little, and he'd often watched his parents dancing together in the living room to it. It seemed appropriate the first time he danced with the woman he loved that it would be to this particular song.
Cuz something happens when you look at me
I forget to speak
Something happens when you kiss my mouth
My knees get so weak
Sky bent forward and brushed his lips against Sydney's and, as clichéd as it sounded, felt his knees go weak at the touch of her lips on his. They had kissed so many times over the last two weeks, but even now, the meeting of lips still felt as magical as the first time.
Could it be true this is what God has meant for me
Cuz baby I can't believe
That something like you could happen to me
Sydney was amazed that after all she'd gone through, both with and without her knowledge, that God would send her an angel in the form of Sky Tate, let alone that Sky would feel the same way about her. It blew her mind, it really did. But ever since she was little, she had dreamed of a love like her mom and dad's, or like the one in the stories her dad use to tell her about her birth parents. Or like the love story she found out Wes and Jen had lived through.
Sighing, Syd smiled. She had her own fairy tale love story to live, and the center of it was holding her tightly and kissing her next softly as they swayed back and forth on the dance floor.
The Blue Ranger could do nothing but stare at the white t-shirt clad figure laying in the bed he'd slept in all of his childhood, right on up to the day he'd left for the Academy. After the ball was over, he and Sydney had come back to his parents' house to mingle with friends and family alike, and Sydney had fallen asleep sitting with him out in a chair by the Olympic sized pool in his backyard.
With Cruger's permission, he had asked his parents if he and Sydney could spend the night. With Jason, Katherine, Wes and Jen's permission, they had allowed him and Sydney to share his bedroom. Sky knew the four of them had put their absolute trust in him when they'd told him yes.
Had it only been a few weeks ago when he'd been dreaming of her, in this house, in this bed, lying next to him, sleeping soundly after a night of passion? And now, here she was, sound asleep. His mom and Katherine had undressed her and had put her in one of his dad's old t-shirts before they'd excused themselves. He was clad in sapphire boxers that had been purchased on the shopping excursion that afternoon with his dad and the others, just in case he got lucky, not that he was expecting it. He and Sydney had a ways to go before that was going to happen, though if they kept testing each other's patience it might be sooner than they thought.
Shaking his head, Sky closed the terrace doors and climbed into bed with Syd. He smiled in the dark when, feeling his warmth, Sydney turned and curled herself against him, her head on his chest, her arm around his waist, and one of her legs tangled with his.
Turning his head, Sky pecked a kiss to Sydney's forehead and then closed his eyes, his arm tightening around her in protection and love.