The challenges can be found at Ars Amatoria's Ranger Romance Themes.

Challenge: Secrets
Pair: Sky/Z
Disclaimer: Don't own the Power Rangers, not even an action figure.
Timeframe: This fic is set somewhere between Perspective and Reflection; and after the "Dream" and "Reaction" ficlets.

Summary: Sky and Jack talk.

Jack stalked down the hall of the dorm full of fury. He couldn't believe what he had just overheard. He couldn't believe it! And when the cadets who'd been talking noticed him there, he had to pretend he knew what they were talking about. Not only pretend that he knew what they were talking about, but pretend that he approved!

He broke away from the younger cadets by sending them off to their classes, and then he made a bee-line for the gym. That's where Sky would be. As mad as he was, Jack was not foolish enough to take out his temper on Z – he could talk to her later when he'd calmed down. No, Sky was his intended target; Jack had no qualms yelling at him.

Jack hit the double doors of the gym full force. He hardly glanced around as he made his way over to where Sky was bench pressing with Bridge spotting him. Jack had been ready to order any younger cadets out, but aside from the B-squad Rangers, they gym was empty. Having Bridge as a witness hardly slowed Jack down at all.

"Sky!"

The Blue Ranger, who had paused when Jack entered, resignedly put down the weights he'd been lifting and exchanged a glance with Bridge. That glance that spoke volumes between the two of them made Jack even angrier.

"I know you've been keeping secrets, Sky? Did you think I wouldn't find out?" Jack yelled coming to a halt at the foot of the bench where Sky had pulled himself into a seated position. "SPD is a small place, and news travels fast, Sky! Did you think I'd somehow miss the date you took Z on last night? I think you're on some cadet's list for the "most romantic Ranger" ever."

Sky wiped his face with the towel Bridge had handed him, but Jack could see the half-smile on his lips. The fact that the Blue Ranger wasn't reacting to his tirade was very unsatisfying. It was usually much easier to get a rise out of Sky.

"Was I supposed to ask your permission, Jack?" Sky asked quietly. His tone took Jack totally by surprise; Sky was not being defensive or sullen, he was being totally serious. It took some of the wind out of Jack's sails.

"No! Z makes her own decisions, I'm not crazy enough to tell her who she can or cannot date."

Sky looked up for the first time and met Jack's eye. "So what's the problem?" he asked, not accusatory, just serious. Jack could see both Sky and Bridge had tensed waiting for him to respond. Suddenly Jack was feeling defensive.

"Z's my friend. I don't want to see her get hurt."

"I know." Sky nodded in agreement.

Jack could not understand this lack of reaction from Sky. He'd been ready for a fight with the Blue Ranger; he had almost anticipated this discussion coming to blows. He just didn't get this accepting and calm attitude from Sky.

Jack continued. "I've known Z for a long time. She's like a sister to me. I don't want to see her get hurt."

Again Sky nodded. "I know."

"If something happened…things could get ugly." Jack decided to really lay it on the line. "I'm not talking 'funny-ha-ha, I know where you live, I'm gonna short sheet your bed' ugly… "I'm talking serious – 'if you break her heart I'll kill you and go back to prison' ugly."

"I know, Jack." Sky repeated.

Jack could see by the expression on his face that he did. And he saw something else too; something only Bridge and Syd had seen in Sky before. Understanding dawned on Jack's face. He leaned in a little closer to get a good read on Sky's expression – to really look in his eyes. Sky didn't look away. Jack then looked at Bridge for confirmation. The Green Ranger nodded and Jack took a step back.

"You've really got it bad, don't you Sky?" the Red Ranger asked.

Sky took a deep breath, but when he let it out his face was lit with a happy grin. "Pretty bad, Jack."

Jack surprised himself by smiling back at Sky. He shook his head as he walked back toward the doors of the gym. He needed some time to think about this development. As he reached the doors he looked back. "Did you kiss her?"

"She kissed me." Sky shot back with a grin.

Jack yelped in surprise and covered his ears. Singing "la-la-la" he elbowed the doors open and headed back down the hallway.