Disclaimer: Power Rangers S.P.D. belongs to Disney.

More than Just Friends

Chapter IV

Syd's POV

I had just got off the phone with my parents. I invited Sky and myself over for lunch so that they could meet Sky. I hoped Sky would be okay with me not asking him first. Actually, now that I think about it, he probably wouldn't be, but I'd just have to persuade him. Having Sky meet my parents was a big deal to me, and I wasn't about to take "no" for an answer. I headed towards the recreation room where I thought Sky would be. Sure enough, there he was reading his S.P.D. Handbook. Now why doesn't that surprise me? I snuck up behind him and covered his eyes with my hands.

"Guess who?" I asked.

"I know it's you, Syd," Sky answered.

I removed my hands from his eyes, and he pivoted so that he was looking at me face to face.

"I have a surprise for you," I stated.

I noticed that Sky's eyes lit up upon hearing that. Ah, Sky had such dreamy eyes.

"Really?" Sky asked.

"Uh-huh. I talked Cruger into switching us to night duty tonight so that way, you could finally meet my parents," I replied.

Sky all but fell out of his chair after I had finished my last sentence. I couldn't help myself from snickering.

"Meeting your parents huh? D-do y-you really think that's a g-good idea? Isn't it a little s-soon? I mean meeting the parents is a pretty big d-deal," Sky stuttered nervously.

I laughed. Sky sounded so adorable when he stuttered. It definitely was a sight to see Mr. Calm, Cool, and Collected become a nervous wreck.

"Not at all. I mean we've been dating for over a week now, and besides, I really want you to meet my parents. I also really want to meet your mom," I said while giving Sky my best puppy dog face.

Ok, if the truth be told, I was skeptical about Sky meeting my parents. Well, at least meeting one of them, my dad. Believe it or not, I've never actually had a boyfriend before. That's not to say that I've never gone on dates before, because I have. It's just those dates never became my boyfriend because my dad would scare them off. I certainly hoped my dad wouldn't scare off Sky.

"Okay. You win," Sky responded.

I squealed in delight like a little child. I grabbed Sky's hand and led him out of the recreation room.

"Alright, let's go!" I said excitedly.

"What? Now? Why does it have to be now?" Sky asked nervously.

XXXXXXXXXX

I had to drive to my house because a) Sky didn't know where I lived, and b) Sky was a nervous wreck that couldn't be trusted behind the wheel.

"Sky, relax. You'll be fine. Just take a deep breath," I advised.

Sky was so nervous that he was shaking. Was Sky always like this when he met his girlfriend's parents? I wonder how many girlfriends Sky has had before me. Who am I kidding? He's probably had tons of girlfriends before me. Any female with a working pair of eyes would be crazy to not find Sky attractive. He's practically a chick magnet.

"I can't believe I let you talk me into this. I'm not ready to meet your parents yet. Why do I have to meet your parents today?" Sky asked.

"Because I kind of already invited us over. Look Sky, everyone at the Academy knows we're dating now, but our parents don't. I just want everything out in the open, you know? I don't want it to feel like we're hiding our relationship from our parents," I replied.

I noticed Sky took my advice as he took a couple of deep breaths in an attempt to relax his nerves. It helped a little, but not much as he was still shaking.

"How come you invited us over without even asking me first? Don't I get a say in this? Or are you going to end up making all the decisions for us?" Sky asked.

I suspected Sky would react like this. I didn't blame him for doing so. If roles were reversed, it would be safe to say that I would be a little ticked off with Sky.

"I didn't ask you first because I thought this would be the only way you would agree to come along. I knew you were too courteous to not show up at all. Sky, we're a couple, and that means that we're in this together. You have just as much say in things as I do, and I am sorry that my actions today made you think otherwise," I said while placing my hand on top of Sky's.

XXXXXXXXXX

I parked in the driveway of my house. I noticed that my parents' cars weren't in the driveway, so I hoped that they were in the garage. I knew we were early, but I hoped that my parents were home. It's not that I had no way to get into the house, because I had a key, so that wasn't a problem. It's just that I haven't been home in awhile, and I much rather them be there when I show up than them show up while I'm there. Did that even make sense? We walked up to the front door, and I rang the doorbell. I was relieved when my parents answered the door. I guess I was worrying for nothing.

"Mom, dad, this is my boyfriend, Sky. Sky, this is my mom and dad," I said.

"It's a pleasure to meet you," Sky said to my mom while shaking her hand.

"It's nice to meet you Mr. Drew," Sky said while offering his hand for my father to shake.

However, my father didn't return the gesture as Sky's hand stayed extended. I had to keep myself from shaking my head in disapproval. 'So it begins,' I thought to myself.

"So, it's a pleasure to meet my wife, but it's just nice to meet me?" my father remarked.

Sky took his extended hand and rubbed the back of his neck nervously. After struggling to come up with a response, he managed, "Uh…"

"Sky is it? Ah yes, Syd's told us a lot about you. So you're the guy with a gigantic stick up his ass. Do you actually think you're good enough to date my little pumpkin?" my father asked in a rather icy tone.

"Dad!" I shouted.

I didn't know what I was more shocked about. My dad telling Sky that I thought he had a gigantic stick up his ass, which by the way, was taken way out of context. While it's true that I did say that about Sky, it just so happened that that was my first impression of Sky. In no way, shape, or form, do I feel the same way about Sky now. Or my dad addressing me by one of his favorite pet names of his in front of company. Talk about embarrassing.

"Syd dear, would you mind giving me a hand in the kitchen?" my mom asked.

I started to head towards the kitchen when Sky grabbed me by the arm to stop me from doing so.

"Whoa, where do you think you're going? You can't leave me alone with your dad! He hates me!" Sky whispered.

"Relax Sky. I'll only be gone for a half an hour tops. Besides, it'll give you two a chance to get to know one another," I whispered back.

Who am I kidding? It's more like it'll give my dad a chance to scare Sky off like he did with all my other dates. Hopefully though, my father won't scare Sky off.

"That's the thing Syd. I don't want to get to know him!" Sky replied in a normal voice.

My father cleared his throat. From the expression on his face and his body language, he didn't appear to be very happy. I think it was safe to say he heard Sky's last remark seeing how he was standing only a few feet away from us.

"I'm not deaf you know!" my dad commented.

I put my hands on Sky's shoulders and looked at him face to face. "Please Sky. Will you just give it a shot, for me?" I asked giving Sky a puppy dog face.

Sky sighed. "Okay," he replied.

I gave Sky a quick peck on the cheek. I would've given him more than just a peck on the cheek, but since my dad was standing a few feet away, I don't think he would've thought too highly of that.

"Thanks Sky," I said happily before heading towards the kitchen to help my mom.

XXXXXXXXXX

I was busy cutting up vegetables for a salad while my mom was busy preparing a casserole.

"So, Sky seems nice," my mom said.

"Yeah, he is," I replied.

My mom opened the refrigerator to get a few ingredients for the casserole. Once she got what she needed, she closed the refrigerator door.

"He seems quite the looker too," my mom commented.

I started to blush when my mom made that remark. I fixated my gaze on the tomatoes that I happened to be dicing hoping that my mom wouldn't notice that I was blushing.

"I'm happy for you Sydney. Really, I am. I can tell that Sky makes you happy, and as a parent, that's all you hope for when it comes to your children. That they are happy," my mom stated.

"Thanks mom," I responded.

I felt something paw at my foot. I looked down and saw our family dog, Sasha. She was a tan, female Pomeranian. She only weighed about 7 pounds, and she didn't even come up to the back of my knee in height. I noticed that she was wearing a cute, little pink sweater that I had bought her for Christmas last year.

"Hey Sasha! How's my little girl doing today?" I asked while crouching down so that I was more at her level.

Sasha was two years old. My parents got me Sasha for my sweet sixteenth birthday. Sasha was very friendly. She got along with everybody even though I was probably her favorite. After I left for S.P.D., my parents took care of Sasha for me. They entered her in practically every dog show imaginable, and Sasha got a fair share of Best in Show ribbons and trophies.

I scooped Sasha up and held her in my arms. "I just hope dad doesn't scare Sky off like all my other dates. For once in my life, I'd like to have an actual boyfriend, you know? All I've ever had thus far are dates that only lasted for one night and never called again because they were afraid of my dad," I stated.

"I don't think you have to worry about your father scaring off Sky. After all, Sky's a power ranger just like you are. I imagine you deal with criminals that are more frightening than an overprotective father," my mom said.

I walked over and looked out the sliding glass door that led to the backyard. I saw Sky and my dad talking to each other. I wonder what they were talking about, and more importantly, how that was going.

My mom put the casserole in the oven to bake. "If you want, you can go and play with Sasha and get reacquainted with her. I'll finish up preparing the salad for you," my mom said.

"Thanks mom," I replied. I put Sasha down on the ground. "Do you want to go to your room Sasha?"

She barked, stood up on her hind legs, and pawed the air.

XXXXXXXXXX

After lunch, my parents, Sky, and I were in the backyard by the pool. It was a huge pool too. It was probably the size of the pools they use in the Olympics.

"Syd tells us that you're afraid of the water. What are you some sort of wuss?" my dad remarked.

"Dad, that's not what I said!" I exclaimed.

Now I regretted even telling my father in the first place. I had told my parents over the phone that Sky couldn't swim after our day off at the beach. Of course, back then, Sky and I weren't dating.

"I'm not afraid of the water!" Sky retorted.

My dad had a weird sort of smile on his face. He stepped into the house for a moment, and when he returned, he was holding a blue Speedo.

"Prove it," my dad said.

I was torn. On one hand, Sky didn't need to prove anything to my dad. Sky couldn't swim, so he shouldn't go through with this. On the other hand, I always wondered what Sky would look like in a Speedo.

"What are you waiting for? Put it on," my father said shoving the Speedo into Sky's chest.

"Come on. He doesn't have to do that," my mom stated.

Sky gave it some thought, but he must've decided to accept his challenge as he headed inside to get changed into the Speedo.

A few moments later, the sliding glass door opened and Sky came out clad in the blue Speedo. I licked my lips and whistled at him. He looked so damn hot. Sky even looked better than he did on our day off at the beach when I saw him in nothing but his boxers. I had no idea looking better than that was even possible. Sky cautiously approached poolside.

"What are you waiting for? Get in," my dad said shoving Sky into the pool.

Sky thrashed about in the pool desperately trying to stay afloat. I was appalled at my father's actions. There was no reason for shoving Sky into the pool whatsoever. I could see the fear in Sky's eyes. Without hesitation, I jumped into the pool despite being fully clothed. I grabbed hold of Sky, swam over to the steps, and helped him out of the pool.

"Dad! Why did you do that? You know Sky can't swim!" I yelled at my father not even bothering to hide my anger.

I noticed that Sky was trembling. It's not that I blamed him either. The water wasn't exactly warm. Plus, Sky was whether he wanted to admit it or not, terrified of drowning.

"Well, he has to learn sometime," my dad replied.

"You really think that is the way to teach him?" I countered.

"I was doing him a favor. What better way to overcome your fear than to face it head on?" my father responded.

I gave my father a dirty look. 'In that case, since you're afraid of heights, why don't I just shove you out of an airplane?' I thought to myself. I grabbed Sky's hand and was concerned by how much Sky was shaking.

"Come on Sky. Let's go. We've obviously overstayed our welcome," I said pulling Sky inside, but not before glaring daggers at my father.

XXXXXXXXXX

As I drove us back to the Academy, I was apologizing like crazy to Sky. I knew that this probably wasn't the most enjoyable experience for him.

"I want to apologize for the way my father behaved. I don't think the whole time we were there, he was nice to you once. He had no right shoving you into the pool like that. That was simply uncalled for. It shouldn't surprise me that he treated you like that. He always does this to my potential boyfriends," I stated.

"Does what?" Sky asked his voice still a little shaky.

"My father always scares off potential boyfriends. I guess I foolishly thought he would behave differently with you," I reflected.

"I tried giving him a chance Syd. I really did," Sky said his voice no longer shaky.

I held his hand in mine. He must be trying to put on a front so that I wouldn't worry about him.

"I know Sky. I appreciate that too. I'm sorry for making you meet my parents. I guess it wasn't such a great idea after all," I commented while massaging the back of Sky's hand with my thumb.

Sky looked deep into my eyes. His eyes said he forgave me. He took his free hand and brushed a strand of hair from my eyes. His hand came to a rest against my cheek. Having his hand there like it was sent tingles down my spine. His hand was so soft, and his touch was so gentle.

"Listen to me Syd," Sky started to say. "Your father didn't scare me away, so don't you worry. I'm not going anywhere."

So, I finally got around to updating this. I've been sick since Thursday, and in fact I'm not over it yet, so sorry for not updating sooner. Once again, the chapter with Syd's POV ended up being longer than the one with Sky's POV. Feel free to leave me a review. You can give me constructive criticism if you like, but don't just flame me please. Thank you very much for reading this chapter.