Disclaimer: Non-profit strategy for procrastinating.
Author's Note: This fic was inspired by the slight flicker in Sky's eyes after Jack said Syd was in trouble in 'SWAT II'. There are references to that episode, as this fic takes place after its events, or possibly before that last scene in the commons room. Can you tell I'm a stickler for detail?
- - -
Pride
"I lied today."
"About what?"
"My worst nightmare isn't being demoted to D squad."
"What is it then?"
"…though being demoted to D squad was pretty heinous."
"Sky?"
"My worst nightmare is letting the team down."
"You would never do that, Sky."
"Not intentionally."
"You can't let us down unintentionally. Your best is all you can do, and it's usually more than enough."
"Just thought I'd tell you the truth."
"Why the sudden honesty?"
"I was just thinking of what happened on Zentor, when all of us thought we heard someone else calling for help. I thought it was Bridge, but Jack said it was you. And then you came running up."
"What about it?"
"I was afraid."
"You?"
"For a second. I was…relieved to see you were safe."
"That's sweet. But I can take care of myself."
"I know. It's just, someone told me once that being the best means looking out for the rest of you. It made sense."
"I think we all have to do that. Look out for each other, I mean."
"Yeah."
"Sky?"
"What?"
"Were you lying when you said you wouldn't call for help?"
"…no."
"Yes."
"I didn't say I wouldn't. I said I don't."
"Don't you think we have the same fears as you?"
"I—"
"Promise me that if you're in trouble, you'll call for help."
"I promise."
"That was too quick. I don't believe you."
"You want me to swear on a Bible?"
"Will it work?"
"I promise, Syd."
"You promise what?"
"I promise that if I'm in trouble, I'll call for help."
"Good."
"Note to self: don't get in trouble."
"Sky!"
"What?"
"Would it be so bad to have to rely on the rest of us once in a while?"
"Of course not. But I'm supposed to be able to hold my own in battle."
"And I thought teamwork was the lesson of the day."
"You know what I mean, Syd."
"Lucky for you. I thought you'd outgrown your proud jerk phase."
"…"
"I'm sorry. That was a little harsh."
"No, you're probably right."
"Probably."
"Do you really think I'm a proud jerk?"
"Sometimes."
"Oh."
"Sky?"
"Yeah?"
"Do you want to go get some dessert?"
"Sure."
