Dislaimer- I do not own Power Rangers and do not profit from the use of its content.

40 Moments to Where We Are

Green-Eyed Monster

Sydney's eyes grew wide. "You were topless!" she squealed loudly enough for even Z to wince.

"It's not like I was naked, but yeah."

Sydney gave a low whistle. "So he got a nice long eyeful, huh?"

Face red with embarrassment, Z nodded. "But David was a real gentleman about the whole thing."

Sky stopped before turning the corner that led into the gym when a familiar voice reached his ears.

"…David was a real gentleman about the whole thing."

"Great, so David's already seen you naked. Now I have like no chance with him."

Sky's eyebrows shot up and his jaw stiffened.

"Yeah right."

"So then what? I'm sure you took you're time getting dressed. Was he as helpful with putting your clothes on as he was taking them off?"

"Syd!"

"What? I don't blame you. The man's gorgeous! I'm just surprised that you two are so casual about it."

Shoulders squared, eyes focused, Sky rounded the corner and made a beeline for the gossiping girls. Syd offered the red ranger a bright smile when she saw him approach. "Hey, Sky! You know eventually you're face is going to get stuck that way," she remarked when she saw his deep scowl.

"Where are Bridge and David?" he demanded without pause.

"Bridge was showing David the containment facilities and getting him hooked up with some standard passwords and i.d.'s," Syd offered as she continued going through her warm-up stretches.

"That's no excuse. They're late," Sky barked.

"I'm sure they'll be here soon," Syd said carelessly, not offended by Sky's abrasive demeanor.

Sky shook his head, maintaining an 'arms crossed and legs stiff' position, that he assumed when acting unreasonably. "I'm going to have to talk to the commander about this. David's not fitting in."

Z, who had to this point remained silent, glared at him. "What do you mean? He's a skilled fighter, good pilot, and a team player. Not to mention dedicated. He's perfect." There was something challenging about the way the last word rolled off her lips that caused Sky to stiffen.

"He's not good for the team. His work ethic is lax…"

Z snorted.

"…and there just isn't any team chemistry. He doesn't fit," Sky said with finality.

Syd cleared her throat. "Speaking of chemistry, I think I'll leave you two alone. I'll go hunt down David and Bridge."

Z shook her head. "Syd I really don't think that's necessary…"

There was a quiet 'click' and Z and Sky looked down at the sudden weight on their wrists. Eyes wide Z whipped around to look at Syd who was quickly retreating towards the gym doors. "Handcuffs…Syd!"

The blonde hastily shut the doors and pressed the PA button.

"Look, you guys have been at each other's throats all week. We hate seeing you guys argue, especially when we know you'd rather be doing something else together. In my experience, handcuffs, padded walls, and a locked door can cure any illness, especially sexual tension."

Z smacked her unbounded hand to her forehead. "This can't be happening," she groaned.

"So you guys should just go at it: talk, yell, hit, and make-up. We'll just be in the observation deck watching everything you do and say while making sarcastic comments and jokes at your expense. But don't worry; we'll turn the intercom on one-way, so you wont hear a peep from us. Have fun!"

Z looked back at Sky who was glaring at Syd through the door window. "I'm gonna kill her."

"Get in line."

To be continued... (The next chap is gonna be so fun to write!)