Disclaimer: I do not own any of the characters in the story they do not belong to me I am just using them toward my story.
Home… It was somewhere he had kept his distance from since his enrollment in SPD all those years ago. He barely saw or even spoke with his mother; being home for him was worst for him because all he thought about was his father. Then he got the call saying he needed to come home.
Sky walked into his room after hitting the gym and heard the phone in his room go off and he went over to it and picked it up, "Hello?" Sky said somewhat confused with who would be calling.
"Is this Sky Tate's room?" A man's voice can be heard from the other line. The man's voice sounded old and very familiar to Sky. Then it dawned on him it was his butler Hobson.
"This is Sky Tate, is that you Hobson?" Sky asked to verify his suspicions about the man on other line being Hobson.
"Master Tate this is splendid well not so much for the cause of this call" Hobson said in a very calm and soothing voice one of which reminded Sky of when his butler spoke to him when his father died.
"What is the matter Hobson? Is everything alright?" Sky asked in a worried tone, he had gotten a bad feeling.
"Master Sky you need to come home… I'm afraid your mother is sick" Hobson said in the most casual way he could possibly think of.
Sky was astonished he couldn't find words he felt himself literally freeze, "I'll be there as soon as I can Hobson" and without even a goodbye he hung up his phone and sat onto his bed in complete shock.
With a sigh Sky went to his closet and took out his blue duffle bag and started to put clothing inside of it. He didn't want to go home; not under this type of circumstance but more importantly he didn't want to go home and face this alone, but he had to. As Sky started throwing stuff into his duffle bag the door to his room slid open and in walked Bridge. "Hey Sky, where you going? We suppose to go and play games and eat popcorn and watch a movie and enjoy our weekend off" Bridge said with enthusiasm "But then again I guess if you leave we are going to end up having to conversation about how you left and wonder where you were going and then we will go and do all the fun stuff and…"
"Okay Bridge I get it but I have to leave Bridge. I am sorry that I can't be around for our free weekend to spend time together as a team but something came up" Sky said trying to let Bridge know he gave his sincerest apologies.
"What's wrong Sky? Do you need help with something?" Bridge asked curious now as to what was going on with his best friend and fellow ranger.
"Bridge… don't let the other's know I don't want them to worry about me, but it's my mom she is sick I am using this weekend to go see her" Sky said with a somewhat shaky tone and then with a shake of his head he continued to put more clothes into his duffle bag.
"Oh gee Sky I am sorry… I'll go tell the other's you can't come and we can go and start without you" Bridge said with a frown, "But when you come back your bestest buddy Bridge is going to make you a nice big plate of extremely buttery toast" Bridge grinned and headed out of the room and to the common room so that Sky could have his time alone and pack his duffle bag. Upon entering the common room he saw the rest of his fellow teammates all waiting for him to come into the common room with Sky. Once they realized there was no Sky with them they all gave Bridge a face.
"Where's Sky? Didn't you go get him Bridge?" Jack asked Bridge with a curious suspicion rising, "Let me guess he doesn't do have fun when we actually all have free time together?"
Z laughed at what Jack said and then replied, "Or maybe he begged the commander for work" Z grinned and then gave Jack a high-five.
Syd couldn't help but giggle at the comments Jack and Z had made about Sky; after-all it was all in good fun. Then Syd looked to Bridge and noticed he had a solemn look about him and wasn't getting any form of laugh out of what was said. "What's wrong Bridgey; Jack and Z are just kidding you know that" Syd said in concern for her friend.
"I know you guys are all laughing about this and just having innocent fun, but Sky can't come because of a serious problem. It sort of makes me sad that you all are able to laugh about it" Bridge said with a frown as the others looked at him confused.
"What's wrong with Sky?" Z asked immediately after hearing Bridge say that there was a serious problem with Sky. She was concerned for Sky seeing as her and Sky had gotten very close since their talk about becoming better friends.
"Well… you see there's a situation of which Sky needs to not be here and he told me to keep quiet about it and he just is not in a good place and…" Bridge started rambling on about the situation but was then shaken by Z to make him stop.
"Bridge tell us what is wrong and stop rambling, we are bound to find out sooner or later" Z said as calmly as possible to Bridge.
Bridge was slightly taken aback and then nodded to Z, "You see Sky… his mom is sick and he needs to go see her…" Bridge said as calmly as he could about what was wrong with Sky.
"Oh Bridgey that's horrible especially since he already lost his father, what if he loses his mom now too" Syd said as she was clearly upset about this news.
"Oh wow, now I kind of feel bad for once for what I said about Sky even though he is sometimes a huge jerk and has a huge ego" Jack said with a shake of his head, "We should just start our relaxing weekend in respects to Sky."
"I agree, that's what Sky said he wanted anyway" Bridge said as he gave a smile to turn the mood, "Now who wants buttery toast? How about you Z?" Bridge asked turning toward where Z had been standing and then saw that she was no longer there "What happened to Z?"
Jack looked to Syd who looked to Bridge who then looked to Jack and they all had a look of confusion. "Maybe she needed to go to the bathroom?" Syd suggest and the others nodded "Lets just get this movie going without her, I am sure she wouldn't mind."
xxxxxxx
Z had left the room as soon as she could after knowing Sky's mother was sick and headed straight for his room. As she was making her way to his room she had bumped into none other than Sky himself. "Sorry Sky I was just coming to see you; I heard about your mom…" Z stated looking to the floor.
"Bridge can't keep his mouth shut for a weekend" Sky said with a sigh and looked to Z, "I really should get going."
"You shouldn't be heading home alone in a situation like this. Let me come with you" Z said sincerely. Sky had given her a look of shock and she herself was even surprised with what she had just said.
"I appreciate that you want to help Z but I don't need a pity parade" Sky said regaining his self composure and putting up that wall of his.
"Sky I am not trying to give you pity I am trying to be there for you. To be your friend and I know you well enough now that you don't want to go face your mom alone" Z said as she put her hand on his shoulder "Let me come with you and we can face this together."
Sky gave a sigh and knew she was right, "Okay Z, you win. Pack a bag and lets go" Sky said with a nod.
"Alright give me a minute" Z grinned and headed to her room and grabbed her yellow duffle bag and put in some clothing and then went right back to where Sky was, "So now I get to see the real life style of the mysterious blue ranger."
"Yeah, about that I should warn you I have a somewhat rich family" Sky said with an uneasy look, he never did like sharing his family's wealth status.
"Oh really?" Z question with a grin, "I never pictured Sky Tate as the rich boy type."
Sky shook his head at Z and headed out to the SPD garage and took his bag and Z's bag and put them into the Jeep and then got into the driver's seat. "Let's get going Z."
Z grinned and got into the passengers seat and as soon as Z got into the Jeep Sky put the Jeep in gear and started driving off. The start of the ride was completely silent and slowly started to have a build up of tension. Finally Z couldn't take the silence anymore and had to start some small talk, "If you don't mind me asking Sky, what's wrong with your mom?"
Sky's grip on the steering wheel got tighter and she sighed, "I just know she is sick, I got a call from out butler Hobson telling me that I needed to see her. I assume she doesn't have long if they are asking me to come home."
"When did you last see her?" Z asked curiously "It had to of been recent, didn't she show any signs of sickness?"
Sky gave a look of sadness and responded, "I haven't gone home much since I came to SPD, it reminded me too much of my father…" Sky trailed off and gripped the steering wheel more "You should rest we have a bit of ways to go before getting there, and trust me you will need the rest once you reach my home."
"That's horrible Sky… I mean understandable but still horrible. I will rest though just make sure I wake up" Z said with a genuine smile and closed her eyes.
With a sigh Sky continue to drive in peace as he watched Z fall into slumber. It was nice having someone with him to go home. His only worry was him mother would get wrong idea about him and Z. Not that he would mind being accused of dating Z like his mother most likely will assume. After about an hour of driving Sky had finally reached the gat to his home as he approached the intercom to the gate he punched in the code and watched the gate slowly open. He then drove up the perfectly paved driveway and once fully up the driveway he parked the Jeep and then looked to Z. She was still asleep and it was one of the best moments of his life seeing her sleeping form right now. Reluctantly Sky shook Z to wake her up, "Z we are here."
Z had slowly stirred awake in her seat and when she fully opened her eyes she was awestruck at the home she was not in front of. It was by far the biggest house she has ever set foot near and was by far the most beautiful surrounding she ever witnessed. She wondered why Sky would never want to come home to such an amazing surrounding. "Wow this is beautiful Sky, how could you not take any of us here before."
Sky chuckled at Z's amazement and shut off the Jeep and got the luggage out and waited for her to come out of the Jeep. "You know you should feel honored you are first ever to see my house" Sky grinned and went over to Z, "So ready to face my mother and butler?"
"It not too difficult, it not like we dating" Z said with a laugh and Sky had shared laughter with her.
Sky led the way to the door and once at the door he rang the doorbell and was greeted by Hobson, "Master Tate, it is so good to see you" Hobson said with a smile and looked to Z and was lost for words, "Oh my who is this lovely lady?"
"Please Hobson call me Sky, you know I don't like that formality" Sky said with a grin, "Hobson I would like you to meet my friend Z, she has decided to come with me to see mom."
"Master Tate… I mean Sky with all do respect I do rather stick to formalities" Hobson said and turned to Z and smiled genuinely, "Madam Z, it is my pleasure to make your acquaintance."
"Why thank you Hobson, it is nice to meet you as well" Z said with a smile.
Hobson smiled and then moved from the doorway and allowed Z and Sky to enter into the house. "Master Tate, your mother at the moment is resting and I find it best that you wait until tomorrow to see her."
"Of course Hobson, now I hope it not too much trouble for you to show Z to her room" Sky said genuinely.
"Well Master Tate there is a slight problem the guest rooms are under renovation, so if it not too much trouble maybe Madame Z can stay with you in your room" Hobson had responded in his soothing voice.
Sky looked at Hobson skeptically and nodded, "Alright then, Z you can stay with me in your room, if you don't mind that is" Sky looked to Z as she nodded to him.
"That's fine I suppose lets get to your room then and thank you Hobson" Z said smiling to Hobson and then looking to Sky waiting for him to take lead.
Sky nodded and headed up the stairs and towards where his room was, he wasn't sure as to what his room looked like now considering he had not been here in such a long time. He could only hope that it would not look like it did in the past, as he approached the door he opened it slowly and much to his relief the room had a king sized bed with a couch, television, a beautiful dresser and a master bathroom connected. Sky walked into the room and placed the bags on the bed and looked to Z who was in amazement of the room. "Not too bad eh?"
"This is an amazing room… So where we sleeping Sky?" Z asked with a grin
"You take the bed and I will take the couch" Sky said as he took his bag and threw it onto the couch.
"We are adults you know we could just share a bed" Z said with a shrug, "Then again you might think that is crossing SPD rules probably and go against it."
Sky shook his head, "I think it better we stick to normal sleeping accommodations of where you have your own bed and I have my own bed" Sky said somewhat hesitant.
"Fine, fine how about dinner then?" Z asked as she knew it was getting late and neither had eaten dinner yet.
"I am sure there something downstairs we can get to eat" Sky said with a grin and took Z downstairs into the kitchen. Once in the kitchen there was already dinner set up for Sky and Z. Sky had a look of suspicion already set on his face as to how dinner was already ready for both of them but shrugged it off. Both Sky and Z sat there in peace eating the dinner that was already prepared for them. Once done with the food Sky took the dishes and went to wash them. Z sat there and watched Sky, it was as though she was seeing a different Sky. As she watched him do the dishes she saw something different about him that she never noticed before. He looked so at ease and maybe even a little attractive when not being a stiff. Before Z knew it Sky had been right in her face, "Z you okay?" he asked curiously.
Z was taken out of her thoughts, "I'm fine, sorry I must be tired" she said trying to make an excuse for her gazing so much on him.
"Let's get you to bed then shall we" Sky smiled at Z and took her hand. He felt a bit of a warming to his heart touching her hand. He then led her up to the room where she could get a good nights rest. "Well I will leave you here so you can get comfortable and shower and such. If you need me I'll be downstairs."
"Thanks Sky" Z smiled at him and watched as he left. As soon as he was out of sight she grabbed her things and headed to the bathroom to shower. While in the shower she couldn't help but think about Sky. She wasn't sure why but he was constantly on her mind now. After she finished showering she put on her pajamas and headed downstairs to find Sky. She had found Sky on the couch with a book at hand as he sat with his back to her; she creped up behind him and put her hands over his eyes. "So Sky, ready for sleep?"
Sky turned to look at Z and smiled, "No, you should head off to bed I'll sneak in and be sure not to disturb you I promise."
"Alright good night Sky" Z said with a smile and hugged him the best she could with the couch being there.
"Good night Z" Sky smiled and then watched as she went up the stairs and into his room to go to sleep. He smiled as he stared at the door of which she entered then he jumped when Hobson came into his view, "Jesus Hobson you scared me."
"I am sorry Master Tate I did not mean to scare you. I just came to say good night" Hobson said apologetically.
"Goodnight Hobson" Sky said and got up and hugged the butler and watched the butler leave. Sky then sat back down on the couch and finished up a chapter he was reading in the book he picked up. Once finished he headed up to his room and walked in as quietly as possible and saw Z sound asleep in his bed. Sky went over toward Z and put the blankets over her and as he did she wrapped her arms around his neck. "Umm… Z… Z" Sky said trying to get her attention and then he saw her stir in her sleep.
"Sky?" She said drowsily "Can you just stay here with me… please?"
Sky stared blankly at Z not able to formulate and answer, "Are you sure about that Z?" he finally mustered out and asked Z.
"Yea, I just need someone here… I am sleeping in strange place and I just feel need of company" Z replied as she was slowly falling back into sleep.
"Alright Z, I'll stay here with you" Sky said as he gently lifted and shifted Z over and then crawled into his bed and took the place right next to her. As he went there she instantly clung to him arm and fell to sleep. Sky looked to his right side at the now sleeping Z and couldn't help but feel like he was in the right place. Without giving much thought he kissed the sleeping Z and as soon as his lips touched hers he felt himself spark and pulled away instantly. Luckily for him Z was sound asleep and had no idea that he had just kissed her. He felt himself become tense with what he had done and he felt somewhat guilty taking advantage of Z like that and kissing her in her sleep. Sky had spent the whole night laying there with Z sound asleep at his side and just thinking about her. This wasn't something he was expecting of himself at all, so until morning he had laid there thinking about what to do and he hadn't come up with a single thing. It had to of been around 10 am when Z finally awoke from sleep but as soon as she woke up he fell into a sleep.
"Sky Tate sleeping in? That's impossible" She said in a teasing tone as she poked at his side and watched as he opened his eyes slowly. She then noticed the dark rings around his eyes, "Did you sleep at all last night?"
"No, I was so deep in though I lost track of time…" Sky replied as he sat up and got out of the bed, "Lets' go get some breakfast."
Z could tell already something was up with him but decided to let it slide for now and got up and went down to get breakfast with him. They had pancakes, sausage and eggs for breakfast. Although Sky didn't stick around too long because it was soon after he finished eating that Hobson came in and told him his mother was awake and eager to see him. Z had offered to go with him, but he said he needed to go first and she could see his mother later if she wished.
xxxxxxx
Sky made his way up the stairs and towards his mothers' room, he was absolutely terrified, he has loved being home for once but then he remembered he was here because she was ill. Sky walked into his mothers' room and as he walked in he spotted his mother who was almost as pale as the true shade of white was and saw how tired her body was. It sent fear through his whole body seeing her like this. He approached his mother from the bedside and hugged her as softly as possible, "Mom what's wrong with you?"
"Sky I am very sick, and I haven't been getting better" Sky's mother had said it so genuinely that you would think it was just perfectly fine, "I wanted you here so that I could see you one more time just in case of anything happening, maybe even you can stop by more often it would mean a lot."
Sky could feel him self wanting to cry but held it back and just hugged his mother tighter, he wasn't ready to lose her too, "I promise mom I will come here more often to see you."
"Good, now what's this I hear about you having a girl too, is she your girlfriend?" Sky's mother asked with curiosity getting the better of her, "If she is your girlfriend I demand meeting her right now, and maybe even get married and get me some grandkids before I die."
"No, no mom Z is just a friend of mine I brought for company and way to pressure your only child for marriage and children, I got to protect the world first mom" Sky said with a shake of his head.
"Yes saving the world is important, but don't let that stop you from what's in here" Sky's mother put her hand over Sky's heart, "If there is love don't hide it because of having to be a ranger."
"Don't worry when the opportunity is right I will tell her" Sky said without even thinking.
"So there is someone?" Sky's mother asked inquisitively.
"Umm… no I meant that I umm would tell the person whoever they may be that I love them when it happens" Sky said trying to shield up his emotions.
"I see… Well how about we have your friend Z join us" Sky's mom said with genuine smile and then shouted, "Hobson please get Z for me"
Within a matter of moments Hobson walked in with Z and looked to Sky's mom "As you requested Madame Tate, I present to you Madame Z" Hobson said and turned and left the room.
Z slowly approached Sky's mother and could already see the pain in his eyes from her condition. To be honest she couldn't blame him for being in pain for the condition she looked to be in. "Hello Mrs. Tate, I'm Elizabeth Delgado yellow SPD ranger but you can call me Z of course."
"It is nice to finally get to meet one of the fellow rangers Sky works with" Sky's mother smiled and then gave Z a hug which had taken Z by surprised but she returned the hug, "Now Sky, why don't you go pack your things and Z's while I talk to her."
Sky stared at his mother wide eyed and confused as to what she requested of him, "Umm… of course mother, I will do that pronto" and with that said Sky had fled the room and went to his to pack up everything.
"Now Z, I can already tell from moment you walked into this room you got an eye there for my son" Sky's mom got straight to the point.
Z looked at Sky's mother completely astonished at how she picked that up from just her walking into the room, "I… I umm I am sorry I mean I am not sorry for being attracted to your son at all but I just I don't know what to say."
"My dear, I think it is marvelous you have fallen for my son I see no reason to be upset by it, I just ask you be careful with him. I am sure you can tell by now that he is a mess" Sky's mom said with a soft laugh, "Plus something tells me he may just be returning those feelings."
Before Z could even think of replying Hobson had walked in with Sky, "Z, we should start heading back so that we have time to spend with the others" Sky said calmly
"Yeah, good idea" Z nodded and hugged Sky's mother and then waited by the door for Sky.
Sky walked over to his mother and hugged her tightly and kissed her cheek, "I love you mom, I'll come by as soon as I can."
"I love you too Sky, now be careful" Sky's mother replied to her sun and kissed his cheek.
Sky headed towards the door where Z was and looked back at his mother for a moment and then went out the door. He said his goodbye to Hobson and grabbed his and Z's bags and headed out the door. Z had instantly jumped into the Jeep while Sky put the bags in the back. Before going into the Jeep to head back to base he looked at his house and was glad for once he had gone home.