Disclaimer: I don't own anything except the song "This is How I Tell You"

Season: SPD

Pairing: Sky/Syd

Dedication: Ruby08

Challenge: Sky/Syd involving leather

Leather, Love, and Lyrics

"Syd to Sky, come in."

Sydney Drew frowned as Sky Tate failed to answer her call again. It was the fifth time she had tried to reach him, and he normally answered fairly quickly. Passing Bridge in the hallways of the SPD living quarters, she stopped the green ranger.

"Hey, have you seen Sky?"

Bridge cocked his head, "Like visibly or psychically? Because I visibly saw him an hour ago but I read him maybe half an hour ago. You know, he's hard to read, he does a really good job about hiding his emotions, sometimes I draw a blank on what he's feeling because he always has like a million-"

Syd cut the green ranger off with an exasperated wave of her hand, "Never mind. I'll find him." Stalking away, the pink ranger huffed, blowing a strand of wavy hair away from her face. It always seemed that her elusive teammate was always absent when she needed him. A particular case needed his profiling expertise, and the valuable time she was spending searching for him could be spent actually enjoying her day off. Okay, let's be honest. She just wanted to spend time with him.

Syd poked her head into the room she shared with Z. The yellow ranger was on her bed, her head facing the door, reading a magazine featuring Kira Ford-McKnight on the cover.

"Have you seen Sky?"

The yellow ranger tilted her head back her dark eyes meeting Syd's light ones, "Why, thinking of finally asking him out?" Laughing at the glare that flashed across Syd's face, Z rolled over onto her stomach to face her teammate fully and her brow furrowed, "You know, now that you mention it, no, I haven't. I think Jack was the last person to talk to him, but I don't think anyone else has seen him all day." Shrugging, she returned to her magazine.

"It always seems as though he's never here this time of the day."

Exiting their room, Syd pondered to herself as she strolled down the hallway. Thinking about it, Z was right. It seemed as though each Friday, at exactly this time, Sky was never around. Smiling to herself, it seemed funny that the punctual, militant blue ranger would always follow a pattern, even if it was his constant disappearences.

CADET DREW TO THE COMMAND CENTER. CALLING CADET DREW. PLEASE REPORT TO THE COMMAND CENTER

Sydney groaned as the magnified voice floated through headquarters. Picking up the pace, she jogged to the command center where Commander Cruger, Kat, and Sam were deep in discussion. Snapping into a salute, she addressed the big, blue dog.

"Commander, you called?"

Cruger nodded, shifting to face the pink ranger, "Yes, Cadet. I was wondering where the casefiles you were completing are. Ms. Manx needs them for processing."

Syd groaned inwardly, "I'm sorry, Commander, but I need Sky to help me with the profiling, and I can't seem to find him."

Cruger's features took on a contemplative look, "Yes, I haven't seen Cadet Tate as well, and normally, he's always patrolling headquarters or teaching a class." Turning to the feline beside him, Cruger cocked his head, "Kat, have you seen Sky?"

From the computer console, Ms. Manx frowned, shaking her head. "No. I called him in for an update on the weapons misdemeanor he was handling, but he said he had already processed the file." She shifted her attention to the sparkle of light that was their Omega Ranger, "Sam, what about you?"

"Nope. Same here. I think he checked out about an hour ago."

Cruger nodded, "Well, Cadet Drew, find Cadet Tate as soon as you can, and get those files into Ms. Manx."

"Yes, sir." Saluting, Syd exited, almost running into Jack on his way down the hall. Steadying them, the red ranger shot Syd a grin.

"Whoa there, Pinky, you might take an eye out next time."

Syd smiled, "Sorry, Jack. I've been a bit preoccupied. Have you seen Sky?"

Jack shrugged, "Within the last fifteen minutes, no. But I passed him about an hour ago on his way out. He was acting kind of weird and secretive. When I asked him how long he was going out, he was kind of evasive." The red ranger waggled his eyebrows suggestively, "Maybe he's meeting some hottie…" With that, he strode away.

Syd's heart stood still at the statement. Sky couldn't be meeting some girl. He was, well…Sky. Sky Tate, stiff, formal, Sky, far from the suave, charming lady-killer as, say Conner McKnight. Okay, bad example, Conner McKnight was married. But Sky couldn't be meeting a girl. Not that the female population was oblivious to the blue ranger. In fact, according to many a female cadet, Sky was actually considered to be hot. But Sky being Sky, he was oblivious to the blatant advances. Pondering said fact concerning Sky's "hotness," Syd couldn't help but agree. He was very attractive: tall, muscled, confident, and those eyes, clear and brilliantly blue. Halting, Syd realized why the idea of Sky going out bothered, her so much.

"I can't believe I am attracted to Sky Tate…"

"What was that, Syd?"

Whipping around, Syd froze as the tall figure of none other than Sychuler Tate rounded the corner. Feeling the slight blush tinge her cheeks, Syd tried to maintain the urge of screaming in horror inside.

"I was looking for you all day, where have you been?"

Sky shifted uncomfortably, averting his eyes, "Out."

Syd's own blue orbs narrowed in suspicion. Sky looked exhausted, dark circles shadowing the rims of his eyes, his normally pristeen hair unkempt, and there was a slight tear in the jacket of his SPD uniform. Maintaining the façade of ignorance, Syd shrugged.

"Okay, can you help me with a casefile?"

Visibly relieved at the lack of curiosity, Sky nodded, "Yeah, I'll be there in five minutes."

Syd forced out a sunny smile, "Okay, I'll meet you in the lounge."

As Sky strode off, Syd cocked her head, contemplating the blue ranger's strange attitude. She was gonna get to the bottom of this mystery.

xxx

The next Friday, Syd peeked around a corner, glimpsing Sky exit his room. He seemed nervous, constantly glancing over his shoulder. Keeping a safe distance away, Syd followed him, dressed casually as not to arouse his suspicion. Taking a non-marked SPD jeep, Syd watched as Sky climbed into his blue Honda Civic and drove off. Syd tailed him, using her stakeout skills honed over the years, she blended into the crowd behind Sky. Curiously, she spotted the blue ranger pull into the parking lot of a stylishly decorated warehouse. Still looking over his shoulder, Syd watch him duck into a side door. Before the door had a chance close, she slid through, and was greeted by a burly man.

"Can I help you?"
Syd squeaked with surprise. Regathering her wits, she stared up at the pudgy, kind face, "I'm looking for Sky Tate."

The man laughed, "Yeah, we get that a lot. Now unless you got proof, other than he and you briefly locked eyes for a half a second, that you two know each other, I suggest you head toward the rectangle with the knob."

Slightly confused, Syd fished into her purse and withdrew her SPD badge, presenting it to the guard, "We serve together."

The man's bushy eyebrows shot skyward, "I was wondering when you people were gonna check him out. I'm surprised you weren't here sooner."

Syd's brow furrowed in confusion as the man turned hollering down the hallway, "Tate, c'mere! You gotsa visitor."

Sky's annoyed voice floated from behind a door, "Vinny, what are you talking about? No one knows I'm here."

Vinny grinned, "You really underestimate your friends, dude. You got a hot blonde waiting out here for you, and I know you ain't stupid, so you better get your butt out here."

Sky's head poked out from behind a door, his face a mask of irritation, and his eyes widened in shock, "Syd?" Emerging from the room, he scratched his head, "What are you doing here?"

Syd blushed slightly, "I was wondering where you disappeared to every Friday, so I decided to follow you."

A corner of his mouth quirked upward, "Damn, I knew it was a bad idea to persuade you to take that stakeout course back at the Academy." Gesturing back to his room, Sky beckoned for the pink ranger to follow him, "C'mon, let's continue this inside."

Syd wordlessly followed the blue ranger into the room he came from. Leaning on the counter of a vanity, Sky frowned at the pink ranger before him. Syd took in his appearance. The blue ranger was wearing a pair of slim black leather pants, riding low on his hips, secured by a studded belt. A pair of black Chuck Taylors poked out from beneath the hems as Sky crossed his legs at the ankle. A snug, short-sleeved button-up blue silk shirt hugged his muscular torso and a matching blue tie hung loosely from the collar. Sky's normally neat and pristine hair stuck up in wild spikes and black eyeliner lightly highlighted his brilliant orbs. They narrowed slightly as the blue ranger stared at his pink companion.

"So, you plan on telling me why you were tailing me?"

Syd averted her eyes, looking sheepish at his blunt question, "Way to beat around the bush, Sky." Seeing his exasperated expression, Syd shrugged, "I got curious to where you went every Friday at around this time, and Jack put this ridiculous idea in mt head that you were meeting a girl, so I decided to find out myself."

Sky reared back, unleashing a hearty laugh, and Syd couldn't help marveling how handsome the simple action made the blue ranger look.

"I can't believe Jack thought I was meeting a girl."

Syd's eyebrow rose, "Well, can you blame him? You come back to the Academy exhausted, unkempt, and yesterday, you had a rip in your uniform."

"So he thought I was engaging in adult activities?" Sky grinned, "Oh c'mon, Syd. How long have we known each other? Do you really think I'm the kind of guy that would do that?" Sky chuckled, "You of all people would know I'm the roses and poems, woo 'em slowly type of guy."

Syd smiled, tilting her head, "Yeah, I know. I denno, it kinda hurt though that you were keeping something from us all, having to sneak around and all that." She frowned slightly, "What are you doing here, anyway?" Looking at the blue ranger's appearance, Syd quirked an eyebrow, "And why are you dressed like that?" She took in his wardrobe of the leather pants and tight shirt, liking what she saw.

Catching the pink ranger blatantly checking him out, Sky smiled inwardly. He had always been attracted to Sydney, and seeing her look at him the way she was made his heart beat just a little faster. Just as he was about to answer, Vinny stuck his head in the door, "Tate, you're on in five."

Hauling himself from the counter, Sky strode to the door, "Follow me, and it'll all make sense."

With Sky's shirted back leading the way, Syd followed him to the edge of a curtained area, pausing with surprise as Vinny handed the blue ranger a guitar, and Sky parted the curtains, striding smartly on to a stage. Standing just offstage to the right, Syd could only watch in amazement as Sky slung the strap over his head, stepping up to the microphone.

"Hey, everyone. I'm sure many of you know us by now, but for all you new people," Sky's gaze flicked over to where Sydney stood, "We're Disposition Blue, and we are happy to play music for you." Tuning his guitar, Sky cleared his throat, "Alrighty, then. We're gonna start this little show off with a favorite, this one's called 'Failure to Comply.'"

Sydney watched with amazement as Sky's gaze flitted to the fretboard and strands of the intro poured from the instument, amplified to surround the warehouse. She had no idea he could sing, let alone play the guitar. Studying his face as he serenaded the crowd of fans, she couldn't help but notice how much passion he put into performing. It was such a far cry from his normal disposition. Gone was the stiff, formal attitude of the Sky Tate she knew. He closed his eyes, singing each note with fevor, grinning out in pure delight at the flock of admirers. His foot tapped softly with the beat, and Syd could barely contain a giggle as he fell to his knees, head banging enthusiastically, his fingers flying across the frets in a complicated solo, ending the song with a ringing chord. With each song that passed, Sydney marveled at this Sky Tate and the talent he possessed, wondering why he hadn't revealed it before. As the last strands of the latest song faded into oblivion, Syd applauded earnestly, joining the crowd in a cheer of zeal. Glistening with sweat, Sky accepted the cheers with a nod and glanced down, fiddling with the knobs of his guitar as he paused to catch his breath.

"Okay, this last song's apparantly a popular one with the masses, and I think it's fitting that we end this set with it since the inspiration to this little melody of mine is here tonight for the first time ever." Smiling slyly, Sky gestured to the off-stage area, "Sydney Drew, come on out."

Struck dumb, Sydney felt herself being pushed forward, and she stumbled slightly over to where Sky stood. Grinning mischieveously, Sky brought a chair out for Syd to sit on, "Okay, folks, this one's called 'This is How I Tell You.'"

Keeping his gaze locked on Sydney's, Sky relinquished his hold on his guitar to cup the microphone, beginning the song.

Drowning in thoughts held captive in my head

I don't know what I'm feeling

I'm choking on the words I left unsaid

As they Refuse to rise from my throat

My heart dangles from a string that's held tightly from your fist

And I'm dangling in the hope that surrounds me

Because I've got something to tell you, and it goes like this

So close your eyes and listen but don't speak.

As the instruments blended into a soulful melody, contrasting from the hard rocking previous songs, Sky took a deep breath, his eyes relinquishing the emotions he kept buried so deep, his song giving him the courage to finally reveal his affections to Sydney.

Your eyes are all that I can see

Don't you know, that you're embedded in my memories

You've stolen my heart, and I've given you the key

So unlock this frustration binding me

Choruses written by this hand

Verses played by this band

Helping to figure out you and me

Yeah, another sappy love song but it's coming from the heart

This is how I tell you words I can only say when we're apart

Syd looked up into the clear blue of Sky's eyes, unable to move, unable to think. He was telling her something, something big, and she couldn't believe what she was hearing and how she was hearing it. She had always harbored a crush on Sky, but hearing that he reciprocated her emotions was throwing her for a loop, not to mention he was letting a good three hundred people know.

I'm at a loss at what to say to you

Gone in the depths of your stare

Loosen up my tongue, let the words break through

So everything will be revealed

I give you me all my flaws and faults

Knowing that you won't care

So here it is, these three words

Letting you know why I'm here

Finishing the second chorus, Sky took a deep breath as the bridge began to play, concentrating only on the placement of his fingers on the guitar. Inwardly, he was amazed he was able to play with the lyrics to the final part of the song approaching. This was the big finish, the most important part. This was where Syd would finally know.

So I hold you close, whisper in your ear

Three words are all that's left to hear

I end this declaration with emotions held true

This is how I tell you I love you

Repeating the chorus, Sky shut his eyes, unwilling to see Sydney's reaction. Singing with all the fevor he possesed, the blue ranger ended the song with a ringing chord.

Choruses written by this hand

Verses played by this band

Helping to figure out you and me

Yeah, another sappy love song, and it's coming from the heart

This is how I tell you I love you as we part

With the final line, the stage was plunged into darkness, signalling the end of the set. Slipping the guitar strap off his shoulders, Sky grasped Sydney's hand, gently guiding her off the stage and into his dressing room. Laying the guitar on a stand, he paced nervously.

"Uhm, do you want anything? Like food or water? I think we have that vitamin stuff you like…" Sky paused, aware of his rambling and cleared his throat, catching Syd shake her head mutely. An awkward silence transpired as Sky leaned against the counter, fiddling anxiously with the charm of the sun held by a leather cord, his thoughts in disarray. He straightenen, hearing Sydney's softly whispered question.

"Did you mean what you said…in the song?"

Sky swallowed hard and nodded, unable to trust himself with words. Finally gathering up the courage to speak, he ran a hand through his hair.

"Every word."

Syd stayed silent, his response echoing in her unconscious mind, sending her heart into overdrive. Sky studied her, seeing the many emotions plaguing her attractive features.

Finally, unable to bear the silence anymore, for possibly the first time in his life, Sky acted on impulse, permitting his feelings to guide him. Pushing off from the counter, he closed the gap between himself and Sydney. Framing her face between his palms, the blue ranger swooped down, capturing her lips in his. Surprised, Sydney stiffened for a moment before relenting to her desires, allowing her lips to part granting access to his tongue. Slowly, her arms came up to grasp the lapels of his shirt, drawing him closer to her, and his arms slid down to encircle her waist, clinging tightly to her hips as the kiss deepened. Desperate for oxygen, they reluctantly pulled apart, and Syd sighed in contentment, laying her head on Sky's solid chest, breathing in the masculine scent that was uniquely his as he pressed a chaste kiss to her forehead.

"Sky?"

"Yeah?" The word was drawn out lazily as he nuzzled her neck.

"Did I ever mention how hot you look in those leather pants?"

So there you go, my first one-shot of this series. Hope you all like it. And there are more to come. So leave a message and more challenges, and stay tuned for more!

Roxie