How Far We've Come
Disclaimer: For the love of Zordon…
Challenge: Watch Over Me
Timeframe: Somewhere after Kick Into Overdrive
Ships: Rose/Mack
Summary: "Got to look after my girl."
She groaned softly in her sleep and rolled over. He smiled sadly before kneeling at the side of her bed and pressing the damp washcloth against her forehead. She made a restless noise.
"I'm helping, sweetheart," Mack told his girlfriend. "This is going to make everything all better for you. I promise it will." Mack swept Rose's sweat soaked bangs from her closed eyes and gripped one of her hands. He hummed a lullaby, hoping to soothe her as she slept.
"I've brought a glass of water for Miss Rose," Spencer's voice announced quietly. The portly butler stood in the middle of Rose's bedroom holding a tray. "Be sure that she drinks it. We can't have her getting dehydrated."
Mack nodded without looking at the servant. "Thanks. I'll give it to her when she wakes up. She only just got to sleep a little while ago."
"She'll be fine, sir."
"She looks so tiny, laying there. Sick and pale. I hate it. There's nothing I can do to help her. I feel like I've failed."
"Rose has the flu. She's going to be quite alright, Mack. She has handled much worse than this, and if she were awake she'd tell you the same thing."
"I am awake," Rose croaked feebly at them. "I appreciate the concern, Mack, but go get some rest. You look awful."
"I love you too, sweetheart."
She managed a weak smile. "Spencer, talk some sense into him, will you?" The butler nodded, set the tray down on Rose's desk and pulled Mack to his feet.
"Miss Rose is right. You need to lie down for awhile." He led the younger man out of Rose's room towards the red door at the other end of the hall. "I don't want to hear another peep out of you for the rest of the evening. Understand?"
Mack nodded. "You got it." He closed the door and got changed for bed. When he was certain the coast was clear, the red ranger snuck down the hallway to his girlfriend's room. "Hey, you," Mack greeted. "Feeling better yet, baby?"
Rose shook her head. "Go back to bed. I mean it." She tried to look stern, but broke into a hacking cough.
"And leave you to fend for yourself? I think not. That would break Man Law."
"Man Law? Not that again. What sacred tradition would you be breaking by leaving your sick girlfriend alone in her room?"
"'Got to look after your girl,'" Mack said as he flicked off the light. "And I'll go right to sleep. Just not in my room. Scoot."
Rose shook her head and made room for Mack to lay down next to her. He kissed her forehead before closing his eyes. "Night, baby."
"Goodnight, Mack." Rose cuddled close to him-she might as well enjoy the company.
