Enemy Within: Frail Beginnings

Note: I do not own Power Rangers Jungle Fury or its characters. I'm just playing with them.
Prompt: First Love (bigthingsinlife prompts)
Genre: General/Drama/Angst
Rating: T (Minor swearing)

As she lies beside me, I realize I love her. Over the past few days she's been taking care of me, due to breaking my leg. She's hardly left my side and I cherish her more with each passing second. She's cuddled to my side; I'd never been cuddled until she did. She even decided to nickname me "Muffin", it's extremely strange but apparently it's my own fault. When I was on the pain meds, I was hungry and all I wanted was muffins. I still don't believe her on that one but I don't want to fight with her. Since its been two days since she started calling me that, I've grown accustom to it. I just hate that RJ and Dom know because they burst into snickers immediately. She just gets back at them by calling RJ by his first name and punches Dom in the shoulder. Weak spots on both accounts, that usually shuts them up for a while and puts a smile on my face.

I shift my body as best I can, this break isn't as bad as it could be. I'm still going to be down and out for a few weeks. According to the nurse, our animal spirits aide in healing. As I move, Kiran groans and stays glued to my side, joy swells in my chest. I've never had anyone actually want to stay with me before. Not only enjoy but by their own will stay beside me. I love her for it. I love her for everything she does. The way the smile lights her face, the way that she is selflessly dedicated to those around her. She is just…everything to me and she'll never know…

As the morning wanes on I become drowsy again and begin to drift off. She, on the other hand, wakes and begins to fuss over me. Adjusting blankets, checking my leg, then she runs her hand down my face before heading for the door.

"I love you," the words escape me before I can stop myself. As thick as my voice is with sleep and as slurred as it is, I pray she didn't hear it. But I saw her freeze as her hand reached to slide my door back, she whips her head around. OhGodOhGodOhGod, she heard, oh shit…

"What did you say, Muffin?" she asks, her voice is shaking. Oh God she sounds so afraid. She'll never come near me again. Oh God…why am I such a fuck up?! I do not answer but pretend to be asleep and she slowly leaves. I felt her eyes on me until the door slides closed.

Oh God what did I just do? I've probably driven her away now. Why did I let that slip!? I just pray to what ever is listening to my prayers that they don't take her away from me. She's the one thing in my life that I don't want to lose.

When I'm sure she's out of the house, I get out of bed and hobble to my window. Leaning against he wall, peering out of the window. She is down below with RJ, she looks scared, and he looks intrigued. Oh Gods, what if she tells him, he'd probably smother me in my sleep. We're not on good terms as it is and I've never made it easy for him to be on my good side. He begins to speak, I can't hear from this distance but she begins to appear calm. Jealousy spikes within me, he's always good at calming her down or saying something she needs to hear.

Oh God, she's coming back into the house. I throw myself towards my bed, miss and hit the floor. Fucking leg. Fucking drugs. I'd spite her but I can't, I just can't. I hear her coming up the stairs. My heart begins to pound as she gets closer. I strain to get back up and manage to sit up on the side of my bed.

"Muffin?" she calls, before sliding the door open, she is surprised to see me sitting since before she wouldn't even let me do that on my own. "What are you doing? Are you hungry? Do you need to get up?" she asks and is just about ready to dash over to me when I stop her.

"No, I'm fine I can take care of myself," I tell her, trying to void all emotions from my voice. She pauses mid-stride and stops dead in her tracks.

"Oh."

"I can't be so dependent on you, it's not fair. You have your self to worry about and your training. Go on. I'll get around on my own," I want to release her from taking care of me. I want her to just go, I'm surprised she came back. A part of me wants her to stay gone, knowing I'm not deserving of anyone's time and affection.

"Do you really want me to go?" she asks, her voice is trembling now more than it was earlier. This time there is sorrow in her tone…why? Could she honestly care for me?

"I think it's for the best," she couldn't care for me, if my own Mother couldn't no one can.

"Fine Jarrod, I'll go but if you do need me, call me ok?" her tone is lighter. I watch her go, treading softly across the floor and downstairs.

Well shit. This sucks. Falling in love isn't easy…especially for the first and last time…