Partner for a Reason

Chapter 7

Jack woke up to an overwhelming bout of nausea. He scrambled out of the bed, and stumbled into Mac, who had come in to check on him. The blond grabbed him before he could fall. „Whoa Jack ..."

„Sick!" Was all that Jack managed, but Mac was prepared and had a bowl in front of him just in time.

The vomitting really took a toll on the Delta. When he was done he sank back onto the bed, sweating, shaking and as pale as a ghost. Mac took the bowl away and was soon back with a clean one and a wet cloth. He gently wiped his partners face and winced at the misery, he could read on Jacks features. The Delta held his head in his hands and breathed deeply. „This really sucks, Mac."

„I know Jack, I wish I could help you." It was really hard on him to see his partner suffer so much.

„You do hoss. I would be lost without you."

„You want some water?" Mac offered. Jack sighed. „Honestly no, but I should probably drink some." He grabbed the bottle and stared at it, if it would bite him. Mac had to laugh. „I know this look brother. Just get it over with."

„You are a horrible nurse, laughing at your patient," the Delta grumbled, but had to smile a little. „Can you do me a favour bud?" Jack asked hesitantly.

„Name it," came Macs answer.

„I ... uh I really want to take a shower, but I'm not sure I'll manage ..." Jacks face had reddened with embarrassment.

Mac sank onto his knees and rubbed Jacks arm. „Hey,nothing to be ashamed of big guy. I've lost count how often you helped me getting into the shower. I'll get things ready, you ok for a few minutes?" Jack nodded. „Thanks bro."

Mac put a chair in the shower and laid out some clean towels as well as clean clothes for Jack. He walked into the guest room and helped Jack into the shower. The blond put the soap within easy reach. „You have anything you need?"

„Yeah, I'm all set, thanks Mac." The Delta shot his partner a grateful look. Mac sighed and shook his head. „You don't have to thank me for every little thing I do for you Jack. You have done the same and much more for me so often, I'm grateful to give some of that caring back, although I would have preferred if you hadn't gotten injured in the first place." Mac said sincerely.

„Still feels kind of wrong, I'm your overwatch. I should be the one looking after you." Jack hung his head.

„You are my overwatch and I wouldn't want anybody else to watch my six. But we're also partner, we look after each other. I know, it sucks to be reliant on help with even simple things, but don't beat yourself up about it. You have to put all your energy in getting better, and accepting help is one step to it." Mac smiled reassuringly. „I'm in the kitchen, warming up some soup. Just give a shout if you need me."

„I will." After Mac had left, Jack shimmied out of his clothes and sank down on the chair. The hot water felt great on his body, but somehow it increased his dizziness. When he was clean, Jack wobbled out of the shower and sat down on the toilet seat. With shaking uncoordinated movements he dried himself off. He managed to put on his boxers, but then he had to grab the sink to prevent himself from falling of the toilet seat.

There was a knock on the door and Mac asked. „You ok Jack?" The water had stopped some time ago and the blond got worried. „Could use a little help here hoss." Jack admitted. A second later Mac was there and helped him to get dressed. He slung Jacks arm over his shoulder and guided him to the couch. Jack was pale and shaking, his shower had exhausted him. Mac handed him a bowl of soup and the Delta started to eat it hesitantly. He managed half of it and the blond was satisfied, he handed Jack his pain meds and watched as his partner washed it down with some water. With a sigh he sank down into the pillows and closed his eyes. It didn't take long and Mac was asleep too on the other couch.