Disclaimer: Saban owns the Power Rangers. "I Miss My Friend" is by Darryl Worley, and I'd tell you the title of the album but I don't know it because it hasn't been released yet.

Author's Note: I'm sitting here trying to think of something funny or profound to say, but my head hurts too much for that. Instead I'm going to share one of my new favorite quotes. "When you do things right, people won't be sure you did anything at all." - "Futurama". Thanks Starhawk. :)

"Don't you ever fall?" Andros asked sarcastically, nursing his sore wrist.

"Were you always such a whiner?" Zhane countered with a smirk. At Andros' hurt expression he asked, "Look, would it make you feel better if I fell off my Glider?"

"Of course not!" Andros sulked, "But-"

"But I don't have to flaunt my superior dexterity while you're babying your injuries. Got it."

Andros wondered just how undignified it would be for the leader of the AstroRangers to stick out his tongue.

Why was it always so cold in here, he wondered. Not that it mattered. He wasn't leaving any time soon. Though a more hospitable temperature might have made his stay more comfortable, his comfort was not his top priority.



"Here, let me see it."

"It's fine. I'm fine."

"Sure you are. That's why you're in such a lovely mood." Zhane flopped back in the grass. Andros watched him contemplating the clouds, marveling at how he could appear so carefree despite everything.

"You don't believe me," he finally said as he joined his best friend on the grass.

"No, I don't. It's obvious you're upset, and I did get an 'A' in Andros 101."

"That's the only thing you got an 'A' in…," was the muttered response. Andros soon found the sky blotted out by the black jacket thrown over his face.

The surface was hard and unforgiving; not exactly the best choice for an extended period of time. But still he stayed, concern for another overriding personal comfort. He wasn't really doing anything, but being there was apparently enough.

"So how are they working out?" he heard as he threw the jacket back at its owner.

"Who?" he evaded.

"The Alliance of Evil. Enough villains for you, or do you want more?" Zhane sighed. "The new AstroRangers, who else?"

"Why?" Andros answered the question with yet another question.

"Oh, I don't know, Mr. I-Don't-Need-Them. What do you think?"

"Okay, so I'm still concerned they could get hurt."

"But…"

"They've been Rangers before and they can take care of themselves." He sounded like he was repeating something he had been told many times but still did not believe. "But they don't know anything about space," he added, turning his head to see Zhane.

"And from the sound of it, they're learning just fine." Zhane said, not taking his eyes off the slowly passing clouds.

Andros noted the unusually strained quality to his friend's voice and felt the need to reassure him. "They can't replace you, Zhane."

"Hey, who could?" Zhane joked, a little too quickly shedding his melancholy for Andros to believe him.

That incessant beeping could lull someone to sleep. Did he just think that, or hear it? Either way, the slumber-inspiring tone was a hope-filled sound he was grateful for.

"I've missed you, Zhane," he finally blurted out. Whether this was what was really bothering Andros or not, Zhane knew this was a problem he could address.

"Ah, but you can't miss me. I'm not going anywhere. I'm here to randomly force you to have fun for as long as possible." Zhane shrugged, "Or until we blow up the universe." He pondered that thought briefly. "Which could be messy. Maybe we shouldn't do that."

"Right," Andros almost laughed at Zhane's seriousness. "I'll add it to our 'not-to-do list' - do not blow up universe."

"Good. It helps to keep track of these things." Zhane tucked his jacket behind his head and finally turned from his view of the sky. "I'm really not going anywhere, Andros."

He tried not to turn away from those sincere blue eyes. "Promise?"

He would have to leave soon. If he didn't he never would. The temptation to stay forever was too great. The troubles of the outside world were locked exactly there - outside. He could be happy here, sheltered from everything that could hurt him, safe in this place with who mattered most.

"They'll be waking up soon."

"I know."

"You should go."

"I know."

"But…"

"How do you know there's a 'but'?"

"There's always a 'but' with you. Got an 'A', remember?" Andros silently cursed to himself for several minutes while Zhane waited patiently.

"I don't wanna go," he finally muttered, sounding very much like a petulant child, but Zhane knew better.

"Geez, your memory! And you got to be a Ranger how?" he teased. "Not leaving, remember?" he repeated his promise and added, "Andros, I'll be here when you get back."

"That's not very fair to you. Me holding you back." Andros suddenly found the sky as interesting as Zhane had earlier.

Zhane shrugged again and propped himself up on one elbow, turning on his side. "If I wanted to leave, then I might agree. But I don't. I'm not going anywhere without you, Andros."

It was always hard to tell the time of day there. That was for the best really. But he had a nagging suspicion that it was morning. And morning meant parting. Morning was not their friend.

"What were you going to do today?" he asked when Andros still did not meet his gaze.

"Collect some samples mostly. Nothing important."

"There you go. Boring research work that I'm happy to miss out on," Zhane laid back down, settling happily. "I'll just wait for you here."

"I wish you could come with me," Andros said, thoroughly spoiling Zhane's attempt to cheer him up.

He sighed finally, "Me too. But hey, who knows?" He sounded about as hopeful as Andros, which was not at all.

Distantly DECA could be heard reporting on the status of the MegaShip. They were things that deserved much more attention than he was currently giving them. But he could be excused his lack of focus.

"DECA's calling."

"I know."

"I should go."

"I know."

Silence filled the meadow.

"You haven't left yet."

"I know."

Laughter reminiscent of happier times replaced the silence.

"Okay, I'm going now."

"Sure you are, liar."

"Slacker."

"Workaholic."

Andros sat up, not wanting to but preparing to drag himself away from this wonderful place. He said it every time. He wished he didn't have to leave so he wouldn't have to say it, but he did. So he really couldn't stop himself as it came out again.

"I'll miss you, Zhane."

But Zhane had his standard answer ready. "Of course you will," he replied with a cheeky grin. "Who *wouldn't* miss me?" He stretched, putting his arms behind his head as he added, "Now go on, and don't worry about me. This cloud and I are just going to have a little talk," he pointed up, shaking his finger menacingly. "I don't like the way he's been looking at me."

Andros laughed and stood. He waved good-bye as he headed off across the meadow and up the hill. When he reached the top, he turned around one last time before his view of Zhane would be blocked. Zhane was already asleep, sprawled out on the grass. I guess that cloud could wait, he laughed silently. Just as well, Zhane needed his rest.

"Good morning, Andros," DECA greeted.

Andros groaned from his spot on the floor. As much time as he spent there, he really should have at least moved a chair into the room. But that seemed like admitting defeat, and he just wasn't ready to do that yet.

"Good morning, DECA," he responded, stumbling from kinks in his back as he stood.

"We're in orbit around Kadix, and the other Rangers are in the holding bay having breakfast," she reported.

"Thanks, DECA," he said, but his attention was on the object under his hand.

"Have a good day, Zhane. I'll be back." His hand lingered on the healing chamber a moment longer before sliding off. He hurried from the room, the door silently sliding closed behind him, blocking the view of a gloved hand that started to twitch…