Cain, Interrupted

“You had us worried there,” Mal said, opening the curtains in Cain’s room leading out to the balcony. “Welcome back to the land of the living.” Cain had been comatose, for lack of a better word since the boys return from the Island. Every day a team of doctors would come look at him, determine there was nothing physically wrong, and leave. He went to the hospital for cat scans and MRIs, but the only thing that seemed to help was when Mal wheeled him out on the balcony, every day for hours.

Cain had been sick to his stomach and couldn't figure out why. But when Mal pulled back the curtains it felt like a weight was being taken off. The light encompassed him, warmed him and momentarily eased all the aches. The fresh air, the breeze … it was like his heart decided to beat. “I need to up my catch game.” Cain finally said.

“Next time you listen to Dogo. Shoot the shit out of everyone, then you don’t have to worry about catch.” Mal chuckled.

“But then you won’t carry me out like pretty princesses!” Cain smirked.

“Story of my life,” Mal snorted. “How are you feeling?”

“Still a little tired but better. Mornings suck for some reason.” Cain reported. “I’m sure a little more time and i’ll shake whever it is off.”

“You’re Cain, of course you will,” Mal said assuredly. “Just need to get everything out of your system.”

“Ugh. Can’t wait.” Cain grimiced. “Dogo playing babysitter?”

Mal laughed. “He is thrilled about it. Literal cartwheels. I don’t know who I feel worse for.”

“Him, feel worse for him.” Cain smirked. “I get all the jello I can stand. I am making out like a bandit!”

“Mmmm, hooves and pig joints,” Mal teased. “You lucky bastard. I’d have picked boat.”

“Wait till you meet the nurse.” Cain snarked.

That piqued Mal’s interest. “Hot?” he asked, raising both eyebrows. “Damn Cain, I have never been more proud.”

“I have never been so happy to be in a hospital.” Cain laughed.

“Spill,” his brother said, patting the wheelchair for Cain. “Sunlight and tea.”

“Her name is Sara and she has a cat and is very much single.” Caine said spilling the details. “Dunno if she’s into green though …” He snarked unsuccessfully trying to smooth out his wild hair.

“Five minutes with some clippers,” Mal offered. “That’s all I’m asking. And very much single? So have you made a move yet? Asked her out?”

“Not yet! I don’t wanna look desperate or pushy. Besides shes a professional! If I asked now while I'm in her care she’s guna say No.” Caine explained. “Nono … charm now ask her out the day I get sprung out of here.”

“Atta boy, smart.” Mal complimented. “Don’t worry, I’ll take off when it’s time for your sponge bath.”

“I don’t think that's a thing anymore.” Cain laughed.

“Sorry, I had hope for you.” Mal chuckled, pushing the wheelchair out onto the small balcony. “There you go. Photosynth it up. Wonder if she raves.”

“She so will when I ask her out!” Cain grinned.

Mal laughed, taking a seat on the balcony railing. “You five by five bruh?” He asked, pointing to Cain’s shaking hands. “Sorry there’s not a lot of sun, looks like a storm rolling in.”

“More like five by four but getting there.” Cain yawned. “Even on a cloudy day, there’s still plenty of sun.”

“Yeah, well you take it easy. Can I get you anything?” Mal asked. “Anything you need?”

“Sarah like twislers.” Cain said hopeful.

“Twizlers it is.” Mal promised. “I’ll bring a bag tonight. Kimura and I have a few things to cover with the case, but I’ll be back around supper time. Unless of course, you want to dine with Sara. Just leave a sock on the doorknob.”

“Thanks man.” Cain said rubbing his temples with one hand.

“Anything, you know that,” Mal told him. “Stay out here a bit, get your sun in ‘fore that storm hits. I’ll be back. Twizlers. Promise.” Leave it to Cain. Go into the hospital in a coma, come out with a date. People were just drawn to him. Maybe it was his disposition. Maybe his good heart, something pure. He was far from innocent, they’d all seen shit, but Cain managed to keep his heart light and it shined. He shined, like a ray from the sun. Mal chuckled to himself. That would make Dogo a storm cloud.