I See You Not

John groaned and got up, redressing and scurried out of the quarters. He felt sick to his stomach. He pushed past and Nolee and Steve and threw up over the boat into the water. When he finished, he sat down on a crate, silently wiping his mouth.

Nolee hugged John, "I'm so sorry you had to go through that."

John froze, his body tensing as Nolee touched him. Steve winced and gently pulled pulled Nolee off of John. Steve sighed. Nolee should know better about contact with patients. Especially John, who hadn't been ready to even leave the asylum.

Nolee sighed, "We have to go through with this. Steve, when we get back to the mainland you'll come back to the prison. I'll get a home and get him to stay with me."

Steve bit his lip. "You... You sure you can handle him alone?" He asked, walking over to John, gently stroking his hair. John had his knees to his chest, and looked up at Steve. Usually, John didn't do well with male doctors. But Steve was something different.

Nolee nodded, "I'm sure I'll be fine. I've worked with him for a while."

Steve sighed and nodded. John suddenly grabbed onto the fabric of Steve's pants. "Don't leave me..." He whispered.

Nolee smiled, "Looks like you're staying with him Steve. I'm going to go back to the hospital when this all done and over with."

Steve nodded. "Alright." He sighed and looked down at John. "Think he ever has a chance at being normal?" He asked Nolee quietly.

Nolee ran a hand through her hair, "Maybe..."

John simply closed his eyes, resting his head on his knees as he fell asleep.

Nolee ran her hand through his hair, "He's a sweetheart."

Steve smiled. "He is. Can't imagine how the little darlin' wen through what he did." He sighed.

"Being in a mental institution isn't exactly easy," Nolee nodded.

Steve nodded. "I hope he gets better. I'd like to see what he's really like under the illness." He said.

"I bet he's a good man."

Steve nodded. "Do you know if he has any family?" He asked.

"A sister I think," Nolee yawned.

Steve nodded. "We should find her." He said quietly. "Might help John."

"I'll do that while you guys get settled in..."

Steve nodded. "Why don't we get some sleep." He said, laying down next to John.

Nolee shook her head, "I'm not very tired..."

Steve shrugged. "I am. See you in the morning." He sighed.

Nolee nodded, "I'll see you in the morning..."

John awoke the next morning. He slept fitfully like always. He sat up and stretched, looking at Nolee who was awake. "Hi.." He murmured quietly.