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Another week had gone past, and Jaylan was left to do exercises, gun practice, and even reading books. This routine stared irritating him, and it got worse when Kaine got on his nerves as well. He had no idea what the problem was, but he had to bite his tongue as there wads time and place for everything. He was irritated as well because of the lack of the outdoors, he really was getting antsy and staying inside made it worse.

But he still provided the meals, and it was strange that Kaine was eating with Jaylan at everyone of them. Jaylan never really expected Kaine to do so but here he was; the boss eating with a homeless kid. With that, Jaylan's lunch special was a tuna melt with special ingredients in it, alongside it was homemade tomato soup. He was sitting on the table by himself having the tuna melt and tomato soup when Kaine in. Jayla spoke, "How was the meeting?" He asked him as he took a bite off the tuna melt. "If you're hungry, I made tuna melt and tomato soup...not out of a can, it's homemade." He took another bite off the tuna melt. "Also...any jobs you want me to do?" By now, Jaylan had put the weird scene between him and Kaine behind him and moved on completely.

Jaylan could only chuckle at his response to the meeting. "Is there a way to make the meetings more interesting to you?" Jaylan had a lot of ideas in mind, but trying to think like Kaine was a bit harder than it was. Then Kaine offered a small bottle of vodka. Jaylan wouldn't normally accept it, but for now, he did. "Thanks." He then took a drink and well...he didn't like it. But he swallowed it anyways, wow did that burn his throat! He would rather have the milk that was his intended drink.

Jaylan did realize that today was the day the stitches would come out, finally! Jaylan was excited thinking about it, now he could start fully working out and maybe doing more than just sit-ups and push-ups. As they continued eating, Kaine's phone went off so he had to pick it up. Jaylan would've brushed it off if it wasn't for the fact that Kaine's face got more pissed off and his hand turning into fists. That made Jaylan put down the food to wonder what had happened. After the tense conversation, Kaine was immediately up and so was Jaylan. "What happened?!" Jaylan asked, trying to make it a demand but it was too polite to even be considered such. But instead, he was asked to go to his room and get a leather jacket? Why? Jaylan learned not to ask questions as he ran through the place to get a leather jacket. Then the demand came in to get in the car. Jaylan used his speed to get up the steps and got to the car. He had a worried look on his face soon after, he didn't even bother bringing the food like Kaine did. "If I am a part of this, is it ok to also be enlightened on what is the situation?" Jaylan had no idea what happened, but it was a clear emergency from Kaine's angry face. Hopefully, Jaylan can prove that his training was well worth it in this task.

Jaylan was in shock when Kaine said the Cobalts got Lauren. "My-My god...Lauren!" He was in huge shock, trying to process it all as they were driving off...was this his fault? Since he was outside and such and that is what got this gang to start acting up? Was it premeditative, though? Could it have been prevented? His questions would be interrupted and unanswered when Kaine told Jaylan to put on the jacket...why exactly? Jaylan did so anyways, putting it on over his blue t-shirt, but he wondered why putting on Kaine's leather jacket was going to help anything?

So it was a trade off....something for her life. What would they need? Possibly money? Or maybe Jaylan himself? Although the blonde boy dismissed it, thinking it was a bit over the top to think that was possible, but it did make him weary that Kaine decided that he was safer with Kaine on this mission than at home...that got him to question it even more.

Once they got to the destination, Jaylan was out of the car with Kaine, along with holding onto a bag of money Kaine had tossed to him. Jaylan nodded as he stayed behind Kaine. Once they got inside the warehouse, he saw Lauren tied up and it made him frantic. "Miss Lauren!" He tried to run to her, but seeing the men there made him stop, not even getting in front of Kaine as the men spoke. It really made Jaylan angry at the fact that these men were making demands, but what could they do?! Jaylan was surprised though when he felt Kaine pulled him back before shoving him so hard that Jaylan had no time to even get an arm out to soften his fall. Next thing he knew, the side of his face hit the cold floor and his teeth pierced his tongue...thankfully not to the point it was bleeding. He couldn't see much as he lifted himself up. His mind slowly wrapped around....so it was true. It was Lauren for money and Jaylan...he didn't know what to think. He would've thrown himself at them to save her, but he wasn't even told of this...so now he didn't know if he should feel betrayed.

He felt something dragging him off, forcing his feet to get himself back up and be lead away. But it was stopped by Kaine...who decided the deal was canceled. Shots exploded and Jaylan took that opportunity to do a roundhouse kick which landed on the guy's face. It was getting chaotic in here and that meant Jaylan had to make a decision, run like Kaine told him...or fight back....

*Random Number Result*

A surge of anger and determination came over him. With that Jaylan whipped out a gun and aimed it at one of the members, blowing the guy's brains out with one, perfect shot. "I AM PART OF THIS TEAM TOO! I AM NOT LEAVING ANYONE BEHIND!" He had totally dismissed the fact he had killed someone and when he did, his face was that of horror. "oh....oh crap." And with that, that got him to back off. But then in his mind, he needed to shoot first, ask questions later. So with that he got his mind back to the bloody game to get someone else that was a threat to himself and Kaine....along with the other members.

Jaylan was somewhat glad that Kaine did not force him to leave so Jaylan kept fighting. It wasn't until he heard a gunshot in which made Jaylan turn and could see Kaine going down. "KAINE!" He shouted out of a whim, forgetting to call him boss. He tried running to him but Jaylan ended up getting a bullet knicking his nose which he covered it, to prevent it from bleeding. Before Jaylan could even get to Kaine again, he was told to help the others and get out of there. Jaylan could only watch Kaine leave as Jaylan swallowed his fears and ran to the others, helping them get out of there and dealing with the other men.

It had been a tense time, Jaylan was leaning against the car, his hands gripping the leather sleeves, which belonged to Kaine. He didn't know why, but if Kaine died...Jaylan would never forgive himself. His eyes started to water and it made his body shake up since he now knew the seriousness of the situation. It wasn't until a voice was heard that the blonde boy looked up...Kaine came back! Jaylan's eyes widened as he came over immediately, glad that he was ok! With that he stopped at a good enough distance as he had to fight off the urge to hug him and cry, screaming on how much of an 'a*****e' he was. Sounds like a romantic story....wow am I pathetic. He thought as he could see Kaine coming to him as a good arm went around his shoulders. Jaylan held onto him tightly as he helped him move. "Yeah let's go." He then could see that Kaine was determined to drive. It made Jaylan try to get some authority on him. So when Kaine was still spitting blood, Jaylan sighed as he sat in the front seat. "Boss...when we get back...come to my assigned room...I'll treat some of the injuries best as I can. On the computer I did research on natural remedies...it'll be of help."

WHY IS IT THE RUFFLING OF MY HAIR?! Jaylan internally screamed to himself, why do people keep doing that?! he was genuinely concerned, and for god's sake he was twenty-three years old! Jaylan could only sigh as Kaine refused the request, saying that he could do it himself. Jaylan was not convinced, though.

The drive was relatively slow which concerned Jaylan, for all the weeks he been here, Kaine seemed to be the person that loved driving fast. So with that it would've been that Jaylan went to his assigned room and left Kaine alone. But that would never happen. Jaylan's nurturing instincts came in and leaned against the wall close to the bathroom door. if Kaine came out fine, Jaylan would say he needed the bathroom. But then he heard a thump on the ground and that made Jaylan convinced something was wrong. So with that Jaylan did a sweep through the house, looking for everything he could use for Kaine in his dire need. It was only stuff like Neosporin, Bandages, ice packs, and a rag from the kitchen that was clean.

He opened the bathroom door to see that Kaine was on the floor, shirtless, and not able to move. Jaylan shook his head, "I know you said those to me because you're not used to getting help. Depend on someone for once man, depend on me." He went to Kaine and did everything to his knowledge. He had to learn about basic first-aid and some other emergency stuff as a servant, in case the doctor couldn't be there quickly. So for now, Jaylan got a rag filled with warm water to dab the wound and wipe away the blood. Jaylan did everything in his power to make it bearable, only able to clean the wounds, spray them with Neosporin to get rid of the bacteria and pain, and then wrap bandages around it to stop the bleeding. Jaylan then got Kaine to stand up by putting his arm around his shoulders. Jaylan did not seem deterred by the heaviness as he had to train his arms during the two weeks.

Jaylan slowly helped Kaine get to his room so he could sleep, getting him to lay on the bed with his head on the pillow. Satisfied, Jaylan had a relieved smile. "I can't do much of anything unless we get you to doctor...but tomorrow...I'll make some chicken noodle soup...the good kind. It will help regenerate the blood you have lost as well as give you the vitamins and minerals to feel better quickly." He then gave Kaine what Jaylan always got, but this time, Jaylan's fingers went through Kaine's overgrown hair. "Get some rest, I'll see you in the morning." With that Jaylan was up and out before shutting the door behind him. Jaylan went to the kitchen and had the crockpot filled with a whole chicken breast with carrots, onion, celery, garlic, olive oil, thyme and a bay leaf on top. He then added in chicken broth, water, and seasoned it with salt and pepper. Since it needed to stay like this for six to seven hours in low heat, Jaylan knew it was safe to go to sleep with it on. He went to his assigned bedroom and fell asleep on the bed, giving a silent prayer to heal Kaine.

Jaylan was asleep when he heard someone opening the door, and it was Kaine telling him to drive? Jaylan groaned slightly but he got up nonetheless and could see even from the door that Kaine was still out of it. Jaylan immediately got more bandage to help update it. Before Jaylan got to where the car was, he had in his hand a two bottles; one with the chicken soup and the other with filtered water. As he opened the passenger door where Kaine was, he had the bottles set on the cup holders before staring at Kaine. He did not say anything as he forced Kaine to take off the shirt and get rid of the old bandages and into new ones. "We're both going to have a doctor's visit." He then closed the door softly before getting to the driver side and turning the key. Jaylan thanked the gods that he learned how to drive before the Fernstride Fire, as it would've been complicated when Kaine gave him the keys. Jaylan then had one hand grab the bottle filled with warm chicken broth and gave it to him. "I would've preferred if you had some chicken noodle soup before we went, so this is the closest I can do. I also brought water as well so you can be hydrated."

Using the GPS locator, he got the car out and they drove. But unlike Kaine, Jaylan followed the speed limit laws. It took them a bit before they got to the destination, the big hospital which in all honestly, Jaylan could not remember much. Might be because he was bleeding to even understand. With that he got Kaine to get up and had his arm around Jaylan's shoulders, with him holding onto the two bottles [if Kaine did not drink the chicken soup]. So with that, the both of them got to the lobby where Jaylan had to explain. "The men who shot me....my Boss was able to find them but he got injured in the process. Please help him." Jaylan had to lie, as it would be hard to explain how there was a 'gunfight' in an abandoned warehouse. With that he had Kaine go with the people to get treated, while in the meantime Jaylan would get his stitches removed.

As Jaylan got his stitches removed, Jaylan felt himself in pain as the stitches were removed. Once it was done, he felt his body getting sore and his side starting to tense up in response to the pain. With that the nurse spoke, "That should do it. If you're still in pain, just take some ibuprofen [Aleve, Tylenol] and do get some rest for today. Tomorrow you should be good." With that Jaylan then asked where Jaylan was. "Well right now he's being looked at. If you can wait in the lobby, we'll let you know on his condition." With that Jaylan was taken to the lobby where he sat on one of the soft chairs and read a magazine while he waited.

Jaylan did wait for a long time for Kaine's condition, and thankfully it seemed like Kaine was going to be ok. Lauren did come in too and she was reasonably worried and angry. Jaylan stayed away as he just stood up the door and watched since he learned not to get involved with a conversation unless told so. Lifting his leg so that his foot was aginst the wall, he had his arms crossed as well..it was an attempt to look like a bad boy in some way. But in a way, it was Jaylan slowly internally putting up defenses. Lauren even started yelling at him, saying he could've brought him to the hospital last night. Jaylan could only wince slightly as she had a point, but Kaine was stubborn and didn't seem to want help. So with that, his hands tightened their grip onto his jacket sleeve as he tried to calm himself down..although he started to blame himself a bit. Since there was nothing he could do he went to Kaine and softly patted him on the shoulder. "There's no use in me being here, so I'll get back to the base to look after it while you recover. I'll come visit tomorrow." With that his eyes went to Lauren, which he avoided her eyes. "My sincerest apologies." He then left the room and closed the door. He soon exited from the hospital and drove off with the car that he took Kaine in. The drive was silent and long, the water and chicken soup he brought for Kaine to have were not even touched. He made to the base, parking the car and entering the quarters.

To occupy him, he cleaned up the whole place, organizing the fridge and freezer. He did let the hospital know if Kaine needed him, they can give him a call from the cell phone that Jaylan owned. He needed to calm himself a lot so once he spent all day cleaning he decided he REALLY needed to paint. HE HAD TO! So with that, he got a hoodie on as he wore a baseball hat and the hoodie over the baseball cap and face so that he wouldn't get any attention. He went into Kaine's room to try to find any money in there...but then again he remembered something. He went back to his room and got out the fifty bucks that Kaine allowed him to keep. It was the fifty bucks that 'supposedly' was suppose to pay for lunch at Kaine's uncle's restaurant. So with the fifty bucks, he exited from the base and walked to town to get to an art store.

He had found a good place called 'Jerry's Artarama' which was a store Jaylan used to frequent so once inside, he took off the baseball cap and the hood from his face. "Hello?" He spoke which got the cashier to look, his face was of shock. "JAYLAN! Long time no see! Where have you been?!"'

"It's...complicated...got a new job...got hurt and was forced to stay inside for two weeks. The boss wouldn't let me."

"Didn't know a boss can force you to stay inside...wait...didn't you live in a tent?"

"Well I got a job as an indentured servant again, so I got a roof on my head." Jaylan lied, even though it was a servant to the mafia, but the poor man didn't need to know that. "Wow, congrats! Get out of the dangerous neighborhoods. Anyway, what is it you need?" "I don't know what fifty bucks can get me, but my dream choice would be a good easel and a canvas." With that the two went to the back to see an easel that stood in the back, all dusty. "What's it doing here?" He had a hand on the easel, stroking it to get rid of the dust. "It's been in the store for a long time, and nobody is interested in it. Sad to say, it's a good piece of work." Jaylan could see it was a very old easel, but it was still in good condition, hence a few scratches here and there. "How much?"

"How much?"

"Yeah, including two vertical canvas." Jaylan asked him as the cashier kind of looked away. "Well..the easel we were going to throw away or just donate to a museum because it was costing us to keep it. But the vertical canvas is about eighteen dollars each." "Let's go then, also I will get some paint too." They went to the cash register to make a purchase.

After the transaction, Jaylan said his goodbyes with the cashier calling back to make sure he returns sometime. Jaylan had a chuckle as he got the baseball cap back on and the hood over his face before leaving, holding onto the easel with the canvas, and a nice paint set in the bag. He would take a visit to his old tent to pack some stuff. Reasons why was because his paintbrushes were there. Getting to the secret hideaway that was a tent underneath a tree as he rummaged his old place to get his paintbrushes and some other stuff. With everything in tow, he took it all back to the base.

The old blankets that used to keep him warm were pinned to the wall so that the walls would be spared from the paint. He had eased the easel, against the corner of the wall as he got one of the canvas on that easel. He then mixed the paint in very little water so he could start going. The paintbrushes went against the canvas, creating color and new life to it. He had an intention to it and the mind filled with blame from Lauren and the gunfight echoed in his mind.

It got interrupted though when the cellphone rang in his pocket. Washing his one hand with a wet rag, he answered it. "Hello?"

"Blondie? Where's the boss?" It was Muscles, who was there in the gunfight yesterday. He now was asking since all the other members were tended to. "He's in the hospital. I dropped him off. I am watching over the base. Go visit him, he might have jobs going on." "Aye kid, let me know if something goes wrong in the base." "Sure." Jaylan then hung up and continued painting.