Unexpected

Part 21: Higher Than a Balloon

"Shit, Casey- that's a lotta Kush." Max says as he takes the bag from him.

"You asked how much I got. My dude gave ya half."

"How much?" Casey waves him off.

"Nah, for you and Helen- nothing. You guys help me out all the time. Least I can do. I would suggest though- since she is a new stoner to bake 'em. Maybe some brownies or I have even put it in pizza before." Max nods and looks at the bag again.

"Remind me never to have pizza with you haha."Casey laughs and heads back to the ED. Max retreats farther into his room and stuffs the bag down into Helen's bag.

"What are you doing?" Her voice causes him to jump- which in turn makes his heart hurt.

"Ow...nothing. I was hiding your...package." He says as he turns around to look at her.

"You mean he...he brought it already?" She whispers and Max nods, pulling her closer to him.

"Yes- so- I was thinking: Iggy takes the kids for the night and you and I go either to my home or yours and maybe have some fun." Looking up at him, her hands resting on his chest- she feels his heart beat against her hand. It's steady and heavy. She wonders if his old heart was like this.

"But um...I...uh...."

"Come on- Sharpe. It's fine. I'll be right there with ya."

"Yes- because getting as high as a balloon with a healing lung and new heart sounds like a great idea." She sarcastically chortles and he smirks.

"A balloon?"

"Yeah."

"It's kite. High as a kite."

"But...Balloons go higher. In fact, they travel greater distances and to farther heights than any kite ever could." Laughing at her, he holds her close around the shoulders and leaves little kisses at her hair line. "What?"

"You're just so cute. I love you." Blushing, she smiles bashfully and tucks her hands inside his shirt.

"Well then...um...let's go shall we."

"Thought you weren't gonna let me come?"

"Yes, well- I don't want to be alone my first time...because I don't know what I'm doing." Grabbing her bag, she looks him over in his shirt and sweatpants. "Let me just remove you heart monitor."

"You realize I'm a doctor- right?"

"Yes- I know.I just...I like doing it." She meekly states.

"So you can touch me?"

"Shut up."

***

Iggy had no problem taking the kids for the night- especially because Amaya and Daphne have become rather close since the last few sleep overs they have and Iggy loves having a toddler in the house again, despite Martin's grumbles.

Stepping into Helen's apartment for the first time, Max takes in the lavish home. It's definitely Helen. It couldn't possibly be anyone else's- because of the beautiful African artwork, the leopard throw on the back of the teal sectional and the numerous amounts of books all neatly stacked and alphabetized on her built in wall bookshelves. The place is completely spotless and though that may be because she hasn't stayed here in weeks- Max has a very good feeling it's because she is a known OCD cleaner.

"Make yourself comfortable. I'm going to change into something light." She states as she heads down a small hallway to her bedroom. Max takes his time looking around her home, poking his head in her study that is more or less trying to accommodate Daphne's living space.