A/N Hello again! Chapter 4 is up (on time!) and Katherine finally gets some medical attention. I know. A nice, loong chapter full of the main characters actually talking to each other is what everyone wants, but I couldn't fit it all in this one :(

I promise, next chapter will have the long awaited conversation *.*
Also, I really want to post chapter 5 next week, but it might be a little late because finals season is here. Honest to god, Bio can go fall in a hole, but my student rants are not what you came here for! I hope you enjoy, and feedback is always appreciated!

Disclaimer: I don't own anything but the plot and some oc newsboys

-o-

It was silent when the doctor came. Doctor Stein was a serious looking man. He had seen too many deaths during the Diphtheria epidemic, and his sole purpose became helping the ill of New York. His hair was turning grey, and his leather bag was heavy with medications and equipment. He rushed into the room with a disquieted look, greeting Ms. Medda quietly. Dr. Stein didn't allow anyone except her to be with him during the visit, and it took the strength of Davey, Darcy, Race, and Romeo to restrain Jack from strangling the poor man.

For forty five minutes Jack was pulverizing the soles of his shoes, pacing back and forth while Darcy and Davey waited tensely by the wall. At one point, a horrible coughing fit could be heard through the thin walls of the hallway. Jack couldn't bring himself to imagine what it was like in there and he cradled his head in his hands, wishing for everything to stop. Davey's eyeing didn't help either. When the coughing quieted down, there wasn't any sound to distract from the tension in the air. No shouts, nothing. That was why when the sound of footsteps neared the hallway, everyone froze.

"How is she?" Jack asked. Dr. Stein hadn't even stepped out of the room fully, and he gave Jack a tight smile.

"I believe the young lady will be alright, as long as she is properly taken care of." He said. "She had a high fever that I was able to lessen by giving her some antipyretics. I believe her fever will rise again during the night, but I don't think there is much to worry about."

"However," he continued, "my main concern is her cough. Her breathing is uneven, and I wonder if she's ever had any other type of lung disease?"

Everyone looked to Jack as he scanned through every conversation they ever had. "I- she might've said something about having pneumonia when she was little." He paled. "Is that bad? Is she in danger?"

The doctor patted his shoulder. "It isn't anything young man. I would just keep an eye on her. If the shortness of breath becomes a more serious issue, call for me again. I've had patients who've had stronger chances because of their childhood illnesses."

Jack didn't like the use of 'chances' in the doctor's words, but he tried to push it out of his mind. He looked to Davey, who was next to him offering reassuring smiles. "Yeah Jack. My uncle had the same illness as his neighbors one time, and he had less symptoms because his body was already prepared from an earlier bout of tuberculosis."

"Exactly. In the meantime, I have a vial of the antipyretics by her bed, and here is a cough medicine in case her coughs get worse." The doctor said as he reached into his bag and handed Jack a bottle. "The instructions are on the back, and I'd focus on keeping her rested."

"Can I see her?"

He nodded. "Yes of course. Good night boys, and keep safe!"

Jack was already by Katherine's side by the time the doctor finished his sentence, and Davey shook his head. The night had taken a grave turn, and he was relieved beyond question that the end of the tunnel could be seen.

"Thank you doctor. I know it was late." Davey said.

"You're welcome. Though if I must say so myself, you don't seem like the type of young man selling newspapers on the street."

"Well, I haven't been doing it for long. My father is out of work due to an injury, and until he can get a job, my brother and I have to support our family."

"Ah. I admire your strength. What was your name, son?"

"David Jacobs, but everyone calls me Davey."

"Well Davey, I wish you and your family good fortune."

He smiled. "Thank you doctor."

Just as Davey was about to close the door, Dr. Stein waved. "Make sure you kids stay safe and warm! This coming winter might be even harsher than the last one!"

"Will do."

Despite feeling contentment from the unexpected plaudit, Davey rushed back to check on Katherine and Jack. Since the strike, Katherine had become an integral part of the newsie family. His family. The way she made Jack so happy, and how in love they were, it was clear that they had both changed for the better. Even when Jack wasn't around, Katherine would stop by and talk to the others. It wasn't a rare sight to see her perched on the sofa, showing them her new article or partaking in a game of cards, and she was even able to get Les into reading more.

Once he opened the door to the second floor of the lodgehouse, all of his previous thoughts felt like a far away dream. Katherine was still unconscious, and Jack was holding her hand with a dazed look. He was jerked back to reality when he felt a tap on his shoulder.

"Ms. Medda." Davey sighed. "What is it?"

"I need to get back to my theatre. I can't trust my managers with a prop, let alone an entire production. But I need you to keep an eye on those two. She should wake up in a little, but it's Jack I'm worried about."

Davey looked over to Jack. "I'm sure he'll be fine. Just worried."

"I know." Ms. Medda said "But it would just make me feel better knowing he's not facing this alone. He's a tough boy, but it's also the first time he's ever cared for someone like that. Just make sure he takes care of himself too."

"I will. Plus, he has every newsie in Lower Manhattan looking out for him." Davey smiled. "They both do."

-o-

Jack didn't know what to do but stare. Katherine had that effect on him. Anything she did was either cute, graceful, or amazing and she always got mad at him if she caught him staring instead of listening to their one-sided conversation. Then he would reply with a charming quip and everything would be alright.

He kept a mental gallery of all her expressions; the gentle one, the sleepy one, the confident one, and possibly his favorite, the feisty one. The look she gave him the first time they met. "Cheeky boy gets nothing for his troubles". He couldn't help but smile at that. Now, Jack was met with an expression he wished he could forget. Her pained, pale face that held none of it's usual spark or flame. It had been several hours (or days if you asked the constant voice in his head) since the doctor and Ms. Medda left. Like Dr. Stein had predicted, her fever came back, and Jack had spent the last hour keeping a towel on her forehead, hoping it would ease the pain.

A coughing fit erupted, and fear crawled up his stomach. He started rubbing her shoulders calmingly, and sighed once her breathing evened out once more.

"Jack?"

He turned to her, and he was met with Katherine looking back at him.

"Ace!" He felt tears prick his eyes as he brushed a lock of hair away from her face. "I'm here."

"Jack." Katherine faced him with groggy eyes when they suddenly lit up with alarm. "Where am I?" She asked with slurred words.

Jack took her hand and squeezed it encouragingly. "It's fine Ace, you're in the lodging house."

A panicked look set in and she started to scrawl out of bed. "Oh no. No no!"

"What's wrong?" Jack prevented her from falling to the floor. "Ace, what happened?"

"I can't be here! Please. I have to go!" Katherine struggled against his arms and felt her chest begin to squeeze. A series of coughs attacked her again and she leaned weakly on him as Jack rubbed her back. "Jack, I-I can't…"

She fell limp in his embrace, leaving a confused, terrified Jack beside her.