Yes. Another chapter. ^_^ Thanks for the reviews!

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After getting some ice, using the stool once again to reach the freezer, Jim put it in a bag and went into Gene's room. He was cuddled into a ball and shivering still. Jim had to give him another blanket. Or would that higher his fever? But he seemed to be freezing, lying there. He set down the ice next to the door and went into the closet. He brought out the biggest, fuzziest blanket that he could find and put it on Gene.

"T-Thanks buddy," said Gene. "It's so cold in here. Could you turn the h-h-heat up?"

"I wish I could. But they turned our heater off because we didn't pay this month. I'll get you another blanket," Jim said, running back to the closet, getting another one. "Here." He set it upon him and Gene snuggled up.

"You really are a pal," said Gene with a smirk. He sneezed and Jim ducked. He sniffled saying "Sorry about that."

"No big deal," said Jim. He headed out the door and said and stopped at the door "I'll get you something to eat. What do ya want?"

"I'm not hungry."

"You say that now but if you want to get better you need something hot. Chicken soup or I could warm milk up in the microwave."

"I said *achoo* I'm not hungry Jim," Gene said with an angry tone.

Jim put his hands on his hips. "Aniki! Don't argue with me! You're eating something."

"No! You can't make me!"

"You act like such a little child. And even more when you're sick. I'm just trying to help," Jim said, giving Gene the lip. "Will you eat something for me aniki? Please? Pretty please with sugar on top?"

"If you prance around in a pink dress."

"Aniki!"

Gene chuckled, and then coughed. "Sorry. Couldn't resist.. *achoo!* *sniffle* I'm just not hungry. B-Besides, if I eat now I'll probably regurgitate. And if I do it'll be your fault, which means, it'll end up on your s-shirt. But thanks anyway. I just want to go to-to sleep."

"Fine. I've got to go to the store so you just rest."

He closed the door and started to clean up the stuff on the couch. Jim would be up all night taking care of Gene if it kept going down hill like this. He felt even guilty leaving her by his lonesome. But it couldn't be helped. If he needed to, he needed to. Besides, Jim needed to get stuff that wouldn't hurt Gene or make him throw up again. That was gross. He sighed. Was he going to be able to do this? Yes. Of course he could! After all, he was Jim Hawkings!

Making sure Gene was asleep, Jim headed out with little money they had left. That reminded him that he needed to get a job or something if they were to survive. It would be hard for an eight year old though. Oh well. Walking dogs or something would work. But no baby-sitting.

At the grocery store, he was stared at when he was alone, shopping around. Hadn't they ever seen a kid shopping or what? And didn't they know it was rude to stare?! It wasn't any of their business anyway. Jim got what he could and went up to the counter to buy everything. He could barely see over the counter but the lady behind there could see him perfectly.

"Where are your parents sonny?" asked the lady.

"Aniki's sick at home," replied Jim, paying her, and taking the two plastic bags.

The lady repeated "Where are your parents?"

"I don't have any. Just leave me alone. It's none of your business anyway!" He was in a bad mood. His aniki was home sick and he had to get home quick.

"My, what a rude boy," people whispered behind him.

"That aniki of his must be raising him all alone. Those poor unfortunates."

Jim turned around and looked at them all meanly. He wasn't going to say anything but he sighed, walking on, they kept whispering.

*Damn them anyway* Jim thought to himself as he walked home.

When he got home, Gene was laid out on the couch. With his blankets, watching TV, shivering and aching all over. His head pounded but he still wanted to watch TV despite his headache.

"How did you get out here?" asked Jim, slamming the door behind him. "You walk?"

"N-N-No. Crawled on the floor."

Jim got in the kitchen and put everything away. Then started warming up some milk for Gene.

"You're having milk, aniki."

"F-Fine."

"Did you just say 'fine'?"

"Yeah. What's wrong with that?"

"Nothing really."

"I expect a truthful answer, Jim. You insulted by me being k-kind for o-on-once and a while?"

"Not used to it," Jim replied with a smirk.

Gene said "I don't feel *cough* like arguing."

"That doesn't sound like the aniki I have. What did you do with him? Tie him up and lock him in a closet?" Jim asked jokingly, as he took the cup out.

Gene replied "So, you finally found me out."

"Did you get a nap at all?" asked his young partner as he gave him the cup which was a bit hot. He sat next to him. "Don't tell me that you crawled out here on all fours, after I left, without me watching your pitiful attempt to dodge taking a nap? Even though you need it?"

"Yep. Sure did," he replied with a nod of the head. He took a sip and it soothed his burning throat. "Thanks kid. I'd give you a noogie right now but I can barely life up this cup much less ruffle your hair."

"That's okay. I can do without it."

For the first time Jim realized that they were able to have a civil conversation without them arguing. And be able to watch TV together without fighting over what to watch. Jim guessed that being sick made Gene more of a person than a party animal. It was really nice. Jim felt like they were actually brothers.

"Thanks a lot Gene," Jim said, leaning his head on Gene's shoulder. The red head blinked.

Gene asked "For being s-sick?"

"No. Nevermind, you wouldn't understand."

"Could you hold this for me? I'm about to drop it. I can't hold it anymore," Gene said, just shaking it towards Jim. Before he could take it in his hands it dropped in Jim's lap, with it still being hot, Jim shrieked. "I-I'm sorry!"

Jim jumped up and started wiping it off of hiself. "It's okay! It's okay. Just have to go change into another pair of pants."

Gene liked it when Jim was able to control his temper. Gene knew that he could be a real jerk sometimes and Jim was good enough to take it. He really admired Jim. He was a good kid.

"Thanks a lot Jim," said Jim.

"For what? Spilt milk?" he questioned, with a raised eyebrow.

"Not that. But, well, in your words, never mind. You wouldn't understand."

They both smiled at eachother. Knowing what eachother meant, even if they didn't want to say it, it had been said.

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Please review! ^_~

To Katelyn: Hey gurl! How you doing? Hope you're doing good. Well, I know you're going to review, so I don't need to ask. Right? ^_^ Go, go, Senshi! L.Y.L.A.S

Anyway...

Wise words for today

WWJD? What would Jim do?