A/N: Just a little something that came out of a prompt from beautywithin16 who wanted to see some Jimmy/Andrew interaction. For the purposes of this story, Jimmy is 16 and Andrew is 5. Also, more for my ease, their school is based on the Australian system which is why they both go to the same school despite their ages (and also why Jimmy already has homework) - just in case that confuses anyone - and I apologise for the lame title. Anyways, hope you enjoy it!
Disclaimer: I own nothing.
Fraternal Protection
"Guess what!" Andrew exclaimed, racing into Jimmy's bedroom.
"You're mad and I'm not?" Jimmy suggested, without looking up from his homework.
Andrew pulled a face at him, "No, I start school tomorrow," he announced proudly.
"Tomorrow? Well, that is exciting," Jimmy conceded, still not looking up.
"Daddy said he's going to take the morning off so that he and Mummy can take me," Andrew informed him, beaming.
Jimmy paused and sat back in his chair to regard his youngest sibling, "Are you sure you'll be ok?" he asked seriously, "Mum and Dad won't be staying with you."
For the first time, Andrew looked a little uncertain, "I know," he said quietly, "but Daddy said I'll make new friends and Ben will be there too," he added, regaining some of his exuberance at the mention of his best friend.
Jimmy smiled, "I forgot about Ben, that's good that you'll already have a friend." He rubbed the back of his neck, "Look, Andrew, I have something very important to tell you, ok?"
Andrew nodded, his eyes going wide as he took a step closer to his brother.
"I told this to the girls before they started too," Jimmy continued, "and I'm sure they'll be telling you the same thing." Jimmy leaned forward so that he was almost at eye level with Andrew, "Starting school isn't always easy, so if any of the other kids give you trouble, you come and tell me ok? I'll sort it out."
"Even if you're with your friends?" Andrew asked, a little awed.
"Even then," Jimmy assured him.
Andrew looked thoughtful, "And is this only for tomorrow?"
Jimmy smiled and ruffled his hair, "It's for forever, squirt," he promised, "you're my brother, I'll always look out for you."
"Wow."
Jimmy chuckled at Andrew's overawed expression, "Mind you, once people know you're Nerys's brother, I doubt there'll be a problem," he commented absently, turning back to his homework.
Andrew looked confused, "Why?"
Jimmy looked trapped, "Er…because lots of people want to be her friend," he explained, "so they'll be nice to you."
Andrew nodded, "Ok," he said blithely, turning to leave the room. He stopped in the doorway, "What about Katrina and Ebony? Don't people want to be their friends too?"
Jimmy shifted in his seat, silently wishing he hadn't brought it up, "Well…yes, but they're not trying to impress them. Yet," he added in an undertone. Jimmy sighed as he caught Andrew's confused look, "Don't worry about it, squirt, just remember if you have any trouble, come and see me."
Andrew beamed, "Thanks Jimmy," he said as he left the room.
Jimmy shook his head as he turned back to his homework, "You have three older sisters, squirt, there's probably very little you'll need me for," he muttered.