DISCLAIMER IS THE SAME AS ALWAYSSSSS

Mako let the out a puff of air and watched as it turned into a smoky breath floating into the sky. He put his hand inside his jacket to assure himself that the bread he had stolen was still there. He smiled contentedly. Bo would have something to eat tonight. He pulled his scarf up to his nose and ran across the busy street in central Republic City. It was the coldest winter on record and it was yet another trial the newly orphaned brothers had to face. They had managed to find a small shack on the North side; conviently located next to a small diner that threw out quite a bit of edible food!

Mako slowed down to a walk as he neared said shack. In front of it sat a large metal box that blocked the door when Mako had to go out. Bolin was too young to realize that not all people are good and Mako didn't want to risk it. He pushed the box to the side slightly and squirmed his way inside.

He waited for his eyes to adjust to the darkness and noticed the Bo was still asleep. His brow creased. His brother must be exhausted. Unlike the other Earthbenders that were his brothers age, Bo was skinny and short, the complete opposite of the stocky and somewhat muscular build that he was supposed to be. He couldn't be sure but Mako had noticed that he usually had more food when they ate. Even though he made sure to give his brother the majority.

He knelt down next to the little boy and shook him, "Bo? It's time to wake up. I got some bread! The good kind from that place on the West side!"
Bolin shifted under the thin blanket that covered him and sat up slowly, his thin fist rubbing the sleep from his bright green eyes. "The cinmin kind?" he said groggily after a moment, looking up into his brothers eyes sleepily. Mako nodded his head and presented the small loaf. Bolin gave him a sleepy smile and stood up. "I'll go find something to burn so we can toast it."

As soon as his brother disappeared out the door, Mako took out his small knife and cut off two medium sized slices. He set up the grill and cleaned the little shack. Twenty minutes later, Bolin still hadn't come back. Mako began to worry as the minutes ticked by.

Just as he was about to go look for him, the little boy slid through the slit carrying a meager pile of newspaper and a few sticks. "Bo! What took you so long? You barely have anything!" His brother looked up at him and Mako noticed that his eyes seemed a little glazed over and hazy. "I'm sorry, Maki. I got tired on the way back and fell asleep on a bench in the park. That guy who lives in the bush woke me up and helped me find some stuff so I wouldn't come back without anything." He looked down at the ground. Mako reached out and took the small bundle and used a small flint to light it. Bolin plopped down on the ground next to the fire and blearily stared into it. The smell of warm cinnamon filled the small hovel and Mako inhaled deeply. It smelled like his mother. She always bought this bread on Sundays for breakfast. The bread was soon up to Mako's crispy standards and he placed a slice on a plate and placed it in his brothers little hands.

Bolin ate unusually slow. He hadn't even eaten half when he set the plate down on the ground. Mako turned and stared at him, his cheeks were puffed up with the bread he had literally shoved in his mouth," What's wrong?" Bolin started to say something but suddenly he lurched to the side and threw up all that he had just eaten. When there was nothing left his vomiting turned into dry heaving. Mako dropped his plate and began to rub circles into his brothers trembling back.

Bolin finally stilled and then said hoarsely, "Maki I don't feel good." Mako pulled his brother into his lap and put his hand to his head. He pulled it back harshly. Bolin was burning up! His brothers dull eyes looked up at him in question but it took too much energy so he slumped into Mako's chest.

The firebender pulled his brother over to the worn mattress and laid him down. He left the blankets off to keep his brother cool. "Bo I'll be right back. Hang in there."

A/N: And that is it for chapter one! I'll start working on the second chapter of this and Betrayal when I have time! Until next time! Stay flaming!