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Umi looked upset. "That much? Are you sure?" She looked troubled. It was more than she would make in a year.

Helix saw her face, and clenched his fists. He'd made up his mind. He looked at Lan out of the corner of his eye. Hang on just a while longer, Lan... he thought. I'll get the money, I promise. And I'll earn it honestly.

Umi was deep in thought. Lan was very sick, and needed a very expensive cure to get better. She needed to keep at least half the money she made to keep herself clothed, and the boys clothed, and to get ready for the baby.

She chewed her finger. It would take forever to make that kind of money, she thought. Whatever will I do?

Helix's mind was clicking away at a furious pace. He could work at the cafe, and if he looked around, he could find lots of other jobs to do. If he worked non-stop, he could make that kind of money within a year.

The two looked up at the same time. "Then that's what I'll do then," they said in unison. They blinked and looked at each other, and laughed nervously.

A breeze blew by Umi, stirring up her hair, and she turned her head to see Kitten and Miloe. She blinked in surprise.

It was...Kitten? She suddenly felt a twaing of guilt. The breeze rustled her hair again, and she thought for a moment. Making up her mind, she walked over to Kitten. Smiling shyly at him, she blushed. "T-thank you," she said. "I...I know you don't help a lot of people, but..." Her face had gotten quite red, and her bangs covered her eyes. She played with her hands nervously.

Helix carried Lan without complaint. He's carried Lan on his back so many times, it wasn't a problem anymore.

Umi gave one last smile to Kitten before turning to walk after the boys. She turned her head to look at Kitten. "You two visit me sometime, okay? I like it when you visit." She blushed a little, and hurried to catch up.

Helix smiled to himself. Lan looked peaceful, and he hated to disturb him. He walked all the way back to the house in silence.

Umi took Lan from there, and carried him upstairs and put him to bed. Helix sat downstairs, and talked to Damien about working in the cafe.

Umi smiled at Lan, and gave him a quick kiss on the cheek. "Goodnight, Lan. Sleep tight." She turned off the light, and carefully closed the door, but didn't shut it. She walked across the hall to her room, and sat on her bed. She put her head in her hands, and sighed.

Those two...need a home, she thought to herself. A real home, with parants who can care for them, and love them... She felt tears, but didn't know why. But...I don't want to let them go...I can't do it...

Helix slowly walked up the stairs, feeling tired. He'd have to start work tommorrow, and that bothered him. He'd never had an honest job for more than a day, and they were never all that great.

He walked into the bedroom quietly, and sat down beside Lan. He smiled at his brother, and got into his pyjamas, and crawled into bed. He hugged Lan to himself, and fell asleep quickly.

Umi heard the phonse ring downstairs, and tensed.

Umi went downstairs, and saw Damien had picked up the phone. His face was serious.

"I see," he said. "Well, she's right here. Perhaps you should discuss this with her." He handed Umi the phone.

Umi answered the phone, confused. "Hello?"

"Hello," the voice said. "My name is Midori Tenning, and I'm with child services. (That's IF they even have child services, but I digress. xD ) We have been informed that you have two orphans living with you, is that correct?"

Umi's stomach flipflopped. "That's correct." She was certain the favor she'd asked for the militery to find Helix and Lan's parants had led to this.

"I'm afraid the boys need to be placed in the proper care until such time as they can be adopted by a family," Midori went on. "We'll pick them up tommorrow."

"You can't!" Umi replied, upset. "I mean, aren't I proper care?"

There was silence on the line, and Umi swallowed nervously.