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Mush and KidBlink were alone. Finally. Not all the Newsies knew about them but a good few did. So it wasn’t quite as hard for Jack and Race to get everyone out to some Trip or whatever.
Mush didn’t actually technically know what they were doing but he couldn’t quite get himself to care either.
Right now he was with Blink. And believe it or not but the last half hour or so they spend just… talking. Sure they had their good share of making out for the day, and they sure as hell weren’t done with it either, but he still kind of enjoyed just talking.
Tho right now, Mush felt his concentration slip. His Leg started wiggling around and he couldn’t quite get a grasp on where they were in the conversation.
Now you see, Mush was very Interested in that conversation, he was! He thinks he was. It would be good to actually know what they were talking about but he just kind of couldn’t get himself to focus long enough as to remember it and even less to grasp it from Blinks rambling.
He snapped out of it.
Literally. Because Blink could somehow snap very loud (something Mush was unreasonably impressed by)
„ya’s doing the thing again.““yeah i know“
„ya knows?“ supplied Blink helpfully as if that wasn’t exactly what he just said.
„…yeah?…“ he focused on Blinks hand that kept moving in front of his eyes to keep him from getting back into a stare (he called it stares. But he didn't know how else to call it and he couldn’t describe it.)And suddenly he was very aware of how well Blink knew him.
Knew when he needed this.
Knew to talk, and use his body.
Knew how to keep Mush from that almost scary state.
„I mean, kind of. It’s like when ya zone out on purpose. That, just ya can’t get back on purpose…and it aint on purpose... That’as a very inaccurate description- i- ya know what, scratch that i‘ll just start again.““Ya can zone out on purpose?“ Kid Blink cut in.“Ya don’t?… anyway so i aint sure how ta explain it. Just-…““y’know ya don’t have ta explain it, right?…“He loved that about him. He was so patient and that just always spun his mind.“Hm..“ and he didn’t exactly know how it happened but they were tangled into each other, shortly after.
Mush moved from his spot on the couch to sit on Blinks lab and suddenly he was all in the moment.
Blink grinned into his mouth knowing damn well he was the only one who could get Mush out of his dazzled state like that.
And Mush wants to hate him for it, honestly, its pretty annoying but he did just the opposite.He didn’t remember their tounges swapping mouths but its not like he minded exactly. In fact he was quite okay with it.He didn’t do anything after that consciously. While his mind was very present, it just all came so naturally… almost like muscle memory. Except he’s
never-His pinky brushed some skin on Blinks back and he drew it back to where it was on the soft cotton on Blinks shirt for a bare moment but raised it again instantly in a considerate motion, his mind coming to control his body once more.
Though his mind was also the one that decided that his body seemed to be making some pretty good decisions there so he laid his pinky and palm back to the rest of his fingers and TOTALLY absent minded(let him have this, please) moved his hand up pushing the shirt a little, to then, (this time admittedly very intentional) moved his hand to that little place on Blinks waist he’d only ever gotten to feel through the fabric. The one where he could only imagine how perfect his hand would fit in so far.
As he laid it down he immediately flinched back seeing as that was quite exactly what Blink did.
He looked at him, decidedly no panic in his eyes. None at all.But Blink just gasped „Geez, ya Hands are cold! ‘the Hell?“
They didn’t have much time to laugh about it because soon enough they were having more important concerns, you know, such as each other.
He‘d explored more of the others back over time until he finally felt a tuck on his own tangtop.
And he sure as hell didn't need to be told twice to take his shirt of when he was laying on top of one Kid Blink. On a couch.
Alone. Together.
Carefully he slipped his Hands back under Blinks shirt, to take it of as well.
His arms went along Blinks sides and his arms until he got to his hands, feeling goosebumps form wherever they went. He moved his elbow up to get a grip of the bottom of Blinks shirt. The latter raising his arms to get out of there faster.
After all, the sooner the shirt was over his head, the sooner they could kiss again.
he‘d almost whipped Blinks eyepatch off but when he reacted quickly to hold it he felt a hand on his own, detangling his fingers then slowly, carefully and without braking eyecontact opening the knot behind his head; the greatest show of trust
Blink could give him. He wouldn’t be suprised if he slept with that thing on.Mush took a second to appreciate the light green of his eye before rushing down again, quick to get his tongue back where it belonged.
He was satisfied with the sigh he drew out of Blink when his lips met his skin. He slowly worked his way downward his neck and along his collarbones and maybe or maybe not a little further down before returning to Blinks jaw.
He sucked harder on the spots that would be covered by his shirt later, knowing exactly what happened to guys like them if anyone would find out.
He pressed his tongue against the little bitemarks if Blink hissed and he steadied his grip if his breath became shaky.
Soon enough they found themselves in the
room that was originally designed to be a nursery but the newsies were almost all teens.
And there was a bed big enough to fit more than a person, covering curtains and a lock on the door.
It wasn’t even an unspoken rule what this room was for.
They were making out
heavily when Mush felt that same tug again, this time on his pants.
His hand wandert down the length of Blinks Torso and he hesitantly hovered over the button of his trousers.
He broke away for a moment to look at his boyfriend as the latter undid his belt.
„I- i haven't-““you think i have?“ Blink looked at him in what Mush could only describe as honesty and maybe admiration.And before they knew it they were both clotheless as Mush pressed kisses down Blinks chest, further and further, and Blink pressed his head into his pillow when Mush finally reached his destination.
He felt Blinks fist tightening in his curls, his Pulse fasten and his hip clenching and heard his breath hitch, his sighs grow into groans and and the whisper of his own name when he decided this wasn’t nearly long enough to be over already.
So he kissed the others cheeks as he reached for the drawer and Blink made a complaining sound.
When Mush was over his face again, taking in the sight. His cheeks were red and his lips swollen(was this because of the kissing or the pursing? He didn’t know)
His eyebrows did that thing where he almost looked a little desperate and he couldn’t help kissing him again.
He pressed small kisses everywhere as his hands ran along the heated skin.
„You’re a fucking tease Mush Meyers“ Blink complained and Mush smiled at how high pitched and breathy and hoarse his voice was.
„And you’re extremely impatient Kid Blink“ Mush smiled with out any heat in his voice whatsoever.
Blink whined and Mush decided to free him from his suffer and oiled his hands to get going.
He looked into Blinks eyes once more searching for confirmation and the latter gave him what he wanted.
Blink practically moaned and gasped at the same time just before his voice caught in his throat.
Mush twitched at Nails on his skin, scratches on his back and hissed a little.
Blink let go and held onto his own pillow instead but Mush was letting his hands travel up his arms till he met his hand and tangled their fingers.
Blink grabbed tight.
He surrounded him (literally).
And Blink was warm.
He gasped and groaned around a lot this evening, and Mush thought he couldn’t be happier until-„I love you“ Blink breathed between all the curses and Mushes name (Mushes name more often than not) and Mush stopped dead in his Tracks.His Chest tightened but in a good way. He was suddenly filled with even more warmth.
„what did i say?“And Mush shook his head a little and grinned.“I love you too!“ he watched Blinks face all but flushed to an extent he didn't know was possible and kissed him again.
___
Mush woke up in the middle of the night that night. Kid Blink was in his arms and- holy shit, he really did wear his Eyepatch even when he was sleeping! Mush chuckled to himself before carefully getting up and climbing down Blinks top-bunk to get a water. Startled to find a wide awake Jack and Racer sitting on the latters bed ( in wich Albert
was sleeping for whatever reason) and the two weren't the only ones glaring at him.( Were they glaring? He thought they were glaring.)
He stepped back dramatically as if he got jump-scared (wich honestly isn’t too far from the truth) and let out a breathy chuckle at them.
Not even Davey (who was laying in Kellys bed even though it was Sunday) let his gaze down when he went downstairs.
Cringed out, he got a glass of water and walking back up he almost got chills.
but when he came back the only sign that that actually happened was Davey who was in fact there in Jacks bed despite the fact that it was a Monday the next day.
even more weirded out by the whole situation he climbed back into Blinks Bed and snuggled into him in the hopes he could get his cooled back back yo normal
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
The first thing Charlie remembers except the fact he got beat up- after he got beat up(wich he more like knows because of… you know… lieng bruised up in and alleyway not because he remembers
it) is a hand being held out to him and a voice carefully asking,”Hey, are ya okay?””I ain't need no help…” he’d grumbled but reached to take the hand which flinched back at that,”Oh! No! I’se sure ya don’t! Sorry,” but hesitantly reached back when the guy realised he was gonna take the hand,”woah- Geez are ya okay?” He’d said upon further inspecting his face. “Looks like the Delancys punched ya up pretty bad. I knows ya can handle your own but just so ya know, ya don’t gotta!…like… i’se just sayin’ it ain't weak ta gettin’ help…”
Delancys? Like the street? Was that suposed to be a joke?“Don't ya have somethin’ to do?””I sure do but i ain't likin’ seein’ kids bleed out in tha streets ya see?”And Charlie had grumbled once again in response.
The guy held up the stick he had used as a crutch wich was broken much and Charlie remembers the apologetic look on his face.
He’d only sighed and already tried making a plan. But he was lucky he didn't have to as the guy threw Charlies arm over his shoulder and helped him walk.”How ‘bout ya? A job? Somthin’ ta do?”and Charlie had only given him a funny look as if to say ‘ha. Ha. Very funny…’ at which the guy had sighed and maybe (he wasn't sure if it was movement from walking) gave a light nod.
“d’ya got any place to go?”Charlie had shook his head.
“Well i can pay for ya bed tonight-“”Hey, i ain't no charity case!” He’d almost shouted already trying to free himself from the guys shoulder
“I know that but i ain’t lettin’ ya sleep out like that! Listen ya can work with the newsies right startin’ tamorrow or ya can not. But taday ya ain’t workin’ caz ya got soaked! I’ll pay for ya bed taday and if ya choose not ta work tamorrow thats your choice, how’s’at sound? I promise i aint payin’ if ya don’t work it!”“I can- I can work as a Newsie? I can barely walk?”“Lucky gimp…”and Charlie didn’t know what that meant so he just sighed and nodded because he honestly hadn’t had anything against a nickel a day.”how old are ya kid?””call me kid alright? I might be older than ya from the looks’a it…anyway i’se thirteen”The guy had breathed a laugh “I just turned fourteen.” And charlie had grunted.
“Anyway they call me Jack. Jack Kelly. Well that ain't true…
they
call me cowboy but thats the people that don’t know mein person. Well some’a my friends too actually…Anyway the guys that helped me scare the guys of was KidBlink and Spot, ya sure heard’a’im. Spot Connlon? The guy with tha pink suspenders? Real names Sean? …No? Eh. Whatever…So whats your name? Or well what should i call ya?”What should i call ya? he’d said, specifically NOT
whats ya name?”Crutchie…” he decided on.
“Ya sure? ‘D anyone call ya that? Da’i needa soak anyone?”“Nah… i like the nickname.” Crutchy had said”aight, so what’s happened ta ya leg crutchy” Jack had asked”nothin’, honest! Doctor said its some guy named polo but i’se had it like that since i’se born.”“Ya gota a doctor?” Jack had asked in awe.
-At the Manhattan Lodging house Jack had helped him climb up the fire escape to his so called ‘penthouse’
which was just the roof and Crutchie wasn't sure why the effort but ehh.He’d learned a bit that night. The girl that had found Crutchy and had gotten Jack- and with him Kid Blink- and Spot was Smalls, the head-newsie of the Bronx She’s all agile and stuff but not even Jack could deal with both the Delancys alone, so she got them. But she had to run and so did Spot. Spots from Brooklyn and walking over the bridge takes a while and he wanted to be back before curfew. He sure would’ve gotten in,‘he’s Spot Conlon after all’but he had set and example or whatever.
“Anyway so what’s ya doin’ up in the Bronx? ‘N how did ya get the Delancys up ya ass here?!”Charlie hadn’t known how to feel about all the talking back then. He was just grateful he hadn’t had to talk all that much.
-It was that same night, or well, the next morning, that he’d learned all about that Santa Fee of Jacks.
He’d gotten up early. Wanted to make a good first impression. And of curse he’d woken up Jack doing so. Back then, he hadn’t known that you could only get your papers once the bell had rung.
“Hey where ya goin’? Mornin’-bell ain’t rung yet. Get back ta sleep”“I wanna beet the other fella’s ta the street! I don’t want anyone should see, uh… i ain’t been walking so good…” he laughed a bit at how that had rhymed.
“Ah quit gripin’! Ya know how many fake a limp for sympathy? That bum leg’- ya’s is a gold mine!”so that was what that was all about the day before, he realised. For a second he’d wondered if that was the only reason Jack made friends with him.
“Nah someone get’s the idea i cant make it on my own they lock me up in the refuge for good!””You’ve been to the refuge?”he shuddered at the memory and, so it seemed, did Jack.
So he switched the topic “anyway be a pal, Jack! Help me down!”And if course, OF
COURSE he had to miss a beat to the leather down.
A short yelp escaped his lips but, Jack to the rescue, had sprung over with a few steps and helped him back up away from the danger.”Ay, take it easy, will ya? Ya wanna bust ya other leg too?””uh- no, i wanna go down…”he’d pointed out the obvious.
“You’ll be down there soon enough! Geez, take a moment!” He’d paused,”drink in the view up here, away from that stinkin’ streets!””You’re crazy!” Crutchy had chuckled
“What? ‘Cuz i like a bit’a fresh air? ‘Cuz i like seeing the stars and the sky?””ya’s seein’ stars alright!”“Them streets down there sucked the life right outta my old man. Years’a rotten jobs, stomped on by bosses. And when they fin’ly broke ‘im, they tossed‘im out the
curb like yesterday's paper. Well, they ain't doin' that ta me.” He’d explained to him.
“But… i thought everyone wants to come here?”
“New York's fine for those what can afford a big strong door ta lock it out. But I tell ya, Crutchie, there's a whole other way out there. So ya keep ya small life im the big city. Gimme a big life in a small town! They say ‘folks’s dien’a get here but me im dien’a get away! Ta a little town out west thats… spankin’ new!” And he looked so desperate Crutchie felt bad for wondering.
Jack told him more about that place his mother was.
“And while i aint never been there, i can see it clear as day-“
“wh- really?! Fir someone who’s never been there you admire it a lot…””Me Mothers used ta sends me lots’a telegramms. I hope each time it’s ta send for me but she just aint found nothin’ yet…””i see…””EXACTLY! Thats what i’m sayin’, Crutch! I betcha, if ya try it, ya can pitcha it in ya head! Just close ya eyes, okay? Try ta imagine.”
Jack dragged that ‘imagine’ in a way that made it sound real fancy like to show a banner for some slogan.Jack told him what it would look like and Crutchie could have sworn there was some kind of tune in his voice. A song his mother used to sing him to sleep to? Who knows…“Santa Fee? Thats where ya Ma is?””yeah… life there’ll be great! Just plantin’ Rails, splittin’ Crops and whatever! And we’ll have a Bonfire and share tales and storrys. ‘Xcept fa’ Sunday when ya lie around all day…”And Crutchie wanted that. He wanted that so bad. A dream. Jack spoke of that place like
home. Like he was welcome there.
“Soon ya friends’s more like fam’ly, and they’s beggin’ ya ta stay…”
Family…he couldn’t help a light sigh escape him.
“wouldn’t that be neat? A neat life in Santa Fee?”“Ya got folks there?””pff… i aint got no folks… nowhere. You?” Jack had sighed.
“Nahi don’t need folks… i’se got friends.”And while Crutchie hadn’t know Jack long yet, he could tell Jack had some idea blooming by the way he lifted his head in response.
“How's about ya come with me? No one worries ‘bout no gimp leg in Santa Fee. Ya just hops a palomino and ridein’n style!””HA! Yeah feature me, ridin’n style…”“Hey, betcha few months’a clean air ‘n ya could toss that crutch for good!”This guy that kept care if the lodging house and the boys there, Kloppman, had gotten him
two
new crutches within seconds when they arrived the night before. They had hopped onto a carriage on a back and somehow no one cared…“Jack…””Crutchie?””Please never become a doctor!”Crutchie hadn’t been able to tell if thay was a laugh or a cry that Jack responded with.
“Santa Fee you can bet,”
why they were talking of that place like a person now, he wasn’t sure, but he sure as hell wasn’t about to say something about it.
“we won’t let them bastards beat us!
we won’t beg no one ta treat us fair and square there, Crutchie! That shouldn’t be somethin’ to ask for! Respect! We deserves it! And we shouldn’t gotta beg fa’ it. Theres a life thats WORTH the livin’ and we CAN do our share Crutchie!”The Sun had begun to rise by now, something Crutchy would probably never get used to happen that early. (The brightness, that is.)
“Work the Land, Chase the Sun,” Jack and Crutchie had said as if they were one and it was then that he knew, he was
meant
to meat Jack.”Swim the whole Rio Grande just for fun…” Jack had chuckled out as he waved his hand around as if to present his big dream. It hurt Crutchie that he would never be able to do that. Swim. But this was about dreams, wasnt it? So ge let himself dream.
”Watch me stand!” He had to smile, “watch me run!” He almost screamed over the rail and he felt so free.
-
but he will never be able to do that. Swim. And run. And stand. Toss that crutch for good. Or ride a palomino in style… and he hates that realisation with everything in him. Yet he keeps letting himself slip in this daydream state every morning. And every morning the realisation hits him again like a Punch in the face.
“hey!” Crutchie can hear call his brother from behind. It’s summer and the sun hasn’t risen yet but it will begin every second now.
“Don’t’cha know, that we’se a family?”
but damn does Crutchie know that. From the very first day he’d meet this guy he’d known it. “hah, would i let’cha down? No way!”
Crutchie turned to look at Jack. He looked so different then back when they were 14.
“Just hold on kid!””Don’t ya dare startin’ ta call me ‘kid’ again Jack!”
because, honestly he wasn’t even half a year older! He was sixteen for Christs sake!
”…just hold on,” Jack corrected himself, “‘till that train makes good ol’ Santa Fee”Crutchie leans into his arms as they watch as the sun finally begins to rise. Which of course is exactly when the bell rings because why wait another five minutes so the could watch the sunrise once?!
Right?!”neh.. time for dreamin’s done huh? Hey Albert, Elmer, Henry, Specs, getta move on will’ya? Them papes aint sell themselves!”
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
“No.“ she said with a quivering voice
“What? Sarah?“ Jack reached out.
„No. No!“ she put his hand away and whispered the word like a mantra.“You were pining all after Katherine merely two hours ago!““Yeah, but just because I thought i didn't have a chance with you…““Exactly! Katherine has been second to me this whole time! If I‘m not available you‘ll just replace me!“
"Wha- Sarah, you know i would always choose you over Katherine-"“Yeah, and why is that, Jack?” Sarah snapped.”What?””I’m just the closest you could get to dating Davey. Oh and don’t you give me that look, Jack Kelly! You know it’s true!”Jack had flushed and pretended to be confused but now he suddenly felt so tired.”
“You can’t kiss David and my lips are the closest to his so you hope they will feel the same! But I am not my brother, Jack! And I won’t be the person you settle for just because you can not have him! I-I wont-I wont do it!” Her voice began to crack.
“Sarah, I'm not-“”Yes you are,Jack! Who are you even kidding here? Yourself? ‘Cause it sure as hell ain’t me!””I-“ but he didn’t know what to say.
“You think I don’t see how you look at him? God, i hope you’re not doing that in public because that would get you both into prison!-“ she cut herself of, realising what she had said, that she was screaming doing so and that Jack was crying. Like, there were actual tears forming in his eyes.
Her eyes burned as she looked at him searching for something but she didn’t even know what it was herself. Before she knew it she yanked him into a tight hug, tears threatening to spill as well.
He grabbed on tight.
he held on for dear life and it hurt Sarah physically to feel him shake the way he did.
“Yes.””What?””You’re right.””About prison?”
“Wha- What? No! That I’m kidding myself.””Oh…” she pulled away to look at him, “You really didn’t know what that feeling was did you?”
“I didn’t…do you?””What- know that feeling? Of crushing on Davey? Nah, I’m afraid I have to disappo-“Jack scoffed and slapped her shoulder playfully. “You know what i mean!””I do… and no. I don’t think I do. I think love is different for everyone-“”Woah, let’s not go as far as ‘love’ yet. That is a big word!””Believe me, I’m the last person u need to say that to. But Davey? You and Davey? I mean if you don’t think that’s love, sure.”She and Jack exchanged a conversation of looks. Jack scoffing at Sarah raising her eyebrows. Sarah raising them even more and shrugging as Jack rolled is eyes and gave a defeated and pursed smile.
“Look,” she began more serious again,”I’m more than willing to cover for you. To fake being in love with you so you have an excuse to come over that often. But I’m not your girl-version of Davey, you hear?”Jack nodded and Sarah sighed pulling him into a hug again.
Jack gave it his all to press his face into her shoulder and, honestly, someone tell her, who hurt this kid? Shes gonna need to have a word with them!
“Sarah?””Mh?”
“D’ya really think I’m gonna get arrested for…“she pulled back grabbing his shoulder and looking into his eyes. “For loving David?!”“Yeah… that…”She spoke slowly then.
“Jack, i need you to listen to me real careful now, yeah? There is nothing wrong with you. Or with loving Davey, loving a guy. You are
not
wrong! And that isn’t wrong. That is you and you are perfect, you understand?”Jack gave her the barest nod. She wasn’t even sure it was on purpose.
“People are
going
to say so though. They will say that you are sick. They don’t understand that love has nothing to do with that. And even if it did, then love would still be more important than that fact. So other than the fact that you can’t show them that you are in love with a boy unless you absolutely know, they can be trusted, you can never; never, never, never forget that they are
wrong
!And that you are
not. Now, i know you already know all that. You’re a newsie. Hell! You’re with Medda, i’d be surprised if you didn't!
Mush and Blink… whatever, it’s harder when it’s yourself!””You talk as if you’ve been there.”She only gave him a smile then.
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
Spot: bedroom.
Race and Al just share an iritated look
Spot: now.
This time they share a knowing look get up and sprint to the bedroom. But before Race could get there he sees Albert sprint back out with at least as much eager, however not feeling half as pleasent about it this time.
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
Race had asked Al to come with him.
But he said No.
Albert and Spot had a fight that Race couldn’t even quite put together anymore.
Spot had said something about Albert being ungreatfull for mostly living in the lodge when he could live with his stepfather and cusins.
And Race was on Alberts side because he knew (and so did Spot) that Alberts family was shitty.
His stepdad beat him up with any excuse he got and his cusins were literally the Delancys! It wasn’t like they liked living with their father either but they still did. And his mom was gone. Died in a housefire.
Albert had loved that woman with his life. She was the only reason he put up with his stepdad and his stupid cusins in the first place. And she was the only reason he still did. The only reason he still came to that house sometimes. And she was the only reason, he still gave them half his pay every single day. Because he thought, she would have wanted it.
But Spot had had a really rough day that day. His sister and Hotshot had teamed up against him about something and it had gotten him all worked up about family again. Race has known him even before he lost his family and got those panic attacks. And it got him really scared they would come back like that again.
Al ,however, hasn’t . He tried comforting him. But he did the exact opposite when he talked about his own family.
Race had told Spot that it wasn’t fair because Alberts family simply wasn’t as good as Spots was when they were alive but Spot wouldn’t listen and kept getting more and more upset and he’d let it out on Albert.
That was almost two weeks ago now.
The strike has been going on for almost five days.
The morning before Jack, David and Boots had gone to Brooklyn to ask for backup, like they’d discussed the afternoon before. And they had come back all exhausted the same afternoon, falling asleep on the spot. All this exhaustion however, was, as they found out the next morning, completely for nothing.
Race had pulled Jack aside to ask him if Spot had said anything about them at all.
Jack most definitely knew about them and he could guess about the fight. He didnt immediately though. He‘d laughed at first because (as he told him) after they’d declined and Hotshot had asked „Hey, Boss, aintcha Sweet‘earts 'hattan?“ he’d pinched his nose and went „ah, fuck…“ which, honestly, would’ve been halarious under different circumstances. Spot had changed his mind and said if they could prove they weren’t going to fold, they would talk. And to leave the littles out. (They would have done so anyway. Not just that, they would’ve protected them from it.)
By Race’s relief Jack had realised then. Because it was almost as if he wasn’t so sure that his own partner w ould do so.
Not even an hour later the Delancys did in fact come out swinging.
That afternoon Race had gone up to Albert who, like most, was lying in his bunk a little depressed, and asked him if he’d wanted to come when he talked to spot.
If he was in his shoes, wouldn’t have wanted to come either. But he knew Spot hadn’t meant it. And so did Al but it still hurt. Plus every second he spend outside, was a second he could run into his cusins, or worse; his stepfather.
If the guy would give him a black eye for so much less than that, who knows what he will do after not bringing any pay home for four whole days?
Race had started going at, lets say five pm. It was long dark already and he almost crossed the bridge. Maybe five minutes. And then another twentyfive until he’s at the Brooklyn lodge that Spot‘s at.
When he was there he went up the fire escape as to not wake anyone. While he had zero clue what time it was, he knew that if they were upstairs already, he would have to knock loudly. And that would wake everyone up.
He was lucky the curtain was partly open. He would have seen that there are still some lights on upstairs but not that the only beds that someone was laying in, were littles.
Meaning the older Newsies were still down.
So he climbed back down again. On the way he slipped though because he was just all tired and jittery at his point and his leg was bleeding.
He went to the front door and the people still up were actually fairly loud.
When he knocked, it didn’t even take two seconds for someone to open.
Hotshot stood with the door in Hand. She did look like she was expecting someone. Not Race however.
Behind her were sat Spot, Diamond, Mack, York and Niahm, sitting at a table laughing and playing cards. One chair was free, cards laying upside down in the table.
She threw her head for him to come in and made eyecontact with Spot when he turned around to look who it was.
His smile dropped into something more gentle and serious as he muttered something to Mack, York, Diam and his sister before he got up and gave Hotshot his cards with a clap on the shoulder.
He looked at him guiltyly and longing which got tears welling in his eyes which again, had him yanked into a tight hug.
„Hey… le‘s go sum’ere more quiet, eh?“
Race nodded and Spot pulled him along by the arm.
By the arm Not by the hand.
Race tried to ignore that fact because it really was dumb.
He recognised this room as the old register-counter room of the Lodging house. And oh, had he made memories in this room.
He shook the thought away and pinched the bridge of his nose to concentrate and to specifically not get horny by a mere memory.
When he opened his eyes he saw concern written upon Spots face. But he didn’t say anything because, even though he knew this wasn’t about Albert -because if it was, Albert would be here (and Race wouldn’t show to a lodge like that, all bruised up, with a bleeding leg)- he knew, it wasn’t his place, his right to speak.
He jumped to sit on the counter, „Look, i knows, me sayin‘ dis t’yer, stidda Cowbay doesn’t mean more, and yer ain’t change yer mind just 'caz we’re-…“ he sighed.
Spot tilted his head as if he didn’t know where this was going. A gesture, only those that knew him could recognise was, instead, in fact, a sign he was listening.
„Anyway, but 'hattan's gonna loose dis wifout yer and Brooklyn, Spot! But i‘se earlredy decided, i‘se goin‘ down wif Manhattan. N so has- I mean-"
Spot sighed and nodded, but his face went back to pure confusion, concern the minute Race spoke again. “They’se gonna drag ta de refuge or I does som’tin’ dumb Nd gets myself killed…so I’se not ‘ere ta ask any’tin’a’ yer,” he sighs, “I jus’ wan’ed ta say goodbye and see yer a last time?”c
„We're in for the Strike.” Spot cut in. They were in for the strike from the start but for some reason it felt like a hurried decision, “But the demo....I can’t decide wit‘out Hotshot, yanno?…” Race said nothing, so he sighed again, “'d ya get a soakin‘ t’day?“
„I get a soakin‘ e’ryday…“ Race scoffed.
Spot raised an eyebrow.
„Yes, I‘se gotta soakin‘ taday!“ Race said and Spot nodded again.
„… Becoisa‘ de strike?“
’No, cazza tha preddy flowers over der, Sherlock‘ he would have said to anyone else. But he didn’t because1: he didn’t have the guts to say that to Spot Conlon, and 2: he knew that Spot had to double check and to make sure, there were no misunderstandings.
So Race noddet.
And so Spot nodded.
„Jus‘ ya?“
„Nah, alla 'hattans Newsies haddit up wif tha Delancys taday.“
„I see… I don' think tha's to little too prove ya hint got' fold. I’ll talk ta 'Shot t‘marrow, I promise!“
„Yeah, see, tha‘s tha problem… Taday was tha Delancys but i knows fa’a fact Weasel aint gon‘ have it dat easy 'n us tamorrow n i‘se almost certayn Snyder and tha Cops‘ll be der too!“
„Well, fuck!“
Race frowned
„Race, we can’t make it t’morrow. We needa send out ta get word ta de oder Lodges an‘ den we still needa talk wit‘tem. I‘m really sorry, i- i wish i could make it fast. I’m sorry, Racer…“
Race took his face in his hands
„Hey, i‘s akay, Spot! Honest! I‘se secand, rememma? Jus‘ pommis yer come as soon as possible?“
Spot nodded hurriedly.
Race hadn’t taken his hands down but it was to late. It was gonna be way to awkward to do so now.
Spot and Race have never had awkward silences before but this two seconds felt like an eternity to Racer.
„Ya can say‘is name, yanno?“
„Wha‘?“
„Albert. Ya can say‘is name. I‘se de one what was wrong‘ere, Not‘im. If ya don’t bring me up wit‘im that makes sense but ya aint needavoid‘im ta me… does det make any sense?“
„No… but I knows, whatcher means…“
„Does‘ee-… is‘ee doin‘… okay?“
Race shrugged and shook his head at the same time.
„Nah, I don’t think‘ee is…“ he hesitated,“he hasn‘ set a foot out 'Hatt‘n lodge inna day caz‘ee thinks he’s‘anna ran‘inna‘is stepfader… he hasn’t gott‘n dem any pay in four days after all…“
Spot pursed his lips and looked down to his shoes. Race was suddenly so hyperaware of how he didn’t know how much he needed that confirmation that Spot still cared about them, about Al. He’d been so afraid, they weren’t gonna make up again. Thats when tears burned in his eyes again and threatened to quill over. And then he just couldn’t take it anymore.He reached with his foot to get Spot a little closer again and then literally crashed their lips together as if there was no tomorrow.
And once again, he didn’t know how much he’d needed this until it happened.
It was desperate and longing and finally he could feel a tear droll down his cheek. And then another. And another. And then his eyes were dry but he could still feel another tear.
They hugged and Race couldn’t stop wanting him closer, no matter how close they were, he kept tightening the hug.
He was afraid, he was gonna squeeze him to death but then he remembered, this was still Spot Conlon we‘re talking about.
He pressed another warm kiss to his mouth and then he cried into his shoulder for a while. Spot held him. Hand running along his back again and again and holding his head and whispering lullabies into his hair.
Then he pressed a kiss to his forehead and pulled away only to show up merely twenty seconds later again with a box and a bottle. Spot treated his leg and then his chest. Race felt a weird kind of relief when Spot ran his hands over the scars there. Once again something he hadn’t realized; he had felt so dysphoric those two weeks that Spot wasn’t there. Because between Al and him it gad been weird too. And then his knees, palms and knuckles. Then finally he pressed something that felt like paradise to his bruises.
(It was literally just ice but Spot decided he didn’t need to know that. Placebo.)
Race closed his eyes at it and suddenly found it very hard to open them again.
With all his might, he managed to open them and looked at Spot. If it wasn’t clear that he would sleep here before, it sure as hell was now.
„Sleep in ma bed. I‘ll look where I sleep.“
„What? Spot yer sleep in yer bed and so will I…- sleep in yer bed that is, not my‘se… I- you know what forge-" he was interrupted by his own yawn.
He absendly felt a hand on his waist and his back.
He got up early again that next morning. Even before Spot.
And Spot woke early.
He arrived at newsies-square just when the bulls showed up as predicted.
The next day the first Brooklyners arrived and even already some of the other burrows to plan the strike and rally.
Including Spot of course.
He and Al made up. Which endet in a good two minute long makeout session before Race got one (which, honestly; fucking rude!?)
„Of course I didn’t mean it! In fact, I think ya shouldn’t go ta det house again at all or give them any of your pay in de foist
place!“
But Albert thought, that’s what his mother would have wanted. And while he could understand him for that he was definitely on Spot’s side here. Though he knew better now than to get involved again.
Race could only bury his face in his palms as the bickering began again.
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
Spot and jack are ex‘s(fight me)Albert is the delancys cusinHannah is hungarianHannah is lefthandetRacetrack has green eyesAlberts nickname is twitchNewsies are good with littlesRacer has ADHD (obv)Crutchie has a tooth gap (period)Kid Blink and Henry are Brothers (or just related idk) (92‘sies)Race and/or finch is colorblindMush and blink have an ongoing fight on who’s tallerRacetrack „i don’t do rules“ HigginsAlbert „rules are overrated“ DaSilvaJack „rules are made to be broken“ KellySpot „is make my own rules then“ ConnlonKatherine „ehh“ plumberBoots “rules? Whats a rule?” ArgusCrutchie has a slingshot integrated in his crutchSmalls real name is LauraElmer and spots sister are cusins (and therefore logically them too lol)Spot and Davey both either bite their nails and they are totally rotten or have the most beautiful and cared for hands/nailsSpot had full on tears in his eyes maybe even down his cheek when Jack scabbed. He didn’t know if he could trust Jack again after what happened what ended their relationship. When he thought he could finally trust him again he pulls this.Spot spreads rumors abt himself sometimes. Racetrack (and others) help. But race not by saying stuff but by doing stuff.When crutchy has to sign stuff with a real name he uses shawn because he reminds me of shawn the sheep so yeahBrooklyn is red
Manhattan is blue
Queens is green
Midtown is yellow
The bronx is dark green
Flushing is dark teal
Richmond are brown
Harlem is Yellow (and mint because midtown are NOT having it) (yes Harlem is an own borough, okay. Fuck you!!!)Bowery are red and pink but the lodge there is tiny they barely have ten newsies
Woodside used to be purple but when the prices went up for purple fabric (idk if this happened in america the same time it happened here but lets just say it does) they took black
When blink and mush got together it was winter and they kissed in the snow outside the lodge and everyone was watching from inside and started cheering because about damn time these two finaly stop pining and anoying everyone with their obliviousness
(Second in comand things abt race that he keeps track if everyones there or if someone’s missing like in 92‘sies when he was the one to realize crutchy, or calming everyone in the broadway version when jack turns on them)„Theres a headline even elmer could sell“ isn’t cause its a good headline but because he refuses to lie, but he cant sell without lying about the headline usually, but there he doesn’t have to lie about itTheres this headcannon that marry poppins knew the newsies and it actually makes way to much sense to me. Anyway medda is littleraly just her at this pointthe nuns probably only picked out elmer out of everyone because he probably waved them of a few times saying he’d come to church absend mindedly but like not on purpose but he didnt want to break the promise so he went TO the church and litteraly waited outsideSarah would run and fight with her highheals in her hand all day and she is so quick to take them off like its a simple action but it looks so smooth. At the same time smalls would full on run and fight with the heels on and she is good at it. Hannah only has two moods- the most elegant shit with her highheals or the thing that lesbians do when they take their rings of (yk?) that but she somehow does it with her shoes.
And the. Theres Katherine. She cant even walk in them.In sprace iceskater au (I dont even ship it as much as some particular other people but) that would be the first time where it isnt the top thats the hocky player and the bottom thats a ice dancer yk what im saying?The first time Hannah went to meddas she was really reluctant. She knew she would be accepted there and not chased for whom she loved but for some reason she was really hesitant.
She only made some hints before that to Jack prolly and he told her „why don’t you come to Meddas Theater some time hm?“
with a wink and a look of understanding