Birthday Surprises

A Newsies fanfic by Chrissy G.

When he discovers their birthdays are just a day apart, Bryan takes Jack and David out for a night they'll never forget. Hints at slash. Don't like it, don't read it!

For the Manhattan newsies, this was just another day. They'd sell their papers on the streets, trying to make as much money as they could. For Jack Kelly, though, this day was special.

Jack awoke in a good mood. The sun was shining brightly through the windows, waking the newsies from their sleep. Chatter started as the boys began getting ready for their day. It was while Jack was washing up that the significance of this day was finally recognized. Crutchy hobbled over and gave Jack a pleasant greeting.

"Morning, Jack!" he said in his usually cheerful manner.

"Morning, Crutchy," Jack replied.

"So, how does it feel to be eighteen?"

Jack shrugged. "Not sure yet. Day's just starting."

A few of the boys nearby, overhearing the conversation, stopped what they were doing and looked at Jack.

"Wait, what?" Boots asked.

"You didn't know?" Crutchy asked. "Today's Jack's birthday!"

"Well, I'll be," Kid Blink said. "Happy birthday, man!"

The boys gathered around Jack, giving him hi-fives and slaps on the back as they offered birthday wishes. Then they went back to getting ready for the day.

Jack dressed quickly and they all headed to the distribution center. They gathered in front of the big, iron gate, waiting for the business day to begin. Suddenly, Jack felt a hand on his shoulder. He looked over to see David grinning at him.

"Happy Birthday, Jack!" he said.

"Thanks, Davey," Jack said. "And a happy belated birthday to you."

"Ah, you remembered."

"Of course!"

How could he forget? The day they had met, they found out that their birthdays were only one day apart. David had said it was the reason that they got along so well. Jack wasn't so sure. There were many other things that he liked about David.

"So," David said. "Any plans for your big day?"

"Not yet," Jack replied. "Any ideas?"

"Why don't you come over for dinner tonight?"

"Sure."

"After we spend the day telling every passerby that it's your birthday so they'll buy a paper."

Jack laughed and put an arm around his buddy. "I've taught you well."

David grinned. "I learned from the best."

Jack kept his arm around his friend. On the inside, he liked being close to David. Maybe a little more than he should. A few minutes later, the gate opened and Jack detached himself from his friend. The newsies lined up to purchase their papers. After looking over the headlines, they each headed out to their usual spots around the city.

"Where should we start?" David asked.

"Let's go to the corner," Jack suggested.

"You sure?"

Jack grinned. "Yeah. It's always fun to see how long we can stay there."