Introduction

I imagine something elegant like a gold-leaf, hand-transcribed invitation, was sent out to all the newsies, as well as some of the big shots, like Kenny Ortega and Joseph Pulitzer Robert Duvall. A special screening of the movie NEWSIES in Hollywood to celebrate and promote the National Tour of the Broadway musical, with a visit by the National Tour cast AND free popcorn. It was more than most people would be able to resist, so of course I went! (No really, I was there) And yet several original cast newsies were missing from the reunion last week. In the alternative universe that this particular Newsies slash shipper lives in, it's sometimes hard to distinguish between reality and fantasy. So here are some explanations for the missing newsies, in the way that I imagine it.

1. Mush: Evidence

It was Mush Jr. who had first opened the invitation. Fourteen-year-old Mush Jr. had just brought the mail in from the apartment mailbox, on his way in from school. Flipping through the envelopes, it was the fancy gold lettering that caught his attention. Much more interesting than the bills and historical reenactment catalogs. Having the same name as his dad was a bit confusing, and he often opened his dad's mail. Though this one, it definitely looked like it was for him. Probably a birthday invite for one of his buddies.

"You are invited to an evening of Nubbin' with all the Muckety Mucks." He groaned and put the card back into the envelope. Definitely for his dad. More embarrassing Newsies stuff. Mush Jr. scratched at his fluffy, curly hair.
"Dad? Is dad home yet?"

Kid Blink stuck his head out of the kitchen, a dish towel draped on his shoulder. "Heya, Mushy. Didn't hear you come in. No, dad's not here yet. What's that?"

Mush Jr. surrendered the letter as he walked by his dad and headed to the kitchen.

Kid Blink read over the letter with interest. "Dinner is in fifteen minutes, so take it easy on snacks," he said, not looking up. "I wonder why I didn't get one of these…"

"Probably because you don't 'live' here," Mush Jr. said around a mouthful of cheez-its. "I don't know who you guys think you're fooling. Everyone knows about you guys."

Kid Blink looked up at his son. "Cheez-it. It's the bulls," he muttered under his breath, as if it was old habit. Then he added, "Oh, be quiet." But he knew Mush Jr. had a point. Blink had his mail sent to his office rather than to the apartment he and Mush had shared with their son since he was born.

When Mush was home 20 minutes later and hello kisses and 'how were your day's were exchanged, Blink showed Mush the invitation. They sat down to dinner and excitedly talked about plans to go to the movie, trying to guess who would make it the reunion. They loved their Newsies days and were thrilled to go and see their old friends.

It was Mush Jr. who kept Mush from going, in the end. When he came down with the flu the night before the reunion, Mush insisted that Kid Blink go without him. Kid protested quite a bit, but he found himself at El Capitan theatre just the same, where he was nubbin' with such old friends as Specs and David.

During the movie, he was stunned by a few things. First, the sweet, angelic face of his Mush. Mush Jr. looked so much like him! Kid Blink had practically forgotten just how cute and innocent Mush used to look. And Blink was also stunned by just how obvious he and Blink were in their affection with each other. The arms over the shoulders, the shared drink during the toast in Tibby's, the tummy pat at the end of the movie... The nostalgia was immense, and by the time the movie was over and the National Tour newsies were performing a quick dance number, Blink was convinced, he should come out to the rest of his friends. No reason to hide anymore.

The original cast from the movie was called up on stage for a photo op, and while they were posing, Pie Eater said, "So, heya, Blink. Where's Mush tonight?"

"He's with his son." Kid Blink only hesitated for the briefest of moments before elaborating, "He's with OUR son. Mush Jr. has the flu."

Pie Eater, with amusement, said, "Hey, I hadn't heard you guys had a kid. You guys…?"

"Yeah," Blink said with his trademark grin. "We're very happy."

"Do you have a picture of the little tyke?"

Blink pulled out his phone to show them a family selfie of Kid Blink, Mush and Mush Jr. Pie Eater looked taken aback. "That looks like Mush's twin! And not nearly as little as I was imagining."

Blink's grin faltered slightly. "Mushy… is 14…."

Pie Eater guffawed, and Specs got curious. "Okay, what did I miss?"

"Mush and Blink have been hiding their lovechild for 14 years!"

Kid Blink blushed bright red, but he knew he deserved it. "Well, at least I've admitted it finally! And just where is Dutchy, Specs?"

It was Specs's turn to blush.

"Yeah, where's Dutchy?" Pie Eater insisted. Specs opened his mouth to tell his story.