Full summary:

An old friend from Jack's past makes an unexpected arrival bringing reminders of why he's dreamed of Santa Fe since he was a boy. And maybe it wasn't just about what was out there, in Santa Fe, but who. It's high times when the reunion brings friends old and new together and for a moment things are perfect. But those high times take a turn for the worse when enemies from the past want revenge and Jack and his friends find their lives in danger. Can the Newsies win this fight? Blood will spill on Manhattan's streets. But whose?

Author's Note - please read!

I wrote this a long time ago and a recent comment/note led me to see if I can finish it. It's been almost ten years since I last really gave this a long look (more than that when I really wrote it/started it as a personal thing) and…wow what did I write? I'm so very sorry for subjecting you all to this! Lol I have no idea what brought me to write this. So I've tried fixing it up as much as I could without scrapping the whole thing. I hope it's a little more bearable now. The newsie dialogue is incredibly inconsistent and for that, I apologize. You'll just have to use your imaginations. And let me know if it's actually easier not to write it in at all or just a few words here and there rather than whole speeches. It's full of cheesiness, silliness, Mary sues, bad guys, fist fights, and romance. It's also a little dark with some adult themes and controversial issues so this is definitely not a Disney story.

I've all but given up on being historically accurate. Aidan's way of dressing isn't really an accepted form as far as I could tell, but whatever. It's an AU and in this universe, her clothes are kosher. Also she doesn't have an accent like Jack; her guardians didn't let her. Let's just leave it at that. And yeah so she's a mary sue. It's often hard to throw in a non-Mary Sue female character in any story, but I hope she's more tolerable than most. And this is not a Jack/OC in the way you think. I have a tendency to go for canon pairings. Sorry I know that may disappoint some. Maybe I'll write an alternate version lol - don't worry I won't subject you guys to that.

The Return of Santa Fe (formerly When Past and Present Meet)

CH. 1 – Santa Fe Arrives

AD 1900

"Bye Paul," shouted Aidan Lyons as she waved from the train, hoping she could be heard above the noise as they pulled out of the station. Normally, she would have said she would see him soon. But, something told Aidan that she might stay in New York for a while. After all, she and Jack had a lot of catching up to do. When she could no longer see the figure waving at her, Aidan sat back in her seat, her smile wider than ever as she tried to tame her disheveled blond hair. And when she unfolded the newspaper clipping from her bag she laughed a little to herself.

It was a year ago when she first saw the infamous picture of the Manhattan Newsies going on strike with their leader, Jack Kelly, right in the center. God he's grown, thought the young woman with a smile as she stared at the newspaper clipping in her hand. But, he's still the same; same old smile. She wanted to leave the moment she laid eyes on his face, but she didn't have a chance. However much she wanted to go back, she could not shirk her duties here. Not to mention, it took that long to convince her guardians to let her go back to a place they swore she would never set foot in again. But, that was a year ago. Now, she was on her way back to her first home. It had been four years since she had been there. Four years since she had last seen her best friend.

Aidan looked at her collection of photographs that were taken of the Newsies. Her eyes fell on a young woman's face, her beauty compelling and her smile shining bright. She took a slow, deep breath, as her chest tightened, jaw clenched. Jack showed off his dazzling smile to the photographers, but his arm was wrapped tightly around Sarah Jacobs' waist. Aidan would be lying if she said she wasn't immediately struck by jealousy when she first took notice of Jack and Sarah. But that wasn't important. Jack was all that mattered. Shaking her head, Aidan looked out at the desert before her and blew it a kiss. I'll be back, she promised. Maybe I can bring Jack with me and show him what it's like to be a real cowboy.


"Geez it's a hot day even for summer," Les muttered with a sigh, wiping the sweat from his brow.

David grinned and ruffled his brother's hair. "Trust me, there are hotter places than this. Isn't that right, Jack? I mean the desert's burning hot! No water, no shade…"

"Aw that ain't true, right Jack? That's only if you're out in the middle of nowhere! But I wanna be out on a ranch riding horses an' stuff," argued Les.

David glared at Jack. "Thanks, Jack, for infecting my little brother."

Jack laughed. "Anytime, Davey. Afta all, someone's gotta take 'afta me!" They joked some more as they walked through the streets of New York, but Jack was a little silent now.

"Hey, Jack, you ok?" asked David, seeing that his friend was unusually thoughtful. "Did I say something wrong?"

Jack snapped out of his reverie and grinned. "Naw, Davey. Jus' thinkin' is all. Jus' rememb'rin'."

"About what?" asked Les, looking up to his idol, waiting for one of Jack's grand stories.

"Not much," said Jack. "Let's go stop by Medda's an' cool off."

"Yeah," shouted Les, rushing ahead.

"I swear you're trouble for my brother," sighed David.

Jack shrugged. "You makes it sound like it's a bad thing!"

David slapped Jack on the back as the older newsie chuckled. "Do you ever regret it?" David looked at Jack with serious eyes, hoping for an honest answer.

Jack was quiet for a while. He watched Les skip and run ahead, calling for them to hurry up. "Naw. Naw, no regrets, Davey. Dis 'ere is my home!" He put his arm around his friend and laughed. "'Sides, I couldn't leave youse guys here without me!"

David scoffed. "You mean you couldn't leave Sarah."

Jack shrugged. They walked on, but Jack was silent again. David knew better than to pursue the subject. He was sure that something was bothering Jack, at least a little bit. Something was definitely on his mind and it wasn't any small matter. But David had long since learned that however much Jack liked to hear himself talk, he was surprisingly good at staying just as quiet if he wanted.

David didn't know the half of it. No, Jack didn't have any real regrets. He was glad to be with his friends in New York, with his family. But, there was someone else that he wanted to be with too.


A few days later, not long after the sun had risen, Aidan stepped off the train and looked around with wonder. She slung her bag over her shoulder and tipped her cowboy hat up so she could see her old home. She took in a deep breath and closed her eyes. It had been a long time since she had smelled this rough, raw city smell. It lingered as a faint memory in the back of her mind for so long and now, for the first time in years she was here to experience it all in person. When she opened her eyes she looked at all the buildings. Some seemed less towering than they had in her youth, while others still loomed over her. "Four years can do a lot of change…" She hoped she still remembered the streets well enough not to get lost.

Hours later, she found herself on familiar ground. As she walked, the old buildings brought back many memories of her childhood. Though not all the memories were pleasant, she felt good to be there. Now, how do I find one boy in all of New York, she wondered. Near damn impossible, she knew. But, Aidan was persistent and she had her ways. Besides, if she knew Jack, he'd be well known enough if you know who and how to ask.

And maybe it was because she knew Jack Kelly better than anyone, maybe it was because she was drawn to him. Maybe it was fate. Whatever it was, in less than an hour, without asking a soul, only letting her feet lead her, Aidan was standing in the shade watching Jack, David, Les and Sarah walking together. A smile lifted the corners of Aidan's lips as her heart began to race. She watched silently as Jack pressed a quick kiss on Sarah's cheek and tussled Les' hair. David also kissed Sarah, but Aidan knew the difference of the gestures. As Sarah walked away, rounding a corner with Les in tow, Jack and David started their rounds and began to shout headlines to their potential customers. Four years ago I thought you couldn't improve the truth anymore than you did then… and here you go provin' me wrong, Aidan thought, almost laughing. Tilting her hat down low over her eyes, she lifted her hand. "I'll buy a pape!"

Hearing those golden words, Jack started walking toward her, holding out a newspaper, wearing his handsome smile. He narrowed his eyes and slowed his gait when he saw the cowboy hat his customer was wearing. Normally it was the Western dress that would have caught his eye, but this time it was the familiarity of the hat that made him wary. He couldn't' see the person's face but there was something he couldn't place. Was this cowboy a cowgirl?

"Pretty slow for a Cowboy, ain't ya?" asked the customer, tilting the hat upwards, when Jack's steps began to falter.

Jacks' lips parted but no sound escaped. He stood frozen mid-step; Aidan might as well have punched him, he had lost his breath entirely. Jack wasn't so sure if he was awake. After all, he had dreamt of this moment for many years now. He very nearly dropped everything when he finally blinked, snapping himself out of his trance. He let out a loud whooping laugh as he rushed towards her. Laughing, Aidan ran to him and he quickly pulled her into a tight, long overdue, embrace. "Aidan! Oh my god, Aidan!"

Aidan laughed as her hat fell off from the swift embrace. "Stop yelling my name like an idiot, Kelly!" She wrapped her arms tighter around his neck. "Oh my god I can't believe I'm really hugging you!" She shut her eyes as she buried her face into his neck and she felt him do the same, her fingers grasped tightly around his shirt. It was only after quite a few long seconds that the two finally pulled away.

Jack knew this wasn't a dream, but it was just too good to be true. The last time she was in his arms like this, it was to say goodbye. And yet here she was, back in his tight embrace. She had definitely grown but she was still so little in his arms.

"Kelly, I think you're gonna break something if you keep squeezing me like this," Aidan said, faking a gasp. She didn't want him to let go, but she found that he was gripping her tighter and tighter and breathing really was becoming difficult. Jack laughed and they pulled away a little, but still stayed in each other's arms.

At the mention of the word 'break,' Jack squeezed her left arm gently and their eyes met. "It's good as new," she promised. She pulled away to rotate it her arm and flex it back and forth to show him it was fine. "See? Time heals all wounds right?" There was no response, and Aidan wasn't sure she believed it all herself. She shook her head and punched Jack lightly in the shoulder. "God, you've grown, Cowboy! I'll never tease you again for being a shrimp!"

Jack laughed at the memory of those days, still as fresh as if they were yesterday. He looked at the young woman and admired the figure she had grown into. "I've grown? Well, I ain't da only one." He put his hand against her cheek and she did the same. "You look great Aidan." Then more softly, "You look beautiful." Those words often tumbled off his lips as he wooed girls and women alike, but he rarely ever meant them with all his heart. Only a handful of people have ever earned that. And one of them stood before him now.

The girl smiled and her cheeks felt warm. He always did know how to say the right things. Aidan did her best to hide her blush and punched him playfully in the shoulder. "Thanks, Jack. You're lookin' pretty good yourself." She arched her eyebrow as Jack shrugged.

"As if there was ever any doubt."

Aidan could only roll her eyes. Jack had always been a deadly combination of good looks and smooth moves. She reckoned that although she had usually been able to see through Jack's tricks, she may not be so impervious now. Not wanting to further inflate his ego, Aidan didn't tell him how much she thought his photos did little justice to his handsome features. Then something, rather someone, caught the corner of her eye. "Now are you going to introduce me to your friend who's been gaping at us, or what?"

Jack laughed and realized he had forgotten all about David. Jack picked up the newspapers he had dropped to hug her and pulled Aidan with him back to David, who stood patiently waiting for the two "Aidan Lyons, meet David Jacobs, friend and business partner!" He clapped the other boy on the back.

David had been watching the exchange between the two and he had never seen Jack greet anyone the way he greeted this girl. She was just a few inches shorter than Jack, probably about the same height as David. She had blond hair, bleached from long days in the sun, that barely reached her shoulders. She had amazing green eyes that captured his attention immediately. "N-nice to meet you," said David, finding his voice. He could feel her course palms as she shook his hand firmly, hands that reminded him of the Newsies, but maybe drier.

"Aidan and I are the best of friends, David. Even dough she left me all by my lonesome years ago, I forgive 'er. I mean, what're friends for, eh?" Aidan gave Jack a look and a part of her wondered if he was still hurt by her departure. Jack saw the slight fear in her eyes and quickly smiled. "It's ok, Aidan, now that youse back."

"Where'd you go?" asked David, not missing the slight exchange between the two.

"Santa Fe," came her reply.

David arched an eyebrow at Jack. "Santa Fe?" Not like the clothes shouldn't have told him, but he still wasn't expecting the response. Jack gave a slight nod to David, knowing what the other boy was thinking.

"You've still got the hat," smiled Jack, putting it back on Aidan's head, the feel of its brim still familiar to his fingers. Unlike his, hers showed much more wear of a real cowboy, or rather, cowgirl, in action.

"You too," nodded Aidan. Her eyes also fell on his red bandana. "Well, you're a newsie, eh? Not surprised. Why not a journalist? You're a hell of an improver," winked the girl.

"Yeah, well I prefer being out on da streets dan sittin' somewhere cramped an' behind a desk and all dat boring stuff."

"They're out in the field too," countered David, thinking about Denton who had been all over to cover the news and share it with the world.

"Yeah, well it ain't da same," shrugged Jack. He turned back to Aidan, his hand still gripping hers. Aidan laughed trying to imagine Jack sitting behind a table, trying to do some honest work. "I can't believe youse back- when'd ya get here?"

"Just today. I saw the newspaper clipping of New York's newsies strikin' an' if that wasn't a sign to come home I dunno what is." Aidan's face fell a little. "Although, it took me a year to get 'ere."

"Well it don't matta now. Youse here, ain't ya?" He moved in and draped his arm over her shoulder, just like he always did and she leaned into him. "Youse here by yourself?"

"Yeah." Jack didn't seem to like that idea and his face told her so. "Jackie-boy I'm a big girl now. Not that I wasn't able to take care of myself back then."

Jack laughed and turned to David. "Davey, this here goil is no one to mess wid. She'll make you look sorrier dan any mob in New York."

David lifted his eyebrows. He was sure that Jack was exaggerating, because when didn't Jack Kelly exaggerate? But, looking at Aidan and how she carried herself, made him think maybe he wasn't exaggerating all that much. "Really? Then I guess, I'm glad we're friends."

"You oughta," nodded Jack. "Anyways, 'til when're ya here, Aidan?"

"Don't know. Ain't got any plans really. I just knew I hadda get over here ta see you again."

"Thanks, Aidan." He meant it. And he meant to say more, but now wasn't the time. "You got any bags or somethin'?"

"I've got my essentials here." She pointed to the knapsack she was carrying. "I was in a hurry so Paul's sendin' some extra stuff tomorrow that I gotta pick up."

"Well, you wanna help us sell some papes?"

"You make it sound like I have a choice," grinned Aidan. Jack winked at her and she rolled her eyes, knowing Jack was never above sharing a load. Jack gave her some newspapers and they went off as if they had been doing this all their lives. The three joked and talked. There weren't a lot of stories exchanged. They would save the reminiscing for later. David was amazed at how quickly and easily the two friends picked up right where they left off. Sometimes it seemed like Jack and Aidan had never been apart.

"Jeez, I almost forgot," Jack said, a few hours later. "Come on!" Jack quickly grabbed Aidan's hand and pulled her along as he ran.

David, as surprised as Aidan, began to run behind them. "Where are we going?" she asked, trying not to stumble over her feet as Jack pulled her faster. If not for the string on her hat, she would have lost it long ago.

"To visit an old friend," shouted Jack.

Aidan was about to ask for more clarification, but then she understood as the route became familiar and she quickened her pace. It didn't take them long to reach Irving Hall and the three quickly snuck inside. Jack was about to call out to Medda when Aidan put his hand on his shoulder and shook her head. The young woman started to walk around the theater she had grown so fond of as a child. She opened her mouth and began to sing. Jack smiled remembering that song well and David blinked in surprise, not expecting such a voice.

Medda froze when she heard the music filter through her theater. Who could that be, she wondered, setting her brush down. It wasn't one of her other girls and only a few people knew that song -most of those people were no longer even in New York. She walked backstage and there she gasped, one hand on her lips, she smiled. Medda knew it couldn't be a dream when she saw Jack's face beaming at the girl. "Oh, Aidan!"

The girl turned at the sound of her name and smiled at Medda. "Medda!" The two women rushed into each other's arms. "You look even more beautiful than I remember! Those posters don't do you justice at all!"

"Oh child, you've grown into a lovely lady!"

Aidan wrinkled her nose. "I'm far from a lady, Medda!"

Medda and Jack laughed, it was true enough. "Ah, but you are looking lovely indeed. How are ya, kid? It's been what – four years now?"

Too long, mouth Jack as he grinned at Aidan.

"It's been great. Paul's ranch is doin' really well now. That's part of why I was able to come back here."

"How long will you be with us?" Medda squeezed Aidan's hand.

Aidan shrugged. "I haven't figured that part out yet."

"Well you've got to stay for a long time! We've all got some catching up to do!"

"I'll be here for a while," she promised. Aidan turned to Jack slightly and he smiled. Then she looked around the hall. "I see this place is still great as ever! But…it does seem smaller than I remember."

"Growing up does that, sweetheart," Medda tilted her head a little, one finger to her lips as she thought. "You know, seein' how you're not a little girl anymore, how would you like to work here, love?"

Aidan looked at Medda. "A-Wha-Really?" She looked at Jack for a second, as if waiting for him to burst out laughing at her. But he did no such thing.

"Well, I can't do the shows all the time and one of my performers just left. And you've always been so talented, Aidan. It'll be great!"

"Oh jeez…" Aidan took a step back with wide eyes. She had not been expecting this at all. In fact, it was almost a little too much for her first day in New York. She could see Jack beaming next to her, his eyes urging her on. "I don't know Medda, I don't-"

"Aidan," the older woman clutched Aidan's arms firmly, "I know that little girl who used to sneak in here and sneak onstage is still in there. I have faith in you, my dear."

"Oh Medda! Thank you!" Aidan wrapped her arms around Medda's neck, really hoping that even if this was a dream, she wouldn't wake up just yet.

"Oh, the boys are gonna love dis," Jack chuckled.

"You said it," nodded David. He had no idea how wide his smile was.

"Well, come on by tomorrow an' we'll figure somethin' out, ok?" Medda asked Aidan.

"Sure thing, Medda!" She gave the older woman a kiss on the cheek and they headed out. As she watched them leave, Medda did not miss the expression that Jack wore and although she's seen that handsome smile many times over, it had been a long time since she's seen it match the glisten in his eyes.

Although the sky had been a bright blue when they entered the building, by the time they left, the clouds were an orange hue, the sky streaked with purples and reds. "I'll race ya Jack!"

"Hey!" Jack started running after Aidan knowing well where she was headed. Poor David was forced to follow without any idea of what was going on. He wasn't sure he was up for another run with those two leading the way, but he had little choice in the matter. After running down one street then another and up one building to get to another and going up again, eventually the three of them stood out with the city below them. David looked around at what they were staring at. The building, though rather difficult to reach, had a great view of New York and the bay. They could see the glittering ocean not far away and the sun disappearing over the opposite horizon.

"This is beautiful," murmured David. His own home had a nice rooftop view but this was definitely better. He looked over at the other buildings that rose higher even the one they were on and wondered what they could see from there. He remembered the brief glimpse of a view from Pulitzer's office and found himself longing to be up there again. It was an exhilarating sight of not just the city, but of its citizens rising up to seize the day.

"Ain't it, David?" asked Jack, smiling. "You know, Aidan an' I used ta come 'ere when we's was younger. Ya know, Aidan, it's been four years, but it still looks as beautiful as ever." He took a deep breath. "I haven't been 'ere since ya left..."

Aidan took a deep breath hearing those words and closed her eyes. Then she walked to the railing and looked around. "You could never see anything like this in Santa Fe. The view there is beautiful too… Just wide open space and sky… but here it's different. There's a different life here. I knew I missed New York, but I didn't realize until now just how much…"

"Oh, so you didn't miss me all that much then?" Jack asked jokingly.

Aidan turned to Jack and met his smile. She knew she didn't have to counter that with any defense. Jack of all people knew that she missed him the moment they left each other's embrace on that cold, foggy Sunday morning. She pursed her lips, head tilted in thought, then Aidan smiled and stood up on the railing. David looked at her and found himself worrying about her standing on such a precarious ledge. But, Jack wasn't worried in the least. Aidan held herself steady. She walked on the ledge around the entire building looking out at everything she could see. She started laughing, running around them like a little girl.

Jack watched as the wind blew through her short blond hair and smiled. Just like the old days, he thought. Only now they were all grown up. So many things are the same, but so many things have changed, maybe too many.

"Come on up you guys, the ledge is safe. Don't tell me you're scared!"

Jack laughed. "Oh I ain't scared. You Davey?"

"Um..." David looked at the ledge and the long drop down.

Aidan laughed. "Aw, come on Davey." She held out her hand to him. "I won't let you fall. Jack, on the other hand, might." Jack laughed at that, which did not make David feel better, and he got onto the ledge with ease, remembering how he and Aidan used to tease each other. David laughed nervously and took Aidan's hand. Once he was up on the ledge he wasn't too stable, but Aidan kept him up. "See it's not that bad." David had to admit that no, it wasn't that bad after all. It was actually kind of exhilarating to look down and see the street looking so small. Amused by David's awe, Aidan looked over at Jack who started walking on the ledge toward them, hands casually in his pockets. "Just like old times?"

"Yeah," nodded Jack. David thought he had never seen Jack so mellow before. The look on his face was indescribable and looked as if he was really happy for once. But that moment of peace was quickly replaced as a mischievous smile reached his lips. He suddenly bound for David, who was caught off guard and lost his balance.

"Whoa!" David moved backwards and the young man nearly fell off had Aidan not held him steady, laughing. "Aw, Jack, why'd you go and do that for?" she clucked her tongue disapprovingly at him.

David was breathing hard, his breath coming in quick gasps. "Jeez," he gasped, jumping off the ledge and sitting down on the rooftop. Jack was laughing hard and Aidan shook her head at him but her eyes betrayed her. "Was that really necessary Jack?"

"Of course," winked the Cowboy. David sighed and rolled his eyes. Sometimes he wondered about their friendship.

Aidan walked up to Jack and patted him on the back, laughing. Then she gave him a hard smack on his back and he gasped as he started to fall forward. David looked with amusement when Aidan pulled him back and the usually sure-footed Cowboy landed on the rooftop with a thud on his butt. "For cryin' out loud!" Jack shouted up at her.

Aidan looked at him. "And so, Aidan Lyons is victorious yet again! Woohoo!" David chuckled and Jack could only shake his head - not that he was really surprised.

"Ya know, Jack, you oughta start taking your own advice cause you really shouldn't be messin' with her," grinned David. Jack gave him a glare but smiled anyway. As Jack picked himself up, David looked at his pocket watch. "Hey, dinner anyone?"

Jack looked at Aidan, suddenly unsure. "I don't want to impose," said the young woman.

"It's no problem. Jack's a regular already. Let's go!" David quickly got to his feet and Aidan jumped off the ledge.

Jack watched as the two started heading down the street and he let out a heavy breath. Maybe this was not such a good idea. Things were suddenly happening too fast. He trailed behind them, his mind racing and his feet came to a stop. He was about to tell David that maybe they would join his family another night, but Aidan took his hand in hers. He blinked at her, about to speak, though he had not yet thought of what he could even say to her.

"It's ok," she whispered, squeezing his hand reassuringly. "I know." Things happen, she thought. Times change. People change. She couldn't have expected him to wait forever. But Jack's brow remained furrowed, guilt washing over him, pulling everything down.

When David noticed that Jack and Aidan had fallen behind, he turned around and was about to make a smart remark when he saw them and the way they looked at each other. Oh jeez, he thought. How did he not think this through? He winced a little realizing his mistake of inviting Aidan to dinner her first night there. When Jack and Aidan broke away and joined David, the younger man looked at Jack to apologize.

The Cowboy just smiled a little and clapped his friend on the back. "Come on, I'm starving."

Not much later, the three arrived at the Jacobs' home. Aidan was introduced and it didn't take long for the family to warm up to her. Sarah wondered how close Aidan and Jack really were, but she found that she wasn't really jealous, just curious. She knew that maybe she should be. The more Jack and Aidan talked, the more they interacted, the more Sarah could see how much history was there. But, Jack's sparkling eyes constantly met with hers as if to remind her how he felt about her and that she had nothing to worry about. After all, he had the opportunity to leave and finally go after Aidan, yet he chose to stay…. With her.

"So you're a real cowboy - I mean cowgirl?" asked Les, looking at their new guest intently.

"Yeah, you could say that I guess. Although, I'm still nothing like the real cowboys out there." Her eyes glazed at the vision of the men and few women she had gotten to know over the years in her new home. "It's a wonderful place- very different from here."

"Isn't it dangerous?" asked Mrs. Jacobs, her brow furrowed. Everyone seemed to enjoy the idea of life out in the west, but she was more hesitant to find it so wonderful.

"It is... but I guess if you compare it to New York it's not too different," smiled the girl. They laughed a little. "This is really good," she said of the food as she took another bite.

"Thanks," Sarah blushed. "I like to cook..."

"Maybe you oughta teach me," said Aidan, earnestly.

"I don't think anybody could 'elp you dere," teased Jack. Aidan tossed him a look. The two old friends exchanged stories and filled the others in on some of their past but not more than a few stories of happier times and silly adventures. Of course, they're silly now, but they were much scarier then when they were actually running to keep from being soaked or berated. The two made sure to mention only their best stories.

"So where will you be staying then?" asked Mr. Jacobs.

"Oh probably with Jack," was the reply, completely casual.

Mrs. Jacobs widened her eyes. "You're going to stay at the Lodging House with all those boys? You know you're welcome to stay here..." In fact, Mrs. Jacobs looked like she was about to insist Aidan stay with them.

Aidan smiled. "Thanks, Mrs. Jacobs, but I'll be fine. I've lived all my life with guys so it really won't be any different. I really don't wanna intrude. Besides I gotta earn some money while I'm here so I might as well sell papes."

"Not that many girls out there selling," Mayer noted.

"Very few," Jack said matter-of-factly. "But, Aidan 'ere is a natural." He tussled her hair and smiled at her. "How's Marcus and Paul doin' by the way?" asked Jack, suddenly remembering the two men who often looked after Aidan in the past and who were now acting as her guardians in Santa Fe. They had been great tutors to the two of them and although he complained about the lessons they forced Aidan and Jack into, Jack found himself missing those times. He owed them quite a bit. Not only for teaching them, but for taking care of Aidan when he couldn't.

"They're doing well enough. Got some good hands at the ranch helpin' out. Marcus' really enjoying learning about the Indians." Mrs. Jacobs looked at her and Aidan knew what the woman was thinking: Savages. "They're not bad, like that at all, Mrs. Jacobs. They're very kind and more civilized than many people in cities like New York. Well, there are some that are pretty bad, but some of it ain't their fault. The ones near the ranch - they're like another family. They've taught me a lot about the land and it's saved my life more than once."

"That's good," nodded Jack. "Wonder if any of 'dem survival things'll work out 'ere."

"I know it's only been a week since you left, but do you miss Santa Fe already?" asked Sarah.

"Yeah, I gotta admit that I do. But, I'm glad to be back." Aidan smiled at Jack. "There were a lot of things I left behind here..." Their eyes met and Jack wanted to hug her again right then and there. Instead, he merely returned the smile.

Later that evening, after helping with the dishes, Jack and Aidan made ready to leave the Jacobs family, who were getting ready to settle in for the night. "Are you sure you guys don't wanna stay here for tonight?" asked David.

"Oh yeah," nodded Jack. "Don't worry about us. We's got lots of catching up ta do."

"Will you be coming by again tomorrow?" Sarah asked.

Jack nodded. "Every chance I get."

Aidan looked at David and did a mock gagging look, which David certainly related to. "Don't get all lovey-dovey, you two, or I'll have to break it up," she joked.

He nodded at David. "Why don't you 'elp her out, Davey." The young man instantly stiffened and Aidan was glad the attention was on him. "Anyways, youse betta get to bed. I'll see youse tomorrow." Jack and David shook hands while Jack gave Sarah a quick kiss on the hand, his eyes twinkling at her. Aidan shook hands with the siblings and they went inside to join their family.

"You're not jealous are you?" David asked Sarah when the Jack and Aidan had left. Sarah watched the two old friends walk down the street, Jack whispering something in Aidan's ear, causing her to punch him hard in the shoulder. They saw her punch him again and the siblings could almost hear her say "And that's for good measure." Then they rounded a corner and were gone.

"You're not in love are you?" retorted Sarah, not missing how Jack took Aidan's hand right before they disappeared from sight.

"Sarah."

"No. I don't think so. I know I can't compete with someone like her. She's so much like Jack. She's all these things he's dreamed of, David. I mean, I guess I am jealous…that I'm not tougher or more capable and independent." Her brother opened his mouth to argue and defend her, but Sarah wouldn't let him interrupt. "We both know that I've gotten a little tougher, but I'll never be as good as her."

"You don't even know what she's capable of."

"Those two may have been exaggerating, but I think it's pretty obvious she can handle herself in most situations."

"She can barely cook to save her life apparently." They both smiled and David put his arm around her shoulders. "I am jealous… but at the same time, I'm not really. I don't know what it is, but honestly, he's so happy to have her back and I can't not be happy for him, for them."

"I know what you mean…"

Sarah did not want to admit that even though Jack chose to stay in New York, he could ultimately still change his mind at any time. And now that Aidan was here and he really could go with her and have the life they've dreamed about together, that fear took a step closer to being a reality.

"So what about you," she nudged.

David rolled his eyes and Sarah gave him a knowing smile.


Well… that was long, lol. Sorry I didn't really write this originally with chapters in mind. The original version I uploaded was slightly longer and I decided to split it up a little more. Sorry this was pretty uneventful too. Please ignore how completely unlikely the news of the strike would ever reach as far as Santa Fe lol.

Someone please help with the title. I'll change it 30 times if I have to lol. I don't know what my lame ass was thinking when I originally named it "When Past Meets Present." This is why I hate writing titles for my stories or my art, lol. So I went super cheesy instead lol. Afterall, Aidan = Santa Fe to Jack. I'm not up on my Newsie fanfics so if this title has been used (since I'm sure the whole idea of Santa Fe being a girl is not original even when I thought of it 10+yrs ago lol), please let me know.