Disclaimer: Sadly, I don't own Newsies. =(

So sorry for the kinda long wait, I've been busy.

Xxx

Chapter 3: Situations and Promises

I felt a poke in my side and jerked awake, snapping my eyes open. I peered out the window to see it was daylight and then yawned and turned around to see Spot standing there looking at me.

"Oh jeez!" I shouted.

"Mornin' Dollface." He smirked. "Jacky Boy put me in charge of wakin' you's goils up."

"Well I'm up." I said while sitting up in bed to stretch my arms. I realized that I had fallen asleep in my day clothes.

"Yeah but she wont move." He said and pointed to Casey. I rolled my eyes, grabbed my pillow, and leaned over the side of the bunk and began hitting her with the pillow like I had done yesterday.

"No." she muttered.

"Yes, now get up!" I shouted.

"Five minutes." She mumbled.

I leaned over the bunk more to reach her head with the pillow, but apparently leaned over too far. I fell off of my bunk and landed on something soft but firm, closing my eyes from the impact.

"I knew you was fallin' for me." Someone murmured in my ear. I opened my eyes to find myself laying on Spot, my head resting against his chest and his arm locked around my waist. I rolled my eyes and pushed myself off of Spot's chest to see Casey still sleeping.

"Casey, get up now!" I scolded.

"Y'know, as much as I like this position, I don't think this is the time or place." Spot said from beneath me. I looked down and realized that I was straddling him, his hands placed on my hips. I blushed, getting a good idea of what he was thinking. I knew he was enjoying my discomfort by the smirk on his face so as payback, before I got up I made sure to grind my hips against him and then hopped up and leaned over Casey, poking her in the side.

"Ugh fine I'm up!" she screamed before hopping out of bed and stomping off into the washroom.

"I'll go tell Jack you's are up. See ya down there Dollface." Spot said and then winked before shutting the door. I sighed and then ran a hand through my hair before pulling it up in a bun and slipping my cap on. I tied my shirt in the same fashion as yesterday and then sat on one of the bunks to wait for Casey to come out. She walked out moments later and I got up to go wash my face. Once I finished I came back out and asked, "So what were you and Jack talking about on the walk home yesterday?"

"I asked him about Sarah and Davey." She replied.

"Oh, I know about Sarah but what's up with him and Davey?" I asked.

"They don't talk much anymore cuz of Sarah, but when they do run into each other they'll have a small conversation." She said.

"So, what happened between you and Spot lastnight?" she asked while giving me a sly grin.

I blushed. "Well he was being his womanizing self and I let it slip out that I thought he was sexy and he wouldn't leave me alone because of it. So, to shut him up I challenged him to a race, If I won, he would never mention me calling him sexy ever again, and if he won I'd have to kiss him." I explained.

"So guessing by the way your two were sucking each other's faces last night I'm guessing he won?" she smirked.

"Nuh uh! It was a tie!" I shouted. "He said we both won and I said we both lost and then he threatened to tell all the newsies what I said so I did the only thing I could think of to shut him up and kissed him. God Case, he's an amazing kisser."

Casey laughed and stood up from the bed. "We should get downstairs."

I nodded my head and we both walked out of the room.

Xxx

"Alright now, I think we should pair up incase the Delanceys show up." Jack said. We had just bought our papes and were standing around with every other newsie in Manhattan before everyone started the day.

"I think that's reasonable." I agreed.

"So it's settled then. Case will go with me, and Dollface can go with Spot."

Spot smirked at me and I knew he was going to enjoy the day annoying me. We said our good byes and went our separate ways, finally starting the day.

A few hours later I was on my last pape, which some old man was buying. I knew it was because of how I looked but this heat was just too much.

"I can't believe a goil is out sellin' me." Spot muttered while shaking his head.

"Oh, I'm sorry. Am I finally bringing down your big ego?" I teased.

He then tipped his hat towards a group of girls passing by and said, "Mornin' ladies." They giggled in response and rushed over to buy his last three papes. "Nope, my ego's doin' jus fine." He smirked. I scoffed and rolled my eyes.

"Jealous?" he teased.

"Not at all." I said smugly.

He smirked and took his cap off to wipe the sweat off his forehead. I had the biggest urge to run my hands through his hair and I couldn't help but stare as my thoughts wandered back to the kiss last night. He looked over at me and caught me staring. On instinct, I looked away immediately and cursed myself for it. I walked away after that and headed towards Tibby's. For the rest of the walk there he kept his hat off and I had the biggest hunch that he was doing it just to torture me.

We entered Tibby's and sat at a table with Jack, Casey, and Race.

"Hey guys." Lilly greeted us as we sat down.

"Sup?" I said and then took my hat off, setting it down on the table. Kid Blink and Mush soon joined us at the table and after we greeted them it was silent for a moment. Then Racetrack spoke.

"So Spot, I hoid you and Dollface did some uh, things last night." He said.

"That's not true!" I shouted. Everyone at the table either snickered or tried to hide their smiles.

"She's right. It was only a kiss." He said. "That, and she called me sexy." He smirked. My eyes bugged out and my face turned beat red. Everyone at the table was either laughing or making catcalls, including Casey.

"I can't believe you!" I shouted and then stormed out of Tibby's, not caring where I wandered to. I had wandered into an alley, my hands in my pockets and me muttering to myself. "Stupid asshole."

"A beautiful goil such as yaself shouldn't be usin' woids like that, right Oscar?" someone said from behind me. I turned around to see the Delancey brothers looking at me like a bunch of horn dogs.

"Shove it jackass." I muttered.

"That's not nice to say." Oscar said while backing me against the alley wall. "Y'know we was gonna get both of you's goils at once but I think you need to be taught a lesson now." He said while sliding his hands over my bare stomach and stopping where my shirt was tied in a knot. He began to play with the knot and then started to untie it.

"I don't think so!" I yelled and then kneed him in the groin. He doubled over and I started to run but was pulled back by Morris.

"Where do you think your goin'?" he said while gripping my arm tightly.

"Let me go you creep!" I screamed and then punched him in the eye.

"Damn you!" he shouted and then slapped me across the face.

"Get the hell away from me!" I yelled and then pushed him as hard as I could and ran. I looked behind me to see if they were following but thankfully they weren't. "Thank god." I whispered and then whipped my head back around right before I bumped into someone.

"Whoa, where's the fire Dollface?" he asked, his hands on my forearms to steady me.

"Oh Spot, it's you." I said and let out a sigh.

"What happened to your cheek?" he asked.

I brought my hand up to my left cheek and then drew it back, finding blood on my fingers. "I guess Morris slapped me good." I muttered.

"Morris did this to ya?" he asked, shaking me slightly.

"Yeah, him and Oscar caught me in the alley back there." I said while looking back towards the alley to see if they were coming.

Spot's hand pressed against my right cheek and brought my head back to face him. "Are you alright? They didn't hoit you bad did they?" he asked. I could see the worry and anger in his eyes as his thumb absentmindedly stroked my cheek.

"I'm fine Spot." I said while looking him in the eyes. I've never seen him show so much emotion before.

"C'mon, let's get you back to Tibby's." he said while guiding me that way with his arm draped around my shoulder. I rested my head on his shoulder and we walked back in silence.

Xxx

As we walked through the doors to Tibby's catcalls and whistles were heard due to how we were positioned, but neither of us bothered to move.

"Lillith! What happened to you?" Casey shrieked and jumped from her seat, running over to me.

"The Delanceys." I muttered.

"Oscar and Morris did this to ya?" Jack asked, the anger evident on his face.

"They got her in an alley." Spot said and dragged me towards the table. Casey sat down after us. My head had then unexpectedly started pounding and I sighed, my breath tickling Spot's neck. I wanted to smirk when I saw the goose bumps.

"Lilly, how'd this happen?" Casey asked while putting her hand on my shoulder.

"Well, after I stormed out of the restaurant I wandered down some random alley and the Delanceys showed up. Oscar started to feel me up so I kicked him in a uh, very sensitive area." They boys winced, knowing exactly what I was talking about and I smirked, continuing on with my story. "So then Morris got mad cuz of what I did to Oscar and grabbed me so I punched him in the eye and he slapped me. After that I shoved him away and ran, running into Spot."

"So this is serious then. I mean, I just thought the Delanceys were trying to scare Lilly and I but they mean business." Casey said, clearly frightened.

"All this over a selling spot? I don't get it." I muttered to myself.

"Once the Delanceys got thrown out of their previous job with Weasel, they've been sellin' papes and are desperate for money, so anyone that gets in their way is in for a world of hell." Race said.

Casey and I looked at each other and Jack noticed and said, "Don't you's worry goils. Me and Spot'll protect ya." You could tell he was angry. I then felt Spot tense up and he dropped his arm from around my shoulder.

"Everything okay?" I asked him.

"Yeah." He muttered. I could tell something was wrong but I didn't get a chance to pry because Jack spoke.

"So I think it'd be smart if you's goils didn't wandah off anywhere by yourselves. Right Spot?"

"Suah." Spot muttered. I gave him a worried glance but he didn't bother to notice.

I then heard Casey yawn and ask "Is it bedtime yet?"

Jack smiled and said, "The sun ain't even settin' yet."

"What time is it?" I asked curiously.

"About five. The sun ain't goin' down for about anotha three hours." Mush said.

"Well then, c'mon goils." Jack said and stood up.

"Where are we going?" Casey asked.

"We're gonna show you's around Manhattan." Jack replied and then began to walk out the door with our little group of six following behind.

Xxx

It was dark out when we began walking back.

"See ya Dollface! Bye Case!" Race, Mush, and Blink shouted to us. Casey and I had gotten closer to them in the past two hours and they offered to help out with the whole Delancey situation if we needed it.

"Bye boys!" Casey and I waved back. I looked over at Spot once I had finished saying goodbye and was still worried about him. He was quiet for the rest of the day. We had arrived at the lodge moments later. It was cluttered with other newsies who were all doing their own thing. I glanced at them once before heading up the stairs and making my way into the bunkroom. My headache was starting to come back and I sighed while readjusting my hair.

"Where are the others?" I asked myself while changing into my sweat shorts and tank top. I heard the door open and turned around to see Spot standing there, absentmindedly watching the floor.

"Spot?" I asked. His eyes advanced on me, letting me know he was listening. "What's wrong? And don't tell me it's nothing cuz I can tell it's something." I said while walking up to him and placing my hand on his shoulder.

He sighed, took his hat off, and ran a hand through his hair. "It's my fault." Was all he said.

"What is?" I asked.

"It' my fault that you were attacked by the Delanceys. I was supposed to look afta you but instead I made you angry and you left the restaurant."

"Spot, it's not your fault. I need to learn to control my temper. If I had better control, I wouldn't have stormed out of there." I said and gave him a sympathetic look.

"Yeah, but I made you mad which caused you to storm out." He sighed in frustration.

Unexpectedly, I hugged him. "Your so stubborn." I muttered. I heard him let out a chuckle as he wrapped his arms around me.

"I jus care about you more than I have for any otha goil. If anythin' happened to ya I dunno what I'd do." He muttered.

I blushed and kissed the crook of his neck and pulled back, smiling slightly. "I feel the same way and you need to stop beating yourself up about today. I'm not angry with you so let it go, kay?" I said and then climbed into my bunk. But before I could lie down, I realized something. "Where's Case?" I asked.

"Jack said he wanted to show her somethin' on the roof." Spot said while climbing into another bunk.

"Kay then." I yawned and then plopped my head on my pillow. "Night Spot."

"Night Dollface." He muttered. I was going to wait for Casey to come back but my eyes fought to stay open and I quickly drifted off to sleep.

Xxxx

Casey's P.O.V.

"Jack, where are we going?" I asked while giggling.

"It's a surprise." Jack said. He has a big smile on his face.

"Jack, why don't you just tell me where we're going?" I huffed. We had been going up stairs for what seemed like forever.

"Almost there. I promise." He said and then grabbed my hand, pulling me up the last few steps. I couldn't help but giggle when he placed his hands over my eyes before opening a door. I figured we were outside because I could feel and smell the night air.

"Look up." Jack whispered in my ear, sending chills down my spine. He then lifted his hands from my face and I gasped.

"Oh Jack, it's beautiful!" I shouted breathlessly. He had led me onto the rooftop of the lodge and the night sky was full of twinkling stars. You'd never see this in modern day New York City. To get a better look, I lied down on my back.

"I knew you'd like it." Jack smiled while laying next to me.

"Thanks so much for showing me this Jack." I said while smiling at him.

"No problem." He said and smiled back.

I turned my head back towards the sky and sighed. "Jack?" I asked.

"What's up Mouth?" he asked.

I laughed and rolled my eyes at the nickname. I guess I'm stuck with it. "Do you think the Delanceys are really gonna hurt us?"

"I dunno. Although I don't think they're smart enough to plan anything, but you shouldn't be scared. I'll protect you through it all." He said looking me in the eye.

"Thank you Jack, for everything." I said.

"Your welcome." He muttered, eyes closed. I smiled and did the same before falling asleep in the night air.

Xxx

Lilly's P.O.V.

"No! Stop it!" I shrieked.

"Miss us?" Oscar said while smirking. I was trapped in another alley bit I didn't remember how I got there. "We didn't finish with ya yet. You're the last one." He said and pinned me up against the brick wall. Last one? I looked around. Everything seemed abnormal. My eyes widened as I saw a blonde haired figure layng limp and lifeless on the ground, a puddle of blood underneath.

"Casey!" I screamed, tears springing to my eyes.

"She's gone." Morris chuckled. "And you will be too." He said and then Oscar threw a punch at me.

"No!" I shouted, my eyes popping open. Oh, it was only a nightmare. I tried to hide my sobs so I wouldn't wake anyone as I thought back on the events of the nightmare. It seemed so real. I heard someone climbing onto my bunk and then felt a pair of arms wrap around me. I jumped and tensed up, trying to break free of whoever it was.

"Shh, it's only me."

"Spot?" my shaky voice whispered.

"It's alright, I'm heah." He whispered, pulling me closer.

"Where's Casey?" I asked.

"I dunno, she didn't come back yet. Neitha of them did." He said.

"I have to go find her." I said while trying to break free of his grasp.

"I'm suah she's fine. She's with Jack, she's safe." He whispered. I gave up and layed back down, letting him pull me close to him. I couldn't fight the tears that began to fall again. That nightmare was just horrible.

"What happened?" Spot asked while leaning his head into my hair. I shut my eyes, trying to calm myself and began to explain the nightmare.

"I was caught in another alley Oscar was pinning me against a wall. Morris was behind him and they were going to punch me and I woke up. But, in that dream, I looked towards the ground and Casey… Casey was dead. They had killed her." I spoke quietly and then let out a sob. Spot gave me a squeeze and then kissed my head. "I don't want that to happen. It can't." I sobbed.

"It won't. I promise it won't. Me and Jack will protect you's goils. Nothin's gonna harm you's." He whispered.

"How can you tell?" I asked while wiping my eyes.

"You jus gotta trust me." He said.

I turned over in his arms so I was facing him. "Thank you Spot. I do trust you."

"Good." He smirked and then kissed my neck, letting his lips linger on the spot for a moment. I giggled and shut my eyes, ready to go back to sleep.

"Night Spot." I whispered.

"Night Lilly." He muttered and then pulled me closer to him. I opened my eyes when I realized he called me Lilly but then smiled and shut my eyes again while resting my head against his chest. I felt safe like this, and I loved it.

Xxx

A/N: Ther ya go. =) I'll try and update sooner just as long as you review!!! Oh, and I apologize for any grammar mistakes or typos.

-Mel