Spot watched as Gem left, her back to him, her gait smooth and relaxed. She reminded him so much of himself. Strong, proud, young. Spot shook his head quickly, trying to clear his mind. He didn't need to think like that right then. Things had to be done. And this was certainly one thing that wasn't on the top of his list.

" So she's gone?" one of his boys asked. Spot nodded quickly, turning back to his group which had been waiting for him.

" Yea, she's gone," he kicked at the dirt, keeping his eyes down. There was a thick silence between the boys. " But it ain't all dat bad!" he smiled quickly, cheering his boys up. " We've got a lot o' work ta do. And I don' suggest we sit here and do nuttin'," he walked back towards the city, his hands hooked in his pockets. His pose followed quickly, play fighting as they went.

" Hey!" one voice called to him over the rest of the crowd. Spot turned, glancing over at a young boy. The boy walked over to him, a smile on his face.

" Whatcha want Spider?" Spot asked quickly, nodding towards him. Spider came closer, bending his head towards Spot's.

" Ya know what I think?" Spider asked, the smile still on his face.

" Whatcha think?" he whispered, his eyes looking into his. The two stared at each other for a minute, their eyes locked.

" I think you don't want her ta leave," Spider smiled wider. " I think you're goin' soft here, Mr. Spot Conlon."

" Hey!" Spot pulled back. " Whatcha accusin' me of? If it weren't for me, you'd be on da streets wit' nuttin'. So watch your mouth kid, if ya know what's good for ya."

" I was just sayin'," Spider held his hands up, backing down.

" Don' just say, think before ya speak," Spot frowned at his fellow comrade. Spider pulled back, disappearing into the crowd gathered around Spot. " You'll see. All of ya! I don' need her and I don' need your pity. We're better of wit' out her!" he forced another smile, turning and trudging back towards the city limits.

What am I doin'?" he silently asked himself. I know it, they know it… I'm nuttin' without her. Spot shook his head, trying to clear his thoughts. What the other Newsies didn't know wouldn't hurt them. With that Spot put into his mind that he'd never tell a soul his true feelings. Never in a million years, not matter what happened. All that mattered is what Gem knew and what he knew. And that's all that mattered. That's all.