Blink's P.O.V.

-It's hard to imagine this girl any other way, but with all the hardships she's been through, you'd think she'd be angry or upset that her parents just 'disowned' her! I can't believe anything like that would happen to someone so sweet and caring! Well, that doesn't matter anymore because I made Jack promise that we'd keep her safe from anyone hurting her like that again!-

"Hey Mush? Do you'se think that Kat would wanna come with me ta Medda's later? I'se mean, I'se know it's a surprise to cheer her up, but if I asked her, do you think she would?"

"Of course she's gonna go wit ya. She ain't gonna say no ta you anyways. She's been blanking out since she got here with Spot and keeps sneaking glances over here."

"How do you know she's not lookin' ova here ta look at you'se?"

Mush laughs and says quietly, "Cause if she was lookin' at me, she wouldn't blush and turn away when you catch her eyein you! Or are ya that dense?"

I mock glare at him and then look over to where Kat is sitting with Jack and Spot. And holy cow, Mush was right because the second she saw me looking over there, she blushed and looked away! Oh, I'se gonna ask her ta go ta Medda's later!

Mush's P.O.V.

When I heard Blink ask if Kat would go with him ta Medda's later, I was surprised. Not because he's always like this, because he's usually not very interested in many girls, except for the mayor's daughter. And it took us weeks to convince him that she wasn't worth his time because she hardly gave him a second glance when she bought her papes from him every morning and afternoon. The reason I was so surprised is because I've never seen him want to straight out ask anyone, Kat especially, if she wanted to go with him. He's one newsie who is slightly shy when around girls he likes, this is different! What could I say to him?

"Of course she's gonna go wit ya. She ain't gonna say no ta you anyways. She's been blanking out since she got here with Spot and keeps sneaking glances over here."

And then he asked me if it was possible that she would be lookin' ova here at me. Was he serious? Does he not see her reaction when he glances ova at her?

I laugh quietly and tell him, "Cause if she was lookin' at me, she wouldn't blush and turn away when you catch her eyein you! Or are ya that dense?"

He gives me a mock glare and then realizes that I was tellin' him da truth because as soon as he looks ova at her, she blushes and turns away. He's my best friend but he is dense sometimes!

Kat's P.O.V.

I see Mush and Blink looking at me and talking across the room. It makes me wonder if they're talking about me, and if they are, I hope it's something good and not something about me being to blame for my mom and dad leaving me. I see Blink look over at me and he smiles at me, but I blush and look away.

"Excuse me boyos, but I think I'm gonna step outside for a minute and get some fresh air."

They both look at me worriedly, like I had some trick up my sleeve and was planning on running away or something. I smile at their worried faces and they smile back and let me pass so I can get outside.

I'm only out there a moment before Blink comes out and lights up a cigarette.

"So, what was all that about Blink? What were you and Mush talkin' about?" I ask him.

"Well, I was actually wonderin' if you would wanna go out wit' me later? Just the two of us?" Blink asks while nervously puffing on his cigarette.

My eyes go wide and I tell him: "I'd love to! Just you and me huh? How exciting!" I start jumping up and down and give Blink a kiss on his cheek. We both blush and look away from each other, nervously shuffling our feet.

"So, Kat?"

"Yeah?"

"Do you'se . . . ya know . . . like me?"

"Would I be as excited if someone else had asked me Blink? No and because yes, I do like you. It took ya long enough! I've only been staring at you since I got back from Brooklyn!"

Blink's face lights up as he smiles and he slowly lowers his head and kisses me on the lips.

"Wow . . .can we say fireworks?" I ask dazedly.

"Fireworks." Blink says, just as dazed.