A/N: As promised here's the next chapter! Enjoy this extra long chapter!


I woke in the middle of the early morning. The first thing I saw was not the window I was so used to seeing in my room, but instead the back of Spot's head. As I sat up I realized that I was still in his room, lying on his bed, with Spot sprawled somewhat haphazardly across half the bed, meaning my body, and the floor. Looking closely at his sleeping arrangements, the lower half of his body was completely off the bed, like he had fallen where he was standing. Why? I thought as I lay back down. As I was doing so my arm managed to brush against his side. Almost as soon as it happened he flinched so much he almost fell off the bed. I had forgotten the fact that he was in a bad fight earlier in the night. Without thinking I grabbed his arm and shoulder and pulled him up. Not only would he be in more pain than he's in now, but he wouldn't hesitate to blame me and probably kick me out of his room. I'm not sure which I was more worried about…it didn't take long of me just pulling him until he unknowingly situated himself so that he was now fully on the bed. This also meant that I was his pillow, or at least my chest was. With his arms wrapped around my body and one of his legs intertwined with mine, I couldn't complain.

We had never slept in each other's beds before. I was surprised I didn't push him off the bed after what happened last night. I should be angry, no…furious that he kept so many secrets from me. Normally it wouldn't bother me that he kept secrets, but it involved too much of my life for me to think nothing of it. What if he's still keeping secrets? I shook my head at myself. It wouldn't benefit me brooding over it. It happened, now it was time for me to get used to it. Get used to the fact that I had to be careful again. The guys from the dock, Scar, Dagger, and Knuckles…they were the same ones who beat me up…the same ones who murdered my brother. I know they're still after you, I thought as I looked down at Spot. Still after me… I had no doubt that they knew I dressed as a boy by now. They did steal our clothes when we were at the docks, unless for some miracle they mistook them for another boy's. Yeah right. I let out a sigh as I thought about my life. It was crazy to think that I grew up as a normal girl, with a normal family, in a normal neighborhood. But now that was all gone. I was the girl pretending to be a boy newsie who could, most likely, never see her parents again for fear that they'll be targeted. I don't know how newsies did it. I don't know how Spot did it.

"What was your life like before you met me?" I whispered out loud to Spot, knowing he wouldn't answer.


A part of me wanted to respond to her question, but I could tell she thought I was still asleep. For the first time in a long time I felt relaxed as she subconsciously stroked my hair back continuously. It made me feel so at ease, like I didn't have to worry about anything. A feeling that reminded me of home. Ireland. There's really nothing I remember from my homeland. To my knowledge, I would say I was born and raised Brooklyn. But I know that's not true. I know at least my aunt did her best to make sure I grew up knowing that my family and history is back in Ireland; that some day I would go home. While I believed her, I never thought she was serious about me leaving Brooklyn. I know my family is over seas, but this is my home. It wouldn't feel right not being here. There are too many memories. More bad than good…I reminded myself. I chose to ignore that fact. I chose to ignore every bad aspect of my life. That's what made me a leader. By not caring about the things that upset me, I grew to be strong and careless. Until I met her…I sighed mentally at myself for being right. Ever since I met Lucks, I could feel myself becoming less of a leader and more of a provider. I felt like I was becoming weak, that I was losing my reputation of someone you shouldn't mess with. But maybe that's a good thing…I was a tough kid, even more unforgiving than I am now.

Before Lucks joined the Brooklyn newsies, it felt like every man for himself. You had to do what you could to provide for yourself, make sure you had enough money for food and a roof over your head each night. Then she came. The first few weeks were tough as we got used to each other. She was a feisty one at first but as we both got comfortable with how things were going to be, she became more subdued. For some reason, she made me feel calm. She opened my eyes to realizing that while it is every man for themself, there are other people that can be there for you. It took me some getting used to, mainly because she kept hounding me to let her know what I was thinking. She still does that, but it was even more annoying when we were younger. I mentally shook my head at the thought when I realized that she had stopped moving her fingers. Must've fallen back asleep. I took this moment to finally open my eyes. This really is a comfortable position. It made me crave to have this moment happen again, but I was sure that might never happen. I started to carefully push myself up and looked up at her sleeping face. For the first time, I felt my stomach somewhat drop. I had never felt that feeling before, but it definitely reassured me that if anything were to happen to Lucks, I would never forgive myself. She makes me weak when it counts, that's for sure, I smiled to myself as I continued to carefully get up.

I quietly walked over to the bathroom to check on my body. There was no doubt that there'd be bruising, I already knew that from the pain searing through my whole being. I unwrapped the work Lucks did on me last night. Just as I suspected, big blotches of blue and purple lined my torso from my ribs and lower. I didn't even want to look at my back. Guess I'll wrap myself up, I thought as I started the painful process. I couldn't have the boys seeing everything through my shirt. They couldn't know there was much more on the line with this strike, at least for Brooklyn. When I finished in the bathroom and walked back into the bedroom I was stopped. I felt my stomach drop again. She's beautiful. Shaking my head, I carefully walked to the door and left with a sense of determination in my stride.


The warm bright sun met my eyes almost forcing me to wake up. My moment of confusion didn't last as long as when I first woke up to Spot lying all over me. Right away I knew he wasn't in the room because the sun was too high in the sky and there was no pressure on me. I sat up in the bed and adjusted my hair so it wasn't a crazy mess. After I went back to my room to change, I realized that it was too quiet. Is something wrong? I thought as I headed downstairs. I was relieved to see Writer in the common area.

"Mornin' Writer," I greeted as I sat near him. He looked up from his writings slightly surprised to see me.

"Hey Lucks," he gave a small chuckle as he pointed to a nearby clock. "It ain't the mornin' any more." I almost did a double take; it was well into the afternoon.

"Why didn't anyone wake me? I almost yelled. Spot knew I hated sleeping in. Ever since Danny I always liked to wake up earl so I wouldn't miss anything going on.

"Hey don't get mad at me, just followin' orders," he said defensively with his hands up.

"Spot?!" He knows how much I hate sleeping in. "Where is he?" I didn't bother holding back my anger as I somewhat quickly stood up.

"Why…?"

"So's I's can murder 'im," I joked as I rolled up my sleeves. Writer only laughed at the funny spectacle I was making. I eventually joined him and took my seat again.

"Anyways, where is everyone?"

"All out probably celebratin'," he said nonchalantly.

"They's is still celebratin' the fight?" I asked incredulously. Although I shouldn't be surprised, if they could they'd celebrate all the time.

"No they's is over that, Spot got 'is picture in a pape." I didn't mean to give a look, but I guess I did because he started to laugh a little. "It was taken right after the fight. Looks like we's got a journalist on our side!" It made me happy that he was excited about that, but every journalist works with a paper.

"Why would he risk his job for us?" I mumbled.

"'Cause we's is makin' a difference. We's are getting' word out 'bout what's happenin' to us. People are startin' to listen."

"Youse is startin' to sound like a walkin' mouth," I joked.

"What can I say, the guy was right 'bout everythin'; with Cowboy's help…we's may actually win this strike." That was the newsie dream wasn't it? We sat in silence almost as if imagining what would be different if we won. We looked like two goof sitting in the middle of the room with smiles on our faces.

"Why aren't youse with everyone else? And don't tell me it was just to keep me company." The amicable feeling suddenly became more serious as his smile slowly faded.

"Spot told me to stay with you while he was out," he said. I could tell he was confused as to why Spot would have him be with me. It actually made me more frightened than before. I didn't think it would be so serious for me to have a bodyguard again.

"Are youse alright?" he asked me, no doubt seeing my ghost of an expression. I was too disturbed to say anything, so I resorted to just slowly nodding my head while I stood up.

"Just…just let me know when Spot get's back," I said almost monotonously. "I'll be on the roof." He nodded a slightly weary nod before seeing me walk to the stairs.

If I needed a body guard again that could only mean that those three were looking for me again. Why else would Spot order, not tell but command Writer to stay here with me? I thought this was all over? I shook my head. Once I reached my window, about to open it, I froze. They could be watching me right now, just waiting for me to get to the roof. My hands slightly trembled as I slowly backed away. No, I thought as I straightened up. This is ridiculous. I gave a big sigh of frustration and hit the wall next to the window before moving back to my bed. Before I knew it I felt tears streaming down my face. The fact that I was reacting this way almost made me regret ever being relieved Spot told me everything. Maybe things would be better if I didn't know about them…I just shook my head at myself as I lay down in bed. I have to accept things as they are, I thought to myself. Even if they do suck.


The guys were all crazy after finding out we made it in a pape. We finally knew what it felt like to be kings of New York, even though we all knew it was only for the day. We were just leaving Tibby's wen Jack decided to walk with me.

"I's guess that guy Denton knows what he's talkin' 'bout huh?" Cowboy asked.

"Yeah, I's guess so." We walked in silence a little bit more.

"Alright look," he started, standing in front of me making me stop. "I's been thinkin'."

"Yeah youse been doin' that a lot lately," I said as I moved around him. He sighed and moved back in front of me.

"I's been thinkin' 'bout havin' a rally for da newsies."

"A rally huh?" I asked in sarcastic wonder. "An where ya think you'll have it? Ain't no place gonna have a bunch a rowdy newsies for free." I moved around Jack for the second time to continue my walk. Sure enough he cut me off for the third time. Before he could even open his mouth to make the slightest peep I gave him the hardest, coldest glare I could.

"Cut me off one more time an see what'll happen ta youse." I then started walking again.

"Sorry," he said as he caught up to my stride. "Look me an Davey are already setting things in motion. Medda said we's could meet in the theater, even said she'll do a few songs to help support us. Other boroughs will be there too…"

"Other boroughs huh?"

"Youse know as good as I's do that they won't join unless youse do." That made me stop in my tracks. I knew he was right, but the way he said it made it sound threatening. If I had the nerve to I'd side with him right here and now. It was obvious to me that if I didn't do it I would let down not only Danny, but also all of the Brooklyn newsies. I would let down Lucks…

"When are youse plannin' on havin' it?" I asked, still frozen in place.

"Tomorrow night." I thought for a second before turning towards him.

"You'll know where I's stand then." I left him with that hanging. If he knew the situation I was in, he'd understand that my actions were for the sole purpose of keeping up my reputation.

It didn't take long for me to reach the lodging house. When I got there it wasn't long for me to find out where Lucks went. All Writer had to do was point up to the stairs.

"Lucks?" I called through her closed door. "Hey Lucks…" The door swung open to reveal a tear-stained face. "Lucks," she was quick to engulf me in a tight hug. I was surprised to feel her trembling as her tears soaked into my shirt. I tried my best to calm her as I gently lead her back in her room after closing the door. We sat on her bed, my arm wrapped around her shoulder. I sure was glad none of the boys could see me, they'd severely doubt my leadership if they saw me acting soft. To be honest though, it felt nice…I got snapped out of my thoughts when I felt her wiping away at her tears.

"I'm sorry, " she sniffed as she started to sit up. "I didn't mean to…"

"Don' apologize," I said almost surprising her. My tone of voice wasn't as kind as I thought it was. "It's ok to be scared."

"But that's it thought!" she exclaimed as she got up. It was easy to tell that she was frustrated. "I hate how useless I am all of the time. You leave Writer here o follow my every move, to make sure I don't get in trouble while you're out on the town, like I can't do anything! How do you think that makes me feel?"

"What youse is blaming me fa dis?" A strong part of me regretted asking that cause it only added fuel to her fire.

"Don't even start with me, this whole thing is you're fault! You hid all of that thinking you were protecting me, but what you were doing instead was endangering me even more! If you had told me sooner we could've already solved this problem a long time ago instead of now." She was furious. I can't remember the last time I ever saw her this mad, if there ever was a time. Maybe I should've told her sooner, I admit that, but what about how I felt during all of that? I put my hands on my knees and bent my head down to face the floor, her presence towering over me.

"Well? No witty comeback?"

"Youse want a witty comeback?" I mumbled under my breath before snapping my head up. It was my turn to yell now. "The fuck about how youse feel now, what about how I felt all those years holdin' all that information in huh?"

"You didn't have to!"

"I saw my best friend murdered in front of my eyes! He practically died in my arms, his blood on my hands!" I was standing now. "Youse really think I wanted to remember that night ever happened? That I wanted to relive those moments over and over again, cause that's what woulda happened if I told youse. Youse is scared bout Scar an his boys after youse now, jus think how youse would've been if I told youse then huh? Probably woulda gotten you an your family killed…"

"Don't blame me for something that never happened! You don't know what I would've done if you told me about them sooner. Maybe I would know how to fight and kill them all myself." Her comment made me laugh more than it should have.

"That why youse is mad at me? Cause I left Writer here so he could protect youse cause I know youse can't fight?" The staring match had begun with her glaring almost as coldly as I was. "Bullshit Lucks, you wanna know the real reason why I left 'im here? To make sure youse didn't get yourself into any more trouble. That's the last thing I's need to happen to you." The only noise to be heard in the room was the panting from both of us. She was shocked that I had said that, and I was impressed I could come up with a lie that was as good as the truth, because the truth was I wanted someone here to make sure she was safe if Scar and his thugs did show up. If she knew that she would've never calmed down as much as she was now. "The last time I left youse alone youse almost got yourself killed in a fight. With Scar lookin' for trouble I needed someone to make sure you didn't find it." My tone was gentler as I took a sigh while pushing my hair back. When I looked back at Lucks I saw that she was trying to fight tears again. I tilted my head to the side and opened my arms out to her to engulf her in another hug. It really did hurt me to see her like this, crying all because of me. Let's face it, almost every time she cries it's my fault. Somehow it's always my fault.


A/N: So I know a lot happens mainly between Lucks and Spot, bare with me. Really wanted to develop their relationship a bit more if you get my gist. The rally is happening! Will Spot go or not? (Although you can probably guess lol) How about how Lucks felt? Do you think it was right for Spot to leave her with a bodyguard without an explanation? Also poor Spot, he just can't catch a break lol

Please leave a review and tell me what you think! The next chapter is gonna be the rally, and I hope it's chronologically right with the movie haha

New Chapter Next Week!