Dove bolted upright, hitting her head in the process. Gripping her forehead she tried to figure out where she was. The lodging house. She was making the beds when she fell asleep. Scowling at the upper bunk, she ducks out of the bed. Sleep was still hiding from her, but the nightmares were not. Dove sighs as she straitens the blanket. It was nearing lunch, the boys would be at Tibby's. Grabbing her bag, Dove leaves the rest of the chores to be done later, she wanted to see her boys.

Only a few boys were there as Dove walked in the diner. Cowboy came jogging

over as soon as he saw her,

"Is everyt'in' ok?" His brown eyes show concern as they sweep over her looking for injuries.

"I'm fine Jack, I just wanted to get out and see my boys." She gave him a rare smile and sat down next to Mush. Mush looks over at Dove giving her a proud, heart warming smile at being picked to sit next to. He scooted his plate over to share and his chest puffs up just a little when she takes some of the french fries.

It didn't take long for the rest of the 'Hattan boys to make their way to the popular diner, all giving a shout of joy upon seeing Dove. Soon after everyone had ordered, Spot burst through the door.

"Jack!" Everyone turns, knowing that Spot only called Cowboy 'Jack' and not 'Jacky-boy' when something was wrong.

"W'at is it's?" Cowboy was on his feet in an instant.

"Dove's isn't at t'e lodgin' 'ouse!" Light blue eyes meet brown ones that began to relax.

"Spot." A soft voice from one of the booths claims his attention. Spot marches over to the booth and sighs over his girl.

"Don't do's t'at." Sitting next to her, Spot drapes his arm over her shoulders.

"I'm sorry, but I didn't want to be cooped up in the lodging house for the afternoon." She leans in to him slightly, stealing more fries from Mush.

The group enjoys their meal, but soon the boys had to go sell the afternoon editions. Spot walks Dove back to the lodging house to watch over the younger boys who wouldn't be selling.

"W'at's t'at?" Spot looks at Dove's head where a small red mark was looming suspiciously against her fair skin.

"I hit my head on one of the bunks." She lowers her eyes, embarrassed.

"Dove?" Spot lifts her chin, looking in her eyes to make sure she was telling the truth. Her eyes found his, but her cheeks were pink and she was pulling on her sleeve. Smirking, Spot kisses the small bump and watches as she walks into the house.

Dove was exhausted by the time Spot came to take her home, the younger boys had asked her to play with them. She had loved being with them, but they had worn her out. Dove was usually very good about respecting Spots low comfort level of showing affection on the street, but tonight she didn't care. As she walks next to him, she leans her head on his shoulder, nearly using him to keep her standing.

Spot helps her climb the fire escape and they sit outside her window.

"It's times you's wen' in." Spot looked down at the girl with bags under her eyes and drooping eyelids. Her eyes jump open and she tries to focus on Spot, but her eyes wouldn't, she was so tired. Spot hides a smile at that fact.

"I don't want to sleep." Dove starts to shake her head.

"You's tired, you's need t'e sleep." He stands and offers his hand to help her up, but she stays where she was.

"I don't want too." a tone of tired child, whining, and a small hint of fear mix in her voice.

Spot raises his eyebrow, he was slightly amused at her childish actions.

"I'm afraid to sleep." her soft voice finally whispers. Spot kneels down next to her. Tugging her chin, she looks up at him. Giving one of his rare smiles he takes her hand and leads her inside.

Dove slips under the covers while she watches Spot sits himself next to the bed.

"I'll's stay, until you's fall 'sleep."

Spot watches her features move and shift as she begins to dream. Bringing his hand up gently, he smooths away the frown lines. Night time was the worst for Spot, it reminded him of what happened. That's why he generally sat outside her window at night, so he could watch over her. He couldn't sleep otherwise, he didn't sleep much then either, but at least she was close. He heard her each night, scream his name, and it was a knife to his heart every time. Knowing, in her dream she called to him, and he never came. At least tonight he could smooth away the pain.

Dove jumps at the loud noise in her room. Looking around she see Spot setting the chair right side up.

"Sorry." The leader looks apologetically over at her.

"It's ok." Dove watches as he leaves to carry the banner, wondering if he was the reason the nightmares had not come.

"I'm gonna do it." Spot looks at Jack, who was, at the moment, pulling out a smoke. After a drag to straiten his thoughts, Cowboy looks at the cool stare of Brooklyn.

"You's t'ink t'is is a good idea?"

Brooklyn only nods in response. Cowboy sighs, as he takes a drag.

"I's hope you's know's w'at you're's doin'"

Dove watches as Race gathers his winning. Spot scowls at the Italian, tossing his cards down. Shaking his head he tries to focus on his new hand. He was tired and Dove saw. Spot lost again. Dove tugs gently on his sleeve.

"Can you take me home?"

He needed to sleep, but his pride wouldn't let him leave, so Dove stepped in.

"Do you's want me ta stay?" Spot looks at his girl, his own drained look was copied in her eyes.

"You need to go back to Brooklyn. You need to be with your boys and you need to sleep." She touches his arm, letting him know that she would be 'fine'.

"Come wit' me." Spot waits for her reaction after the initial shock. Thoughtfulness, that was good.

Spot kneels in front of her and holds up a very small silver band.

"Dove, I love's you. I's don't wanna eva be apawrt from you's. You's know be betta t'en anyone. Will you's marry me?"

Ok, I know it's short, but I liked ending it here :) And you know what that means… ONE MORE CHAPTER! Also, I have had a review saying that they ould like a sequel. Thoughts? Yes, no, what are you thinking, or doitrightnowbeforewegoinsane ? You knew how to let me know? Yep, thats righr click that little button that all writers love :)