A/N PLEASE READ THIS! I'm so sorry for not updating this story sooner. I would've but apparently my laptop declared war on me without my knowledge. First, it decided to delete the first two pages I had written of this chapter for about two weeks and then magically let them return (idk how this is possible). Then, as I was starting to write again, MY KEYBOARD STOPPED WORKING. At least, some of the keys did. Have you ever tried writing a story without 'T', 'Y', 'Backspace', or your 'Shift' keys? It's absolutely infuriating. Luckily I got my keyboard replaced so here's the next chapter that I've owed you guys!

I woke up the next morning, fully expecting to be thrown out on the streets or at least tied up to a chair with Jack and the others waiting to interrogate me. I looked around cautiously at the other girls starting to get ready, waiting for any indication that they knew my dark past. However, everyone was up and getting ready with their usual morning vigor. I received a few "Good mornings" as usual but nothing special. Apparently, Spot had actually kept his promise for once.

I ran through the motions the rest of the day, too busy trying to avoid Spot and thinking about the impending meeting with Break tonight to actually realize what I was doing. After selling papes for the day and eating at Tibby's, everyone went their separate ways for the night. Most of the Newsies went back to the Lodging House for the night but a few headed over to Medda's to see if they could sneak in for the show. I spent my night in the Lodging House, waiting for the right time to slip away and go see Break. I couldn't leave too soon; it would have to be under the cover of darkness. I felt extremely restless but tried to contain it as best as possible. However, I noticed Race glancing at me every now and then and I knew that he had noticed my strange behavior.

Finally, I decided that it was time to go. It didn't matter if Break was already at the docks or not; I would wait for him all night if I had to. Glancing around, I checked to see if anyone was paying attention to me. All of the Newsies were absorbed in other things so I quietly stood and slipped out of the room. I took the steps three at a time I was so anxious and almost face-planted at the bottom of the stairs. Luckily I steadied myself and grabbed the door handle, flinging the door open. To my disappointment, I found I would not be having a clean getaway. There, just returning back from doing God-knows-what, was Spot Conlon. We stared each other down for a few seconds before I spoke.

"Get out of my way Conlon," I said calmly.

"Tell me where you're going first," he replied, not moving out of the way.

I paused for a second and glared at him. I was definitely not in the mood to deal with whatever he was trying to pull.

"This house has a back exit you know," I said, starting to turn away.

Conlon grabbed my arm though before I could get away.

"Could you just let me by?" I asked, exasperated.

"I will. As soon as you tell me where you're going," Conlon stated coolly.

"Since when are you my mother? Besides, don't you need to be back in Brooklyn at some point?" I asked.

"I've been going back to Brooklyn. But that's none of your concern," Spot replied.

"And where I'm going is none of your concern as well," I said, frustrated.

"It's plenty of my concern given your history," Spot calmly replied.

I sharply drew in a breath and glared at Spot.

"So that's how it's going to be? I spill my guts and you decide that I'm some criminal that needs to be watched? I joined the Newsies to gain my freedom, not be judged for my past. Remind me never to tell you anything important again," I spat at him.

He didn't say anything in response and I was fed up so I decided to tell him and get it over with.

"Whatever. I'm going to visit Break. Happy?" I said sarcastically.

"Yes," he replied simply, letting me go.

I brushed past him and started walking away from the Lodging House. A thought crossed my mind, however, and I turned around to see Spot staring after me.

"Don't try and follow me Conlon. You'll never even see me," I said coldly, before turning around and jogging off into the night.

Stupid jerk. Where does he get off demanding to know what I'm doing and where I'm going? I tried to push him out of my mind as I sprinted in the direction of the docks, focusing instead on seeing Break again. Oh geez what was I going to do when I saw him again? Confront him immediately? Or let him reveal his secret in his own time.

Too quickly, I arrived at the docks. I slowed down and started to count the docks as I passed them, just as I had done when I saw Night and Holler here. I also kept my eye on the alleys to my left, however, just in case Break had decided to call in his newfound Newsie or Street Shark friends. I reached the 21st dock without a problem. Break hadn't arrived yet so I strode down the dock about halfway and leaned against a pole, constantly checking the area for signs of movement.

I don't know how long I'd stayed there but my eyes eventually turned out over the water, looking at the immense Brooklyn Bridge looming in the distance. I had always loved the sight of it. It almost reminded me of the Black Kings. Sometimes it blended into the background of the city but you still always knew it was out there somewhere.

"Glad to see you could make it,"

I turned at the sound of the familiar voice and couldn't help but smile at the sight of Break walking up the docks towards me.

"Of course I made it. I would never back out on you," I replied sincerely.

Especially since I knew what this talk would be about. The thought made me cringe internally but I didn't let it show.

"Good to know," Break replied, and I knew he was thinking about whether or not I would keep that promise after he told me his "deep, dark secret".

"So how have you been?" I asked, trying to put off the inevitable.

"Pretty good. Just really busy lately," he sighed, running a hand through his hair.

"Yeah. I bet Night has you running around with all this Newsie stuff," I remarked and I saw a flash of something akin to guilt flit across Break's face.

"Yeah. All that stuff," he replied vaguely.

"How's it going with all that? Are we making any ground?" I asked casually.

"Ehh. We're trying our best," Break replied with a shrug.

"That doesn't sound reassuring," I snorted.

"It shouldn't be," Break replied, sighing.

"What do you mean by that?" I replied, narrowing my eyes, even though I already knew what he was talking about.

Break looked me straight in the eye and replied seriously.

"We've been losing a lot of ground recently. Both in territories and members. And with the Street Sharks moving in… I don't know how well we can hold on,"

I made a small noise of acknowledgment and looked out over the waters, pretending to be contemplating the information.

"You don't seem very shocked by this," Break said slowly.

"I'd heard rumors here and there," I replied, shrugging, "I talked to Night about it though, he's got some ideas"

"Like what?" Break asked and I could barely hear the eagerness in his voice.

Like hell I was just going to serve up important information to him on a silver platter.

"If I told you I'd have to kill you," I joked, winking at Break.

Break laughed at that but I could also see him tense up a little bit.

"So, anything else new? Like the reason you wanted to see me?" I casually pressed.

"What, a friend can't just drop by and say hi?" Break joked, although I could tell it was a bit strained.

It seems like Break didn't want to tell me his story almost as much as I didn't want to listen to it.

"Aww c'mon that's bull Break. You wouldn't send me a note just to say hello," I argued.

I could see Break steel himself as he prepared his speech.

"I…I wanted to talk to you about something. It's important, I promise," Break said slowly, trying to find the right words to say.

I knew what he wanted to talk about but I didn't know exactly how I wanted to react yet. Sadness? Shock? Anger? Acceptance? There were so many choices and unfortunately I couldn't really predict the outcomes of any of them

"What is it?" I asked, trying to appear somewhat curious.

"It has to do with the Black Kings…and also with the Newsies," Break started to explain.

I tensed up slightly and stared at Break, saying nothing. He took this as his cue to continue.

"For the past couple of months, I've been having doubts about the Black Kings and my place in the gang. I don't like what we do and what we stand for. It sickens me that we just go around beating people up and taking things. We don't have a purpose or anything. And I've seen too many lives ruined. Both in the gang and outside of it. I hate it all. I just can't do this anymore," Break explained heatedly.

I paused for a second before responding.

"So you're going to leave the gang then?" I asked, looking out across the water, already knowing the answer.

"Eventually. But before I do…I want to take down the Black Kings," Break declared.

A heavy silence fell over us but I refused to talk. I wanted Break to say everything he had to first.

"I've started working with the Newsies. I'm giving them information about the Black Kings. And I'm helping out the Street Sharks as well," Break stated clearly.

He paused after his short speech and waited for my reaction. I had been looking out across the waters the entire time, my face frozen somewhere around indifference. I looked down at the dock for a second and let my mask slip off, replacing it with the cold persona I had perfected as a Black King.

"I know that already," I said, looking back up at him.

He looked taken aback for a second, both by my confession and by my sudden change in persona. Funny, you would think he would be used to my acting by now.

"Of course you do. You always were the best at finding out everything," he commented, cracking a weak smile.

I made no reply and continued to stare at him. He nervously continued.

"How long have you known?"

"I've known there was a traitor in the Black Kings for a few weeks now. I also started suspecting you at some point. I confirmed that a few days ago though," I answered simply.

"How did you find out it was me?" Break asked.

"The Newsies aren't half as good at keeping secrets as they think they are," I replied shortly.

"Maybe. But so far they're a hell of a lot better at beating their enemies," Break said curtly.

I clenched my jaw tightly and didn't respond.

"So why haven't you told Night or Holler yet? I would've thought that you would've served my head on a platter, being their loyal henchmen and all," Break sneered at me.

"Honestly? I haven't had the chance to tell them yet," I replied harshly, meeting his gaze.

"Right. Because they aren't getting back from their oh-so-important trip until tomorrow. I read Night's note," Break said bitterly, "So why did you agree to meet me if you already knew what I was going to tell you?"

"I wanted to confirm it definitely. And give you a chance to explain yourself," I replied coolly.

"Well, you got my explanation. I'm sick and tired of the Black Kings. I want them gone," Break shot back.

I hesitated for a second before replying.

"Why couldn't you have just left? Why couldn't you have just gotten up and walked out?" I asked.

Break remained silent for a while after I asked the question, contemplating his response.

"Because I couldn't bear the thought of the Black Kings ruining more lives. And because I also couldn't bear the thought of just leaving you behind," he replied calmly.

I felt my chest tighten when he said that. If Break had actually just straight up left, I don't know if I would've been able to handle being in the Black Kings without him. He was my support system, my rock. But at the same time, he was destroying almost everything I'd ever had.

"I have to tell Night about you. I can't just let you go on destroying the Black Kings from the inside out. If you want to try and take it down, take it down face-to-face," I said slowly, trying to keep my voice even.

"I can't have you do that," Break replied, "I need my inside sources with the Black Kings,"

"Too bad. I have to," I replied, shaking my head.

"If you tell Night, then I'll tell Jack and Spot the truth about you as well," Break threatened.

I froze when he said that. For some reason, I dreaded the thought of them finding out the truth about me

"See? You don't want to tell them. You don't want them to know because you care what they think about you. You want to be one of them," Break pressed.

"That's not it," I snapped back too quickly, "I just can't have you ruin this mission for me. I have an important position and I can't lose it"

"And I have an important position as well. I can't let down the Newsies or the Street Sharks. I need to keep on getting information from Night. The way I see it, this works out. You keep spying on the Newsies and I'll keep spying on the Black Kings. Both sides will get information and we'll see how it works out in the end," Break offered.

"That's not fair at all. You're in the top inner circle of the Black Kings. I've got very little trust from any of the three leaders, especially now," I countered, shaking my head.

"Well, that's your fault for not being a better spy," Break shot back.

"You have a pretty damn good head start on me with this spying stuff," I growled at him.

He'd been in the Black Kings for almost a decade now. I'd only been in the Newsies for about a month or so. Definitely not level playing field.

"Whatever. It doesn't change my mind about what I said. This should be an easy decision for you Eclipse. It's either both of our heads roll or they stay put," Break replied evenly.

"Don't you do this to me Break. Don't you dare do this," I replied, my voice cracking.

Break fell silent and I continued on.

"This isn't easy for me at all. I'm all alone in a group of street kids peddling papes who know absolutely nothing about me while Spot keeps harassing me because he's still suspicious and my own brother can't even work up the nerve to tell me the fact that he is my actual brother. All while the gang that took me in and cared for me is falling apart at the seams thanks to my best friend who's a traitor. I've got no place to turn to or run back to if everything falls through. My entire life is on the line here Break, unlike yours, so don't you even think about ruining everything I've ever worked for," I ranted at him, trying to fight back tears.

Break stayed quiet as I stood there, breathing heavily, blinking rapidly to keep away the water gathering in my eyes. After I had calmed down I slumped back on a post behind me. Suddenly I felt all the energy drain from my body. Running a hand down my face, I sighed and looked back up at Break who was standing there, observing me. It was a little while longer before he finally responded.

"Why do you keep on protecting those guys? Why do you insist on helping them out?" Break asked

"What else do I have Break?" I asked helplessly, throwing my hands in the air.

"You have the Newsies. You have a chance for a new beginning," Break said firmly but softly.

"A new beginning?" I laughed bitterly, "how can I start someplace new when all those Newsies would ever know is a lie? Even Spot and Jack and Race don't know my full story. I would never be fully me there,"

Break was about to speak before I cut him off again.

"Besides, we're all getting too old now to start new with that stuff. I'm sixteen, you're seventeen. Newsies don't get much older than us," I argued.

"That's true," he admitted quietly, "but that doesn't mean you still can't start over"

I didn't reply to his last comment. I didn't know how to. I stood up from the post, turned around and started to walk away slowly. About halfway down the dock I stopped as a thought crossed my mind.

"Break," I called out, not bothering to turn around again.

"Yeah?" he replied.

"I'm going to have to tell Night and Holler about you. I have to," I said and I couldn't stop my voice from sounding strained.

"…I know," he finally said

"Sorry," I replied softly, unsure if he even heard me.

I continued walking down the down the docks and slipped away into the darkness. Once I was out on the streets, however, I didn't head in the direction of the Lodging House. Instead, I found myself heading towards the place I'd called home for the past eight years: the Black Kings base.

Meanwhile, back at the Lodging House

"Hey Conlon," a voice called out, breaking Spot out of his trance.

Conlon didn't move at all from his spot on the couch but his eyes did come back into focus. He'd been sitting in the commons area of the Lodging House for a while, staring at the fireplace blankly and thinking about Actor. He knew Break wouldn't do anything to harm her but he had still decided to wait up until she got back to the Lodging House safely. Especially with some Black Kings running around trying to get her to go back. It wasn't safe for her out on the streets. He knew that she could take care of herself pretty well but that didn't mean he wasn't worried about her. Spot could've kicked himself for letting her walk by herself to meet Break but she had been pretty mad when she'd left.

"What is it Jacky-boy?" Spot asked calmly.

"Have you seen Actor anywhere? I wanted to tell her about…you know…" Jack trailed off uncertainly, finally stepping into Spot's line of sight.

"She went to visit Break," Spot replied.

"At this hour?" Jack asked.

"You know those guys. They practically live in the dark," Spot said.

"And she went out by herself?" Jack asked, the protective older brother in him starting to kick in.

"Yes," Spot replied shortly.

"Why didn't you go with her Spot? It isn't safe out on the streets at night," Jack said, narrowing his eyes.

"I would've. But she was kind of mad at me when she left. And she clearly said 'Don't even think about trying to follow me. You'll never even see me'," Spot explained calmly.

"Why was she so angry at you?" Jack asked, confused.

"I kind of made her tell me where she was going," Spot responded.

"Spot," Jack started to say before Spot cut him off.

"You would've done the same thing," Spot stated.

Jack stayed silent, a sign of his agreement with the previous statement.

"Well, I guess I'll just talk to her tomorrow then," Jack replied, rubbing the back of his neck.

Spot made a noise of agreement.

"Get some sleep Conlon. We've got a long day ahead of us tomorrow," Jack said, patting Spot on the shoulder as he walked away.

Spot stayed sitting on the couch, staring at the wall. Jack might not be willing to stay up for his sister but damn it, Conlon was willing to do it. He settled back into the couch, hoping that she wasn't in any kind of trouble.