Alright guys. FINAL CHAPTER! Holy crap, I just want to thank each and every person who came across my fic. I cannot thank you enough for that. I have been wanting to finish a story forever, and now that I have, I feel so accomplished. I worked really hard on this story and I hope it shows.

As I said before, I may do a One-Shot story if enough people want me to do it. I just need some requests of what you want to see and I'll see it gets done. PM me or review if you want to see it happen!

I do not own Newsies

Chapter 26

Mattie paced around, waiting anxiously for Jack and David to return. By that point, Sarah had come along, trying her best to calm her down. However, it was all useless. Mattie wouldn't be okay until both boys came out safe and sound. She was giving herself a headache thinking too much. Her hand went to the back of her head, where her head was still tender. She cringed, but didn't pull away. The pain reminded her that they were still fighting, and that this wasn't just a dream.

"Hey fella's they're over here." Spot called. Mattie spun around seeing the gates open and David step out. He wasn't smiling, but he wasn't frowning either. He looked indifferent, emotionless. Mattie felt her feet move before he brain caught up with her. She sent herself flying over to him, right into his arms. She was so glad he was okay.

"Is everything okay? Where's Jack? What happened?" She asked. David simply shook his head, unwrapping her from him. She looked at him confused. Then suddenly everyone crowed around him, asking the same questions. Then Jack came out pushing his way through. Mattie eyed him the whole time, holding herself back from pushing herself into his arms. He leaned over, whispering something to Les. Mattie tried her best to hear, but he was to quiet. Then he put the boy on his back hoisting him up.

"We beat 'em!" Jack yelled. The crowd erupted into the loudest cheers they could yell. People hugged, kissed, even danced. They were elate with joy. Mattie felt a scream leave her mouth as she hugged her boys. They placed kisses on her cheeks and Blink even spun her around. They had never been so happy in their lives. They had won. They had fought, and they had won. There was no greater feeling than that.

Weasel and the Delancy's came through the crowd, being fired from their jobs. Mattie smirked as she watched the brothers. She put her foot out, making Morris, trip into Oscar, and then Oscar into Weasel. The boys laughed as they watched the miserable family pick themselves up and walk away with whatever dignity they had left. Suddenly, a police carriage pushed its way through the crowd.

"Jack! Jack it's the bulls. Let me down." Les said. Jack turned seeing the carriage held none other than Snyder on the front. Suddenly he reached out gripping Mattie's arm and pulling her to his side. He wasn't going to let her go for a second. He would run away with her if he had to. The boys then pushed Jack to run, but he was caught by Denton.

"No, Jack, it's over." Denton said gripping his shoulders.

"Let's go!" Racetrack said pulling on Jack, whose grip on Mattie tightened she knew she would have a bruise the next day.

"No, no, no! You don't have to run. Not anymore. Not from the likes of him." Denton explained. "Come on, come on."

Denton had to practically push Jack out of his hiding place, and his grip on Mattie never wavered. He was ready to bolt at any second. Mattie was more trusting of Denton, knowing that he wouldn't push them out there if there wasn't a good reason. Then suddenly, the police officer opened the back of the carriage, releasing it's cargo. Boys of all shapes and sizes piled out of the carriage. The last one being the most important.

"Crutchy!" Mattie shrieked excitedly. She watched as he friend hobbled out of the carriage, his signature grin on his face. Then the bulls pushed Snyder into the back of the carriage.

"Remember what I told you Mr. Snyder. The first thing you do in jail, make friends with the rats. Share what you got in common." Crutchy said. Snyder sent a glare his way before being pushed fully into the carriage. Crutchy then slammed the door on his face. The group erupted in cheers again. Mattie forced her arm out of Jack's grip running to her friend. She about toppled him over as she put her arms around him.

"Hiya Dimples." He said. She smiled as she hugged him.

"Hey Crutch." She said holding back tears of joy. Crutchy and Mattie walked back over to their group, where they all greeted their friend warmly.

"You won't be seein' much of him anymore." Denton said. Jack crossed his arms as he watched the man who made his life a living hell be carried away. He was glad to see him go where he belonged. Mattie watched too as she took her place at Jack's side.

"I guess there's no more runnin' for us." Mattie said watching the carriage roll away. Jack smiled looking down at her.

"What are we gonna' do for fun now?" He asked. Mattie let out a laugh, wrapping her arms around his torso. He placed his arm around her shoulder. Neither one cared anymore about looking proper or not feeling things. They were both done lying. They were going to be happy, something they haven't fully felt in a while.

"Aw Jack you shoulda' seen it. He come stormin' into the refuge wavin' his walkin' stick like a sword." Crutchy said, his animated voice causing Mattie to smile. "And he's leadin' this army of lawyers and cops-"

"Who comes walkin' in?" Jack asked, his eyebrows furrowing.

"You know, your friend, him!" Crutchy said pointing to a different carriage. "Teddy Roosevelt."

Both Mattie and Jack felt their jaws dropped as they looked at the man they had been lying about for years. Teddy Roosevelt was sitting right in the middle of the chaos, cheering with the kids. Mattie gripped Jack and smiled up at him. Jack was still in a state of shock, not really believing this was all happening.

"The governor's very grateful you brought this problem to his attention." Denton began. " I said you might need a lift somewhere. He's glad to oblige. Anywhere you want, and this time you ride inside."

"Could he drop me at the train yards?" Jack asked. Mattie looked up at him and felt her stomach drop. The train yards? That meant that he was leaving. Jack was going to Santa Fe. Jack was leaving her. He didn't even look down at her as he loosened his grip on her shoulders. She swallowed, not wanting to release him. If she let him go, he would leave her. She hadn't even gotten the chance to tell him how she felt.

"Yeah, if that's what you want." Denton replied. Jack nodded, following Denton. He had grabbed Mattie's hand tugging her along with him. She tried to be happy, or at least look happy. However, her eyes found her feet and she just let Jack drag her. She had to think of what she was going to say, and how she was going to say it. Should she tell him? If she didn't she would regret it. But if she did, she might still regret it. She didn't have much time to think, because they stopped right in front of the carriage. He shook Mr. Roosevelt's hand and was about to climb into the carriage, when Mattie's hand slipped from his. He turned seeing her watching him sheepishly. He hadn't thought about this. As he watched her now, he realized that he wanted her to come with him. That way they could start fresh, and fall in love, like they are supposed to.

"Come with me." Jack said to her. Mattie's eyes searched his face. He was completely serious. She had dreamed of this ever since he told her about Santa Fe. Maybe he did care about her more than a friend. Or maybe he felt obligated to bring her along. She never wanted to be someone's obligation. She turned, looking at the boys who all watched her intensely. She couldn't leave her family. She loved them, and even though she loved Jack with all of her heart. She couldn't leave, and she couldn't make him stay.

"If you would have asked me a couple days ago, I would have hopped in that carriage before you even asked." She told him, feeling tears prick her eyes. "But I can't leave. These boys… their my family. I can't leave this place behind just yet."

Jack felt his heart sink at her answer. He looked her over and felt his heart start to break. He didn't know what he had expected her to say. He was asking her to uproot herself just to be with him. He guessed he understood why she was saying no. He just didn't know what he would do without her by his side every second. He loved her, and yet it was because he loved her that he was going to let her go.

"Santa Fe is your dream. Go live it." She urged. Jack didn't let go of his grip on her hand.

"So is this goodbye?" He asked, his unshed tears evident in his voice. Mattie swallowed, willing herself not to sob. She nodded fervently feeling her heart shatter once again. She reached up to him, pulling his head to hers. Their cheeks touched. Jack snacked his arms around her small waist, burying his face into her shoulder. He never wanted this moment to end. He wanted to hold her forever. He wanted to tell her just how much she meant to him. However, he stayed silent.

"Take care of yourself." She whispered into his ear. She then placed a soft, long kiss to his cheek. He felt the sparks that it caused and felt his heart skip a beat as a result. She felt tears begin to form, but she turned away before he could see. She pushed her way through the crowd running away from the heart break. She could feel tears falling from her cheeks, but she knew this was for the best. She could never keep him. He wasn't hers. That didn't stop the heartache that set in.

Jack watched her run away and felt a lump form in his throat. However, he turned around climbing into the carriage. He had to let her go, so that way she could be happy. It may hurt, but he was strong. Just like her, he had to be strong. The boys called their goodbyes to him as the carriage began to roll away.

"Hello Jack. I'm Theodore." Mr. Roosevelt said.

"I know who you are." Jack said. Mr. Roosevelt chuckled settling in to his seat. Jack smiled, but it faded and he found himself looking back over his shoulder to catch any last glimpse he could of her. He had no such luck.

"Lost something?" Mr. Roosevelt asked. Jack turned back and shook his head.

"Yeah, but I don't think I'll be able to get her…. I mean it… back." Jack replied with a sigh. He looked down at his hands, feeling the heartbreak set in.

"Ah I see… was she your…" Mr. Roosevelt asked. Jack's head snapped up.

"No! Mattie and I…. well…. We're just…. I don't even know anymore." Jack admitted.

"Interesting…. So you love her." Mr. Roosevelt concluded. Jack felt himself laugh, but soon his smile faded. He looked back down and shook his head.

"It doesn't even matter anymore." Jack told him. Mr. Roosevelt put his hand on Jack's shoulder, forcing him to look at him.

"Can I give you some advice son?" Mr. Roosevelt asked. Jack shrugged. "In all my years I have learned that love is a confusing mistress."

"You're telling me." Jack replied. Mr. Roosevelt chuckled before he turned serious.

"What I am trying to say is that when you find love, you should hang on to it and never let it go." Mr. Roosevelt said. Jack stared at the older man for a second before nodding.

"So what you're saying is…." Jack trailed off. Mr. Roosevelt smiled at him before squeezing his shoulder.

"I believe that you have some things to take care of here. Don't you?" He asked. Jack felt himself smile as he nodded.

David swallowed hard as he watched Jack and Mattie head for the carriage. He wasn't just losing his best friend. He was also losing the girl of his dreams. He guessed he should have saw that coming. She had always and would forever be Jacks. It just took David a long while, and a lot of heartbreak to realize it. He sighed turning and looking to his siblings. Both Sarah and Les looked really upset. Les was even crying. David looked down, trying to keep himself strong.

"What's with all the glum faces?" A voice said. David looked up to see, Mattie, the girl of his dreams smiling at him. He felt his heart hammer in his chest as he looked at her. She didn't look all that happy, even with the smile she was forcing. Her eyes were beginning to turn red, from where he guessed she had been crying.

"You came back." David said astonished. Mattie let out a light, slightly pained laugh.

"Stupid decision right?" She asked. David shook his head.

"No. I'm glad you stayed." He said. Mattie felt a genuine smile come to her face. She then pulled David into a long, hard hug. He had always been there for her. Jack would always be her best friend, but she knew that David would be a good back up. He was a great guy, a good listener, and he cared about her. She cared about him too. He was like the brother that she wished she had.

She pulled back and then hugged Sarah. At first she had been very jealous of Sarah. Now, she seemed to be a good friend, like her brother. She was sweet and honest, something Mattie admired. Sarah may be the only girl she could actually get along with. Mattie pulled back from their hug to look down at Les. His eyes were filled with tears and he was looking up at her with a very pained expression. She let out a breath before kneeling in front of him.

"Hey… Les… look at me." She said, placing her hands on his shoulders. He did as he was told. "I need you to be strong. Jack would want you to be strong. Besides, I bet he'll visit."

"You really think so?" Les hiccupped. Mattie smiled at him and nodded.

"I know so." She replied. He nodded and she hugged the small boy. He was such a sweetheart. He brought out the nurturing side of her that had been locked away by her roughness. Suddenly, they heard the distribution bell start ringing. Mattie looked up and grinned. She stood patting Les on the shoulder.

"Try Bottle Alley or the harbor." Mush sang.

"Try central park it's garunteed." Race added sadly.

"Try any banker, bum, or barber." Crutchy said.

"They almost all knows how to read." Blink replied. Mattie sighed looking at her boys. They were sad about Jack's departure. She put her arm around Crutchy and gave him a grin.

"Come on boys. We've got papes to sell." Mattie said. They nodded at her following behind her back into the center. Mattie was trying her best not to let Jack's leaving get to her. Sure she was heartbroken and hurt, but she had things to do. She chose to stay, so she was going to make the best of it. Besides, she even said it herself. Jack would visit. And if he didn't she would make it her mission to get herself and the Jacob's kids down there.

"Summer stinks-" Boots began.

"And winters waiting." Skittery finished.

"Welcome to New York." Mattie added, trying her best to bring the boys spirits up.

"Boy ain't nature fascinating, when youse gotta' walk!" They all chorused. By that point they had all filed into the distribution center, David in the front. It was like old times, that is except Jack wasn't there. Mattie took in a deep breath. She may be upset, but she had a job to do. She wasn't going to let Jack down. She couldn't.

"One hundred papes." David said, slapping the money down in front of the new distributor.

"All right Davey." Mush said patting him on the back. Mattie shook her head, chuckling. She couldn't believe how far David had come. She remembered their first meeting. He was the annoying newbie who asked too many questions. Now, he was her friend, a good friend at that. He was her family. Mattie was about to order herself some papers, but the sound of indistinct cheering, caused her and everyone else to turn around.

"Jack!" Les shouted. Mattie felt her stomach drop.

"There's Jack!" Racetrack said.

"He's back!" Mush said gripping Mattie's shoulder in surprise. Mattie felt herself freeze as she watched the carriage she had just seconds ago ran away from, pulling right up into the distribution center. The boys were crowded around it cheering and greeting Jack, who was standing up a large smile on his face. Mattie felt her legs moving before her brain could comprehend anything. However, she stopped when a hand grabbed her forearm. She turned to see David, who looked pained.

"What's wrong?" She asked. David didn't know what made him stop her. He was pretty excited Jack was back too. However, he knew what was about to happen. He didn't want it to happen. His eyes searched her face, and all the words he had been planning to say dissolved on his tounge. She looked anxious and much too happy for his liking. He swallowed, and with a nod he let her go. She watched him a second before he waved her away.

"It can wait." He said. She smiled at him before turning on her heel and bolting for the crowd. David took a deep breath. It was over. David watched in silence as she ran into the crowd. Away from him and into someone else's arms.

Jack could feel his heart pounding as he stood, throwing his sack to someone in the crowd.

"Thanks for the advice Govenor. Like you said, I still got things to do. Besides I got family here." Jack said, shaking, Mr. Roosevelt's hand. Jack then hopped out of the carriage. He looked around the crowd searching for a certain person. He hadn't saw her on his way in, and he feared that he had missed her. He frantically looked over every head and smile as he moved through the boys. He was happy to see them, but he needed to see someone very important first.

Suddenly, he was attacked. His assailant had their arms wrapped around him, squeezing him so hard, he could hardly breath. He let out a laugh, knowing who it was. He looked down, putting his own arms around the person. She looked up at him, her eyes pouring tears down her face. He laced his hand through her tangled hair, looking at her lovingly.

"I know those tears ain't for me." He said. She let out a breathy laugh before shaking her head.

"I'm so glad you're back." She replied. He smiled down at her, pulling her to his chest.

"Of course I came back. You can't get rid of me that easy. " Jack said, using the line she had told him countless times. She pulled back, smiling up at him. He then looked up to where David stood, watching the two of them intensly. He didn't look angry, or depressed, he looked kind of happy. Jack pushed through the crowd, never letting Mattie go for a second. Jack stopped right in front of David.

"So, how's the headline today?" Jack asked. David laughed a small laugh before pulling his cap from his pocket.

"Headlines don't sell papes. Newsies sell papes." He said putting his hat on his head. Jack smiled and so did David. They may have both been fighting for the same girl, and one happened to have lost, but those two were friends. They would be lifelong buddies, and David would never let a girl come between that again. Even if that girl was Mattie Conrad. David and Jack spit shook, sealing the deal. Mattie grinned at the two of them, completely oblivious of what just happened.

Everyone cheered, completely overjoyed by the strike win, and the return of their friend. Jack still hadn't let go of Mattie, not that she was complaining. It wasn't until he loosened his grip did she turn to face him. He had a look of his face that she couldn't recognize. However, she had more pressing matters on her brain.

"So why did you come back?" She asked curiously. Jack shrugged.

"Mr. Roosevelt gave me some good advice." He said.

"Oh yeah? And what did he say?" She asked. Jack's eyes met hers and the two fell into a trance. Mattie felt her heart skip a beat and felt her breathing pick up at the closeness of the two.

"He told me to open my eyes. See what I had here." He answered.

"Oh." Was all Mattie could get out. Jack locked his hand into her hair, and put his other on her waist. He pulled her flush against his chest. His eyes flickered down to her lips before his turned up into a smile. Then, gravity pulled the two together. Their lips simply brushed for a second, before Jack crashed his lips onto hers. Mattie's eyes widened, surprised by his action. However, she soon melted into the kiss, her eyes fluttering closed, and her lips moving on their own accord. She could vaguely hear the cheers surrounding her, but they soon disappeared. It was as if they were the only two there.

Jack never imagined kissing her would feel that good. It sent a spark through his body, much more than her kiss on his cheek did. He had kissed a few other girls, but that was nothing compared to kissing Mattie. He smiled into the kiss, and felt her shiver under his touch. It was as if time stopped, and they could stay like that forever. However, Jack didn't get his wish because Mattie pulled away. He looked down at her, afraid he had done something wrong, but she look on her face told him otherwise. Both were in pure bliss staring at the other. They were two halves that completed a whole. They were soul mates, and they were in love.

"Sorry it took me so long." Jack whispered to her. Mattie smiled, still panting from their kiss. She placed her hands on his face and locked eyes with him.

"You're worth it." She replied before pulling his face back to hers. Another eruption of cheers rang through the air. David smiled as he watched them. Sure, it hurt, but he knew they were happy, and that's all he could ask for.

"Listen... theres's something I've been wanting to say..." Jack trailed off, after he pulled back from her kiss. He didn't know what to say or how to word it. He had never told a girl he loved her before. He was so nervous. He was never nervous!

"I love you too." Mattie whispered. Jack grinned widely. Mattie felt like her heart was going to explode. He loved her. Jack loved her! Her dreams had finally came true. She could be happy and never have to feel like she had to hide. Jack kissed her again, making sparks fly between them.

"Finally!" Racetrack yelled, causing Mattie to pull back. She blushed ferociously, but Jack just pulled her to his side.

Everything was perfect now. Everything was whole. And Mattie would never have to wait for her prince charming ever again.

The End

OKAY! So, that's the end. Pretty much followed the storyline, but I thought it was a sweet ending. PLEASE READ THIS! So I have gotten a couple one shot yes's. However, I don't really have too many idea's for said one shots so I need some ideas! Please if you have any ideas of scenes I could put Jack or Mattie or anyone in please let me know. So, If I don't get any ideas for those one shots I won't waste my time. It's up to YOU my lovely reviewers. So let me know and tell me what you enjoyed, or didn't enjoy about the story! Thank you guys so much for keeping up with the story. I love each and every one of you!

XOXOXOXO