By the next week Spot was back to normal, all healed except for a few stubborn bruises. He had insisted on going back to Brooklyn four days after "the fight" and the Manhattan newsies had reluctantly let him go. Jack and Blaze had been over twice since then, though, to check on him. Spot was beginning to think they were done arguing, but he was wrong.

About two weeks after "the fight," Spot stopped by the Manhattan Lodging House for the night, on his way back from the Bronx. He found all the boys clustered downstairs.

"What are you doing down here? Why aren't you upstairs getting ready for bed, it's late!"

"Jack and Blaze are at it again," responded Blink irritably, "Listen."

"Why won't you listen to me?" Jack yelled.

"Why should I? I've told you again and again, I don't follow the orders of anyone, especially a pig-headed guy like you!" Blaze yelled back.

"We're afraid to go up there what if she turns on us?" Race whispered, "They've been at it for quite a while now!"

"What are they arguing about?" Spot asked, then he got his answer.

"I am not wearing that! I don't want to look like some hoity-toity, girly-girl!"

"I've let you wear those awful, disgusting clothes until now. Now respectable girl would touch them, much less wear them!"

"Who ever said I was respectable? Or even wanted to be? I like my clothes! They're comfortable and give me the freedom that dresses don't!"

"That doesn't matter! You're a girl and should dress like one! Trick, Snap, and Pixy all wear dresses!"

"I always wondered why, now I know! You make them, and they are willing to listen to your foolish ideas! Maybe I ought to give them pants for their birthdays!"

"You wouldn't dare!"

"I can and I will. And they'll wear them too; they aren't pea-brained, numb-sculls like you! I'll bet they'll be happy to wear pants!"

Blaze and Jack continued on like this, throwing insults at each other, Blaze's insults being much more creative than Jack's, for about fifteen minutes until Spot decided he'd had enough, as amusing as it was. He stalked up the stairs, entered the bunkroom, and said very loudly,

"Shut up!"

Jack and Blaze turned to look at him; they hadn't heard him come up.

"The boys would like to go to bed, so if you don't mind, would you argue somewhere else?"

"Yes, your Majesty," snarled Blaze, still angry. She threw the dress she was holding on the floor and climbed out the window. Jack stared after her, then turned to Spot.

"She's horrible!"

"No, she's not, she is independent and has a temper."

"But what do I do? What if the others follow her example? It'll be a catastrophe!"

"Only for you," Spot pointed out, "You gotta be more flexible, you're Jack-be-nimble, Jack-be-quick. And don't worry, they won't kick you out, you're the famous strike leader! Now, go tell your boys it is safe, I'll go talk to her." Spot climbed out the window, while Jack went downstairs.

"Thanks for defending me," Blaze said as Spot sat down next to her.

"You'd have done the same for me," Spot looked at her, "You really gotta control that temper of yours! And be glad you got friends here, or Jack might kick you out."

"I don't know what to do. I like it here, and I like Jack, but I can't stand being bossed around."

"Why don't you come stay in Brooklyn for a while? Let things cool down here. I'd love to have you there." Then I'd have a chance to really talk to you, without worrying about eavesdroppers, he said silently, more than aware of his growing love for Blaze, but determined to hide it from her and everyone else until she felt the same way. If she felt the same way oh please, please let her love me, he pleaded to the stars.

Blaze looked at Spot, "Thanks for offering, but not yet, I'll give Jack one more chance. If this happens again, though, I just might take you up on that offer, but not right now," Blaze said with a twinkle in her eye, "I have an idea."

Spot groaned inwardly, he knew she was up to something, but he said nothing as they climbed back inside.

"Jack," began Blaze as she walked over to him, all the newsies were awake so she didn't keep her voice down, "I'll wear a dress, but I want to choose it. I'll go shopping tomorrow."

"Fine."