Warning: This story contains adult language, graphic violence, attempted rape, attempted suicide, and sexually explicit themes. Reader's discretion is advised. Rating - R.

Disclaimer: I do not own Newsies or any of the Newsies characters. Apollonia, Giselle, Checkers, and other miscellaneous characters are all mine.

Chapter 3: One in A Million

Weeks later, Spot was busy in his office dealing with paper work concerning the order of wrought-iron bands for equipment in the foundry. While keeping busy, he heard a number of cat-calls and whistles from the guys in the steel mill. He looked up in astonishment, wondering what the commotion was all about. He proceeded to open the door when he heard a knock.

"Bonjour, mon amour!" Apollonia decided to surprise Spot with a visit to the steel mill.

"Hi, sweetie! What are you doing here?"

Although surprised to see her, he thought to tell the rest of his subordinates to quit the male camaraderie of seeing a pretty lady. He quickly rushed Apollonia into the office to oppose further "compliments" to his woman. He gave the guys in the mill a frosty look before reentering his quarters.

"So, what brings you here, sweets?" He said kissing her swiftly.

"I brought you a little something to make your day a little more delightful." She said as she placed a dish onto his desk. Spot eyed her suspiciously as he uncovered the tasty gift.

"Oh, you shouldn't have." Spot said. She brought him Irish stew, a dish Spot's mother used to cook for him when he was little. "I thought that you deserved something on your mother's birthday and since you are working, I thought I'd be a darling and bring you something you would like." Spot did not know what to say. He marched over to Apollonia and planted a long, lasting kiss onto her soft, wet lips. It almost brought him to tears that she would do something like this for him.

"Thank you, baby. You've made my day." Spot said appreciatively.

"Your very welcome, mon chere."

"My mother would have loved you. My father would have, too, if he stuck around."

Apollonia just looked at him with compassionate eyes. "Well, I just thought that you could use something flavorsome for lunch. I am on my way back to the bookstore. I'm sure Giselle is wondering what's keeping me. I was supposed to be back over twenty minutes ago."

"I'd better escort you downstairs. I don't want any of the other guys trying something with you."

"Spot, I can take care of myself. You don't need to do this."

"I don't need to, but I have to. Some of these guys haven't seen a beautiful woman in a long time, and that includes those that are married! I don't want them thinking that they can treat you like this, like your fair game or something." Apollonia agreed to the escort.

"After you, gorgeous." Spot said as he opened the door for her. As they proceeded down the steps, the workers, many of whom were former newsies, began working as Spot's icy glare darted every which way. He made sure everyone was at work and not trying to make any inappropriate comments about Apollonia.

"Well, I hope every thing went well with your visit, Mrs. Conlon." Said Mr. O'Reilly, a red-haired, heavy-set man with a thick Irish brogue. "We hope to be seeing you again soon, lass."

"Oh, I'm sure you will, Mr. O'Reilly. Thank you for everything you've done. See you this evening, Spot." She gave Spot a quick kiss and proceeded to leave the premises.

"Now that is a very fine lass." Said Mr. O'Reilly to Spot as they watched her depart.

"One in a million." Spot added. The two began to walk back into the steel mill, going over the details of the mill's effectiveness.

~

The guys were hanging out at one of their usual watering holes after a hard day's work. Drinking beers, they stayed as lucid as they possibly could without getting themselves heavily intoxicated as they recounted the day's events.

"Boy, the racetrack is more corrupt than evah. I heard dat the bulls put twenty-five people in the slammer for breaking into the stables at night and making the horses run all night so they can't run fast the next day. So, the horses that they want to win get left in the stables and they bet on them."

Blink shook his head. "Unbelievable what people will do to win a couple of dollars."

"I know. I mean, doesn't anybody earn an honest living anymore?" Mush asked.

"Hey, bonehead! Ya living in New York. Trying to make an honest living is like trying to meet a pretty virgin - only so many are around dese days." All laughed hysterically. Jack walked into Brady's and made his way over to the bar to order a drink.

"Hey, dere's Jack. Jack, over heah." Race yelled. Jack made his way over to the guys greeting them graciously. "Heya, guys. What's up?"

"Oh, the usual. I'm getting my stuff done while dese tightwads pick on me for my mischief."

"Oh, come on, Race. We still love ya." Mush said affectionately. Jack sat down as the waitress approached him to take his order. "Ale, please." While Jack made himself comfortable, he watched Racetrack light up a cigar and Mush and Blink flirt with two pretty, young customers that walked through the door. One brunette, one blonde. Blink winked at the two while Mush waved and signaled them to come join them. The girls laughed at the guys, giggling as they made their way to the barstool. Racetrack, for some reason, looked away, too shy to respond, but he took furtive glances at the young women from time to time.

"Damn, Race. You gotta stop torturing yourself like dat. Why don't you put your brains and your hands to better use, like on the ladies?"

"Oh, don't get him started." Mush interjected. "You know how Blink is when he's out two-timing women."

"You know, Blink. You need ta stop being a playa and choose a dame for once. Remembah what happened the last time you were wit two women at once?"

"So, what are your thoughts on the matter, Jack?" Said Blink.

Jack shrugged. He didn't know if he should be the one to be giving love advice.

"Sometimes you don't know what you will find. I only know it's a matter of time when you love someone." The advice sounded as if he was giving it to himself rather than to Blink. He just remained quiet and dove into his ale.

"Dat's true, Jack." Racetrack confirmed, raising his bottle to him. Jack cast his eyes downward while Blink became restless. "Well, I guess I'm gonna hafta figure out dis one on my own."

"Just don't think too hard. Ya might break what little brain matter you got up there."

Blink playfully punched Racetrack in the arm as everyone laughed in unison. Suddenly, David, Boots, Crutchy, Bumlets, and Snipeshooter came into the bar adding to the company of the brood.

"Heya, David. How's it going?" Jack said as David approached him. "Alright, how about you?"

"Waitress, a round of beers for us fellas, please?" Said Crutchy to the barmaid. The guys started conversing and having a good time. Jack was much more relaxed now, largely due to the buzz he was getting from his ale. The guys joined them while reveling in the feel of the place.

"So, anything new going on with anybody dese days?" Crutchy inquired. "You know, same ole, same ole." Mush injected.

"Heya, guys, I was just thinking. Since I'm doing a lot of mentoring at the orphanage, I was wondering if any of you guys would like ta come and help out every once in a while. Ya know, give da kids some idols to look forward to. Ya know they still ask about da strike a few years back and they are very interested in meeting you, Jack." Jack smiled haughtily.

"Well, of course I'd be happy ta meet da kids. Can't disappoint da fans, now can I?"

Everyone laughed as the shoved him and mussed his hair. "Dat's Jack for ya." Commented Race. "Always full of himself and nevah apologizing for it." The guys began lapping it up throughout the night, enjoying themselves and each others company as a brood of young men should.