Disclaimer: I don't own any of the original Newsies characters (*sigh*). I do own Chris, etc, etc, ya'll get the point.

Thanks for all the reviews guys!!! Not as many as I'd hoped, but maybe there'll be more this time:)

Willow Myst: I know it's pretty typical, but I'm working on that. Any more suggestions? They're always welcome!

Also, I would like to say: HOLY CABOOSES for those of you who get my drift:) Enjoy!!!

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The music of the organ could still be heard a block away from the Church as Chris headed back towards the Lodging House. Blink hadn't been waiting so she decided to walk back on her own. It was a gloomy day, even for the middle of winter. The clouds above warned of more snow to come and cover the day-old snow already on the ground. Chris shivered and pulled her thin coat more tightly around her thin frame as her thoughts wandered to the events of the past few days. Well, there wasn't much really to think about, but that's where her mind took her to. After her with the piano she had kept her distance from the attic and hadn't even allowed herself the occasional humming during her chores. Why? she thought, Why are you so paranoid about this? Because, she laughed, you can't be vulnerable.........

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She had avoided talking to Blink, too. Well, as much as she could at least. He would come pick her up sometime in the late afternoon every day (at Jack's orders) and take her to the now nightly meetings in Brooklyn. Occasionally they would make small talk, but most of the time the walks were silent. Blink had tried to question her once about her singing, but Chris had shrugged off the question. Despite the lack of conversation the two had unknowingly created a strange sort of relationship.

Other than Jack, Blink was the only newsie Chris had direct contact with on a regular basis. She wasn't as terrified of the other newsies as she had first been, but she wasn't exactly comfortable with them either. When she was at the Brooklyn meetings Chris was almost glued to Blink's side. He in turn watched over her with a protectiveness, though he would have denied it if it was ever directly brought to his attention. This did not go unnoticed by the other newsies. The newsies would watch each day as the two came into the Brooklyn Lodging House: the sandy haired newsie followed closely by the strange, quiet girl. It was almost comical. She seemed so small and shy. They laughed at how she had become Blink's .

Not a shadow, Race had said one night to Jack, Mush, and a few of the other newsies, She'se jist a patch o' a shadow.

Spot had overheard this and turned to the group of newsies, Wad'ya t'ink o' dat, Jacky Boiy? She'se Blink's patch.

The newsies had erupted in laughter at that thought, but were suddenly silenced by Jack, Actually, I'se kinda like it. Patch. Dat's what we'se gonna call

And so it was that Chris gained a newsie name. She and Blink hadn't found the reason for the name quite as funny as the others, but there was nothing either one of them could really do. Chris was now Patch.

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.......Patch hadn't been paying attention to where she was going. She realized could no longer hear the beautiful organ music and looked up to see that she didn't recognize the particular street she was on. Great, get yourself lost. That's how you got to 1900 in the first place! Patch was about to ask for directions from a street vendor up ahead when someone grabbed her arm and shoved her roughly into a nearby alley. Patch looked up into the sneering face of a young man she recognized as one of Miller's newsies.

Well, well, well......wadda we got ere? Why I'se believe it's lil' Patch (her name had traveled well). What' dah mattah, sweetheart? he asked mockingly seeing the petrified look in Patch's eyes, You'se afraid cause Blink ain't heah ta protect ya? Well, I'se guess he wouldn't be too great at protectin' ya. He reached out and grabbed her roughly by the arm, I'se got ordahs from Miller to bring ya ovah to Staten for a little visit.

Tell Miller she won' be makin' it, Stripes, the two turned to see Blink standing at the entrance of the alley.

An' how ah you'se gonna stop me, Blinky? Stripes responded

Blink laughed mockingly, Well, dah way I'se see it is dat dere two of us an' one a you. I'se think we can take ya pretty easily.

Stripes stared skeptically at Patch, You'se sayin' she can fight?

Dat's exactly what I'se sayin. Now ah you'se gonna git lost or ah we gonna hafta come through wit our promise ta soak ya?

Stripe tightened his hold on Patch's arm. Blink stepped closer cracking his knuckles. The glint in his eye telling Stripes that he meant business.

You'se gonna be sorry, Blink! Stripes said as he released Patch and ran down the alley, Miller's gonna git you good!

As soon as Stripes was out of sight Blink collapsed against the alley wall. The confidence he had just shown was replaced by a look of terror. He turned to face Patch, Why didn' you'se wait? he said angrily.

I-I....you weren't there so I figured I'd just walk back by myself, she stammered weakly.

Oh you'se did, did ya? Well did ya evah think bout what might happen?! he practically yelled.

Geeze, Blink, I'm sorry, Patch shot back, I guess I didn't think, but it's over now and we're both fine. What's the big deal?!

Blink's voice was barely audible.

Patch didn't know if she had heard right,

Blink responded defensively, Come on, we'se gotta git back ta the Lodging House.

No, not until you'll tell me what's wrong.

Nothin's wrong, Patch, just let it go!

Patch saw straight through his lie, Like hell nothing's wrong!! she yelled.

Blink looked at her astonished, Watch ya mouth!

Why because I'se a goil'. Damn it, Blink, tell me what's wrong!

Blink was completely taken aback by this new assertiveness. She'se always been is quiet-like. Should I tell er? No, she wouldn't understand....

Patch said gently, Please, tell me what it is.

Blink wanted to say no, but looking into her eyes he felt an uncontrollable desire to trust her, Fine, you'se see........

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A/N: Wow, that sure took me long enough to write. Hope ya'll liked it. PLEASE TELL ME WHAT YOU THINK!!!!

patch:)