The night air was crisp holding the promise of autumn as we wandered
through the lamplight. Glimmer and I walking side-by-side arms hooked
together. A few passersby nodded as we passed, I nodded back, Glimmer
seemed unsure of the attention. I smiled as I looked at her from the
corner of my eyes. Her high cheekbones held a hint of rose; her lips were
parted in excitement as we neared Central Park. A few of the younger men
tipped their hats to her. She blushed used to fighting with men not
receiving appreciative looks. Mush walked a few feet to the right of us,
blocking us from the alleyways we passed. Seeing us in skirts had brought
out a protective side of him he hadn't previously showed. It wasn't that
he hadn't looked out for me before; he was just even more on the watch
tonight. I was glad since I knew I couldn't fight very well in a corset.
Lamps lined the walkways of Central Park and I could hear the sound of the
calliope. As we reached the grounds I smiled at the jars that hung from
the trees that held lit candles. It made everything almost seem like fairy
grounds. Rides were set up and I could hear the squealing of children as
they rode in glee waving at their parents from the sidelines. The smell of
popcorn and cotton candy filled the air as I walked into the grandfather of
the amusement park. Mush moved next to us walking close so as not to loose
us in the crowds of people that streamed in all directions.
"Mush ain't ya gonna introduce us to ya friends?" a voice rang out. " It ain't fair for ya to have two."
We all turned in the direction of the voice and found a few of the Manhattan newsboys lounging around a picnic table watching the passers by and having a cigarette. Mush moved ahead of us figuring it was safe enough to leave our side now. Crutchy was sitting on the grass about a foot or two from the table, Mimic at his side. Blink and Skittery were side-by- side sitting on the edge of the table pointing at the people that passed, laughing from time to time at what one or the other said. Specs, Race and Bumlets were playing a game of craps just in front of the bench; money lay in a pile next to the game. They all looked up, as we got nearer. We moved directly into the light, but the boys didn't recognize us. Race and Specs looked up from their game to glance admiringly at us. All of the boys stood and took off their hats charming smiles coming to their lips. I felt like I was in The Three Musketeers, I was waiting for someone to start instructing Mimic in the fine art of wenching. I smiled to myself at that thought and waited for Mush to say something. It was Crutchy who spoke however, still sitting on the ground his head cocked like a curious bird as he studied me.
"Cameo?" Crutchy asked peering at me critically for a moment before his face broke into a grin. Race's dice fell from his hand as his jaw dropped, they looked from me to Glimmer and back again. I knew that once they knew who I was there was no doubt in their mind as to who she was, but their minds wouldn't wrap around it just yet.
"Cameo, ya wearin a skirt." Blink cried in surprise and I refrained from using my previous retort to the words Mush had cried back at the Lodging House I just smiled.
"Glimmer?!?" The real surprise was in looking at her. Blink did a double take as Crutchy peered at her much in the same manner he had me before announcing her name. I was momentarily forgotten as they all looked in awe at the girl they had all forgotten for a boy. Skittery nearly tripped over the bench in his haste to edge closer to Glimmer. Race getting knocked in the back of the knees by the bench as it fell over. Race fell backwards over it, his feet kicking in the air for a moment as he tried to roll over. I tried not to laugh as I watched. They had gone from The Three Musketeers to The Three Stooges it was hilarious. Race brought his fist down on Skittery's foot in retribution. Skittery hopped around for a moment before falling into Blink and knocking him into the table. Race tripped Mush who had gone to Blinks aid. It was a big dog pile of irritated newsies, I looked at Glimmer and we both laughed. Tears were nearly streaming from our eyes as they crawled one by one out of the fray eventually leaving only Race and Skittery. We managed to get ourselves under control though as they looked sheepishly at us. Mush had to step between Race and Skittery, Blink helped push them apart. They had been standing nose to nose staring each other down in what I was sure was some way to look more masculine. They looked ready to head butt each other like a couple of big horn sheep. I waited for the narrator from National Geographic to start speaking.
"Now look at this pair of male humans... Notice their stance as they prepare to fight for the female they wish to mate with..."
It's not fair, most males in the animal kingdom got more aggressive ready to fight for the female, but their colors also looked prettier during mating season as if making up for what the females had to deal with. They got the aggression, but prettier eye candy. Man did we get gypped; we humans didn't get the pretty gene, just a whole lot of testosterone.
"Ya broke my best cigar." Race cried as Blink pulled him away.
"I broke ya only cigar." Skittery retorted egging Race on knowing his words would only irritate him further.
"Why I otta soak ya for that alone." Race snapped.
"Boys, there's ladies present." Blink admonished looking to the two of us. Race and Skittery both shut up and turned away from each other. I had a look of surprise on my face I knew it.
Note to self: you put on a skirt and suddenly they behave around you. I thought sardonically smiling to myself; I'd have to file that away for future use.
"I ain't never been called a lady before." Glimmer whispered to me in surprise, her face alight with pleasure. Only a few hours ago I was sure she would have taken it as an insult. I had created a monster.
My work here is done. I thought to myself in amusement as I saw her look shyly up at Skittery who seemed dumbstruck. So there had been a boy Glimmer had been interested in impressing.
"Cameo." I looked down as Mimic tugged at my hand. "Ya look beeutiful."
"Thanks munchkin." I laughed kneeling and giving him a hug. " Have you been on any of the rides yet?"
He shook his head and tugged me a little ways away from the group in excitement. I was sure he had been like a firefly in a jar, bouncing against the constraints of the older newsies. Waiting impatiently for one of them to take him exploring. He was too young for any of them to let him go off by himself and they had looked too content for the moment doing whatever they had been occupied with to take him anywhere.
"Ya look real nice." Crutchy said, from his place within hear shot. I smiled in thanks feeling a little bit of a blush in my own cheeks. Funny you could throw innuendo's at me all day and I'd respond with an innuendo of my own or a quick retort, but compliment me and I blushed as deeply as a virgin on her wedding night.
"Ya clean up real well." Blink told me as he meandered over a gleam in his eye like he had had with his seamstress "friend".
"I didn't wear a dress for you to try and get under it." I told him making sure he could hear the teasing in my voice and smiling to soften my words. He grinned and nodded looking down at his feet for a moment before holding his hand out to Mimic.
"Whatta ya say squirt, ya wanna go on the carousel?" he asked. Mimic held onto my hand for a moment in protest.
"I wanna go with Cameo." He cried pouting up at me in an incredibly cute manner. I looked at Glimmer who seemed overwhelmed by the attention of the boys who were looking at her as if they had never seen her before. Which I guess in a way they hadn't.
"I'll take you on the carousel again later, I'll even go on with you." I promised as I handed him off to Blink. I knew I needed to rescue Glimmer before she started to feel too penned in.
"Promise?" he looked up at me grabbing my other hand and holding on tightly.
"I promise." I said firmly, I felt his grip loosen, he was too excited to care at the moment who took him where.
"Go help Glimmer." Blink told me seeing my worried look. I smiled at him and he gestured for Mush to join him. "Since ya ain't interested, I guess we'll have to use the old cute little brother trick to find ourselves a girl tonight."
I smacked his arm playfully knowing he meant nothing by his teasing, he may have been interested, but we were friends. I could see his feelings on his face and while he looked at me regretfully he knew as well as I did that we were good friends. No matter how much like a girl I looked it would never change that fact. Besides he had friend was floating around here somewhere with a pair of smoky-blue eyes that had captured my attention long ago. No matter how much I tried to deny it or how much I tried to fight it, my attention had been turned toward Spot.
"Ya promised." Mimic called back as Blink and Mush headed in the direction of the calliope music. " Liars go to hell."
"I'm not planning on going to hell anytime soon." I told him in a serious voice trying not to let my laughter show. Race and Specs chuckled as they heard my words, the other passersby looked at me like I was crazy. I shrugged and turned my attention back to Glimmer who was deep in conversation with Skittery, she was laughing at something he had said. Isn't it that just the way life works? You drop everything to help a friend and by the time you finally get to a point where you can they've already solved it. I looked in the direction that Mush and Blink had dragged Mimic off in and could no longer see them. I sighed, Crutchy had involved himself in the game of craps and while the boys were still shooting me surprised looks they seemed to have settled down.
"Well, well, whatta we got here?" I closed my eyes I was not ready to deal with him yet. I turned and faced him waiting quietly for the attack I knew had to be coming. There was no recognition on his face, though Jack looked at me for a moment a studying me until a light went on.
"Ya look familiar sweetheart, ya belong to one of they guys here?" Spot asked not really looking too closely, he had seen a pretty face and that was enough for him. Typical.
"No." I replied looking away to keep from laughing. Crutchy was watching the same look of fiercely protective look back on his face as he watched Spot move closer. Race and the other boys were watching with interest, Glimmer just smirking. I looked at her and she nodded giving me permission to get her brother back for earlier in the day. Spot thought I was either being coy or was just shy and he moved forward swiftly to take my hand in his. His lips brushed it and I had to suppress the shudder that always accompanied his touch.
"I don't believe I'm acquainted with you." He said his voice husky, sexy, a voice that I was sure had made many other girls before me giddy. I smiled shyly at him and ducked my head.
"Spot it's..." Jack began looking from Spot to me in surprise. The skirt had thrown him for a loop, but it hadn't taken him long to realize who I was. Spot was discreetly looking around as if hoping to find someone. So that was why he hadn't noticed who I was, he was too busy looking for someone else.
"Rose." I cut in quickly enjoying the charming side of Spot I had been previously denied. I was going to play this for all it was worth, if I had any luck on my side he would feel like an idiot once he figured it all out. " I'm Race's sister, took the train in from upstate earlier today."
I looked at Race pleadingly, we were both of Italian decent, both of us had the same black hair and the same skin tone. The similarities ended there, but it was enough to go on. He smirked and nodded at Spot who had looked to him for confirmation.
"Well, Miss Higgins," his voice was suave as he tucked my arm into his. "If ya big brother don't object, I'll show ya around."
Race shook his head in agreement trying too hard not to laugh to say anything. Spot tugged me gently off and I turned back waving at Jack who watched me shaking his head amusement clearly written all over his face.
"Don't be playin ya tricks on my sister." Race called after us, his voice sounded strained. He broke into laughter, the other boys finally unable to hold it in any longer.
"What's up with them?" Spot asked aloud, I shrugged and pulled him away praying he wouldn't realize just yet what the other newsies amusement had been about.
We walked in silence; I had worked my arm free of his grasp and clasped both hands loosely behind my back.
"I hear upstate is pretty." Spot said breaking the silence that had ensued after we had broken away from the other newsies and moved to an area where it wasn't as crowded.
"Yes." I replied having no idea what upstate New York looked like. I felt the silence that followed my simple answer. It made me uncomfortable, we sat next to each other on a park bench watching the people that passed. He handed me the popcorn that he had bought earlier and I took a few pieces.
I tilted my head catching the strains of a familiar tune. The Blue Danube waltz, I tapped my foot in time to it. It had to have been coming from the concert Crutchy had mentioned earlier. I looked at Spot who was looking ahead clearly at a loss as to why he wasn't putting on the charm.
"Spot, do you dance?" I asked putting a hand on his arm.
"Oh, no." he said slouching back and giving me a smirk. "I ain't never danced and I don't plan on startin."
I stood and took his hand tugging on it much as Mimic had tugged on mine earlier urging him to stand.
"Dance with me please." I begged giving him a pleading look. He studied my face for a moment and slowly shook his head. I knew it had occurred to him to look closer at me finally. I had only a little while before he figured it out. "Come on please."
"There's people watching." He protested as I tugged him to his feet.
"Who cares?" I asked giving him a promising smile, I winked saucily at him and he reluctantly stood. I knew he figured that if he at least attempted to dance with me he had it in the bag. I placed his arm around my waist, and positioned his other hand in the proper waltz position. He looked a little sheepish as I began to teach him the steps of the waltz. It wasn't really that hard and with the natural grace of a born fighter he picked it up quickly enough. I laughed forgetting about everything for a few minutes. I forgot my plans, I forgot our little war against each other, I forgot my anger and hostility. I let myself be free for the first time since my mother died, laughter bubbling in side me like Coca Cola in a shaken up bottle. My laughter was contagious and Spot grinned down at me gaining enough confidence his newfound dancing talent to twirl me into a spin and bring me back in closer to him. His eyes twinkled down at me something was different about him. Looking into up into his face I saw past the front he carefully maintained. I saw past the reputation he was so known for and saw the person who no one except perhaps Glimmer and Jack had seen. Both of us ignored the looks of the passing people lost in our own little world. Our dancing slowed, his arm tightened, our eyes locked together, and I felt him lowering my other hand. I felt naked, my masks were gone and I didn't even have the urge to pull them up again. My barriers had fallen to the delighted look on his face. He leaned in as his other hand placed mine on his shoulder; my other was already gripping his arm where it had rested while we were dancing. I let my eyes flutter shut unable to stop him from the kiss I knew was coming. I struggled for a moment trying to remind myself of who he was, what he was, but it was no use. His lips brushed mine hesitantly at first as if testing to see if I was willing. I responded to his surprise by repeating the gesture. His arm tightened around me pulling me as close as he had held me that morning. My hands slid up his arms to the back of his neck twining together. I was lost in feeling, I hadn't realized how dead inside I had been since Mom's death until that moment. It was as if I had awakened from a deep sleep all of my senses reeling with the sudden surge of lost emotions. Tears welled up in my eyes and spilled down my cheeks to mingle in our kiss making it salty sweet. He pulled away for a moment and I smiled. From the confusion on his face and the fear I knew he had been similarly affected.
"Are ya okay?" he asked concern wrinkling his brow and I nodded gently running my fingertips along his jaw urging him closer for another kiss. His hand caressed my neck gently cupping my head as he leaned down again. I welcomed his kiss without hesitation not wanting to loose these emotions again. He made no attempts to move beyond the kiss though it became heated enough for it. I was glad we had waltzed close enough to the trees we were not in prominent view.
"Briar." I heard a voice calling my name, but was too drunk off Spot's kiss to raise my head. Finally Spot pulled away and looked in the direction of the voice. I pulled his head back down, but he only brushed my lips with his as he looked again at the figure that was coming toward us.
"Briar." My head whipped around as I came slamming back into reality and I saw Crutchy hobbling toward us. Spot looked down at me still holding me tightly against him, he searched my face realization dawning on him as Jack and a few of the other newsies followed Crutchy to where we were. Spot dropped me as if I had burned him and I stumbled back into a tree grabbing at it for support. Glimmer came to stand next to me her face alight with mischief.
"That was great really it was." Race chuckled patting me on the back. " Ya got the high and mighty Spot Conlon to dance in the middle of Central Park."
I heart fell to my shoes as I saw the look on Spots face he was livid. He just stood there for a moment staring at me. I didn't think I just reacted to his look my hand reaching out for him. He pulled back as I was a leper.
"What are ya talking about Race?" he sneered his eyes never leaving mine. " Ya think I didn't know? I'se just playin along to see what I could get."
His words hurt though I knew in my heart that he was lying. He hadn't know I had seen it in his face, I had seen the look of betrayal as he had pushed me away from him. I didn't dispute it; I closed my eyes and drew on that cold feeling within me that had allowed me to get by after my mother's death. It spread through my body with a chilling swiftness numbing again all those emotions that had broken free. I locked that part of myself away ignoring the bitter screams of her as I did.
"You got all you were going to get." I told him, glancing down I smiled mockingly. "Looks like I'm not the one who's going to be uncomfortable tonight."
He hadn't been that aroused yet, but making him look down in embarrassment was well worth it.
"This ain't over Briar." He hissed grabbing my hand and dragging me to him. His hand repositioned itself where it had been; this time however it held my head instead of cradled it. I squirmed and protested as his head descended down again, this time his face set with open hostility. His mouth met mine with a brutal force I couldn't stop, it was a bruising kiss meant to put me in my place. I turned the tables on him and responded softly. He softened for a moment and I could feel the battle of our wills. Finally he tore away pushing me back and wiping his hand across his mouth as if he had tasted something bad. I landed hard on my rump making myself smile triumphantly up at him, but unable to stop the fingers that brushed my bruised and kiss swollen lips.
"I look forward to the next battle." I said as Jack helped me to my feet. He turned on his heel and stomped off. I turned in the opposite direction ignoring the boy's protests I dodged into the crowd loosing myself from their view before one of them could follow me.
Sorry I forgot to thank you all in my last chapter! (hangs head). I get so excited to get a new chapter up I forget to finish writing this part. SORRY! So an extra thank you to all of you! Okay anyway.
JP: I'm glad you liked the last chapter, I wasn't too thrilled with the end, it felt a little rushed to me. Hope this one is better.
Chelci: You feel pretty awwwww, that's nice! I'm glad, and yes according to my muses Glimmer does take after Spot in the attractive factor!
Falco: AHHHHHH I've been inundated with waffles (munches happily on one while tilting a pixi stick back to pour the sweet powder into her mouth). These are getting kind of cold though and they get kind of mushy when you try to reheat them. Fresh ones please? (Looks hopefully at Falco). On a more serious note, thank you for your reviews, I am really glad you like it!
Ali: I know he's an ass, I wrote him to be that way. The muses say that he's not like that underneath though so feel better about it. We'll see if they decide that Cameo and Spot can get through their pride and battle of wills to be together. I hope newsboys wear socks can you imagine how much dirtier their feet would be if they didn't and I think if I lived in the LH, I would make their shoes sleep out side if they didn't, talk about a stench. EWWWW.
Cards: I'm glad you liked it. I hope you like the rest of what comes pouring out of my odd little brain.
Dreamer: You caught that... I loved that line when I wrote it, though no one has commented on the irony of the face I wrote how Spot would be a model or a movie star if he lived in the 20th century... Oh well, maybe I was the only one amused by that. It wouldn't be the first time. New chapter on the way soon. I promise.
Smooches to all of you that reviewed! Thank you again. If you are reading this and you haven't reviewed please do so even if you don't like it. I can take constructive criticism. that means useful tips!
"Mush ain't ya gonna introduce us to ya friends?" a voice rang out. " It ain't fair for ya to have two."
We all turned in the direction of the voice and found a few of the Manhattan newsboys lounging around a picnic table watching the passers by and having a cigarette. Mush moved ahead of us figuring it was safe enough to leave our side now. Crutchy was sitting on the grass about a foot or two from the table, Mimic at his side. Blink and Skittery were side-by- side sitting on the edge of the table pointing at the people that passed, laughing from time to time at what one or the other said. Specs, Race and Bumlets were playing a game of craps just in front of the bench; money lay in a pile next to the game. They all looked up, as we got nearer. We moved directly into the light, but the boys didn't recognize us. Race and Specs looked up from their game to glance admiringly at us. All of the boys stood and took off their hats charming smiles coming to their lips. I felt like I was in The Three Musketeers, I was waiting for someone to start instructing Mimic in the fine art of wenching. I smiled to myself at that thought and waited for Mush to say something. It was Crutchy who spoke however, still sitting on the ground his head cocked like a curious bird as he studied me.
"Cameo?" Crutchy asked peering at me critically for a moment before his face broke into a grin. Race's dice fell from his hand as his jaw dropped, they looked from me to Glimmer and back again. I knew that once they knew who I was there was no doubt in their mind as to who she was, but their minds wouldn't wrap around it just yet.
"Cameo, ya wearin a skirt." Blink cried in surprise and I refrained from using my previous retort to the words Mush had cried back at the Lodging House I just smiled.
"Glimmer?!?" The real surprise was in looking at her. Blink did a double take as Crutchy peered at her much in the same manner he had me before announcing her name. I was momentarily forgotten as they all looked in awe at the girl they had all forgotten for a boy. Skittery nearly tripped over the bench in his haste to edge closer to Glimmer. Race getting knocked in the back of the knees by the bench as it fell over. Race fell backwards over it, his feet kicking in the air for a moment as he tried to roll over. I tried not to laugh as I watched. They had gone from The Three Musketeers to The Three Stooges it was hilarious. Race brought his fist down on Skittery's foot in retribution. Skittery hopped around for a moment before falling into Blink and knocking him into the table. Race tripped Mush who had gone to Blinks aid. It was a big dog pile of irritated newsies, I looked at Glimmer and we both laughed. Tears were nearly streaming from our eyes as they crawled one by one out of the fray eventually leaving only Race and Skittery. We managed to get ourselves under control though as they looked sheepishly at us. Mush had to step between Race and Skittery, Blink helped push them apart. They had been standing nose to nose staring each other down in what I was sure was some way to look more masculine. They looked ready to head butt each other like a couple of big horn sheep. I waited for the narrator from National Geographic to start speaking.
"Now look at this pair of male humans... Notice their stance as they prepare to fight for the female they wish to mate with..."
It's not fair, most males in the animal kingdom got more aggressive ready to fight for the female, but their colors also looked prettier during mating season as if making up for what the females had to deal with. They got the aggression, but prettier eye candy. Man did we get gypped; we humans didn't get the pretty gene, just a whole lot of testosterone.
"Ya broke my best cigar." Race cried as Blink pulled him away.
"I broke ya only cigar." Skittery retorted egging Race on knowing his words would only irritate him further.
"Why I otta soak ya for that alone." Race snapped.
"Boys, there's ladies present." Blink admonished looking to the two of us. Race and Skittery both shut up and turned away from each other. I had a look of surprise on my face I knew it.
Note to self: you put on a skirt and suddenly they behave around you. I thought sardonically smiling to myself; I'd have to file that away for future use.
"I ain't never been called a lady before." Glimmer whispered to me in surprise, her face alight with pleasure. Only a few hours ago I was sure she would have taken it as an insult. I had created a monster.
My work here is done. I thought to myself in amusement as I saw her look shyly up at Skittery who seemed dumbstruck. So there had been a boy Glimmer had been interested in impressing.
"Cameo." I looked down as Mimic tugged at my hand. "Ya look beeutiful."
"Thanks munchkin." I laughed kneeling and giving him a hug. " Have you been on any of the rides yet?"
He shook his head and tugged me a little ways away from the group in excitement. I was sure he had been like a firefly in a jar, bouncing against the constraints of the older newsies. Waiting impatiently for one of them to take him exploring. He was too young for any of them to let him go off by himself and they had looked too content for the moment doing whatever they had been occupied with to take him anywhere.
"Ya look real nice." Crutchy said, from his place within hear shot. I smiled in thanks feeling a little bit of a blush in my own cheeks. Funny you could throw innuendo's at me all day and I'd respond with an innuendo of my own or a quick retort, but compliment me and I blushed as deeply as a virgin on her wedding night.
"Ya clean up real well." Blink told me as he meandered over a gleam in his eye like he had had with his seamstress "friend".
"I didn't wear a dress for you to try and get under it." I told him making sure he could hear the teasing in my voice and smiling to soften my words. He grinned and nodded looking down at his feet for a moment before holding his hand out to Mimic.
"Whatta ya say squirt, ya wanna go on the carousel?" he asked. Mimic held onto my hand for a moment in protest.
"I wanna go with Cameo." He cried pouting up at me in an incredibly cute manner. I looked at Glimmer who seemed overwhelmed by the attention of the boys who were looking at her as if they had never seen her before. Which I guess in a way they hadn't.
"I'll take you on the carousel again later, I'll even go on with you." I promised as I handed him off to Blink. I knew I needed to rescue Glimmer before she started to feel too penned in.
"Promise?" he looked up at me grabbing my other hand and holding on tightly.
"I promise." I said firmly, I felt his grip loosen, he was too excited to care at the moment who took him where.
"Go help Glimmer." Blink told me seeing my worried look. I smiled at him and he gestured for Mush to join him. "Since ya ain't interested, I guess we'll have to use the old cute little brother trick to find ourselves a girl tonight."
I smacked his arm playfully knowing he meant nothing by his teasing, he may have been interested, but we were friends. I could see his feelings on his face and while he looked at me regretfully he knew as well as I did that we were good friends. No matter how much like a girl I looked it would never change that fact. Besides he had friend was floating around here somewhere with a pair of smoky-blue eyes that had captured my attention long ago. No matter how much I tried to deny it or how much I tried to fight it, my attention had been turned toward Spot.
"Ya promised." Mimic called back as Blink and Mush headed in the direction of the calliope music. " Liars go to hell."
"I'm not planning on going to hell anytime soon." I told him in a serious voice trying not to let my laughter show. Race and Specs chuckled as they heard my words, the other passersby looked at me like I was crazy. I shrugged and turned my attention back to Glimmer who was deep in conversation with Skittery, she was laughing at something he had said. Isn't it that just the way life works? You drop everything to help a friend and by the time you finally get to a point where you can they've already solved it. I looked in the direction that Mush and Blink had dragged Mimic off in and could no longer see them. I sighed, Crutchy had involved himself in the game of craps and while the boys were still shooting me surprised looks they seemed to have settled down.
"Well, well, whatta we got here?" I closed my eyes I was not ready to deal with him yet. I turned and faced him waiting quietly for the attack I knew had to be coming. There was no recognition on his face, though Jack looked at me for a moment a studying me until a light went on.
"Ya look familiar sweetheart, ya belong to one of they guys here?" Spot asked not really looking too closely, he had seen a pretty face and that was enough for him. Typical.
"No." I replied looking away to keep from laughing. Crutchy was watching the same look of fiercely protective look back on his face as he watched Spot move closer. Race and the other boys were watching with interest, Glimmer just smirking. I looked at her and she nodded giving me permission to get her brother back for earlier in the day. Spot thought I was either being coy or was just shy and he moved forward swiftly to take my hand in his. His lips brushed it and I had to suppress the shudder that always accompanied his touch.
"I don't believe I'm acquainted with you." He said his voice husky, sexy, a voice that I was sure had made many other girls before me giddy. I smiled shyly at him and ducked my head.
"Spot it's..." Jack began looking from Spot to me in surprise. The skirt had thrown him for a loop, but it hadn't taken him long to realize who I was. Spot was discreetly looking around as if hoping to find someone. So that was why he hadn't noticed who I was, he was too busy looking for someone else.
"Rose." I cut in quickly enjoying the charming side of Spot I had been previously denied. I was going to play this for all it was worth, if I had any luck on my side he would feel like an idiot once he figured it all out. " I'm Race's sister, took the train in from upstate earlier today."
I looked at Race pleadingly, we were both of Italian decent, both of us had the same black hair and the same skin tone. The similarities ended there, but it was enough to go on. He smirked and nodded at Spot who had looked to him for confirmation.
"Well, Miss Higgins," his voice was suave as he tucked my arm into his. "If ya big brother don't object, I'll show ya around."
Race shook his head in agreement trying too hard not to laugh to say anything. Spot tugged me gently off and I turned back waving at Jack who watched me shaking his head amusement clearly written all over his face.
"Don't be playin ya tricks on my sister." Race called after us, his voice sounded strained. He broke into laughter, the other boys finally unable to hold it in any longer.
"What's up with them?" Spot asked aloud, I shrugged and pulled him away praying he wouldn't realize just yet what the other newsies amusement had been about.
We walked in silence; I had worked my arm free of his grasp and clasped both hands loosely behind my back.
"I hear upstate is pretty." Spot said breaking the silence that had ensued after we had broken away from the other newsies and moved to an area where it wasn't as crowded.
"Yes." I replied having no idea what upstate New York looked like. I felt the silence that followed my simple answer. It made me uncomfortable, we sat next to each other on a park bench watching the people that passed. He handed me the popcorn that he had bought earlier and I took a few pieces.
I tilted my head catching the strains of a familiar tune. The Blue Danube waltz, I tapped my foot in time to it. It had to have been coming from the concert Crutchy had mentioned earlier. I looked at Spot who was looking ahead clearly at a loss as to why he wasn't putting on the charm.
"Spot, do you dance?" I asked putting a hand on his arm.
"Oh, no." he said slouching back and giving me a smirk. "I ain't never danced and I don't plan on startin."
I stood and took his hand tugging on it much as Mimic had tugged on mine earlier urging him to stand.
"Dance with me please." I begged giving him a pleading look. He studied my face for a moment and slowly shook his head. I knew it had occurred to him to look closer at me finally. I had only a little while before he figured it out. "Come on please."
"There's people watching." He protested as I tugged him to his feet.
"Who cares?" I asked giving him a promising smile, I winked saucily at him and he reluctantly stood. I knew he figured that if he at least attempted to dance with me he had it in the bag. I placed his arm around my waist, and positioned his other hand in the proper waltz position. He looked a little sheepish as I began to teach him the steps of the waltz. It wasn't really that hard and with the natural grace of a born fighter he picked it up quickly enough. I laughed forgetting about everything for a few minutes. I forgot my plans, I forgot our little war against each other, I forgot my anger and hostility. I let myself be free for the first time since my mother died, laughter bubbling in side me like Coca Cola in a shaken up bottle. My laughter was contagious and Spot grinned down at me gaining enough confidence his newfound dancing talent to twirl me into a spin and bring me back in closer to him. His eyes twinkled down at me something was different about him. Looking into up into his face I saw past the front he carefully maintained. I saw past the reputation he was so known for and saw the person who no one except perhaps Glimmer and Jack had seen. Both of us ignored the looks of the passing people lost in our own little world. Our dancing slowed, his arm tightened, our eyes locked together, and I felt him lowering my other hand. I felt naked, my masks were gone and I didn't even have the urge to pull them up again. My barriers had fallen to the delighted look on his face. He leaned in as his other hand placed mine on his shoulder; my other was already gripping his arm where it had rested while we were dancing. I let my eyes flutter shut unable to stop him from the kiss I knew was coming. I struggled for a moment trying to remind myself of who he was, what he was, but it was no use. His lips brushed mine hesitantly at first as if testing to see if I was willing. I responded to his surprise by repeating the gesture. His arm tightened around me pulling me as close as he had held me that morning. My hands slid up his arms to the back of his neck twining together. I was lost in feeling, I hadn't realized how dead inside I had been since Mom's death until that moment. It was as if I had awakened from a deep sleep all of my senses reeling with the sudden surge of lost emotions. Tears welled up in my eyes and spilled down my cheeks to mingle in our kiss making it salty sweet. He pulled away for a moment and I smiled. From the confusion on his face and the fear I knew he had been similarly affected.
"Are ya okay?" he asked concern wrinkling his brow and I nodded gently running my fingertips along his jaw urging him closer for another kiss. His hand caressed my neck gently cupping my head as he leaned down again. I welcomed his kiss without hesitation not wanting to loose these emotions again. He made no attempts to move beyond the kiss though it became heated enough for it. I was glad we had waltzed close enough to the trees we were not in prominent view.
"Briar." I heard a voice calling my name, but was too drunk off Spot's kiss to raise my head. Finally Spot pulled away and looked in the direction of the voice. I pulled his head back down, but he only brushed my lips with his as he looked again at the figure that was coming toward us.
"Briar." My head whipped around as I came slamming back into reality and I saw Crutchy hobbling toward us. Spot looked down at me still holding me tightly against him, he searched my face realization dawning on him as Jack and a few of the other newsies followed Crutchy to where we were. Spot dropped me as if I had burned him and I stumbled back into a tree grabbing at it for support. Glimmer came to stand next to me her face alight with mischief.
"That was great really it was." Race chuckled patting me on the back. " Ya got the high and mighty Spot Conlon to dance in the middle of Central Park."
I heart fell to my shoes as I saw the look on Spots face he was livid. He just stood there for a moment staring at me. I didn't think I just reacted to his look my hand reaching out for him. He pulled back as I was a leper.
"What are ya talking about Race?" he sneered his eyes never leaving mine. " Ya think I didn't know? I'se just playin along to see what I could get."
His words hurt though I knew in my heart that he was lying. He hadn't know I had seen it in his face, I had seen the look of betrayal as he had pushed me away from him. I didn't dispute it; I closed my eyes and drew on that cold feeling within me that had allowed me to get by after my mother's death. It spread through my body with a chilling swiftness numbing again all those emotions that had broken free. I locked that part of myself away ignoring the bitter screams of her as I did.
"You got all you were going to get." I told him, glancing down I smiled mockingly. "Looks like I'm not the one who's going to be uncomfortable tonight."
He hadn't been that aroused yet, but making him look down in embarrassment was well worth it.
"This ain't over Briar." He hissed grabbing my hand and dragging me to him. His hand repositioned itself where it had been; this time however it held my head instead of cradled it. I squirmed and protested as his head descended down again, this time his face set with open hostility. His mouth met mine with a brutal force I couldn't stop, it was a bruising kiss meant to put me in my place. I turned the tables on him and responded softly. He softened for a moment and I could feel the battle of our wills. Finally he tore away pushing me back and wiping his hand across his mouth as if he had tasted something bad. I landed hard on my rump making myself smile triumphantly up at him, but unable to stop the fingers that brushed my bruised and kiss swollen lips.
"I look forward to the next battle." I said as Jack helped me to my feet. He turned on his heel and stomped off. I turned in the opposite direction ignoring the boy's protests I dodged into the crowd loosing myself from their view before one of them could follow me.
Sorry I forgot to thank you all in my last chapter! (hangs head). I get so excited to get a new chapter up I forget to finish writing this part. SORRY! So an extra thank you to all of you! Okay anyway.
JP: I'm glad you liked the last chapter, I wasn't too thrilled with the end, it felt a little rushed to me. Hope this one is better.
Chelci: You feel pretty awwwww, that's nice! I'm glad, and yes according to my muses Glimmer does take after Spot in the attractive factor!
Falco: AHHHHHH I've been inundated with waffles (munches happily on one while tilting a pixi stick back to pour the sweet powder into her mouth). These are getting kind of cold though and they get kind of mushy when you try to reheat them. Fresh ones please? (Looks hopefully at Falco). On a more serious note, thank you for your reviews, I am really glad you like it!
Ali: I know he's an ass, I wrote him to be that way. The muses say that he's not like that underneath though so feel better about it. We'll see if they decide that Cameo and Spot can get through their pride and battle of wills to be together. I hope newsboys wear socks can you imagine how much dirtier their feet would be if they didn't and I think if I lived in the LH, I would make their shoes sleep out side if they didn't, talk about a stench. EWWWW.
Cards: I'm glad you liked it. I hope you like the rest of what comes pouring out of my odd little brain.
Dreamer: You caught that... I loved that line when I wrote it, though no one has commented on the irony of the face I wrote how Spot would be a model or a movie star if he lived in the 20th century... Oh well, maybe I was the only one amused by that. It wouldn't be the first time. New chapter on the way soon. I promise.
Smooches to all of you that reviewed! Thank you again. If you are reading this and you haven't reviewed please do so even if you don't like it. I can take constructive criticism. that means useful tips!