Disclaimer: Ugh, the worst part of the story...a constant reminder that no, Jack Kelly is not my personal masseuse. Blame Disney...I'm the nice one.

AN: *takes a big breath* SHOUT OUTS! CanyoubelieveitI'msoexcitedcanyoutellIcan'tstopwritinglikethis...
Now, for those who enjoy proper punctuation and spacing:

Dakki: Your reviewed, twice! You rock...now *innoncent smile* can we get an update from you? Peese?! *Everyone else nods vigourously*

Klover: Again, showin the love. I can't get the next chapter out fast enough...but when I do I'll ship it your way!

To all of those who emailed me about the CC (Moonlights Sundance, Dreamer Conlon) I'll email who as the story progresses to let you know what I need. Thanks again!

If you want your name above and a pretty little note from me then you know what to do! Review til your fingers hurt, you'll be glad you did.

Chapter 1

The window opened, interrupting the silence that filled the room and causing Tess to jump up from her nap. She cracked her head on the top of the bunk above hers before falling right back to her horizontal position. Groaning in pain, she rubbed at the mark and peaked between fingers to see who had disturbed her.
Climbing clumsily through the window was Klover, one long leg placed in after the other while Hour scampered meekly behind her. The two girls stopped at the sight of Tess, rumpled and obviously displeased. You woke me up.
Klover shrugged, tossing Tess the apple she'd stolen from a vendor on the way back from Brooklyn. Pulling out her own treat, she broke the skin and began to chew. Yeah, well. You had all day to nurse that headache of yours.
She had a point. Tess sighed in agreement, her anger retreating within her. What did you hear? Between large mouthfuls of apple, Klover explained how Bull had visited Brooklyn but received a less than successful response from Spot. Tess smiled, you could always count on Conlon to give a guy from Harlem the shoulder.
Tess thanked Klover openly and the two worked on a plan for the next two weeks. Long Island would slowly be run by Tess and Klover if they had any say. The two got along well enough, slowly learning to trust one another. Tess certainly respected the girl. The first time they'd met she'd been defending a young newsie from looming thugs, oblivious to their size and number. After a little assistance on Tess' part the two had decided to stick together and thus Tess had her first friend upon return to Manhattan. While Klover had been bouncing between Brooklyn and Manhattan for the last year, she'd learned all the new secrets about the important newsies. Combined with Tess' overall experience from years previous, they made a smart team.
But Hour, shy and quiet in a suspicious way, made Tess nervous. The girl may have hidden behind mousy hair, but her eyes were always watching. Over the past two weeks that they'd lodged in the abandoned warehouse, Tess had caught her coming in later than expected and sneaking off early in the morning. She wasn't talking to Klover or Tess, which meant she was talking to someone else.
And in Tess' current situation, this wasn't necessarily a good thing. Bull hadn't caught her that day at the Manhattan Lodging House, but he hadn't stopped searching for her either. So while Tess remained out of Harlem, he drifted further and further into the other boroughs, edging his way closer to her little corner. His power had more pull than Tess', even though in the past weeks she'd proven herself among the Long Island crowd. No one knew her there and she was able to display her selling ability without any of her tricks being noticed.
With the obvious exception of Bull, her return to New York had been a successful one. And the only other pinch in her neck was the appearance of Jack. Klover, although she'd heard of the newsie and had informed Tess of all of his dealings with the strike, had only seen him in passing. And Tess had been hoping to avoid the eventual run in with Kelly for at least a few weeks: long enough for her name to gain its own credibility.
Now, with her headache twice as strong as when she'd initially laid down, she wasn't looking forward to any amount of conversation. Klover noticed this and opted for grabbing a coat and returning to the outside. Tomorrow, Gus and Toddy need a dispute solved. She leaned back into the window, elbows resting on the frame as Tess carved her apple. They're expecting us around nine.

Get some rest. Ya look like shit. Tess waved her out with her knife, flinching when the window slammed shut. After standing their silently for a few moments, Hour left also, shimmying down the ladder outside and running in the opposite direction as Klover.
Surrounded once again by silence, Tess finished her last apple slice and slid back onto the meek mattress she'd acquired in a nearby alley. She folded her hands beneath her head and closed her eyes, concentrating on calming her breathing and taking the focus on her throbbing head.
But when the window open again, the sound crashing over her senses, she growled into her hands. Klover, do I need ta remind you'se Sitting up and deftly avoiding the previous bunk beam she stopped short at who was actually standing before her.
Tess, I woulda thought dat a goil like you couldda set up a nicer place. He came alone, Tess noticed, a decision that he probably hadn't realized as hazardous. The smile on his face she couldn't read and she moved away from the restrictive confines of the bunk bed frame she sat in.
Now standing in front of him, she recovered from her surprise. Jesus Kelly, looks like moving up in da woild made ya a snob. Dis place is poifect for any true street rat. Leaning against the frame of the bed she crossed her arms and legs, hoping that her posture gave off the air of indifference she was going for.
He smiled, about to walk closer, but the quick squint of her eyes informed him it wasn't the best idea. Playing along with her game, he took off his hat and placed it on the only other piece of furniture in the room, a simple chair. With his hat hanging off the back, he lounged lazily in the uncomfortable seat. It's good to have you back, McCoy. I was beginning to forget what open hostility felt like.
She shrugged, as if to say that's what I'm here for'.
But joking aside, I'm here cause I needed an answer from ya. Again a simple shrug that didn't promise much. Where is he, McCoy?
Although his voice had gained more edge, and his body had bent towards her, obviously a sign of his mission to receive information, she remained lackadaisical. Who ya talking about Kelly? She thought she heard him growl lowly. And I'm insulted that my excellent company wasn't the reason you decided to just break into my home. I mean, really, did ya ever learn manners?
Don't play with me
I have no idea what you're referring to.
He was up two seconds after the words left her mouth, face close enough to hers for the veins in his eyes to shine clear and a finger jabbing at her chest. When you'se were little McCoy, you were annoying enough, but never dumb. Don't pull this shit wit me. I'm the only one who knows your tricks.
She shoved him away, anger pulsating quickly through her body and sending her headache raging. He had no right to reference their childhood together. Not after how he'd treated her all those years of constantly being pushed away. She had been the follower, the tag along no one wanted. They hadn't been friends and they certainly weren't friends now. Their past was to stay there, in the past, hopelessly trying to be forgotten.
I don't owe you any explanations Kelly.
He laughed evilly and continued to hold her eyes. He was my best friend McCoy
He was my brother, Kelly. She spat back. He didn't catch the past tense.
If there had been anything else in the room besides dirty clothes and trash she would have thrown it at him. She considered her shoe for a moment, but knew that he'd catch on quickly when she began to fumble with the laces. Besides, they were new (thanks to those generous Harlem newsies) and kept her feet warm.
For a tense moment they circled each other in the small room. At least tell me why you left. He choked.
She laughed at his request. You mean you haven't figured it out yet. Two years its been buggin ya, huh? This upper hand made her giddy. Yeah, sure, I'll tell ya why we left. We get home one day to find our folks gone, door locked, rent due. And hewell you know how he got, always thinking the best of people. He wanted to leave, go find em cause Da always talked about going back out west. She paused, resting back on the bottom bunk as she held his gaze, voice bitter and piercingly low. And I sure as hell wasn't gonna persuade him otherwise. You weren't the only one dreamin of Santa Fe, Kelly. Getting out of dis damn city was the best tin we ever did. And the worst, a small voice whispered from the back of her neck.
Well, whyI woulda gone wit you'se! Jack exclaimed, briefly resembling a lost child.
Her mouth set firm, she nodded. Course you would of. But den I wouldn't of. That's what I was leaving Kelly. I was leaving you.
The situation began to click in Jack's mind and he was furious all over again, the second wave surrounding him with more energy. Jesus, McCoy! All dis time I'm thinking dat he left, no good bye cause He shook his head. With his first puzzle solved he moved onto the next. Well then where is he now. You're back, and you've never left his side.
She smiled bitterly. Yea, well we all have our bad habits.
Seriously, why ain't he here?
Both were sitting now, Jack in the chair, leaning forward eagerly but protected while Tess reclined on the bunk, arms crossed and mind deciding what information she could leak. He looked so pathetic, sitting there on the rickety chair, trying the remain in control of his emotions. This observation, along with the small lost girl within her that she constantly trying to suppress, was what motivated her to get out of the bed and cross the room. Pulling hard on a loose floorboard she removed a small sac from the hole that was now exposed. Inside were various things that she kept, small reminders of the few precious moments of her past.
He watched, surprised at her sudden change in attitude. Although she still kept a strong face, something inside had bent to allow him entrance. She slapped a paper into his hands, the headline reading: LOST BOYS CONTINUE TO STUN CITY POLICE'.
We started in Philiy, then Chicago and finally St. Louis. We didn't find our folks. I assume that they caught some train out to San Francisco. But by then we were hopeless. I liked Chicago the best, so he agreed to return there. Jack looked up from the article he'd been skimming and caught her wipe harshly at a single tear. We were there for less than two days and already he fitted right in. We were making friends, selling and trying to get by.
So this article
She choked out a laugh. We'd been selling editions all week about the kidnappings and sure, a couple kids hadn't been seen for a few days but we didn't think anything of it. We went out that night with this guy he'd met only a day before. A couple other newsies came with us. After loading us full of liquor the thugs came in Shaking her head she got up to pace back and forth. Two of the other guys got out in time. There were other people there and we were near the back so we tried to scramble out. I got caught but he, I dunno, just sort of jumped into a whole group of them so I could get away. I was gonna try and get him out but one of the other kids, he stayed at the same lodging house as us, pulled me away.
Jack let the news settle. There'd been a story similar to this one in the paper the day before. I tried to look for him. Tess had sunk back onto the mattress. I've never stopped looking for him
Somewhat more sympathetic towards her, he stood and fingered the edge of the paper, handing it back to her when she looked up at him. She took in gently and put it away, all the time moving silently. He sighed deeply and ran a hand through his hair. Did you—Well, I think I know someone who can help.
She eyes him suspiciously. I have a friend who works for the paper. He can do some research and maybe we can find where these kids are being taken if His voice trailed off at the end as she continued to concentrate on his boot laces. Why don't you come back to the lodging house. It's the least I can do for Leif, watching out for you and all. It was the first time either had mentioned his name and she shuddered at the sound. And at his proposition.
I don't need ya to watch out for me Kelly. She hissed, the resentment slowly filtering back into her words. Besides, I've got a place here, with people who depend on me.
Jack rolled his eyes. Oh you mean dat Hour character, huh? She's trouble McCoy. I mean, how else do you think I knew where you were? Tess narrowed her eyes at him and his condescending tone. Her lips slip.
She jumped up and turned so that her back faced him. Like I said Kelly, I can take care of myself.
Right, just like you did with Bull. They were back to pushing each other's buttons, a skill they'd perfect at a young age.
She held her chin high, turning to look at him again. I got out of that mess with no scrapes Kelly. That goon hasn't found me yet either and I certainly haven't been hiding. She lied easily, arms open wide motioning to her current position.
He decided not to mention that Long Island had a reputation for changing leaders quicker than socks. He had a sense that she knew it was the bottom end of the boroughs, but her stubbornness was making her stick to it. What'd you'd do to piss off Bull anyway? You've only been here three days.
She smiled crazily and the glint in her eye would have amused him if he'd been speaking to any other person. He knew that look and what consequences followed it. Klover and I felt like going shopping. I needed a new coat and those boys were certainly eager enough to step out of dere clothes.
Jack shook his head. She didn't know who she'd crossed and no matter how long he barked at her she'd never listen. Just come back to Manhattan, McCoy. Don't be stupid
Don't call me stupid, Kelly. She bit back, clenching her fists at her side.
He shrugged, deciding not to push anymore. Meet me a Tibby's—you remember Tibby's, right—next Tuesday. When you're finished sellin stop by. I'll have some news by then.
She hesitated momentarily before nodding curtly. He grabbed his hat and placed it on his head, tipping it in a gesture that would have been polite if she didn't find it so infuriating. Smiling easily he slipped out the open window and closed it. She turned, screaming at the side wall when she thought he was far enough away not to hear. Anger masked her confusion as she recalled their conversation. She knew already that she was stepping too close. And as she fell back into her bed, expecting an unsettling sleep that night, she couldn't deny the twist that had returned to her stomach when he'd smiled at her.
She couldn't let herself succumb that easily.

Tess decided that walking next to Klover was horrible for her self-esteem. Next to the girl she felt stumpy and awkward. She had to take twice as many strides to keep up with her easy stroll and her hair kept swiping at her face.
Smiling at her random thoughts, Tess stuffed her hands deep within the pockets of her pants and counted the number of people she noticed gawking at her friend. It would have been annoying if Klover hadn't been oblivious to the fact. By the time they reached Tibby's, the afternoon had grown warmer along with her attitude.
The two girls entered the restaurant casually, unaware of the glances from some of the regulars. They moved to the counter, grabbing two seats and ordering a light lunch. As they conversed quietly, waiting for Jack to arrive, a young boy pulled himself into the seat next to Tess. Excuse me, Ms. The boy tapped Tess gently on her shoulder and when she turned to face him he pulled off his cap. Are you da goil Cowboy's lookin fo? He said he was meetin a pretty goil and I was supposed to find you and make sure you were dere before
The hand of an older boy slipped over the mouth of the younger. He had curly brown hair and smiling blue eyes that tried to lure Tess with their twinkle. But she wasn't won over so easily as other girls and in defiance tugged his hand off of the younger boy. The boy cried, embarrassed at his older brother.
David, unnerved by the brazenness of this new person, focused on scolding Les, What were you doin?
I was seeing if dis was the goil Jack was lookin fo! Turning back to Tess, Les, with his floppy brown hair and pale skin, took a deep breath before beginning again the speech he'd rehearsed. Excuse me, Ms. Are you da goil
Klover and Tess giggled at Les' polite behavior as David grumbled in back, taking the seat next to his brother. Klover began, leaning over from behind Tess' shoulder. Dis hea is Tess and I'm Klover. We're waiting fo Kelly to show his face. He's ten minutes late.
Les nodded in understanding and burst into an explanation about how Jack had had his morning business run over into the afternoon. He'll be here soon, promise.
Well, if you promise den. Tess laughed, shaking Les' hand. Nice ta meetcha Les.
Reaching over Les, Dave offered his hand for Tess to shake, surprised when she spat into hers before shaking. Name's David.

I've heard.
Before Tess or David could come to any more conclusions about the other, Les broke into more chatter. David is my brother. He and I sell wit Jack.
Tess nodded, mentally noting that this David was Jack's new Lief. Although, the friendship between her brother and Jack had always been titled slightly in Leif's favor. The conversation stalled momentarily and Les, sensing the tension was about continue when another voice chimed in.
Tess! Tess McCoy! Is dat youse? Turning on their stools, all four searched for where the booming voice was coming from. Tess squinted under the low light of the room as a girl at the entrance bounced her way closer towards them.
Her eyebrows raised in surprise when the girl stopped in front of her, arms open and mouth wide.
David looked surprised also. You know Jack's sister?
Miracle popped her hip to the side. Who else did you tink it was. Give me a hug. The two embraced and Klover was introduced shortly after, also receiving a hug from the spunky Miracle. Sorry Davy, teased Miracle, grabbing Tess by her arm. I'm gonna have ta steal dis one.
As the three girls moved towards a table in the back, Tess looked over her shoulder and noticed both David and Les watching them. She was wary of David, although lately she'd been protective in front of everyone.
Recognizing from Tess' stories that Miracle was Jack's younger sister, a friend of Tess' before she'd left New York, Klover decided to give the two time to catch up. Gosh, dat girl's humongous. Mused Miracle as Klover ventured off to a table of newsies Tess had never met before.
Tess nodded, suddenly remembering what it was like to be surrounded by Miracle. One just sat back and absorbed.
So my brother's meeting ya hear, huh? Again Tess nodded. I'm sorry I didn't come to see ya sooner. He wouldn't let me come dat night he visited. Said it was business.
Yea, well you wouldn'tve wanted to have witnessed dat scene. Tess joked, distracting herself by picking at her dirty fingers. It was strange that her and Miracle got on so well. Her brother was Jack, she shared the same blood as the one person Tess had promised herself never to get involved with.
Miracle's arrival in Manhattan had been a shock to all. Jack had had no idea of his baby sister, who shared the same father as him and who had been looking for him around the city since her mother's death. Tess remembered being thirteen years old and still following around Lief and Jack, who were two years her senior when Miracle had shown up, tiny and thin but as street smart as the rest of them. Miracle was only a few months younger than Tess and after her presence become as custom as Jack's, the two had found solace in each other. Neither had a solid female role model, Miracle's mother having passed and Tess's working too often to ever be home. So they stayed together. And Tess knew that if her time in New York hadn't ended so quickly, they would have stayed friends.
Something Tess had never felt before was guilt. But sitting across from Miracle, a girl who was nothing but smiles in a world that often beat at your heels with a stick, the guilt seemed to choke her. I'm sorry.
She seemed to understand, smiling gently and reaching for Tess' hand. Don't worry about it. Jack told me why you left. I can't believe your folks just skipped like dat.
Yeah, Lief took it really hard.
What about you? You know you could have stayed wit me and Jack at da lodging house. Tess titled her head to the side and raised her eyebrow in question. Okay, okay, okay. So maybe you and Jack would a killed each otha, but at least we would a been togetha.
Tess focused on the far wall, shaking her head in disagreement. It would neva have woiked Miracle. Your brother
He's hard to handle, She agreed. Miracle knew about the shaky relationship between Jack and Tess better than anyone, better than Lief even. And she'd witnessed on many occasions the way Jack tormented Tess. The animosity between the two was built around Lief. Being both a best friend and a brother had pulled him in two opposite directions. So many of their arguments spun from Tess' desire to follow and mimic her older brother and his friend. She'd been pushed into the mold of annoying little sister early on, and even as she'd grown Jack had worked hard to remind her of that position that she filled. Making the situation even worse was the attraction Tess had developed towards Jack. And his continuious hostility had only weighed on Tess' mind, making her react in anger.
Miracle knew this, but never mentioned it to her friend, who had tried to move on. It seemed now that her decision to leave New York was partly based on her feelings towards Jack. Sitting across from Tess now, Miracle tried to see whether or not her friend had really separated herself from the past.
But you'd be surprised, Tess. She began, somewhat worried at the hardened exterior of Tess' freckled face. He changed once you two left. I mean, have you heard about da strike? Dat was a crazy time but Jack came through for us. And now, with looking for Lief she trailed off and caught Tess' eyes before continuing. Give him another chance, would ya? For me.
Before Tess could answer, Les appeared at their table, announcing Jack's arrival in his uppity voice. Any amount of truce Tess had been considering vanished when she saw Jack outside of Tibby's involved in a heated kiss with a skinny brunette.
So that was his urgent business, huh? Klover mused, sliding gently back into the booth next the Tess. She seemed to appear without having to be called, constantly at Tess' side, the protector. It was a comforting thought, which surprised Tess. She'd been on her own for too long.
She didn't say anything, letting Klover and Miracle converse easily as Jack moved throughout the tables. He stood in front of the booth and jerked his thumb over his shoulder, a silent gesture directed towards Miracle. Yea, yea. I know da drill. She scooted out of the seat, waving to Tess one more time and encouraging her to stop by the lodging house the next time she was in Manhattan.
After his sister had slipped out the door, Jack reached for a menu, making no attempt at conversation. Tess eyed him impatiently before exchanging a glance with Klover who was watching like a fly on the wall. At that moment, Tess envied her friend's ability to keep a blank face.
Come on Kelly, she snapped. I don't have all day. I too have important business to attend to.
He understood that she was alluding to the girl out front and as he peaked over the top of his menu, his grin was dangerously seductive. Priorities, McCoy. He stated calmly, returning to focus on the menu.
Disgusted, Tess mumbled angrily, Yeah, I just hope you paid her for the extra time.
That comment seemed to pinch and Jack rested the menu on the table top. I guess we're not interested in light chatter before jumping right into things?
Both girls silently told him no.' Sighing, he rested his elbows on the table. Okay, down to business. I talked to my friend, Denton. He works for the Sun and is currently looking for more clues as to this kidnapping thing. So far the authorites have a few suspects. They're almost positive that the boys are being taken somewhere and sold as servants.
Tess shifted uncomfortably in her seat. Although Lief is somewhat older than the average age of the boys being taken.
When can I meet with this Denton? Tess asked, any anger she'd been focusing on Jack now suspended because of all the new information she'd received. Somehow it made her feel better thinking of Lief peacefully enjoying death, as opposed to the horrible conditions that would accompany life in a sort of detention camp. She tried not to picture it.
I'm meeting him a week from today. You can come if you'd like. She nodded eagerly and after a awkward moment thanked him. It was the least I could do. He replied, fingering the menu and refusing to meet her gaze. Although the offer of coming to the lodging house still stands. You know your brother would want you to be safe, McCoy. Don't let your stubborn streak make you vulnerable. Of course, you'd be welcome also. He motioned towards Klover, who in actuality frightened him slightly. She'd been staring at him throughout the whole meeting. And Miracle would love some more goils at da place. Right now she's the only one.
She scoffed at his purposal. Oh you mean your goil don't stay at da lodging house? He glared at her silently. Right, she stays at a different type of house.
McCoy, don't
Don't what Kelly? She and Klover got up from their seats. I'll see you next Tuesday. Meet here and then we can go wherever you arranged to meet Denton.
She moved past him with no further comment but was stopped when he grasped her wrist. Wait, have you seen Bull? His grip was tight, although he seemed genuinely concerned.
No, he hasn't even been on the Island. Pulling her hand away, she rubbed where his fingers had been.
How are you so sure? Jack asked. People were starting to stare. It wasn't common for someone to walk out on the company of Jack Kelly.
Klover chose this time to speak. We might not have as many connections as you, but we've got eyes. He won't come near if he knows better. And if he does, den it'll be easy to outsmart him again. Finishing curtly, Klover made her way towards the door, letting Tess and Jack finish the conversation alone.
He's tricky, Tess. It was the first time he'd said her name and Tess bit her lip in an effort not to say anything else. He got out of his own seat, standing only a palm's length away. She still clutched her wrist to her chest with her other hand and when he stood she had to raise her head to maintain eye contact.
I—Jesus, you're too serious Kelly. Backing away she bumped into an empty chair and fled, hoping he didn't notice her blush.