AN: Whew , over the hump of ten reviews, can you believe it? I'm siked. Although I was watching, Just Married' with our dear ol Davey in it and...well...he looks really old! Like, aging has not done his cuteness justice (cause he was cute in Newsies, admit it). Now, as for Christian, well I finally ignored all the crappy reivews and watched Reign of Fire' and I'm liking the shaggy, long hair, look. Really, aging has just intensifed the hotness.
You must think I watch too many movies.
Well I did make time for this chapter...yea...

Tiger Tess: Thank so much for the constructive criticism. It really helped me and I'd been racking my brain, debating whether or not to include a more recap within Tess as to her situation with Jack. I just didn't know where to place it among the events that needed to happen before her and Jack left for Chicago. You helped with the extra push...hope this is what you were expecting.

Klover: Rockin like always. Did I get your boy, right?

Miracle: Spacing (check) I'm never going to live that down. And no worries, when the group returns from Chicago you're gonna be more involved...

Okay, enjoy the chappy...review...be merry...Thanksgiving is less than three weeks away!

Oh yea...Disclaimer: Disney...newsies...not you...

Chapter 6

Skittery! Move it Stepping over rails and shrubs, ankle-breaking rocks and any other trash among the train depot lot, the trail of travelers began to look for the correct train. Tickets were too expensive, even though Denton had offered to chip in, but then Tess had been itching for a good train hop. She stayed at the middle of the pack, Mush and Blink's excited energy pushing them towards the front. Jack and Race walked lazily with Tess, discussing the past week's newsie events as if leaving New York was an everyday thing. Tess listened with half a brain and with the other concentrated on making sure Klover and Skittery didn't get too far behind.

Dis tins heavy! Skittery responded to Mush's command with a frustrated grunt. He had been elected the first to carry the duffle bag containing everyone's belongings and the little food they'd taken with them. Sadly, they'd been able to fit everything into one of Kloppman's bags, deciding that one larger bag would be easier to manage than seven smaller ones.

Blink raised on his tip toes to catch sight of Skittery, struggling behind the pack. Just think, after this night you won't have to carry the bag for anotha week.

Jesus, Mary and Joseph, thank you. Came Skittery's releaved reply.

Tess smiled softly, stopping to the side and letting the boys go ahead. Klover caught up shortly and lolled her head to the side. He'll be waitin' Tess reasurred, draping an arm around her friend's shoulder.

That obvious, huh? Klover leaned her head on Tess' shoulder, the two walking in perfect unity.

Tess shrugged, bumping Klover's head, as she glanced at the sky quickly. Well, you've been excited for Chicago all week. Den, all of a sudden, you're all mopey.

No worries, Dutchy's crazy bout ya. Mush joined in, having retraced his steps to join the latter half of the group. Blink, Race and Jack had also waited, now forming a clump around the two girls. I mean, he's liked ya since you started staying at da lodgin house. He even wrote this silly little poem bout ya. Really, it's kinda funny and

Cried to other three boys.

Oh yea, wasn't supposed to tell ya dat.

Klover smiled. I'm just gonna miss The girls hugged each other while walking, laughing merrily as the embrace caused them to bump heads.

Jack walked closest to the train they were following, his fingertips stretched out and tracing the side. He was anxious about how this whole trip was going to unfurl. And deep down, the knowledge of leaving New York made him giddy. But for the sake of the group, he was trying to keep a level head. His eyes twinkled with excitement as he turned to address Tess. We're going the right way?

She nodded and looked behind them, the bright lights of the station now a couple hundred yards away, dimming with the distance. Just a few more cars, den we can hop in.

Before they could continue any further the loud rumble of an open train car startled them. The group shuffled under the train, Tess the only one crouching in plain view of what lay ahead. A man, with eyes as shifty and jumpy as Tess', spotted her easily in the fading light. They read each other silently before the man moved more into view. You in need of a lift?

Tess nodded and the grifter waved her towards the box car. Tess informed as Mush and Blink were the first to enter. They shook the hand of the man firmly and introduced themselves to the other few inside. Klover was the next to enter, ignoring the hand offered to her by the other men inside. She jumped to her feet, spat into her plam and offered it to the closest stranger, intent on making a strong first impression like always. Jack and Race followed, Race discarding his cigar right before. Further down the tracks than the others had been, Skittery was struggling from getting the bag out from where he'd been hiding. Why'd you stick it there?

McCoy! You try carrying dis. Pulling one last time, Skittery stumbled, almost falling to the ground. Tess looked back at the group within the car, now all chuckling to themselves at how comical he looked.

She jogged lightly, meeting up with Skittery half way and brushing off the leaves now somehow attached to the back of his shirt. You're ridiculous, ya know dat?

I try. He mumbled, offering on edge of the bag for her to carry. She accepted and they moved slowly towards the open box car.

A shrill whistle pierced the night air and all heads turned in the direction of the train station. The large chug of the engine began, steam forming clouds and another whistle filling the air. Tess knew the sound and watched in horror as the wheels of the cars slowly began to turn. Jesus, Come on!
The two began to run as the car slowly moved past them in the opposite direction they'd been walking. From within the car all the newsies and the man who had originally opened the door were leaning forward with nervous faces. Tess was closest to the car and with her right hand gripping the bag she was reaching out with her left.

Throw the bag in first! Called the man, motioning with his hands. Skittery sprinted ahead so that he and Tess had better leverage and the bag socked Blink full force, his figure disappearing into the back of the car. Now the two were able to use their arms for propulsion and they ran awkwardly next to the train, dodging anything hazardous on the ground. The train had picked up speed making it impossible for Tess to run with her had holding onto the edge of the box car.

Skittery was running ahead of her, making attempt after attempt to grab Mush's outstretched hand. He jumped at last, hitting his chest against the edge and swinging his legs dangerously underneath the car. Arms reached for his back and legs and soon he was pulled aboard.

Now with an open lane ahead of her, Tess picked up her speed and reached with desperation for the extended hands, finger tips brushing together and teasing her. She looked up at Jack's cry and saw the grifter laying on his stomach, arms outstretched so that she could reach easier. The train's whistle sounded again and Tess knew this was her last chance. Pushing her legs to pump faster and ignoring the burning pain in her chest she jumped, clinging fiercely to the man's shoulders, her fingers sinking into the deep fabric of his jacket. Before she could swing her leg up, hands were upon her, rolling her onto the platform where she lay next to Skittery, still trying to catch his breath.

She looked up a couple seconds later to find Jack watching them, his hands twisting around the edge of his hat in nervous energy. The grifter, now known as Bags, placed his hand on Jack's shoulder, patting him reassuringly and pulling him towards where the other men were introducing each other.

Tess moved slowly over to where the large duffle bag was laying and collapsed against the pillowly-goodness, drifting off to sleep before the moon had fully risen.

She awoke and the only sound was the lulling repetition of wheels grinding over rails. The de ja vu was poignant and she sat up quickly in search of her brother. But after her eyes adjusted to the darkness she remembered where she was and rested back against the bag, her head right next to Klover's. The boxcar door was open partially, one of the men having placed his bed near the opening so that wind rustled his hair.

Hues of pink, orange and purple were painting the canvas sky, enticing Tess to the edge where she sat until the others stirred from their slumbers. They shared what little food they had with their companions, insisting when many refused although now they had no lunch for later. By the time everyone had finished eating and one round of cards had been played, the train reached the final station. The boxcar door was opened further and after a lookout for any guards the newsies scurried out of the car into the dense brush surrounding the depot.

They checked out the train schedule and decided to waste the rest of their day by exploring the area in and around the station. The area was New York but on a smaller scale, with the same groups of people and similar faces. Tess watched as the boys mingled with residents, easily striking up conversations and even showing the local newsies some new tricks. Like always, Jack was quickly held in high esteem, although his duffle bag responsibility was weighing him down significantly. He'd started the day with the bag perched on his shoulders but by early afternoon it had returned to hovering just above the ground.

The group claimed a curb downtown, the smells from all surrounding restaurants making their stomachs churn and rumble. I can't take it. Moaned Blink, his head in his hands as his stomach cried in pain. He stood moments later, pulling Mush along with him and disappearing into the grocer nearby. Everyone else, too tired and hungry to care, stayed silent until the too reappeared, now bearing a candy bar in each pocket of their pants.

While the others congratulated, Tess shook her head. Dat guy, he's reading the paper so just go in, say hi and head for da back. Blink explained, biting hungrily into the snack. Mush already had crumbs lining the corners of his mouth and one bar gone as he explained to Race and Skittery where the backdoor exit lay in relationship to the counter. The other two were quick to follow, returning to applause from Mush and Blink. Tess shook her head when Skittery offered her a piece. The candy was her favorite and her stomach hollered in protest but she'd never let herself sink to stealing. She thought of it as reaffirming all those who looked down on her class.

Don't think you'll get away. She warned, hugging her knees in protest.

Tess, what are ya preachin fo? We'se leavin in two hours and I'm hungry. Blink argued, stuffing his mouth full at the end to reaffirm his statement.

Klover, rocking back and forth next to Tess, stood suddenly. Ah, I'm weak. She mumbled, starting across the street. Tess looked up and caught Jack's eye just as he turned to follow. She reverted her eyes as quickly as they'd landed, the rest of her body following as she pretended to ignore what she was witnessing.

Everyone finished their lunch quickly, Tess sitting off to the side in silence and setting the tone for the moment until all evidence had been disposed of properly. Probly should head out. Jack recommended, pulling Tess to her feet. He reached for the duffle bag she'd been leaning against as the others started towards the station. Tess' hunger was causing a mean dizziness to overtake her senses and she realized how comfortable her life had been at the lodging house. When her and Leif had traveled she'd gone more than a day without food. But now, with her stomach accustomed to being full and warm, she had reverted to hunger pains after a few hours. Returning to the survival norms she'd once lived by would be a painful process.

Jack nudged her, her feet falling in rhythm with his. The walk to the train and actually finding the right car felt like a dream to Tess. Only when that day's dinner had been consumed did her mind seem to function. She became more aware of her surroundings, noticing that a similar number of other grifters as the last, filled the current car. She moved over to where Klover was digging through the duffle bag and pulled out the blankets they'd packed. Only a few had fit and she separated the large bundle into individual blankets as she passed them out to the others. Klover and Mush shared one, dozing off sooner than the rest. Race and Blink decided to face the cold in order to play poker with three of the other men aboard, their horrible luck following them from New York. And Skittery, smoking silently on the edge of the open car with a few others, welcomed the warmth of the blanket wrapped tightly around his shoulders.

Tess felt her own body signaling sleep but she was hesitant to claim the blanket all for herself. Moving to the half of the car that had been deemed the sleeping quarters she slid down the side, settling in a comfortable position. But it was impossible for her to sleep, Jack's form visible out of the corner of her eye. His knees were pulled up close to his chest and his head was bent forward, the edge of his hat resting against the top of his thighs, hiding his face beneath. But his shoulders shook from the cold and his fingers were gripping his knees in an attempt to keep his body heat close.

Tess sighed in conflict, closing her eyes to try and ignore the scene. She knew that she should share the blanket, but that meant getting close to Jack. She scolded herself within her head and remembered all the kind things he'd done for her while she recovered. In hindsight she was glad that Bull had beaten her up—nothing else could have resulted in her and Jack's newfound civility. Her pride had been wounded and the required rest days had allowed her mind to rethink her strategy. She'd convinced herself that her return hadn't been in connection to Jack. Instead, she saw it as fate leading her to where she'd be able to find Leif. And although she'd gotten one step closer to him, it had just happened to involve the one person she'd been planning on avoiding.

But Miracle had been right; Jack had changed. And as surprising as it was, she could live with that. So the anger she'd aimed at him had fizzeled and she'd studied him. He was a great leader in every sense, knowing when to fool with the boys and when to think for their betterment. He had moments where he'd become lost in his thoughts, a skill Tess guessed had been influenced by his friend David. And as she'd feared, Tess had been pulled in again, by his charisma, his steady hands, his smell.

That was the real demon within her, holding her back from offering him the blanket. It would only push her further and Tess had been down those depths before, surviving with the first of many cuts deep within her heart. This time, she feared there was no coming back.

His cough, loud and scratchy, stampeded into her thoughts. She'd assumed he'd gotten over the little tickle. Obviously it had developed into something slightly worse. There; she smiled into her knees as she hugged them to her chest, she had an excuse.

She stood and crossed the small space between them loudly, so that he looked up at her coming. Cold, Kelly? She fanned the blanket out before him as he shook his head no. Yea, well your lips are blue. As she spoke she sat to his left, facing perpendicular so that her legs, stretched out straight, would cross over his own.

He watched, slowly letting himself unfold from the ball he'd tightened himself into for warmth. She moved closer, the blanket resting momentarily behind her as she placed her feet over his hips, bending in the shape of a teepee. Next, curling closer to his chest she wrapped the blanket around her back and his legs, tucking it in as best she could behind his back.

They were cocooned together now, Tess' face covered in a fire blush. She welcomed the darkness and tucked her hands in front of her, ready for sleep. She could feel how tense Jack had become when she'd moved so close. He was probably as surprised as she was. But she could feel the cold currents of air coming from his body. Body warmnth, Jack. She whispered. There's only one blanket and you're not gonna hog it all to yourself.

His soft laugh was a good sign, his hands resting on the small of her back even better. The blanket easily covered both of them in the current position and Tess was warm enough for sleep to slowly seep in.

Jack whispered into the silence. But Tess was too preoccupied with how perfect her head fitted at the nape of his neck to notice. And Jack, relaxing around her body a moment later, noticed the same thing.



The next couple days of travel followed the same routine. Upon arrival at a different station, the train schedule was checked and rechecked before exploring the surrounding area and wasting time. After their food ran out, they were lucky enough to find odd jobs around the cities, earning enough so that they were fed and nothing else was stolen. And when the arrived in Chicago, Tess was impressed that they'd only had one close call with the police that surveyed around train yards, looking for kids just like them.

Chicago meant a change in the routine and returning to the city had made Tess more energetic than she'd been all trip. She led the group through the station, remembering Denton's directions to meet Mr. Glance at the South St. entrance. And sure enough, as she pushed through the heavy wooden doors, a man was waiting with a sign, the name Cowboy' scralled across the front.

The group smiled in relief and Jack moved to the front, offering his hand for the man to shake. I go by Cowboy.

The man looked at something in his hand before allowing the group to see. You look the same as the picture. The boys smiled in remembrance of the newspaper photo taken during the strike while Tess and Klover viewed it for the first time. After a moment, the man shook Jack's hand happily, smiling at everyone and shaking their hands in turn. Oh, this is perfect. I've been here for the past two days checking the schedule to see when a train would come in from the East. He reached Tess and held her hand longer. You must be Tess.

She nodded in surprise. He was nothing like she pictured him to be. He was no taller than Blink or Mush and hid behind large glasses that magnified his eyes. He was balding and his nose was pointy and long. And when he smiled, his ears seemed to flare to the sides, making him look almost like a bat. Nice to meet you Mr. Glance.

Oh please, call me Paul.

Nice to meet you Paul. She repeated, tugging hard on the duffle bag to get it out of the way of those trying to get into the station. He noticed also and moved the group further away and off to the side. He explained where they'd be staying in Chicago and that Denton was due to arrive from DC in two days, according to the letter he'd recently received. So the plan was the wait for Denton before moving out to Lampton, the village where Sotheby's country cottage was.

Satisfied with the plan, the group headed towards the trolley's that would take them to Glance's apartment. And Tess, now free of the duffle bag thanks to Glance, took a last look at the Chicago train station, the realization of what she was here to do hitting her for the first time.