DIsclaimer: Come on! Be creative, think of your own characters...As for the newsies, well, Disney owns them and we have freedom of speech.

AN: Wait, stop, have you read Dakki's Home'? No! Go, right now! Read the masterpiece, she just updated and made me skip a Calc study session. Now, close this story right now and open her's.

Yea...you came back! Good shit, huh? Yeah, she rocks. Also, I'm going to plug BrokenShells' Crucify'. That's a keeper so check it out.

Now, focusing on my story...It's sorta short, this chapter, but I'm excited about the response. That's what keeps me writing! Remember it fellow writers...

SOs:

Dakki: Your reviews make me *sniff* so happy. And yea, you updated! Happy dance, Happy dance!

Klover: Can I just stick you in my pocket. You're the organic solution to low self-esteem.

Tiger Tess: The voice inside my brain that yells at me for not checking this and rechecking this for errors. Can you over look them. Does it take away from the piece? Eh...


So yeah, enjoy and happy belated Veteran's Day. Gotta give those guys props...



Chapter 9

The laughter interrupted Tess' counting and she turned in surprise at Jack's light squeeze. He'd grabbed her hand as soon as she'd stepped out of the carriage that afternoon, Edward waiting on
the front steps with his father, fresh from a hunting trip. Even sitting among the lavish couch in Sotheby's living room, Jack had continued the contact, sure to smile maliciously at Edward when he was caught staring. But Tess, after the initial greetings, had focused on counting every one of Sotheby's freckles, losing track at three hundred and seventy two because of the aforementioned laughter.

As Denton and Sotheby continued to chuckle and refill their glasses, Jack leaned over to whisper in Tess' ear. Stop staring. She readjusted the customary tilt of her head and widened her smile.

Among the teeth she flashed she whispered in response. I can't help it. He's got millions of freckles! Jack smiled behind his hand, Sotheby looking fondly on the happy couple.

He placed his glass on the table to his left. They make me sick, don't you agree Denton?

Oh yes, and this is them while behaving, if you can believe it. The three men erupted into another round of haughty laughter, Tess flashing another smile and beaming up at Jack as she'd been instructed to. In all honesty it didn't take much for her eyes to sparkle and her smile to slip dreamily at his grin but she pressed her nails into the palm of his hand just for affect.

It seemed that Tess had been acknowledged enough for the hour and the men returned to talking of men things. Tess shifted in frustration, not once since their arrival had Sotheby mentioned any more business. And Denton, the etiquette master, had deemed it impolite and out of character for them to ask. We should be enjoying his company! He'd explained while Sotheby had attended to an important issue with Mr. Crumb.

So she straightened her back, suddenly conscious of her posture, and let her mind wander to earlier that morning. She'd woke again earlier than everyone else and grabbed a quick apple before slipping out to the barn. There, the boys were fast asleep, spread among the piles of hay that lined the dirt floor. She eyed the largest pile of them all, created because of the loft that hung over it and sat in the one section that sun had begun to explore. Raising her hands over her head, the apple now safely within her stomach, she basked in the warmth, unaware of him until he fell next to her with a sigh.

Surprised she opened her eyes quickly and angled her head to see who was resting their head against her stomach. At sight of the brown head and large feet sticking up further down than hers she relaxed and tensed at the same time. Hey McCoy. He whispered, raising a hand of his own so that it rested comfortably in the mixture of her curls and hay. Twirling a strand around his finger, Tess followed his lead and relaxed also.

Heya Kelly.

Why you up so early? They both chose to watch the ceiling of the barn, tracing the rafters and naming the birds that dozed up there.

She shrugged, slipping her right hand underneath her hips and resting the left on his head. The warmnth was as comfortable as the sun, causing her toes to curl within her shoes from bliss. Couldn't sleep.

Yeah, me neither.

They lay in silence for a moment, the repeating motion of his finger spinning her hair strangely comforting. Knowing that I'm going to be able to see himthat by the end of the day I'll be able to hug him. She paused. I can't explain it but He laughed lightly at her stuttering, not to poke fun but because he knew exactly how she felt. Silence returned, enveloping both until she spoke again.



Again, a pause before the low sound of breath escaping her lips. I could stay here forever.

He was surprised by how revealing her tone was. He asked. In Chicago? Or at the Lords'?

Here, in this barn. A bird overhead swooped down to grab hay for the nest it was piecing together. That family is everything I pictured, Jack. The mother, father, kids, innocent to what a horrible world surrounds themIt's what every dream of mine is about. Family—a real family.

He turned so that more of his face was lost among the fabric of her skirt, breathing in heavily the scent of straw and Tess. The newsies are a family, Tess. He ventured, knowing that wasn't what she meant exactly.

I know. Came her soft reply.

He closed his eyes as her fingers probed deeper along his scalp. She was in a trance almost, so that even when he shifted to face her, her fingers worded the hay. Tess, when we get back to New Yorkwe're not going to go back to hating each other, are we?

She was assaulted by his words and his face, staring directly at hers. Her lips and jaw tightened shut so that the screaming inside of her was suppressed. In hindsight it was the perfect moment, eyes on her so inquiring and trusting.

But fate must have had other plans, plans to torture her a while longer, for with her courage to reply came Bessie and Klover. Girl, up and into that dress! She was commanded. Goes for you too Kelly.

Jack still asked her with his eyes as she stood to her feet and then helped him up also.
And the only way she could respond was to quickly twist a strand of his hair that had fallen out of place and smile sadly.

Replaying this whole heartbreaking scene in her mind while in the midst of Sotheby proved unwise for Tess. She was caught spacing again, the feeling of Jack twisting her hair being remembered by her own fingers tracing up and around Jack's.

I'm so sorry, she apologized, blushing and trying to hide behind Jack's protective frame as Sotheby smiled strangely at her. I'm not feeling very well. She recovered, grasping Jack's other hand and turning to meet his eyes.

He flashed her a knowing smile that only she understood before donning a concerning frown. You must be hungry. Are you feeling lightheaded? She nodded faintly, pretending to space off again.

Adopting Jack's concern, Sotheby snapped his fingers loudly and called, Sophie, is lunch ready yet? The shuffling of feet entered Tess' mind as she and Jack teased one another by pinching the other's palm.

But the voice, certainly not what Tess had expected to hear from the maid, caused her to jump to attention. And sure enough, she raised her head to meet the equally surprised eyes of Dakki. Worry entered Tess' mind as to what this girl would say upon return to the kitchen. Nothing had been revealed in her brief explanation of why the food had been delayed an extra five minutes, but Tess wasn't sure. She decided that while the men continued to bore each other she'd find Dakki, somehow, and explain the delicate situation.

Please, why don't we proceed to the dining room. Sotheby offered, his arm held for Tess to hold. Reluctantly she accepted, smiling as politely as possible when she was seated in between Edward, sleazeball, and Sotheby at the head of the table. Jack was seated across from her, wiggling his eyebrows to produce a real smile as the mouth- watering food was revealed.

She eat heartily, but daintily as she was told a woman of the upper class would have, ignoring the conversation around her until she was formally addressed. What do you think, Mrs. Sullivan? How would you like to leave that filthy hotel of yours and stay at my guest room tonight? Certainly that would be more comfortable.

The surprise of the question and her utter lack of an acceptable answer caused Tess to blink mutely at Jack. I thinkwell, all of our stuff.

Returning to The Dragonfly and then making the trip out here would be too much for her, don't you agree Denton? Jack mentioned, eyeing Tess from underneath his lashes. She mouthed a heartfelt thank you'.

her relief shattered. We can send your driver out there to pick up your things. Sotheby concluded. Really, I won't accept anything besides yes'. You're afraid you're putting me out, but really, I would much enjoy your company. The other three failed to come up with a reasonable excuse and Denton hurried outside to tell Race of the change in plans. Mrs. Sullivan, you'll love the gardens surrounding the house, I promise.

Tess cut her piece of chicken with extra force for the rest of the meal, fuming that her stay had been extended against her will. No longer did she look forward to seeing Lief by sunset. The plates were cleared and Dakki deftly avoided making eye contact with Tess before slipping back into the kitchen.

The men stood, Tess following behind. Mrs. Sullivan, please, take a walk around the garden while your husband and friend discuss the important business in my study

Mr. Sotheby, that's very kind of you but Tess and I are to make this decision to

Tess placed a silencing hand on Jack's arm, smiling first at him and then at Mr. Sotheby, That's very kind of you Mr. Sotheby. I think that's the perfect way to digest this delicious meal.

The man nodded in agreement before heading towards his study, Edward and Denton in tow. Jack lingered behind, leaning in close to Tess to ask his question. What are you doing?

Jack, did you notice Dakki? He nodded. I'm going to talk to her, make sure that she knows to keep us a secret. You go finagle a deal She nudged him playfully before slipping through the same door Dakki had disappeared behind. The fumes of the kitchen were unexpected and Tess cursed her stuffy dress. It was simipler than what she'd wore the day before, with a boat neck cut top, lace covering the then exposed shoulders. Batting back a curl she searched the kitchen, smiling fleetingly at the other staff eyeing her wearily. Finally she spotted the girl elbow deep in soapy water.

she whispered, trying to appear casual to everyone else that was watching. Although the girl continued to scrub it was evident that she was listening. Can we talk outside?

Wiping her hands swiftly on the side rag, Dakki still avoided eye contact, a trait that the other staff consistently observed. Yes, Ma'm. It was a show for the other staff members, the curtsey somewhat comical to Tess who hid her smile behind her lacy glove. They headed outside to the garden the back way, rounding to a bench quickly.

Tess sat, pulling Dakki with her. I didn't know you worked here!

Dakki seemed less concerned with this mix up, brushing the fancy trimming of Tess' collar. Nice dress, the girl giggled.

It itches like hell. The girls broke into another round of laughter, momentarily forgetting their surroundings. I'm just glad to see a familiar face. She sighed.

How did you get all these things, I mean, tricking Sotheby the way you are Dakki asked the question Tess was expecting and Tess replied with the shpeal she'd been practicing. After Dakki's momentary shock, she started laughing and even bouncing in her seat. Oh priceless! This is absolutely priceless! Happy dance, happy dance Again, laughter surrounded the pair as Dakki continued to gush about how genius the plan was. She stopped a moment later, tilting her head to the side and pouting her lips in thoughts. New York, huh?

Yeah, hopefully we'll be on the first train out of here by tomorrow. Dakki forced a smile and squeezed Tess' hand reassuringly. Before Tess could question her friend's sudden reserved attitude the sound of footsteps scuffing the cobblestone walkway caused both to jump in panic.
I'll talk to you later tonight, aren't you staying over? Tess nodded quickly, hugging the girl before nudging her towards the house at the pricese moment Jack rounded the corner.

Tess heaved a sigh of relief as he immediately walked to her. he mumbled, turning her in the opposite direction and continuing their walk. Did you talk to her?

Yes, now when can we see Leif?

Jack looped her hand through Tess' placing his free one on top of hers and glancing behind him briefly. she kicked at a stray rock in frustation. I know, later than we were hoping but Sotheby insists that we stay tonight and then start business tomorrow. He and Denton worked out the money issue. It's getting shipped out the day we'll leave on the train.

She breathed in heavily, turning to face Jack. This is going to worktell me that it's going to work.

He smiled and brushed back a curl, consciously letting the back of his hand caresse the pink of her cheek. Dis is gonna woik. The New York accent made chills run from shoes to scalp and she shivered as he smirked down the lane. Denton and Sotheby were now in view and Jack couldn't help himself. Hey, look at me.

Tess obeyed, pretending to punch him in the stomach. He laughed, blocking her hand and using it to draw her closer. Don't look now, but we've got an audience. And then, with Tess unsuspecting of his motives and the spectators, Jack kissed her lips as deeply as a husband should.