Disclaimer: I don't own Newsies, or any of the people, places (in short: anything) associated with it. I also don't own Iris, Quotes, Candy, Bailey or Duckie.

Author's notes: Um, notes. I don't know, just read this one. (I, v)

Chapter Four:

"Look at Spot!" Bumlets pointed, over to where the Brooklyn newsie leader was busying about.

"Bossing people around too. Big surprise." Kid Blink commented sarcastically. It was true Spot was bossing people around, to have a good time that is. Nearby Iris, Candy and Juliet sat chatting with a few others, namely Skittery, Itey, Swifty and Dutchy, newsies that had all switched sides back when the Manhattan and Brooklyn newsies started fighting. Mush stood near the back of the room watching as everyone else danced joyously. Then he saw her.

~*~

"Come on ladies," Spot said to Iris, Candy and Juliet. "You can chit-chat anytime. Get dancing."

"Yeah Spot. Get dancing." Iris mimicked dragging Spot to the dance floor as the band started playing a romantic song. The other two girls followed, Candy grabbing Dutchy and Skittery escorting Juliet.

Juliet swayed about to the music with Skittery. She wasn't very excited about having him as a dance partner; he was handsome no question, but he was definitely not her type. Her gaze shifted away from Skittery. The hall was so crowded; she hadn't realized there were so many Brooklyn newsies. Then she saw him.

~*~

The music stopped and Mush was suddenly overcome with a great desire to speak to this newfound beauty.

"Now's my chance." He thought to himself as he saw Skittery move away from her side. Mush went out to floor, and coaxed her to follow him back to the shadowy side of Irving Hall.

~*~

But unfortunately his actions did not go unnoticed. Although Skittery had moved from Juliet's side, he still saw the boy whisk her away. He recognised him in an instant!

"Mush!"

Skittery hurried over to Spot, who had just cleaned out a couple of younger newsies at a game of poker. Iris kissed him on the cheek then left his lap as Skittery approached.

"Is something wrong?" Spot asked when he saw Skittery's expression.

"It's Mush," he replied. "He's here!"

"Mush? Really?"

"Yes, slithering across our floor." Spot sighed.

"Just leave him alone. Mush ain't so bad, and he won't do nothing. You hear Skittery. Just leave it."

"For now," Skittery said quietly to himself after Spot had returned to his seat.

~*~

"Forgive me," Mush said, her hand still in his.

"Why?" Juliet asked.

"For taking your perfect hand in my rough and poor one."

"Oh, but your hands are sweet," she said holding out her other hand. "You shouldn't be so hard on it." Mush took the offered hand and they stood looking at each other. Then without thinking, he gave her a gentle kiss.

"Juliet!" a young newsie by the name of Red called. "Someone wants to talk to you," he added pointing over to a crowded area of the hall. She left Mush and quickly headed that way.

"What's her name?" Mush asked Red, who had remained.

"Juliet. And Spot's been looking for her all night." The young boy sighed.

"She's from Brooklyn!" Mush gasped. "An enemy has stolen my heart." Just then Blink came up to Mush's side.

"Hey Mush, we're leaving now. Are you coming?" Mush nodded slowly.

~*~

Juliet looked over to the door, and saw the Manhattan boys leaving. "Red," she beckoned to the young newsie, who had returned to the main group after Blink came up to Mush. "Who is that?" she asked pointing to Mush.

"I don't know…." Red replied.

"Well go and find out!" Red ran off quickly and returned in an instant.

"His name is Mush. One of Jack's newsies." Iris then walked up hearing the conversation.

"Come on Jules, let's go."