Disclaimer: Do I have ta explain this every time! (YES) Fine, I don't own them! Happy, huh? Are you happy now? Geez...

AN: Whew, all nice and calm now. I know I figured that UR would be updated first but this just started to flow better...and I couldn't really help it. I was in the middle of Calc and I wasn't going to stop the creative juices from distracting me learnin'. So yea, enjoy.

Big shout out to a) all the reviewers and b) Dakki for updating Home' I think I gave my VHS supervisor a heartattack, screaming like I did in class. Really, he needs to learn about something called a treadmill. It'll do him some good.

But yea, I'll stop being mean and let ya read. Be thinkin of how I could make Jack more of an ass, ya know, reveal the side of him that thinks of Eppie as only that prize he has to win.

Book One: Chapter 2

He stood outside of St. Mary's Church, shoulders hunched to cover as much of his exposed neck with the turned up collar of his jacket. His hands fit nicely into the pockets of his pants and leaning up against the stonewall was easy enough as long as he shifted every now and then, to avoid any numbness. Smoking was more difficult and every few seconds he'd quickly release one hand, grab the smoke and exhale a steady stream before replacing the cigarette and returning the sacrificed hand to his pocket. He'd worked the system smoothly so that minimum time was allowed.

Looking at the clock tower Jack wondered what time mass would be released. He figured, after a day of racking his brain for some sort of plan that hanging around St. Mary's would be the best way to track this girl down. So he'd set out early that morning, selling in his usual spot before making his way towards the steeple of St. Mary's church. It was a Wednesday and that meant the girls had mass in the afternoon. He knew the schedule from Louisa and for the first time in a while was glad to have known the girl.

The doors creaked open steadily and soon a stream of purple and white flowed down the steps just as a gust of wind whipped up between his shirt and the skin of his back. He shivered, somehow managing to keep the cigarette tightly between his lips, eyes scanning the crowd. He was searching every face, ignoring those that didn't match the picture in his mind, even if their expressions were inviting. It was upon sighting those auburn curls, twirling every which way from underneath a hat, that he pushed off of the wall and called to her.

She turned every which way searching for the voice that reminded her of her father's. It was unlikely that he would have left the store to visit her in Manhattan but the reasons that flashed through her mind for a possible visit made her search him feverishly. When she finally turned to her right and sighted Jack, waiting a few steps down from where she stood, she stopped. He smiled in her direction and she glanced behind her, noticing other girls staring at her, but no one else that he could have been speaking to. She turned back to his smirk, and ascended slowly.

He was cowering into himself; no doubt from the stinging cold and Eppie took her turn in hiding behind the covering of her scarf. The cigarette in his hand, a constant fixture it seemed, was quickly stubbed out. He blew out the last trail of smoke, stuffing his hands deep within his pockets and smiling at her, a nose as red as her hair. She couldn't help but smile at the sight of him, so charming on the outside. But turning back towards the school she noticed the watchful eye of the nuns. More importantly, the watchful eye of all the other girls. Meeting him, she wanted to take his elbow and steer him around the corner of the steps, into the alley on the side that was created by the church being raised higher in the square than any other buildings.

But she restrained herself, catching the eye of some of the other girls and acting as if this acquaintance had been expected. Jack seemed not in the least bit alarmed, rocking back and forth on his heels as he too observed their audience.

Hello, Jack. She answered politely.

What are ya plans?

She wanted to reach up and button the top of his jacket, or at least tuck a hat around his raw ears. Hunching the way he was suddenly made his presence slightly less frightening. Focusing on his nose she answered,

Yea, fo the afternoon.

Oh, I don't have any plans. It was an honest answer; one that any other girl would have covered up. But Jack smiled at Eppie, her cheeks flushed from the cold, and he admired her innocence.

He nudged her elbow and started down the steps. Den I know da best place we can go. But we gotta hurry. I taught you goils got out earlier and

That seemed to alarm her and hurry she did, down the steps and steering herself away from Jack, mumbling something about suddenly remembering. Slightly embarrassed and aware of the snickering of other girls, he trotted after her, swinging her around again by the elbow.

She looked up at him, blinking twice, before exhaling deeply. I have to be back for supper

That leaves us plenty of time.

But I usually walk with Anna, she strained her neck to find her friend. She'll be worried if I don't speak with herI shouldn't go if I can't find her

He bent slightly, so that their eyes were level and pointed behind her. Is that her coming? Turning to look in the direction he pointed, Eppie noticed how he hovered over her right shoulder. One turn in that direction and she could whisper in his ear.

she said, blushing at the thoughts running through her head as he stood again and waved. Anna responded as enthusiastically, raising an eyebrow at her friend before shaking Jack's hand heartily.

Mr. Kelly, she joked. Pleasure seeing you around these parts.

Jack seemed to enjoy the play and moving so that he stood next to Eppie, as if about to rest an arm around her waist, he continued with the mock formality. Miss, da pleasure is all mine. You see you were just the person Eponine and I were looking for.

Again, the eyebrow was directed in Eppie's direction, who tried to get a word in but was drowned out by Jack.

She huffed, but he didn't seem to notice. Yes. Now, if you wouldn't mind I'd love to take your friend here for a little stroll of Central Park

But I told him that I'd already promised to walk you to your afternoon piano lesson so really, you see She began to turn to face Jack and explain when Anna jumped in.

Oh pish, her friend's flustering gestures often humored Eppie, but at this exact moment pushed more towards annoyance. Don't be silly. I'll manage. You two go

Jack need no other encouragement, even from Eppie and began to stroll in the direction of the Park. He stopped, first when Eppie was slow to follow and second to ensure another meeting. One last question, Miss. Anna waited with eager anticipation. I've been asked to invite you and Miss Eponine to dat party I mentioned earlier. A Mista. Conlon, I'm sure you've hoid of him, will be happy to see you dere.

Eppie felt sure that all the color had drained from her cheeks, and she turned, unable to speak, waiting for Anna's response. Oo! We'd love to go. Tell Eppie all about it and she'll let me know.

With that, Anna skipped off in the opposite direction while Jack led Eppie once again by the elbow. They weaved through the groups of girls idling outside of the church and Eppie tried to keep her face hidden behind her scarf and wild curls. Jack on the other hand was walking as tall as could be, almost a full head taller than her, and enjoying the attention he was receiving. That much was obvious.

Eppie could ignore all the younger girls, but it was the ones her age, so knowledgeable when it came to boys, that made her nervous. It seemed she'd be able to slip away without any of the girls in her class noticing, this much made her peek up from behind her scarf. But too late did she notice Louisa's cluster, right at the end of the church steps and very much aware of Jack moving in their direction.

Eppie glanced at Jack momentarily and watched his eyes narrow. He noticed also.

She didn't say anything but her smile told enough. After a slight grimace in Eppie's direction she focused those unusual purple eyes on Jack until they had moved past. Immediately she turned into the circle surrounding her and a loud burst of giggles was Eppie's lasting goodbye.

Eppie didn't realize how quickly she was walking until Jack tugged her to a slower pace. It was also at that moment that she realized his fingers tightly bound with hers. As politely as possible, after a few more moments of walking in that way, she slipped her hand free of his to finger a stray curl.

He noticed, but did not blush as much as she did. Instead, he smirked and moved closer to her, either avoiding the man coming the other way or enjoying the way she squirmed.

Taking a deep breath, Eppie tried to make conversation, seeing as how Jack didn't feel the need. It was very nice of you to invite Anna and I He turned slightly at the sound of her voice and she averted her eye in return. She'll be very excited, although I'm not sure if she'll want to go alone.

She had been hoping that the soft tone of her voice would allow her words to slip unnoticed from her lips, but the way he looked at her directly showed she'd had no such luck. What do ya mean, alone? I'se taught you were comin. He laughed and made sure to pull her through the crowd of merchants, surprised a moment later when she popped out before him and seemed to be the least disturbed. Most girls would have clung to him like ants to candy.

Fixing her scarf, she began to come up with a quick lie. Well, it's on Friday, correct? He nodded, taking a hold of her books so that the task of wrapping herself became easier. Thank you. She continued with her story after noticing he had no intention of returning her books. See, I go home on Friday's, back to Brooklyn, Jack tried not to act too surprised at the new knowledge of her home. He had no idea that St. Mary's took girls from Brooklyn.

He returned to her rambling. And Brooklyn will be so far away from the party.

Actually, it's seems to be your day. Da party's at da Green Leprechaun He became a little distracted, thanks to the blonde passing by and Eppie shuffled away from his arm.

she began to pick at the end of her scarf. I thought it was at Mac's Uptown. She said, referring to the name she'd heard whispered during morning mass.

They haven't been very friendly to us newsies, As he spoke she sensed a shifting emotion, anger and frustration covering up for the arrogance that normally surrounded him. It was moments like this that kept her curiosity; otherwise he was just a senseless prick. But then, seems you know what dat's like.

She cursed again for giving away what leverage she had. He knew where she lived. He knew they were from the same level. Arguing with herself as she walked, head bent and eyebrows knitted, a new question came to mind. How'd you know my name?

Jack smiled that famous grin of his, rubbing sheepishly at the back of his neck. Well, you see, when you left de otha day, I asked ya. The both averted their gaze, settling instead on the path in front of them. Slowly, the trees surrounding Central Park were beginning to grow from where they rested at the end of the grid-mapped street. But ya mustn't of heard me. So, he shrugged, Spot knew your name.

Eppie choked on the air from her lungs. You know Spot, dontcha? Jack asked. She nodded slowly, shielding her face with her right hand so that he didn't see her surprise. He's a good fellow, from your parts. Me and him, been friends since I can rememba Jack continued to ramble, eyes moving from skirt to the next as Eppie shuffled beside him. The passed onto the grass of Central Park and she followed his lead. Her mother claimed that girls got killed in the woods set strangely within the busy city. But it was the absurdity that attracted her to the place—forest among skyscrapers—somehow it had become normal.

She bounced out of her musing when he spoke her name, smiling up at him while his lips moved but no sound register except for that single word. How elegant it sounded from his lips. Eponine, dat's a weiod name. The delicacy of the situation, his appearance of interest in something concerning her, quickly vanished as he pruned, conscious of the mother and daughter walking towards them. He distanced himself momentarily, offering them his last paper, the one that had been tucked underneath his arm the whole time. They refused, less than politely Eppie noticed, and shot her a look as disgusted as the one addressed towards Jack. It made Eppie roll her eyes and trudge after Jack, who was sulking with hands once again deep within his pockets.

So back to da question. How'd your folks pick such a name?"

Absentmindedly she twirled the end of her scarf. It's from a book

Ah, haven't read many of dose. He was glad to see her smile. If he was going to have to spend time with her, the least he could do was loosen her up. She'd thank him for it later.

Well, my father has. He owns a book shop, on the corner of Fiel and St. Paul. He nodded to acknowledge he knew the location. As they continued their walk, Eppie wondered two things. One, their destination. She prayed in vain that it wasn't the group of boys only a few yards away, some playing with swords, the older ones warming themselves in a circle. Two; her name. She wanted to tell him that she was called Eppie, Eponine' separating her slightly from their blue-collar roots. That connection was the closest thing she figured she'd ever share with Jack Kelly.

You got a nickname? Cause I can't be calling you Eponine, not in front of da boys. Although his reason, da boys', seemed somewhat pathetic, she cracked another smile at his ability to read her mind.

At this point they were closing in on the group of boys, Eppie's saving grace being the fact that they were steering away from the larger group, heading towards a single boy sitting beneath a very large, very old, tree. she whispered as they stopped, hoping not to disturb the boy who seemed thoroughly concentrated on the sketch in front of him.

But the boy looked up anyways, his tongue caught half way out of his mouth, another example of his precise concentration. At the sight of Jack his mouth widened into a smile and all drawing pencils were discarded to the grass. Heya Jack!

How's it going Les. Jack bent so that he was eye level with the boy, their hair a matching shade of brown so that the sun shone on it in a way that made them seem to carry two tilted halos. Eppie giggled to herself as the two spit and shook hands, the younger suddenly trying to carry himself like the older.

Les, the name also made Eppie smile, turned to look at her with the same wide grin. Name's Les. He offered, Jack's lack of manners not stopping him from remembering his.

Eppie shook his hand, sans spit, as Jack jumped to attention. Ah Les, allow me to introduce Eppie.

Nice to meet you Les, that's a tricky still life you're working on. Eppie nodded towards the drawing board. There seemed to be the vague outline of the trees in the distance, and green lines where the flowers would be.

Les sighed, shrugging his shoulders with the weight of the world. I can't seem to do it right. I hate school.

Jack laughed, ruffling the youngsters hair. Yeah, well you da one who's gonna go ta college and feed all of us when wese old. So keep up da woik, will ya. This response, appealing wholly to Les' obvious admiration for Jack, made Eppie do a double take. He continued, speaking to Les with the decency deserved by a grown man. I see your brotha's ova there. Something wrong?

Les slid back to the ground, his interest in school seemingly renewed instantly. Dere just talking. David told me to stay ova hea cause it's important stuff. But I'se ova hoid that Harlem's messin with borders.

This information seemed to worry Jack and rubbing at the base of his neck again, he glanced at Eppie's open features. Would ya mind? He asked, continuing with an explanation even after she nodded in understanding. We've been dealing wit these guys non stop since da strike.

Eppie settled at the base of the tree, watching as Jack jogged over the group of newsies. It was a relief in fact, his temporary absence. She'd heaved a sigh of relief that he hadn't dragged her with him, ready to display.

That's what it had felt like on their walk to the park that afternoon. As impossible as it seemed, she'd had a sense, especially when passing by Louisa, that Jack had been gloating. Although she figured there to be very little interest from his side, he liked the idea of being seen with her. So it was strange to see him treat Les with such consideration. It made Eppie question how he acted towards her, how she'd heard of him acting towards other girls.

The other girls, she rolled her eyes again. She'd be hearing whispers all day tomorrow, no doubt until the weekend. And if any of the girls attended this party, the gossip would continue through the next week.

Deciding to ignore the petty problems clouding her mind, she focused on Les' erratic pencil marks. It helps if you hold the pencil like this, she fixed his fingers, placing them in a looser hold. Is this comfortable? He nodded, that little pink tongue peaking out again. Now look at the subject, they both eyed the daffodils, and start with light shapes. You can add detail later.

With her guidance, his paper slowly filled with the outline of daffodil heads, a stem and leaves following. He smiled proudly at her, holding the beginning product out in front of him to admire it from a further distance. How'd you learn to do dat?

She reached for the stack of books she rested on the ground to her right. You look like the type of person that can keep a secret. He nodded furiously, shifting his legs underneath him so that he leaned in closer to the plain black book she now held in her lap. Slowly she turned the pages, displaying delicate watercolors of the city skyline. I paint these on the rooftop of the building I live in. He oohed' and ahhed' over the blending colors of the sunsets, using his own hand to turn the page in search of more. As the images continued, the subject began to change. She ran her finger over a pencil sketch of her father, leaning over his desk that was covered in bills. I'm working on figure drawing. As you can see, it's a little tougher than watercolor.

She watched Les more than her artwork, examining the way he looked the images, how he tilted the book in each direction, as if trying to see them in a new light. After a few more minutes of flipping, he stopped on one of her sketches. I like this one.

It was a quick sketch, maybe two minutes of time for each, and it was of a newsie from Tibby's. He was wearing suspenders, long underwear peaking from underneath an opened button shirt. She'd caught him in different poses, four little sketches on one page, tracking the movement of his hands as he spoke to others.

Yea, I like this one too.

Les returned to his own drawing, working on it for a few moments longer as Eppie borrowed a pencil and began sketching herself. Gradually her gaze drifted in Jack's direction, where all she could see was his profile, silent lips moving in response to the others. There was a different quality about him that she noticed as she began to draw his frame. One hand was resting on his lower back, the other on his forehead that was wrinkled on account of his squinting. The whole picture made him look so worn and it was this Jack that drew her in. She'd been imagining a deeper side of him and wondered whether or not this was it.

Sighing, she rested back against the base of the trunk, adding folds to his pants and juggling with her feelings. Against all of her better judgment she felt him pulling her in. It was ridiculous for her to allow any relationship because of the reputation he held so strongly. He could have any girl—why her?

Les' frustrated sigh grabbed her attention and she lifted her eyes to his form. It's not coming out how I see it in my head! He exclaimed.

She stood, helping him up when he followed. turning to the tree she grabbed tightly onto the closest branch. You just need to take a break. Skillfully she scaled the tree, resting on a branch more than eight feet in the air.

Les was quick to follow and he sat next to her on the branch, mouth ajar. Are all goils like you?

Why do you ask? She teased.

'Cause I think I'm in love. This was the final joke for Eppie and she had to hold on to his arm to steady herself, the laughter shaking her body so much.

Catching her breath and enjoying Les' company she wiped away the tears at the corner of her eye. Look me up in a couple years. I'll certainly be single.

She could see Jack through the sparse leaves in the trees, her conversation with Les drawing most of her attention as they touched upon one random subject after another. His ideas, so genuinely innocent and honest, made her giddy. When Jack finally returned from his impromptu meeting he searched the trees for the laughter, surprised to see both Les and Eppie sitting up there, swinging their feet like children.

What are ya'll doin up there? He asked, folding his arms across his chest as he leaned back to view them.

Les hooked his legs around the branch, swinging backwards so that his arms locked with Jack's. Hey Jack! She climbed up there all by herself.

As Jack helped Les safely to the ground he glanced up at Eppie and caught her grin. You sound surprised. Eppie tilted her head at the charm he seemed to be pushing again. Gone was the serious Jack.

Look how Eppie helped me with my drawing While Les distracted Jack, Eppie took the opportunity to scurry back down the tree, landing with a light thud and drawing the attention of both boys. Les tugged on Jack's arm to regain his attention, pointing to the detail in his daffodil petals. She's really good too. I saw her sketches and

Can I see Jack turned back to Eppie, stepping to the right so that she could slip in between him and Les.



Well, why not. Eppie chose to remain silent, blinking innocently at Jack's questioning and relying on Les' energy to answer for her.

Cause it's in her book. No one else sees it, cept her and me.

Jack ruffled Les' hair once again, pulling the kid closer at the end and trapping him in a headlock. What's this, he rubbed his knuckles along the boy's scalp. You trying to push me out of da pictcha, huh? Well, I don't think so.

Les cried, wiggling out of Jack's grip. Honest, we were just talking. Les looked to Eppie for confirmation and she obliged a slight nod. She told me about people's eyes; you know the trick about eyes Jack?

Jack nodded, looking right at Eppie for some sort of explanation. She couldn't help but blush, wishing that Les would stop blabbing. She said, well, how'd you put it Eppie, Les thought for a moment, oblivious to the awkward silence surrounding him. You can see—see emotions in dere eyes or different characteristics...

Jack laughed too loudly after, causing a sharp glare from Eppie. He coughed, trying to regain composure. Really? That's a new one.

Les continued. She said I had old eyes, can you believe it? Me, old eyes. He held his belly as he laughed, delighted that both Jack and Eppie joined in. Hey! Have her read your eyes, Jack.

Eppie tightened her fists while Jack turned to her with an inviting smile. Yea, sounds fun. He teased, pulling Les to his side. Eppie watched the roughhousing, Les' head pinned to Jack's side, arms flailing in an attempt to sock Jack in the stomach. Before Eppie could scrounge up a remark just as teasing, Les succeed, causing Jack to bend in surprise.

He coughed, trying to regain his breath as Les strutted away confidently. Nice, real nice Les. Why don't you go wit your brotder. Him and the otha guys are grabbing da evening addition.

Eppie jumped, searching the inside of her coat frantically. What time does that come out?

Jack rolled his neck, loosing up the muscles and standing upright. Sometime by five, latest five tirty.

Eppie grasped the pocket watch, scuffing her feet when she saw the time. Shit! Oh, damn. Throwing a good-bye to Les, she broke into a quick jog, heading back towards the city streets, books held awkwardly in her arms.

Jack caught up with her easily, pulling her to a stop by her elbow. What's wrong?
Holding her forehead she paced shortly. I'm gonna be late Jack, Her eyes were wide with worry as she glanced up at him, their faces closer than they'd been all afternoon. Remember how I told you I had to get back?

He remembered immediately, leading her to the streets. Okay, don't worry. I know how I can get ya back. Weaving through the traffic towards he grasped her hand and tugged her along. They stopped in front of a man packing up his street side cart.

We're closed kid. The man returned to his packing and Eppie began to nibble her fingernails.

Right, but I don't want any food. You heading back towards the bridge? The man answer affirmatively without breaking the motion of his work. Mind letting the lady ride which ya? Jack followed the man as he moved, bending up and down, shuffling to the carriage before pushing what looked to be a heavy crate as far back as allowable. She'll tell you all about dem books she reads. Really, she's got the greatest brown eyes to stare into.

The man halted for a moment, facing Jack and nodding. Okay, okay. Don't try and sell her off to me kid. He turned back to his task, still speaking. If you're crazy about em, you usually keep your women close.

His comment made both young adults blush, neither saying a remark either way. A spot was cleared for her in the back and she scooted into position, feet dangling off the edge. Thanks Jack. Her smile was a genuine one

Nah, you can't slip out that easily. He rested one hand on either side of her knees, leaning in closer so that she couldn't escape the beauty of his face.

She felt herself starting to fall backwards.

The dance.

After a moment of contemplation she let that little voice, the one that was normally easy to suppress, win out. Pick me up at the house? It's the only way my parents will let me slip out.

He agreed, promising a seven o'clock showing and Spot's presence, for Anna. One other thing.

Her eyebrows peaked to attention as he batted his eyelashes, so close that it almost brushed her cheek.

What do ya see?

Eppie turned as if she were looking at the man, now in position to start his horse in the opposite direction. That would be her excuse. Jack, he's waiting.

Yeah, and it will only take ya a second He clinched her with his smile, the tone of his voice seemingly the most sincere she'd heard it since his conversation with Les. He lowered his voice, as if a sense of privacy in the conversation would encourage her response. C'mon, just tell,

After shifting in her seat, hoping her silence would let her slip free, she realized he wasn't budging. A smile spread across her rosy cheeks and she titled her head slightly, all the while stating one simple word in the softest tone.