Family by any uddah name
By Sage
*Disclaimer: The Newsies and all characters from the movie are the property of Disney. This is a fan fiction written purely for entertainment. I do own all original characters as follows: (Sage, The Morgans)*
**Special thanks to all my goils that are offering use of characters and ideas for use in this fan fic, and for all of your support. Shiny happy thoughts to youz all CTB4evah! Please keep in mind this is a rough draft.**
Chapter 1 Discovery
It was still early, Kloppman wouldn't be waking the boys for another hour or so, but Jack Kelly rose, and dressed just before dawn. The Manhattan Newsies Lodging House was too crowded, many of the boys that lived there, if you could call it that, were having to share bunks, two to a bed. For the shorter guys that was ok, but he was over six feet tall now and it was just too claustrophobic. Besides, spring fever had hit him hard, he longed to be in Santa Fe, New Mexico. Tall buildings replaced by sky, fresh air and the smell of horses and saddle leather filling the clean desert air rather than the stifling smells of the city. He had to get some air, stretch his legs and think, without the constant companionship he faced with the other Newsies. Not that he didn't like the fellas, he did Hell, they were his family But, someone was always coming to him for advice, or whingein' about one thing or another. Jack took care of the boys in his borough of the city, and that wasn't an easy job, but, this morning he needed some space, so he headed for Central Park.
Though it was still early, street vendors were setting up their carts with fresh produce. Morgan's Bakery was bustling with life and the smells of fresh bread and coffee urged Jack to go inside. He didn't normally eat anywhere but Tabby's, a favored restaurant with the Newsies because of the cheep hearty food, but his stomach grumbled in protest when he toyed with the idea of passing the bakery by. He decided on two large scones and a quick cup of coffee.
" How's business Frank?" Jack asked as his scones were being wrapped in thick paper to keep them fresh for his journey. The baker knew what was coming as soon as he caught the glint in Jack's eyes, so he just smiled, shrugged and brushed some flour from his white apron. Morgan was the only skinny baker Jack had ever known and he loved to tease the young man that was just a few years his senior. "I'm tellin ya Frankie, no one trusts a skinny baker." Jack raised an eyebrow and took a gulp of the rich black coffee. "Makes folks wonder if you know what yer doin'." He winked at him and drank the rest of the coffee as fast as he could get the steaming liquid down, without burning his tongue out of his head.
"Cowboy!" Excited screams came from three small boys, all under 5, as they scampered in through the side door of the bakery, the youngest one clutching his mother's skirts and sucking his thumb. "Hello, Jack," Emma Morgan, Frank's wife, smiled at the scene.
Jack smiled, first to Emma, then the boys. "Hey-ya fellas!" He dropped to his haunches, balancing on the low heels of his worn boots, so he was able to look the oldest eye to eye. "Youse behavin' fer yer mom 'n pop Jamie?"
The blonde headed child nodded, his bright blue eyes beaming. "Will ya show us how to make yer rope dance? Puh-leez." His plea was joined by the other two boys. Jack snickered, kids had such funny ways of putting things.
"Aw, I ain't got it with me just now." Jack saw the lad's face drop in disappointment. "But, I will soon, Kiddo." He ruffled each boy's hair in turn, and looked up to meet the tired gaze of their very pregnant mother, "If," he added, as she smiled warmly and shifted her stance a bit, rubbing the small of her back with her fingers, "youz behave fer yer muddah." The boys, eager to see Jack twirl his lasso again, quickly agreed.
Jack took the offered bundle of scones from Emma, said his 'goodbyes' and was on his way.
Soft rain skittered through the maple leaf canopy, the cool drops kissed Jacks cheeks. He stopped walking, took a deep breath filling his lungs with the crisp air, and stretched his arms over his head, his finger tips ticking the wet leaves, sending a shower of rain down on his head. Smiling to himself, Jack shook his head, spraying water in every direction from his soaked hair.
Jack was so busy taking in the sights and smells of spring, he nearly missed seeing the boy that lay curled up on a wooden bench near a hedge of roses. Central Park was pretty and all, but it wasn't any place for a kid to sleep. It just wasn't safe. Even Jack didn't sleep in the park alone, and he was a street-rat! And not just any street-rat either. He was in charge of the fifty or so newsies that called Manhattan home.
The kid wore charcoal grey wool trousers, a faded shirt that had once been hunter green, and a dark colored vest. The clothing all looked three sizes too big for him. A dark newsies cap clung to his head, a few stray auburn curls poked out from beneath the cap. It had been a cold night, well not freezing, but cold enough.. The wool jacket the kid wore was tattered and didn't look very warm. Jack hoped the kid was wearing warm underclothes.'This just ain't right.' Jack couldn't let the kid freeze or get mugged in the park. He had soft features and long dark lashes. 'He ain't gotta chance alone', Jack frowned. His protective instincts took over. He had an idea.
"Hey kid," Jack shook the boy's shoulder. "Kid, c'mon, wake up."
The boy woke with a start, sitting upright so fast he smacked Jacks chin with the back of his head, eyes wide, scared, as he sprang backwards from Jack's touch.
Jack's teeth rattled and he pulled back, partly to calm the boy, and partly to allow his own head to stop spinning. "Easy kid! You awright?" The boy held his own head, the sleeves so long on his shirt they covered his hands. Jack knew the look of fear when it clouded someone's eyes and this kid was terrified. "It's okay, I ain't gonna hurt ya." He soothed, just like he would a spooked horse.
*****
Chloe held her head tightly. What just happened? She would have been panicked, as the memories of the last few days snaked into her head; had her head not hurt so much. Her vision was splotchy, and her ears were ringing, but she slowly became aware of the man sitting on his heels in front of her. He was talking to her, but with the ringing in her ears all she could do was stare blankly and blink at him. Partly willing her hearing to clear, and partly willing he would disappear.
The man was tall and lean, but not skinny. He dressed in the dark muted tones popular in 1900, but he had a red bandana tied at his neck. As her vision cleared she could see that he wasn't a man, not really, rather, a young man still in transition from boy to manhood.
The ringing faded and she could hear him..."...I ain't gonna hurt ya." His voice was calm and strong.
He had a beautiful smile, full and genuine, showing dimples in his cheeks that framed the corners of his mouth perfectly. He had kind, dark brown eyes, the kind you could lose yourself in for eternity. He propped his elbows on his knees with his hands clasped together, one hand in a fist the other covering it, shielding his mouth and nose from her view.
She smiled at him. He raised his eyebrows and a lock of dark brown hair fell onto his forehead, partly hiding his right eye. He shoved a hand through his hair, forcing it out of his way, rolling his eyes as he did so. He looked very young at that moment. She let out a giggle, then immediately remembered that she was dressed as a boy for a reason! She clapped her hand over her mouth and bit her lip.
He smiled lopsidedly at the feminine sound. "I'm Jack," his hands, clutched back together, dropped to their place in his lap. "Jack Kelly. At least that's what me muddah called me. Whadda they call you kid?"
Chloe looked down at the worn toes of her boots. "Chris," she croaked. "Chris McGee" Well, that was her name; sort of. Her full name was Chloe Christine McGee, but as Chloe wasn't likely for a boy, she went with 'Chris'.
Irish, a Chicago newsie that befriended her when she ran away from her uncle's home, said, "if you have ta lie, keep it as close ta the truth, as you can. That way, ya ain't likely to forget the story when it really counts."
"Well, Chris," Jack continued from the same crouched position, "Ya hungry?" He ducked his head, turning it to the side in an effort to look up under the floppy brim of the newsie cap, Jack's forehead was scrunched from his expression. Once he made eye contact, Jack rolled his eyes and made a face at the kid. She smiled and looked up, stifling a giggle just in time to be handed one of the scones Jack had purchased on his way to the park. He sat on the end of the bench, minding the space between them so as not to crowd the kid.
It smells like Heaven! She took a bite of the still warm scone. This is exactly like Mama used to make. Chloe wondered if all of the food in New York was that good.
Jack watched the kid relax as he ate. Good kid, he thought, can't have ya scared of me when I can help ya. He'd seen it before. Too many times. Orphans and runaway kids, trying to make a better life for themselves, trying to save their own lives by leaving bad situations, only to fall, head first into a much more dangerous situation. Wandering the streets of New York, alone. It wasn't as bad in Manhattan as it was in Brooklyn. But without someone to watch your back, you're as good as dead.
They ate in silence a moment before Jack remembered the small silver flask in his vest pocket. Aiden "Spot" Conlon, head of the Brooklyn Newsies, had given the flask to him as a gift a few weeks earlier. Jack didn't drink booze as a rule. His father, Alan Sullivan, was in prison for a variety of cons, assaults and other crimes, most of which were devised or attempted while he was drunk. Kelly wanted nothing to do with Sullivan and was determined to be nothing like him. He even adopted the name Jack Kelly, the name of his mother's father, so he no longer had to share a name with him.
"Ya thoisty, kid?" Cowboy asked as he unscrewed the lid of the flask. His offer was greeted with wide eyed silence. The kid thinks it's booze! He chuckled to himself. "It's just wattah," he said with a lopsided grin. He offered the flask again and Chris took it.
Sweet cool water flowed from the small container. Chris gulped the water and then examined the flask. It had an intricate Celtic cross etched into the front of it. Chris ran her fingers over the cross, it was a symbol she was familiar with, and this one was detailed with intricate knot work. She could feel engraving on the back. Turning it over she read three letters written in flowing script:
C T B
*********
End of Chapter 1
YAY!!!!! I got one done and posted! You have no idea how hard that was for me. Whew! -Sage-
"Foah a dreamah night's the only time of day!" - Jack Kelly-
PAIRINGS: in no particular order. The rest are being worked out: Jack - Sage Spot - Angelstar Mush - Hope & ershey (this will be interesting) Kid Blink - Gin Specs - Stretch
SOs: I am trying to remember everyone and luv ya all!
Angelstar - My co-authorette! Thank you for showing me the ropes and all the great ideas and rp that have inspired so much of this story! This is gonna be so much fun!
Gin- You are a great leader! Thanks for your support and patience with me.
Stretchypooh - ME TWINNY! What can I say to me youngah wizah sistah? Hee hee! You are an inspiration!
Ershey- my early mornin chat buddy! Remember...HAPPY endings for Mushy! He dezoivs it!
BonBon- you tallented crossovah artist you! Jack n Mal in the same story would make this ickle Sagey verry happy.. *grinz*
Hope- I am so looking forward to your story. My foist stahin role! YAY!
Liz - my research goddess! Thx!
Scorch Kae Bookie Fire Lady Jockey Harley Dainti Raven Mayo Scorch Lavender Tree Sparrow Bec Zippy Canarie Slingshot
The list goes on and on and I know I have forgotten people. I'm SO SORRY...you have permission to hurt me even...just not the hands or I can't write any more.
For those that contributed character profs...I have tons of ideas! Thank you! Some of the newsies will be from Chicago. If you don't make it into this story, I PROMISE to have you in the next one. I'm just not 100% sure where it is going yet.
Anywayz, thatss it foah me... Thanks for readin!
PLEEEEEZ give me reviews! I am dying to know what you guys think! And want to make this a really fun story to read.
By Sage
*Disclaimer: The Newsies and all characters from the movie are the property of Disney. This is a fan fiction written purely for entertainment. I do own all original characters as follows: (Sage, The Morgans)*
**Special thanks to all my goils that are offering use of characters and ideas for use in this fan fic, and for all of your support. Shiny happy thoughts to youz all CTB4evah! Please keep in mind this is a rough draft.**
Chapter 1 Discovery
It was still early, Kloppman wouldn't be waking the boys for another hour or so, but Jack Kelly rose, and dressed just before dawn. The Manhattan Newsies Lodging House was too crowded, many of the boys that lived there, if you could call it that, were having to share bunks, two to a bed. For the shorter guys that was ok, but he was over six feet tall now and it was just too claustrophobic. Besides, spring fever had hit him hard, he longed to be in Santa Fe, New Mexico. Tall buildings replaced by sky, fresh air and the smell of horses and saddle leather filling the clean desert air rather than the stifling smells of the city. He had to get some air, stretch his legs and think, without the constant companionship he faced with the other Newsies. Not that he didn't like the fellas, he did Hell, they were his family But, someone was always coming to him for advice, or whingein' about one thing or another. Jack took care of the boys in his borough of the city, and that wasn't an easy job, but, this morning he needed some space, so he headed for Central Park.
Though it was still early, street vendors were setting up their carts with fresh produce. Morgan's Bakery was bustling with life and the smells of fresh bread and coffee urged Jack to go inside. He didn't normally eat anywhere but Tabby's, a favored restaurant with the Newsies because of the cheep hearty food, but his stomach grumbled in protest when he toyed with the idea of passing the bakery by. He decided on two large scones and a quick cup of coffee.
" How's business Frank?" Jack asked as his scones were being wrapped in thick paper to keep them fresh for his journey. The baker knew what was coming as soon as he caught the glint in Jack's eyes, so he just smiled, shrugged and brushed some flour from his white apron. Morgan was the only skinny baker Jack had ever known and he loved to tease the young man that was just a few years his senior. "I'm tellin ya Frankie, no one trusts a skinny baker." Jack raised an eyebrow and took a gulp of the rich black coffee. "Makes folks wonder if you know what yer doin'." He winked at him and drank the rest of the coffee as fast as he could get the steaming liquid down, without burning his tongue out of his head.
"Cowboy!" Excited screams came from three small boys, all under 5, as they scampered in through the side door of the bakery, the youngest one clutching his mother's skirts and sucking his thumb. "Hello, Jack," Emma Morgan, Frank's wife, smiled at the scene.
Jack smiled, first to Emma, then the boys. "Hey-ya fellas!" He dropped to his haunches, balancing on the low heels of his worn boots, so he was able to look the oldest eye to eye. "Youse behavin' fer yer mom 'n pop Jamie?"
The blonde headed child nodded, his bright blue eyes beaming. "Will ya show us how to make yer rope dance? Puh-leez." His plea was joined by the other two boys. Jack snickered, kids had such funny ways of putting things.
"Aw, I ain't got it with me just now." Jack saw the lad's face drop in disappointment. "But, I will soon, Kiddo." He ruffled each boy's hair in turn, and looked up to meet the tired gaze of their very pregnant mother, "If," he added, as she smiled warmly and shifted her stance a bit, rubbing the small of her back with her fingers, "youz behave fer yer muddah." The boys, eager to see Jack twirl his lasso again, quickly agreed.
Jack took the offered bundle of scones from Emma, said his 'goodbyes' and was on his way.
Soft rain skittered through the maple leaf canopy, the cool drops kissed Jacks cheeks. He stopped walking, took a deep breath filling his lungs with the crisp air, and stretched his arms over his head, his finger tips ticking the wet leaves, sending a shower of rain down on his head. Smiling to himself, Jack shook his head, spraying water in every direction from his soaked hair.
Jack was so busy taking in the sights and smells of spring, he nearly missed seeing the boy that lay curled up on a wooden bench near a hedge of roses. Central Park was pretty and all, but it wasn't any place for a kid to sleep. It just wasn't safe. Even Jack didn't sleep in the park alone, and he was a street-rat! And not just any street-rat either. He was in charge of the fifty or so newsies that called Manhattan home.
The kid wore charcoal grey wool trousers, a faded shirt that had once been hunter green, and a dark colored vest. The clothing all looked three sizes too big for him. A dark newsies cap clung to his head, a few stray auburn curls poked out from beneath the cap. It had been a cold night, well not freezing, but cold enough.. The wool jacket the kid wore was tattered and didn't look very warm. Jack hoped the kid was wearing warm underclothes.'This just ain't right.' Jack couldn't let the kid freeze or get mugged in the park. He had soft features and long dark lashes. 'He ain't gotta chance alone', Jack frowned. His protective instincts took over. He had an idea.
"Hey kid," Jack shook the boy's shoulder. "Kid, c'mon, wake up."
The boy woke with a start, sitting upright so fast he smacked Jacks chin with the back of his head, eyes wide, scared, as he sprang backwards from Jack's touch.
Jack's teeth rattled and he pulled back, partly to calm the boy, and partly to allow his own head to stop spinning. "Easy kid! You awright?" The boy held his own head, the sleeves so long on his shirt they covered his hands. Jack knew the look of fear when it clouded someone's eyes and this kid was terrified. "It's okay, I ain't gonna hurt ya." He soothed, just like he would a spooked horse.
*****
Chloe held her head tightly. What just happened? She would have been panicked, as the memories of the last few days snaked into her head; had her head not hurt so much. Her vision was splotchy, and her ears were ringing, but she slowly became aware of the man sitting on his heels in front of her. He was talking to her, but with the ringing in her ears all she could do was stare blankly and blink at him. Partly willing her hearing to clear, and partly willing he would disappear.
The man was tall and lean, but not skinny. He dressed in the dark muted tones popular in 1900, but he had a red bandana tied at his neck. As her vision cleared she could see that he wasn't a man, not really, rather, a young man still in transition from boy to manhood.
The ringing faded and she could hear him..."...I ain't gonna hurt ya." His voice was calm and strong.
He had a beautiful smile, full and genuine, showing dimples in his cheeks that framed the corners of his mouth perfectly. He had kind, dark brown eyes, the kind you could lose yourself in for eternity. He propped his elbows on his knees with his hands clasped together, one hand in a fist the other covering it, shielding his mouth and nose from her view.
She smiled at him. He raised his eyebrows and a lock of dark brown hair fell onto his forehead, partly hiding his right eye. He shoved a hand through his hair, forcing it out of his way, rolling his eyes as he did so. He looked very young at that moment. She let out a giggle, then immediately remembered that she was dressed as a boy for a reason! She clapped her hand over her mouth and bit her lip.
He smiled lopsidedly at the feminine sound. "I'm Jack," his hands, clutched back together, dropped to their place in his lap. "Jack Kelly. At least that's what me muddah called me. Whadda they call you kid?"
Chloe looked down at the worn toes of her boots. "Chris," she croaked. "Chris McGee" Well, that was her name; sort of. Her full name was Chloe Christine McGee, but as Chloe wasn't likely for a boy, she went with 'Chris'.
Irish, a Chicago newsie that befriended her when she ran away from her uncle's home, said, "if you have ta lie, keep it as close ta the truth, as you can. That way, ya ain't likely to forget the story when it really counts."
"Well, Chris," Jack continued from the same crouched position, "Ya hungry?" He ducked his head, turning it to the side in an effort to look up under the floppy brim of the newsie cap, Jack's forehead was scrunched from his expression. Once he made eye contact, Jack rolled his eyes and made a face at the kid. She smiled and looked up, stifling a giggle just in time to be handed one of the scones Jack had purchased on his way to the park. He sat on the end of the bench, minding the space between them so as not to crowd the kid.
It smells like Heaven! She took a bite of the still warm scone. This is exactly like Mama used to make. Chloe wondered if all of the food in New York was that good.
Jack watched the kid relax as he ate. Good kid, he thought, can't have ya scared of me when I can help ya. He'd seen it before. Too many times. Orphans and runaway kids, trying to make a better life for themselves, trying to save their own lives by leaving bad situations, only to fall, head first into a much more dangerous situation. Wandering the streets of New York, alone. It wasn't as bad in Manhattan as it was in Brooklyn. But without someone to watch your back, you're as good as dead.
They ate in silence a moment before Jack remembered the small silver flask in his vest pocket. Aiden "Spot" Conlon, head of the Brooklyn Newsies, had given the flask to him as a gift a few weeks earlier. Jack didn't drink booze as a rule. His father, Alan Sullivan, was in prison for a variety of cons, assaults and other crimes, most of which were devised or attempted while he was drunk. Kelly wanted nothing to do with Sullivan and was determined to be nothing like him. He even adopted the name Jack Kelly, the name of his mother's father, so he no longer had to share a name with him.
"Ya thoisty, kid?" Cowboy asked as he unscrewed the lid of the flask. His offer was greeted with wide eyed silence. The kid thinks it's booze! He chuckled to himself. "It's just wattah," he said with a lopsided grin. He offered the flask again and Chris took it.
Sweet cool water flowed from the small container. Chris gulped the water and then examined the flask. It had an intricate Celtic cross etched into the front of it. Chris ran her fingers over the cross, it was a symbol she was familiar with, and this one was detailed with intricate knot work. She could feel engraving on the back. Turning it over she read three letters written in flowing script:
C T B
*********
End of Chapter 1
YAY!!!!! I got one done and posted! You have no idea how hard that was for me. Whew! -Sage-
"Foah a dreamah night's the only time of day!" - Jack Kelly-
PAIRINGS: in no particular order. The rest are being worked out: Jack - Sage Spot - Angelstar Mush - Hope & ershey (this will be interesting) Kid Blink - Gin Specs - Stretch
SOs: I am trying to remember everyone and luv ya all!
Angelstar - My co-authorette! Thank you for showing me the ropes and all the great ideas and rp that have inspired so much of this story! This is gonna be so much fun!
Gin- You are a great leader! Thanks for your support and patience with me.
Stretchypooh - ME TWINNY! What can I say to me youngah wizah sistah? Hee hee! You are an inspiration!
Ershey- my early mornin chat buddy! Remember...HAPPY endings for Mushy! He dezoivs it!
BonBon- you tallented crossovah artist you! Jack n Mal in the same story would make this ickle Sagey verry happy.. *grinz*
Hope- I am so looking forward to your story. My foist stahin role! YAY!
Liz - my research goddess! Thx!
Scorch Kae Bookie Fire Lady Jockey Harley Dainti Raven Mayo Scorch Lavender Tree Sparrow Bec Zippy Canarie Slingshot
The list goes on and on and I know I have forgotten people. I'm SO SORRY...you have permission to hurt me even...just not the hands or I can't write any more.
For those that contributed character profs...I have tons of ideas! Thank you! Some of the newsies will be from Chicago. If you don't make it into this story, I PROMISE to have you in the next one. I'm just not 100% sure where it is going yet.
Anywayz, thatss it foah me... Thanks for readin!
PLEEEEEZ give me reviews! I am dying to know what you guys think! And want to make this a really fun story to read.