Disclaimer: I don't own Newsies, Empress of the World, and/or any media references I may make.

Emperor of the World

July 30th, The River, 10:15 pm

Racetrack is walking between us. He is a little tipsy and is slurring his words together.

"Listh-en you guys," he turns to each of us slowly. "This was a great thummer! I had so, so, so, so much fun!"

Skittery looks slightly embarrassed behind Race's head.

Why, do you ask, am I outside with Skittery? And Racetrack? Because we're 'chaperoning'. Jack and Isabel are ahead of us, holding hands. Apparently they've had a little thing for a while. I just haven't noticed because I'm dense and I was too busy worrying about myself.

Racetrack is finding it difficult to walk in a straight line. He is swerving left and right, hitting Skittery and I in the process. We round a curve and a tall hill comes into view. The river passes by it, bending enticingly. A memory flashes into my head. I can tell that it weaves through Skittery's as well, because he is trying hard not to look at it or me. Racetrack straightens up for a minute and his eye meets mine. They are overcome with sudden clarity before he topples up onto the hill and lies down.

He's not drunk. I can tell.

"Leave me 'ere guys," he says, closing his eyes and curling up like a five-year-old.

I shoot a stolen sideways glance at Skittery who is bending down to Racetrack's side.

"Race, get up," he whispers. He looks up at me hurridly. He looks scared.

Racetrack doesn't answer.

"Let's go Skittery," I say, not even thinking about what I just said.

Skittery looks panicked. "Don't you even care about Racetrack?"

"He's not sick," I say.

Suddenly I realize that it must seem like I'm trying to get Skittery alone.

"...but we should take care of him first, I guess," I add hastily.

Skittery nods and turns back to Racetrack. I see Racetrack flich slightly before resuming a peaceful look of unconciousness.

"Race-track, Race-track."

Race moans dramatically. "Spotty? Is that you?" he gropes in the dark for something. "Spot? I've missed you so much."

Skittery is confused. "Who's Spot?" he hisses to me.

I grin, but Skittery doesn't see me. "Race's boyfriend."

Skittery backs away slowly. "I think he'll be OK for now. He just needs some rest."

"Yeah," I agree.

By the time we start walking again Jack and Isabel are out of view. The river is very soft and there is a slight hum from the dance, which is a little while away.

"It's been a good summer? Hasn't it Dutchy?" He doesn't ask it like that's his opinion of it, he asks it like he wants me to tell him like it was. He wants reassurence.

"I don't know Skittery."

He doesn't look at me.

"I don't know," I say again.

We are walking slowly. I kick a rock into the river and watch it skip smoothly.

"I didn't want it to be like this," he says to me faintly. He sighs.

I wait. And wait. "What did you want it to be like?" I ask.

He doesn't answer.

I want to take charge. I really want to.

So I do. And I kiss him. For a second he doesn't react. When he kisses me back I feel something crying inside of me. Like I'm so happy that he didn't push me away or punch me in the face.

But tomorrow I have to pack my bags and go home.

End Chapter

Sorry guys. Short, I know.

Shoutouts

Sorry again, no shoutouts.