Across the Times
By: Nightingale
Rating: PG13
Jack, Gin, and Timid worked great together. All three were selling through Jack's normal spots. Gin caught on fast, as did Timid who easily learned to turn pity his way. They were quite the little group selling more papers than any other team, if you ignored the fact that they had an extra member.
The trio certainly had their times of laughter, but as lunchtime came Gin got quiet and Jack noticed it.
"What's wrong" he asked though part of him knew what it was
"You guys are going to attack tonight."
"Alright"
"There were quite a few deaths.on both sides."
"That can be expected."
"Not the way the deaths come."
Gin immediately covered her mouth, but the words had already escaped and fell quickly on Jack's ears.
"How? What are you talking about" he asked franticly grabbing her arms and holding her firmly before him.
"I can't tell you everything Jack. History has to go as it is supposed to."
"What do you mean? Just tell me."
"If I say anything you'll act on it."
"I wont."
"But I know you and you would. I wish I could say. It's killing me inside Jack, but I've done enough to history. I really need to stop interfering."
"I understand" he said slowly
What I would give to tell you that they will bring knives into a weaponless battle she thought.
"Really? You really understand" she asked
"Yes. I'll understand whatever you need me to" he said as his hands slipped from her arms to around her waist as they walked.
Sure enough that night they all prepared for the one and only battle in the war. Jack stood up on a table and addressed the newsies as they all held their girls. Jack looked down at Gin and smile reassuringly before looking over the newsies.
"Alright guys. We all know what we are in for."
No you don't.
"I still want you all to be extra cautious. I want you to watch each other's backs you got it. I want the younger ones to stay here. Gin will be here"
"But Jack" Gin interrupted
"Gin will be here to keep an eye on them. Lets move out."
They were all so proud as they walked out of the lodging house and only Gin knew of their danger. They all knew how dangerous these things were but they didn't know about the change of events to come. Jack stood back a little and turned to face Gin. He embraced her quickly.
"I was already supposed to be dead and I don't know if I'm one of the numbers to be dead after this. Either way I don't want you to be a witness to it."
Tears were in her eyes.
"Remember one day me and you are going to get out of here and we're going to go to Santa Fe with Timid."
Gin smiled. Jack turned to leave but Gin grabbed his wrist halting him.
"Wait a second." She ordered and ran upstairs
Gin returned and closed her eyes.
"I can't tell you everything Jack" was all she said as she handed him a small knife.
"This is a no weapons fight." he protested
"Take it just in case." She stated hoping he'd catch her drift.
"My God." was all he said
"Jack. You can't tell them. I just want to make sure we make it to Santa Fe. I don't think I could bare losing you."
"What about all the others"
"The others were meant to die as were you. I'm breaking the rules already don't make things worse. I know this is selfish but" He silenced her with a kiss.
He tucked the knife away and quickly ruffled Timid's hair before turning to catch up with the group. Timid pressed into Gin's legs and she felt him shudder.
"Jack's going to be okay right" the boy asked
Gin realized that the boy cared as much for Jack as she did. Gin kneeled down next to him and gathered the boy into her arms.
"He's going to be fine." She said
At least I hope so.