Enjoy!


"The sun is up, the birds is singin', it's a beautiful day to crack some heads," laughed Wiesel, approaching the newsies as he cracked his knuckles.

Meanwhile, Jack had her back turned towards the man, eyeing her newsies carefully. She gave them a reassuring smile, holding up her hands briefly to tell them to stay where they were next to the wagons.

"Step right up and get your papes," continued Wiesel, eyeing the newsies with a smirk on his face.

"Hey, you're workin' or trespassin'," stated Morris, punching his palm a few times in intimidation. "What's your pleasure?"

Jack didn't turn around, her focus now on several newsies who were pushing past the others and heading towards Wiesel, bags on their shoulder.

"Hey, who are they?" asked Race.

"Scabs," replied Jack, following the kids' movements as they picked up their newspapers.

"They think they can just waltz in here and take our jobs," grumbled Finch, the grip on his slingshot tightening and Jack worried for a moment if he would use it.

"We can handle 'em!" said Albert.

"Let's soak 'em!" added Race even louder.

A group of newsies began marching towards the scabs and Jack whirled around, arms already outstretched to prevent the boys from going any further.

However, Davey cut in closer to them, yelling out, "Hold it! Hold it! We all stand together or we don't have a chance!" He then glanced back towards Jack as he kept his position to prevent the newsies from advancing. He sent her a look, motioning towards the scabs. "Jack!"

She nodded in understanding. "Yeah, I know, I hear ya." She'd get the scabs while he kept the newsies at bay. "Fellas," she began, addressing the scabs. "I knows someone put youse up to this. They probably paid you a little extra, right?" They didn't answer but she felt it in her gut that it was the truth as she eyed Wiesel and the Delancey brothers.

"Well it ain't right!" she stated with some anger. "Pulitzer thinks we are gutter rats. With no – no respect for nothin', including each other. Is that who we are, uh? Well, we stab each other in the back and, yeah, that's who we are. But if we stand together, we can change the whole game."

She glanced back towards her newsies, seeing as they were just as focused on her words as the scabs were. And then she saw Les, the youngest newsie in the square and she remembered his story, his and Davey's story.

"And it ain't just about us," she said, turning back towards the scabs, feeling the emotions swell inside her at how unfair the situation was. "Yeah, all across the city, there are boys and girls who ought to be out playin' or going to school! Instead, they are slavin' to support themselves and – and their folks!"

She gave a quick glance towards Davey and he sent her a small smile. This is for all of you, she thought. "Ain't no crime in bein' poor! No, not a one of us complains if the work we do is hard. All we ask is a square deal. For the sake of all the kids in every sweatshop, factory and slaughterhouse in this city, I beg you, throw down your papes. And join the strike."

Several heartbeats of silence followed before Les came up next to Jack and added a tiny, "Please."

One of the scabs didn't even glance towards the others as he stared Jack down intently. He then took two long, quick steps towards her and Davey moved forward as well. As he pulled Les back behind him, he positioned himself on Jack's side but she lifted an arm, blocking him from moving any further.

Jack and the boy stared at each other for a moment longer before he lifted his pack of papers and said, "I'm with ya!" He then threw the entire stack on the ground and hope flared inside Jack's chest.

They – they had a chance! Thought Jack, hope flaring in her chest.

As one of the other scabs began marching towards the exit, Davey moved to the side to meet him head on and stopping him in his track. "Now is the time to seize the day!" he said with even more conviction than the previous times. "Answer the call and don't delay!"

The other newsies stepped closer, eyeing that scab in particular as the other scab tried to get him to keep moving. Jack focused on the other scab, staring him down as she motioned towards Davey, wanting the scab to listen to what he was saying.

"Wrongs will be righted. If we're united," continued Davey, his attention on the scab in front of him, his gaze almost pleading the boy to drop his papers and join them.

And that's exactly what the boy did.

The last scab ran up to his friend, disbelief clear in his face. "You're kiddin' me, right?"

"Hey, at the end of the day, who're you gonna trust? Them," the boy motioned towards the newsies, "or them?" He even threw his bag towards Wiesel and the Delanceys before running to join the others newsies.

Meanwhile, Jack was standing slightly back, a smug look on her face as she eyed the Wiesel and the clear frustration on his face. Wait until you lose the last one, thought Jack, turning towards said scab.

She came up right behind him, almost yelling. "Now let 'em hear it loud and clear!" The scab jumped, whirling around to face Jack. "Like it or not, we're drawing near."

Davey came up on the scab's other side, giving him the same stare he had used before. The boy eyed both teenagers, looking more and more unsure by the moment.

"Proud and defiant, we'll slay the giant. Judgement day is here," said Jack, leaning a towards the scab as the others crowded around.

The boy was feeling the pressure but he was also realizing what the newsies were fighting for. "Oh, what the hell," said the boy and Jack glanced towards Davey, a smile forming on both their faces. "My father's gonna kill me anyway!"

And he threw the pack of newspapers to the floor.

All the newsies in the square cheered, jumping with enthusiasm at the success of stopping the scabs.

"Houston to Harlem, looks what's begun!" yelled out Crutchie happily.

"One for all and all for one!" added Davey, a sentence echoed by the other newsies.

"Strike!" some newsies began to cry out and everyone starting joining in. "Strike! Strike! STRIKE!"

Whatever doubt Jack had earlier that morning had vanished. The rest of the New York newsies may not be present but her Manhattan newsies stood their ground and stopped the scabs.

She gave Crutchie a tight hug as they both danced around in excitement.

"We can do this, Jack!" breathed out Crutchie happily.

Jack nodded. "Yes, yes we can!"

She patted his back before heading off to congratulate the others, ruffling Elmer's hair, giving Race's shoulder a squeeze, patting Specs on the arm.

She stopped suddenly in front of Davey and they both stared at each other for a moment. Jack was itching to hug him but she knew that wouldn't go over so well with –

She stifled a squeak as Davey pulled her in for a hug, holding her tightly. She stood there, frozen for a moment before her brain registered what position they were in.

Well, she knew she was going to take advantage of it.

She wrapped her arms around him and hugged him back, taking in the moment.

"Thanks, Davey, for everythin'," she whispered.

Davey sadly pulled away but the smile he sent her way made up for it. "This is thanks to you, Jack."

"Both of us. All of us," she countered with a smile and Davey nodded in agreement.

As Jack moved her focus away from Davey, he continued to study her, his mind going back once more to his sister's words.

He really needed to start paying attention to people around him…

It had taken Sarah about a minute to figure out Jack was a girl while it had taken Davey three days and –

He blushed at the thought of having been pressed against Jack on three separate occasions and he had JUST realized his sister may have been right.

But, the questions remained for him: why did Jack need to hide? Did the others know? Was he only seeing things?

What he did know was that the situation was a lot to take in in the midst of the strike…

Jack, meanwhile, was distracted by a certain reporter to notice Davey's dilemma.

Katherine was standing at the edge of Newsies Square, scribbling furiously on her pad of papers as a man with a camera stood nearby. As if sensing someone watching her, Katherine lifted her gaze and Jack waved at her, sending her a cheeky grin. The reporter rolled her eyes but was smiling as she went back to her writing.

Jack continued smiling as she scanned the crowd of newsies –

"LES!"

The kid was being dragged away by the Delancey brothers, no matter the struggle he was putting on.

"Davey! Jack!" cried Les, scared, as he tried to get out of the brothers' grip.

Jack made a beeline towards them, raising a fist as she did. Morris released Les' arm to go up against her. She swung, only managing to clip Morris in the face.

He, on the other hand, didn't miss. His fist hit her square on the side of the head and she fell back, hitting the ground hard.

Davey had only been a couple of steps behind Jack as he went after Oscar. Unlike Jack though, he didn't have any experience fighting and he got shoved to the side easily enough after having missed his swing.

Jack saw him fall and her fists clenched. It was one thing to attack her. It was another to attack her newsies.

To attack Davey and Les.

She ignored the throbbing in her head as she pushed herself back up and rammed into Morris, getting a couple of punches in before he could recover. She shoved him away and ran towards Oscar who had returned his attention to Les.

"You ain't getting' your grubby hands on 'im!" she snarled, swinging a fist and connecting with the back of Oscar's head.

He growled out in pain and frustration, whirling around to face her. That gave Davey a chance to grab his brother and pull him away from the fight. Once Les was far enough, Davey turned his attention back to the Delanceys and Jack in time to see Morris try to sneak up on the newsie.

"Jack!" he called out in warning.

She only had time to react instinctively by just ducking down, making the Delanceys almost run into each other. Davey reached out, grasping Jack's hand and heaving her up and away from the brothers just as the rest of the newsies surrounded Morris and Oscar.

Davey kept his grip on Jack's hand, pulling her close and out of the way as they watched in awe as the newsies manhandled the Delanceys out of Newsies Square.

Jack tried to catch her breath as she watched her newsies, proud of how they were protecting each other. She smiled softly, glancing around the square –

She froze, staring wide-eyed at Davey, just then noticing how close they were.

And that she was still pressed against him and still holding his hand.

"Uh… you okay? Not too hurt?" Jack asked hesitantly, trying to focus on something else but the fact that they were that close together.

She forced herself to not look away even though she felt her face heat up. She was surprised though when Davey seemed to be fighting a blush as well.

"Wha…?" he began, staring right back at Jack. "Oh… Uh, fine. I'm fine. How 'bout you?"

She nodded shakily as a part of her wondered why they hadn't let go of each other yet while the other part didn't ever want to move away.

"Thank you both!"

Les rammed into Davey and Jack, wrapping his arms around both of them and squeezing tightly. It was a thankful distraction for both teenagers that finally broke their focus and stopped them from continuously staring at each other.

"Of course, Les," replied Jack as both she and Davey wrapped an arm around the boy. "We's family, we look out for each other."

Les looked up at them, the biggest grin on his face.

"Youse three alright?" wondered Crutchie as he made his way towards the trio.

Les turned around, nodding quickly. "Thanks to my brother and Jack!"

Crutchie smiled at the kid before looking over at the older newsies, his gaze landing on their still joined hands. His smile turned almost cheeky and Jack quickly let go of Davey, wanting to get the focus on something else.

"We're good," she replied before clearing her throat. "They didn't get you, did they?"

Crutchie stifled his laugh as he shook his head. "Nah, I's let the others have their fun. I'll find my own fun somewhere else," he replied, keeping that smug smile on his face.

Jack gave her friend a look but he didn't stop. Therefore, she moved towards him, wrapping an arm around his shoulders. Once he was successfully trapped, she began tickling him.

"How 'bout this for fun?" she asked as Crutchie tried to squirm out of her hold, his loud laughter making it harder for him to find the strength to do just that.

"Jack, sorry to interrupt."

The newsie stopped her tickle assault as she looked up, spotting Katherine and the photographer.

"Oh, right!" Jack turned towards the others, raising her voice. "Newsies! Who wants their picture in the papes?"

There was a thunderous yell of agreement from the others making both Jack and Katherine smile brightly.

The others quickly congregated near the reporter as she glanced around, searching for the best spot to have the newsies pose for the picture.

"Over there!" she finally said, pointing towards the distribution dock.

The newsies cried out in agreement as they ran towards it. Jack and Crutchie got to the stacks of newspapers and Jack easily lifted her friend up, setting him down on a stack.

"You'll be easy to spot in the papes," explained Jack with a smile as she also fixed his banner so that it would be legible on the picture.

Crutchie just laughed, motioning to the higher stack next to him. "Then you need to be standin' on these, Mr. President."

Jack made a mocking face towards her friend but did as she was told, easily jumping up onto the stack and standing tall.

This is it, she thought, excited and proud.

"On three," called Katherine from her spot next to the photographer. "One, two three!"

Jack couldn't remember the last time she smiled so brightly.

The moment the picture was done, Jack jumped down from the stack, letting out a joyous cheer. She helped Crutchie down and gave him another hug before turning towards any newsie that was near her. She gave Jojo and Specs a hug as well until her gaze fell on Katherine. Jack ran up to her and picked her up in a hug, twirling her around.

Katherine cried out in surprise and protested for only a moment before enjoying the situation.

"Thank you, Katherine," said Jack as she gently put the reporter down.

"And thank you, Jack Kelly, for giving me the exclusive," she replied with a smile. "For trusting me with it."

Jack gave her a wink and a smile. Katherine rolled her eyes at the antics. Jack was about to ask Katherine about the article she was going to write when she realized that her newsies were growing quiet. She glanced around and spotted what had caused it: Wiesel, the Delanceys and several other large men were entering the square. Wiesel specifically had a metal bat with him as he glared at the kids. With evil smirk, he banged the bat against the gate several times before pointing it towards the newsies and the group proceeded to advance.

Jack glanced around her, searching for something – anything – to help her newsies. Her gaze fell on the wagons still at the square and still filled with newspapers.

"Hey, over 're," she said, motioning for the newsies to grab the packs of papers. "Not yet, though!"

"It's time these kids learn a lesson!" stated Wiesel as he and the men drew nearer.

Jack eyed her newsies, glad to see that almost all had stacks of newspapers in their hand. She marched to the middle ground between Wiesel and them, glaring right back at the man.

"Newsies!" called out Jack, lifting her hand. "Get 'em!"

She swung her arm forward and the newsies imitated her, throwing their packs of newspapers at the men. Jack ran back towards the wagon and, with the help of Albert, heaved it up and both pushed it towards the goons.

After that, it was a free for all.

Newsies and goons ran towards each other, punches flying as both sides yelled out in pain or in anger. Jack rammed into a goon that came up behind Specs, shoving the man to the floor and giving him a swift kick to the side.

As she turned around, Oscar was there, his fist connecting hard with her face, right above her eye. She stumbled back, disoriented for a moment, giving Oscar the chance to swing two more times. He was about to make a third hit when Race shoved him away, giving him a swift kick to the back as he did. Jack and Race shared a look, nodding to each other before they went back to the fighting.

Jack took a deep breath, wiping the blood that was flowing from the cut above her eye as she scanned the area. It was then that she spotted Les nearby and her eyes widened.

What is he still doing here? She thought in fear. She ran up to him and picked him up, searching for a place for him to hide or to get away. The closest thing was a barrel against a wall and she went straight for it, heaving Les up and into the barrel.

"Stay down!" she ordered, making sure he was completely hidden.

Once that was done, she returned her attention to the fighting, searching for the next newsie who needed help. She spotted Mush getting cornered by one of the goons and ran in that direction, jumping onto the man's back and giving him a few good hits to the head. Mush took the chance to kick the goon in the leg before getting away. As the man crumbled, Jack got off, landing on her feet just as she heard Davey's surprised yell.

She whirled around, scanning the square and quickly spotting him next to a wagon, dodging Wiesel's swings of the metal bat. Fear grew inside Jack at the sight, her feet carrying her in that direction. Punches and kicks were one thing but a metal bat could break bones. Just as Wiesel lifted the bat to swing again, Jack jumped, yelling out as she grabbed hold of the bat. Wiesel managed to lift her slightly as he tried to swing which gave Jack the freedom to kick him several times before pushing off of him.

As he stumbled away, yelling out in pain and anger, she reached for Davey, grabbing his wrist and pulling him in the opposite direction.

"Where's Les?" he asked, worried as he scanned the square.

Jack pointed, trying to catch her breath. "Over there, hiding in the... Damn!"

She yanked Davey in the direction of the barrel that was now surrounded by the Delancey brothers. They just found Les hiding in there when Jack and Davey arrived, and the newsies shoved them right onto the wall. The brothers hit the brick hard and slumped to the ground, giving Jack the chance to reach into the barrel for Les and hauling him out.

"Get outta here!" she ordered, pointing towards the gate. "Both of youse!" She looked up at Davey who didn't look ready to leave anytime soon. "Go!" she ordered once more.

"Jack! Everyone needs to leave, you included!" countered Davey.

"Not until the others are out. Startin' with youse!"

She didn't wait for them to answer as she took off to help the next newsie. The longer the fight went on, the more newsies she saw on the ground or nursing an injury and it made her heart clench painfully.

She – she had caused this.

Suddenly, a whistle blew in the area and several officers poured into the square.

"It's 'bout time you got here, they're slaughtering us!" cried Romeo going up to the first policeman, relief clear in his voice. However, the man took one look at the boy before slapping him across the face, sending Romeo to the ground, dazed.

"Cheese it! It's the bulls!" yelled out Jack, pushing the newsies away from the incoming cops.

The newsies scattered, dodging the goons and officers alike as they ran for cover.

"Kelly!"

Jack froze upon hearing that voice. Her gaze darted around the square in fear until she spotted Snyder heading straight for her. She wanted to yell but nothing was coming out. She instead reached for the nearest projectile – an abandoned stack of newspapers – and hurled it at Snyder. It hit him head on, giving her the time to run away.

Her breath was shaky and loud as she ran, hauling Romeo to his feet as she passed him and pushing him ahead of her towards the exit. She grabbed onto the metal fence, using it to help make the steep turn to leave.

Just then, she heard a cry that made her blood run cold.

"Help, Jack! Help! Jack! Romeo! Finch!"

"Crutchie," gasped Jack, searching around her. Where are you?

"Shut it, ya' stupid crip!" laughed Morris and Jack began to panic even more. Where WAS he? She thought.

She moved back just enough to see behind a wagon in the square and her knees buckled upon seeing Snyder yank the crutch out of her friend's hands and swing it down.

"It's off to the Refuge with you, little man!" laughed Snyder, hitting Crutchie repeatedly as the boy lay curled up on the ground, crying out in pain.

"No! No, wait! Please!" cried out Crutchie as Jack leaned heavily on the metal bars, unable to move. She couldn't go help her best friend and she couldn't go get help: her limbs couldn't do anything but shake terribly as the horrid memories of the Refuge and Snyder began to engulf her.

Snyder finally tossed the crutch away, pulling out a pair of handcuffs instead. He grasped Crutchie's wrist, hauling him up painfully as he slapped the metal on, locking the handcuffs. "And you," called out Snyder, pointing to the Delancey brothers, "Take him away!"

The brothers had no problem with that order as they each grabbed a leg and dragged Crutchie away from the square.

All the while, Crutchie was crying out. "Please, Jack! Help me!"

"Crutchie!" wailed Jack, barely finding the strength or courage to go after her friend.

Snyder heard Jack's yell and searched the area before spotting her. "Kelly!" he yelled out, running towards her.

Jack yelled out in fear, willing her limbs to move, to do something. As he got closer, she finally managed to stumble away from the fence before beginning to run down the streets of New York, for the first time in a long time, completely and utterly terrified.


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