A.N. Crutchie and Race friend/brother fic thing, so yeah. Here we go!
After chasing Albert around for about an hour that afternoon, Race sat down on the steps outside of the Lodging house his cigar twirling between his teeth. For once, he actually sold his papes early, nice headline and a beautiful day. He was the first one back and was enjoying some peace and quiet.
Race heard light thumps on the ground coming in his direction, a sure sign of Crutchie coming. Not seconds later Crutchie plopped down on the steps next to Race laying his crutch on the ground. Crutchie, apparently, could tell Race wanted silence, or as much silence as they could get in Manhattan, because he didn't say a word. Didn't make a sound.
Race could tell why Jack liked to spend time with Crutchie. He didn't probe for answers the way the other guys did or butt into a conversation he shouldn't be in. Hey could be just as loud and funny as the rest of the boys but sobered up real quick and could stay silent without squirming around, Race included. Race sighed, that's enough peace and quiet for one day.
"How youse doing, Crutch?"
"Ise good. Sold all me papes today, someone even gave me a dime."
"Dat's good."
They were silent once again. For something to do, Race puffed heavily on his cigar attempting to blow a smoke ring.
"Why do youse smoke?"
Race blinked.
"Huh?"
"Why do youse smoke?"
"Cause it gives me something ta do. And Ise likes it."
"Oh."
Race looked over at Crutchie. Crutchie was no Albert so maybe…
"Hey, kid, youse wanta try it?"
"Really, youse neva give away youse cigar."
"Youse ain't Albert, besides it's only one puff not the whole damn thing."
"Sure."
Crutchie took the cigar from Race's hand and gave it a once over. He shrugged, put it in his mouth and took a breath. Then he immediately began to cough. Race laughed as he took the cigar away, smacking Crutchie's back as he hacked up a lung.
"Gosh that was awful!"
"Youse gets used ta it."
"Ise don't thinks Ise wants ta get used ta it."
Race laughed again and wrapped his left arm around Crutchie's shoulders as the sun started to go down. Crutchie shivered.
"Youse cold?"
"A little."
"Here, take a puff it'll warm youse right up."
"Eww, no way!"
Race laughed for a third time that night. He nudged Crutchie with his arm and pulled him to his feet.
"Come on, let's get inside, it's freezing out here."