I do not own Newsies or any of the Newsies characters. To the best of my knowledge they are owned by Disney.
I am making no money from this story. I seriously doubt the sanity of anyone who would pay money to read anything I have written.
A/N Sorry it took so long to post this chapter. I painted myself into a corner with the last one and had to do some tap-dancing to get myself back in line. Please R&R.
Thanks to '0' EmeraldEyes'0', pennaroyaltea, and Lady of Tir Na Nog for the reviews and suggestions. You are the Best!
Special thanks to Lady of Tir Na Nog for the loan of "Irish," who will be introduced in the next chapter.
Chapter 4 - Life is Good
Tony and Chris couldn't believe their eyes. Jack Kelly and David Jacobs were standing right in front of them.
"What the hell are you guys doing here?" Tony asked as the four exchanged handshakes and hugs.
"David and I wanted to come back for a visit, and I'm here to investigate a story."
"You? The world famous award winning independent journalist? The star of newsprint and magazines alike. What could you, Jack Kelly, possibly find to investigate in this sleepy little bedroom community of our youth?" asked Tony with a sarcastic grin.
"I got a couple of phone calls and this letter tipping me off that Pulitzer's closing isn't on the up-and-up."
Tony and Chris took a quick look at the letter. It alluded to fraud, payoffs, misappropriation of funds, and a multitude of other allegations.
"Where did this come from?" Chris asked.
"All I know is that the letter was mailed three weeks ago from the post office here in town. I received the last phone message about five days ago. It instructed me to come here to the Pulitzer gym before 5:00 p.m. today."
"David and I had been talking about coming back for a visit anyway, so we decided why not? Even if it was a joke we had nothing to lose."
"So why are you here? Have you been receiving any mystery messages of your own?" asked Jack.
"Nah. My sister, Reggie asked us to come and look over some financial and legal papers regarding the sale of this place . . . Hey, Jack. You don't think that it was Reggie who called, do you?"
"Not unless your little sister sounds like a fifty-year-old fat man from New York City."
"Fat? . . . Jack, how does someone sound fat?" David asked.
"What?"
"You said that the caller sounded like a fifty-year-old fat man. How do you know that the man is fat? Tell me, Jack. Exactly what does fat sound like?" David questioned with a teasing smile.
"Okay. I stand corrected," Jack laughed as he slid his arm around David's waist.
"You see fellas. This is why I have him proofread all of my articles. It pays to have a teacher in the family!" Then Jack whispered something into David's ear which caused him to blush bright red and burry a smile into Jack's neck.
"So, Race. What did you find out from the papers Reggie gave you?"
"Not much, Jack. I ran the numbers and everything seems to be okay, but . . . I don't know. I can't put my finger on it but something isn't right. I just haven't figured out what. Maybe it's nothing. Maybe I just want to help Reggie, and my subconscious is making me think something is wrong."
"What do you think, Chris? Did anything strike you as unusual on the legal end?"
"I haven't had a chance to look at anything yet. I arrived right before you. I was hoping to take care of some personnel business first, but your untimely arrival put an end to that idea."
"Still a horny little bastard aren't you, Blink?" Jack chuckled.
"Yes he is," Tony grinned as he put his arms around Chris. "Lucky Me!"
"Okay you two," laughed Jack. "Put those hormones in neutral, and lets take a look at those papers"
"You and Tony go ahead," Chris instructed. "I want to talk to David for a few minutes."
As they went to sit in the bleachers, David noticed the gold band on Chris' left hand.
"Does that mean what I think it means?" David asked.
"Yup. We did it. We got hitched in a civil ceremony last year. It's finally legal for us to buy towels that say HIS and HIS."
"That's great, Chris. Congratulations. I want to hear all the details."
"We didn't make a big deal out of it. It was just the two of us. We snuck off and took the leap. Then we rented a place by the ocean and had five wonderful days to ourselves."
"Well, Chris. It certainly does agree with you. You look very happy."
"I am happy, David. Nothing could make life better for Tony and me. The only thing I could possibly want would be seventy more years with Tony. Just the two of us. I know that sounds sappy but it's true. I am a very lucky man . . .So tell me, David. How's life been with that Cowboy of yours?"
"It's been great, Chris. Really great. We're complete opposites, but it works so well for us. Our personalities compliment each other. Who would have thought that Cowboy Jack Kelly and me, the Walking Mouth Jacobs, could be so happy. The only thing that could make us happier would be a child. It's what we both want. Obviously that isn't physically possible."
"Have you thought about adoption? Over the last several years it has become much easier for gays to adopt."
"We looked into it, but Jack's work takes him away from home so often, we were told that our chances of being considered were almost nonexistent. Unless one of us grows a uterus and starts sprouting eggs it's just not going to happen. It's a shame because there is still a lot of Cowboy in Jack. He's just an overgrown kid inside. He'd make a great dad."
"Hey!" Jack called from across the gym. "You two can compare notes on how great Race and I are later. Right now we need Blink to take a look at these papers."
"You better get over there, Chris. It sounds like Sherlock and Watson need your help. Don't worry about me. I brought plenty of my own work to keep me busy. We can talk later."
Now sitting alone in the bleachers, David opened his briefcase and thumbed through the large stack of paperwork inside. He stopped for a moment and looked around the old gym and smiled.
"I can hardly believe that it's been fifteen years," he sighed.
Just before the end of their junior year, Jack's advisor informed him that he needed to participate in an activity other than sports to increase his chances of getting a college scholarship. The advisor said that Jack should give it some thought over the summer.
About half way through the summer vacation, Jack asked his friends what they thought he should try? There were plenty of ideas but Jack liked David's the best.
David was the editor of the school newspaper. He thought that Jack might make a good reporter.
David and Jack discussed what type of article would best serve the newspaper and still utilize Jacks talents. As usual, Jack had plenty of suggestions.
"I could write a column on who's screwing who at Pulitzer," was Jack's first suggestion.
"You can save that idea until you graduate and go to work for one of the supermarket tabloids," David replied.
"How about I do an in-depth study on which cheerleaders give the best head?"
"Hey! My sister is on that squad," David protested.
"Yea I know. Sarah's Hot! But sorry, Davey. There will be no favoritism. She'll have to prove herself to me just like everyone else."
"That's not funny, Jack."
"Yea it is, Davey. Lighten up already."
After suffering through what seemed like hours of Jack's lampoon-ish suggestions, David narrowed the choices down to two. He could either agree to make Jack the schools first sex advisor/gossip columnist, or utilize Jack's other talents and make him the school's sports reporter. David chose the latter.
Jack was assigned to cover the school's athletic events, interview the participants, and do general interest articles about sports.
They both agreed that if Jack were to be ready in September they would need to start right away.
David taught Jack how to research information, conduct an interview, and how to write an interesting article.
In turn, Jack taught David about sports and how to lighten up and have a good time.
They spent a good deal of time together both working on the project and just hanging out.
Jack's article was published the first week of school, and it received great reviews.
Life was good.
"Come on, Davey," Jack laughed as he caught David in a head lock. "Let's go celebrate and plan my next article. It's my treat!"
They picked up a couple of pizzas and brought them back to Jack's house.
David had to admit that the article was exceptional. "I can't believe you've never written anything before this, Jack. It really is good. You have a natural talent for journalism."
Jack got David in a head lock again. "It isn't going to work, Davey. You're just flattering me so I won't interview your sister for my 'Best Head' article."
Jack suddenly let go of David. Jack's face was hot and flushed red. He'd gotten an odd feeling deep inside when they were wrestling. It was a feeling he had never experienced before, and one that he was quite sure he shouldn't be enjoying.
They went back to discussing Jack's writing and ideas for his next assignment.
David was flipping through a notebook of scribbles that only he could decipher. Jack watched intently as David revealed each suggestion and comment he had compiled on Jack's behalf. Jack eyes followed David's hand as it brushed the stray curls from his forehead. He could feel his face getting hot as David ran his fingers through his thick dark curls. Then when David clenched the pen between his teeth, Jack's breathing became rapid and shallow. Jack couldn't concentrate on writing. All he could think about was David and the feeling he had when they tussled. He could still fell the sensation deep within his body.
Suddenly without thinking, Jack began to speak.
"So, Davey? You're gay, right?"
"What?"
"You're gay, right?"
"Yes I am. Why, Jack? Does that bother you?"
"Of course not. It doesn't effect me any. I was just wondering why I never see you hanging around with my cousin Spot. He's gay ya know?"
"First of all, being gay isn't like joining a club. We don't have meetings where we wear silly hats and have secret handshakes. And we don't automatically hang out together because we're gay. Just like there are straight people you don't hang out with."
"Second, Spot isn't gay, Jack. He's bisexual."
"It's the same thing isn't it?" Jack asked. (Of course Jack knew the difference between the two. After all, Spot had been living with Jack and his mother for the past seven years. But David was always so serious that Jack couldn't help teasing him just a little.)
"No, Jack. It's not the same. Bi means that Spot likes both boys and girls."
"Yeah. That sounds like Spot. He always did like to keep his options open. . . . So do you have a boyfriend Davey?"
"No, not at the moment. Why?"
Jack just shrugged his shoulders.
"Oh I get it. This is where you tell me you know some really nice gay guy that you want me to meet, and you're sure that we would be great together. Am I right, Jack?"
"Don't be so sarcastic, Davey. It just so happens that I do know someone who likes you. He is a nice guy too. He's really popular, and he's not bad looking either. You could do a lot worse you know!"
"Okay, Jack. Who is this Prince Charming you think I should meet?"
Jack didn't say a word. He just looked at David, then leaned over and kissed him.
"What are you doing, Jack? You're straight! . . . Aren't you?"
"Yea . . . I mean no . . . I don't know. I never thought about it before. I like girls, But lately since we've been spending so much time together I've been thinking about . . ."
Suddenly, Jack was overcome with embarrassment and fear.
"Just forget it, Dave. It was a mistake. Okay?"
But David couldn't forget it. He moved closer and kissed Jack. It was a long and deep kiss.
Jack stopped worrying about whether he was straight or not. The only thing that mattered was David. That David was kissing him and that he wanted David to kiss him.
Life was very good.
David and Jack didn't see much of their friends over the next several weeks. They spent all of their free time together. Everyone assumed that they were working on Jack's writing skills, but the skills they were utilizing had little to do with writing.
The thought of being with a boy had never occurred to Jack. Not until that first day with David. Now he wanted to be with David more than anything.
Jack had always chosen the role of aggressor in his relationships. Now he was eager to let David take the lead.
David was in awe of Jack's body. The years of physical training had made him strong and lean. The mere sight of Jack's smooth skin over his subtle, yet muscular frame made David's body ache. He longed to touch, to kiss, and to savor every part of Jack. He taught Jack how to please and to be pleasured. He somehow knew exactly what Jack wanted and what he needed. With David, Jack experienced pleasure that could be described as nothing less than ecstasy.
Jack was amazed to learn how incredibly sensitive David's body was to his touch. He delighted in knowing that by kissing David in a certain spot, or in a particular way, he could make David moan and shudder uncontrollably. Jack longed to experience every inch of David's body.
They explored each other thoroughly and easily. Together, they discovered a passion that was uniquely their own. One tailored to their specific needs and desires.
Jack wanted and needed David. For the first time in his life, Jack felt complete.
They were an odd couple, but it suited them. The were like two pieces of the same puzzle. Completely different, yet they fit perfectly together.
Life was incredibly good.
David gave Jack the assignment of interviewing Itey's older brother Giovanni "Skittery" Callo. He had been Pulitzer's basketball captain two years ago. Skittery was now in his second year at college. He was the first of the Callo family ever to attend college.
Jack asked Skittery all of the questions that David had prepared. The who, what, when, where, and why of a proper interview.
When they were through, Skittery said that he wanted to speak with Jack off the record.
"Look, Jack," he said. "I have to be honest with you. I heard around town that you switched teams . . . That you've gone gay."
Jack felt the rug pull out from under him. He and David had been so careful. They didn't think that anyone knew.
"Before you get pissed off, you should know that I didn't hear it from Itey. I asked him and he said that it was a lie. I don't care if it's true or not. The only reason that I'm bringing it up is that it could ruin your chance at getting that scholarship you want."
Jack's heart started to pound and he began to sweat. He was struggling to fight off the panic that was taking him over.
"I've seen it happen. These schools want to protect the image of the all American boy. Any hint of your liking guys is bad for that image. They want someone they can show off to the alumni. Last year, there was a rumor about one of the football players. Before the guy could even defend himself, his scholarship was revoked. They came up with an excuse that had nothing to do with his sexual preference. It didn't matter that it wasn't true. The guy was gone before he knew what hit him."
Jack didn't know if he wanted to deny the rumors or to defend himself. It didn't matter much either way because he was too shocked to speak.
"I like you kid. You are one of my brother's best friends. I just wanted to warn you ahead of time. They won't care if it's true, so you have to protect yourself. If you want that money you're gonna have to play their game. You need to be seen as the hard-hitting ass grabber they want."
Jack left the Callo's home in a panic. All he ever wanted was to go to college. Without a scholarship it would be impossible. Jack's mother had a hard enough time paying the bills. Even with Jack and Spot working part time jobs there was little money for extras, let alone pay for college.
Jack started to run. He needed to get to the safety of his own home. He wanted to lock himself inside his room where he could think.
As he rounded the corner and tore across his front lawn, Jack saw David sitting on the front steps.
"Hi, Jack. How did the interview go?"
Jack avoided looking directly at David and fumbled for his keys.
"Good, Davey. It went really good."
As Jack pushed through the front door, David automatically followed him inside.
"I couldn't wait until tonight to find out. With all of us going to the dance together, I was afraid that we wouldn't get a chance to talk about it. . . . Come on Jack. Tell me. How did it feel to do your first interview? Did Skittery give you the information you need?"
"Yea, Dave. He answered all of your questions. He threw in some extra information too. Stuff like how he heard that I've switched teams and how it's all over town that I've gone fag."
David felt his knees go weak. "No . . . No, Jack.That's impossible. We've been very careful."
"Well I guess we weren't careful enough, Davey," Jack hissed as he threw his notebook on the table. "Skittery also informed me that Ican kiss-off any chance of getting a scholarship. It seems that the big money guys don't want sissies representing their schools."
"No, Jack. Skittery is wrong. That's discrimination and it's illegal. The schools would lose their funding if they were caught doing something like that."
"Grow up, Davey. It happens all the time. Skittery told me about this one guy who lost his scholarship over a rumor that wasn't even true. They just found some other reason to get rid of him."
The silence in the room was deafening as Jack stared at the blank wall.
Finally, Jack turned to face David. "You know that I can't take that risk, don't you?"
David felt a sudden tightness in his chest. "Jack, what are you saying?"
"Look, Davey. This has been nice and all, but I got my future to think of. I need that scholarship. There is no way I can go to college without it. They'll be a thousand guys applying for the same money. A lot of them with grades better than mine . . . No school is going to give a basketball scholarship to a fairy. They want jocks that they can show off at alumni dinners. The type of guy who throws frat parties, and dates cheerleaders . . . That's just the way life is, Davey. I have to start thinking about myself."
David was crushed. Being with Jack was the most important thing in his life. Jack had become his world. David thought that Jack felt the same way about him.
"That's fine!" David shouted. "Go do what you have to do. Pretend to be something that you're not, because I don't need you! . . . I don't need you!"
David walked away without looking back.
Jack feltlike he wasgoing to be sick. He hated himself for what he had done to David and for what he was doing to himself. He wanted to run after David. To apologize and tell him everything would stay the same between them but he couldn't.
Jack needed that scholarship. He was going to college, and nothing was going to stop him.
Life isn't always good. Sometimes it really sucks.
End Chapter 4
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