Chapter Two

"So," I sighed, flopping down next to Racetrack in the booth, "Anthony, what's really going on with Manhattan?"

"Syd," he sighed back, rolling his head back.

"See I knew it, you don't want to tell Piper something," I smirked, "What's going on, Tony?"

"Aiight, fine, but only cause I trust you," he muttered, looking at the smiling Piper who was serving the table at the other side of the room, "It's Harlem."

"Knuckles?" Racetrack nodded, "Uhg, that guy hates me."

"Yeah, well apparently, he's thinking of causing us some trouble and rumor has it, it's causa you two."

"Doesn't surprise me," I sighed, rubbing a hand over my face, "He never was too fond of, ahem, letting go."

"Yeah, well Piper's a," but he trailed off, at a loss for words.

"Yeah, I know, Tony, I know," I smiled, ruffling his hair, "She's pretty swell."

"Better than swell," he muttered stubbornly.

"Of course, of course," I laughed, slapping him playfully on the back, "So can I do anything to help, with the Knuckles situation I mean."

"I know what you mean you cheeky little," but he stopped himself, "Nothing really, just, you and Piper-."

"Stay out of trouble, yeah aiight, I get it."

"Syd, it's only cause-."

"We're girls."

"No, cause fighting's pretty nasty and while you're good," he made sure to emphasize the last part, "I don't want to risk it, specially cause if something happened to you, I'd be in so much trouble, I mean-."

"I get it Tony," I smiled fondly.

"So how's life here?"

"God," my smile disappeared, "The Newsies, if only they were all like yours. How's Jack by the way?"

"Sarah's pregnant," Race smiled.

"Oh! That's great!" Racetrack laughed at my sudden burst of emotion. "That's really great, I'm glad they're happy."

"Syd, stop flirting with my boyfriend," Piper grumbled, I raised an eyebrow and Piper jerked her head at the table a few down from them, "Can't control their hands."

"What?" both me and Racetrack demanded. She shook her head but I was already standing, not being blocked off by Piper.

"Oi!" I yelled at the table, the two boys looked at me and I glared down, "Get the hell out."

"Aw, c'mon darling," one of them slurred, running a finger down my arm. I grabbed his finger, bending it back and he gasped.

"Now, sleaze ball." He didn't move, so I bent it further back, yanking him up. I threw him out the door and his partner just smirked, following him. "And don't come back ya pervs."

"Sydney-Rae," Carter called, "It's Piper's turn to close up. You can leave."

"Yes!" I smirked but laughed at Piper's whine. Racetrack kissed her and promised to help as I untied her apron. "Bye guys."

"Bye," Race laughed as Piper grunted, "Be careful."

"Will do," I grinned and the bell on the jingled as it closed.