The Experiment || Newsies AU

Chapter 27

TW: Implied homophobia.

Jack and JoJo arrived to see Race curled up on his bed crying. They quickly rushed over and sat beside him, Albert joined them after he had closed the door behind him.

Race rolled over and laid his head on Jack's lap. Jack played with Race's hair while Albert and JoJo rubbed circles on either of his hands.

Race started to calm down but neither Jack or JoJo knew what to say or why he was so upset. They looked at Albert for an explanation.

Albert looked at Race and back at the two boys. "I was in the shower when he told me to get out, saying he needed to ask me something. I thought he just wanted to hang out or something. But he started asking about how his father doesn't visit him and if it was his fault. I told him it wasn't and he looked like he was going to cry so I hugged him and he started crying, then I brought him here and got you guys and that's it," he whispered not wanting to upset Race any further.

They looked at Race with sorrow and a burning rage towards his father. They all collectively agreed that if they ever met his father, he'd be lucky to even walk ever again.

"Hey Race, can you look at me?" Jack whispered. Race turned around to face him. "You are the most intelligent, funny, kind and all-round great person I've ever met. If your father can't see that that's his own fault, but believe me you are so much better than your father deserves for a son."

Race shook his head. "No, it's my fault he hates me so much. He told me so," he started crying even harder and the boys tried to calm him down. "If I were just normal then he wouldn't hate me it, but no I just had to write to him and tell him that I have a crush on Spot."

The boys all shared looks, none of them knowing about the letter he had sent his father.

And then, Spot walked into the room.

~~~
360 words