Newsies Middle School - High School AU

Chapter 69 - Breaking Race

Around a week before Halloween, the newsies were all hanging out in Elmer's shed, just sitting around and relaxing while they listened to the rain outside. 

"You know what we should do for Halloween?" Maine started, "I mean not this year, it's too close to Halloween to do this, but like next year, all of you who are couples should have a couples costume contest,"

"Okay, I'm interested," Jack nodded.

"But here's how it would work, you don't get to choose the couples you dress up as, we draw out of a hat," Maine explained, "the contest will be judged by Crutchie and I of course,"

"Speaking of costumes," Race chuckled, "what is everyone dressing up as this year?"

"I'm gonna be Elastigirl," Maine shrugged, "Crutchie has agreed to be Edna Mode," 

"I think I got convinced to be salt," Davey looked at Jack, they were snuggled together on a beanbag chair, watching something on Jack's phone.

"I guess that means Jack is going to be pepper," Maine nodded.

"Yeah, why else would I convince Davey to be salt?" Jack rolled his eyes.

"I suddenly want cheese," Crutchie expressed.

"Probably because Jack is going to be pepper and that reminds you of pepperjack cheese," Maine reasoned. More newsies shared what they were going to be for Halloween, but then conversation fizzled out again.

"How about you, Race, what are you going to be for Halloween?" Jack remembered who originally asked the question.

"You want to see?" Race took his phone out, "Spot's homecoming had a 60s theme, so Spot and I are just going to use what we wore there as our costumes," 

The newsies didn't know whether or not to be surprised when Race showed them a picture of himself in a grey turtleneck sweater, plaid miniskirt, and long socks.

"My brain hates my eyes right now," Albert blinked.

"How does Spot feel about you dressing like that?" Crutchie chuckled.

"He doesn't complain about it, he doesn't encourage it," Race shrugged, "honestly I dress how I want, Spot doesn't care,"

"Would you care if I wore a dress?" Jack asked Davey.

"I mean, it would be surprising, but I wouldn't say anything," Davey shrugged, "why? would you wear a dress?"

"I dunno," Jack shrugged, "maybe if a situation demanded it. I wouldn't care if you wore a dress,"

"I wouldn't wear a dress," Davey replied. 

"Why not?" Race scoffed, "they're comfy... well, it depends, but a lot of them are comfy,"

"I just don't think I'd be comfortable wearing a dress," Davey shrugged.

"You can't judge until you try," Race crossed his arms.

"Uh... I..." Davey couldn't seem to find his words.

"No one's going to make you wear a dress if you don't want to," Jack promised.

"I HIGHLY recommend it, though," Race emphasised, "they're freeing,"

"Conversation over," Jack threw Race a stern look.

"If you like skirts and dresses so much, why don't you wear them more?" Maine asked.

"When you're a composed gentleman such as myself, skirts and dresses are only for special occasions," Race responded.