Newsies One-Shots

Chapter 91 - Jack and Medda

Jack Likes Elmer's Nails and Medda is the Most Supportive Mother Ever
Ship - Jack and Medda (mother-son)
Era - Modern
Triggers - Toxic masculinity and insecurities.

All through school, Jack couldn't help but stare at Elmer, specifically his brightly coloured nails.

"Jack," Davey made Jack realise that he had in fact been staring and hadn't just taken a quick glance. "Class is over."

"What?" Jack mumbled. "Class only started, like, five minutes ago."

"It didn't. It finished two minutes ago."

"Oh, wanna walk to lunch together?" Jack asked.

"Of course. I always want to walk to lunch with you." Davey reached across and took Jack's hand. "Why wouldn't I want to today?"

Jack shrugged. "Sorry. I just wanted to make sure."

"Come on. Let's go," Davey smiled as he and Jack walked through the halls to the cafeteria where the rest of their friends were all already sitting and talking.

"What took you two so long?" Race asked. "You're usually here first."

Jack looked at Davey and smiled as he started to lead them both over to their usual seat.

"Me and Davey were talking," Jack explained as they sat down. "Is there something wrong with that?"

"No. Just wondering," Race shrugged.

Immediately, Jack started a conversation with Crutchie and Finch. All throughout the conversation, he found himself looking at Elmer's nails.

"Are you okay?" Crutchie asked.

"Yeah. I'm fine. Why wouldn't I be?"

"You keep looking at El."

"I'm just admiring his nails," Jack said suspiciously. "They're really colourful and nice."

"Yeah, they are," Crutchie agreed.

Jack picked up his lunch and took a bite. Much, to his dismay, he had to let go of Davey's hand so he could eat. As he did so, he was deep in thought. Over what, he wasn't sure but he felt like he needed to think deeply.

~~~

Jack stood awkwardly in the doorway as Medda sat at the kitchen table, painting her nails.

"Hi, Mama," he said, causing Medda to jump and nearly spill nail polish all over the table.

"Jack." Medda put her hand on her heart from the fright. "I didn't see you there."

"Sorry. Can I ask you something?"

"Of course, baby." Medda motioned for Jack to sit beside her. "What's up?"

Jack sat down in the seat beside Medda, looking down at his hands.

"Can you paint my nails?" he asked sheepishly. "I know it's not very manly but Elmer's nails look really nice with them and I kinda want mine done too."