Newsies One Shots

Anthony Zas {Set Up}

(Ok so I'm sorry if these are getting worse I'm just running out of good ideas)

~ ~ ~

My best friend Nick smiled as we walked towards my house, "I wanted to tell you that I'm making my Crutchie debut when you see the show this weekend!"

"Congratulations!" I yelled, hugging him, "I'm so proud of you."

"Thanks, Carly!"

The second we walked into my house, my older sister and my mom practically ran to the door, engulfing Nick in a huge hug. Since he's been on tour with Newsies, they haven't seen him in 6 months. When you see someone 6 days a week, going 6 months with only face timing can be a while.

"Woah, woah, woah. He's my best friend!" I said, making everyone laugh.

"But he's my adopted little brother," my sister said, messing up his hair.

We all sat down on the porch outside, drinking lemonade and talking for hours before Nick had to go to his show.

"So, how's being back home?" My mom asked.

Nick sighed happily, "It's been great. All of my family is coming to see the show, and I've been hanging out with my friends," he punched me lightly on the arm.

"Well, we can't wait to see the show on Saturday," my mom said, "and you're going to be Crutchie I'm so proud of you Nicky!"

"Thanks, Jen," he said, hugging my mom, "I have to get back to the theatre, but I'll see you guys in a few days."

"I'll drive you," I offered, getting my car keys.

I pulled up in front of the theatre's stage door to let Nick out, and my heart stopped when I saw a guy walking towards the car. He was gorgeous; his clearly defined biceps were exposed from his tank top, and his hair was neatly spiked up in the front.

I turned the car off and got out when Nick waved at me to come over. Nick and the mystery guy did that weird bro hug thing, and started talking about some guy named Josh who apparently had just spilled coffee all over himself.

"Anthony, this is Carly," Nick introduced us, so I shook Anthony's hand, immediately feeling a spark.

Anthony smiled, revealing a small dimple on his cheek, "We've heard a lot about you."

I blushed, giving Nick a dirty look, "I wish I could say the same about you."

"Are you seeing the show?" He asked.

I nodded, "Yeah, I'm coming to the Saturday matinee!"

"Well, Carly, I'll see you then. It was nice meeting you." Anthony said, making the butterflies in my stomach go crazy. He patted Nick on the back and headed inside the stage door.

My best friend turned to me, eyebrows lifted and mouth hanging open, "You are unbelievable."

"What are you talking about?" I tried to say casually, leaning against my car.

"I've known you for 17 years. I know when you like a guy, and you really like Anthony." He responded.

I sighed, "Do you know if he's - um - single?"

Nick nodded, "Yeah he is," my face lit up, "do you want me to say anything to him?"

"Please don't oh my gosh, no!" I basically screamed, "I'll just talk to him at the stage door on Saturday. Plus, he won't like me back anyways."

Nick hugged me, "I gotta go, but if he doesn't like you back, then he's an idiot. See you tomorrow."

~ ~ ~

A few years stung the back of my eyes as Nick bowed during the curtain call. He winked at me from my front row seat, while limping back to the towers.

We slowly made our way out of the theatre and to the side of the building to the stage door. Several boys came out before Nick, and most of them knew who I was even though I had only met them on the night of Nick's debut 6 months ago.

After I took a picture with Josh, I turned my head to see Nick and Anthony walking out of the stage door together.

Oh shit. Oh shit. Oh shit. Nick was going to say something to him if he hasn't already.

I ran over and hugged him as soon as he was done talking to the girl in front of us, "You were amazing, Nicky. I'm so proud of you." Without thinking, I hugged Anthony too, immediately regretting my decision, "Oh, I'm sorry," I mumbled, not sure of what to say.

"Don't worry about it," he whispered into my ear as he hugged me again. This kid was confusing.

"So, do you wanna get dinner before my next show?" Nick asked me after we stepped away from my family.

We decided to meet at Corner Bakery in 20 minutes after he stopped back at his hotel.

15 minutes after we finished meeting everyone, I went and found a booth to sit in while I waited for Nick. Not long after I sat down, Anthony came in talking to someone on the phone.

He looked around until he saw me, and waved. I smiled, looking back at my phone. 10 minutes after Nick was supposed to be here, I texted him.

Carly - where are you?

Nick - see Anthony?

Carly - yeah

Nick - he's supposed to be meeting me
     too. You're welcome

I cursed under my breath. Of course he set us up. I wonder how I didn't know. Slowly, I walked over to Anthony's table, and saw on his phone that he was texting Nick too.

He looked up and laughed awkwardly, "I think we were set up."

I nodded, "Yeah, it looks like it. Can I sit?"

Anthony nodded, so I sat down and placed my hands under my thighs; what I do when I'm nervous.

We ordered and had a really nice conversation; we were a lot more similar than I thought. Both of us listen to the same kind of music, we have the same favorite movie, and we both are friends with Nick for some weird reason, so maybe something could work between us.

After we finished, I pulled out my wallet to pull out some money, but Anthony stopped me right away, "No way, Carly."

I questioned him, "I can't let you pay for me."

He smiled, "A gentleman always pays on the first date."