A lone newsie

Pop

November 16th, 1900

______

The walk to the race track went mostly smoothly, despite the fact that Lilac kept on growling and occasionally barking at Jack. She really hated him.

Crutchie, frankly, thought it was hilarious, and almost died of laughter when Jack screamed a very high pitched scream at the dog when she almost bit him. The newsboys laughed and joked about this ordeal, leaving Jack embarrassed.

(Y/N), however, was not as enthusiastic as the rest of the newsboys. Call her a pessimist, but she didn't like seeing the good in things that she didn't know much about. She felt that if you did, you would only get disappointment. Of course, she wasn't entirely wrong, but she wasn't entirely right either.

And so, once they got there, (Y/N) made a beeline to the betting station, eager to separate herself from the group. A few newsboys went to the station to bet as well, but kept their distance. Crutchie wasn't going to bet today, but instead just stick to (Y/N). He was still determined to learn more about her, even if it meant being around her at a betting station

So, while she stood in line, Crutchie decided to make conversation with her.

"Which horse ya' bettin' on?" He inquired.

(Y/N) was taken by suprise, but soon realized it was just the meek boy with the crutch. She sighed and gave her reply.

"Number 8. She seems to have somewhat of a chance today." (Y/N) responded, huffing out.

"Yous mean Lightin'? Nah, she ain't no good." Crutchie replied, adjusting his cap.

"Then who do you propose I bet on, Mister Expert-on-horses?" (Y/N) said snarkily.

"Firs' ova'll, ies ain't no expert. That's Racetrack. Second, you should bet on Hyporian. She's neva' lost a race long as ies been 'ere."

(Y/N) shrugged, realizing they were now at the front of the line. She put her money in the slot, (twenty five cents, to be exact) and turned to go back to the stands, Crutchie and Lilac at her heels.

She took a seat right next to the only other newsboy she knew, (apart from Crutchie), Davey. He seemed like a cool guy, and she was learning to enjoy the presence of his little brother, Les. Crutchie mimicked her behavior, except he sat next to Jack.

"I cant believe yous is friends with her.." Jack mumbled to him, weary of the fact that (Y/N) was sitting in front of them, talking with Davey and his brother.

Crutchie shrugged and whispered back.
"She's not so bad once yous get to knows her.."

____

(Y/N) watched as the horses ran. She didn't cheer like the other newsboys, but instead restrained her rowdy dog, who was attempting to run after the horses.

She kept a particular eye on Hyporian, the horse she bet on. Crutchie was right, shockingly.

She was fast, alright. Speeding past the other horses, th race was over before (Y/N) new it.

When she looked to see the winning roster, she smiled ear to ear. Hyporian had won, but she had won by a lot.

(Y/N) went up to collect her money - fifty cents! She could save some of that for later in the week, but she owed Crutchie some of the money for helping her bet.

So, she walked up to him, her hand extending ten cents to him. Crutchie stood there and shrugged.

"I cant take this, (Y/N). Its not right to's take money from a lady." He said, matter of factly, earning a groaned from (Y/N).

"Look, Crutchie, just take the damned money. You helped me bet, you deserve some of it." (Y/N) replied, rolling her eyes.

"No, ies refuse." He said, crossing his arms defiantly, causing (Y/N) to groan once more.
Then, she had an idea, an offer Crutchie couldn't refuse.

"Alright then, don't take the money." She said, putting it in her back pocket. "But at least come out with me for sodas, I'll pay."

Crutchie sighed with a smile on his face. He did like sodas, and she had offered to pay, like a mature person. If they were being mature, he had to be polite with his response, nothing childish at all.

"Is yous askin' me on a date?" Crutchie replied smugly, causing (Y/N) to snort.

"You wish, pea-brain!" (Y/N) replied.

Crutchie chuckled, then shrugged. "Alright, we's should get going then, if we's want to beat the rush."

(Y/N) smiled a genuine smile. Although she wouldn't admit it, she enjoyed being around Crutchie. He was a nice guy and seemed interested in being her friend.

But before she and Crutchie left, she wanted to say goodbye to Les and Davey.

"Hold on a minute, ill be right back." She said, then dashed off to where they were.

Crutchie was unbeknownst to the fact that Jack had been listening in on the entire conversation. He came over and swung his arm around him in a joking manner.

"So, Crutchie, that's why yous stand her!" He said, laughing.

Crutchie raised an eyebrow, looking Jack in the eye.

"Whadda ya' mean?" He asked, trying to sound as if he didn't understand what Jack meant.

"Yous know exactly what ies mean! Yous carry a torch for (Y/N)!" Jack sneered in a friendly manner.

Crutchie chuckled, adjusting his cap. There was no way in heaven or hell he liked (Y/N) in that manner - it was ridiculous for Jack to even think that.

Crutchie would have replied, but was instead interrupted by (Y/N) coming over. Crutchie slipped away from Jack, who made kissy faces at him as he walked off with (Y/N).

______

At the lodging center, newsboys huddled around Jack, who was sitting next to Kathrine, helping her with whatever she was occupied with, which was an article for the paper.

He had questions for her - most of them revolving around Crutchie and his new friend.

"Hey, Kathrine, uh, how do yous know if someone fancies someone?" He asked, trying not to sound too suspicious.

Without looking up, Kathrine replied.
"Well, it all revolves around tiny signs - little things. Why?"

Jack hesitated. He didn't want to expose Crutchie like this - besides, he wasn't sure he even liked that girl.

"No reason." He responded. "Lets just get back to this article, eh?"

Kathrine nodded, rubbing her eyes.

Today had been a very long day for everyone.

A/N:

ooh

i want to die

goodnight!