JackCrutchie Oneshots

In Which Jack Kelly Is Too Tough

A/N: my aesthetic is me writing whatever I want and pretending it all makes sense :,) pls request cute things that might help my writers block :,) I'm looking to include the other boys in plots more!

Jack Kelly liked to lead. It was an addiction of sorts, an adrenaline high when he saw others look up to him. He was selfless, saving his money to pay for other kids when they needed it. Jack had bought Specs new glasses, Racetrack a pair of new shoes, and even had gotten Crutchie his first good crutch.

"That piece of junk's been rotting for months. Take this one."

Jack was never bothered if he skipped a meal, always willing to give one of the younger newsies food over himself. He'd given away pillows, blankets, books; anything to make a sad face grin. He would spend hours talking to Crutchie whenever he could, sing him to sleep; make any nightmares go away when he had them.

A few months after the strike, although, all of it was starting to become too much.

The morning bell rung as it usually did, early and annoying. Jack had probably slept less that three hours the night before. Les had been up late, visiting the Lodge with David, not leaving until well past midnight. After the two of them left, Jack was left to console a younger newsie who missed his parents.

By the time he had crawled up to the rooftop and lied down next to Crutchie, it felt only minutes passed by the time the bell rang. Jack arose with a grumble and gently woke Crutchie up.
"It's time to get up, baby."

Crutchie opened his eyes and smiled a smile that made a weight seem to lift off of Jack's shoulders. "Good morning, Jacky."

Jack gave a soft grin back. "Good morning, let's get down to the square, yeah?"

Crutchie sat up, tilting his head. "Are you okay?" He questioned, placing a hand on Jack's cheek. "You look absolutely exhausted.

Jack waved him off, helping him stand. "I'm fine, just didn't get much sleep last night, is all."

Crutchie thought for a moment, sliding his crutch under his arm. "Why not stay here for the morning and come on down for the afternoon paper?" He spoke an answer into the air as if it could be that simple.

"I can't do that today." Jack almost laughed, starting to climb down the rooftop. He carefully helped Crutchie slide down into the Lodge.

"Why not?" Crutchie asked, following Jack outside. "You never miss a day and sleeping in once isn't gonna kill ya-"

"Crutchie, sweetheart, I'm exhausted, can we talk about getting rest later-" Jack's voice was wavering, annoyance in his tone.

"But that's just it, you're exhausted." Crutchie rolled his eyes and shook his head, trying to keep up when Jack quickened his pace. "You need to get rest now and then you can sell later if you're up for it!"

"No."

"Why not!"

"I said no."

"Please, Jack?"

"Crutchie, I said no."

"And I'm saying you should rest."

"I don't need rest."

"Jack, you need rest if you're tired! Skip today-"

"No, I don't, I need to get a little extra saving money."

"Why?"

"One of the kids lost-"

"It's not for you?"

"No?"

"Admit when you need to do something for yourself, Jack-"

"Damn it, Crutchie! Can you stop, I'm not going to change my mind about selling today." Jack was nearly shouting at Crutchie, teeth tightly gritted and a glare in his eyes.