Standing Straight (Newsies FanFic)

Jack Kelly And The Walking Mouth

'What?' Jack asked in a mocking tone. 'Don't tell me ya scared 'a Brooklyn?'

'We ain't scared 'a Brooklyn.' Defended Specs.

'Spot Conlon just makes us a bit noivous.' Boots added.

'Okay! What about da Bronx? Don't tell me ya scared 'a dat?'

'Scrub only comes off as pleasant.' Racetrack informed the group.

'I heard he once beat a man while smilin'' Mush added nervously.

Jack sighed deeply and David felt his eyes widened, what had he gotten himself into?

***

David honestly thought he and Jack would have been able to recruit Spot, he never expected Spot to look like he was gonna kill him and then just send he and Jack away like he was some king with the flick of his hand.

Jack still seemed confident though, David was sure it was only an act.

The pair had sent Boots home and started to walk to the Bronx on their own.

David had a seeking suspicion that this 'Scrub' was going to act like Spot.

'Well if it ain't Jack Kelly.' A deep, strained kind of voice called out towards them.

Strained because it felt like kind of forced and fake even to David's ears.

'Scrub!' Jack called out happily as if they were best friends, David almost thought he and Jack had a change to get this guy on their side but then he saw the way Scrub narrowed his eyes and David sighed.

They had no hope.

'It's real polite 'a ya ta meet us at da border.' Jack said still smiling. 'Guess ya couldn't wait ta see me, it's been forever.'

'I didn't want yer spreading words about that stupid strike you got inside yer head, me boys have a hard life and de don't need somethin' dat could get 'em arrested.' Scrub told Jack with a warning expression, the Bronx leader spared one glance at David who gulped nervously but tried to straighten his back with mock confidence. Scrub scoffed slightly and slid his eyes back to Jack.

'How'd ya know 'bout our strike?' Jack asked with a bewildered expression.

'Spot's guys getta 'round fast.' Scrub laughed. 'Even jus' a few minutes ago, so I see you's try at Spot didn't work. Yer and dat walking mouth of yours ain't gotta chance 'a winning whatever you's is tryin' ta do.'

'We would If you joined us.' David stepped forward. He always had trouble shutting his mouth that boy. 'You and Spot - you're complaining it won't work without even giving it a try. We'd win with you two on our side.'

'Yer really are a 'Walking Mouth'. Scrub observed. He shook his head and placed his hands in his pockets, spat on the ground and grinned at the pair.

David cocked his head to the side slightly, something about his stance, his face and how it looked, or how Scrub tried to make it look. Something seemed off.

'Dave's right.' Jack said, he stood forwards and looped an arm around David's shoulders. 'Come on Scrub I know ya wanna piece of this action.'

'You must not know me well 'Cowboy'.' Scrub said mockingly. 'I ain't gonna help ya, none of me boys are. We ain't gonna get arrested and rot in the refuge because yer brain's rusted and don't work. Now scram, getta outta here before I make yer.'

David looked as though he wanted to say something, he tried to step forward but Jack tightened his grip on his friend's shoulder and pulled him back.