The Strike (A Newsies fanfiction)

Chillin' With My Bros

I sat on my bunk, staring up at Albert's bunk above me. Everyone was moping around, still angry about Jack's betrayal. Katherine had come through a bit earlier looking for him, and Specs had brought her up to the rooftop where Jack slept. We hadn't seen her since.

Most of the other boroughs newsies had gone back home, but a few of them stayed. I recognized Ace and Pinstripe from midtown talking to Sugar, one of the Brooklyn girls. Smalls and Sniper sat together in the corner, hand in hand, talking quietly.

I was sitting alone, due to the fact that all my friends had ditched me. I know, they're so sweet. Blink and Mush had disappeared a while ago, and Finch was helping Albert raid the kitchen. Jojo was passed out in one of the chairs. I sighed and closed my eyes. I needed sleep. I hadn't gotten back to Manhattan until late last night. Just as I started to drift off, someone sat down on the edge of my mattress. I groaned.

"Go away. Can't you see that I'm trying to sleep?" I said, not bothering to open my eyes.

"Nope," a familiar voice answered. My eyes shot open as I someone snatched my cigar out from between my lips. I sat up to see Spot Conlon sitting on the edge of my bunk, my cigar in his mouth. I glared at him.

"Thief," I muttered. He raised an eyebrow at me but said nothing. We sat in silence for a moment. I wanted to ask about the strike, about why he came, even after saying he wouldn't. But I didn't. Instead we just sat there, enjoying the company of one another. After a while, Albert and Finch came over.

"Hey Racer- hold up, is that your cigar?" Albert looked shocked, staring at my cigar, which was still in the possession of Spot.

"Yeah," I said. Albert sat down on Finch's bunk.

"Oh, so I'm not allowed to even touch your precious cigar, but Spot can use it?" Albert feigned hurt. I rolled my eyes. Finch was standing off to the side, looking at Spot nervously. He had always been kind of jittery around Spot.

"Sit down, Finch. Spotty won't bite," I glanced at Spot. "Probably," Finch hesitated, then sat down next to Albert.

"Race, what have I told you about callin' me that?" Spot said.

"Not to?" Spot nodded.

"That's right. So stop callin' me it," I smirked at him.

"Whatever you say, Spotty," Spot shot me an annoyed look. I winked at him in response. Finch and Albert sat and watched us argue, looking confused.

"Right, so..." Albert looked between Spot and I. "Imma go bother Specs, or somethin'. Nice talkin' to ya, Spot," He stood up, grabbing Finch's hand and pulling him along with him. Finch awkwardly waved goodbye, letting Al drag him away. I lay back down, tugging my cap over my eyes.

"Racer!" a voice called. I groaned. Can't a guy get some rest?

"Whad'ya want?" I mumbled. Jack and Katherine appeared at my side. Spot glared angrily at Jack.

"I need your help," he said. "You too, Spot. Katherine figured out how to win the strike,"

Hello fellow fansies! Tis I, the author, bringing you yet another chapter!

There are only three chapters left after this. Once and For All, the finale, and an epilogue that I have an idea for. I hope you've enjoyed this fic!

I want to say thank you for over 200 reads! I've never had this many reads on a story. You guys are amazing and I love y'all so so so much!

Au revoir!

- Peaches