When The Ink Dries ~Newsies Fanfic'

Chapter Eight

Skipper P.O.V

The following day, we head to the distribution center for the scoop on the other cities. "Well umm... Harlem wants ta' know what Brooklyn's doing." Finch says to Jack. "Yeah, same in Queens." Elmer and Henry mutter in unison. "Hate ta' break it Jacky, but uhh... ain't no different in da' Bronx." Race says, shrugging. Jack rubs his eyes, exhaling sharply. "Well Dave, I think we all wanna know what Spot said." Jack says, looking hopefully at him. "Well... he said... not yet. He needs us to prove that we're not afraid, and won't run at the first swing of a club." Jack nods, sort of lecturing the boys about how we can prove ourselves. None of the boys listen. Jack scoffs, offended. "You tell em', Dave!" He sits back by me, and I just grip his hand.

Now is the time to seize the day, stare down the odds and seize the day... minute, by minute, that's how you win it, we will find a way... but let us seize the day.

Courage cannot erase our fears, courage is when we face our fears. Tell those with power, safe in their tower, we will not obey...

Jack and I stand, joining everyone else on singing along.

Behold the brave bettalion, that stands side by side... too few in number, and too proud to hide.

And say to the others, who did not follow through... you're still our brothers, and we will fight for you...

Everyone begins to sing louder, and Davey leads them. At one point, Les brings a paper, laying it down in front of Crutchie. He smiles, standing on it. He quickly seperates his legs, ripping it in two. He begins to dance around, sort of like ice skating. Everyone watches, soon following to do the same. Including me. I skate up to Jack, laughing wholeheartedly. He slips his hands around my waist, balancing me as I clumsily skate across the ground.

Suddenly, the shrill squeal of a whistle causes me to cover my ears. Men in gray and black holding clubs and gripping brass knuckles stroll in a line towards us. Scabs. "Newsies! We gots' a fight!" Jack yells behind him to us. I hide behind him shyly, never being much of a fighter. He whips around, looking at me with concern. "Skip. Take Crutchie, and climb up the fire escape, ya hear? Stay there until I come for you." He whispers. I nod, kissing him briefly. I help Crutchie climb up, sitting by him innocently. Below us, a war of newsies v.s scabs breaks out, and I find it hard to identify anyone.

"So... no alive relatives, eh?" Crutchie asks abruptly. "Nope. But like I care. I'm takin' care of myself fine." I sigh harshly. He looks at his lap, blank faced. "I neva'... knew my folks. I was tossed out at a young age. The Delancies beat me to da' core, and Jack saved me. This is all I have to remember my parents." He pulled a necklace of a silver key from his shirt. "I dunno what for, but I always kept it." I smile, nodding. He tucks the key back into his shirt. "I uhh... owe a lot to Jack. I'd probably be dead without him. He's really something, doing things for others, but puttin' himself through hell."

I smile, watching him fight a scab. "He really is something." Crutchie nods, messing with his thumbs. "You really is a lucky goil. If I was a goil, I'd be all ova' Jack." I blush, stifling a laugh. I look down, finding Jack gone. I stumble to my feet, spotting them running. Jack whirls around wildly, and I climb down, running after them. Jack hugs me, pulling me along. I can't help the forgetful feeling that washes over me.
Who are we forgetting?

A painful cry echoes through the tunnel, answering my question. CRUTCHIE!!!! "Jack! We left Crutchie, they're gonna drag him away!" But Jack ignores me, continuing forward.

((Crutchie nooo!!!))