January 12th, 1901

____

"I'es don't think I'es can handle it anymo, Davey." Crutchie spoke, rubbing his temples. "I'es got ta' tell her."

"Then just tell her!" Davey exclaimed, taking Crutchie aback. "After what happened on christmas, no doubt she'll replicate the feelings!"

Crutchie's face turned beet red at the memory of christmas, the hugs they had shared. He looked down at his shoes, the shoes that she had given him. They were a little worn out, but still in good condition.

"I-I'es cant.. I'es got no doubt she's got eyes fo' Race, no doubt." He mumbled, but still loud enough for Davey to hear. "I'es aint suprised, though - he's got it all, poisonaliety, looks-"

"Stop." Davey cut him off. "You're putting their relationship into hyperbole."

"They's in a relationship?!" Crutchie practically yelled, startled.

"What? No!" Davey responded.

"Then why'd youse say theys was?"

"Crutchie, I meant their friendship - they're only friends!" He reassured the Crutched boy.

"How's is youse so sure?" Crutchie sighed, exasperated.

"Because," He began, removing his cap and running a hand through his hair. "Race is on a date with my sista' Sarah right now."

Crutchie's eyes widened, but he couldn't help be relieved.

"How's you let him take her on a date?" He asked, confused that Davey would even let his sister near a newsie.

"I didn't exactly have a say in it, Crutchie." He muttered, clenching his fists. "But-"

He was cut off by laughter and the door slamming open, revealing Les and (Y/N), both laughing, with hot dogs in their hands.

"Davey!" Les shouted. "(Y/N) got me a hot dog, and it has ketchup and mustard!"

The little boy then did a small dance, making the three teenagers in the room laugh.

"(Y/N), you didn't have to.." Davey began, putting his cap back on.

(Y/N) waved him off.

"It was my pleasure, Davey. Besides, I owe the kid - he helped me sell lots of papers earlier today." She said, nudging Les, who giggled and stood proudly.

Davey would have said something, until he noticed the sun outside the window.

"Crap, the sun is setting! Les, we gotta get home, come on!" He said, grabbing the small boy's wrist.

"Seeya (Y/N)!" Les called out as Davey practically dragged him out of the lodging house, leaving (Y/N) and Crutchie alone together.

"Can I sit?" (Y/N) asked, gesturing to the small bed Crutchie was sitting on.

"Huh? Oh, sure!" Crutchie quickly replied, scooting over to make room for her.

She then dug her hand into her satchel for carrying papers, and pulled out the tattered book Crutchie had grown accustomed to seeing - her book of shakespeare's works.

"I promise you, i'm reading Pride and Prejudice, but for now, I was thinking we could practice your reading with some Romeo and Juliet." She said tenderly.

"Who da hell is Juliet?!" Romeo, the newsboy, yelled from the other side of the room.

"Go away, Romeo, we ain't talkin' bout you!" Crutchie yelled.

"And top listening in on our conversation, ya BESPAWLER!" (Y/N) shouted, causing Romeo to groan and leave the room.

"Anyways," (Y/N) began, opening the book. "I think this story can help you more than you think. I read it with my mother when I was learning to read."

She murmured the last part, as if only she was meant to hear it.

"Uh.. ya mudda sounds like, er, smart lady.. Of' teachin ya to read.." Crutchie mumbled awkwardly.

"She sure was.." (Y/N) muttered, then remembering her purpose. "Anyways, let's get on with the book, shall we?"

"Sure. How much time ya' have today?" Crutchie inquired, his eyes already scanning the page.

"I'd say an hour and a half - i'm going to a show at Medea's with Kathrine soon, i'm going to help her write an article about it." (Y/N) replied, pushing a strand of hair behind her ear.

Crutchie nodded out of understanding.

"Gotcha. Can youse start?" He asked, in regards to the book.

"Of course.

'Doth we be parted'.."

____

"See you soon, (Y/N)!" Kathrine called out as she started walking away.

"See you too!" She called back, walking down the streets.

As she was hit with a gust of air, she started walking faster, pulling her coat closer to her. It had been a good show, though, and it was worth being cold on the walk home for.

She continued down the street, keeping a keen eye for any creeps that may be lurking around. They loved to stay in the darkest alleyways, ready to snatch up women every chance they got. God knows how many could be out..

(Y/N) was so caught up in remembering not to bump into strange men on the streets, that she bumped into two.

"Well, what do we have here?" A snide, dark figure said.

"It's a goil!" A shorter figure said next to him.

(Y/N) recognized their voices from somewhere, but she wasn't sure.

"Ain't she a newsie?" One asked the other.

"I'es think she is." The short one replied.

Then it hit her who these men were.

"The Delancy's.." (Y/N) murmured, not aware she said it aloud.

"Thats us!" Morris sarcastically chirped.

"The two and only." Oscar said.

That was all it took for (Y/N) to turn the other way and bolt off, the Delanceys hot on her trail.

"Ay, get back here, you bitch!" Morris yelled as he ran behind her, only a foot or so behind.

"Yeah, what he said!" Oscar yelled, also hot on her tail.

(Y/N) cursed under her breath. She had to get away, but just running wouldn't do it - she would have to outsmart them. That wouldn't be too hard.. right?

___

Crutchie was getting himself ready for bed early tonight - many of the newsboys were out doing their things, so he was mostly alone in the lodging house.

He slipped off his shirt, which he never slept in - it would too uncomfortable to wear while he rested.

Softly, he started singing as he unbuttoned his shirt, and continued as he slid it off. He found himself deeply captivated into the song he was singing, something about a meadow with sunflower pillows.

He continued the song, his voice becoming softer at the sweet parts, then suddenly spiking up at the more intense parts.

He hadn't even noticed (Y/N) walk in the lodging center and into the newsboy's sleeping quarters.

She hadn't meant to intrude on him, but she couldn't help but drift over to the lovely baritone voice that was singing, unaware it was Crutchie.

As Crutchie finished the song, he caught his breath - man, singing was exhausting!

He was going to slip on his shirt, until he heard slow clapping from the entrance of the door.

He turned his head slowly, and his face turned redder than a carnelian at the sight of (Y/N) standing there, leaned against the doorframe.

She seemed equally surprised to see it was him, considering she didn't think the guy could sing whatsoever.

"(Y/N)!" Crutchie shrieked in a higher pitch than most girls could accomplish. His hands flew to cover his bare chest, to which (Y/N) just laughed.

"Crutchie, you don't have to cover your chest, it's not like i'm checking you out or anything." She chuckled, slightly disappointing Crutchie. Was he not worth checking out, even with his shirt off?

"Um.." He sputtered, his hands falling from his chest. "R-right. Sorry."

"So.." (Y/N) stalled, unaware of how to start conversation. "Nice voice you got there." She complimented, turning Crutchie a shade of pink.

"Doyouwannagoonadatewithme?" Crutchie rushed out, unaware of where it came from or why.

"What?" (Y/N) asked, a confused expression on her face.

"I'es get if yous say no-" He began, only to be cut off.

"No, what did you ask? I didn't hear." She said honestly.

"I'es.. uh.."

Fuck.

Crutchie needed a cover up, and fast. He shouldn't have said that!

"I was wonderin' if youse wanna help me prank Weasel tomorra' night?" He lied through his teeth.

(Y/N) smirked, and as Crutchie would hate to admit it, it was a.. uhh, (how do i put this???) minor turn on?

"Sure, i'm in." She shrugged, taking her cap off and revealing her eye.

That eye.. Crutchie couldn't take his eyes off it. It looked like the heavens stuck in an eyeball at first glance, due to its pasty white hue.

"A-alright. Meet me at Tibby's tomorra' at six." He said anxiously.

"It's a plan." (Y/N) said, turning around. "Also, Crutchie?"

"Yeah?" He asked anxiously.

"You've got a good frame." She snickered before leaving the room. "Night!" She called from outdoors, leaving Crutchie a blushing mess.