In this one, Davey tries to convince Jack that the boys love him as much as he loves them.

WARNING: Verbal Abuse, Minor Physical Abuse, Mean Delancy's, Some Ableist Language (italics) and the whole thing deals with Self-doubt

Post-strike

~TH~

David approached his friend with a concerned frown. Jack looked terrible. He had deep bags under his eyes, he looked weak and... hungry. He looked very hungry.

"Hey, Jack."

The boy in question looked up, seeming almost startled, before relaxing into a tired smile. "Hey, Davey."

David was mildly surprised that his friend was so far back in the paper line. He was normally one of the first people there. "Late start?"

Jack grunted, rubbing at his face. "Romeo's sick. Di'n want to take his medicine. Took a while to convince him."

Oh. Sick. Medicine. No wonder Jack looked half-dead. Davey shook his head, Jack did more for these boys than some parents did for their own children."You know," he said casually as they moved up in the line. "The boys are really lucky to have you."

The leader of the Newsies let out a breathy laugh, "No they ain't." He slammed his money down before grabbing his papers.

"Well Jackie-boy, I've been waiting a long time for this." Oscar closed in on him, his brother shadowing behind him. "We was told to make sure you behave, but we all know that you ain't gonna. So let's just get right to it yeah?"

Jack began backing up until his back hit the wall. He ducked as Oscar aimed a punch at his face.

"Careful Oscar, don't want it to look too obvious." Morris sneered. "He has an appointment later today." It was said with a gleam in his eyes, a smirk gracing his lips.

Jack pushed Oscar away from him and jumped across the old printing press he had slept on the night before. The brothers began to corner him again. Jack hadn't felt this trapped since he was last at the Refuge. The Refuge. Where Crutchie was. Where they were going to take his boys if he didn't do what they told him to.

"I find this whole predicament funny." The younger brother closed in on him, pounding his fist into his hand. "You act like you're such a great leader, but, you couldn't even keep that crippled friend of yours from the Spider."

Jack was about to say something, but he was caught off guard by Morris grabbing his arms from behind, pinning him against the older brother's chest.

"And now you gotta choose." Oscar continued closing in on him. "Do you leave, do your own thing and get them all thrown in the Refuge, so they hate ya," He punches Jack in the stomach with his brass knuckles, causing the boy to gasp. "Or, do you do what Pulitzer says, call off the strike, so they all hate ya." He laughed throwing another fist.

Jack sputtered to catch his breath, "The-they wouldn't. They'd understand." He didn't know if he was trying to convince the brothers or himself.

"They'd turn on you, Jackie." The younger Delancy shook his head, "The second you tell 'em to quit, they're gonna turn against ya."

"They-they wouldn't. They'd let me explain-" He was cut off by another swift punch.

"I'm tellin' ya. They've been waitin' for this. The second you turn, they've got someone else lined up to take the lead. They know they'd be better off without ya, just haven't had a reason to tell ya yet. They deserve better than you, Kelly, and they know it."

Morris dropped him to the ground, aiming a swift kick at Jack's sore stomach. The brother started to walk away.

"You're wrong." Jack pushed himself up. "They'll understand. They'll let me explain."

Oscar shook his head, "Just wait Jackie-boy, they won't even let you finish what you want ta say before they turn against ya. But hey, it's better than the Refuge right?" The boys laughed as they left the room.

He remembered those words when he was at the rally trying to explain. They didn't even let him finish talking before they turned on him.

"Come on, Jack," David grabbed his papers before following his friend. "The boys love you!"

"They deserve better than me." He said it with so little emotion that it actually scared the other newsie.

"You're the best thing to ever happen to these boys!"

Jack laughed, "You got a realize Davey, that ain't sayin' much."

"Come on, Jack. These boys worship you." He waved his arm, motioning towards the newsies gathered. "They'd do anything for you! Don't sell yourself short."

"I'm all they have, Davey. Don't mean I'm good at it, just means they haven't found someone better." He readjusted the strap on his bag before nodding, "Come on, we can't stand around here yappin' all day, we got papes to sell." Then he purposefully strode away.

David stood there for a moment, mouth slightly open. What was Jack saying? No one would argue the fact that he was the best leader Manhattan had ever had, in fact, he'd actually heard a few of the older boys say it! And every borough knew that Jack's boys were the happiest, knowing a freedom that few other leaders allowed their newsies to feel. Jack was one of the few people Davey ever knew to give up food, and even money, for someone else.

Of course, the boys loved Jack. Of course, he was the best thing to ever happen to them. Why didn't Jack believe it?

~TH~

I only have one more chapter written, so if you have any ideas, please let me know! You can comment, DM me, or sent an Ask (on Tumblr) if you think of anything. Just tell me the insecurity, character, pre/post-strike, and let me know if you have a specific backstory idea or if you just want me to come up with something. 

Next Chapter: Katherine tries to understand why Jack breaks up with her.

Love you guys! 

Please please please comment!

God bless,
Jamie