Modern AU

Settled in her bed with a cup of steaming raspberry tea with honey on the nightstand, Brooklyn leaned back against the mountain of pillows, knees pulled up and book in lap. Despite reading said book millions of times already, she often went back to it. If someone were to ask her what her comfort book is. This would be it. Same goes for the ship. Underrated. That's how she would explain the second story of the series. Completely underrated and not the most liked among the little fandom that's hard to come across online. Nonetheless, she enjoyed a good reread, especially knowing it'll have a happy ending. One that makes her go all soft on the inside and wish she had that relationship as well. Actually, that last part can be erased now...she does have a happy relationship. But her fictional crush has had her heart way before Albert ever walked into her life. No, it wasn't weir - ok so maybe it is a little weird she's still gushing over a nonexistent character when she has the most amazing boyfriend in the world. Which is something Brooklyn would never get used to saying. Albert Dasilva is her boyfriend. She's his girlfriend. They're exclusively seeing each other and no one else. He's her person and she's his. The whole thing, while weird to think about made her smile on the inside. But still....the fictional world of a hockey romance awaits her.

Opening the page with ease, and tilting the book to the side so the spine wouldn't crack, she was just about to get started when none other than her boyfriend comes into the little bedroom she shares with Feister. Looking up she was surprised to see him, or rather the state he seemed to be in. His hair was damp, probably from the shower he had taken. He was wearing a loose black t-shirt and a pair of sweat pants. His shoulders were slumped and eyes were hazed with tiredness. It didn't take even a second for her to figure out practice had gone badly. The Warriors seemed to have hit a dry streak recently. Their last win? Against the Bobcats....the same game when they officially made it official. Smiling warmly at the redhead, Brooklyn moved to the other side of the small bed and opened up the covers, inviting him in. This action surprised her seeing as they never really cuddled before...head against his shoulder or his arm lazily wrapped around her was as far as physical touch went with the two of them. Ok sure there was some hugging involved, but that was when she had been an unstable mess. He was comforting her. Doesn't count.

"Ya sure?" he asked as he approached the bed.

The simple question squeezed her heart in the best way possible. That's one thing she lo - likes about him. How he always makes sure she's ok with something before doing it. "Well, you didn't come in here just to stand there, did you?" she asked, her voice having a bit of a teasing tone in it. Only proving how much time she truly spends with this boy.

"No," Albert replied before climbing into the bed. He pulled the blanket over himself and let one arm rest on top of the millions of pillows that were behind them. "Whatcha readin' now?" he asked, nodding towards the book.

"How was practice?" she asked, changing the subject.

"Stunk worse than the Delancey brothers," Albert replied bluntly. "Or your scum bag of a not ex." he thought. To Albert, she shouldn't even consider that little rat her ex seeing as they never officially went out as an actual couple. But he didn't voice that knowing there was more to the story than what she's already told him. Yet, in the same breath, he wanted to know what was going on in that guy's mind to play her like that. It made him physically angry every time he stepped out on the field and had to watch the bummer during a game. Hell, he wanted to punch his lights out last time they came face to face. Instead, he managed to hold all that down and proclaim his lo - feelings for her in front of the whole school.

Feister giving that guy a chewing out would have to due in the mean time.

The memory brought a smile to Albert's face. Maybe Feister being so....outspoken with absolutely zero filter is a good thing after all.

"Now," he said in a softer tone. "Whatcha readin'? Cause that cover ain't givin' me much of an idea of what this is about." he's seen her with her nose in that specific book on multiple occasions. Sometimes she'd smile or let out a little laugh. Roll her eyes or keep a straight face. As if she was reading it for the first time and not the millionth. Sometimes, he'd even see her page jump. Not so much reading the whole story, just little moments she enjoys the most. At least, that's what Albert assumed. He's never really gotten to know book worms that well....or at all. But with Brooklyn....when she gets excited about something her whole face lights up so brightly it could rival the city at night. She rambles, and rambles, and rambles some more. And he loves it. He loves - how much she loves reading. Even poetry. Which makes no sense in his mind, but if she's willing to read a few passages out loud, he's not complaining.

A bright pink shade flashed across her cheeks at the question. "...it's a umm...well..." it wasn't that she was embarrassed about the topic. Ok maybe a little due to content she didn't know was there to begin with. It was more along the lines of nobody ever asking her what the book she was reading about. Usually when people did, she could never get very far until it was found utterly boring. But Albert...the way his eyes locked with hers. The way it felt as if he was staring right into her soul. Which he might as well be. "College romance.....it's about this guy who plays hockey and ends up unknowingly falling for this girl." she admitted shyly. "It's apart of a series, actually. Four hockey playing best friends. Four unique girls...sweet, funny, bromance, romance. All that fun stuff." she shyly explained. "Out of all the books, this one is my favorite. It's hilarious and sweet, and-"

"Read to me," he blurred.

"What?"

"Read to me gorgeous."

Brooklyn bit her lip for a moment or so. "Well it's told from both perspectives and-"

"Then I'll read his and you read hers," the redhead cut off. Why Albert was offering this was simple enough. He wanted to get to know what kind of things are in Brooklyn Meyers world. And books happened to be one of them. This he already knew, for the item in question was always seen being either held in her arms or close by. So what this was more of a girly story? He could totally handle this. She did say hockey is involved. He plays baseball. It's like....sugar and butter. As Brooklyn likes to say.

"You - you'd actually want to do that?" Her voice sounded more shocked than anything else. Again. No one has ever offered that. Especially a boy for that matter.

"Why not?" He shrugged as he scooted closer and gently let his arm drape around her shoulders. The small bed could barely fit both their bodies so he had to adjust a bit. While also making sure he wasn't overstepping his bounds. That was always his number one priority with Brooklyn. To not be too touchy knowing her past...experience and all.

"It's the second book Al."

"So?"

"So even though it can be read as a standalone, do you want to read the first since it's ya know, the start?" she asked. That's something Brooklyn had always been particular about. If it's a series she was going to read it from beginning to end.

"Nah it's fine. I catch on pretty quickly. Gorgeous." He winked, which was followed by a smug, cocky grin.

Brooklyn let out the lightest laugh at the action.

"What?"

"Nothing. It's just that well - you'll see." she smiled. It was cute that Albert - Mr. Star baseball player - was actually laying next to her ready to read what can be only be described as a chick flick of a book. Or something like that. Not only that, but he was right next to her...closer too. They've never been...this close together before. She liked it, and found herself scooting closer, laying her head on his strong chest. "Here. It's the guy's perspective first." handing the book over to the redhead. Once he took it, she turned on her side. Hesitantly went to lay her arm across his stomach. It was a gesture she's seen many times. Ok fine. She's seen Feister do it with her brother more times than she'd like to count. Which was also a rather disgusting display of affection she didn't like thinking about. At least it was better than walking around the corner to find them kissing. The worst part? When Kid Blink would walk pass her, the two lovebirds, and act like nothing was happening.

However those thoughts were pushed aside when the sound of Albert's deep voice filled her ears. It send a shiver down her spine...made her skin tingle even. She's noticed how he had different tones. Joking, serious, comforting, caring, cocky, smug. The list went on. Though that is the norm for all of society, with him it's different. It was like a new side of him.

"Wait a second!" Albert suddenly blurred out. Quickly sitting up as he gaped at the book, then at Brooklyn, then back at the book again as he asked. "You're telling me this dude is actually crushing on his best friends girl?! That's like - it's breaking the code of broness!" he looked over at the freckled girl again. "You said this was gonna be an unknowingly falling of feelings, not some dude havin' it bad for the girl his best-"

He was cut off by Brooklyn's heavy fit of laughter. And in that moment, his shock statement went away, his face softened at the sight of the beautiful girl. He got her to laugh without trying to be funny. He's pocketing that as a win. However that didn't mean his shock went away. "Why're you laughin'? It's almost the same scenario if I had a crush on Feisty and didn't make a move cause she's so sickly sweet on Mush." The mere thought made him shudder.

"Hhmmm." Brooklyn hummed in amusement.

"Dude this is an absolute abomination. I actually feel embarrassed for the - "

"Oh just read already would ya." Brooklyn cut off. She placed her body a little closer than it had been previously, actually letting her hand play with the fabric of his shirt. she could feel the steady beating of his heart. The heavy rise and fall of his chest. The rumble when he'd make some sort of quiet remark before starting back up again. For there were quite a few eye roll worthy moments in the first chapter. Not because it was cringy. But because of some moments that were simply annoying. And, how wasn't until now she hadn't noticed how wonderful he smells? It was woodsy, mixed with a bit of spice and something manly, yet she was also getting a soft hint of a fruit. Orange perhaps? Whatever it was it was Albert alright. Strong on the outside but once you get to know him, he's a big softy. The only time he's ever shown his softer side is when they're alone. Whether he was aware of it or not, she had no clue. Brooklyn didn't care. She was just glad he was comfortable enough to let his guard down. Right now he wasn't Albert Dasilva, the star baseball player, he was simply Albert. Regular guy who's currently laying beside her, reading her favorite book because he wants to.

"You're turn," Albert mumbled as he handed the book over to Brooklyn.

She sat up straighter as she took it and began reading with ease. Her voice was like music to his ears. It was light, soft, and sweet. Everything she is. The longer she went on, the more he realized that the girl in the story seemed to be a lot like her in some ways. Quickly explaining why this one is her favorite. Or rather, another reason for that. Then, did that mean she related him to the guy character? The one who has a crush on his best friend's girl? He had to push that thought aside because Brooklyn had assured him it does indeed get better. They just had to, and I quote "bare through the beginning".

As she read, Brooklyn did her best impression of the leading female. Or at least what she thought said character sounded like, which wasn't that hard considering she saw a lot of herself. Wait does that mean Albert is like the guy character in the book? In the back of her mind, she started wracking her brain, and the more she thought about it, he kind of is. Big jock on campus that girls fawn over, but when he's with her? He's a complete and utter softie. She continued to read. However, her voice did falter when she came up to a certain paragraph about the "friend" in the book, and Albert noticed this right away. Not because her reading came to a stand still, but because he knew what her life used to be like before moving to Manhattan. He didn't care to remember the two girls she used to be friends with, yet somehow knew how they treated her. While, Brooklyn never really told him the finer details, a complete idiot could see what the situation was. Oh Albert remembered those two. The first time he met her, and the time after that when he pulled her away from them and her sorry excuse for an ex.

Really, if either of those girls decided to say something bad about Brooklyn to his face, he'd bring out the big guns. That's right. There was nothing in the world that would stop Albert from making sure they both knew not to mess with him.

By calling in Feister.

Because his mother taught him to be a gentleman. Which meant to never hit a girl (or anybody, but especially a girl) no matter what.

But a girl can hit a girl.

And as awful as that thought was, he was sure Feister knew way more about Brooklyn's old life than he did. Yet, somehow, Feister was able to keep her temper in check. Maybe Mush had softened her up a bit....or maybe she did know how to keep her anger under control, and simply decided to let it run loose. Just one of the many questions Albert has about that girl. But at the moment only one girl mattered to him, and that was the beauty with the freckled face beside him.

"You alright sweetheart?"

"Yeah," Brooklyn mumbled in reply. "Just thinkin' is all." a deep breath was taken as she looked over at him, and, she'd be lying to herself if she said her heart didn't squeeze when she saw the soft gaze in those deep brown eyes that seemed to stare right into her soul. Just as she was about to ask him something, he gently brought his fingers up to her face and tuck some hair behind her ear. The rough tips of his fingers brushed against the side of her cheek, causing her insides to instantly melt at such a simple touch. The things this boy does to her is unreal. The kind of feeling that's only describe in, well, books. "Can you hand me my tea, please?"

Instead of replying, Albert grabbed the mug and handed it over to her with ease.

"Thanks," she replied before taking a small sip. She savored the warmth rushing through her body, and yet, it suddenly couldn't compare to the heat that was coming from Albert's body. If this is a dream, Brooklyn never wanted to wake up.

"What kind is that? Apple?"

"Raspberry."

"That was my mom's favorite." it wasn't often Albert thought about his late mother, but ever since Brooklyn came into his life, he found himself thinking about her a little more. How similar they actually are. Like how Brooklyn bites the inside of her lip when she's thinking, or when she's not writing, she'll fiddle with the pen between her fingers. It didn't end there though. She's sweet, wide eyed dreamer, and of course, loves to read. "She would've loved you," he added without thinking much of it. "She always wanted a daughter. Instead, she got stuck with three rowdy boys. Four if you count my old man."

"What was she like?" Brooklyn asked as she leaned the side of her face on his strong chest. Book in lap and mug in hand.

The topic in question, wasn't one Albert shared. Not even Race and Jojo know much about his previous life. But with Brooklyn, he felt....safe? Like he could talk to her about these kinds of things with no problem whatsoever. "A lot like you, actually. She loved reading, and baking. If I was ever feeling down, she knew exactly what to say. One time I was sick at home, and to make me feel better she turned the whole living room into a gigantic fort. There was this other time where she volunteered to make baby blankets, naturally, I had to go to the fabric store with her, but she turned it into a game. Whoever found the softest material got to pick dinner. I won and ended up choosing dino nuggets, tater tots and root beer. You can imagine my dad, and brother's surprise when they found what was waiting for them at the table. And that night just so happened to be the one where Liam brought over his girlfriend at the time to officially meet us."

"Albert Dasilva, don't tell me you're a mama's boy. My mother always said to beware of them. Along with jocks and skaters. They'll break my little heart before I can even blink. Oh, and redhead's. Not because of the heartbreak thing, but because they're-"

"What? Soulless?" Albert teased, playing along. It wasn't often Brooklyn broke out of her shell like this, but when she did, he was going to ride the wave out for as long as he could. "Trust me baby girl. Everythin' you just said in that sentence is wrong. As a jock, and a skater, I take offense to the heartbreak thing. I'd rather break my throwing arm than your heart. And as a ginger, I can assure you I do have a soul." there was a small pause, then they both shared a laugh. "Alright, back to business. Get back to readin' gorgeous. You've got me hooked, and it hasn't even been a full chapter yet."

Brooklyn lightly laughed, for the look on his face and sound of his voice was adorable. An odd word to use to describe the redhead, but it was something she...lov - she had to stop mid thought. Yes, while their relationship had gone from zero to sixty, the strong word in question was one she wasn't sure if they were at that point yet. Maybe she could ask Feister for advice on that. Then again, from Brooklyn's understanding (at least) Feister had been saying those words to her brother before feelings ever came into play....yeah ok, she was going to ask because it still applied, right? How do you know and all that. "Ok," was all Brooklyn said. She then handed him the mug back to place on the nightstand, picked the book up again and began reading with ease, not even taking a moment to find where she had left off, because she knew exactly where said place was.

───── ･ ｡ﾟ☆: *.☽ .* :☆ﾟ. ─────

"Ok, but how did you know?" Brooklyn asked as she and Feister walked the semi crowded hallway of the school. It was one of the few times throughout the day where they could spend a bit of time together between classes, so they both took the opportunity seeing as the boys were stuck somewhere else in the building, plus, Brooklyn was glad to have Feister by her side since she was still adjusting to her new life in Manhattan. Especially now she got stared at everywhere she went.

"Isn't this awkward for you in any shape or form?" the younger girl asked. "Cause it sure as hell is for me. Spillin' my love life with your brother and all."

They both turned the corner, staying close to the wall as they made their way to Brooklyn's locker.

"All I'm asking is how did you know friendship love changed romantic love."

"Honestly, I dunno," Feister sighed in reply. "Best way I can explain it, is that it hit me outta no where. He snuck up on me, and then, I couldn't get him off of my mind....." her voice became somewhat softer, while her face became distant. "I know I can be a bit much a times, but through it all he never gave up on me. Even when I tried to push him away he wouldn't let me go, and that's the way I love him, Brooklyn. When I'm with him, it's like-"

"You need him more than air."

"Yeah, I - wait, what?" Feister asked, stopping in her tracks to look at the freckled girl with a bit of confusion. However, it only lasted for a second or so. "In a way, I guess I do. He's my everythin'."

"And I think my brother's lovey ways is messing with your head."

"Tell me about it." Feister rolled her eyes. "I need to go do somethin' insane fore I lose my edge."

"You? Never." Brooklyn smiled as she approached her locker. Only this time, it was her turn to stop in her tracks. Taped on the small metal door was a little note and a light blue origami rose with a perfect green stem and two leaves. Taking a closer step, she gently pulled the note off and opened it up to find somewhat messy handwriting that read -

Your voice is like a song I can't get outta my head. Eyes perfect like a crisp spring day. And a million little freckles I would love to connect. You're sweeter than sugar, and innocent like a kitten. I can read you easily, yet not at all. You're a never ending book with the softest of smiles. I'd trade every homerun to hold you in my arms

- A

P.s wanna grab a muffin after school? If you say no, I won't stop until I woo you.

"So whaddya say, gorgeous? Go on a date with me?"

Brooklyn looked up to see Albert was now leaning against the locker beside hers. He had his signature smirk across his lips and his arms were subtly flexed due to the leaning thing. "You wrote me a poem?"

"Don't forget the paper rose." he winked.

"Why?"

"Why not?" he asked nonchalantly. "I know you're into all that poetry stuff and figured, if that's that kinda thing my girl likes, then why not do it."

She raised her eyebrow

"Ok fine, Buttons gave me a bit of help with the rose. But I did all the work, he just gave me instructions, and non-helpful tips."

"And a muffin? You'll try to woo me if I say no?"

"I'm tryin' to give you a main character moment, sue me." there was a pause. "But don't actually, I'm broke."

"Rose, origami, a poem, a muffin date..." as she spoke, Brooklyn walked closer to him. "You don't have to woo me, Al. I'm already yours. But, thank you. I've never been written a....love poem before."

"And now you have." he let a single hand slip around her waste with ease. It goes without saying Albert was rather proud of himself for being able to put those feelings he has for her down on paper. He's never been a feelsy guy. Not once. But with Brooklyn he doesn't have to put up a front. She doesn't care about the reputation he somehow earned, he's just plain ole Albert in her eyes. And he loves it. He....he loves her. Love. The small word surprised Albert because he never thought he'd fall for a girl this hard. Yet, here he is with the most beautiful sight just inches away from his chest. Wide eyed and all. But what surprised him most was when she gently slipped her hand onto his cheek, went up on her toes and placed the softest, feather light kiss to his lips. Lingering there for more than a few moments, yet still kept it short enough, before pulling away.

"Was - was that alright? Kissin' you without asking that is." her face flushed a bright pink while her eyes widened with worry.

"No that was-" Albert cleared his throat. "You can kiss me whenever you want gorgeous."

When Brooklyn smiled he grabbed the paper rose off of the locker, handed it to her, then took her free hand into his, placing a light kiss on her knuckles before giving it a tight squeeze. "May I walk you to class?"

"I'd be mad if you didn't," Brooklyn whispered.

And with that they walked off. Leaving a completely speechless Feister behind. "Albert....wrote....POETRY?!" she yelled out, causing some glances to be sent her way. "You'd be askin' the same question too if the dumb, I'm too cool for this idiot, did somethin' sappy!" she yelled at the on lookers just as the bell rung. "Papes I'm late!" then she bolted away to her next class. Nearly knocking down Mike, or maybe it was Ike, she honestly couldn't tell for she was too busy bolting down the hallway to notice which twin it was.

───── ･ ｡ﾟ☆: *.☽ .* :☆ﾟ. ─────

Author's note

I always knew I was going to have Alblyn do a mini reading date, but as usual, I didn't know how to go about it, and fun fact, I almost ended up throwing in a plot I've had up in storage for awhile, but then things changed, some editing happened and that's how this ending was born. But I think it's so much better than what was going to be. While Brooklyn is still a little hesitant, she is becoming more open with Albert. Yay for progress. The poem was something that popped into my head the day I finished drafting this, or at least, partly there, and I knew I had to do it. He is very much in love with her, and fully let himself admit it. As usual, I don't own newsies, just OCs and the story plot, I hope you enjoyed and thanks for reading.

P.S. feel free to guess what book was constantly referenced. (yes it is one of my favorites).