June 1900

Water droplets hit the window as the rain continued to pour down onto the quiet streets of New York. Meanwhile, inside a little bedroom two girls sat on the single bed. One sitting down with her hands folded on her lap while the other ran a brush through her wet hair trying to get all the tangles out. Once that was done, a towel was grabbed and began to soak up whatever water was left in her hair.

"Question...how in the world do you find this comfortable?" the freckled girl asked as she gestured to the dark colored trousers. Since she had gotten caught in the rain, not only did she have to stay the night, but also wear whatever clothing was provided to her while her clothing dried. The feeling of not having stockings and whatever else she usually wore underneath her skirt was an odd one, there was no question about it.

The news girl couldn't help but let out a little laugh at the question. "I's asked the same thing when I's first wore a skirt in years." another laugh escaped her lips as put the brush down and began to three separate bundles of hair to begin the braid. "Guess I's gotten used ta it since day one....Wolf tossed me some clothin' fore my brain was fully awake an' told me ta put 'em on so I's could blend in with the fellas. Dangerous on the streets bein' a goil an' all...but you'se probably understand that."

"Wolf was the leader before Jack, right?" there was a small pause. "What was he like?"

"Yeah...'im an' Jumps lead us for a long time. Wolfy was a great leader, an' brudda. He was there's a time for work, an' a time for play type. Always made sure we's good a good balance of both. Tellin' us ta get the wok done first, an' then we's was free ta do whatever...within reason of course. But he'd usually let us run amuck ta burn out any left over energy fore bed. Sometimes he'd goof off with us...both 'im an' Jumps knew exactly how ta handle a situation. No matter how tough it got, they's pulled through." she explained as she finished off the braid and tied it off with the damp ribbon. "Back ta the here an' now, you'se startin' ta look like a newsie Freckles."

"Really think so?" Brooklyn asked as she turned around to face the news girl.

"Oh, definitely," Feister replied with a smirk. She got up from the bed and pulled Brooklyn up, keeping a smirk on her face as she said, "Now, let's go show a certain redhead how ya look...an' get yer brudda ta lose his mind. But mostly make the redhead speechless for once in his life."

Brooklyn rolled her eyes with the shake of the head as she was pulled out of the little bedroom and into the chaotic bunkroom. She bit her lip and rubbed her upper arm at the sight of what was happening in front of her. There was so much going on. So much talking, yelling even. She barely knew who or what to zone in on before she gave herself a headache.

"Give it back Dasilva fore I's soak ya into next week!" came one voice.

"Not a chance Higgins! No way I's scared of you'se or yer empty treats!" followed another. The two boys continued to run around, yelling out insults to one another before coming up to the two girls. In that moment he came to a halting stop before he crashed into either of them and simply stood there with wide eyes fixed on her.

"I'll take that back," Race said as he swiped the cigar out of Albert's hand. Not really caring why the redheaded newsie had suddenly stopped in his tracks when he came upon Feister. The girl could take a hit from what he recalled. It wasn't anything out of the ordinary. In fact, some - if not all - the boys have crashed into Feister at least once in their lives. "Alright Albie, if yer gawkin' at Feisty ta get Mush jealous ya know that don't work. Ya gotta flirt with the goil ta get a reaction outta him...or get punched by her. Though I's dunno why you'se would wanna do that seein' ya already got yourself a pretty goil."

"Oh shut up Smokey, let Albie gawk at his goil if he wants ta," Feister said as she walked around a frozen Albert and up to Race, who she grabbed by the hand and dragged him away to the far side of the room to give the couple some privacy. Or at least not let Race get teasing rights to a dumbfounded Albert. For now at least.

Meanwhile, back with Albert and Brooklyn, they were still standing there quietly. With Albert not knowing what to say at her appearance in a newsie's attire for once in her life. And Brooklyn being well...her usual shy self. The sounds of the chaotic bunk room seemed to disappear as they continued to silently stand there.

In the next moment the smallest smirk appeared across his face when he saw she was blushing something fierce. "Lookin' good gorgeous," he said as he wrapped his arm around her. "But...yer missin' one thing." without giving it a second thought, Albert took off his cap and placed it on Brooklyn's head. The item in question was much too big for her, so it ended up falling in front of her eyes. So, he pulled it back, letting it rest in the middle of her head. "Now ya look like a newsie."

"Really think so?" Brooklyn asked.

"Definitely. Now all ya gotta do is hawk a headline, an' you'se good ta go."

"Think I's gonna leave that ta you'se, Red," she replied in her best Manhattan accent. Though, it made her ears bleed just a bit hearing that, and her natural accent mix together. It actually sounded like a trainwreck in her mind. That would definitely be the first, and last time she does that. Besides, she can barely lie to save her life. Or, as the newsies call it, "improving the truth". Either way, the point still stood. She'd leave all that stuff to Albert and the rest of the boys.

"Yer cute," Albert chuckled as his tough, calloused fingertips laced with hers. Soft, and delicate. Were the words he'd use to describe how her fingers felt against his. And when they were full on hand holding, he couldn't get enough of it. The feeling of her little hand clamped with his was the best in the world. Especially when she'd gently rub her thumb against his. He's secretly soft like that.

Brooklyn softly smiled as she glanced down for a moment before looking back up to see the redhead's smirk had grown, which caused her to blush a little harder. He began to lead her to one of the bunks and the two of them sat down next to each other. She crossed her legs and placed her free hand on top of her lap, as she always did. She looked over at Albert and her smile seemed to grow within those few seconds when her eyes met his. She started to notice the little features she didn't notice in the past. Like how his smile would title up to the right side, and would have this hint of playfulness. The little scraps that were here and there on his arms, along with a few, tiny bruises from who knows what. But, the thing that always caught her attention no matter what, was the red coloring of his hair. It's what made him stand out the most.

"So, tell me, what's life as a newsie like? Is it really a fine life? Or is that just somethin' you guys like to say?" she asked with curious eyes. She didn't know much about life on the streets besides the basic knowledge. Though, Brooklyn's "basic knowledge" is probably a little higher than average because of how much time she spends newsies.

"Usually depends on the day," Albert replied. "More often than not it's a fine life. Havin' a bunch of freedom, gettin' ta do what ya want, when you'se want without anyone down yer back bout it....though Jack can get intense when it comes to things."

"What bout scrapin' for food an' makin' ends meet? Wouldn't that put a damper on your day?"

"After awhile ya learn ta survive with what life throws at ya," he replied as if it were nothing. Which it really was. He's been in the newsie life long enough to know to take one day at a time.

They continued to talk for the rest of the night about what their lives are like and at one point Race just had to open his big mouth and say how Albert's going soft. To which the redhead nearly soaked him for, but thankfully, Brooklyn stopped Albert before that could happen.

───── ･ ｡ﾟ☆: *.☽ .* :☆ﾟ. ─────

She was peacefully asleep in the little bedroom when a voice suddenly began to boom out loud about how it was time to "get up ta sell the papes". Rubbing her eyes she slowly pulled herself out of bed and began to change into her own clothing. She redid her hair and then slipped on her boots. After neatly placing the borrowed clothing on the bed she headed out of the bedroom to see....an interesting sight. The boys were running amuck left and right, shouting about who knows what as they all got ready for the morning. But what surprised her most was seeing Albert run right past her with Race on his tail. Something about wanting his cigar back from what the blonde newsie was yelling on about...again.

"So, this is what it's like every morning," Brooklyn thought to herself as she stood in the doorway of the bedroom. Her eyes looked around to see what else was happening, though in her mind it all seemed very chaotic, and she had to wonder how any of these boys managed to get to work on time if they were busy chasing each other this way or that. For the next few minutes she simply stood there, occasionally saying good morning when some of the boys would pass by until she was approached by one.

"Hey sleepin' beauty, how're you'se doin' on this fine mornin'?"

"I've got no one chasin' my tail Red, so I would say pretty good," she replied.

"There's no fun in life without a little excitement gor - HEY! What the hell Higgins!?" Albert exclaimed when the blonde boy had jumped onto his back and nearly tackled him to the ground.

"Jojo! The day has finally arrived! H-A-O-T-H-C-H-I-L! I repeat H-O-A-T-H-C-H-I-L is in progress! Quick! Get out the firm pillows!" Race yelled out, completely ignoring Albert's protests. This is important business after all.

Jojo soon came over where Albert was and began whacking him with the pillow as hard as he could while Race kept yelling out nonsense like the lunatic he is. This went on for about two more minutes before Jack stepped in and broke apart...whatever the hell was happening. He had to pry Race off of Albert's back and take the pillow away from Jojo before asking what all this was about.

"We's just doin' what Al told us ta do when he fell in love at first sight," Jojo innocently replied.

"What the hell you'se tawkin' bout?" the redhead asked. "I's never told ya ta do somethin' stupid like that."

"Yes you did," Race added as he pulled out a crumpled up piece of paper from his pocket, opened it up and began to read it out loud. "I hear by give Racetrack Higgins and Jojo De La G somethin' full permission ta whack me over the head if I am to ever fall for a pretty goil at first sight. An' not ta complain when they's start actin' like the nitwits they are. Signed, Albert DaSilva. Date, May 19th, 1895."

"Lemme see that!" Albert took the old paper from Race to read it for himself. His lips moving and voice becoming more audible every few seconds as his eyes scanned the writing. "I's was thirteen when I's wrote this out an' clearly rememba I's only said this ta get you'se two bummers ta leave me alone! Are ya really gonna hold this against me four years later?!"

"An' I's rememba we's spat an' shook on it. An' you'se know the rules of a spit an' shake. It's a newsies biggest honor ya know."

Then, out of nowhere, a quiet voice asked, "Albert, h-how do you really feel about me?" Suddenly, all eyes were on the freckled girl, but she didn't care. For, if what was said was true, then she had to learn the truth now or risk breaking her own heart. Though, the proof was all there...the signed paper...the spit and shake (which she found odd, but it was a newsie custom by her understanding). But that's beside the point. All of it was beside the point.

"Hey, Freckles, could we's tawk bout this somewhere else?"

No. We can't do this somewhere else. In the what? Month or so we've been together, you - I've - we've never said how we really felt about each other. And, now with all of that happening I want to know because I don't want to waste my time on someone who's just going to break my heart. Was what Brooklyn felt like saying. But, she wasn't that bold to say something like that. She's never been the type to express anything really. As a child she learned that the less she spoke, the easier things would be. She wouldn't get hurt or yelled at. All her life she's always stayed to the side with sealed lips. Never stating her opinions or thoughts unless she was asked to do so. Sad as it sounded, that's how things worked for her before moving to Manhattan.

A few more moments of silence slowly went by until she finally spoke again. "I'm going to be late for work." and with that, she headed down the stairs and out the door. She walked in the direction of where she worked. A local family owned establishment that took on a few extra hands last fall. Right around the time she and her mother moved cities. Brooklyn liked working at the bakery. Spending her days making little sweets instead of endless stabbing her fingers with a needle. She never enjoyed her old job before the move. Mostly because of how crabby her boss was. She walked as quickly as she could while telling herself that maybe it was time to let go and move on. Away from the redheaded newsie. Let old memories be nothing but memories. Yes, she deeply cares about him, neither of them had said it out loud before. And sure, Brooklyn knew these things took time, but what happened in the bunk room told her that she was way in over her head. Maybe falling for him at first sight was a mistake. Or maybe she was being dramatic, but she's never felt this way about anyone so strongly before. She knows how she feels...but was always too afraid to actually say it out loud...

For the next few days, Brooklyn avoided Albert and any of the newsies at all costs. While not wanting to see Albert made sense, the reason why she was avoiding the newsies was because she knew they'd try to defend the redhead in the sticky situation they were both in. Though, Mush and Feister were an exception since they both knew not to talk about the subject.

───── ･ ｡ﾟ☆: *.☽ .* :☆ﾟ. ─────

It had been nearly a week since the little incident, and Albert had been losing sleep over it. Though he had a good gut feeling on why Brooklyn was avoiding him, he couldn't bring himself to actually go to her and explain. Though the boys and Feister kept telling him to do something before it was too late. Race even said he'd go and explain everything for him, but Albert shot that idea down too. He wondered if it was better to just let things continue to fall out on their own. Yes, he cares deeply about her, but actually saying it out loud was another thing. A note could work....but, then again, he's never been good with words. Maybe he could ask Katherine to write something out for him. Though the thought definitely hurt his pride to even consider. He could always ask Jack for advice. Hell, he'd even go to Romeo at this point. Though that probably wasn't the smartest idea.

It was times like these he wished Wolf was still around. He could always go to him for anything. Sadly, the former leader was somewhere in Virginia from his memory of the last letter the Lodge has received. But at least the former leader was doing well with his new life. Jumps on the other hand was a carriage driver within the city. He only reunited with the newsies a few months ago, and would sometimes eat lunch with them if he was in the area that day. Though it was something that didn't happen everyday, they still enjoyed his company when he was around.

Walking the streets of the city with about ten papers left in the bag he didn't pay much attention to where he was going. All Albert wanted to do was finish up and call it day, while trying not to think about Brooklyn and the....situation they were in. Maybe it was best to let whatever they had going on die down. There were good moments, but a lifetime together seemed....well it seemed too much. Nobody ever said they had to get married and start a life together. Nothing was set in stone for the two of them. Besides, Mush and Feister already took claim to the whole "meant to be" thing. Jack and Katherine on the other hand...they had some rough patches once the strike settled, but always found a way to make it work. They were the "perfectly imperfect pair". So, what did that make him and Brooklyn? Soulmates seemed too strong of a word. Match made didn't sound any better either.

Albert was so lost in thought he eventually found himself walking in the direction of the bakery she worked at. He didn't have a clue as to way he was going there in the first place, but he didn't stop to turn around either. He simply went. And the next thing Albert knew he was standing just a few feet from the doorway, debating whether he should go in or not. He wanted to. Wanted to see her again. Which didn't take very long because the freckled girl had stepped out of the door holding a basket in the nook of her arm with a list of things in her hand. The moment she looked up pure shock washed over her face.

Seeing her again suddenly brought him the confidence to finally admit that - is he really going to do this?

"I'm gonna be straight up with ya, that I's ain't good at words, an' never have been. Probably never will be either if I's bein' honest." oh, so he's actually doing this. "So, when ya asked me what we's are I's started panickin' a little, then I's realized that you'se could be with any fella that's better off, but ya chose me. Just a random street kid who don't have anythin' ta his name but the clothes on his back. Guess what I's tryin' ta say is...why me? What made ya choose me outta every other guy in the city?"

"Because you're not like all those other guys!" Brooklyn exclaimed. She didn't know why she was talking in that tone, but she did know everything that she's bottled up for the past few weeks had finally came crashing down. You're not a liar or a cheat. I will say you are confusing. Yet...that's not stopping me from admitting that I love you. And, I'll say it again, but only if I know how you really feel about me. If you don't feel the same way, then tell me now before my heart breaks anymore."

Well, Albert certainly wasn't expecting that. And she says he's the confusing one. But what surprised him most was that Brooklyn was the one to actually say...that little phrase. All this time he thought he'd be the one to admit it first, but that took a wrong turn with a "see ya later" all over it. Of course he loves her. That's usually what his mind routes to whenever he catches himself day...dreaming. Great, now was Albert beginning to sound like one of the saps.

"You'se been spendin' too much time with Feisty."

"Albert please, no jokes, at least not now."

There it was again. Brooklyn never called him by his name. It had always been one of the many little nicknames, "Al" or "Albie" just to name a few. There was also "Red", which he usually hated with a burning passion, but when she said it...it wasn't so bad. She's the only person he actually liked hearing it from. Heck, Albert wouldn't mind hearing the seasonal "Gingerbread" from Brooklyn at all. And that's saying a lot. And I mean, a lot.

"I's dunno what's gotten into ya, but if it's somethin' I's did..Is sorry. Yer the first goil I's actually serious bout...guess workin' out all the odds an' ends of a relationship ain't as easy as Jack or yer brudda make it out ta be." he chuckled a bit to ease any awkwardness. "I's want ya ta know I's do care bout ya, a lot. Guess I's tryin' ta say that I's love ya too...an' that's somethin' long over due. An' I's ain't just sayin' that cause I's in the dog house." Albert smiled a bit when he notice the light blush creeping across her face. "So, whaddya say? Am I's forgiven?"

"Yeah, yeah, you're off the hook. This time at least." Brooklyn replied as she bit her lip in order to hide her growing smile. "But ya might wanna take a few notes from Jack or my brother if you want to keep this-" she gestured between the two of them. "Goin'."

"I's was serious bout what I's say how you'se been spendin' too much time with Feisty."

"Just kiss me already before you put yourself back in the dog house."

Without any hesitation, Albert cupped Brooklyn's face and pulled her into a deep kiss. He poured everything he had into the little moment, and even tried to hold it out just a bit longer when he felt like he could no longer breathe. When he pulled away his thumb began to gently stroke her cheek as a smile spread across his face. For the second Albert looked into her eyes once more, he could tell that everything was going to be alright.

───── ･ ｡ﾟ☆: *.☽ .* :☆ﾟ. ─────

Author's note

Whew ok, that was quite the rid wasn't it? I know I missed yesterdays update of Story of a News Girl, but life got a bit busy, some stuff including that weird mix of writer's block/slump came into play and this has been sitting in the drafts for a while now. But the the main factor was that I missed putting out Alblyn content. If you're wondering why make a big deal out of that little phrase I've got an explanation. A personal favorite Albert headcanon is he does not like getting too close to people emotionally, and sweet Brooklyn...*random mumbling* basically the relationship happened very quickly, everything sort of came crashing down and Brooklyn needed that extra closure Don't worry it's smooth sailing from here on out, I don't think I can bring myself to put these two through anything heartbreaking *glares at Meister*. Random question, how would you guys feel if I were to do a story on Brooklyn's backstory? Before you ask no, I don't have anything drafted, just ideas. I don't think I'll write new anything until I've finished drafting News Girl. Hope you enjoyed and thanks for reading!