Modern au

Spring had rolled into Manhattan. The rainy season was over, the warm temperatures were welcomed after the cold winter. Flowers were in bloom, trees were perking up. May was in full swing and Feister would officially be fifteen. Like every year when her birth month rolled around she'd say to not make a big deal about it, but like always the boys never listened to her. At the Lodge the newsies always go all out no matter what age it is. This year her birthday fell on a weekend which made setting up a lot easier. Keeping her out of the Lodge was a problem. There are a few boys (Elmer) who don't know how to keep their mouths shut. Finch gets nervous easily so even though he can keep quiet his behavior says otherwise. This job always went to Mush the all knower. If they don't get into a fight that is.

While the operation to keep Feister distracted was underway the decorating would start. Henry was always in charge of making the cake. Buttons made the card for everyone to sign while the rest decorated. They all pitched in to get her something extra special. Buttons and Henry doing the most important part they always like to coordinate. They asked Mush what her favorite flower is, there was no hesitation in his answer.

Feister slept in since it is the weekend. Or she would've if it wasn't so quiet. No matter what the day is there's always some sort of ruckus going on. One time Race was playing the ukulele. Why he was doing that nobody knows but it ended up going on the weird list of rules. This wasn't the ordinary quiet. This was the "something is wrong" quiet. Creeping out of bed she poked her head out the door to see everyone was up and running on a weekend. She could hear muffled voices from the kitchen. Oh great. They're definitely planning something even though she said she was ok with them not blowing it out of proportion. Sighing to herself she headed down to get it over with. Upon entering she was greeted with smiles that were too happy for the hour of day.

"There's our pretty birthday girl!" Romeo said, hugging her side. He was at that wonderful time where he was growing like a weed. Just a few months ago Romeo became taller than her. It wasn't by much but it was still unfair she was still built like a twelve year old.

"Hardly," Feister grumbled. Her hair was in a messy ponytail that was being held together by a worn out scrunchie and she was wearing a t-shirt that was too big for her that it might as well be an oversized nightgown. It came down to her knees. She forgot who it used to belong to but the cotton was well worn so it was cozy to sleep in.

"Nah, he's right, you're the pretty birthday girl," Crutchie said with a wink from the island. A half eaten apple was in his hand. If it was anybody else, she would've rolled her eyes, but since it was Crutchie she gave him one of her sweet smiles. Not the kind where she's toying around in a petty way, but a real one. It was a rare look on her, yet not unwelcomed.

She felt a pair of arms wrap around her as a voice began to sing out, "Count to ten, take it in, this is life before you know who you're gonna be....at fifteen!"

"Finch," Feister said. Even if he wasn't singing he always smelt like clothes straight out of the dryer the second it's done.

"Feisty's finally gettin' old," Albert began as he walked by. "Another year and she'll be drivin'."

"I don't think the streets of New York will survive Feisty at the wheel," Race pointed out.

"If they can survive you, they can survive Feisty," Albert replied.

"Ok you guys can stop actin' like you just did somethin' illegal and need me to bail you out or whatever." Feister headed off to find something to eat, but before she did someone slipped a small plate in her direction. Toasted bread roll with butter and brown sugar. When she looked up there was Mush with that annoying, adorable smile. It was almost shy in that boyish kind of way that could make any girl blush.

"Eat up," he said. "We're headin' out in a little bit."

"If you wanted a date you could've just asked," Feister teased as she took the plate. With a little smirk she flounced off, hair swishing with every step.

Kid Blink nearly choked on his orange juice. "Is that what the birthday girl wants?" he whispered as she passed by. He already knew the answer to that, it's more obvious by the day feelings are brewing beneath the surface. It was hard to keep a straight face when she scowled at him. It brings to question what either of the two lovebirds see in each other. One minute they're inseparable and the next they're screaming their lungs out. Love is weird like that.

"Bet that's what you want too," Specs said, nudging Mush with his elbow. Though there was no response, it was all over his face.

Breakfast went underway with minimal chaos. Race decided to play the happy birthday song on the ukulele since it was at a reasonable time and coffee was brewed. However, it was clear he needed more practice. Finch looked like he wanted to cry for the poor string instrument that appeared to have a strip of duct tape at the bottom. Of course they were joking about how Feister was an old maid, which she punched them for. It brought to question why they ever taught her good self defense to begin with. But all Feister did was put on her innocent face and all was forgotten. How easily they can fall for those big doe eyes. She's annoying, but they love her.

───── ･ ｡ﾟ☆: *.☽ .* :☆ﾟ. ─────

"Feisty you ready?"

"Relax I'm comin'," Feister grumbled as she walked down the stairs. She had changed into her favorite pair of tattered jeans. Instead of the usual rips that were being held together by threads, this one had white fabric hiding her skin with lace on top. She paired it with her gray and white baggy crop with the twisted front and her favorite wedge sneakers. Of course her hair was in two Dutch braids. With the weather being warmer the side braid was out for the meantime. "Care to put your eyeballs back in their sockets." she tapped his nose as she passed by to grab her bomber jacket just in case.

"It's not my fault you look different."

"Mush, I look exactly the same as I always have. Bein' fifteen don't change nothin'."

She couldn't be more wrong. Everything about her way different. She started wearing body sprays and sweet smelling lotion more. Something called tinted chap stick and lip gloss. Though these things were an average thing for any female to do, it wasn't for Feister. These were things she normally didn't care about, and now she started doing them without really realizing it. Even her outfits were changing. She still wouldn't be caught dead in a dress, nor would she wear pink, it was a small difference. Which if he ever voiced them out the boys would tease him to no end and Feister would probably sucker punch him. So he kept his mouth shut.

"We're leavin' now!" Mush yelled out.

"Have fun!"

"Take your time!"

"We'll be here when you get back!"

Feister eyed the boys suspiciously as Mush guided her out. Their wide smiles and waves felt unnatural. Looking over her shoulder she did a "I'm watching you" gesture. However, Mush swatted her hand away and proceeded to give her a gentle shove while closing the door. "What're you plannin'?"

"Nothin'," Mush replied with the face of the utmost innocence. "C'mon, first stop your favorite bakery."

"That's on the other side of town. Mush, what're you tryin' to do?"

He wrapped his arm around her shoulders and began heading in the direction of the nearest subway station. "Spend time with my best friend obviously."

"In that case you left Blink behind."

"I'm talkin' bout you." he let his arm discreetly fall to her side where he tickled her. She squirmed and elbowed him with a roll of those pretty eyes he can get lost in. But there was a hidden smile on her lips. It was short lived however, as she eyed him suspiciously. She was onto them. Mush said it was a bad idea to do this on her actual birthday and not a day or so before but nobody ever listens to him. Then again she would be suspicious all month long so there was no point. Wrapping his arm around her he guided her away. "C'mon, we wanna get there before the line gets too big."

"You're a terrible liar."

"Says who."

"Says me. You don't need to play dumb, you're already dumb enough."

"I ain't playin' any games Feisty," Mush replied innocently.

"Don't give me your little boy smile, your charm has no effect on me." she elbowed his stomach. "Do you think I'm pretty?"

"Yes."

"HA! See you lied." Feister shoved his head to the side, causing him to pull away. "C'mon Mush, we both know I'm average."

That's just it. Feister's anything but average. She's beautiful in her own way and doesn't realize it. "Feisty, you're you. That's all there is to it. You're not afraid to be yourself. You're the most confident person I know." he nudged her with his hip. She returned the favor of course.

───── ･ ｡ﾟ☆: *.☽ .* :☆ﾟ. ─────

"So many flavors I don't know which one to choose." Feister looked over the display case. Since there wasn't much of a crowd yet she could take her time with the options of the day. Along with the assortment of pastries there were also rows and rows of colorful macaroons. The French kind, not the coconut ones. "Mush, you pick, I can't."

"Definitely red velvet." he nudged her with his elbow. The flavor in question was one of her favorites. "Salted caramel, raspberry. Oh pink lemonade sounds interestin'. So does cinnamon roll...and cotton candy. I dunno what lavender tastes like but I'm willin' to try. But there's also peach and cherry. Mango. They have pear now?" Mush turned towards Feister and said, "How about we get one of each."

"Mush, that's way too much." but the truth is, she did want to try every flavor. The menu changes by season, holiday, and so on. During the Christmas season there was peppermint, sugar plumb, and snickerdoodle. During Valentine's day it was all red and pink, decorated with hearts and such. "By any chance do you still do those sample boxes?" Feister asked the girl at the counter. The macaroons were slightly smaller with imperfections but still tasted just as good and half the price.

"We do actually. Will that be one or two boxes?"

Before Feister could respond, Mush said "Two. And half a dozen of red velvet if you don't mind." he winked at her. "C'mon it's your birthday and knowin' you, you'll get a cravin' later on."

Once everything was boxed up and paid for they sat down on the bench outside a cafe and broke into the sweet treats. Feister took a moment to admire how pretty the macaroons looked all neatly lined up. Not to mention the smell, sweet and cool. Unknowing to her, Mush snapped a quick picture. This isn't something he'd usually do, but in the moment she looked perfect. The absent smile on her lips, how those short locks of hair frame her temples just right. It was hard not to reach over and brush it back. Still, he had to wonder what she looked like without the braids. Like a waterfall, was his best guess.

"Which one should we try first?"

"Huh, what?" Mush asked, coming back to reality. "Oh umm...pear."

"My favorite fruit." Feister pulled out the green sweet. Mush did the same. They clinked their macaroons and simultaneously took a bite. She held back a sigh. The texture, the taste, the filling. It was perfect. "I could eat these all day."

"I guess you could say these bonbons are bon." ok maybe Feister wasn't so docile when eating because she punched him as hard as she could. For someone so tiny she sure has a good right hook.

"Hey now, with that tiny stomach you can never be too careful."

"Don't remind me," Feister groaned. "Kloppman thought it was my appendix one too many times." she couldn't blame Kloppman though. She did have some bad episodes. And this was way before she ever got the monthly, which, turns out, makes her stomachaches look painless. "Why do we have a body part that does absolutely nothin' and then randomly decides its had enough and well, explodes if not taken out. It's like wisdom teeth. Why do we have them if we have to get them pulled out later in life. Makes no sense."

Mush laughed, even he couldn't argue with that logic. "Wait, stay still."

"Why?"

"There's a butterfly on your shoulder."

Looking down Feister saw the dusty blue butterfly had indeed landed on her. Out of the corner of her eye she saw Mush snap a picture. "Make a wish." it was barely a whisper, but it still made her stomach swirl. In a good way. He has such a boyish look about him with the messy brown hair and bule grey eyes.

"I think that's a lady bug you're thinkin' of Meyers."

"Well lucky for you, if a butterfly lands on you and its your birthday, you can make one wish."

"You made that up." she so badly wanted to punch his shoulder, but she also didn't want to disturb the little creature that had paid her a visit. Oh, there was also the smile that could make anyone blush, which he was doing right now. It was unfair how even she wasn't immune to his charm. Feister wished she was, then maybe her heart wouldn't break a little each day knowing that she'd never truly be his girl. But she can pretend. This delusional world she created for herself was only a dream, and nothing more.

"You know you want too."

Sighing, Feister closed her eyes. She waited a few seconds before opening them again. "Ok," she whispered in reply. At that moment, the butterfly fluttered away.

They were only a couple of inches between them. Mush would absolutely be lying if he said he didn't want to break that gap and give her a birthday to remember. Her lips looked as pink and as soft as ever. The cheap body spray she was wearing had a sweet, bubbly scent he couldn't name. Those locks of hairs that always framed her temples perfectly were screaming to be tucked back. And then his phone dinged. Mush wasn't sure if he was happy or sad about that. He was on the brink of risking it all but the little logical voice inside said it wasn't worth losing her friendship. He almost did once, he didn't want it to happen for good. Pulling out his phone he checked what the commotion was about.

Blink: MISSION ABORT MISSION ABORT

Blink: CHANGE OF PLANS COME BACK AFTER TWELVE

Mush: I can't keep her distracted forever! What happened?!

"Everythin' ok?" Feister asked.

"Yes." however, it was hard for Mush to keep a neutral face. He kept his fingers crossed that it went unnoticed.

───── ･ ｡ﾟ☆: *.☽ .* :☆ﾟ. ─────

Sometime after two in the afternoon they were finally going back to the Lodge. Mush had insisted on doing - ok well she forgot what it was because she was too busy trying to ignore her aching feet. When the familiar brick building came into view she let out a sigh of relief. Feister would've ran for the door but her feet felt like they were going to fall off. As soon as I get in there I'm passin' out," Feister groaned as she took the first step. "You're a psycho for makin' me walk all day long. Mush, does it look like I need the exercise, you're lookin' at a size small goin' on extra small."

"Feisty, you're the last person I know who needs to exercise," Mush lightly laughed. Despite hitting her growth spurt she was still smaller compared to the other girls at school. It wasn't easy keeping her distracted for the past few hours, when it came close to after twelve he had gotten another text from Blink saying to stay away for a little bit longer. His question of why went unanswered.

Idiots the bunch of them. Can't set up a simple surprise party calmly without causing some sort of fire. He bet it was Race messing around with the oven, Henry most likely cried over the ruined cake and anyone who could work like a normal human being (Jack and Specs) were spread thin by his guess. Yet Mush was sure if he was there things would've gone smoother, but he was the best choice to keep Feister out of the Lodge for this long. If it was anyone else it would've been a failed mission.

"Besides, you're pretty no matter what ya look like."

"You forget I'm immune to your sweet talk Meyers," Feister replied, looking over her shoulder.

"One of these days I'll wear you down," he winked.

"Keep dreamin' Meyers. Get too close and I'll end up burnin' you."

"You already have," Mush thought. Her words were meant to be a threat, or maybe it was a little playful. Which of the two she was aiming for was hard to tell. All Mush really knew was that he was gone for this girl. Has been since he was seven, it just took eight long years to fully realize it. He wants her, but when that line was crossed he'd surely lose her for good. He came way too close to it a few months ago when they had the biggest fight to date. Things were said, it took weeks to get back on her good side. That was the day Mush swore never again. Though the mean part of his mind reminded him he did make that promise to himself and he still went there. Throwing her insecurities in her face. He regretted it of course but getting her to understand that took a long time. Not that he blamed her. It showed him just how much Feister means to him.

It's why he's willing to stay in the friend zone. Painful as it is he'll do it if it means she'll always be in his life.

"What're you lookin' at."

"Nothin'," Mush softly sighed.

To anyone who was watching it was clear he was love struck. But to Feister she was savoring the moment where she could pretend she's his girl. With one last look she turned around and walked inside.

The Lodge was pitch dark. "This place is a tripping hazard as it is," Feister muttered. As she kicked off her shoes she flipped the light switch on, she stumbled backwards when an air horn of all things blasted in her ear. It wasn't directly but it was close enough. Mush managed to catch her mid fall.

"I said that wasn't part of the plan!" Jack snapped, yanking the little metal can from Albert and tossing it to Crutchie who had a "just try and get it" face.

"Was this a surprise or are ya tryin' to kill her?" Mush asked as he helped Feister back on her feet.

"Hey! For what it's worth we didn't burn the place down," Race protested.

"Don't say it like it's an accomplishment," Finch sighed. "You shouldn't be proud of not burnin' the place down cause it isn't normal to almost set it ablaze on the daily."

"And this is why there's a rule why you can't be left alone with the oven Race," Specs added. "Remember the cookie chaos."

"Can someone explain to me what the hell is goin' on?!" Feister yelled out, causing everyone to turn their head to her. There was about several seconds of silence as it dawned on each of the boys that this didn't go as they had originally planned. A chorus of "surprise!" and "happy birthday" rang through the air. Buttons and Elmer held up a banner that naturally read, "happy 15th Feisty! We love you!" written in pale blue against the white paper. There were hearts and was that glitter? It was at that moment Race and Albert exploded some confetti canons, making it rain a matching blue to the banner and silver.

"Hey we got it right!"

"Took you idiots long enough," Sniper muttered. "Dumb luck much."

"I say it's learnin' from our mistakes, right Al?"

"Don't touch me," Albert said as he shrugged Race's arm off his shoulders. He punched the blonde boy for good measure

"Here, open your present!" Romeo said running up to her, holding out a little holographic bag. "We all chipped in," he beamed happily. "It was Mush's idea."

"Why you gotta throw me under the bus Rome," Mush grumbled.

"I thought I told you dumb dumbs not to make a big deal," Feister said. On the outside she was playing it off like it was nothing. On the inside she was touched they did all this. And yeah sure for what it's worth she does care about them. Even if non of this happened. They are her brothers after all. "But thanks for doin' this, even though I said I was fine without any of it."

"Just open it already," Kid Blink called out. "You know how hard it was to keep that from breakin'? I think Mush actually stuffed it under his pillow while he slept."

"I did not! I stuffed it in my-"

"Mush you better say this was in your t-shirt draw and not with your boxers," Feister cut off.

"Of course it was," Mush replied in an obvious tone. "I ain't that stupid."

Feister gave him a look as she took the bag into her own hands. Peeking in she carefully pulled out a box that was not much bigger than her hand. It was wrapped in tissue paper which she easily tore apart. "Are you sayin' I smell bad?" she asked, looking back at Mush as she held out the box in question. It was a perfume bottle called "Daisy" of all things.

"I saw it and thought you'd like it." he shrugged with his hands stuffed in his pockets. "You know cause daisies are your favorite flower." a sort of shyness had washed over his face. It was kind of cute.

"I don't remember tellin' you that."

"DIdn't have too,." another casual shrug. "Just figured it out."

"Cause you stalked me."

"You say stalked I say observant...I've got the receipt if you wanna exchange it or whatever. The lady did say somethin' like this is on the personal side. For all I know it could make you sneeze like crazy."

"I'm sure it's perfect. Thanks Mushy."

"It was a group effort," he replied. "Sides, I figured it was bound time you had somethin' a little than those body sprays that don't last for more than five minutes."

"This is the part where you kiss her!"

"You just had to ruin the moment Jojo," Sniper yelled.

"What? We were all thinkin' it."

───── ･ ｡ﾟ☆: *.☽ .* :☆ﾟ. ─────

"So, did you have a nice day?" Mush asked as he walked up to where Feister was perched on the counter. She had changed into a pair of leggings and one of his hoodies shortly after they came back. Her once tight dutch braids were now somewhat loose, but he liked how it looked now compared when it's freshly done.

"Yeah, I did," Feister replied with a soft smile. "But that's because I got to spend it with you."

"I knew you loved me."

"Keep dreamin' Meyers," she gave his shoulder a light shove.

"One of these days I'll wear ya down Johnson, you'll see." he smirked. "Someday." he hoped. Because this girl, as prickly as she may be is the most loyal he's ever met. She cares deeply about those she loves, she just has a different way of showing it. She's beautiful but has no idea just how much. Feister doesn't try to be someone she isn't, and that's what makes her special. She is who she is, there's no force of nature that could ever change that. Plus she smelt pretty - wait a second. Leaning just inches away from her neck he took a sniff. "You're wearin' the perfume," he said with a smug smile.

"Shut up." Feister rolled her eyes, shoving him away. "I didn't mean to, I was tryin' to see what it smelt like." she shrugged. "Kinda smells like pear."

"Well the lady said it's wild berry, jasmine and a bunch of other fruits and florals. Actually, now that I think about it there isn't any daisy in it. Weird." he thought about it for a moment. "Do daisies even have a scent or are they just good for askin' the age ole question, love me or love me not."

"I've asked that many times...he loves me not," Feister thought. It was a stupid thing to do but she did it anyways. More times than she'd like to admit. She even tried switching the phrase around and still nothing. Eventually she started making wishes. Sure that was a dandelion's job but sadly for her the little white puffs weren't around so she settled on a a daisy. This boy has her making wishes on flowers.

"Feisty, don't tell me you believe in that."

"Please, I ain't that stupid."

"But for you I am. And I hate you for it. I hate that my heart's set on you."

"Not yet anyways. Someday you will be."

"I already am." Pennies in fountains, wishes to stars she couldn't see, daisies. It was a stupid crush. He's just a boy. There'll be plenty more in the future. But none of them would come close to the one standing in front of her. He was familiar. He knew all her dark secrets and still stuck around. She's screamed at him, given him so many chances to walk away but Mush came back every time. He didn't give up on her when she wanted to give up on herself. He was there for her when she didn't want him to be and along the way those lines of friendship blurred into love. So yeah, it wasn't just a stupid crush no matter how much she wanted to fight herself on it. She's in love with Mush Meyers. Another dumb girl who has fallen under his spell. Another heart that'll be broken in his path.

"Hey, smile would ya." he tapped her nose.

"Just tired." Feister sighed.

"C'mon, let's get outta here fore the guys come in and start makin' comments."

"Oh you mean about how we're in love. Face it Mush brains, you're stuck with me for the rest of your life." she tapped his nose as he helped her off the counter. She could've done it by herself with ease. Secretly it was another way to be close to him even though she knows he'll end up being her human pillow.

"I've been stuck with you since the second you walked through that door. Ever since you've been a tiny little pain."

"But you love me," Feister replied in a sing song voice as they walked into the living room. "Admit it Meyers. You love me."

"Yeah, I do." little did she know how true those words were.

───── ･ ｡ﾟ☆: *.☽ .* :☆ﾟ. ─────

Author's note

I said I wasn't going to let myself get Meister deprived and here we are. Nonetheless I love going back to my pre Meister dating roots. There's something so fun about writing them in this stage when you wonderful readers already know what happens (in just a few short months at this point and time in the timeline. Feister's birthday is officially May 17th. The year this takes place is around 2017-ish, (give or take). She's also not Mexican or Italian, she is French in case anyone forgot. This one shot was inspired by a few things, Feister's love of daises, the perfume, obviously, and my favorite Japanese song. The English demo being, "he's got me wishing on a daisy, oh the way you love me it could drive me crazy, don't stop we say go." Special announcement, I'm back this summer with a new book! Buckle up for the second installment in Alblyn's story, you won't wanna miss it. Stay tuned on June 7th. Last and never least I do not own newsies or anything else that may have gotten mentioned, only OCs, plot, dialogue and all that other fun stuff. I hope you enjoyed, thanks for reading and I'll see you guys soon.