Christina

Jack is an idiot if he thought that the newsies were going to win. The Delancey gang was beating the shit out of us. I tried to help everybody I could, but it was difficult.

"Chris!" I heard Jack's voice through the shouting and fighting of the boys.

"Jack?" I scanned the faces, searching desperately for him.

When I finally found him, Oscar's thick arm was wrapped fiercely around his neck, Jack's face turning a deathly shade of blue.

Then I saw Crutchie. He was in the same position as Jack only with Morris. I could barely keep myself from killing those damn Delancey brothers.

"C'mon, Chris. We got the best part of your friends right here." Morris said deviously as his arm wrapped tighter around Crutchie's neck.

I didn't know what to do. I couldn't fight them both. Meanwhile, Crutchie's face was turning more purple each second.

Slap!

"Ow!" Morris released his grip on Crutchie and held the back of his head.

Slap!

"Ouch! Dammit!" Oscar let go of Jack and held the back of his head too.

"Hey! It's Brooklyn!" Mush yelled.

"Never fear, Brooklyn is here!"

Pellets began flying through the air. Spot Conlon and some other Brooklyn newsies were on the balconies of buildings that surrounded the fight. Spot and his friends had slingshots in their hands, shooting rocks at the enemy.

"Spot!" I called to him, but he was too busy climbing down the wall of a building. Rocks continued to fly through the air all around me. When his feet touched the ground, I called to him again. "Spot!" this time he looked at me, and jogged up to me.

"Where's Jack?" he asked.

"Come help me," I ran over to Jack. He was laying on the ground, gasping for breath. Spot followed closely by my side. We both reached Jack and Crutchie. "Are you guys okay?"

"Never been better!" Jack sarcastically said as he rubbed his presumably aching neck.

I helped Crutchie off of the ground and picked up his crutch for him, wrapping him in a tight hug. Though I may have something with Jack, Crutchie is still my friend, and I'm going to continue to treat him that way.

"Don't worry about me. I'm just glad you are okay." Crutchie squeezed me tightly back. His touch comforted me.

"What about the others?"

"Oh, don't worry about them. The Delanceys are being taken care of by my gang." Spot played with his cane.

It was true, the Brooklyn newsies had almost every Delancey member out and running through the distribution doors like chickens in a chicken coop.

That was quick.

"Chris..." Jack began to say, but I cut him off with a hug.

"Don't say anything more." I whispered.

***

"With a few scrapes and bruises, we won against the Delancey gang!" Jack held his soda cup up.

The newsies, Jack, Spot, and I were in Tibby's celebrating our victory. The boys applauded across the room at these words from Jack.

Mush jumped on top of a table, ignoring the annoyed glares from waiter who was serving us. "Jack, we should do that thing that fancy people do...what's it called?"

"Cheers?" somebody suggested.

Mush grabbed his cup and lifted it in the air. "Cheers!"

"Cheers!" a chorus of hurrahs and clinking cups ringed across the room. At least twenty boys were packed in the small restaurant, and it was clear that the owner was not too thrilled to have so many kids in his place of business. Honestly, I couldn't blame him. I probably wouldn't like it either.

Of course, I sat next to Jack, Crutchie, and Spot. Spot was a little too close for comfort, but I kept my mouth shut tight about that. I clinked cups with the boys around me. Suddenly, Jack slyly kissed me on the cheek. My cheeks flared red at the unexpected gesture. I looked at him at he smiled at me. I quickly turned away before I chuckled loud enough for the others to hear.

"Nice one, Jack!" Mush slapped his knee with laughter.

***

"Who are we?"

"Newsies!"

"Who did we beat?"

"The Delanceys!"

"Yeah!"

Our chants could be heard all across the city. It was night now, and we were probably waking up some people with our screaming, but who cares. I'm pretty sure we were all drunk on soda by now.

Race and Jack had their arms around me. We were all laughing and having a good time while we walked back to the orphanage. I turned back to see Crutchie walking by himself. I wondered why as I approached him.

"Is something wrong, Crutchie?" I asked quietly. I didn't want the others to hear if it was personal.

He stifled a sigh. "Well, I ain't sellin' very many papes, Chris. I'm runnin' out of money to buy more. People are calling me a fake 'cause there's so many fake cripes on the street these days, ya know? I gotta find myself a selling place where the ain't used to seeing me."

"No, you don't need to do that. I'll share my profits with you." I offered.

Crutchie grinned at me. "Okay, but only sometimes! I don't wanna take all you profits from you," he rubbed my back with his free hand. "Thanks,
Chris. You always know how to make somebody feel better."

"You're welcome. I would do anything for a friend like you."

Not everything I say is always sincere, but the last comment was sincere, and I hoped Crutchie knew that.

Aw, Crutchie's so cute! Honestly, is there a newsie that isn't cute?? ;) And yes, that is Andrew Kennan-Bolger that you see. He is the Broadway Crutchie. *sighs*

Happy New Year!

Thanks for reading!!! Don't forget to comment or vote if you like the chapter. I would totally appreciate it :)