Based on this request: "race and some of the newsies are hanging out with yn and yn is acting all tough. They keep trying to make her drop that attitude by making jokes, and race flirts with her as a joke. Yn gets all nervous and blushy so he just keeps going thinking its adorable until yn fires back and he kinda dies"
me when i flirt with someone and they instantly perish
masterlist
Dawn comes and goes, and you are not there to see it. Normally, this would fill you with more than a small amount of fear– miss your morning schedule, and you’ll be hours behind when it comes to selling newspapers. Newsies live in the daylight hours, shouting slogans and catchy headlines as long as there are still people out on the street who can see enough to hand you coins. It does make it difficult to get up so early each morning, but it’s not like you have a ton of options otherwise.
Yet when you open your eyes this morning and see not sunrise but a well established day, you feel not a bit displeased with yourself. After all, why should you? Today, as it turns out, all newsies across the city will have a day off. The newspapers don’t like printing on holidays, so you can get off scot free for the whole set of twenty-four hours. Nothing says special like that.
For newsies, days off are a bit of a mixed bag. There is, of course, the immediate response to hearing that you won’t have to get up at dawn and spend too many hours out on the streets hawking papes. That would explain the shrieks and calls of glee from some of the younger newsies. Older ones, too. The second Jack Kelly heard about the holiday, he muttered something about having to talk to someone and hurried off in the direction of the New York Sun. You have a feeling he’s tracking down a particularly pretty journalist.
It’s great to think that you won’t have to work. However, you aren’t a newsie for the thrill of it. Not working means you don’t get paid, and that’s far less fun than one would care to imagine. That’s why you’ve been carefully saving your pennies for weeks now, just trying to make sure you’ll have enough to cover today’s costs before your job comes back the next day. It’s a life spread thin, to be sure, but it’s what you’ve got, and you don’t intend to waste it.
Still, sleeping in is pretty nice indeed. You allow yourself one last moment of leisure before dragging yourself out of bed. Most kids in the Manhattan Lodging House have partaken in the same delights– more than half of them are still sleeping peacefully in their bunks. You do your best to get ready as quietly as you can, and shut the door silently behind you.
By the time noon rolls around, the rest of your friends are up and at ‘em. Most of you are choosing to either kick back and relax in the Lodging House or go look for trouble somewhere else in the city. You heard Spot popped in once to check on a deal with Jack, but other than that, there are no threats in sight.
None to your physical health, at least. Threats to your peace and quiet still exist. You’ve barely sat down on your favorite threadbare armchair in a corner of the main room (the title being won by a good few rounds of fisticuffs, all solidly settled in your favor) before your name is being tossed around by some of the newsies nearby. You have a feeling that they’re trying to be discreet, but their whispers sound more like shouts when you’re indoors instead of yelling to be heard in the streets of Manhattan.
Four boys are causing trouble today, as it appears. Race, Jojo, Albert, and Romeo. All of the newsies are good friends– you have to be, at any rate, or you’ll lose your head with the godawful conditions of being outside all day– but these four are no exception. They’re the closest of anyone here, exceptions being Jack and Crutchie.
Today it seems they’ll be proving their camaraderie by trying to get a rise out of you. This isn’t anything special. You have a bit of a reputation for being stone cold, but can they blame you? Girls have to fight twice as hard to stay alive in this city, so what if you’re more here to keep yourself afloat than make friends? You’re nice when you have to be, but you keep your distance when you want it. Just because you’re not flirting all the time doesn’t mean you hate the rest of them.
The ‘Hattan boys know you don’t hate them, but that doesn’t stop the four newsies nearest you from trying to win you over anyway in the only method they know best: being annoying and turning everything into a joke. Romeo tries his luck first, shooting his shot with a tip of his cap and a wink. You arch one derisive brow, which is all it takes for him to give up and head back to his friends.
Albert is next. He starts off strong with a story about a dream he’d had last night about pretty girls going out with him, but you cut him off thoughtfully with a recollection of a dream you’d had recently where all boys left you alone under pain of death. Struck out, he gestures for Jojo to take over.
Jojo’s attempts at flattery are so awful that you give up on trying to entertain yourself by watching them fail. You reach over for a paperback Katherine had left behind on her last visit to the Manhattan Lodging House. The book serves the dual purpose of letting you ignore the laughter of the boys and also hiding your face for the last of their attempts.
See, you can ignore Albert or Romeo any day. They’re just friends, just coworkers. You’ll never see them in any sort of romantic light. The problem comes with Race. Race is charming. Race is cute. Race is the only one who has ever been able to get through the strongest of your walls. It doesn’t matter if he’s just doing it as a joke, if Race flirts with you in the slightest, you will be affected by it.
Best to make sure he can’t tell, then, so you prop up the book in front of your face and pray he can’t see the slight smile that makes its way across your lips when Race tries his hand at flirting. It wasn’t even a good pickup line. Still, it worked, and that is absolutely devastating to your reputation.
The worst part is that he knows it, too. Even though you do your best to act as if you’re absolutely fine, you can tell by the triumphant tilt of his head that he knows it. Y/N’s got a weakness at last, and it’s Race. Of course it is.
The other boys don’t seem to have caught on, though, they’re just laughing raucously amongst themselves about the usual. Albert calls something out to Race about wanting to go take a tour of the shop next door, but Race doesn’t even look back, gesturing for them to go on without him without turning even once.
“You should go with them,” you say as indifferently as you can.
“Why?” Race asks, cocking his head to the side, “I’ve got a far prettier sight in front of me right now.”
You roll your eyes, but even you can feel the slight heat pricking your cheeks. “You’re insufferable.”
“Apparently not,” Race muses, “or you wouldn’t be smiling at me.”
You do your best to hide the offensive expression away, but your best attempts at staying serious just make your smile more stubborn. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”
“Sure you don’t,” he says happily, “it’s not just because of me, is it? I bet Y/N L/N would never be susceptible to something like a boy.”
“Not even to a cute boy?” You ask, eyes wide with pretend surprise.
This, of all things, makes Race stutter over his words. You didn’t think it would be possible for Race to get nervous over someone flirting with him, but apparently you were wrong, because he’s all but shaking in his boots right now.
“That’s sweet of you,” he manages to eke out.
You grin. The tables have turned. “Funny,” you say, “I didn’t think Race Higgins would ever be susceptible to something like a girl.”
“I love it when you pay attention to me,” Race retorts, but it carries far less of the easy confidence he’d had earlier. In fact, Race looks like he can’t believe his eyes.
“I’m sure you do,” you muse, “Shame it doesn’t happen more often. If I knew you were going to react like this, maybe I would have started flirting back earlier.”
“I think you should keep doing it anyway,” Race whispers.
You laugh. “Only if you flirt back.”
“Oh, always, sweetheart, you know that,” Race says.
It’s easy to smile after that. Maybe Race has been flirting with you for a while, but maybe he’s meant what he said all along, too. It’s good that you’ll have plenty of time to figure him out, then. Yes, plenty of time indeed.
newsies tag list: @lovesanimals0000, @misguidedswagger, @thatfangirl42, @amortensie
A/N: I’m alive! It’s been awhile since I last posted in my writeblr with some content. To those who are following me still, thank you! Even if you are being bombarded with Newsies reblogs for the past few months now. As some may know, today is my birthday and yes, I still hate my birthday but to post something means that there’s something quite good in me still so I do it. Anyway, this story is dedicated to the lovely, @woildismyerster. It’s a gift from me to her and I do hope she liked it.
Thank you for being my friend, Ally!
Now onto some pressing matters. This may develop into series but heh, it will depend on my motivation so tell me what you think with this one okay?
Fandom: Newsies
Prompt: Dare: Serenade the person you can fall in love with- the person that could tame you.
=Masterlist= (Might create a new one)
-/-
Whispers and excited murmurs broke out as people gathered in a circle, eagerly awaiting their latest victim in another round of truth or dare.
You rolled your eyes. You just couldn't find the appeal of these party games; Truth or Dare, specifically. What's the point of asking friendship terminating questions when people can just flat out lie? What's the point of doing something that will only hurt you and haunt you for the rest of your life? A stupid action that can humiliate you for as long as you shall live?
If you can have your way, you would rather spend your Friday night binging trash TV, spending half of that time loathing and berating yourself. And yet, here you were, the loner of the party, taking your role so well that you found a small nook to settle in while watching your best friend spend his night being the life of the party.
No surprise there since well, Race has always been a magnet for attraction.
"All alone?"
You jumped, startled as you turned and sagged in relief when you saw Crutchie smiling at you, wobbling his way next to you.
Scooting over so as to give him space beside you, you took in deep breath. "Gosh Crutch, if you're trying to kill me, you're doing an amazing job. I applaud you for that."
Crutchie gave you a sheepish smile as he took the space you offered. "Sorry,"
"What are you doing here?" you asked in return, earning an amused look from your companion. "Not that I am being judgmental or anything but you don't seem to be the type who-"
"-goes to rowdy parties like this?" He finished for you as you meekly nodded, ducking your head in embarrassment as he chuckled. "No offence, Y/N, but between the two of us, you looked like a deer caught in headlights right now." he lightly tapped your leg as you both cringed at the hollers being thrown in the background.
You shrugged, eyes shifting from the party back to his. "Race begged me to break him out of his house to go to this party."
"Isn't he grounded?"
You gave him a tight lipped smile, tilting your head as you raised a finger, pointing to yourself as to prove a point.
Understanding dawned to his features. "Ah, the perks and curses of being the trusted friend."
You nodded solemnly as silence fell between you two, both opting to watch the gathered crowd who are currently chanting words of encouragement as some dude chugged the whole tall glass of beer and... is that tabasco?
"Careful," Crutchie murmured suddenly, nudging you with his shoulder, noticing how your eyes subtly shifted towards the blonde boy, who was laughing his ass off at the misery of that dude. "Or the poor boy might melt."
You scoffed, carefully brushing off the fact that he caught you. "Crutchie," you spoke as if you needed to explain something to a child. "Demons don't melt. They thrive in the heat, remember? Race is Satan personified, therefore he can never melt."
He let out a guffaw, earning a few turned heads at your direction, even Race who raised an eyebrow at the two of you. You, however, were busy shirking away from the judging eyes.
"Oh Y/N," Crutchie wiped a stray tear from his eye. "If I didn't know any better, I'd say you're telling me your best friend is hot."
"Sure, why the hell not? Oh and would you look at that, it's raining M &M's!"
Just as he was about to retort, a hand entered your vision, going over as to wrap around your waist, hoisting you up only to come face to face with Race's grinning expression.
"Hi," you let out a breath, confusion written all over your face as he leaned over to whisper to your ear.
"You know the drill, right?" he asked, his eyes twinkling in mischief as he nodded to the proxy dj, starting the music- that same old song he usually sings to you during these games.
You could feel your chest tightening as you plastered on that mastered smile on your face. You're no stranger to your best friend's shenanigans.
Needed a trusted friend to break him out of his prison room? No worries.
Needed someone to help him ride out his hangover before his parents see him? You got it.
Needed a proxy girl- the one guaranteed to never fall in love with him as he serenade her during a game of truth or dare? Say no more.
You're well accustomed to the drill- very much so if you'd say. It would always be like this- in every party you and Race attended to- he would always being dared to find that someone to serenade to. The someone whom he can fall in love to, the person that could tame his heart.
He was never interested, not that you are aware of. He may be an attention whore but he never misled any girls before. Which is why, he would always pick you- his trusted friend- to serenade to. Because you both knew that he is just not interested.
"Just so you know," your voice was barely audible and yet, you knew he could hear you. "You so owe me for this."
He let out a small laugh, leaning over to whisper the last line of the song into your ear.
You rolled your eyes, ignoring the rampage of dinosaurs into your stomach, patting his arm as if to reject his advances towards you.
The crowd watching you broke into series of laughter while most gave him an applause for his performance.
You huffed, taking your place beside Crutchie, unaware of the curiosity in his eyes. "Every damn time. Why do people keep on daring him to serenade someone, luring them into making him think he's-"
"Truth or Dare?"
You turned to your companion, eyebrow raised, throwing him a questioning look. Isn't the point of the two of you being on the sideline is to avoid the messy game in the first place?
"Truth?" It came out as a question while he tilted his head as if he was trying to coax out something from you.
"You don't sound so sure?"
"You sprung it out of the blue!" he laughed wholeheartedly, shaking his head at you.
There's something about him that made you feel warm deep down. No, not in a romantic sense- you never saw him that way and you were sure that he never saw you that way either. It's Crutchie being... Crutchie. The boy with a nice smile that could melt even the coldest of hearts and a personality that is as warm as a ray of sunshine.
And if you were asked, you would even dare say that out of your best friend's friends- you trust this boy the most.
"Okay, my fault." he nodded in acknowledgement as he rubbed his hands in anticipation, probably thinking of a question for you. "Let's see... do you have romantic feelings for Race?"
"What?" You spluttered, looking aghast as the boy beside you grinned at you.
"Is my question too difficult?" he tutted, his smile letting you know he was teasing- but boy, it felt like your heart stopped just by the look on his face. "I'll rephrase. Do you harbor any feelings- hidden, romantic feelings for your friend- your best friend, most specifically?"
Your breath hitched. No one... and you mean, not one soul ever knew about your feelings for- no, you've gotten good at hiding, pretending these emotions never existed so how on earth did he get a wind of it?
You hummed, shrugging as you tried to keep your composure in check.
You shouldn't worry- not when you can flat out lie. That's the point of the game right? Or at least, that's what you believe in.
No. This is Crutchie and you never ever lie to him. If he trusts you too much with information that no one ever knew about- not even his best friend, Jack- then why would you lie to him in return? That's not how your dynamic work.
"That's not a no," he observed after the silence between you two became unbearable.
"It's not a yes, either."
"A maybe, then." he paused. "Why don't you just tell him?"
"No offense Crutch, but what's it to you?" When he said nothing, you lifted your eyes to meet his curious gaze, waiting patiently for your answer.
Sighing, you looked back to the crowd, bringing your knees to your chest, the hollow feeling growing and growing as the minute passed. "Maybe... maybe I do like him and maybe," you bit your lip, contemplating on whether to divulge the information to one of Race's friends. Is it going to be worth it?
Would this not hurt you in the long run?
"Maybe I miss him with the huge gap between us. I mean-" your hands gesturing at the distance between him and you, chuckling bitterly. "I do miss him," you said with quiet conviction.
"But maybes are dangerous and I would rather stay quiet."
You could feel the weight of Crutchie's sympathy as he patted your shoulder, his voice quiet yet audible enough for you to hear. "You're hurting yourself."
Warnings: underage drinking, forced make out, small argument
Summary: Albert scores himself some booze and comes home with a mission. Race then sees something he never thought he’d ever see.
——————————————-
You groan as you had just gotten back to the lodging house after a long tiring day of selling papes. You took your cap off finally letting your hair down as you set your things on the bed you shared with your boyfriend Race. You had seen Race on your way back to the lodging house and he insisted you didn’t wait for him to finish selling since he had a lot of papers left. Reluctantly you had given in and walked back alone missing the feeling of his hand in yours.
“Y/N.” You heard someone say behind you and you turned to see Albert who looked like a mess. “Hey Al, long day?” You asked as you looked him up and down. “I’s got somethin’ ta tell ya.” He said and you finally heard the slur in his words. “You’s drunk? Where the hell did ya even get anything ta drink?” You asked him but he ignored you and walked toward you. “I like ya. I’ve like ya for a long time. I neva wanted to tell you cause you’ve been with Race, but I just had ta let you know.” He explained as he continued to walk toward you and you walked backward.
“Albert… ya shouldn’t have said nothin’. Race will kill ya.” You told him as you felt your back hit the wall behind you. “He don’t gotta know.” He whispered looking down at you making your heart beat faster as you became worried. “I don’t like you like that, and I would neva cheat or do anything to hurt Race. He’s your best friend. You’s just drunk.” You explained as you put your hand on his chest to keep some distance between the two of you. “I’s seen the way ya look at me sometimes. Ya can’t tell me ya don’t feel da same.” He explained but you shook your head.
“I’s neva looked at you any different from da otha boys Albert.” You told him but he seemed to ignore that statement as you felt his lips roughly meet your own. You started to shove at his chest but he grabbed your hands and pinned them above your head and had his body flush against yours. You continued to struggle, but with the long tiring day you had it did you no justice. You let out a sob as you felt Albert’s tongue start to lick the bottom of your mouth and you tried the best you could to get him off of you.
“What the hell!” You heard and that finally made Albert pull away from you. “Racer… I can explain-” Albert started to say but Race cut him off. “There ain’t nothin’ ta explain Al! You was kissin’ my goil!” Race exclaimed as he walked toward his friend angrily but you put yourself between the both of them. “Race don’t. He’s drunk.” You told him making Race glare down at you. “That ain’t an excuse Y/N!” Race yelled in your face making you flinch.
“You’s can get mad at him tomorrow. When he can rememba and know what he did was wrong.” You explained and Race shook his head. “I can’t be here.” He muttered before storming out of the room with you chasing after him. “Where are you going?” You asked as he finally stopped walking. “Ta Brooklyn. I can’t look at him without thinkin’ about what I saw and I can’t look at you.” He explained making your heart break. “At me? I didn’t do anything…” You explained as you looked up at him and he shook his head.
“Race it’s late ya can’t go.” You told him and he shook his head. “Stay. Please. I need you.” You whispered as you put your hand on his shoulder. He shrugged your hand off and continued to walk making tears well up in your eyes. You ran after him and turned him around pulling him in for a long passionate kiss. “Please don’t go.” You cried as you pulled away and held onto him tightly. “Okay, I ain’t goin’ anywhere. Come on, I’s sure Jack and Crutchie won’t mind us sleepin’ in the penthouse with them tonight.
A/N: bc i’m craving Race liking a Conlon sibling so bad
Masterlist//Crazier Than You
Song: Pulled from The Addam’s Family
Requested: no
Warnings: none
Word Count: 778
“Why do we have to go to Manhatten? Race is there, Spot. He’s so annoyin’!” You complained with a frown.
“Stop frownin’. Manhatten is askin’ for a little bit of help with all their new newsies. We’re da best of the best,” he says with a grin. “Now, let’s get goin’.”
You walked to Manhatten and the minute you got to their lodge, Race was running towards the two of you, with his signature smirk, curly blond hair, cigar in mouth...and those sparkling, dazzling...blue eyes.
You felt yourself supress a smile as he looked you up and down and took the cigar out of his mouth.
“Long time no see, Spot. You as well, (Y/N). You look wonderful as eva’.”
I don't have a sunny disposition.
I'm not known for being too amused.
My demeanor's locked in one position.
See my face? I'm enthused.
Suddenly, however, I've been puzzled.
Bunny rabbits make me want to cry.
All my inhibitions have been muzzled,
And I think I know why.
I'm being pulled in a new direction,
But I think I like it.
I think I like it.
I'm being pulled in a new direction.
Through my painful pursuit,
Somehow birdies took root.
All the things I detested impossibly cute.
What do I do?
Pulled
You were always known to the other newsies around New York that you were quite stand-offish, frowning most of the time, and it was rumored you were more scary and violent than Spot was.
But here in front of you, Racetrack Higgins was making you melt.
What the...what is this? A good, kind, warm feeling towards Higgins, possibly the most annoying person I’ve ever met, you asked yourself.
You looked at him once more, and felt butterflies in your stomach.
“I actually got you somethin’,” he said, his hand reaching into his pocket, pulling out a small yellow flower. “To hopefully cheer your day up.”
You plucked the flower from his hand and looked it over...a yellow flower was most definetly something that you would never like, but it was so pretty.
WHAT IS THIS?! Your thoughts screamed, echoing and racking your brain.
Mother always said be kind to strangers,
But she doesn't know what they destroy.
I can feel the clear and present dangers,
When she learns that the boy...
Has got me pulled in a new direction,
But I think I like it.
I think I like it.
Spot pulls you away and the two of you walk over to Jack to find the new newsies.
“You be nice to these kids, alright. Don’t want ‘em to be scared away. They need da money, just like we do.”
You nodded your head in agreement.
Spot had always told you to be nice to kids, strangers...people in general, especially Race. But if he knew that you thought you might just have feelings for Race, he’d be done for.
There’s a line for him, and that would be crossing it.
But you liked these feelings for Race. He was making you happy...so genuinely happy, with his stupid handsome face, and that stupid adorable grin, and those stupid blue eyes that distracted you.
I'm being pulled in a new direction,
But this feeling, I know is impossible,
So I'll confide that I've tried but I can't let it go.
It's disgustingly true!
Pulled, pulled, pulled!
Have got me pulled in a new direction!
If they keep insisting, I'll stop resisting.
Just watch me pulled in a new direction.
I should stay in the dark,
Not obey every spark,
But the boy has a bite,
Better far than his bark!
And you bet I'll bite too,
Do what's truly taboo,
As I'm pulled in a new direction!
“Hey sweetheart! I’m supposed to help you sell with da new kids. Spot sent me...he’s worried you’ll scare them.”
“Of course he is.” you laughed.
“You...laughed? I’ve never heard you laugh before,” Race remarked. “I like it.”
You felt an urge, to do something that would definetly get you in trouble with Spot.
Kiss him, (Y/N). Kiss him.
You looked at the boy, who’s cigar was in a pocket instead of between his lips.
His lips are freeee, your thoughts nagged.
“Race,”
“Yes, sweetheart?”
You stood on your tiptoes, and reached for Race’s face, which was a good foot away from you. But it was as if he knew what you were doing. He leaned down and pressed his lips to yours, and in the spur of the moment, he grabbed your waist and picked you up a little bit off the ground.
A/N: @ben-cook-can-cook helped me come up with the plot of this so please follow her she's great
masterlist
When Race woke up in the morning, he thought of three things. One, how many papes he could sell in the first three hours, two, fake headlines to fool innocent people, and how he’s gonna eat that night. He looked around and saw Elmer still sleeping across from him and he saw Specs getting dressed. He groggily stood up and slowly started to dress for the day, putting his cigar in his mouth.
Walking out, he saw the other newsies waiting for papes.
“How’d you sleep?” He heard Romeo ask Specs.
“Great, except for Race snoring again.” Specs replied, glaring at him.
“Hey, I do not snore.” Race snapped, and was about to say something else except he saw the Delancey brothers and his playful tone dropped. Normally, he’d join the other newsies in the insults to the brothers, but he saw a very pretty girl walking next to Oscar. She was like nothing Race had ever seen before. She sat on one of the barrels as newsies started to take their papes from Weasel, as Race liked to call him. The girl looked over to Race and smiled slightly at him, before being lightly tapped by Oscar. Was she a Delancey? His theory was quickly proved wrong as Oscar smiled at her and kissed her. This was somehow worse. Who could possibly love Oscar? He was gross and had no redeeming quality.
“Race? You gonna get your papes?” Mush asked, pushing him lightly. He was quickly snapped out of his trance and put his coins on the counter
You saw the boy with a cigar in his mouth as soon as you stepped out. He was handsome, to say the least, and your boyfriend, Oscar, noticed. He tapped you lightly and kissed you. Normally, it’d seem like a romantic gesture of showing love, but in this case, it was the opposite. Oscar didn’t care about showing you love, you were just his property. You weren’t with Oscar for attraction, you were with him to survive. Three years ago both of your parents died from the same illness. You were lucky to not have the same illness, but you learned you had to defend for yourself now. So, you started selling your body, until Oscar Delancey. He found you near death one night, starving and offered you shelter. He seemed like your hero, and you repaid him by dating him, it was the least you could do. Sure, sometimes he yelled at you and did some things to you that you didn’t necessarily like, but he saved you, and that’s what was important. Without Oscar, you would be dead.
“Hey, I need to uh, step away for a second.” You said to Oscar, and he nodded, giving you permission. You walked to where that boy was and saw him getting money from someone else. You reached in your pocket and found a dime, ready to walk over to the boy, but he found you first.
“Why hello, beautiful.” He said, smirking at you. You blushed slightly.
“One paper, please.” You said. He looked skinny, as if hadn’t eaten in days. You immediately felt bad. “Actually, can I get two?”
“Two papes for one girl?” He asked, but handed you the two papers.
“Here you go.” You said, handing him the dime, causing his smirk to fall into a face of confusion.
“It’s only two cents, you don’t have to-“ You cut him off.
“It’s no big deal. You need it more than me.” You said. Race was completely in shock. “I’m Y/N.”
“Race, Racetrack Higgins.” He said, and you smiled at him once more before leaving. A few minutes ago, he saw you sucking faces with Oscar Delancey, and here you were, giving him enough money to last a week. Maybe you weren’t so bad.
“Where’s the dime, Y/N?” Oscar asked as the two of you arrived home.
“I lost it. It must’ve fallen out of my pocket when I walked to the store.” You lied to Oscar, and it caused him to put a hand over his face.
“You’re so stupid.” He said, taking his hand off of his face and putting onto your face, holding your chin.
“I’m sorry.” You said, looking down, but Oscar raised your chin, causing you to meet his gaze. You were afraid he was gonna do something, but surprisingly, he put his hand down.
“Don’t let it happen again, you hear me?” He whispered to you, which was somehow scarier than what you thought. You nodded slightly.
“Yes, Oscar, I promise.” You said, and he kissed you, as if he was forgiving you.
The next morning, you were able to sneak away from Oscar again and find Race. He was on the same corner, yelling out outrageous headlines. You walked over to him and smiled once he saw you.
“Hello again.” Race said, smiling at you.
“Hi Race, I’m here for another paper.” You said, smiling as he handed you one. You were ready to give him the dime, but he stopped you.
“I can’t let you give me another dime, you already gave me so much.” He said, pushing your hand away.
“I want to, honestly.” You said, handing him the dime again. “I have enough.”
“Enjoy your day, Miss Y/N.” He said, kissing your hand slightly, making you smile.
That night, Race was laying on his bunk with a smile on his face. He was able to meet a very pretty girl, and he was finally able not to go to bed hungry. He was ready to fall asleep until he heard a knock on the door.
“Specs, get the door.” Race said. Specs groaned as he stood up, putting his glasses on and walking to the door. Specs expected to see a small boy, looking for shelter, but what he definitely did not expect to see was a girl with a bruise on her face and a bag in her hand looking for Race.
“It’s for you.” Specs said to Race, and Race was confused until he saw you.
I’m taking requests for any characters from the outsiders, newsies, the sandlot, toy soldiers and the mighty ducks. I’ll try my best to complete them as soon as possible.
TRIGGER WARNING!!! Slight hint of sexual assult (but not really just assholes hitting up on you) and bullying
Race smiled sadly at the letter in his hands as he approached David, showing him the letter. “She come ‘round yet?”
“No.” He sighed, taking it from his friend’s hand, “Who knows when she will be either, working all those jobs of hers. Trying to get both Jack and Crutchie out of there.” He opened it slowly, “From Crutchie I assume?”
Race laughed bitterly, raising a cigar to his lips, “Like ‘ey gonna give Jack a pen an’ papea.”
“You ain’t talkin’ bout me I hope.” She smirked, approaching them from behind the boys causing them to jump, “Davy you really ought to stop opening my letters.” She sighed, taking it from the boys hand.
“I mean well you know that.” He sighed at her reaction, both him and Race trying to get a peak until she pulled it away, trying to walk away but they followed her “Gotta make sure it isn’t those Delancy brothers.”
Race nodded in agreement, “They haven’t been around, ‘ave they?”
She stilled at the mention of the brothers who had seemed to bug her more often since her brother had gone MIA. Jack was so overprotective hardly anyone besides his immediate group of friends was aloud to get to close to you. Spot, Davy, Les, Race, and of course Crutchie were the only exceptions to this rule. You cared for all of the Newsies deeply and normally half your wages from your job, but now you could only afford to buy a loaf of bread, most of your money going towards an attempt to get Crutchie out of the Refuge and preparing to get a search party out for your brother in case he did not show by weeks end (cause goodness knows we cannot trust the police to help), even if you had taken up a third additional job you could hardly afford to feed yourself, let alone the boys but they came first, you allowed yourself a meal every other day.
Anything to help these boys get what they deserve.
“I have another shift to get to.” She sighed, clutching the letter closer to her chest before tucking it into her pocket and moving to hug the boys and walking off down the street.
It was a lie, of course, but the newsboys didn't know this as they followed her down the allyway and into
My Dearest Dream,
I am miss ya terribly. I know yous all worried about me. Don’t be. Though I will be straight with yous, as I know youse are already trying to get all o’ us out of this place. It’s cold. We’s starving. My leg aint doing well. We almos’ all got ta flu. Theyse don't care.
Ise don’t think I have been this afraid ever. Da only thing keeping me going is the thought of you and the bois.
Speakin’ of which, I has anota’ letta’ attacjed for your brother. If youse found him dat is.
I love you princess.
See you soon,
Yours, Crutchie
The letter brought me to tears as I clutched it to your chest. Having already read the letter addressed to my brother I knew how desperate he and the children at the refuge were for help and I couldn't even write back to him. I didn't even know how the letter came to find me in the first pace but I knew it was him. I could tell. And it hurt more than ever.
More than loosing ever single job I had this week.
All five of um.
But it was worse seeing the concern on the boys face as more and more I appeared dishevled.
I only have one now, thanks to Ms. Medda. No house.
But worse was the lack of word from my brother.
It was all enough to drive me insane, and the Delancy brothers knew that as they slowly approached me.
“Aw if it isn’t Ms. Cowgirl.” Oscar laughed, approaching my trembling figure, yet I didn't move as his hands moved to my waist and Morris moved in front of me, toying with small strands of my hair, “Searching for you long lost brother or lamenting your beloved Crutchie?”
Morris groaned, shoving his brother away as he grabbed the my hand and pulled me into his embrace “You gotta be gentle with ‘er Os.”
“Morris..” I whined, “Please-”
“Ohh so I am your favorite.” He smirked, leaning into kiss my cheek, his hands moving down my waist, “Always new that you were too good for ya brother and that cripple.”
Though my whining he continued until his brother ripped me away, “Now now baby girl. I am sure we could share. Lemme convince you.”
“Boys ...please.”
“Or you could let the goil go and walk away.” The voice of Race called from behind them as Davey pulled me away, “Otha’ wise there’ll be trouble.”
I was yanked away almost as instantly as I was spotted, “Or you newsboys can go back to sellin’ your papes before you get into real trouble.”
Davey grabbed me once more, stuffing a piece of paper into my pocket, squeezing my hand before whispering, “Run. Read later.” And beginning to fight the two with Race and I complied until I ran out of breath.
Jack. Medda’s. Hurry.
The revolution had gone and run its course but Jack wouldn't tell me the result. He had kept me in Medda’s basement as soon as he had found out what the Delancy brothers had done to me. But today, Medda let me out, saying it was all over.
So in that crowd mixed in with Brooklyn in front of Pulitzer's house there I was in my nicest gown. And there he was.
“WE WON!”
Caps were thrown up and papers and I ran to him, wrapping him in a tight embrace, and met his girlfriend. Then Suddenly, there he was: My Crutchie.
Jack smiled at me as I again pushed through the crowd only this time, running towards him, almost tackling him to the ground in my embrace, tears flowing from my eyes as I wept joyfully.
“Hey darling dream.” He smiled, kissing my forehead, “Youse wearing my favorite dress... Beautiful. But not as beautiful as you.”
I wept even more looking up to kiss his lips, quickly pecking them before whispering, “You never lost faith in me?”
He chuckled, pulling me in the tightest and most comforting embrace ever.
Hi friend! I love your writing and I was wondering if you were taking requests could you write a racetrack x reader oneshot where they’re not that close but they have both been secretly crushing on each other, and they finally admit it to each other after they have to do a project together? You can take it from there!
this is me, taking it from there
masterlist
There is no better gossip in Manhattan than the stuff Katherine Pulitzer brings to the table. Talking to her, you understand why no one in this godless city is able to turn her down for an interview, why no piece of information is ever far from her reach. She has ways of sinking her claws in you, pulling and tugging until you end up telling her your entire life story.
All this, and she’s still the best friend you could ever ask for. Katherine’s been busy as of late, the thrills of having a full time job that she loves, but you still make time for her whenever you can. Right now, the two of you are cloistered in a corner of the Manhattan newsies’ Lodging House, watching the sun sink beneath the horizon through a few cracked windows and keeping each other up to date on everything that’s happened since your last get together.
Katherine has her legs propped up on a table nearby, arms crossed as she surveys the scene. You swear she grows less and less ladylike every time she visits, although that’s surely due to no small share of influence on your part. You’re a wreck already, and you’re determined to drag her down with you. She loves it, you know that.
Jack Kelly has already joked a thousand times that the two of you could take over the whole of New York City if given three days and some cool weather, and you have no doubt that it’s true. That’s the best part of a good friend, you think, there’s nobody here who knows all the ways your brain clicks and whirs except Katherine.
Well, she doesn’t know one point of interest. See, Katherine is convinced that you’ve got a crush on somebody here, that surely you’ve set your heart on at least one of the newsboys. She’s trying to figure out who that potential suitor could be. Unfortunately, given her successful track record when it comes to figuring out stories, you’re fairly sure that she’s going to solve this problem soon enough.
You try to distract her anyway, on the off chance that it might work. “I don’t know why you’re so set on this whole idea. Why would I like anybody here?”
Katherine scoffs, eyes roving the packed Lodging House. “You, Y/N, live in a house full of cute boys who all but worship the ground on which you walk. There’s no way you don’t have a crush on at least one of them.”
You arch a brow. “That seems fake.”
Katherine gestures vaguely at herself. “It worked for me, didn’t it? Once upon a time, I was just like you. Stubborn, hardworking–”
You cut her off with a grin. “Utterly devoted to herself and not other newsboys?”
Katherine holds up a finger in agreement. “See, I thought that at first too, but look at me now. I found Jack and I’ve never looked back.”
You chuckle. “Just because you accidentally fell in love with the most infuriating boy you’d ever met doesn’t mean I’m going to do the same thing. What caused that, anyway? You two bantered one too many times and suddenly you thought he was your sun and stars? That sort of thing is totally absurd. Why would enemies ever fall in love?”
Katherine casts you a knowing look. “You’d be surprised, trust me. Besides, you’re missing one important fact: he was cute. Also, he has a heart bigger than this entire city. I didn’t realize that at first. Now, who’s your crush? I know there has to be one.”
You sigh. “Good luck on that front. I don’t like a single one of these boys like that.”
Katherine’s eyes spark. “Not even Race?”
You freeze, and although you force yourself to breathe normally as soon as you can, even your half second delay doesn’t go unnoticed. Damn Katherine and her eagle eyes.
“What? Race, what about him?” You say, doing your best to remain as innocent as possible.
It’s too late, though. Katherine knows. “Goodness, it is him, isn’t it? I knew it.”
Your eyes widen. “No you didn’t. You’re just lucky that you tossed out that name first.”
Katherine laughs. “I’ve known for weeks. You stare at him so much you’d think the boy was a priceless headline. It’s kind of cute.”
You roll your eyes, trying to ignore the heat rushing to your cheeks. “I’m glad you’re having a good time with this. Look, I don’t feel the same way about Race as you did about Jack. I’ve talked to Race maybe once since I started being a newsie. I just think he’s good looking, that’s all. The feeling will fade in another week.”
Katherine steeples her fingers together. “I’m willing to bet otherwise. All you need to do is get close to him. Just talk to the guy, okay? I swear it’ll be different then. You’ll be irrevocably in love.”
She clasps her hands to her chest in mock theatrics, and you shove her in the shoulder, making the other girl laugh. “Alright, alright, Juliet, you can cool it. Nothing’s going to happen.”
Katherine’s grin, though, is a little too knowing. It sets your suspicions racing. “I wouldn’t be too sure of that,” she says, and you can’t help but wonder what your friend’s got in mind.
It would be great if Katherine weren’t half so cunning, or half so connected to the leader of the Manhattan newsies. When a week comes and goes and suddenly Jack starts talking about how he wants everyone to settle into partners for selling papes, you smell a bad deal. Katherine’s got her hands in this, you can tell.
Your fears are confirmed when Jack calls for you and Race to work together. Supposedly, the ships coming in and out of a nearby harbor have changed, leading to a sudden influx of potential customers around the city blocks. Jack wants the two of you to work together to make sure you can handle all of the new arrivals.
Although the explanation makes sense, it’s a strange partnership. This seems like an important opportunity, right? Jack is only having two people work together because he wants to make sure not a single visitor goes throughout their day without having been sold a paper or ten. Why, then, would he have you and Race be partners, especially when the two of you have never worked together before? You’re untested in the face of a grand opportunity. It makes no sense.
Or, it would make no sense, were it not for the fact that Katherine surely set you up. You don’t get a chance to see your friend for another couple of days due to some major deadlines on her end, so you won’t be able to confront her about this for a while. The only option you have, then, is to weather this storm and stay so close to your crush until this whole thing blows over.
Race is only half as surprised about this as you are. He whistles as the two of you walk over to the streets near the harbor, occasionally breaking up his melody to point out interesting things the two of you pass. He keeps glancing at you as if he expects you to take off running and abandon him for another friend, but when you don’t, his nerves seem to settle.
You were expecting this whole affair to be stilted and awkward, featuring you tripping over your own words as you try to act normally. You’re not used to being this close to Race; usually, he’s just out of reach, across the room or down a street. He’s a painting to you, a portrait of brilliance that has never been yours, not even to name or touch.
All of a sudden, he’s now feet away, within arm’s reach and looking at you for casual conversation. You didn’t realize his eyes would be this blue up close, nor that his smiles would come so easily for something you said. It’s almost unsettling to be so near him. Usually, you can hide your longing looks through distance, but here, you’re on display.
Race can tell whenever you’re staring at him because he has nowhere else to look but at you. He certainly takes advantage of it, too– every time you’re unable to keep your eyes from straying to him a second longer, more often than not he’s already turned towards you. The two of you engage in the same immediate shift away, both of you pretending you weren’t looking at each other, but you repeat the same process soon enough. Away and back again, away and back.
Halfway through the third day, Race says something quietly to you under the guise of rearranging the papers in his bag. “I’m glad Jack put us together.”
You glance up at him in surprise, although for once the boy refuses to meet your eyes. Apparently his papers require a serious amount of attention, because he can’t seem to drag his gaze away from them.
“What?” You ask, not sure if he was even talking to you.
Race’s face flushes a little, but he keeps going anyway. “For this assignment, I mean. We haven’t really spoken before this, and I didn’t know you all too well, but I feel like I know you now. I’m glad we got the chance to talk more often, I mean.”
You smile, and a moment later, Race looks up at last and smiles as well. “I’m glad he had us work together too. I’ve liked getting to know you.”
Race’s face brightens at that. “See, I felt the same way. Always knew you were cool, right? I just never got the chance to check it out for myself.”
You laugh. “We’ve been in the same house and in the same job for years. You’ve had plenty of chances.”
Race playfully shoves you with a free hand. “Rude. You could have done the same thing, you know. I’m not the only one with the ability to speak.”
“Ah, but I thought I’d give you the chance to be a gentleman,” you say, “I wanted to be nice.”
Race scoffs. “Oh, because all of us newsies are nothing but gentlemen. I know I’m incredibly handsome and all that, but I’se never claimed to have manners.”
You grin. “Does that save me from having to be a proper lady? It’s never fit me half as well as Katherine, I can admit that.”
Race frowns. “Of course it does. You know, every now and then I see the two of you walking together and I’m never sure if you’re one of her rich friends or not. Trust me, you’se as ladylike as they come.”
Your brow furrows. “I didn’t realize you saw us. Or paid enough attention to notice us, for that matter. Hell, before Jack put us together I didn’t think you even knew my name.”
Race’s eyes widen. “Why wouldn’t I know you? Y/N, sweetheart, I’m hurt. If I’d known you thought that little of me, I’d have introduced myself a lot earlier.”
You laugh. “You’re calling me ‘sweetheart’ now? You really are taking this gentleman thing to heart, I can see that now. I’m sorry to have ruined your image. Consider me proven wrong. You did pay attention to me.”
The corners of Race’s lips twitch up into a smile despite his best attempts to silence it. “All the time, sweetheart. Far more often than you thought, believe me.”
He glances again once he says it, and you realize that Race might have been keeping a more careful eye on you than you thought. It makes you smile.
“You wouldn’t be the only one looking,” you say carefully, “I saw you too. Just didn’t think you were seeing me.”
The two of you have been walking down the block, but Race stops all of a sudden, looking you straight on with an intensity you haven’t ever seen on him before.
“I saw you all the time,” he whispers, eyes a deeper blue than ever, “I still do. I don’t think I see anybody but you.”
Your breath catches in your chest. You’ve pictured this moment, or something like it, dozens of times in your head, but those were only fantasies. This, though, this is real, and suddenly you don’t know what to say. All of your imagined responses suddenly bleed dry.
Race’s gaze flicks to your lips, and suddenly you know the perfect answer. With the last bit of your courage dancing like sparks around your eyes, you lean forward and kiss him. You’re close enough that you can feel Race startle when you do, but then he’s kissing you back with enough force that it’s your turn to be surprised. How long has he been wanting this? Perhaps just as long as you.
When the two of you break away, Race’s forehead is tilted against yours, his breath soft on your cheeks. “That was certainly something, sweetheart. I’m beginning to think that I should have asked us to be selling partners a long time ago.”
You laugh quietly. “We still have plenty of time.”
And so you do. Today seems endless, next week a blessed eternity. You have all the time in the world to explore this love, and in the meantime, you need to set up an appointment with your best friend. You certainly have a good story to tell.
newsies tag list: @lovesanimals0000, @misguidedswagger, @thatfangirl42, @amortensie
