"Where ya been, Cowboy?" Specs asks. Jack shrugs his shoulders and pushes his way through the four boys. He runs up the stairs to the bathroom to clean up his battle wounds.

"Ya took Katherine home, didn't cha?" Mush asks from the bottom of the stairs, "and someone didn't want ya to help her sneak back into her own house. So you'se got in a tussle protectin her." Jack stares at Mush wide eyed.

"How'd ya know, Myers?" He asks in disbelief. The other three Newsies stare at their brother in shock. Mush follows Jack into the bathroom with Race, Specs, and Romeo on his heels.

"Kath ran intah me when she was escapin her house. I took her to da rally and she told me everything about what's happening. She told me bout you and her and she wanted to talk to you. She was scared," Mush explains, "Den she came to da Lodging house and was lookin for ya. She musta decided to go back home."

"Da Delanceys were on her property. I don't get it," Jack says as he wets a towel and starts scrubbing at some cuts on his fingers. Race frowns and walks forward,

"Lemme help," he says grabbing another towel and working on another scrape.

"Dey didn't want Kath to get back inside. Dey was tryin to get past me ta get ta her, but I soaked em and ran off. Den dey chased me and I knocked em out cold. Course, I got some new scrapes in da process," Jack says, furiously scrubbing at some dirt.

"Nevah give up, do ya?" Race says teasingly and socks Jack playfully in the arm. Jack smiles and snaps the towel against his brother's elbow. Romeo and Mush start giggling. "Stop gigglin lik some liddle school goil who just asked out by her boy," Race scolds the two Newsies. Romeo snickers quietly, so he doesn't wake the other boys, and states,

"You'se da one dat nevah quits, Higgins." Race starts to chase him, but Jack grabs him with one strong arm and pulls him back.

"If you'se three wake up da boys, ya dead. Undahstand me?" Jack asks.

"Shoah, Kelly," Romeo says and looks at Race, "Cept I tink Race is gonna die foirst."

"I'se gonna die last," Mush announces.

"You'se all gonna die soon as I get my hands on ya," Race threatens and Jack yanks Race back by his collar.

"Okay, Specles, Mushy, and Rome," He says, "Sounds like it's time for you three to get some shut eye." Jack playfully pushes the boys out of the bathroom and Romeo whines,

"Why does Race get ta stay up? Jack rolls his eyes and says,

"Cuz Race is helpful unlike you bummahs. Now get some sleep, I'll see da three of ya bright and early." Jack and Race quickly close the door and resume tending to Jack.

"So how does it feel ta love a goil?" Race asks. Jack drops his towel and stares at his brother in shock.

"Ya tellin me dat you'se nevah had a crush?" Jack asks in pure shock and Race shakes his head. "It's exciting and strange all at da same time," Jack answers, "I nevah thought I would find a goil like Katherine and den dere she is. More beautiful den Santa Fe." Race snorts,

"Ya must really like her if she's prettier den Santa Fe." Jack rolls his eyes and washes the now dirty wash cloth out. After they clean up the washcloths and the bathroom, the two brothers hastily rush to their beds. As Jack is about to drift off to sleep, Race wanders up to the roof and asks,

"Jack, do ya tink dat dis is gonna work? Da whole strike ting?" Jack replies with a sleepy

"Mhhm," and rolls over to get some rest.

"Night, Jacky."

"Night, Race." Racetrack hurries back down to the bunkroom.

AN:/ Surprise! I know this is super early compared to when I typically post the chapters for this one. School got cancelled today, so I am open to roleplay and I'll probably update some stuff. Also a new book may be on its way here soon, so keep your eyes peeled for that. It is not about Newsies, but it may have a Newsie in it. No, it's not one of the Newsies, I will make up an OC. You won't see him for a little while.  Anyways, enough rambling about this potential book, what did you think of this chapter? I like this brotherly chapter and I feel like it could have very well happened in Newsies. Are these added scenes good? I liked putting them in because they would give the story a different perspective. I also like it when Jack gets taken care of by the other boys. Particularly, this set of boys.  Fun and sad fact: I originally had included Crutchie in this chapter,  but then I remembered that Crutchie is in the Refuge at this point. Yeah, it's terrible, I know. But then, Race was still around so he just got to hang out with Jack. I love Jack's twists on their nicknames. They were so fun to write. Anyways, please tell me what you think of this one. Also, suggestions are still open on the oneshots and the roleplay book! Go check out those books for more information. I love feedback about anything or if you just want to chat Newsies, I am open to that as well. I hope you guys enjoyed this chapter, it was fun to write. I think we have 5 chapters left before this book is done. Thanks for reading and enjoy the story! See you around, friends!

- Signing off,

Aisling (I'm trying something new, tell me what you think)