Squibble
Author’s Notes: Okay…thanks for reading this…it’s going to take me a while to write so be patient I’m working on it!  Umm…kinda just a random story…It’ll probably be rated R by the time I’m done but I want everyone to know it started at PG!  It’s a record for me!  **feels proud**
Thanks to everyone who is in this…its awesome that you are!
Okay, soo four the purposes of this story let’s assume that Sarah never existed, shall we?  Great!

Davie and Jack walked down the street receiving smiles and pats on the backs from random people on the street.  Jack was eating it up, smiling and talking to each individual enthusiastically.  Davie, the shier of the two, gave everyone a half smile and nodded at them courteously.  It had been only a day since their surprising defeat of the newspapers in New York City.
Not everyone was thrilled by their accomplishment.  Many of the wealthier class and older men had been much ruder toward the newsies since the strike, calling them "uppity kids with no respect" or something similar to that.  Then, they went on to talk about the "good old days" when they were growing up and worked all day at the farm, rain or shine, without ever even thinking about complaining.  Needless to say, the newsies tips were suffering. 
Davie found it hard to be polite to these men but restrained his anger fairly well.  That is, until a man came up and said, "Give me a paper and be quick about it before you damn spoiled kids decided to whine…I mean strike again," and almost threw the penny at Davie.
Since the man was at oldest in his early twenties, and not much older than Davie, he was extremely perturbed.  Davie glared at the man and threw the penny back at him.  "Sorry, we just went back on strike.  We aren’t selling to annoying people like you," he retorted.  Granted, it wasn’t the best insult, but it did the trick.
"I said give me a paper," the man repeated, narrowing his eyes into glaring slits.
"Well, I said no.  what makes you think I will put up with your obnoxious and un-called for behavior?" Davie questioned, pulling his papers off of his shoulder and getting in the man’s face.
Davie wasn’t usually this confrontational, but had, had a rough day and had made a promise to himself after Jack had momentarily turned scab not to take anything from anyone.  He realized that if he was going to work on the streets and have children looking up to him that he had better start setting a good example.
The man, realizing it wasn’t worth his time, walked off grumbling.
"I don’t think dat’s da way ta sell papes," said a spunky, red-haired girl walking up.
Davie gave her a half smile.  "What?  You mean that isn’t what you’re supposed to do?  Damnit! I’ve been doing it wrong all this time!"
The girl giggled before saying, "Just a little friendly advice, Davie."
Davie cocked his head to the side, and have her a questioning.  "Do, I know you?"
"Well, ya do now!  I’m Squibble," she said sticking her hand out.
Davie took her hand and shook it.  "I would introduce myself now, but you seem to already know me."
Squibble laughed and pushed his arm playfully.  "Well, of course I know ya!  Everyone knows ya aftah ya helped ta plan da strike!"
Davie groaned.  "Don’t even talk about it!"
"Why not?  Aren’t ya happy dat we won?" she asked, confused.
"Shoah, I’m happy and all but I have had enough of it ta last me a life time!"
"Well, how ‘bout sellin’ papes?  Ya had ‘nough a dat or would ya maybe wanna sell wid me?" she asked, looking hopeful.
"I think I could abandon Jack for the day.  Besides, I think he wants to sell with Princess today," he told her.  Then, figuring since he didn't know her that no one did, he added," Princess is his goil."
Squibble burst out laughing.  "What’s so funny?" Davie asked, befuddled. 
"Nothin’.  I jest know fer a fact dat Princess an’ Jack are prolly already sellin’ wid each oddah," she told him, still giggling.
Davie looked around and realized that Jack was nowhere to be found.  "How do ya know that?" he asked, his eyes still searching the crowd for the familiar cowboy hat.
"Princess sent me ovah heah ta keep ya busy," she revealed.
Davie looked angry for a few moments before his face broke out into a smile.  "Well, then I guess to do your job right, you’ll have to sell papes with me.  To make sure that I’m kept busy all day…" he told her.
Squibble smirked and took his arm.  "I guess so.  I’m warnin’ ya now, doh.  If ya always treat yer customahs like dat poor guy back der ya ain’t gunna get any sellin’ done."
Davie laughed.  "I kinda feel bad about that now.  It’s not his fault he’s an ass hole.  It’s just that I’m sick of people not showing any respect for newsies.  Sure, we aren’t the smartest or most refined but we’re still people.  I don’t know…I guess I thought that after the strike was over and all that, newsies would start getting treated better or something."
"Ya gotta give it time," Squibble replied, giving him an encouraging smile.
"Yeah, I guess your right.  It’s just a little frustrating," he conceded.
"I know I’m right," she said confidently.  Then, tugging on his arm said," C’mon, we got papes ta sell.  An’ da way dat you sell it’ll tall all day!"
Davie smiled and allowed himself to be dragged away.
Davie and Squibble’s day passed by quickly between getting to know each other, joking around, and occasionally selling papers…despite Davie’s new found attitude.
Davie found himself thinking, God, I can’t believe we’ve never met! We’re perfect for each other!  I can’t believe I’ve never noticed her before, either.  I’d have to be blind not to see someone as beautiful as her!
Finally Davie asked straight out, "Hey, Squibble?  How come I haven’t seen you around before?"  I know there is no possible way I could have missed you!"
"Oh, well I spend most a me time in Brooklyn," she explained.
"Well, I’m really glad you decided to come to Manhattan today," he confided giving her a shy smile.
"Me too, Davie.  Me too," she told him, returning the smile. 
Once all their papers were sold they decided to head over to Tibby’s to meet with the rest of the newsies.  Davie, not having much experience with girls, had to muster all the courage he posessed to finally put his arm around her shoulder on the way there.  Squibble tensed immediatley and he withdrew his arm quickly.
"I…I…I’m sorry," he said, wishing he hadn’t done it.
Squibble flashed him a warm smile.  "Don’t worry ‘bout it Davie.  I’se jest ain’t much of a touchy-feely kinda goil," she informed him.
He accepted this explanation and they continued their journey without any more physical contact.
At Tibby’s they were warmly welcomed by the rest of the newsies.  Most of the newsies gave the traditional greeting of "Hey!" or "How’s it rollin’?".  Racetrack however walked up, glanced between Squibble and Davie, and then patted Davie on the arm before saying, "Ya got moah balls den I thought, Davie."
"What?" Davie asked looking confused.
Racetrack smirked.  "Youse’ll figuah it out soon ‘nough," he promised before walking off to take his place by Gambler.
"That was weird," Davie commented to Squibble.
"Let’s go sit ovah by Jack an’ Princess," she said, changing the subject.
"All right," Davie agreed.
He suddenly smirked, deciding to have a little fun.  He walked over to Jack scowling angrily at him.
"Hey Davie, hey Squibble," Jack and Princess greeted.
"Hey, your guys!  How’d yer sellin’ go?  Knowin’ you, ya prolly didn’t get much sellin’ done, " Squibble commented sliding into a chair across the table from Princess.
Jack and Princess laughed along with Squibble, but averted their eyes and chose not to comment.
"Ya know, Davie, ya can sit down.  I won’t bite!" Squibble pointed out.
"Not hard at least," Princess added giggling.
Davie remained standing and glared at Jack and Princess.
"Uhh…jest a shot in da dark but are ya mad ‘bout somethin’, Davie?" Princess questioned.
"Oh, I don’t know.  Maybe just a little…are you both sure you can stay around long enough to hear it before ditching me?" he asked in an accusing voice.
Jack smiled sheepishly.  "Yer not really mad ‘bout dat are ya Davie?" he asked.
"What do you think?" Davie asked, glaring even harder.
Jack sighed.  "Guess so…"
Davie remained glaring for a few more moments before his face cracked into a grin.  "Well, you guessed wrong.  Spending the day with Squibble was a lot more fun then spending the day with you," he told Jack sitting down in a chair next to Squibble.
Jack did a double take before giving him a smug smile.  "Good, den.  ‘Cause spendin’ da day wid Princess was a lot moah fun den spendin’ da day wid you!  In fact, I think I might do it every day from now on," he told him, putting his arm around Princess and pulling her closer to him.
Princess slipped out of his reach before telling him, "Sorry, Kelly, I don’t think so.  You an’ Davie make up ‘cause I’se gunna hafta sell papes at least once ‘n awhile."
Jack smirked and said, "I tired ya out too much, huh?"
"Keep on dreamin’, Cowboy.  Ya didn’t even have me breathin’ hard befoah ya was done," Princess told him, laughing.
"Shoah I didn’t," Jack said, still looking smug.
Princess was about to answer when she noticed Tinker and Socks staring at their table angrily.
"Can I help you goils?" she asked them.
Socks and Tinker were both a little flustered.  "What? No…" Tinker said quickly.
"Well, wanna tell me why yer starin’ ovah heah?" Princess asked.
"We were jest wonderin’ why she  is heah.  She’s Brooklyn not Manhattan," Socks said, glaring at Squibble.
"Well, she’s a newise an’ me friend so she’s welcome ta sit wid us an’ stay at da Lodgin’ House anytime she wants," Princess told them.  "If you got a problem no one’s forcin’ ya ta stay."
Socks and Tinker glared a little longer at Squibble before turning around and continuing their discussion with Skint, Gip, Stripes, Mix and Dischord.
"what was all dat ‘bout?" Jack asked Pruncess.  "Trouble at yer Lodgin’ House?"
"Nothin’ I can’t handle," she assured him.
"All right," Jack said.  "So, ya ain’t gunna tell me?"
"Nah, don’t think so.  So, Squibble are ya stayin’ heah tanight?" Princess asked.
"I dunno…I think dat I…" she started.
"I dunno what yer thinkin’ but I’se hopin’ dat yer gunna come back ta Brooklyn tanight," Spot said from behind her.
Squibble jumped a little hearing his voice. Then, seeing him, stood up and hugged him tightly.  "Spot!" she said happily, before hitting him playfully on the arm.  "don’t do dat ta me!"
"Sorry," Spot said, smirking.  "Ya jest look so cute when yer scared."
"What’re ya doin’ heah?" she asked him.
"Thought I’d make shoah yer stayin’ outta trouble," Spot told her.
"I have," Squibble assured him.
"Good," Spot said, giving her a peck on the lips.
Davie, seeing this, was very confused.  He glanced at Jack for an explanation, looking completely bewildered.
Princess, catching on quicker than Jack, said, "Oh, Davie ya prolly don’t know since ya jest met Squibble but she an’ Spot’ve been a couple fer a while."
"Oh…I didn’t know…I had no idea," Davie said, surprised.
Socks and Tinker’s entire table was glaring at Squibble now.
Spot was confused by everyone’s reaction to his arrival.  "Anyone gunna explain all dis?" he asked.
"Der’s nothin’ ta explain," Squibble told him quickly.  "I’m gunna stay heah anothah night Spot…is dat all right wid you?"
"Do I get a choice?" Spot asked.
"Nah…not really.  I thought I’d make ya feel important an’ ask ya," Squibble told him.
"Very considahate," Spot commented, sarcastically.
"Dat’s me," Squibble said, kissing him on the cheek.
Princess watched Davie’s face closely and felt for him when he obtained a shocked and hurt expression.
"Hey, Davie, I wanted ta talk ta ya.  Can ya maybe come take a walk wid me?" Princess asked, eager to help him out.
"Umm..yeah.." Davie agreed, just as eager to leave.
"Jacky-boy, do dey do dis all da time?" Spot asked.
"Actually, no…should I be worried, Princess?" Jack asked.
"Yeah, ya shoud.  I’ll see ya latah," she told him, giving him a peck on the cheek and walking off.
Davie mumbled quick good-byes before following her out.
~~~~~~~~*******~~~~~~
"Are you all right?" Princess asked Davie once they were safely out of the restaurant. 
"Yeah…a course.  Why wouldn’t I be?" he asked her.
"Well…I dunno I thought maybe ya had a problem aftah Spot walked in.  Maybe I was wrong," Princess said.
"Yeah ya were wrong.  Why would I have a problem?  Just because I finally find the perfect girl for me and I think she feels the same way about me only to find out that she’s Spot Conlon’s girl.  What the hell could be my problem?!" he ranted.
Princess gave him a sympathetic smile.  "I’m sorry.  I shoulda told ya soonah."
"It ain’t yer fault.  It’s my fault fer bein’ such a moron," he told her.  "Look, do ya mind if I jest head home?" he asked.
"Nah, I’ll see ya tamarrah," she told him.
"Thanks.  Oh, I’d appreciate it a lot if you don’t tell anyone this.  I already feel stupid enough about it without everyone knowing," he told her.
"A course…c’mere," she said, pulling him into a hug,
Davie gave a small smile.  "Thanks…yer great."
"Anytime,"  she said, pulling away.  "See ya."
"Yeah," Davie said walking off.
Princess watched him walk away before getting an idea and walking back toward the restaurant.  When she reached the door she noticed Spot walking toward Brooklyn alone.  Dat’ll make it eaiah ta talk ta Squibble, she thought, entering.
"Princess did ya ferget somethin?" Jack asked.
"Umm…no…I jest gotta talk ta Squib an’ Satine.  Are you guys ready ta go?" she asked the two girls.
The girls nodded and followed her out of the restaurant.
"Hey, whadya do wid Davie?" Satine asked.
"Whadya mean?" Princess asked.
"Well, ya left wid him an’ came back widout him," Satine clarified.
"Oh, he went home.  He ain’t doin’ so good…wondah why.." she said, looking at Squibble pointedly.
"What?" Squibble asked.  "I didn’t do anythin’!"
"Shoah..ya flirt wid him all day an’ nevah tell him ‘bout Spot an’ break da por boy’s heart," Princess said, "but a course ya didn’t do anythin’."
"I don’t like him like that…it ain’t me fault if he took me friendliness da wrong way!" Squibble rationalized.
"Umm…shoah…look, Squibble maybe ya should jest stay away from him fer awhle.  Davie’s like a bruddah ta me an’ I don’t like ta see him hurt," Princess advised.
"Fine, I guess yer right.  Actually, I think I’ll catch up wid Spot," Squibble decided.
"Maybe dat’s fer da best.  I’ll see ya in a couple days," Princess told her.
"See ya," Satine told Squibble.
"Yep," Squibble said, running in the direction of Brooklyn.
"She is in such denial," Princess commented when Squibble was out of hearing distance.
"Ya think dat she really likes him?" Satine asked.
"Yeah, I think so but I doubt she’ll evah leave Spot fer him.  Look, I wanted ta ask ya if ya could go talk ta Davie fer me.  I don’t think he needs his ‘sistah’ right now…ya know what I mean?"
"Umm…I dunno…" Satine said.
"C’mon, he’s a nice guy an’ you guys hung out befoah an’ you guys could really hit it off!" Princess encouraged.
"I guess I could stop by his house fer a few minutes," Satine relented.
"Thanks, see ya latah," Princess said.
~~~~~********~~~~~
"Did ya see her throwin’ herself at Davie?!" Socks whined.
"I know!  Who would ever chose Davie ovah Spot?" Mix asked.
Socks glared.  "Dat ain’t what I mean.  I meant dat I don’t like how she’s jest usin’ him.  Dat goil thinks she’s so great."
"I think we should teach her a lesson," Tinker suggested.
"Ya got a plan?" Skint asked, willing to go to almost any length to keep Squibble away from Spot and Davie.
"Well, I think dat we should soak her so bad dat she won’t nevah look or think ‘bout Spot or Davie evah again," Stripes suggested.
"Dat’s a little harsh, ain’t it?  What if we jest gave her a warnin’ ta begin wid?" Tinker asked.
"I think dat’s a great idea," Skint agreed.
"Fine, let’s hurry befoah she gets ta Brooklyn or we won't get a chance ta get neah her," Stripes decided.
"You guys don’t think she will tell Spot do ya?" Discord asked.
"Nah…der ain’t now way she would go runnin’ ta Spot. ‘Sides if she did we can always tell him we didn’t like da way she was treatin’ him an’ exagahrate her an’ Davie’s relationships," Gip said, smiling evilly.
"C’mon, let’s hurry," Socks said, running toward Brooklyn.
~~~~*******~~~~~
"Hang on, I’m comin’!" Davie called, running to the door.  "Yeah?  Oh…hey Satine."
"Hey Davie.  Yer uhh…prolly wonderin’ what I’se doin’ heah.  I saw what happened an’…"  "So, Princess told ya, huh?" he asked, smiling.
Satine let out a relieved laugh.  "Well, der goes me actin career.  So, how are ya doin’?"
"Been bettah.  Ya wanna come in?  I actually wanted to talk to you," Davie said, opening the door wider.
"Really? What ‘bout?" Satine asked, walking into the room.
"Well…yer friends wid Squibble, right?" Davie asked, looking a little embarassed.
"Yeah, da best of," she told him.  "wy?"
"Well,…dis is…kinda hard ta ask you but do you think I have a chance with her?" he asked.
Satine’s face fell, noticeably.  She covered it quickly with a smile.  "I…uhh..well…" she tried to answer but couldn’t.
"Its just," Davie continued, "that today I had the best day ever and I know…well I’m pretty sure…that we would be great together.  She can’t be right for Spot…not when she and me are so perfect for each other.."
"But, Davie, she an’ Spot…dey do seem happy an’ ‘sides it wouldn’t be so smart ta take Spot’s goil from him anyway," Satine explained. 
"I don’t care about a lousy beating!  If I thought that was all it would take to be with her I would do it in a second," he told her.
"But…I…I dunno…" Satine said.  "What’re ya plannin?"
"Well, that’s what I wanted to talk to you about.  I mean, I know we aren’t the best of friends and you really don’t have any reason to help me but would you maybe consider it?  You are one of her best friends and I know you  can," Davie said, giving her a winning smile.
Satine immediately started to weaken.  "Well, I guess I could…umm…do somethin’…"
"Really?  You’re the best!" he said, throwing his arms around her.
"Yeah, yeah…" Satine joked, hugging him back.  "What’s yer plan? Huh?"
"I don’t technically have a plan…" Davie admitted.  "I was hopin’ dat you would."
"Well…da only thing dat I could think a is…well…I dunno ya could make her jealous I guess," Satine suggested.  "I mean, I think dat she really does like ya an’ if ya got tageddah wid someone else it might get da lead outta her pants an’ she might drop Spot."
"That’s a great idea!  Except I don’t know if I want to do that to some girl…you know?  Just use her until I can get Squibble.  That would be pretty awful of me."
"Well, ya could find a goil an’ tell her da plan," Satine suggested.
"Wheah would I find a person that would…wait a second.  What about you?" Davie asked.
"Me? But…dat wouldn’t…but…" Satine said.
"C’mon…it’d be perfect!  That way we know you wouldn’t get attached and it might work better with one of her best friends."
"We can get Princess ta help, I guess.  If you an’ me are pretendin’ ta like each oddah I doubt dat Squib will tell me all her secrets," Satine pointed out.
"So, you’ll do it?" Davie asked, looking hopeful.
"Yeah…I guess I’ll talk ta Princess tanight ‘bout it," Satine promised.
Davie grinned.  "You really are the best!"
Satine smiled back.  Not get attached huh?  I guess I can’t ‘get’ attached when I already am! She thought.
~~~~*******~~~~~
"Did ya heah dat?" Gambler said.
"Well, dey did say it only one table away from us," Racetrack pointed out.
"Smart ass," Gambler said, pretending to be angry.
"Ya know ya like it," Racetrack joked, kissing her cheek.
Gambler pretended to think about.  "Yeah, yer right I do like yer ass…"
"Hey, gettin’ a little off topic heah?" Mischief asked.
"Oh…yeah…" Gambler said. 
"We gotta do somethin’ ‘bout dis!" Black Rose said.
"What are we gunna do, doh?" Blink asked.  "Der ain’t no way we’se gunna reach Squibble befoah dem…plus ya heard dem dey’s jest gunna warn her."
"But you know Socks…she gets crazy when it comes ta Davie," Mischief pointed out.
"Tinkah wouldn’t let her do nothin’ too bad," Blink reasoned.
"Let’s jest tell Princess ‘bout it…she can deal wid it," Gambler said.  "We got bettah things ta do taday den run all ovah New Yawk gettin’ inta oddah peoples business."
"Yeah…she’s right…" Racetrack said.  "I can think of one thing I’d like ta do," he added, looking at Gambler and smirking.
"An’ aftah dat we can all go out or somethin’…it should only take ‘bout 10 minutes wid Race," she told them.
"Harsh…" Black Rose commented.
Mush, not catching on that it was a joke, said, "Ya know Race if ya need some pointahs…"
"Uhh…Mush…she was jokin’," Black Rose told him.
"Oh…I jest thought I would spread ‘round me skill…" Mush said, looking a little sad.
"Well, how ‘bout I let ya practice dat skill?" Black Rose asked.
Mush’s face lit up.  "Score!" he said, getting up.
Black Rose smiled at everyone else.  "I’ll see you all latah," she told them and started to walk away.
Mush began to follow her but then turned around.  "Woiks like a charm…an’ people think I’se stupid…" he said, winking and then hurrying to catch up with Black Rose.
The others laughed and eventually also split up into couples, Gambler with Racetrack and Mischief with Blink, promising that they would all tell Princess the first time they saw her.
~~~~~~~******~~~~~
Socks, Tinker, Skint, Gip, Stripes, Mix and Discord all jumped out of an alley as Squibble walked by.
"Uh…hey goils," Squibble said, a little nervous.  She had always known that these girls had disliked her for being with Spot but had never actually talked to any of them.  "What’s goin’ on?"
"Hey, Squibble.  Look…we jest felt like we should talk ta…" Tinker started.
"Yer bein’ too nice," Stripes told Tinker.
"Let me take care a dis," Socks said.  Then, turning to Squibble said, "Look, bitch.  We saw how ya were treatin’ Davie an’ we want ya ta stop…now."  She glared coldly at her to let her know she meant business.
"I don’t know what you goils are talkin’ ‘bout but I didn’t do anythin’ ta Davie ‘cept be nice," Squibble told them.
"Yeah…we saw ya ‘bein’ nice’," Dischord said.  "Ya whore…What? Spot ain’t good ‘nough fer ya anymoah?"
" WE WERE BEIN’ FRIENDS!" Squibble yelled, exasperated.  "Why can’t anyone undahstand dat?!"
"Dat bettah be all ya are," Socks told her.  "Davie is mine!"
Squibble looked at her like she was crazy.  "Yers?  I don’t remembah him mentionin’ dat when he was tryin’ ta put his arm ‘round me," she told her, wanting to take Socks down a notch.
"You bitch!" Socks yelled, lunging for her.
"Hey!" Tinker said, grabbing her arm and pulling her back.  "Dis is jest a warnin’! Skint help me!"
Skint obliged and grabbed Sock’s other arm.
"Ya bettah go, Squibble," Tinker told her.
"I don’t think so," Mix said.  "I say dat if Socks wants ta soak her, let her.  Dis goils had it comin’ fer a long time now!"
Squibble tried to be brave.  "Why don’t you goils jest go away? I ain’t done nothin’ ta you!"
"Actually, ya have!" Stripes said, punching her across the face.
All the girls gasped.  Stripes looked around and smiled innocently.  "What?  She was askin’ fer it!"
Squibble stumbled back a few steps holding her face.  Although she lived in Brooklyn she was unaccustomed to fighting and even less accustomed to getting hit.
"Way ta go Stripes!" Socks yelled.
"You guys, we weren’t evah gunna do nothin’ like dis.  C’mon stop," Tinker said, releasing Socks to check on Squibble.
"Tinkah, if ya don’t got a stomach fer dis den why don’t ya get outta heah?" Socks said, pushing her away from Squibble, causing her to fall over and scrape her leg.  Looking at Squibble she smiled evily.  "I’se been waitin’ ta do dis fer a very long time," she told her. 
"Socks…fuck STOP!" Tinker yelled as Socks went to hit her again.
"I’d suggest listenin’ ta her," came a masculine voice.
Everyone looked up to see who the intruder was.
"Blue! Spadey!  I’se glad ta see ya!" Squibble yelled, running over.
"Fuck…" Socks said.
"What da hell is goin’ on heah?" Blue asked.
"Nothin’…jest a misunderstandin’," Squibble said, a little embarrassed by the entire situation.
Spades looked at her closely.  "Who hit ya?" she asked.
"I don’t know…let’s jest go," Squibble insisted.
Blues glared at all the girls.  "Der mighta been a misunderstandin’ but ya bettah all undahstand dis…Stay away from Squibble," he told them all.
The girls all glared but didn’t say anything.  None of them were willing to get in a full-on fight, especially not with Spot’s best friend.
"You," Blues said, pointing at Tinker.  "Ya bettah come wid us.  Maybe ya can explain what’s goin’ on."
"I don’t think so…" Tinker said, getting up and brushing herself off.  "I gotta get back home."
"Yer bleedin’.  Come on yer comin’ wid us," Blue insisted.
Tinker looked from Blue to Socks and nodded.  "All right," she agreed, figuring it would be better to be in Brooklyn than with a pissed off Socks.  She limped slightly as she walked over, trying not to show how much her leg hurt.
"Hurry up an’ get back ta Manhattan, da rest a ya," Blue told them. 
They grudgingly all started back in the direction of Manhattan.
"What’s yer name?" Spades asked Tinker.
"Uh…me name’s Tinkah.  Hey, Squibble, I wanna apologize.  I didn’t know dat dey were gunna go dat far.  I thought dey were jest gunna yell at ya."
"I know," Squibble said, smiling at her and then wincing at the pain the smile brought to her face. "Thanks fer tryin’ ta stick up fer me."
"You goils know dat yer gunna tell us what happened, right?" Spades said.
"Yeah…but ya ain’t gunna like it," Tinker told them.
The four made their way back to the Brooklyn Lodging House silently.
~~~~~~~********~~~~~~~
---That night at the girl’s Lodging House---
"Hey can I have all a yer attention?!" Princess yelled over everyone else.
Everyone stopped what they were doing to give Princess the attention that she deserved, as their leader.
"I jest got news from Brooklyn dat certain goils in dis Lodgin’ House took it upon demselves ta attack Squibble," she announced.  There were a few gasps heard from the girls.  "Listen!  Now, even doh I know who dese goils are I ain’t gunna throw dem out ‘cause it ain’t me business who ya have fights wid.  But, let me ashoah dose people dat if I heah anythin’ moah ‘bout attackin’ her den I’ll give dem all a good soakin’ ‘cause Squibble is me friend an’ I’ll stick up fer me friends.  I’se givin’ ya a warnin’," she told them, glaring at the perpetrators, and then walked out of the room so everyone could discuss what she had just announced.
"I can’t believe it!  Ain’t Squibble dat nice goil from Brooklyn?" Holiday asked Winter.
"Yeah, I think so," Winter responded.
"Uh huh, she’s Spot’s goil, remembah?  She was jest heah taday," Moneybags told them.
"I wondah who would do somethin’ like dat…I jest don’t undahstand it!" Quirky said.
"Ya sorta wondah if dose same people would come aftah us," Winter said.  "I mean…if dey would beat her up…"
"Well, Jakey will protect me," Quirky said, smiling at the thought of Jake.
"Yeah…right…he’d be like ‘Look at me calves an’ feah me!" Holiday said sarcastically.
"But a course den no one would run…See me on da oddah hand…I really am safe wid Snoddy….wid his an’ mine fightin’ skills we would seriously kick some ass," Moneybags said.
"What ‘bout Dutchy?" Winter asked.  "He could kick some ass!"
"Not as good as my Specky!" Holiday told them.  "Have ya seen dem muscles?"
"Nu uh!  Snoddy could take Specs any day!" Moneybags insisted.
The four girls continued their fight over which of their guys was a better fighter.
On the other side of the room were Mischief, Gambler and Black Rose, talking about the days events.
"Wait, so did you evah tell Princess dat we heard dem talkin’?" Gambler asked.
"Not me…I was a little busy…" Mischief told her.
"Yeah, me neithah…busy," Black Rose said, smiling since she was unable to keep a straight face when she thought about the reason for her business.
"Shit, I didn’t eithah," Gambler told them.  "I feel kinda bad ‘bout dis…I mean we mighta been able ta stop dem!"
"Well, heahs anothah chance ta help…look," Black Rose said, pointing at the girls that were all headed up to the roof.  "I say we figuah out what der sayin’ up der…dat way if dey are plannin’ moah bad things den we can let Princess know dis time an’ we won't feel so damn guilty."
"Nice plan," Mischief said.
The three girls quietly climbed out the window and onto the fire escape, quietly as soon as they heard the other group of girls on the roof.  The stealthily climbed the stair case and hid behind some old boxes that were close to the fire escape on the roof.
~~~~~~*******~~~~~
----That Night in the Boy’s Lodging house----
"Davie, whatcha doin’ heah?" Jack asked when Davie arrived in the bunk room. "Ain’t it pretty late fer yer parents ta let ya leave?"
"Yeah, well I don’t always have to do what they say," Davie told him.  "Besides, I wanted you to tell you about my new girl."
"Yer new goil?  Since when?  Who is she?" Jack asked, interested.
"Well…After I left today I was a little upset and Satine came to my house and we got to talking and…" Davie started.
"Yer goin’ out wid Satine?  Squibble’s best friend, Satine?" Jack asked, incredulously.  "All right, which a ya came up wid dis plan?"
"What are you talking about?" Davie asked, pretending he didn’t understand the question.
"C’mon, I ain’t dat slow.  It was obvious dat ya liked Squibble since she foist went up ta ya on da street an’ now all da sudden yer goin’ out wid her best friend?"
"Well…it’s just that we never had a chance to talk before and…now we did," Davie said, still trying to keep the plan together.  Then, finally giving in, he said, "Fine, fine your right.  Satine came up with the plan…but you better not tell anyone, Jack.  I’m serious."
Jack smirked.  "I knew dat I was right.  Well, ya don’t gotta worry at all ‘bout me…howevah if I was you I’d make shoah dat ya stick ‘round Satine while dis little plan happens. "
"Why is that?" Davie asked.
"Well…some goils attacked Squibble taday," Jack told him.
"What? Is she all right?" Davie asked quickly, looking very worried.
"Yeah she’s jest fine.  Dey only landed one punch or somethin’," Jack told him.
"What does that have to do with Satine, though?" Davie questioned.
"Well…Socks was wid dem…" Jack explained, uncomfortably.
"And that is supposed to explain how the two events connect?" Davie asked.
"Ya know dat she’s been in love wid ya ferevah.  Da goils were unhappy dat Squibble had been so friendly wid ya taday an’ I guess dey thought dat dey would teach her a lesson."
"Oh my gosh!  Are you serious?  I think I need to have a talk with Socks…" Davie said.
"I wouldn’t do dat.  I mean she’s way too far gone ta jest ‘have a talk wid’.  I mean, think ‘bout it Davie.  She would prolly jest blame it on Satine or Squibble, right?  I’d jest keep an’ eye on Satine.  I’se shoah Spot’ll keep Squibble safe," Jack advised.
"All right…look I better get going.  My parents don’t know I’m out," Davie told him.
Jack smirked.  "Don’t always got ta do what yer parents say, huh?"
"Well…no point starting a fight when there doesn’t have to be one.  I’ll see you tomorrow," Davie told him.
"All right, tomorrow," Jack agreed.
"Carryin’ the banner!" Davie said, walking out the door.
Jack laughed.  "Carryin’ da bannah," he agreed, walking back up to the bunk room.
Blink stuck his head out of the closet that Mush, Racetrack and he had been sitting in, to make sure it was all clear.  "All right deys gone," Blink told them, stepping out.  "Did ya heah dat, you’se guys?  Squibble got attacked taday…do ya think dat’s got anythin’ ta do wid what dose oddah goils were talkin’ ‘bout?"
"Nah…Dey prolly don’t got anythin’ ta do wid each oddah," Racetrack told him.  "Jest a coincidence…"
"But Socks was der…an’ she was talkin’ ‘bout it befoah," Mush pointed out.
Racetrack looked at him oddly.  "Stop tryin’ ta be smart!  Ya ain’t!" he told him.
"I wasn’t tryin’ ta be smart I was jest pointin’ out dat…" Mush started.
"I said stop it!  Yer makin’ me head hurt!" Racetrack told him.  "Must need some moah a dis," he decided, pulling the whisky bottle out of the closet that they had been sitting in.
"Yeah, might as well ferget ‘bout it…what’s past is past," Blink agreed taking another gulp of the bottle.
Jake, Dutchy, Specs and Snoddy all watched them from the other side of the room. 
"Can anyone tell me why dey had ta be in da closet ta drink?" Specs asked.
The other three shrugged.  "Maybe dey feel moah sneakiah dat way…" Jake suggested.
"Or maybe dey’s jest want ta ‘Stay in da closet’," Dutchy suggested.  "Get it?  Dey’s in da closet literally an’ den dey’s keepin’ der relationship’s a secret!"  He burst out laughing at his own joke.
Snoddy looked at him strangely.  "Don’t quit yer day job," he told him.
Dutchy looked down sadly, expecting someone to cheer him up.
The other boys shrugged and went back to talking.
"So…can ya believe dat da goils attacked Squibble?  Dat’s horrible!" Jake said.

"Yeah, well I know one thing.  If it were my goil dey attacked I wouldn’t stand fer it like dat wuss Conlon," Specs told them.  The boys all liked to make fun of him behind his back, being that none of them had the balls to do it to his face.
"Dat goes double fer me.  In fact, I think dat I bettah stick ‘round me own goil closah now," Snoddy said.  "Moneybags might need me protection."
"Well if she needs protection den I doubt dat you’d be able ta give it ta her," Dutchy said.  "Now, Wintah, she’s actually safe wid me ‘round.  I could take dose goils."
"Yeah right.  None a you’se guys could do as good as me," Jake told them.
Specs gave him a weird look.  "No one gives a fuck ‘bout yer calves an’ dey don’t intimidate anyone," he told him.
"I meaaant dat I could soak dose goils good," Jake said, exasperated.
Itey and Skittery burst out laughing, when they heard the other boy’s conversation.  "It’s a sad day when dey fight ovah who can beat up goils bettah," Itey told him.
"Very sad…" Skittery agreed.
~~~~~~****~~~~~~
---Earlier that day in Brooklyn---- (do you like how I skip around? I thought so…)
"What’s goin’ on in heah?  Fox told me ta come out heah," Spot said.  "Hey Squib!  So ya decided ya missed me too much, huh?"
Squibble turned around to greet Spot but before she could say anything Spot asked, "What da hell happened ta yer face?"
"Smooth Spot," a near-by girl commented.
"Well, look at it Jibajabba (LOOK KATIE)!" Spot pointed out.
"I’m jest sayin’ ya coulda put it bettah," Jibajabba explained.  "So, what did happen Squibbly?"
"Nothin’," Squibble told them, covering the side of her face.
"Blue?" Spot asked, as Jibajabba attempted to pry Squibble’s hand away from her face.
"Some goils, Manhattan newsies, dey attacked her on da street.  Dey were jest gettin’ started when Spades an’ I found her.  Dis one," he said indicating Tinker, "was tryin’ ta help her an’ got hurt in da process so I figuahed I’d bring her heah, get her cleaned up an’ she might give us some infermation."
"What’s yer name?" Spot asked Tinker.
"Uhh…Tinkah," she told him.
"Well, Tinkah, wanna tell me why da hell people are attackin’ me goil?" Spot asked.
"Spot, take it easy, der," Jibajabba intervened.  "She was da one helpin’ her aftah all."
"No, it’s all right.  I desoive it," Tinker admitted.  "Dis is kinda hard to admit but I guess I gotta now dat things’ve gone dis far."
"I’m waitin’," Spot prompted.
"Wait!" Squibble exclaimed.  "I wanna talk ta Tinkah foist.  Could ya all give us some privacy?"
Spot seemed to waver for a moment but Jibajabba, seeing this, made the decision for him.  She walked up and pulled him out of the room.  Most people wouldn’t get away with doing something like this but Jibajabba got more leniency from Spot sicken they had been friends since childhood and he regarded her as his little sister.
Spades and Blue followed them out, leaving Squibble and Tinker alone in the room.
"So, whadya want?" Tinker asked.
"I jest wanted ta say dat ya don’t gotta tell dem nothin’.  ‘Specially if ya don’t wanna," Squibble told her.  "Ya’ve done enough jest by standin’ up fer me."
"Ya don’t undahstand.  Dose goils, dey’re crazy ‘nough ta really hurt ya.  Yer seriously in dangah," Tinker told her.  "I didn’t really think dey would do anythin’ but aftah taday well…things went too far an’ Spots gotta know if he’s gunna protect ya."
"I don’t get it.  Why do ya care?" Squibble asked.
"No one desoives what dey’re doin’.  Ya got a right ta date whoevah ya want wid out people interferin’ an’ I’m jest sorry dat I was evah part a it," Tinker explained.
"Ya shoah ya wanna tell Spot?"
"Yeah…but uhh…do me a favah an’ stand in between us, all right?"
Squibble laughed.  "No. I’m serious," Tinker said.  "I’m too young ta die."
"All right, I’ll stand in da middle," Squibble agreed, before walking to the door.  "You guys can come in now."
Spot, Jibajabba, Spades and Blue returned.
"So, ya gunna explain?" Spot asked.
"Yeah.  Well, da goils dat were der were Socks, Stripes, Skint, Mix, Gip, Dischord an’ me," Tinker started.
"Blue, send Fox ta tell Princess," Spot interrupted.
Blue nodded and exited the room to do as he was told.
"Go on," Spot prompted.
"Well, see, don’t take dis…well…anyway we were all mad ‘cause we all got a…well a crush on ya an’ so we don’t like seein’ Squibble wid ya," Tinker told him.
Spot looked distinctly amused before returning to his shocked, angry expression.
"Go on," he commanded.
"Soo…den Socks got angry when she saw Squibble wid Davie ‘cause she gets jealous a any goil dat talks wid Davie.  An’ so we all decided dat we would give her a warnin’ an’ so dat’s what I thought we were gunna do but one a da goils hit Squibble an’ thinks jest got outta hand aftah dat," Tinker explained.
"Is dis fer real?’ Spot asked, incredulously.
"’Fraid so," Tinker responded.
Spot looked absolutely livid.  "So, a buncha goils dat I don’t even know are beatin’ up me goil ‘cause der jealous?" Spot asked.  "What da yell is wrong wid you goils?  How fuckin’ stupid an’ scary can ya be?!  Even if I did know ya I prolly wouldn’t like any a ya!"
Tinker, even though she knew she deserved this, had to fight to keep her tears back.
"Spot! Tinkah is da one dat stood up fer me!" Squibble exclaimed.  "An’ yer insultin’ her?  What da hell is wrong wid you?"
Spot, now reminded of Tinker’s redeeming actions, refrained from any other comment about that subject.  "Hey Spades?  Can ya bring in some watah an’ stuff ta clean up her leg?"
Spades nodded and went to retrieve the items Spot had requested.
"So, how’d ya get hoit?" Spot asked.
"Well, I was tryin’ ta make shoah she was all right an’ one a da goils pushed me down," Tinker told him.
"An’" Squibble added, "aftah she got pushed down she kept stickin’ up fer me."
"I see.  So, yer stayin’ heah tanight, right?" Spot asked.
"If dat’s all right wid you.  I ain’t exactly lookin’ forward ta seein’ dose goils again," Tinker told them.
"Fine wid me.  Spades’ll take care a ya.  C’mon Squibble.  I gotta talk ta ya, allright? Spot asked.
"Yeah," Squibble agreed following him out of the room.
~~~~*******~~~~
More coming Soon