Chapter Text
Stop the clocks, it's amazing
August 2, 1899
Jack Kelly was not a sentimental person. He could never afford to be, with how temporary everything in his life was. But now he’s not so sure, because there’s nothing he wants more than to freeze this moment in time, hold it close to his heart, and never let it go, allowing it to shine—golden and glowing—just for him to see.
He wants to bottle up the smile on Davey’s face, one of victory and contentment, equal parts proud and disbelieving. Not even a smile is simple when it comes to David Jacobs, Jack knows that for certain. Davey doesn’t do anything he doesn’t truly want to do, which comforts Jack as he keeps his friend tucked under his arm, marching down the street with their papers in hand, purchased for the price they ought to always have been.
It’s incredible, Jack thinks, just how quickly he became attached to Davey. Jack trusts many people, but not easily. Most of the newsies are good in his books, but no one had been more surprised than himself to realize he had truly taken a liking to the wound-up, rudely clever schoolboy so immediately. He’d had his misgivings, of course, but the earnestness in Davey’s eyes had been too swaying to ignore, and Jack chose to trust him. He isn’t sure Davey should have taken the same chance on him, but he can only be grateful he did.
Glancing down at the boy next to him, Jack smiles, flushed and happy, knowing the hot summer sun will plant more freckles on Davey’s cheeks. He pulls his cowboy hat off and settles it atop Davey’s curls.
When Davey looks back at him, Jack grins.
“Suits ya better anyway,” he assures him, and Davey nudges him off-balance with his shoulder.
“If you say so, Cowboy.”