#race x reader

[amoreva]

SPIDERS AND THREAD

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pairing: racetrack higgins x reader

summary: race has been flaking on dates more and more. you think he’s cheating until he shows up bloody, bruises and in a hero costume, one evening.

warnings: blood, cursing, description of stitching

a/n: ending is a little meh and i couldn’t think of a title. i’ll try to revise it later.

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Race is rushing to your table from the restaurant, tugging on his jacket in a hurry. Your head titled in slight confusion.

“Race…?”

Race snapped his head towards you. The apology written all over his face masking the urgency. “My uh…mom called.” Race explained hurriedly. “She—fell down the stairs and I gotta go to—”

He’s been doing this often, but you shouldn’t throw out accusations. Just be a supportive girlfriend. “Hey, hey—I get it. Make sure she’s okay.” You spoke sympathetically. Your hand on his arm rubbing it comfortingly.

Race gave you a weary smile. He hates leaving you early on dates especially when you look so pretty in your outfit. He felt terribly guilty. You got dolled up for him and he had to go…

“I love you.” Race kissed you quickly and ran out of the restaurant.

Does he though?

You’re sitting at your desk, mindlessly moving the swivel chair side to side. Thoughts running through your head. The events of the day replaying itself out. You were supposed to be studying for your test, but…you can’t help but think about the date.

It’s not the first time Race ended a date early because something important came up. The first time it happened was because Albert was throwing up a lot. Then it was Jack needed him ASAP for a project and so on.

You’ve seen this happen to one of your friends; literally watched the events unfold before you. Your friend’s girlfriend kept canceling dates or leaving earlier because of something that came up. Turns out the girl was hooking up with some other guy behind your friend’s back.

Race wouldn’t do that, right? The sweet, charming guy that brings you little trinkets that remind him of you? No way in hell would Race cheat.

You scoffed just thinking about Race hooking up with another person. So, you rationalized these thoughts, it was late and you were thinking about this too much, overthinking it. Your mind is just making up stuff to keep you awake to study for your exam next week. That’s right.

Suddenly, a quiet creaking from your window grabbed your attention. Your curtains had been closed since you’ve got home from the spoiled date. You grab the nearest blunt object to throw. The dark figure on the other side of the window, slid it open.

A soft groan escaped the figure. It never occurred to you it could be your roommate. Your sleep-deprived, adrenaline filled brain screamed at you, “Robber, thief, murderer, stranger danger—!”

So, you threw your blunt object as soon as you caught sight of a head. A small yelp escaped your lips. You prayed to whoever you wouldn’t die tonight. You haven’t even finished re-watching Superstore yet.

The figure tumbled into your apartment, catching the object without even looking. “Get out, get out, get out!” You shouted and threw one of your textbooks at the person like they were a bug on the walls.

The figure caught it again and quickly put their free hand up. “Hey, hey! I’m not going to hurt ya’!” The figure stated quickly as they saw you holding a second book. “Please, stop throwing things.” You shrunk behind the book you held like a scared child.

“Who—?” You asked nervously. Intricate details of webs on the costume. Red and blue colors. A spider sewn onto the chest. It is a dead give-away. One of their hands was pressed against his abdomen. Blood oozing out, soiling their costume. Holy fuck. Why was Spiderman in your room? How did he even get here? Did he just stumble upon your apartment? Oh god, and he is hurt.

“What—?” Before you can even ask a question, Spiderman tugged off his mask. Soft blonde curls damp with sweat. Blue eyes filled with exhaustion and affliction. A sheepish smile on his lips.

“Suprise.” Race said dryly.

He thought it’d be better for you to know now instead of later and…he doesn’t think he can catch another book.

“Oh my god—Race!” You launch out of your desk chair to the blonde. Panic running through your veins, your hands cupping his face like he’s fragile. Then it clicks, you realize it isn’t anyone’s blood and wounds, it is Race’s. Race is hurt—how can he just…how?

Your boyfriend. The man who can’t stand spiders, especially daddy long legs, is Spiderman. Spiderman. The fucking vigilante swinging around New York. Is this why he ends dates early? Because he is Spiderman?

You don’t want to believe it, but Race is right here in front of you. Your blue-eyed lover subconsciously leaned into your warm touch. “M’okay.” Race mumbled and kissed the palm of your hand. The comfort of your touch distracting him from the pain. “Just…need your help patching up.”

You went into overdrive. The information you learned was overwhelming. How long has he been doing this? How bad are his injuries? Will he be okay? There are so many risks to this. Spiderman? How can he do what he does?

Your hands were too afraid to touch his upper body as you looked over him. “God…oh—how did..? You’re bleeding a lot…and you look so tired and….how bad is—? I don’t know what to do—! Fuck…you’re bleeding a lot. That wound is huge and—”

“Hey, sweetheart.” Race grabbed your attention from your stupor with the nickname. “Calm down. I’ll walk you through everything. Can you help me to the bathroom?”

Your eyes soften, but his words don’t reassure you. “Mhm.” You pressed your lips together, the worry evident in your eyes as you helped Race to the bathroom. He leaned against the counter.

The first aid kit is under the sink. Race is peeling off the top half of his suit. A wince escaped him as the spandex stuck to his large gash. He ripped it away like a bandaid causing you to cringe. There is dried blood, sweat and dust all over his toned body—which you will not admit you stared at a little too long.

“I would’ve done this myself, but—it hurt to swing any more. I mean, it felt like my body was being torn apart.” He softly said, trying to decrease the situation on why he was here in this getup. A soft blush on his face. It is clear he still felt bad about earlier that evening.

Only a man like Race would blush when he has a gaping wound in his side. “I don’t need your excuses—I just need to help patch you up.” Your eyes hardening after you take a shaky exhale.

Questions and thoughts racing (hah.) your mind. Was this convenient or was this pity for earlier? This is kind of ridiculous—you were dating Spiderman. Race is Spiderman. He could’ve told you—said something so you wouldn’t think the worst of the worst. So you could help him from hurting himself further.

“Okay.” Race nodded slowly. He noticed your snappy comments. He masked the worry and guilt. “Douse a rag in rubbing alcohol and—gently clean my wound, please.”

Race walked you through the steps of how to clean a wound. Your boyfriend had bit into a rolled up hand towel to muffle his agony. Tears brimming his eyes at the stinging. Luckily, the bleeding stopped. It looked slightly less gross than it did before, and it was done quickly.

Your annoyance, anger dissipates for a moment. You look at your boyfriend who removed the hand towel from his mouth. “I—I don’t know how to stitch.”

Race nodded, his head glistening with sweat from the enduring the pain. “You know how to sew though. Just—sew.” He mumbled.

“Race…that—that’s not the same, I can’t just—why don’t we go to an actual hospital? They know better than you or I.” You tried to rationalize.

“Can’t.” Race shook his head, looking at you with half-lidded eyes. “I can’t—my blood work and genetics are fucked—please, sweetheart.”

Race begged softly. It seem the blood loss got to him. “I need you to do it. Please. I trust you. Please.”

You grabbed his hand, rubbing your thumb over the back of his hand. “Okay…” You say almost inaudibly. Race brings your hand to his lips, a silent thank you. Just like before, Race has a rag in his mouth. Hand gripping your shoulder. His eyes closed shut as your dominant hand delicately holding a needle. The other was on his side. Race shivered at your touch. “Don’t move to much, okay?”

Race hummed in agreement. You pressed the needle to one end of the wound and punctuate the flesh. Race’s hand gripped your shoulder tightly, muffled sounds of pain escape him. You try to get this done quickly. In and out, through and through.

And pull.

You watch the wound close up together seamlessly. It sealed like a piece of cloth and look up at your tired boyfriend. His head immediately falls on your shoulder. “Thank you, sweetheart.” He whispered and kissed your neck once or twice.

Your eyes soften. You take Race’s face in your hands and bring his head in front of you. Lip quivering now that you finished stitching up your boyfriend. “Why didn’t you tell me?”

“I—”

“Race, you’re Spiderman—and I didn’t know! You made me think—think that…” Your voice is shaky, overwhelmed with a number of emotions. Race is Spiderman—he could die at any point.“you were cheating—what if you didn’t come back from fighting a villain? I don’t want to go to a funeral. I can’t—not when it’s the love of my life.”

“Oh, Y/N…” Race hugged you tightly despite the pain blooming in his side. “I’m not going anywhere, or dying—god, I wouldn’t even think of cheating on you, y’know that?”

A few moments of silence.

“Help me.” He mumbled and put his arm over your shoulder. The two of you exit the bathroom. Race was doing a little bit better than before, but you still had to support his weight. You both sit on the bed, Race taking your hands.

“I wanted to tell you, more than anything in the world, but—” He paused. “But…I couldn’t let you get hurt or worse for knowing about me.”

His voice cracked slightly. “If—if you got killed because of me…I wouldn’t be able to live with myself. I just—and what if you thought I was a freak. I—I can climb of walls for fucks sake and have a sixth sense—” All of the thoughts that kept him up at night spilling out.

“Race—you’re a superhero, shut up.” You stated bluntly. Sometimes Race just needed to hear things as is. You grabbed some joggers he left here and gave it to him. You were no longer anger or afraid, just tired. So tired.

A soft sight escaped you. “You’re tired, I’m tried—this conversation should be for tomorrow.”

Race’s lips parted slightly to retaliate, but a wave of exhaustion hits him. He changed into the grey joggers and got into your bed. You gravitate towards his body heat and bury your head into the crook of his neck. “My boyfriend is a goddamn superhero.” It sounded more in awe. You leaned up to kiss his lips. Race kissed back with a little more passion than intended. Race and you fall asleep in each others arms, knowing—

—at least for tonight, that everything will be okay.

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#newsies #uksies #racetrack higgins x reader #race x reader #racetrack x reader #racetrack newsies #race higgins #racetrack higgins #newsies x reader #newsies broadway #newsies fanfic #spiderman au #spiderman

[heliads]

All in the Words

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

#race #race imagines #race x reader #race oneshot #newsies #newsies imagines #newsies x reader #newsies oneshot #race higgins #race higgins imagines #race higgins x reader #race higgins oneshot #newsies race #newsies race imagines #newsies race x reader #newsies race oneshot

[youaintnothinbuta]

— racetrack higgins boyfriend hcs —

ೃ⁀➷ summary: just a bunch of cute boyfriendy hcs about race !

pairing: race higgins x fem!reader

warnings: none

A/N: feel free to request a specific trope of hcs, maybe some nsfw ones next ?? Hope you enjoy <3

• gets outwardly defensive when the other newsies tease about him being affectionate towards you, but it just makes him hold you/your hand, etc even tighter

• quickly leans in to give you a peck on the cheek as he enters a hug

• ALWAYS makes you blow away the dandelion and refuses to let you share you wish “because then it won’t come true”

• going off of that, he likes to give you things. he can’t afford to buy anything, but stones in the shape of a heart, single flowers off the side of the road (even if it’s just a weed), etc he always gives you, like a bird collecting things for their mate

• TEASE IS HIS MIDDLE NAME

• He is SUCH a tease, loves teasing you both innocently and not so innocently ;)

• He folds so fast when you tease him back though

• tucks your hair behind your ears— he thinks you look adorable

• Constantly playing with your hair, twirling it round his finger, brushes the ends against his face

• Loves making you blush, especially in front of others. He’ll whisper certain things in your ear so only you can hear and then pull away and smirk as he watches the rouge creep up your neck and face and spread to your ears.

• Smirks whenever he catches you staring at him

• He loves tickling you. Annoyingly loves it. He just loves your giggle

• He would never be caught DEAD babytalking in front of anyone, especially not his newsie friends, but in private…he loves it

• He’s very street smart, which is nice because as a young woman you tend to be vulnerable to mugging, etc

• Racetrack Higgins: self proclaimed king of New York AND king of romance

• His biggest green flag is that even after months and months and YEARS of dating he will continue to flirt like he’s still trying to get you

#race #race higgins #race x reader #racetrack higgins #racetrack newsies #racetrack #race newsies #reader x race #racetrack x reader #racetrack higgins x reader #reader x racetrack #reader x racetrack higgins #newsies #newsies fanfic #newsies broadway #newsies fluff #headcanon #newsies imagine #newsies headcanons #newsies hcs #hcs #headcanons #newsboys #jeremy jordan newsies #newsies jack kelly #jack kelly newsies #the woild is yer erster #boyfriend hcs #ben cook #ben tyler cook

[rafescurtainbangz]

Notes for my Rafe Mile High one shot are coming in hot. I see you 🤭🤭🤭 hehehe same.

Belowwww

https://www.tumblr.com/xxbutdaddyilovehimxx/738196315988770816/mile-high-club-rafe-cameron-one-shot-18

Might need to drop a drew blurb 👀

#rafe cameron #drew starkey #sloots for daddy #meow #race x reader #rafe x you

[sl-newsie]

Teach Me To Love Hate You (Race x Fem Jet OC, enemies to lovers)

Here I am to request again! (*insert evil laugh*) So Race is doing so bad in school that he has to get a tutor. The problem is he gets stuck with this posh Jet girl and they absolutely hate each other. Tutoring is a mess. But one night when Race goes out to play cards against the Jets he’s playing against her, but she’s all dressed up! Turns out she’s a card shark, and wins by flirting with her opponent to get in their head. Her strategy works, and by the end of the night they're practically dating.

Davey’s POV

“Another F, Mr. Higgins.”

Our math teacher, Mr. Johnson, hands the man sitting in front of me his test. No surprise that Race failed considering he spends all his time goofing off. I’ll admit since I’ve met Jack and his gang I myself have relaxed a bit but not too much to have my perfect grades drop.

“Very impressive, Mr. Jacobs.”

I’m handed my own test, which I passed with flying colors. The bell rings and signals for us to head home.

“Go ahead, Davey,” Race groans. “Rub your perfect score in my face. I hate school!”

I gather my things and sling my bag over my shoulder. “I know book smarts aren’t your thing. Um, have you maybe considered being tutored?”

Race huffs and pulls out his cigar to stick in his mouth. “No way! I’ll keep my own perfect score of failing before I team up with one-a those bookworms-”

“Well that’s too bad, Mr. Higgins.” Mr Johnson approaches us. “Your failing grades have led the school to force me to assign you a tutor. You are to stay after school every weekday until 5. You will continue this until your grades improve.” The teacher gestures to the door. “Your tutor is waiting for you in room 215.”

I can’t believe it. Neither can Race.

“Are you serious? God, outta all things…”

The flustered student gets up and struts out of the room, causing me to rush after him.

“Maybe it won’t be so bad? It’s only-”

“Dave, of course it’s gonna be bad! I’ll barely miss the card tournaments at 6!” We reach the end of the hall where room 215 is. “I’m gonna be locked up with some ugly stiff trying to teach the unteachable-!”

“You must be Anthony Higgins,” a woman’s voice speaks as the classroom door opens.

Race rolls his eyes. “Yeah, that’s- Holy Jesus!”

Amanda’s POV

This is what I get? This is what I get for keeping good grades? Being forced to tutor someone? Mrs. Smith informed me this morning that I’ve been assigned to tutor someone all because I’m one of the top students. I don’t even go to Manhattan High! I’m only here for the math class! Sadly West Side High doesn’t have any higher up math classes, so I have to commute to ‘Hattan. 

I take a deep breath as I wait in the empty classroom. Just get through it one day at a time. The sooner you help him improve the sooner this headache will be over. The sound of approaching chatter alerts me to the door. Putting on a perky face, I walk over and open it. Outside I recognize Davey from math club, and the other must be the student I’m supposed to meet.

“You must be Anthony Higgins.” 

The man in question rolls his eyes and turns to me. “Yeah, that’s- Holy Jesus!” His jaw drops and I swear he’s having a stroke.

Davey waves a hand in front of him. “Um, Race? You ok?”

The blonde boy nods slowly, still gaping at me. I feel my patience slipping. Ugh. I am not staying after school to be ogled!

I grip the man’s shirt and drag him inside. “Thanks for dropping him off, David. I’ve got my work cut out. See you tomorrow!”

“Bye, Amanda!” The kind Jacobs man waves and shuts the door.

Race is still quiet. I steer him to a chair and push him down to sit. “Listen up, Higgins. We both don’t wanna be here. So let me make this perfectly clear: pay attention and smarten up!”

Higgins shakes himself awake and gets a lopsided grin. “Well hello, doll. Y’know friends call me Race-”

“I’m not your friend. I’m your tutor.”

My firm tone turns Race’s grin to a scowl. “Don’t remind me. I don’t think I’ve met you. I’dve remembered your lovely attitude.”

I stiffly take out some worksheets and slap them on the desk. “You’ve got some nerve, Higgins. I’m from West Side High.”

He snickers. “Ah, one-a Lorton’s gals. That’s where the attitude comes from!”

I roll my eyes. “Riff’s just a good friend. That also means that you shouldn’t try anything, understand? Just do these worksheets and we can be done for today. My whole life doesn’t revolve around school, and unlike you I actually have plans that don’t involve goofing off.”

“Well,” Race says cockily. “Since neither of us wanna suffer through this, whaddya say you lets me go early?”

That little-! That’s it. No more playing nice. I stiffly walk over to the door and lock it. It’s against school policy but I don’t care at this point. This cheeky moron is not gonna pin me for some softie!

“Hey! Why’d you-?”

I steer Race back into his seat with a firm hold. “Worksheets. Now! Before I really give you something to stress over!”

He’s shaken but still tries to keep confident. “Like what? The heartthrob you’s give’n me?”

“Like a black eye, dumbass! Now get to work!”

Race’s POV

God must have a sense-a humor ‘cause that tutor session felt like it took fifty years! It don’t help that my tutor is a stuck-up goody-goody. Jeez, for a moment I thought she was cute. I didn’t even get her name.

“Ey, Racer. Ya with us?” Jack asks.

“Um- Yeah. Just think’n,” I mudda as we enter the Jets’ hideout. 

“You? Thinking?” Albert laughs. “Never thought I’d see the day! What’s got you so worked up?”

“He has to be tutored now,” Davey explains from behind.

I roll my eyes. “Gee, thanks Davey! Why not announce my failure to the whole woild, why dontcha?”

“Don’t feel too bad, Race,” Crutchy tries to comfort me. “It took me a while to understand math too.”

“What I don’t get is how are ya so bad at math when ya count cards like a madman?” Spot grunts. “You’s bedda not get us kicked out.”

This week’s card tournament is be’n held in the West Side. I ain’t too noivous ‘cause Riff’s always too busy boast’n ‘bout his new construction job to play the game. That and Baby John’s poker face ain’t worth dirt. I can see through him like glass. So far the turn up looks pretty bland. Maybe folks is get’n tired-a losing? Where’s the competition?

“Evening gents,” Riff greets us as we gather ‘round the table. “We’s just wait’n on a few more players, then we’ll start.”

“Is Bernardo coming?” Davey asks.

The Jet leader smirks. “Wouldn't you wanna know, Mouth? Expecting Liliana to show?”

David blushes and looks away. Sure, he gets a pretty goil tonight. Of all people I expected Davey Jacobs to be the last guy to find a date.

“What about Mouthpiece?” I ask. “Can’t a guy see his own brodda?”

Riff shakes his head. “Bernardo called to say he can’t make it either. Only Baby John and Amanda are left to show.”

“Besides, one Higgins is enough to handle,” Jack groans. “We don’t need the matching pair.”

I’d hoid of Baby John before but the odda name ain’t familiar. With my luck it’ll be some ditzy dame who don’t know a spade from a shovel-

“Well well, hello again, mister Higgins.”

Amanda’s POV

“Are you kidding me?” I gape as I peer through the window. 

“What’s wrong?” Baby John asks from behind.

“Race is here, that’s what! That ding-dong plays cards here?”

“Actually he ain’t no ding-dong,” Baby John points out. “Race is one-a the best players in New York.”

I snort. “If he’s so smart, why do I gotta be forced to teach him basic algebra?” Perhaps that’s a question no one can answer. “Don’t matter. He’ll bend either way.”

“Gonna lay on the shark charm?” John questions with an arched brow.

“Ya bet.” I don’t always play by the rules. My secret is that after school I play tournaments as a card shark by flirting with players. Some frown at it but I’m proud of my acting skills. Plus any little money I can make goes towards helping my parents.

Baby John goes ahead and sits next to Riff at the table while I stand behind Race. 

“Well well, hello again, mister Higgins.”

The man’s head jerks up and he spins around to look at me with surprised eyes. It’s as if he can’t decide that I’m real. He looks between me and Riff with a stunned expression.

“Amanda, I see you know Race,” the Jet assumes.

My lips press into a firm line. “Yeah. Through tutoring. Now since we’s not at school can we actually have fun and play some cards?”

The oddas just shrug and begin to assemble the deck, while Race looks at me like he just won the lottery.

“Amanda, is it? Golly, I’ve never pinned you for a card gal!”

“There’s many things you’d be surprised by,” I say in a sultry voice. My suave charm automatically draws Race in and I see him starting to lose his senses. 

“Th- That’s some getup you’ve got on, sweetheart,” he mumbles.

His compliment is refreshing. Usually guys just eat my appearance right up with no thought-a be’n nice. Tonight’s outfit is a polka dot cocktail dress with a sweetheart neckline paired with simple red heels. I may be a card shark but I still got my dignity.

“Thank you,” I say whole-heartedly, but then regain my attitude. “I was starting to think ya couldn’t use that mouth for anything odda than back-sassing. Ready to lose?”

Race stares for a second then turns back to start gathering his delt hand. I decide to sit next to him for a better shot of distracting him. If I can get the oh-so-great Racetrack Higgins to falter at cards then I’ll have really set a record. Tonight’s game is Hearts and fortunately my hand is halfway decent. Lotta high cards plus the queen-a spades. Just enough to turn the tables and give everyone 26 points.

“You’ve been taking a lotta hearts,” Race says after a while, then says in a lower tone: “Wanna bet that you’d steal mine as well?”

Ha! He’s trying to play a card shark at her own game! This is too funny.

I pull on my best flirting smile and bat my eyelashes. “You tell me, handsome.”

That did it. Race’s face goes beet red and he goes back to staring at his cards. A few more hands go by and I continue to keep the lead. Luckily the oddas are too consumed by conversation to notice, all except Race. But for good measure to keep him distracted I slide my leg over to brush against his. This gets him shaking and all but hot and bothered. It’s working, but then why does a part-a me feel guilty? It ain’t a question that Race is a jerk sometimes but he’s still kinda handsome- No. I have a job to do. There's no holding back.

“Last hand. Who’s got the queen?” Davey asks as we all turn in our final card.

My smirk outshines all their oblivious faces. “I do!”

Jack chuckles. “You lose, Amanda.”

“Actually…” I fan out all the hearts I’ve collected. “I win!”

Everyone takes a double-take and groans. Another victory!

“Alright, you know the rules,” Riff grunts. “Pay up.”

The guys grudgingly take out their contribution and toss it onto the table. Maybe now I can afford to buy mom some good kitchen knives.

“Good job, Amanda.” Leave it to Crutchy to be the pro at sportsmanship. “You’re almost better than Race!”

“He’s right,” Spot agrees. “Hear that, Higgins? Ya got competition!”

The man in question has a stern look on his face. Instead-a answering he abruptly gets up and sulks down the hall to the bathroom. Sore loser. Can’t he take one defeat without holding a grudge? 

“We’s gonna head back,” Jack calls. “Send Race over once he’s done.”

The ‘Hattan fellas make their way out, leaving me with Spot ‘nd the Jets. Soon enough they too walk out and leave me alone to count up my winnings. After a few moments I hear footsteps and turn to see Race fuming with what looks like anger.

“You got spunk, sweetheart,” he remarks slyly. “Not many dames can get into my head the way you do.” All of a sudden he struts forward and leans me back to lay against the table. “Almost makes me wanna soak ya for that, but then that’d be wasting that pretty face-a yours.”

How is he so strong? Also why are his eyes suddenly quite catching-? Ugh! Get a grip, Amanda! Just take the money and go.

“You’re lucky Riff ain’t here right now,” I growl. “Oddawise you’d be talking through a mouth with no teeth for saying that.”

Race scoffs. “You batted your eyes at me, sweetheart. What’s your angle?”

“It’s part of the game! Jeez Higgins, you’re so used to card tournaments I thought you’d already know what a card shark is!”

“So instead of being one-a Bernardo’s sharks, you’re an actual shark?” Race dramatically clutches his chest. “That hurts. That hurts deep, sweetheart.”

I hiss in frustration. “Stop calling me that!”

“Why? ‘Cause every odda bum ya flirt with calls you that? Just how many guys have ya swindled to give you cash?”

In a fleeting moment of anger I slap Race across the face. “I ain’t your usual lady of the night, Higgins! For your information, every cent I earn through card games goes to my folks! Unlike you I use my skills to help people instead of boasting ‘bout it like a spoiled brat!”

Race blanks for a second but is still angry. “Boasting? I ain’t the one boasting, sweetheart. I’ll admit my skills is good but it’s Jack ‘nd the oddas that boast ‘bout it!”

“Then why do you suck at math?” I jab. 

“Maybe it’s the same reason why a clean-cut goil like you is a card shark,” Race replies. “I gots bedda things to do.”

“That don’t mean ya should throw your education in the trash!” I argue.

“I ain’t as smart as you, sweetheart. I know when to admit I’m no good.” 

Race suddenly gets a saddened look and I’d be lying if I said I didn’t feel bad. It ain’t his fault he’s not book smart but that don’t mean he’s useless.

“You still don’t get it, Higgins. Life’s more than just academics. But you still gotta put up with the tough stuff.” I loosen up a little and put a hand on his shoulder. “If you’re willing to cooperate, I could still tutor ya.”

Race laughs. “Ha! That’s a good one, sweetheart. Going soft on me?”

That son of a-! “Alright, fine! Go and fail math for all I care!” I lean forward and shove him against the wall. “To think I actually felt sorry for you, you snarky, hot, cocky-!”

“Whoa whoa whoa!” Race’s face lights up. “Lay that on me again?”

“I was an idiot to think you’re a decent human being-! Ah!”

The blue-eyed man tilts over and plants a kiss on my lips. In my shocked state I don’t know whether to pound him or kiss him back. The gesture melts away my anger in pure ecstasy. God, what’s this guy doing to me?!

“You think I’m hot, sweetheart?” Race gets a cheeky smile. “Can’t say I ain’t flattered. You’s a scrumptious catch too.”

My face twitches as I try to form a rebuttal. “I- I… I-!”

“Well, whaddya know! I got the card shark speechless!” Race softly places his own hand on my shoulder. “I say we’d make a great pair, hm? Before we kill each odda, whaddya say to a milkshake at Doc’s?”

He’s got me hook, line, and sinker. As a card shark I’m not supposed to fall for anyone I play- where did I go wrong? Race is a pain! Yet still kinda cute… Ugh! Why does luv gotta be so complicated?!

“I- I ain’t good with luv, Race,” I mutter. “The only hearts I’ve been dealt with are cards. I ain’t a normal date.”

No matter how hard I wanna look away, Race’s eyes still capture me in a helpless trance. I’ve been disassembled from a cunning card shark into a pathetic mess. All I can do is stare as the man runs a hand softly across my cheek and looks down at me with kind eyes; a completely opposite demeanor than 10 minutes ago.

“I don’t want a normal date, Amanda. A normal date picks at my habits and says I gots a gambling problem.” Race bumps his nose on mine. “You wouldn’t say that, wouldya?”

My breath hitches. “No, you- you’re amazing at cards. Anybody who says oddawise is a joker.”

Now Race’s face is mere inches from mine. “Still up for a date?”

A sassy grin spreads on my lips. “Think ya can handle me, Higgins? I am still your tutor, after all.”

He rolls his eyes. “Just lemme kiss you, ya mouthy tutor.”

And I do. Over and over and over, Race kisses up and down. All talk-a math and school drips away and I give in to this new-found feeling. 

“Never thought I’d fall for a bookworm,” Race mumbles between kisses.

I lightly smack his shoulder. “Remember this ‘bookworm’ just schooled you in Hearts, Higgins. You lost, remember?”

Race chuckles. “Yeah. Lost my own heart to you too, sweetheart.”

Tonight really was a successful game after all.

#newsies #newsies 1992 #newsies musical #newsies broadway #jack kelly #david jacobs #spot conlon #racetrack higgins #les jacobs #albert newsies #mush newsies #crutchy newsies #race x reader #racetrack x reader #racetrack newsies #riff lorton #riff west side story #west side story baby john #west side story mouthpiece #bernardo west side story #davey jacobs #newsies fanfiction #newsies x reader #west side story jets #west side story 2021

[inkblotsandpapertrails]

Heart of Stone {R.H.} [Pt 8: Epilogue]

Warnings: None (as a little treat!)

Pairing: Racetrack Higgins x Reader

Description: You didn’t agree with your brothers much. You didn’t like how they treated people or handled emotions and etcetera. But you could all agree that the Delancey’s were a proud family. A strong family. You didn’t get close to people, you didn’t show emotion, you didn’t let anyone have power over you, no matter what, because that made you weak. Except for the pretty newsboy with the foghorn voice and smart jokes, apparently.

A/N: didja miiiiiss me!!! wait no stop throwing things wait please oh god i know its been over a year im SORRY im SORRY-

“Would you stop?” You sighed as Race paced past the gates for the seventh time. “You’re making me antsy.”

“He should be back by now.” Race muttered. “He’s been up there way too long – Spot and Davey are already down, so where’s he?”

“He’s the leader, Race.” You said matter-of-factly. “And Pulitzer’s a stubborn ass. It’s going to take some time.”

“But what if-!” Race whirled around, his face panicked and painfully young. He glanced at the other newsies and huddled closer to you, lowering his voice. “What if he leaves? What if Pulitzer offers him even more money and he just – I dunno, sneaks out the backdoor and high-tails it to Santa Fe?”

“Not possible.”

“But how do you know that?”

“Because there’s no backdoor in Pulitzer’s office.” You grinned. Race opened his mouth for a moment, as if you’d actually said something of value, and then stopped. You tried not to laugh as his face twitched, his brain going through a very obvious journey of ‘oh, that was a joke’.

“Why, you-!” Race let out a surprised laugh. “I thought Delancey’s didn’t make jokes, huh?”

You know he didn’t mean to, but the words hold some weight to them – not crushing weight, but just enough for you to notice. Like an arm around your shoulders. You wetted your lips – you knew what he expected you to say. It was your little joke, your thing, but… It just didn’t ring true anymore. You remembered what Race said, back when he kissed you for the first time – ‘I know you became a Delancey for a reason’. It was true, you had – all three of you had. Your parents were gone, you only had each other. Each other, and Delancey Street. You could’ve been washed away on that street, but the three of you held on tight – you found something to make you strong, a force to be reckoned with. You became Delancey’s, and the world became afraid of you.

“Maybe…” You murmured quietly – Race immediately notices the change, peering at you curiously. Just a few weeks ago, you’d’ve hated anyone being able to read you that well. You’d’ve been terrified that someone would see your fear, your weakness. But Race is different. He sees all of you.

You don’t want people to be afraid of you anymore. Least of all Race.

“Maybe I’m not a Delancey, then.”

Race pulled his cigar from his slack jaw.

“I…” He said quietly. “[Y/N]… Look, there ain’t nothing wrong wi’ you-“

“I know.” You smiled. “I know. I could be a Delancey if I wanted. It served me good, y’know? Kept me alive. But I…” You sighed and took his stupid hand, holding it tight between your fingers. “I wanna be more than just alive, y’know?”

Race smiled at you – not his cheeky grin, but a wide, genuine smile, melting across his face. You felt your face beginning to blush, and you had to look away. You just couldn’t take it – he looked at you like you mattered. Like you were everything.

“So…” Race said gently, squeezing your hand between his. “Whatcha gonna be?”

For one stupid second, you’re scared. Because as much as you love him, you don’t want to be a Higgins. And you don’t want him to want you to be one, either – not just yet. You want to be yourself, not for any ulterior motive, but just to be you. To be happy.

Race ran his thumb over your knuckles, and you immediately stopped panicking. This was Race. He’d never held any expectations of you – he’d never had any other goals to being with you. He’d only ever just wanted you to be happy. It scared you at first – the idea of someone just wanting you, not for any particular reason or use you might have to them, but simply for yourself. But truly, it was addicting.

“Maybe a Larkin.” You shrugged. “Maybe a Plumber, if Katherine feels like sharing. Maybe I’ll find a new street and name myself after that.” You spied a red shirt through the crowd and grinned. “Who knows, maybe a Brooklyn.”

“Not a Brooklyn!” Race said quickly, pulling you into his chest and trapping you. “Nuh-uh, absolutely not!”

“I can be a Brooklyn if I want to be!” You laughed against him. He tips his head back and groans – you can feel the vibrations through his chest.

“Fine.” He huffed. You tipped your head up and raised an eyebrow.

“Seriously?”

“Eh, I can hop the back of a wagon easy.” Race grinned. “Might take ya to Coney. Or Sheepshead. Proper li’l date.”

You could feel yourself blushing again and hid your face under his chin.

“Shut up.” You mumbled as he laughed.

“Ey, Racer!” A newsie hollered behind the two of you. “Wouldja quit bein’ gross? Where’s Jack?”

“Aw, cool it, Splasher!” Race yelled back, but his goofy smile undercut his tone. “He’ll be here any second.”

Race looked at you and ran his thumb over your knuckles again, slow and steady, as if committing every bump and scar to memory.

“Have a little faith.”

You heard someone pretend to gag, which made Race whirl around and shove someone – just a play shove – and soon enough all the newsies were bickering, until someone pointed to Pulitzer’s balcony and yelled, “It’s Jack!”

A hush fell over Newsie Square. Everyone stared up at Jack, who gazed sombrely over the crowd.

“Newsies of New York City…” He said gravely. You clung to Race’s hand, squeezing tight. You’d hold on to each other. No matter what happened, you’d hold on. Neither of you would be washed away.

“We won!”

The square erupted in cheer – you couldn’t stop the delighted gasp that shot out of you. And before you could even react, a pair of arms wrapped around your waist and lifted you up high, spinning you around like couples do in moving pictures.

Race laughed like a madman, his eyes shiny with joyful tears. You knew this wouldn’t be the end. You knew there were still loose threads that needed tying. You knew your family hated you, you knew Jack wouldn’t be around forever, you knew Race would have to take up the mantle of leader sooner or later – but you couldn’t bring yourself to care. As Race settled you down on the ground, you grabbed him by his suspenders and pulled. And as he kissed you, kissed you and held you like you were something precious, something worth a damn, you felt your stone heart melt into something soft and shiny.

It'd all be okay.

Have a little faith.

oOo

“Oh, darn it!”

You poked your head out from behind the stage set. It’d been about a month since the strike, and the sweltering city summer was starting to chill into a cool, peaceful autumn. Medda wanted her stage to reflect that, and since she had an extra pair of hands now, you’d been swiftly put to work carving out wooden trees to frame her stage. Jack would be coming soon to paint them pretty autumn colours – he’d already finished the backdrop Medda had commissioned, Central Park in earthy oranges and browns, lit up against a purple sunset.

“Something the matter, Miss Medda?” You asked, setting down your sandpaper. You’d been enjoying the work, so far – all those years in the Refuge, hauling paper stacks and tussling with your brothers had given you some lean Delancey muscle, and you were more than happy to work up a sweat with it. It gave you something to do, and it was nice to make something with your own two hands. And you couldn’t lie, watching Medda fawn over your work, telling you had talent… Well, it made a vain, overachieving piece of your heart sing. It was true, Medda was spoiling you, but, well, as she said, a lifetime of misery’s worth a lifetime of spoiling. You liked that philosophy.

“Oh, it’s nothing, kiddo,” Medda sighed. “I just think I left my script in your room – keep the stage warm for me?”

“Don’t worry about it.” You smiled, shooting to your feet. “I’ll get it.”

“Well, aren’t you a peach!” Medda laughed. “Hop to it, now!”

You saluted her as you jogged out of the auditorium, jumping up the stairs two at a time to your little attic room. You did a little spin as you hit the last step – not quite as elegant as the Bowery Beauties, but you were enjoying your little dances. They were even teaching a few steps, and every time you got one right you couldn’t help but giggle. You swung open the door to your room, almost skipping over the threshold when-

“Evenin’, sweetheart!” Race grinned from where he sat lazily on your bed, propped up on his elbows with his feet crossed at the ankles, without a care in the world. “Care to- Jee-zus-!”

“You jerk!” You laughed as you launched yourself onto the bed in a full-body tackle. Race groaned exaggeratedly, clutching his ribs.

“God, man down! Man down!”

“Grow up.” You snorted. “Where have you been?!”

It’s a rhetorical question – ever since the strike ended and Jack got his new job, Race had been taking his new responsibilities with the utmost seriousness. You’d been worried at first – worried he’d burn himself out and be left a mess all over again – but it seemed like the small bump in his rank was exactly what Race had needed. It wasn’t like last time – all the responsibility hadn’t fallen on his shoulders out of the blue. He was just more active now, more involved, more leaderly. Truthfully, you were proud of him.

“Aw, tesoro, I’m so sorry!” Race crooned playfully. “I been busy!”

“Mm, jerk.” You said, punctuated with a soft punch to his shoulder. “I missed you.”

“Mm, missed you too.” Race hummed back, tilting your chin upward. You smiled, about to lean in when you jolted upright, your shoulder hitting Race in the cheek.

“Oh-!” You yelped as he cried out, clutching his face. “Oh, I’m sorry!”

“Don’t laugh!” Race said back, though any threat was undercut by his massive grin. “I’m severely injured here!”

“I’m sorry!” You giggled. “I’m sorry, I am, I just – Medda needs her script, and I-“

“Oh my God,” Race groaned. “Y’know, I figured when we got together, you’d stop bein’ oblivious as all hell.”

You paused for a moment, looking at him with wide eyes.

“I – you-?”

Race grinned cheekily.

“Oh, you little-!” You snapped, swatting at his chest. “It’s your own fault you got hit, then! Don’t make me worry about my job next time, and maybe I’ll be happier to see you!”

“Aw, you’s happy to see me anyways.” Race smiled, tugging playfully at your shirt until you settled down beside him.

“Yeah, maybe.” You mumbled into his neck. “You sure Medda won’t mind?”

“Believe me, she’s grateful. ‘Parently you’ve been working yourself to the bone.”

“Have not.” You said petulantly. “I just – I dunno, I like being here. Feels good.”

You could feel Race’s smile against your hair.

“Yeah, feels real good.”

“Shut up.”

“Aw, c’mon, sweetheart!” Race whined, rolling the two of you so that he was above you. “I’m askin’ nicely, ain’t I?”

You rolled your eyes, trying to hide your darkening face against the pillow to no avail. Race only smiled, cupping your jaw in his hand and swiping a thumb across your cheek. You rolled your eyes and hooked your finger in his collar, tugging him down until you met each other in a gentle kiss. Race hummed delightedly, leaning down until he was pressed flush against you, chest to chest. You ran one hand down his back to his waist, carding another through his soft curls, earning you another content noise from the back of his throat, the vibrations humming through your skin. He broke away, leaving you to giggle breathlessly as he dotted kisses down your jaw to the little sweet-spot just underneath your ear. You sighed, moving your hand from his hair to his shoulder-

And with one firm push, you flipped him onto his back, rolling yourself on top of him.

“You could ask a little nicer.” You smirked as Race stared at you, face slack and eyes blown wide.

“Jee-sus, I ain’t never gonna get used to that.” He laughed, just a bit shakily, and rested his hands on your hips. You rolled your eyes and settled down next to him, tucking your head underneath his chin with a happy little sigh.

“I missed you.” You said again, because you did, and you’re allowed to say it. You can feel your stomach flipping giddily. You’re allowed to say things now. You’re allowed to just be you.

“Missed you, too, tesoro,” Race smiled, pressing a kiss to your hair. “You’re gonna ruin me, y’know – I won’t be able to wrestle the fellas without thinkin’ o’ you doin’ that.”

“My heart weeps.”

“Mean.” Race pouted, and you both giggle. “How’s Medda?”

You sighed happily into his neck.

“Kind. Takes care of me. I kinda like it.” Race ran his hand down your back absently – you could feel how pleased he was to hear it. “How’re the newsies?”

“Loud.” He said matter-of-factly, making you laugh. “Li’l shits run me ragged! But, y’know, Jack’s still there, and Davey helps. Reminds me o’ my mom, honestly – looks like an angel, but if you piss ‘im off, God save ya.” He yawned, snuggling you closer to him. “But it’s worth it. I feel… I dunno. Good. Like I’ve actually done somethin’ to be proud of.”

“You have, stupid.” You said, pressing a feather-light kiss to his jaw. “You changed The World.”

Race scoffed a little, nudging his nose against your head like a cat looking for scritches. You carded a hand through his hair and try not to laugh when he melted into it – a cat, indeed.

“Hey, um.” Race said, just a bit awkwardly, catching your hand in his. “Just wanted to let you know – we don’t gotta talk about, but, um…”

You lie there quietly, waiting for him to get the words out. You’re there – he knows you’re there. And you’re not leaving. You nudge your head against his shoulder – I’m here. It’s okay.

“Weasel’s workin’ alone these days.” Race said quietly. “First time it happened, I figured they were sick or somethin’, maybe too scared to show their faces, but, um… Well, happened for the third time today, so I figured I’d ask about it.”

You blinked sleepily, trying to wake yourself up from the comfy Race-bubble you’d slipped into.

“Wait.” You said slowly. “Oscar and Morris…?”

“Quit. Well, Weasel said he fired ‘em, but ain’t no way Weasel sent away his own muscle.”

You grunted – you still didn’t like talking about him.

“Are they…” You nibbled at your lip. “Are they ok?”

Race stroked his hand up and down your back, pushing his nails down gently in the way he knew you liked.

“’Cordin’ to Spot, they’re both down at the docks. Got their own places, too. Think he sent down a group to, y’know, size ‘em up a li’l, but…” Race clicked his tongue thoughtfully. “Well, the way Spot said it, sounds like they ain’t lookin’ to fight no more. Just honest work.”

You pursed your lips. Oscar’s idea of honest work used to be taking money to beat up strikers. It felt too good to be true.

“Why’re you telling me this?”

Race frowned at you.

“Does there gotta be a reason?” He asked. “They’s your folks. Just figured you oughta know.”

You felt tension that you didn’t know was there begin to leave your shoulders. Race made things so simple.

“I don’t…” You sighed against him. “I don’t know what to do with that, Race.”

“Don’t gotta do nothin’.” Race shrugged. “You can talk to ‘em, you can never see ‘em again… You can get Spot to send a gang to roughen ‘em up, if you want. I won’t tell.”

You snickered quietly.

“I don’t think I’ll do that just yet. If they’re turning a new leaf, I will, too.”

Race smiled down at you, and tipped your chin up with his finger, placing a soft, chaste kiss onto your lips.

“What’s that for?” You smiled quizzically. Race rolled his eyes.

“What’d I just say? Don’t gotta be a reason.”

You raised an eyebrow. Race sighed, throwing his head back exaggeratedly.

“Maybe I’m a li’l proud o’ you, is all.” He said, turning his face away almost bashfully. “You… You’s different, y’know? Happier, calmer… I like it.”

You couldn’t even try to fight the wide smile spreading across your face. You tapped his cheek and, just as he turned, pressed a swift kiss to his mouth, like passing a secret.

“I like it, too.” You sighed, snuggling into his shoulder. “Love it, even.”

Race hummed quietly, brushing his fingers through your hair.

“Love you, even.”

You paused, your eyes darting up towards him. He looked nervous, a soft pink blush on his nose, worrying his lip between his teeth. You melted against him, burying your face into his neck.

“Love you, too, even.” You whispered against his skin. “Even if you are an idiot.”

Race rolled his eyes and snuggled against you. The two of you melted sleepily into the mattress, one of you breathing in as the other breathed out, moving in tandem, as if you were joined at the soul. It’d been a long, painful summer – you needed a rest. Distantly in the auditorium below, you could hear Medda’s band practicing their next number. Race grinned, tapping his finger against your back as the music began to play.

“Let me call you ‘sweetheart,’”, he sang softly, the noise rumbling between the two of you. “I'm in love with you. Let me hear you whisper, that you love me too. Keep the love-light glowing, in your eyes so true…”

Softly, you feel yourself drifting into a slow, safe slumber. Safe here, with Race holding you close. Safe and warm and loved.

“Let me call you ‘sweetheart’, I'm in love with you…”

(it's done!! i know it took a while but thank you to everyone who was patient with me while i recovered and stuck around to the end. hope it was worth the long... LONG wait. i also wanna say a little thanks to @misguidedswagger, @faded-autumn-rose and @pittbull-enthusiast - their kind comments and unending support helped me to slowly get my writing mojo back and come back to this series that i love so much :')) thanks yall)

(taglist: @annabethgranger123 @farfromjustordinary @theater-geek76 @wnygirl2012 @fayepummeluff @enbyalbert @alkaia23 @mybeautifulbeautifulmakkari)

#newsies x reader #racetrack higgins x reader #newsies #race x reader #heart of stone #racetrack higgins

[sluggmuffin]

𝐃𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐐𝐮𝐞𝐞𝐧 - maybe a little finch x reader or race x reader with when the other holds onto their waist briefly as they're passing by and it just send chills down their spine or one leaning their head onto the other's shoulder suddenly and they just freeze.

yoooo happy birthday btw from your newsie requester ❤️❤️

Horses Ain't the Only Things Racing ~ Race Higgins

Summary: It's been a long day for the both of you, but a simple gesture can fix that

Contains: fluff, x gn!reader

A/N: lmao it's late and this is so bad I'm sorry

"one leaning their head onto the other's shoulder suddenly and they just freeze."

~~~

It was already 7pm. The sun was setting and you still have around half of your papers left, and there was hardly anyone at the racetracks.

You plop down on a bench, placing your bag next to you and wiping the sweat off your forehead. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 , 11... 11 more papers.

You accepted defeat, putting your hat back on getting ready to leave as your selling partner, Race, sits next to you.

"Tough day too, huh?" He observes, motioning to your bag. "Only sold 13, still got 7 left."

"7 ain't bad, I still got 11." You reply, wishing you had sold more.

"Don't blame ya' self, headline was bad anyway." He says with a huff. "Which horse you think is gonna win?"

"Probably the Appaloosa, it ain't the fastest but it'll catch up, it's got good stamina from what I've noticed."

"The brown thoroughbred looks fast. I'd say it'll be close." You give a small hum, acknowledging that you're still listening, but close your eyes as you lay your head on his shoulder.

He tenses up, not sure what to do, and his breathing hitches, realizing his heart is racing, he rests his head on top of yours, bringing his arm around you.

"Tired?" He asks, trying to diffuse the tension.

"Very" you whisper.

"Alright well get some rest I'll wake you when it's time to go." He replies, drawing shapes on your arm. "And don't worry about the papers, 'm sure Jack 'll buy em off us to draw on."

'Man,' he thinks to himself, 'I guess horses ain't the only things racing.'

#haha get it #cuz his heart is racing #slugs birthday celly! #slugs anon asks #race x reader #race newsies #race higgins #racetrack newsies #racetrack higgins #newsies #livesies #92sies #slugs writing!

[auspicious-manner]

hi! i love your stories, can you write a race x fem!reader where race and a couple of other newsies run from angry customers, hiding in a theater, and the performer completely entrances racetrack, dudes lovestruck?

i delayed posting this until today because IT’S BEN COOK’S BIRTHDAY YAY!!!

i love that boy with all my heart. he’ll forever be my racetrack. enjoy this race story in honor of ben’s 25th bday :))

female reader x race

warnings: none

Natural Talent

•

it was just an average day of paper selling for the group of newsies. the temperature was right, the sun was shining, and the air smelled like money. jack, race, albert, jojo, and finch could all feel it that day.

oddly enough, they all kind of liked days where the headline was boring. they could make up their own exciting headline to sell to the masses, and they could create their own storylines. race liked to contribute to the creativity of making a storyline, not necessarily coming up with his own dramatic headline. as a desperate newsie, that was a skill that he should have been born with.

as the day was coming to a close, it was time to amp up the selling tactics even more in order to get through every paper.

“papers, get ya papes here!” race yelled to the roaming citizens of new york city. not a single new yorker batted an eye or looked in his direction. race’s shoulders fell, his eyes turning into a sad puppy dog look. why couldn’t he make up a good headline?

jack rolled his eyes and scoffed, snatching the paper from race’s hand. “sing ‘em to sleep why don’t ya. this is how you do it, racer.”

jack stepped forward, and coughed to clear his throat. “homeless shelter set ablaze by angry city goers, biggest story of the year! you heard it here first, folks, get ‘em while they’re hot!” he yelled. a small line formed in front of him, and he took the coins graciously and handed them to race.

“how’re you so good at doing that, jack?” race asked, dumbfounded by jack’s natural ability to sell.

“he’s jack kelly, that’s how,” jojo said next to race.

“well i know that, i can see him.”

“it takes years of practice,” jack started after getting through the line of paper customers. “you’ll get better sooner or later. but for your sake, you better hope its sooner.”

albert stood next to the boys. “i’ve sold all my papes for today, i’m gonna head back to the lodging house. see you all soon,” he said, beginning to walk away.

“hey, this newspaper says nothin’ about a fire! what are you boys on about?” an old man yelled, waving his paper in the air furiously.

“he’s right! is this how you steal money from innocent women like me?” a lady said, coming up behind the man. they had rallied together a small crowd of angry newspaper customer, and the newsboys froze.

jack turned to albert, who had began walking away. the rest of the boys carefully shifted their glances towards jack for guidance.

the angry mob began approaching them, and the newsies slowly backed away.

“newsies… make a run for it!” jack screamed, taking off in the other direction. the boys all followed, and the angry mob took off in their direction.

jack took hold of albert’s arm as he was running, taking him along with the boys.

“man, i’se just wanted to get back to the lodgin’ house! why do i have to be apart of this?” albert whined to jack as his legs continued to run.

they ran far, hoping to lose the crowd of men behind them. jack led the boys through the alleys and back streets of new york, but it was no use.

jack turned to race, who was closest to him. “we need to split up. racer, take the boys to medda’s theater. the crowd wants me, so i’ll lead them away and meet you there. okay?” he whispered, barely out of breath and not breaking a sweat. race looked at him in awe.

“yeah… no problem,” race heaved, picking up his pace to lead the boys as jack swerved around another corner.

why’d he have to leave this up to me? race thought. do i look like leader material?

he whipped around to see the boys behind him, and that was it. the crowd had followed jack, and all race could hope for was that they didn’t catch up to jack.

the group approached the back door of medda’s theater, and they quickly ran inside and shut the door behind them. they had found themselves in the wings of the bright stage.

“where’d jack go?” finch asked in between breaths. the group leaned against the door, looking out into the theater ahead of them. it looked like a show was just about to start.

race lowered his voice. “jack was going to lead the crowd away. he wanted me to take you all here.”

jojo frowned. “jack put you in charge? for what reason?”

race shrugged, unsure of the answer himself. “beats me.”

“you boys gettin’ into trouble again?” a lady’s voice called out, causing the boys to snap their heads around. it was medda with a knowing smile on her face.

“hi miss medda,” albert said, still regaining his breath.

“where’s jack?” she asked, suddenly getting worried.

“he’ll be back here soon, he was leadin’ away the angry mob followin’ us,” race said maybe a bit too nonchalantly.

medda rolled her eyes. “i don’t even want to know what mob was following you kids this time. while you’re here, you better stick around for the show. i think it outta be something you boys would like,” she said with a grin. she winked before heading onstage as the curtain rolled up, revealing the audience.

the boys took a seat backstage mere inches away from being visible to the audience. race’s eye caught a girl on the other side of the wings, who glanced shyly away when she noticed he was staring. he wondered who it was.

“now, folks, prepare to be wowed by this next act. at only sixteen years of age, her talent is beyond what anyone would expect out of her tiny frame. she’s new to my theater, but i hope you all will give her a warm welcome. introducing the fabulous Y/N L/N!”

the crowd cheered, and the lights went down as medda ran off stage and the girl in the wings slowly walked out to the microphone. she had a certain poise and way of carrying herself that kept race entranced.

the lights lit the room up again, and race carefully watched the girl onstage. he came to the conclusion that this was the girl he had made eye contact with just moments before.

the music began, and it was a song he didn’t recognize. he watched as the girl gently swung side to side, her long velvet dress and her long, straight hair swaying with her. Y/N settled herself back to the center of the microphone, and she began to sing.

race noticed that her voice wasn’t very operatic, which he enjoyed. it was warmer, and had different nuances and layers that was new and refreshing to his ears. Y/N carried herself elegantly, and race could tell that she trusted her instincts while singing. she was very beautiful to look at, and even more beautiful to listen to.

to race, it looked like she wasn’t even nervous, and she didn’t have to think too hard about what she was doing. she was a natural.

race was so focused on this mysterious girl that he didn’t even notice jack had arrived and was sitting behind him. he placed a hand on race’s shoulder, and he turned his head around.

“i think i lost ‘em,” jack started. “who’s that?” he asked, pointing to the stage.

“her name is Y/N. she’s a new performer at medda’s, and she’s absolutely stunning.”

jack laughed at race’s comment, but he was cut off by medda.

“will you boys just relax and watch the show?”

“sorry miss medda,” jack whispered, scooting away from race.

race’s eyes fixated on the girl singing once again. if he were in a cartoon, he’d have hearts in his eyes. the world around him seemed to fade, and it felt like the only ones in the room were him and Y/N. is this what love at first sight feels like?

race made sure to soak in every word she sang, for he didn’t know the next time he’d be able to see her perform.

when her last note rang out, the noise happily lingered in race’s ear. the room went silent before an eruption of applause began. he slowly clapped, still coming down from his high.

Y/N walked off stage towards the boys, and race’s heart rate quickened. she immediately went to medda’s side without giving the boys a glance.

“she was somethin’, wasn’t she?” jojo asked rhetorically.

“her voice was beautiful,” albert started. he looked over at race, who was still lost in his own world. a smirk appeared on his face. “how ‘bout you, race? what’d you think of the show?”

race didn’t reply.

“racer!” jack yelled as loud as he could without being disruptive. race blinked and sat up before turning around.

“what? what did you say?” race asked quickly.

finch laughed. “did you like the show? seems like you grew a little attached to that girl.”

race looked over to the girl who was still speaking with medda.

“yeah, i liked it. i liked it a lot,” he replied back sheepishly, still staring at Y/N.

the boys looked between themselves, all thinking the same thing.

“race, i can’t keep watchin’ you admire this girl from a distance. go on and talk to her,” jack said, standing up and reaching his hand down for race to take.

race looked up, wide eyed. he took it and reluctantly stood up. “i don’t know if i can.”

jack smiled. “sure you can!” he exclaimed, wrapping his arm around race’s shoulder and guiding him to medda and Y/N. race was mortified.

the pair stood by the girls, and Y/N turned her head to look at them. she gave them a small smile, before medda began to introduce the boys to her.

“Y/N, this is jack and racetrack,” medda said, pointing to them. jack waved, and race kept his eyes focused on the girl.

“i’ll leave you kids be, i need to greet the audience. my work never stops,” medda said while laughing, walking out of the wings to go walk around the theater.

jack and race looked back at Y/N, who was beginning to look a little awkward.

“you sounded great out there, kid. i’ll leave you and racer by yourselves, he’s the one that wanted to talk to you. see ya later!” jack exclaimed before patting race’s back and walking away.

race stood in front of the girl of his dreams appalled at jack for leaving him alone. he’s never had experience with girls, how was he supposed to handle a conversation with one as gorgeous and as talented as her?

her waiting and compelling eyes stayed locked on race, and he turned his head to meet her gaze.

“i-i’m race,” he asked nervously.

she playfully smiled. race took note of the way her nose crinkled a bit when she grinned.

“i’ve heard,” she started. “i’m Y/N. i’ve never heard a name quite like racetrack.”

he sighed. “it’s just a nickname.”

there was an awkward silence.

“you were amazing out there. i’ve never heard a voice so beautiful in my life,” he said, filling the void.

she turned red. “gosh, you’re too kind,” she said shyly, looking down. “before i went on, i believe you were the one i saw from across the stage, right?”

race was shocked that she even remembered a small detail like that. “yes, that was me. i didn’t think you’d ever take notice of me.”

she shrugged and stepped a bit closer. “why not?”

race’s heart rate picked up, and he looked down at the girl. “you quickly looked away when i saw you. but not only that, i’m a newsboy, you’re a talented singer, i didn’t think it’d ever work.”

“i’m sorry about that, i was just nervous,” Y/N began. “maybe you need to rethink us working, race,” she whispered. the backstage lights caught her eyes just right, and they sparkled with a newfound feeling of intrigue.

race stared down at her, unsure of what to do next. “you’re really pretty,” he said, breathless.

she blushed again. “you’re cute.”

now it was race’s turn to get all red. his moment of bliss was interrupted by the guys coming up behind him.

“excuse us, miss,” albert said behind race. “we need to take our boy away for a few minutes. it’s newsboy stuff.”

the boys dragged him away, and he looked behind him to see Y/N confused. race closed his eyes, feeling defeated.

“what was that for? i was getting somewhere with Y/N!” race exclaimed.

“we just wanted to ask you how things were goin’ over there,” jack asked, wiggling his eyebrows.

“it’s none of your business. i’m gonna go back over there, and you guys aren’t going to interrupt me ‘till i’m done. you hear?”

“…so it is goin’ good?” jojo said. race rolled his eyes and left the group of boys.

“sorry about that, they’re a little distractin’ sometimes,” race said, coming back to the girl.

“it’s quite alright. where were we?”

race thought about it for a few moments. “i’m not sure.”

Y/N laughed. “that’s okay, i forgot too.”

“how’d you get into singin’? you could be makin’ it big with a voice like that,” race said, sparking up conversation. he liked flattering Y/N, because every time he did she would smile like she didn’t already know she was amazing.

“as a little girl, i would sing whenever i felt any kind of emotion. my mother loved it. then, when my parents died, i was living on the streets. i used singing as an escape.”

Y/N looked down. race’s expression softened at the sight of her.

“i sang to make money. then, miss medda discovered me and took me in. she gave me lessons, and a place to earn money. and thats how this all started.”

race raised his eyebrows. “i’m sorry to hear about your parents. i lost mine a while ago too.”

Y/N sighed. “it’s alright, i-”

she was interrupted by medda telling her there were important people in the audience that wanted to meet her.

race felt his stomach drop. “i don’t want this to be the last time i see you,” race said sadly.

Y/N bit her lip. “it won’t be. stop by tomorrow night for another show. we can talk some more then.”

race nodded. “i will. i sell papes a few blocks down, you can stop by there durin’ the day if you want.”

she nodded. “i just might have to.” she stepped closer and stood on her toes to place a gentle kiss on race’s cheek. “goodbye race.”

race felt like melting right then and there. his heart felt like it grew. “goodbye Y/N.”

#ben tyler cook #newsies x reader #newsies imagine #race newsies #racetrack newsies #racetrack higgins #newsies fanfiction #newsies #race x reader

[thatbookworm08]

Over the Bridge Part 1 (Race Higgins x reader)

a/n: Hi there! Thank you so much for noticing my story! It is completed and has eight parts in total. Enjoy!

Summary: The Queen of Brooklyn never expected to fall so hard for an overly energetic blond Newsie from Manhattan during the Strike...

Over the Bridge Masterlist

It was a cloudy day in the city of Brooklyn. You rolled over in your bunk just before the sun began to rise. Your best friend, Spot Conlon strode into the room and stopped by your bed giving you a light tap on the shoulder saying, “Wake up, Ace. Time ta carry da bannah,” 

‘Ace’ was the newsie nickname you acquired for being Spot’s right-hand man–or woman rather–along with ‘The Queen of Brooklyn’.

You sighed. “I’se up,”

You were the only girl newsie in all of Brooklyn, but that didn’t mean you got any less respect. The older boys knew not to mess with you, especially when you were upset, and you had even beat the King of Brooklyn himself in a fight once. As tough as you were, you always made time for the littles. 

You and Spot finished selling your papes by midday and decided to hang out by the harbor before lunch. You two were in the middle of a sling-shot competition when three people approached. 

“Why, if it ain’t Jack be nimble, Jack be quick,” said Spot. 

Jack Kelly? In Brooklyn? Odd. 

Kelly jumped into a speech: something about a strike…? In Manhattan? You stopped listening for a moment when your eyes met with the third boy… you recognized his blue eyes and messy blond curls poking out from underneath his cap. His ears turned a little pink when you smiled. He was one of Spot’s friends from Manhattan, but you just couldn’t remember his name.  

One of the boys with Jack, a new guy you observed, explained to Spot why Brooklyn should join the strike. 

“What is this Jackie Boy?” Spot asked sarcastically, “A walkin’ mouth?” 

“A walkin’ mouth with brains,” Jack clarified, “So’s I suggest you listen to what he’s gotta say. Both of you,” he finished, motioning to you. 

You listened intently to what the boy Davey had to say, nodding at Spot in agreement.

“And how do we’s know you’se won’t back out the second the bulls come for ya?” 

You glanced at your friend. He made a good point. 

“We won’t,” said Davey.

“Then you’ll need ta prove it,” 

You excused yourself and Spot, grabbing his wrist and pulling him aside. “I think they’s is serious ‘bout this, Spot,” you said. 

“I need a bit’s more convincin’ than that,” he said defiantly. 

“Spot—”

He strode back over to Jack and said “When you prove it to me, Brooklyn will be right there backin’ you’se up. Now scram,” 

Kelly knew better than to linger in Brooklyn when he wasn’t wanted so off he went, Davey and the other boy trailing behind. The blonde boy turned back and gave a slight wave and a shy smile. 

Luckily Spot wasn’t looking. 

That night you lay awake, thinking about the strike. You had to help. You wanted to help. So you slid out of bed, dressed in your clothes for the next day, and soundlessly slipped out the window and into the warm night air. 

The city was finally sleeping and everything was calm. You trekked across the Brooklyn Bridge, ready to make history.

Late into the night, you arrived at the Manhattan Lodging House. 

It was too late to knock on the door, it was the middle of the night, after all, so you climbed up the fire escape to the rooftop. 

In the darkness, you saw a figure spin around. “Who’s there?” a male’s voice called, “I can see you,” 

The voice was unfamiliar. It wasn’t Jack’s, or Davey’s, or anyone you knew. 

“It’s me,” you said confidently, stepping into the light. 

You had discovered who the voice belonged to: it was the blond boy with curly hair.

“Well, well, well,” he said, smirking, “What’s da Queen of Brooklyn doin’ on ‘Hattan’s toif?” 

“I came to help with the strike.” you explained. 

The boy raised an eyebrow. “In the middle of the night? Does Spotty know you’re here?” 

“He doesn’t,” you said, keeping your composure. Everyone in New York knew to be scared of you. You weren’t about to let this kid think otherwise. 

“Ooh. Goin’ against your boyfriend’s wishes yeah?” 

“Spot ain’t my boyfriend,” you said. “We’s just friends and that’s all,”

For a moment, a flick of what seemed to be…hope?...sparked in the boy’s face. He stuck out his hand and introduced himself. “The name’s Race,” 

You eyed him skeptically before shaking his hand. “Ace,” 

“No, that’s not right,” Race said, shaking his head.

“Excuse me?” I questioned. 

“Your name,” 

“You tellin’ me I don’t know my own name?” 

Race chuckled and shook his head. “It rhymes with mine!” 

You studied him. The way his nose scrunched and his eyes closed when he laughed, the way his curls bounced in the cool summer breeze. He was rather attractive, in a boyish manner, and you couldn’t help but notice. “It does!” you smiled. 

Race led you to the roof’s edge and leaned on the rail. “Ain’t it amazin’?” he breathed. 

“What?” you wondered. 

“The city,” he said, “When da woild’s finally quiet…” he inhaled deeply.

“Yeah…” you said, doing the same, “So why are you up so late?” 

“Couldn’t sleep,” Race shrugged. 

You couldn’t help but ask him why. 

He shrugged again. “Runnin’ thoughts,” 

You decided not to ask any more. You didn’t want to push his boundaries—you had just met. 

Race didn’t think he’d ever see you again. You were from two different boroughs who didn’t like it when people trespassed on their turf. 

He was told you were scary, and some part of him believed that, but there he was, standing on a roof with you, and you hadn’t soaked him to the ground. That was a good sign…wasn’t it?

He was pulled from his thoughts when he heard you clear your throat. “Oh sorry,” he muttered.

Now he was done for.

Or so he thought. 

Instead of soakin’ him to a pulp, the Queen of Brooklyn just stared out onto the city streets and said, “Are you nervous?…about the strike?” 

“Why do it mattah what ise thinks?” He questioned. 

“It mattahs what everyone thinks,” 

Race thought a moment, searching for the right words. “Do’s youse wants da brave answer or da real answer?”

You stared into his sky-colored eyes and softly said, “Da real answer o’course,” 

Race took a deep breath and leaned forward on the railing. “I’se terrified,” he whispered.

You and Race sat in silence for a long beat. You didn’t like touchy conversations and you certainly didn’t know what to say to ease Race’s anxiety. You looked up at the moon and guessed it was about four in the morning. It took two hours to get back to Brooklyn and you needed to be there before Spot awoke, so you said “I should gets goin’, but you tell your boys Brooklyn will be helpin’ wit da strike. Wit or without Spot,” 

You turned to leave but Race grabbed your wrist. “Wait—“ you turned to face him, “when will I see youse again?” He asked.

“You…you wanna see me again?” 

“Will you meet me up here tomorrow night?” 

You thought. Spot wouldn’t notice if you left…he slept like a rock… “Yes,” you agreed.

Race’s face lit up and he dramatically tipped his cap to you and said “Well then my Queen, until tomorrow!” 

You laughed at his antics and pretended to curtsy back, even though you were wearing Newsie trousers, before climbing back down the fire escape on your way back home.

Race felt like he won a million bucks. You might not have been as ever-stoic as Spot, but he made the Queen of Brooklyn laugh and she seemed to enjoy his company. He couldn’t wait for tomorrow night.

#racetrack higgins #race higgins #racetrack newsies #newsies #spot conlon #newsies fanfiction #newsies fandom #newsies x reader #racetrack higgins x reader #racetrack higgins/reader #race x reader #x reader #female reader #reader insert #fem reader #jack kelly #newsies broadway #92sies

[mikefaistenthusiast]

skimmed not proofread. 1.9k words of dumb

It’s hard not to look at him as he passes you in the hall. He’s explaining something to Albert who’s absentmindedly listening to his enthusiastic ramblings. You grab your books and audibly slam your locker shut, making Katherine jump. She had been retelling the story of her recruitment in the school newspaper. 

“Kath, I love you and I know you’re excited, and I'm excited for you, but it’s literally the 6th time I’ve heard this story.” 

She pulled you to biology, Mr. Seitz’s classroom. You sighed and your eyes moved to your seat, groaning internally. Romeo had tried to ask you out 3 times already. Of course Katherine saved you every time, but it was still dreaded. He had probably come up with a new way to ask you out considering the smile he was sporting.

Katherine shot you an apologetic look, meaning she’d likely been fed information about Romeo’s proposal by Sarah, whose brother was friends with Romeo and about every other quote on quote, “popular”  kid in the school.

Romeo waved you over, and you begrudgingly took your seat.

“Hello hello beautiful!” 

“Hi, Romeo.” 

He was trying to pass you notes throughout the lesson. He noticed you just ignored the notes so, eventually he just passed you a piece of gum with his number written on it.

“Look Romeo, I’m really sorry. You’re nice but I’m just not really interested.” you whispered to him. 

This was going to be an awkward class period. 

He walked in, eyes twinkling with mischief. 

“Sorry Seitz.” 

He walked in confident, yet slow, strides presumably to annoy Seitz. He stuck out the yellow slip in his hand and did some odd handshake with Jack when walking up to his seat.

“Trouble with Principal Pulitzer again Racer?” Finch questions, you’re idly eavesdropping nearby.

“You know it! Detention for two weeks.”

“You know that means no track, right?” Albert asks.

“Couldn’t play anyways. Failing Seitz’s class. May as well give myself time to do the assignments” He shrugged.

Katherine sighs at the sight of you.

“What sounds good for lunch?” 

“Not really hungry yet. Ask me after Bunsen's class and I’ll let you know.”

Katherine was the type of girl to plan ahead, too far ahead for it only being second period. She accepted your answer and left for her journalism class. You however, left for Bunsen’s. 

His class was more torture than Seitz’s was. 

Math.

The dreaded subject. Sarah’s brother, Davey, smiled at you when you walked in and waved you over. You had talked to him a few times, but usually kept closer to Sarah.

“Hi?”

“Hey, Sarah said you forgot this at her locker?” 

You most definitely had not been to Sarah’s locker, not today at least, but you recognized the book. You thought you had lost it on the bleachers.

“Thanks David.” you said, promptly turning around to find a seat in the back. The best part about Bunsen is his lack of assigned seating. There were two empty seats, one next to “Finch” Cortez, who seemed nice enough but you’d never had a conversation with, the other one was in the corner. You chose the corner seat.

Of course, Race strutted in late. He made a show of it too, as usual.

Spotting Finch, with Albert to his left, he chose the seat by you. His two best friends were sitting right there. It had nothing to do with you, but you couldn’t help the warm feeling that bubbled in your chest, especially when he greeted you. 

“Hi.” you said back, and that was that. You did notice the whispers between Finch and Race, before you finally heard an “ask her! maybe she has one!” from Finch.

“Hi uh.. Y/n, do you have a pencil?“ 

“Yeah just let me grab it.” You pulled a nice mechanical pencil out of your bag and leaned over to hand it to him.

“I’ll give it back after class, thanks.”

“You can keep it.” 

“Oh, uh, thanks Y/n” 

“Yeah, ‘course.” you smiled at him. 

Race immediately beamed back at you, his blue eyes sparkled a bit. 

“See Racer! That wasn’t so hard.” Albert ‘whispered’ to make fun of Race. He just rolled his eyes and went back to listening to Bunsen ramble. 

——

Romeo didn’t try to ask you out in bio today. You walked in, he waved. 

“Hi Romeo.” 

“Hi Y/n!” 

He didn’t bother you today, instead he just talked to you and asked about the material. It was nice.

He even explained some odd thing Seitz had said and cracked a joke, a good one. 

“You just put it in here..” Seitz explained but Romeo turned to you and grinned.

“That’s what she said.” 

You immediately started laughing, got a look from other students, and a warning from Seitz. 

——

Math had instantly become more interesting. There were no assigned seats, but the back row was always reserved for the same people. Especially your four spots. You in the corner, then Race, Finch, then Albert. One day, some girl tried to sit next to Race before you came in. He was very flustered and didn’t know how to ask her how to move, but eventually he said, “Hey, my friend was going to sit there.. Do you mind moving?”

He kept convincing himself he was going to ask you out. 

She just smiled at him and moved a few rows down. 

Finch patted him on the back, and you walked in right after she moved. 

“Er.. Do you have any gum?” 

“Sure.” You grabbed out a pack and handed it to him. He took a piece and handed it back.

“Thanks.”

“Yeah, ‘course.” 

Finch and Albert audibly groaned

—

He kept insisting today was the day. Instead, he needed homework answers.

“Do you have yesterday's homework?”

“Yeah, here.” You said, grabbing a neat paper out of your binder and sliding it on his desk.

“Thank you so much!”

“Yeah, ‘course.” 

It was getting increasingly more unbearable for Finch and Albert to watch Race pine but do nothing about it. Even Davey had joined in on encouraging him. 

—

“Hey Y/n?”

“Yes Kath?”

“I have a favor to ask you..” 

“Okay?” 

“Will you come with me to the track meet tonight? Jack asked me to come and..”

“Sure.” You said, knowing how it was with Jack. A bit complicated, but they were basically dating. Plus, Race would be there because detention had ended, and he told you (very proudly) that he had a B+ in Seitz’s now. 

Katherine half expected you to not show up, but when you did she waved you up to her spot on the bleachers. On the field Race’s face visibly changed, he had a look of slight shock.

He didn’t know you were going to be here! Why were you here? He didn’t invite you, not to be rude, he just didn’t want to screw up in front of you. 

“Guess this means you’ll just have to do extra good!” Jack smirked from behind him.

“Definitely. Do your best Racer.” Finch smiled sweetly, but it was all an illusion. He was in on it, Albert and JoJo were in on it. Hell, even Katherine was probably in on it. 

Race groaned.

“You guys are the worst.”

“There’s no getting rid of us. We’re inevitable pal.” Davey adds, giving Race an encouraging pat on the back.

“Y’know Racer,” Crutchie starts, “If you just asked her out we wouldn’t be makin’ your life a living hell.”

“You don’t think I know that?” He sighed.

——

“When I first met you, I didn’t know if you got your name from your mouth or from track. Now I’m pretty sure it’s the track thing.” You smirked at him.

“You’d be correct. Fancy seeing you here.” 

“Katherine wanted me here, she came for Jack.”

“I’m wounded! You didn’t make an appearance for me?” He asked, clutching his chest to add to the dramatics. You laughed at his antics. 

“‘Course not,” you grinned, “I came for my boyfriend Albert.” you said, grabbing his arm as he walked by. He smiled at you.

“Hello Honey-Boo-Boo-Bear.”

“That’s the best you could do? We’re done.” 

“How will I ever go on without you?” 

You laughed, and Race did too.

Albert walked away, but not before mouthing ‘Do it!’ to Race. 

He started playing with his hands while making small talk. It was one of his nervous habits. You had only noticed it the time that Bunsen made him answer a question he didn’t know the answer to. He sat there playing with his hands till he solved the problem. 

“Do you uh..”

“Hm?”

“Do you have my number?” He smirked.

“Ye- no I don’t. Care to give it to me?” You said, stretching your hand to give him your phone.

“Damn, that was smooth.” He choked out, blushing. 

“Thanks.” you said when he handed your phone back.

“Yeah, ‘course.”

——

He hadn’t asked you on the date yet. He would soon. He was trying to work up the nerve. 

“Oh my god. Racetrack.” Albert groaned. “She flirted with you, she wanted your number. She WANTS to go on a date with you.” 

“What if she doesn’t?”

“She literally does, Kath was saying she hopes you’ll ask soon.” Jack adds

“She literally makes heart eyes at you in math. Ask her out please.” Finch is literally begging by now.

——

Another day. Another promise he makes to himself. He will ask you out. He sits through watching Romeo make advances in Seitz’s. (but he’s actually just being friendly like usual.) He sits through half of Bunsens. He’s promising himself today is the day. Half of Bunsen's class is glaring at him, silently telling him to get it over with. The final push is when Albert blows her a kiss, meant to tell Race to hurry up. He puts his head in his arms and freaks out before turning to you.

“Do you have any free time this weekend?”

“Yeah, why?”

“Do you wanna go on a date with me?” 

“Yeah, ‘course. Took you this long to notice?” 

Race grinned. Suddenly Finch clapped, and the rest of the class joined in. Bunsen wasn’t pleased, but everyone else was. Race had finally asked you out.

Instead of listening to Bunsen, you grabbed out the book Davey had returned to you a few weeks ago. 

“Oh hey! I knew that was your book! Found it on the bleachers.” Race grinned. 

“Davey said I left it with Sarah?”

“Nah I found it.” 

You smiled at him, it was hard not to.

—— 

“Hi.”

“You can drive?” 

He glared at you while you got in the passenger's seat of his car. 

“‘Course I can drive? I’m literally 17.”

“Jack doesn’t have his license?”

“Jack is a menace.”

“So are you.”

“Jack has Katherine.”

“True.” 

It was no use fighting the ‘menace’ part, unfortunately. It was dark outside, enough for the street lamps to be on anyways. Race was driving his beat up Toyota truck. It didn’t surprise you when he pulled into the drive in movie theater. 

“Oh my god, you got us tickets to Mamma Mia?”

“Yes I did.”

“Race I really want to kiss you right now”

“I really want you to kiss me right now.” 

“I really actually kinda wanna wait till we’re sitting in the back of your truck because I saw the blankets and I’m cold.” 

He smiled and hopped out of the truck. You followed soon after before climbing up into the truck bed. Now that you were warm, you turned your head towards his and leaned in. Race was a really good kisser.

“Thank you.”

“Yeah, ‘course.”

—

hello 1.9k words of stupid

#race x reader #racetrack x reader #racetrack higgins x reader #racetrack higgins #newsies #i don’t know what i’m doing #send help

[ghosts-cyphera]

okay but !! jealous Ghost listening to the reader talk about their tinder date.

"Soap, he was fucking 6 feet tall, shoulde—"

"Taller than I am?"

From the deep rumble of Ghost’s voice, you raised a brow.

"No one’s fucking taller than you are, Ghost. Anyway," you turned back to grinning Soap, "he had shoulders for goddamn days, and his fucking hands—" You let out a deep breath, your voice touched with breathless amusement. "Soap, I swear when he touched me, I—"

The feeling of something reaching for your fingers cut your sentence short, and all it took was one glance down for your breathing to cling to your throat.

Resting against the palm of your hand were five fingers, covered by a skeleton glove. So much bigger than yours.

Longer, thicker.

Belonging to your fucking Lieutenant.

“Bigger than mine, yeah?”

You raised your sight to meet the gaze of Ghost, his head ever so slightly tilted, his eyes dark with amusement.

“No.” Your voice was slightly breathless as his fingers brushed against yours. “Not bigger than yours, sir.”

With a deep chuckle and his gaze not leaving yours, Ghost took a step back. “You’ll do well to remember that, darlin’.”

masterlist | requests are open 💌

#and soap and reader just look at each other like 'wait what the fuck just happened?' #before soap starts grinning and reader slides down on their seat fucking sweating and their heart racing #simon riley x reader #simon ghost riley x reader #ghost x reader

[amoreva]

I JUST BINGE READ ALL OF YOUR RACE FICS AND YOUR WRITING IS SO GOOD AAA💕💕 it feels like he’s real and the relationship is real and i’m actually in the world of the story holy shit,,, if you’re still taking requests can you write some race fluff, preferably in canon era, with like a cute lead up to him getting together with the reader (if you’re okay with it of course!) thanks!!

HOPELESSLY IN LOVE

—– ٠ ✤ ٠ —–· • —– ٠ ✤ ٠ —– • · —– ٠ ✤ ٠ —–

pairing: racetrack higgins x fem!reader

summary: the brooklyn newsies are strong and independent. they can hold their own and are respected; despite being a borough with a large amount of girls. so when one falls in love, her nature begins to crumble.

warnings: n/a

a/n: using the uksies as brooklyn, plus some from the broadway show. also, omfg i really appreciate it, thank you so much<3

—– ٠ ✤ ٠ —–· • —– ٠ ✤ ٠ —– • · —– ٠ ✤ ٠ —–

You never knew what romantic attraction felt like until you saw him at Medda’s Theater with his stupid blue eyes, his stupid blonde curls, his stupid cigar, his stupid cute smile—

Davey— that new Manhattan newsie was introducing your borough, respectfully, when you saw him. He was smiling at you, more so at your whole borough, ecstatic you showed up to the strike. That smile—that stupid cute smile made your heart flutter, your stomach churn with butterflies.

Of course, you knew what family love and platonic attraction felt like—you felt that for every newsie in Brooklyn. They were your brothers and sisters by heart. Yet, he stole your heart. Bastard. You ought to soak him.

Falling in love was a weird thing to do, especially since your priority was the sell papers to survive. You find yourself thinking about Manhattan’s second after the strike is won.

It didn’t help that he hugged you when Kelly announced the strike ended in their favor or when you guys talked during celebrations that night. The memories haunted your sleep.

A loud groan escaped your lips. That stupid smile of his. Your hands going over your warm, rose colored face as you sat on your bunk. Ritz and Hotshot peeked their heads into the girls bunk room, hearing you groan.

“What’re moping and griping about?” Hotshot asked, crossing his arms. His thick accent ringing in your ears.

You turn to look at you friends and remove the hands from your face. Before you could get a word in, Ritz is cupping your cheeks and feeling your forehead. “You’re burning up, Y/N!” Ritz exclaimed and shook your head side to side, lightly, to inspect your red cheeks.

“Ritz, please—” You begged the auburn haired girl to let your face go.

“Spot is going to be worried.”

“Ritz—”

“I think we have medicine somewhere.”

“Ritz, hang on—“

“Water and rest, that’s what my mama says.”

“I don’t have—”

“Spot ain’t letting you sell tomorrow.”

“Ritz!”

You shouted finally getting her attention. Ritz stopped her worrying. Hotshot stood up straight with raised eyebrows. You gently put your hands on Ritz’s wrists and removed them from your face. “I ain’t sick. I ain’t coughing or feelin’ bad.”

“Then what’s got your face so red, Y/N?” Ritz asked, she titled her head ever so slightly.

“A boy.” Hotshot spoke up.

You glared at Brooklyn’s second. Were you really that readable? Hotshot had to be a fucking psychic. A smirk danced on his lips. The silence said it all.

Ritz lit up like the Fourth of July. “You like a boy!” Ritz exclaimed with a wide grin. You slapped a hand across her mouth.

“Ritz, please don’t tell the others—” You begged to convey your seriousness. “You too, Hotshot.”

Ritz, still buzzing with excitement, nodded her head. You quickly shoved Hotshot into the girls’ bunk room and shut the door. “Who is it?” Ritz asked excitedly.

You pressed your lips together in a thin line. An internal dilemma with yourself. Would you rather suffer in silence, pin over a newsie in the other side of the Brooklyn Bridge or tell two people your crush which could potentially spread throughout the borough?

You decide to tell Hotshot and Ritz. Love is too confusing for you to suffer alone.

“It’s Manhattan’s second in command.” You mumbled, twisting your fingers as your face heats up. Just thinking about Race got your stomach all twisted up in a good way.

You didn’t think they heard you, but they did. Loud in clear.

“Race? Race!” Ritz confirmed.

Hotshot raised an eyebrow in amusement. “The one that “wanders” on our turf to bet at Sheepshead?”

“Yes.” You sighed exasperatedly and fell onto your bunk. “He’s just so—”

You couldn’t find the words to describe him, but then proceeded to go on a rant about Race for 10 minutes.

It wasn’t long before everyone in Brooklyn knew of your little crush on Manhattan’s second (and probably Manhattan). It was terrible with all the teasing and the questions on what you would do.

You didn’t know what to do! You would just lay in your bed and smile stupidly when you thought about him. “Pathetically in love” is what you thought.

Stray decided to do something.

With Spot’s permission (seeing you hopelessly in love was getting in the way of selling and Brooklyn’s reputation), Stray went to Manhattan. Stray had connections there. Her boyfriend and brother lived in Manhattan’s borough.

Stray told Specs, who told Elmer, who told Henry, who told Jojo, who told Mike, who told Finch, who told Race—that you liked him. When you got word that Race knew, you panicked.

Romance like that with him. You wouldn’t know how to act, what to do, or what to say. You’ve seen romance from afar; with rich couples, elderly couples, teenagers—all types of couples!

“Ya’ gotta relax, kid.” Spot patted your back after they found you contemplating your choices on your bunk. “If Racer is as half bright as you, he’ll see you’re a real gem.”

That gave you some confidence in yourself. You shouldn’t get worked up about some boy. Taking Mac’s advice seemed like the best option. “He’s just a guy!”

But, he seems real sweet and humorous and charming and ambitious. Keyword: seems. You might be setting yourself up for failure.

After days and days of dreading what you should do, Race came walking into Brooklyn, willy nilly, specifically to Graves’ and yours selling spot.

“Heya miss, can I get a pape?” Race asked.

You weren’t paying attention and grabbed a newspaper from your bag. Seeing him in front of you with his stupid blue eyes, his stupid blonde curls, his stupid cigar, his stupid cute smile—

You froze. A blush rising to your face. You spun on your heels and walked away. A fight or flight response.

Graves grabbed you with a smirk and turned you around. “Talk to him!” Graves whispered and pushed you towards Race.

He had that charming, amused smile on his face. “Hey.” He spoke, two hands on the strap of his paper bag.

“Hey.” You croaked.

“I—uh…got word, ya like me.”

“Mhm.”

Race looked at you awkwardly. If you looked hard enough, you saw a faint faint blush on cheeks. “You—uh…wanna go to the Sheepshead with me?”

“Now?” You asked incredulously.

“Now.” Graves spoke firmly. “You can sell at Sheepshead, don’t worry. I’ll be fine by myself.”

And so, you and Race went to Sheepshead Races. You held onto his arm like one of those rich ladies would do to a gentlemen. Conversation was made, no matter how awkward it was between you two.

The Sheepshead Races were loud and lively. You usually went here with Lucky and Scope when you had downtime.

“C’mon, they’ll start soon.” Race intertwined his hands with yours and pulled you through a crowd of people. “Gotta get the best seats.”

“Isn’t that the front row?” You asked, glancing back at where you and your friends would usually sit.

“Trust me, sweetheart. These seats are better than any front row.” Race grinned.

Your heart skipped a beat.

The name “sweetheart” sounded so right from his lips.

Race took you to a chainlink fence. You were close enough to see the jockeys’ faces and the horses shaking their head. The spot was at the bottom right of the original seating, in between the commentator’s box and the vendor.

He let go of your hand to lean against the fence. You frowned slightly, missing the feeling of his hand in yours. “Better than any front seat.” He repeated softly.

“Is this how you got your name?” You gestured to the races. Your nerves slowly disappearing. You were a Brooklyn newsie for Christ’s sake! Be confident!

“What?” Race shook his head as if you broke him out of his trance. “Oh—uh…kinda! That and I would be the first to the circulation gate. I’m pretty fast for a newsie.”

“You’re pretty for a newsie.” You responded without missing a beat.

“What’s that?” Race leaned in to hear you better. A smirk on his face.

Before you could respond, a gunshot sounded. Hooves slammed on the dirt track. The commentator spoke enthusiastically about the race. In no time, the horses and jockeys were passing you. The wind from them passing knocked off your newsie cape. You could practically see the sweat on the jockeies’ faces.

“Careful.” Race snaked an arm around your waist as soon as the horses passed. He pulled you towards him, concerned about your safety.

You yelped going face first into his chest. Race chuckled awkwardly. You pulled away slightly, but not out of his arms. You two met eyes, just staring. The sound of the hooves faded away.

His blue eyes, the same color as the East River, the same color as a beautiful day. No words were shared between you two. Race gulped. The tension palpable.

Cheering and groans were heard as the commentator announced the outcome. “If—you couldn’t tell…” Race spoke nervously, never tearing his eyes away from yours. “I think your cute—hell, I think your badass for being a Brooklyner.”

Usually when you saw a lady and gentleman like this, they share a kiss. Your heart was beating out of your chest. You never kissed anyone, but this seemed like the perfect moment.

“I don’t know how to kiss…” You admitted quietly.

“We don’t gotta kiss.” Race assured.

“But I want too.”

“…”

“…”

“Can I kiss ya then?”

“Please.”

The minute his lips met yours, the whole world froze. Your stomach twisted in a good warm feeling. Electricity and sparks flying with a single touch to the lips. Your brain was blanking. No words could describe a first kiss.

“Was that…okay?” Race pulled away.

“Better than okay.” You nodded firmly and pressed another kiss to his lips.

Both Race and you got a little more confident and kissed each other back. It only lasted a few seconds, but it was sweet. “There’s more to Brooklyn than the Sheepshead Races.” You pulled away this time.

“I figured.” Race laughed and ran a hand through his blonde curls. He picked up your newsie’s cap that flew off. Brushing off the dirt, he placed the cap back on your head.

“I wanna show you more places in Brooklyn.” You spoke without even realizing what you were saying.

“A date then.” Race smirked.

“A date.” You confirmed.

“Great.”

—– ٠ ✤ ٠ —–· • —– ٠ ✤ ٠ —– • · —– ٠ ✤ ٠ —–

#newsies #uksies #newsies broadway #newsies x reader #race higgins #race x reader #racetrack higgins #racetrack newsies #racetrack x reader #broadway

[heliads]

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

#race #race imagines #race x reader #race oneshot #newsies #newsies imagines #newsies x reader #newsies oneshot #race higgins #race higgins imagines #race higgins x reader #race higgins oneshot #racetrack higgins #racetrack higgins imagines #racetrack higgins x reader #racetrack higgins oneshot #newsies live #newsies live imagines #newsies live x reader #newsies live oneshot #newsies race #newsies race imagines #newsies race x reader #newsies race oneshot

[youaintnothinbuta]

— race higgins nickname hcs —

ೃ⁀➷ summary: hcs about the nicknames / pet names race would call you (with examples) !

pairing: race x fem!reader

warnings: none, a few are smutty but are not at all elaborated on

A/N: please feel free to request a specific trope of hcs (or anything else)

He’d call you:

• Sweetheart ; a common nickname, especially in New York, he’d use this one often and in most contexts

— Hey, sweetheart, how are you?

— “Oh, sweetheart, you didn’t have to do that for me!”

• Princess ; this one wouldn’t be used so broadly, he’d mainly use it in situations of affection, for example when you’re first waking up.

— “Good morning, princess, did you sleep okay?”

• Mama ; he would use this in a more flirty way, to suggest that you looked particularly sexy or were doing something to turn him on. Similar to daddy for men.

— “Woah, mama, you look good.”

— “Damn, mama, blue is your colour.”

• Darling ; he uses darling often, particularly in softer situations, so perhaps if something is wrong, or if he’s doing something for you.

— “I know, darling, you’re not feeling very well at the moment.”

— “Darling, let me do it. I got it.”

• Boss ; he’d use this occasionally and playfully when doing things for you, or whenever you were in charge of something like cooking or taking care of another person’s injury.

— “Race, can you get me the sugar please.” “On it, boss.”

— “Race, get your hands out of that.” “Sorry, boss.”

• Trouble ; this was a playful nickname that he’d call you as a joke, because it was so unlike you do to anything that could get you into trouble, but it sort of stuck.

— “Uh oh, careful, trouble’s here.” He’d tease as you arrived.

— “Hey, trouble, what are you up to.” He’d grab you and hold you close if you were walking around with that cheeky grin of yours.

• Cara mia ; this he’d use when he was feeling particularly romantic, when you looked particularly nice, or even sometimes in more intimate moments.

— “Cara mia, I love you.” He’d say as he held you by the waist before placing a soft kiss on your lips.

— “Oh, cara mia, you feel so good riding me like that.”

• Beautiful ; he’d use this often, simply because you are beautiful.

— “Come, beautiful, come sit down.”

— “There she is! My beautiful girl.”

• Doll ; doll he wouldn’t use a lot, but occasionally when you looked really nice or just as a replacement for ‘babe’

— “Hey, doll, you look nice.”

• Gorgeous ; again he’d use this simply because it is what he thinks you are- gorgeous.

— “Goodnight, gorgeous, I love you, sweet dreams.”

— “Shh, gorgeous, you’re okay, I’m here.”

Some nicknames you’d have for him (without examples):

• Racer

• Racey

• Blue

• Handsome

• Lover boy

• Babe

• Love

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[sl-newsie]

Cryophobia (Racetrack Higgins x OC) *Winter Special* ❄️

Summary: Racetrack tries to ask a girl on a date, but seems to regret it when she coaxes him into ice skating. Will a small accident possibly dilate their new love?

“Extra! Extra! Coal inventory down 20 percent!”

“Colder weather expected throughout the week! Get your paper right here!”

I do my best to ignore the huddled newsies, who are currently in my way. It doesn’t help when the younger one looks up at me with wide, pleading eyes, and all but begs for me to buy a paper.

“I’m so sorry! I’d luv to, but I don’t have much spare change.” To make up for what I cannot provide, I give the sad child one of my apples. “It’s not much. I do hope you get better customers.”

I turn to continue on my way, but have now caught the attention of the odda newsie.

“Hey Les, who’s your friend?” He asks. 

The child called Les shakes his head and holds up the apple. “I donno. I tried to sell her a pape but instead she gave me this.”

The questionnaire steps forward, one hand clutching a newsbag and the odda holding a cigar… but it’s not lit. 

“Well hello there, miss.” He removes his hat in a gentlemanly fashion. “And what might a young lady such as yourself be do’n on this crisp evening?”

“Returning from the market. May I inquire who’s asking?”

The man lets out a laugh. “‘Inquire?’ That’s a big word! Ya read much?” He lifts up a newspaper and wiggles his eyebrows. “I could deliver one to you straight away tomorrow.”

His teasing tugs at my heart and I can’t help but smile. “Possibly. But why should I tell you where I live, hm? I don’t even know your name.”

He nods respectfully and tips his hat. “Racetrack Higgins at your service, miss. Friends call me Race.”

I smile politely. “Good to meet you, Race. I’m assuming that’s a nickname?”

“Sure is,” he states proudly. “I’s one-a the best gamblers in ‘Hattan. Now may I ask who you are, beautiful?”

Normally, my parents’ lessons have taught me not to speak so much with strangers. This Race character may be new to me, but he is certainly much better than other men I’ve had to converse with. 

“It’s Emily, Emily Shelby.”

Race’s eyes go wild. “Shelby? As in Father Shelby, the minister? God… Whaddya do’n out this late? Your fadda won’t like that!”

I laugh at his sudden caution. “Believe me, I’m not as uptight as my family. They think I’m supposed to be a simple girl who stays home and will become a housewife, but for now I’ve been enjoying what freedom I have outside.”

This seems to spark an idea in Race, because he suddenly gets very excited.

“Well, if you’s so keen on do’n something fun, how ‘bout I take ya out?”

I must admit, his boldness is intriguing. Already he’s proven to be polite and chivalrous, both redeeming qualities that I respect very much. Besides, I’ve already grown up 20 years and am still being pushed to find a suitor. It’s time I stop putting it off and start courting.

I snicker and give him a nod. “Alright. You claim the date, I name the activity on said date.”

Race’s smug look shows a quick flicker in surprise to my response. “Well alrighty, then! What’d ya have in mind, beautiful?”

I smirk. “Ice skating.”

The man’s eager face falters darkly in a split second to almost reflect a look of pure terror, almost too fast to notice. But he quickly regains himself and shows a confident smile.

“Very well. I assume you know the best spot?”

“Indeed I do, Higgins. There’s a pond not too far outta town.”

“What about me?”

We both turn back to the smaller newsie, who’s starting to shiver. I kneel down and offer him my gloves.

“It’s get’n dark, Les. You should head back and warm up. Tell Davey I’ll be late.” Race looks over at me with a cheesy grin. “Tell him I’ve got a date.”

Les nods eagerly and scurries off.

“So where to?”

I stand up and point to the trail leading north. Race offers an arm, which I take graciously, and we both start walking through the crisp air. Thankfully we’re on the edge of town and the pond is close by, because the air’s already starting to get colder. Race must notice, because he begins to take off his jacket.

“What are you doing?”

He shrugs. “It’s cold, figured you’s could warm up more.”

I hold up a hand to stop him and gesture for him to put his coat back on. “That’s really sweet, thank you. But I don’t get cold too easily. You need your coat more than I, Race. I promise this won’t be too long- oh! Here we are!”

For now there’s no falling snow, but that won’t last long. I lead Race to the edge and notice that the ice is untouched, which is strange since I thought more people would’ve been here by now.

“Don’t we need skates?” Race asks as he gives the pond a skeptical look.

“Not necessarily. I’ve never been able to afford skates, so I just slide with my boots on.” I grab a nearby stick and give the ice a stiff poke, discovering that it’s smooth enough. “Good conditions for skating. Very smooth, very sturdy. Just one thing-” I turn to Race and change to a serious tone: “Be careful by the edge and the center. That’s where the ice is the weakest.”

He nods in understanding and still seems cautious of the ice, so I decide to show him by stepping out foist. Race eventually seems convinced and carefully steps out too, already slipping all over the ice.

“Hang on!” I help steady him before he can fall. “One step at a time, Higgins- ah!”

Race lets out a yelp when he slips again, causing him to cling to my chest. The closeness sends my heart beating like a crazed metronome, as well as bringing Race to get a mischievous look on his face.

“Gee, Emily. If you’s was so desperate to get close, all ya gotta do is ask!”

I roll my eyes and help him regain his balance. “Careful, Higgins. Remember I’m the minister’s daughter, and boundaries are very important.”

“Yeah, I know.” 

He tests out the ice again and soon begins gliding around as well, each of us leaving trails all over the snow. By now it’s starting to snow, making it harder to see. Eventually Race gets the hang of it and, before I can comprehend what’s going on, he slides up behind me and spins me around.

“Whoa! Wait- aah!” I giggle and laugh as the brown-eyed newsie twirls me through the billowing snow. No one has ever made me feel this full-hearted, so free-spirited… As if we’re skating in a magic snow globe apart from reality itself.

Race must notice my dazed state because he slows down to try to look at me more carefully through the white, blinding blizzard. He has a strange look too, as if he’s thinking about something serious.

“Emily, I just wanna say that- Oh God!”

We both hear it before we know what’s going on. I feel Race shove me away just as the crack forms, ripping open the ice and swallowing Race into the frigid water. My heart stops, as well as all the happiness I’d just felt, as I scramble over to see what’s become of my new friend.

“Race? Race! Oh my God! Where are you?!” I shriek as I feel around the cold water, hoping to catch him. It appears that God has heard me, because I feel a hand grasp mine and Race resurfaces. He’s coughing and shaking as if he has personally met Death, leading me to react with panic.

“Here, here! Up, up, quick!” I help him crawl up outta the water and carefully lead him back off the pond and onto solid ground, where I immediately start to tear his waterlogged clothes off.

But Race sees this differently.

“Wait- What-? Emily, whaddya doing?” He asks in a confused manner.

“You’s soaked to the bone, and these icy clothes is just gonna make hypothermia even worse!” I explain as I strip him down to his knickers and undershirt, then remove my own cloak to wrap it around him. “Quick! We need to get you someplace warm. Do you have a place to stay?”

“Th- Th- The lodging h-house,” he tries to answer through shiver fits. “‘S- ‘S not t-too far.”

My mind forms out a plan and I sling an arm around him. “Alright, let’s go. Hurry! We’ve gotta be quick if you don’t wanna catch cold.”

“Too late,” Race tries to joke, but this is no laughing matter. He’s pale as snow and his lips are turning blue.

Time drags on, apparently wanting to torment me with worry as we rush back to town. When I ask Race for directions he points to a street leading further into ‘Hattan, and thankfully I am quick to spot a sign that says Newsboys Lodging House. I don’t even bother knocking.

“Where’s the bathroom?” I ask Race.

“Up-upstairs.”

After I help drag him up what seems like an infinite number of stairs I finally get him to the bathroom and have him sit in a tub, but leave his clothes on to give him privacy.

“We can’t heat you up too fast, so just bear with me.” I start the water with a steady temperature, meanwhile Race is grasping my cloak around him for dear life. After a while he finally starts to get some color back on his face.

“Are you still numb?” I ask hesitantly.

He gets a funny grin on his face and shakes his head. “I can feel my feet again!”

I nod again and again, trying to remember if there’s any treatment I forgot. There doesn’t seem to be, so all I can do now is kneel down next to Race and look at him with guilt and apology. 

“Race, I am so sorry! This is all my fault, and I will replace your clothes. And… I understand if you wanna forget about this-”

“Are ya kidding?” The short newsie finds sensation in his hand to grasp mine and he starts laughing. “Doll, that’s gotta be one-a the most terrifying moments of my life, and I luved it! I mean, all my life I’s been too scared to skate, and here you are look’n all innocent and gorgeous ask’n me to skate with ya! God, Mush is gonna laugh when he hears this!”

But I don’t laugh. All I can do is gawk and stare at his laid-back response.

“Emily? You ok?”

Jaw still on the floor, shake my head. “I just- You… You almost caught hypothermia and you’re just- just laughing about it? How are you so calm?”

Race shrugs. “Gotta laugh sometimes. If you don’t, life gets too sad.” He sits up straighter and his smile grows softer. “I’d never wanna forget you, Emily. Not if it means never having adventures like this again. Besides,” He gives me a teasing wink. “Was really sweet to see how you’s really care ‘bout me.”

I let out a heavy groan and hold my head in my hands. “It’s called adrenaline. Makes people do crazy things.”

“I disagree.” I feel Race trail his thumb across my cheek. “I think it highlights who a person really is, how they really feel. And if I’s right…” I feel him shift in the water and look up to see his face only inches from mine. “Now that I can feel my face again-” He pauses to cup my face in his hands and leans in impossibly closer. “I can feel your soft lips.”

And then he kisses me. Full-out and deep-hearted. He ironically makes me go numb, and sends a million emotions coursing through me. I don’t even hesitate when he wraps his arms around me and pulls me into the tub with him, both of us lost in thought.

Race pulls away foist because I’s too dazed to think, and he looks up at me as if I hung the stars.

“I think I luv you…” he thinks out loud in a dreamy voice.

“My my, whadda we got here?” Anodda voice taunts.

I nearly leap outta my skin and jerk my head around to find anodda newsie standing in the doorway, one with an eyepatch. God, how’s this gonna look? The minister’s daughter caught with a half-naked newsie in a bathtub.

Race don’t seem as fazed by it. Instead he just sighs and gives the intruder a warning glare.

“Blink, you so much as utter a word-a this, and I’ll bust your odda eye.” He says this so lightly, as if simply asking for a glass of water, rather than how harsh it’s supposed to sound. Though the message is just as dominating, because ‘Blink’ holds up his hands in surrender and starts walking back. 

“Enjoy, c'est la vie, have fun. Forget I was even here.”

Race nods. “That’s what I thought. Now, where were we?” He trails kisses down my still-shocked face. “Don’t mind him, he won’t tell.”

I stir myself outta my trance and get a grasp at what’s happening. “Race… My father won’t like this. You gotta keep it secret, please!”

“So there’s no objection from you?” His face light up and he pulls me closer.

I shake my head and rest it on Race’s chest, giving him a playful smirk. “None at all. I kinda like this.”

#newsies #newsies 1992 #newsies musical #newsies broadway #racetrack higgins #racetrack newsies #newsies fanfiction #newsies the musical #newsies x reader #race x reader #race newsies #anthony higgins #racetrack x reader #92sies #winter #snow #ice skating #cold weather #blizzard

[sluggmuffin]

🎢 - maybe a little newsies x gn!reader in general (but maybe it could be a race x gn!reader) where they are out ghost hunting and actually get signs and freak tf out?

sorry if that it too long, but I’m watching Sam and Colby rn and thought it could be cool.

🎢 - send me a scenario and a character of your choice and i'll write a either hcs or a little drabble about them (can be x reader *if it is pls tell me ur preferred pronouns* but it doesn't have to be)!

•••

Sorry this took a while!

•••

"I don't like it in here" you whispered, holding a lantern infront of you.

"Aw cmon (y/n) it ain't that bad" Race teased, throwing a playful arm around your shoulders.

"I dunno man, I kinda agree with (y/n)" Skittery stutters, standing very far behind the group.

"Look of you wanna complain then you can-" Jack starts, but doesn't get to finish before a door to the side slams shut, causing everyone to jump and turn around.

"Okay whoever did that, you're not funny" You retort, rolling your eyes to secretly hide the fact your heart was pounding.

"Nobody was near that door" Race breathed, stepping closer to the door.

"I knew this was a bad idea from the start!" you whined, turning back to leave the abandoned building.

Before you could exit, you saw a light flicker out of the corner of your eye. You slowly turn to the boys and find that they're all staring with a horrified expression on their faces.

"Um well... now that I think about it, ghost huntin' is for little kids. Maybe we should leave." Race says coolly, failing at hiding his scared look.

All the boys agreed at once so you guys left, never forgetting that experience.

#slugs 100 follower celebration!! #coffee-infused #newsies #race x reader #racetrack higgins