like the old days -open to hattans-

[Jack Kelly]

Cowboy sat at a table in the middle of the small semi-quiet restaurant, his gaze absently rotating from the door to the window, his ears hearing but not registering the small talk floating from the tables around him. His thoughts drifted as he chewed on his sandwich, going back to the many times his newsies had filled the restaurant, eating, talking, laughing together. Celebrating. When was the last time they had cause to celebrate anything? The fact that he couldn't remember when it was probably meant that it was a good while ago. He wanted another one of those feel good perfect moments. Where his kids were united, together, feeling successful and putting aside any worries or doubts of the future so they could just enjoy the time. How could he find a way to bring a moment like that back? There really was nothing he could think of as of late, no victories, no over-comings.

He sighed, well, he didn't want to eat alone. He yearned for one of his kids to walk in through the door, and another, and another. He wanted Tibby to be able to complain about the noise and crowdedness the rowdy group of hattans' provided, like old times. He just wanted to be with them, just for one measly meal, just to mess up the patterns and repeated routines of his days as of late. He could even pay for a few of their lunches...well, he would see about that but he was willing. They just had to come. Where were they all? At least one of them had to come to Tibby's for lunch. at least. He put his cowboy hat on and then off, and set it back down on the table, running a hand through his greased back shaggy hair. Finally he gave up and took a few mournful bites of his sandwich. He snapped his hopeful gaze back on the door when the little bell announced someone new's arrival.

[Les Jacobs]

||

Remember how you used to say
You couldn't wait till tomorrow for a brand new day
No fuss when ya had to ride the bus

Les grabbed his hat and his sword. He was going to find Jack today. David was off somewhere, and Les didn't know.... He was probably staring at the remains of Irving Hall, his brother did like that place... Either way, Les was lonely and he didn't want to spend his day with Sarah. So out he skipped from his house. Les passed by the various shops and head to check Tibby's for Jack. After work that's where he went. Plus Les wanted to ask Cowboy an important question.... About a girl... Jack was knowledgeable there, at least Les thought so, he had a crush on his sister, so that counted.

Les skipped merrily toward Tibby's stopping occasionally to strike random hay bales with his sword. One day that sword would come in handy, he was sure. He came to the door as a red head walked through the doors. I'll wait just a bit... She probably will want a table over me, cause I'm just looking for Jack... he thought. Peering through the window, Les saw the red head that he let in walk over to Jack. Jack! He up and sprinted into Tibby's and hugged Jack. "Hey Jack!! What's been happening?" He asked happily, planting himself squarely on his role-models lap.

You could add a little blush
Just to paralyze your school crush
Life's like a jump rope

Les is so cute, but he posted 255 words, minus the 156 words in the format.
His muse is completely X(.
And he just wants to say HEYA!!.
And finally, he says "TAG!!! YOU'RE IT JACK AND CHERRY!!"

CREDIT
Don't be fooled by appearance, dynamite comes in small packages.
Les and Spotty are both small and they will take you down if you steal this without credit.
Lyrics are credited to Blue October