#anyway. this looked better before i tried the shadows but idk i gotta practice shadows

[opens-up-4-nobody]

God sees you. Here more than anywhere.

[denimwrites-archive]

I’m Not Backing Down

Prompt: Not a request - People really like Jojo, and I said I would write another one, so here it is!

Fandom: Newsies

Pairing: Jojo X Reader

Summary: You head to Brooklyn as a favor for Jack, and once Jojo hears about it heads after you to keep you safe. Spot was looking out for you anyway, but knows not to challenge Jojo with the way he holds onto you.

Word Count: 1,245

Warnings: Language, idk intimidation? Mentions of violence kind of?

A/N: I hope this is as good as the last one I did. I wanted to include Spot cause I was thinking of writing something for him soon and thought that having him be a side character would be good practice to see if I’m comfortable enough to write for him. I hope you enjoy!

~~~

Taking a breath as you make your way down the street, you are all too aware of where you are: Brooklyn’s turf. Glancing down alleys and keeping your eyes open, you head towards the Navy Yard pier. Parcel in hand, you move as quickly as you can while also not drawing unwanted attention. You see some of the Brooklyn newsies but keep your head down, not wanting to cause trouble.

God damn it why did I volunteer to go to Brooklyn? I just had to try and prove myself. Great job me, you chastise yourself. The sun is on it’s way over the horizon, and you know that you won’t make it back to Manhattan before it completely sets. Shaking your head, you pick up the pace. Finally making it to the warehouse you know the infamous Spot Conlon will be in, you try to even your breathing.

A couple of newsies step out of the shadows and give you a scornful look as you step closer. “What’s your business here, Manhattan?” one of them sneers at you.

Squaring your shoulders, you’re about to tell him off for the disdain in his voice, you’re interrupted by a hand on your arm. Rearing back, ready to soak whoever tried to get the one up on you, you’re met with rich chocolate eyes. Shaking Jojo’s arm off of you and casting a glance at the newsie in front of you, you present the package in your arm and say, “I got a present from Jack Kelly to Spot Conlon that needs to be delivered tonight, you bozos got a problem with that?”

The two share a look before motioning you after them. Grabbing Jojo’s hand you drag him after you until he falls into step beside you. Talking out of the corner of your mouth you ask, “What the hell are you doing here? Are you trying to get us soaked? Jack said he was sending one newsie, one, if Spot thinks that Jack can’t keep his word there’ll be hell to pay.”

“Like I’m going to let my partner go to Brooklyn on their own? To hell with Spot, he knows he can trust Jack or else he wouldn’t be asking for favors from Manhattan newsies.”

Rolling your eyes at him, you’re soon stopped in front of a set of doors. The newsies in front of you do a rhythmic knock and the door opens a crack. They mumble a password before you’re motioned into the space, Jojo close behind.

You’re led further into the warehouse, shelves surrounding you. Finally making it to the center of the building, you see a large group of newsies, their attention immediately turning to you. All conversation ceases and you keep your head up, not backing down from the spotlight thrust upon you. Seeing Spot sitting on a stack of boxes similar to a throne, you step forward, box in hands.

He motions a hand to one of the newsies standing closest to him, and he comes over to you and takes the package from you. Bringing it back to the King, you stand there waiting as he opens the box. Spot smiles as he inspects the contents, nodding as he packs it back away. Then he looks at you, and sees Jojo behind you, his smile lessening slightly.

“Thank you for bringing this to me, and thank Kelly for me when you get back to Manhattan.” He gives a dismissive gesture and you turn to leave, but then his voice rings out once again. “Although, I did tell Kelly to send only one newsie. Does he not trust that you’ll be safe on your own?”

Quickly turning around, ready to explain that you were supposed to come alone, but Jojo starts talking before you can even get a word in. “It’s my fault, boss. They’s my selling partner, and I didn’t want them going without me. The Delanceys have been causing more trouble than normal and I’s a little worried. They didn’t know I was comin’ till I was already here.”

“So Jack doesn’t know that you came? He’s gotta get a better grip on you Manhattan boys.” He pauses, considering the two of you, “But I can understand the sentiment. All we got is each other. It’s an honorable trait, good of you to stick to it. Get out of here, and if those Delanceys come after ya on my turf, just say the word and they’ll get a soakin’ like they never known before.”

You and Jojo nod your thanks and exit the warehouse the way you came, two newsies behind you to lock up after you. When you were finally on the street again you rounded on him and punched him in the arm.

“What the hell was that for?” he asks, rubbing where you hit him.

“You know what the hell that was for! You could’ve ruined that whole deal. What the hell were you thinking? You’re so lucky that Spot was so understanding about that Delancey thing you came up with.”

“What I said was true! I was worried about you, and the Delanceys have been looking at you in a way that I don’t much appreciate.” He steps closer to you and takes your hand in his. Looking into his eyes you see that he meant what he said. Taking a deep breath you rest your forehead against his and take in the fact that you survived a meeting with the King of Brooklyn while simultaneously breaking one of the few rules he gave.

“We should probably get back to the lodge,” you whisper, pulling away slightly. Jojo hooks a hand around the back of your neck, pulling you in for a heated kiss before moving away, a big smile on his face.

You feel your cheeks heat up, and you let out a quiet chuckle. Grabbing Jojo’s hand you make your way down the darkened street, the sun having gone disappeared during your meeting. While walking back to Manhattan, Jojo frequently squeezes your hand and points out some of the beautiful things the city has provided.

When you’re halfway over the Brooklyn Bridge, he stops you and pulls you into his arms. You just stand there, overlooking the ever-growing city and the harbor. Giving you a kiss on the cheek, he doesn’t let go of you as you just take all of it in. After a few minutes, you yawn and Jojo realizes that you really should head back to the lodging house.

Giving you one last squeeze before continuing on your way, you can’t help but be glad that Jojo came after you, otherwise you would’ve had to walk back alone, and you wouldn’t have been able to spend this beautiful night with him.

When you’re outside the lodge, you pull Jojo in for another kiss, begrudgingly saying, “Thank you for coming after me. Even if it was a reckless decision that could’ve ended horribly.”

Rolling his eyes, he kisses you back. “It’s no problem. I’d never let my darlin’ do nothin’ dangerous without me. Even if it goes against the King of Brooklyn. I ain’t backing down if it means you could get hurt.”

“Softie.” you mumble, giving him a peck on the nose.

“I’m not a softie, I just care about you too damn much.” He gives you one last kiss before you enter the lodge and give your report to Jack and you’re just happy to be home.