Brass POV:

I almost threw up as I felt the weight of the cane in my hand. The cane that had beaten so many kids in this refuge. I looked at Finch who had her eyes closed. She didn't want to look, she thought I'd do it. And that almost made me cry. After all Finch and I had been through she thought I'd hit her. Would I? Was I that much of a coward?

Half Pint stood in front of her, his face wet with tears, "B-Brass, youse can't hurt Finch."

My fingers clenched around the cane..... 

"Half Pint," I began. He thought I'd do it, too?

"Cause youse are gonna have to hit me first," his voice shook, even though he was trying so hard to be brave. 

I lifted the cane....... 

"Half Pint," Finch was trembling. "N-No, get out of the way, please." 

Half Pint shook his head despite the tears that were still falling. 

I swung the cane...... 

"Brass!" Finch's voice, desperate and terrified hurt more than any beating I'd ever felt. 

I smashed the cane into Snyder's stomach and heard a crack. 

He cried out as he fell, clutching his ribs. Finch's eyes snapped open and Morris dropped her as he and Oscar went to help Snyder.

I ran to Finch and somehow managed to catch her before she hit the ground. She started to tremble and hugged me. I hugged her back and tried to comfort her. I didn't know what to do, do people like hugs?

Snyder had finally broken Finch. I always knew he would, but somehow I thought Finch was invincible to him. She seemed so strong, so fearless, and now she was shaking in my arms.

Half Pint came up and hugged her too. Soon, every kid in the refuge; Cricket, Slingshot, Professa, Ginger, Scribbles, and so many more I didn't know the names of all came up and joined in the hug. I don't know how long we stayed like that.

When Snyder was able to stand, he broke us up and tried to hit Half Pint. Slingshot gave him a punch in the face. I held the cane like a bat and stood in front of Finch. Cricket and SlingShot stood beside me while Professa made sure Finch and Half Pint were okay.

"Guys, what are youse doin'?" Finch asked, trying to stand but Professa stopped her. 

"Youse looked after us, Finch," SlingShot began. 

"Now we look after you," Cricket finished.   

"You're gonna get hurt!" she cried.

"Friends are worth a beatin' for," I smirked. 

She smiled tiredly and I saw her body begin to give way. Professa just managed to catch her and I kept the Delancey's away from them with Gear's help. We managed to give them a few shiners before Snyda took his belt and started swinging it like a whip. Half Pint shielded Ginger from a hit while Cricket was shoved into SlingShot which made both of their faces go red. Snyda couldn't throw all of us in the cellar so he grabbed Half Pint but the arm and we froze. 

"Wait!" I cried, "Take me instead, Mr. Snyda." This was the first time I had ever called him that, it felt like poison but I said it still. It seemed to shock him and he shoved Half Pint back towards us where he hugged SlingShot who didn't protest. 

Snyder dragged me away roughly by the arm and I cast a last glance at Finch before I was taken to the cellar. I saw movement by the window, was that Jack Kelly?  I couldn't tell before Synder shoved me roughly away from my friends.

************ 

A/N: I did it! I updated! *happy dance* 

Originally in this chapter, Finch's friends didn't say anything, but then I thought, "There's no way that's fricking happening!" So then I changed it to this. You're welcome.   

Sorry, I had writer's block for a while but then today I was smacked with creativity so you can expect a chapter tomorrow! :) (maybe remind me so i don't forget?)

How are you all? I hope you're well and getting enough sleep! 

Question: If you could go somewhere right now, where would you go? 

Bye for now! 

-Scribbles