Chapter 3

Davey was lead up to the roof where Jack let go of his hand, leaving him feeling empty.

"Behold, my penthouse in the sky. Usually Crutch sleeps up here but I think he crashed over in Woodside." Jack gestured to the rooftop. "You like?"

Davey nodded, the view from up there was breathtaking. But Jack in the moonlight... Something in Davey stirred. The way the wind blew Jack's hair around, the way his eyes seemed to catch the light. He couldn't speak. He found himself shifting closer and closer to the other boy.

"Davey, what's gonna happen tomorrow?" Jack was looking directly into Davey's eyes now, and Davey saw anxiety and... something else, he didn't know what though.

Davey didn't know what to say, but he did know what he had to do. And that was assure Jack that what they were doing was the right thing, because he knew there would be some doubt.

"I don't know for sure. But I do know that a strike is going to begin, and you are going to make a strong leader. You said it yourself, we can't let Pulitzer pick our pockets."

The rich already owned enough in the world. Was it so hard for simple kids to get a break?

Why couldn't they be fair? Why couldn't the working kids get treated with respect. And why... was Jack so close? It was hard to stay mad when Davey looked at Jack. Now with him mere inches from his face, Davey couldn't think. He didn't step back, didn't move. Didn't breathe. He was starting to understand something. But the realization was pushed to the back of his mind when Jack whispered something.

"But what if, I'm also wonderin' what'll happen tonight?"

Davey found himself furrowing his eyebrows at such a question. He felt like part of him knew what that meant, but he couldn't stop himself. Well, more like he couldn't say what he wanted to say. Jack Kelly was intoxicating and it was starting to get to him. His eyes were locked on Jack's, and he didn't step closer or away.

"What...do you mean...?" he managed, although it wasn't what he had wanted to say.

Jack, for the flirt he was couldn't help himself. "Can't you see it in my eyes David?"

Davey could. He also found Jack saying his actual name very attractive. They stayed stuck in that seemingly endless time loop, not moving. But then, slowly, Davey inched forward, as if gravity were pulling them together. They were close enough to feel the heat emanating off each other. Jack's ink stained cheeks were a little red, Davey's pale face flushed.

"David, I-" Jack started, before pausing to think. "I don't know if-"

"If this is a good idea?" Davey finished for him. "Neither do I."

But whether it was a good idea or not wasn't a clear thought in his mind. His heart was pounding and he was almost sure Jack could hear it. And he just couldn't pull his eyes away from the other.

They were so close... so close but so far...

Still so, Davey didn't want to do anything that Jack wasn't comfortable with. Would Davey be comfortable with anything? He wasn't sure. But this...this feeling was new and intense. It was scary, but it was so beautiful at the same time.

Almost as beautiful as Jack Kelly.

"What do you want to do, Jack...?" He wasn't sure if he meant right now, or not.

Jack didn't answer. He didn't know. Davey didn't know either. He knew that there were rules, laws, saying this was wrong. But how can this be wrong? How can wanting this man, standing in the moonlight looking like an angel, be illegal? When Davey finally refocused on Jack, things were moving in slow motion. A hand gripped the back of Davey's neck, pulling him close. Davey wrapped an arm around Jack's waist, looking so deeply he was afraid he'd fall...

The moment was so slow and perfect, and Davey felt himself leaning closer and closer—
"Ay, Jack!" a voice called from a far, but still too close for Davey's liking. The voice made him pull back, his cheeks stained red. Damn... so close!

It was a good thing he moved, because two heads popped into view right after. "Ya wanna tell me why I'm the one helpin' ya brotha out here?" Race asked, though he didn't mind helping Crutchie. It was just- "He may be a twig but he's still heavy!"

Davey wanted to cry. He had been right there! Jack looked back at Davey before hopping down and helping to pull Crutchie up.

"Hey Crutch." Davey whispered quietly. Crutchie was barely awake though, and as soon as he was laid down on his makeshift bed, he was out.

"Yo Jack, can I sleep up here too? House is closed and I dont wanna go to the Brooklyn one." Race asked. Yeah sure. Let's invite everyone up. God damn Jack and his generosity.

"Yeah sure. Davey can I talk to ya, in private?" Jack pointedly asked. He was pointing down to a lower roof with a small covering. Davey wasn't really paying attention though, he was too busy thinking about how RACE AND CRUTCHIE HAD RUINED THE MOMENT.

Davey didn't know if he was more focused on Jack's generosity or the ruined moment, so of course he wasn't paying attention. He was trying to calm his beating heart, that was pounding so loudly in his ears he wasn't sure he'd be able to hear anything else. He could still feel Jack's hands, his breath, being all close to him.

"Ay, earth to Dave!" Jack said, waving a hand in front of his face. Davey looked up, blinked once, and shook his head.

"Sorry, I was... yeah," he replied.

"Spacin' out a lot today," Jack pointed out and gestured for Davey to follow.

And he did.

Under the cover of night and of the little over hang, Jack whirled around to face Davey again. Davey's heart beating faster and faster, hoping, dreaming, that he was right about what was going to happen.

"David," Jack said with a hint of pleading, "Tell me that wasn't a fluke, a day dream?"

Davey stepped forward, but not close enough that Jack could grab hold of him. "Was it? I honestly don't understand what happened Jackie, and technically, it's night time."

In truth, Davey didn't want it to be just a day dream. It felt so real, so exciting. And if it was all a dream, he would prefer not waking. At least, not until the moment ended.

Part of him wanted to grab onto Jack again, but he withheld and he could tell that Jack was doing the same.

"I know it's night, Dave, and that's-"

"Do you want it to be a day dream?" Davey found himself asking, interrupting, before he could stop himself.

"No. I don't want it to be a day dream," Jack said in a hushed voice. Davey couldn't take it, the coldness of the night, the kick in the gut. He turned his head, so Jack would see the fresh tears. Davey started to walk away, maybe back home. He'd just bang in the window till someone let him in. He just couldn't be here. But Jack stepped forward to pin Davey against the wall. "I want it to be real."

Hands found their way around Jack's neck, and Davey's waist, pulling the other closer. It wasn't slow this time, as Jack's lips met Davey's. Davey could've melted right then and there and in a way, he did. He melted right into Jack's touch. His eyes closed, and he held the other boy close.

In that moment, all he could feel was what could only be described as magic. It had to be. A feeling so powerful and amazing, a feeling so...magical. He didn't understand how this could ever be considered as wrong to anyone. Not when it felt so beautiful, so right.

And Davey never wanted it to end. Because this was the happiest he had felt in such a long time.

But it did end. The moment was bittersweet. As they separated their lips, Jack reached over Davey to pull his blanket down. They sunk to the floor, still holding each other close.

"That certainly felt like a dream," Davey whispered to Jack. Jack kissed the top of Davey's head.

"Sleep. Who the hell knows what's going to happen in the morning." And with the warmth Jack was giving off, Davey fell into a blissful sleep. Jack followed soon after, both dreaming with smiles.

Co-Written by APHTomatoSauce