meeting by chance { Cole

[Charity]

Charity frowned a little as the cool wind blew across her fair cheeks, her dark brown curls swirling about her face as she walked. There was a down side to working in Manhattan but keep residance in Brooklyn, the walk. Most days it wasn't so horrible, but with the cool crisp that carried the smell of rain it made a chill creep through her body, it was like she could tell any moment the dark skies were going to open and the rain would come pouring down. A soft huff left her lips as she narrowed her hazle eyes slightly at the ground as she walked. Rehursal had been horrible, the new girls weren't catching on the to new routene that she had to show them. Medda had entrusted her with showing the new girls the ropes, but so far she was going to crash and burn with that mission.

But she didn't want to think of the days work, she just wanted to get back to the lodging house and relaxe with the boys, play some cards or just go back to bed. She couldn't be bothered to do anything else that required much more effort then that. The long walk back having taken a bit out of her. Sure she could have moved to Manhattan when she took up the job at the hall, but Charity was attached to the Brooklynites, and to leave them would be like leaving her family. They were her family and she loved them.

Letting a light sigh leave her lips, Charity stopped mid way across the bridge and leaned agaisnt the side, her eyes looking down at the rushing water. It gave her a peacful calming feeling, and slowly she drifted off into a slight daze, gazing out at the water, not paying any attention to those that passed her by.

[C o l e]

Cole was on his way across the bridge, his hands in his pockets as he walked. The breeze rustled the bit of hair on his head and he could smell rain. He didnt mind it so much, but it didnt seem like it would be a nice warm rain, no this one would be cold and... one to cause sickness.

Hed already been reading in the paper about the influenza that was spreading around all he could think was.. great.... i better as hell not get sick

Coles eyes wandered ahead of him and he saw a figure up ahead, leaning against the side of the bridge. As he neared he realized he recognized her... it was charity.

He almost stopped where he was, but managed to catch himself. He hadnt forgotten about her, how could he. She was annoying and tried his patience and that was it... right?

So what if there was some kind of a tension there, not that the fact she was somewhat of a sister figure to spot was stopping him. he wasnt afraid of spot, it was just that... well he had no excuse really. They jsut happen to have a relationship that wasnt one at all.

He walked past her, but stopped just after turning to lean against the railing. She looked good, she always had, something that had frustrated him as well. He didnt like the way the others looked at her, but that meant nothing... right?

She had grown up a bit since hed been gone, and in a good way. He mentally shook his mind from his thoughts, this changed nothing of their relationship. He said nothing to her, his eyes taking in the scene.. he waited for her to notice.

[Charity]

Charity's eyes slowly left the water after a few moments of mindless staring, there was a strange feeling coming over her, like someone was watching her, and it made the hair on her arms stand on end. Slowly her gaze shifted from the river and she glanced around to her left, only to see a couple of younger boys arguing as they hurried passed her. She narrowed her eyes a little and slowly turned her head to look to the right, that was when her eyes widened a little. Cole.

Cole was someone that irritated the heck out of her, she couldn't stand how cocky he was, but yet she couldn't help but feel something else, somethings he wasn't sure about. It was hard to pinpoint it, but it wasn't exactly hate, though that emotion over powered anything else she felt towards him.

Her hazel eyes narrowed a little at him and she glanced out at the water. It had been at least a month or more since she had seen him, but his was a face taht she wouldnt' easily forget. Those eyes and his prefectly structured face... now that irritating smirk. None of it was forgetable.

Charity kept her eyes on the rushing water as she slowly parted her lips and let words flow from her mouth. " So you're not dead...to bad." She muttered, not even bothering to glance over at him, why waste the effort to catch a glimps of that near perfect face.

[C o l e]

He didnt think hed have to wait long for a response and he didnt. She turned her gaze on him moments after hed leaned agianst the railing. he could feel her looking at him, but he didnt glance at her, though his smirk grew just a bit more. He knew that she knew that he knew she was looking at him.

" So you're not dead...to bad."

At her words he grunted and only then did he turn. He moved do his arm was resting on the railing his body facing hers and he quirked his brow. 'Sorry to have disappointed you"He said, "and I see you're still here... probably still solely a newsie instead of the actress you so dream to me..'

They always hit points on each other and it just seemed to magnify the electricity that sizzled between them. So many times before hed left hed heard fellow newsies comment that they should just do it and get itt over with.

Cole would always make sure the newsie wouldnt suggest that again.

[Charity]

There was already a building tention between them, and almost everytime Cole spoke it stirred something inside her, it made her want to hit him but it stirred something else as well, not that she would ever admit that, especially not to him.

" Sorry to have dissapointed you. And I see you're still here...probably still a soely newsie instead of the actress you so dream to be."

She felt a slight growl want to escape her lisp at his words. He always pushed the right buttons, the ones that got her rilled up and she clenched her fists a little. She turned slightly towards him, her hazel eyes narrowed quite dangerously as she stared back at him. " I'll have you know, that I have my own little act at Irving Hall." She spat at him." And I am NOT a newsie. Not that being a newsie is so lowly as you seem to think. Don't forget that before you buggered off you were still a newsie to." Her voice was low as she spoke, and she didn't take her eyes off of him.

There was a tention between them that drove her crazy, a few of her friends told her that she should just get it on with him and then the tention would be gone. But the thought alone always made her cringe. They were so wrong, that wasn't what they needed to do. She just needed to hit him... then again she had done that a few times before and it hadn't worked.

[C o l e]

He could already feel his muscles winding up. He always felt like he was ready to pounce when she was around, his joints tightening and he got a bit restless.

His comment had did what hed wanted and she had turned to face him. He could now fully take her in, god she was... Cole.. shut the fuck up. Shes a girl, you've seen better dont let this dame get to you..

He almost had to laugh at himself as he thought of how much that sounded like a self pep talk.

"oh well arent you the rising star'He said, "Suppose its good they put you infront, the only thing that will have the crowds coming are your good looks'He said. "Cause Im still waiting to see what kind of talent you have..."He smirked, putting a bit of a sexual tone in his voice when he said the word talent.

Cole knew she was talented, hed seen her perform several times and honestly she had more talent in her little pinky then most of the performers up there... even medda to his thoughts. Cole wasnt afraid to admit this, and if asked he probably would, he didnt care what people thought, but right now he was out to irritate her like she was to him and he knew that. He didnt care what came out of his mouth right now as long as it hit its mark he was good.

"you know for one who is so quick to stick up for us newsies, you are quicker to deny you are one"he said, "So tell what do you really think of newsies?"He asked his arms crossing over his chest.

[Charity]

As much as she would never admit it, Cole was gorgeous. He had the perfect face and if she wasn't careful she knew that she would be caught by his eyes, staring endlessly for hours. There was something about him that was almost intoxicating, but she always did her best to keep her wits about her.

He was playing on her nerves and she knew he knew exactly what he was doing. Cole played the game well, but it was a game two could play. Once again she tightened her fists a little and took a small step towards him, her eyes still narrowed.

" I have talent." She smirked a little. “ More then you would ever know actually. Besides I wouldn’t expect you to know true talent if it bit you in the ass.” She sneered a little and then turned away from him, her eyes returning to looking back out at the water. He really did have some nerve, her blood was boiling and she could feel her energy level rise just a little.

When he spoke again she kept her glare facing the water. Sure she would deny that she was one, but only towards him, if anyone else had assumed her a newsie she wouldn’t have really denied it, just simple stated that she did stage work as well. But with Cole, he tended to twist everything she said and she knew no matter what she answered he would twist it and use it against her. “ I have nothing against Newsies. Don’t even try and start twisting what I say Cole.” She spat at him, but kept her face forwards as she felt a few droplets of cool rain fall from the sky.

[C o l e]

Cole knew he was getting on her nerves, he was satisfied....

He laughed at her comment about the no talent thing. He shook his head. 'aww... sweetheart.."He said, 'dont you wish..."he said. "Though I bet you would just love to bite me in the ass..'He smirked at her, he didnt let his gaze waver from her, not even as she refused to look at him and instead stared out over the water.

"aww... do I really bother you that much Charity?"he asked. 'Im surprised, I would think a girl that sits so far above everyone should be able to ignore things"he said. "Specially when its merely coming from me? .. a newsie."he said, 'Though your lack of comment merely implies more of the fact that you are not as Newsie for as you wish people to believe."

It was absolutly a stupid comment and cole knew it, but he wasnt falter over it, nor was he going to try and redo it. It was out and he was just going to let it flow.

[Charity]

Charity let out a hollow laugh at his words." Don't call me sweetheart." She glared at him, she was far from a sweetheart aroudn him, and he was anything but charming, there was no sense in trying to pull that card on her, she knew him better then that. " And don't flatter you're self Cole. I don't even want to touch your clothes much less your skin." He was startting to get her a little flutered but she had to hold her ground. She wasn't going to let Cole get to her.

" Cole... you irritate the hell out of me do you know that. Everytime your near you make my skin crawl no matter how much I try to ignore you. You're like a horrible desase that I can't seem to get rid of now matter how hard i try." She spat at him, turning to face him once again. Her cheeks flushed and her hazle eyes a slight shade of green. " And I am every bit as for newsies as I ever have been. I'm still a newsie at heart and always will be. There my family and have been there for me through everything. You on the other hand are a discrace to the newsie name." her finger poked against his chest.

[C o l e]

Cole smirked, that ever present, irritating smirk of his. The one that most people wanted to wipe right off his face and he knew it. He also knew how that name irritated her and thats why he used it.

"Ordering me around hmm.. Thinks havent changed much"he said, "Still think you're so much better them me"he didnt move, just leaned casually on the railing of the bridge.

"Idont have to flatter myself. I think.."he said," I think you want me, but are trying so hard to deny it."he said. In fact he was just throwing that at her, trying to get to her, he thought she hated him... though another part of him a little part thought thtat what he had said was true, because.. it was how he really felt about her, though he wouldnt admit it.

At her words his smirk turned to an almost grin, and you could tell he was very pleased to hear these words. He was getting to her and he knew it now., there was no way of her to deny it. "oh please go on..."he said, "no need to sugar coat it though.. wait in fact.. go right ahead'He sadi the smirk back on his face

"oh? A disgrace?"he asked, "Now please enlighten me"he said not being affected by her poking.

[Charity]

Charity smiled a little as he spoke, she did think herself better then Cole, hell everyone was better then Cole. He aws nothing but an irritating jerk who thought that the sun shoan out his ass. With a little nodd, her eyes narrowed slightly once again.

" As a matter of fact I do. Hell everyone is better then you Cole." She spat at him. " I don't even know why I waste my time arguing with you." Charity gave her head a little shake.

His next scentence made her laugh, though deep inside it made her stomach drop. So what if it was true that a part of her did want him, it wasn't like she was going to admit that." You know what... I used to think maybe you were a little bit unstable. Now I know tahts true. Want you... god you must be insane to think that. I'd rather jump off of this bridge then be with you at all." She laughed again.

Cole was as cocky as hell and it drove Charity around the bend, he wasnt even worthy of two minutes of her time, yet she alwasy stayed and listened to him. Let him get under her skin. " I don't have to waste my time with this," She hissed at him as the skies started to open up and the cold rain started to pour down. " You are a disgrace and unworthy of being leader of anyone... i'm glad that Note took over leadership of Harlem." She spat at him before going to walk away.

[C o l e]

He smirked, not even seeming to be affected by her words> 'yes you do"He said, "You cant help yourself"He said. "you always come back for more... "He quirked his brow. "Now why dont you answer why that is?"

Cole crossed his arms again. he wasnt unstable... at all. aT least he didnt think so. No he didnt think there was much wrong with what he did or didnt do, or who he thought. He studied her. 'Maybe... maybe not"he shrugged, not really giving and outward thought to any of it. "Though..'He said his hand coming up to encircle the back of her neck and he pulled her to him kissing her hard.

His brows furrowed, okay he knew she was trying to get to him, but did she really believe that? He didn tknow but the thought of her believing that was unsettling to him and he didn tknow why. "Why am I a disgrace?"he growled ignoring the rain that started to spatter down on them. He wanted to know and he wanted to know now.

[Charity]

Charity frowned a little, she didn't always go back for more, he was the one that always seemed to find her. She huffed a little and narrowed her eyes a little at him. “ I do not always come back for more Cole. You seem to find me everywhere I go. You’re the one that comes after me. I could care less if I ever see you again.” Sure it was a lie, but she could pretend at least. Though lying to Cole was always a little more difficult then lying to most people. “ Why is it you always seem to track me down? I think its more like you enjoy being around me.”

“ It’s not a question of maybe… you are.” She said flatly, crossing her own arms over her chest as she glared at him. The next thing she knew his lips were against hers in a hard kiss, his hand on her neck. Her arms dropped to herself as she felt herself kissing him back for a moment, before placing her hands firmly on his chest and pushing herself away from him.” What the hell Cole.” She spat at him, though her heart was racing.

She pushed her damp hair out of her eyes as she narrowed her eyes back at him.” Why’s it matter so much to you what I think?” She asked speaking a little louder over the rain. “ I think you’re a disgrace because you just up and left your newsies, you were there leader and you left them. Who does that? Abandon those who look up to you.” She scoffed a little.” Note would never do that, he’s loyal and caring. Not to mention he has a very nice smile.” She was muttering the last part more to herself, but if she heard he didn’t care. “ You use and abuse those who put there lives in your hands. That’s what makes you a disgrace Cole.” She spat at him, the rain soaking through her clothes and she turned to continue on her way.

[C o l e]

He grunted >"I dont seek youout"He said, "You always seem to fall right into my lap"He said, 'and I dont mean you physically come back for more, what I mean is you never seem to just walk away, YOu always have to continue on in these little spats taht we have." he said with a shrug.

Cole had felt her kissing him back and he got exactly the leverage he wanted. .'Then you had better jump off that bridge"He said, "cause you kissed me back"he quirked his brow. "so what the hell was that?"He threw her words back in her face. he wanted to see what she said to get out of that one. She couldnt deny that she kissed him back hed felt it.
The fact he wanted to do it again was besides the point.

He ignored her question but the rest of her words were hitting him. Any other person that would say such things to him hed soak them, but her. coming from her it gripped at his chest and he didnt understand why. "You dont know what you're talking about'He said, 'So shut the hell up"He yelled at her and then when she went to walk away he grabbed her arm and turned her to face him.

"Dont you go saying shit like that"He said, "and you better not be giving those views to anyone else"His grip on her was vice like but it wasnt bruising.

No one knew why hed left, hed told drags he was going for a little bit that hed back and to have max in leadership while he was gone, but since hed been back he found none of that happend. Drags had gotten the life beat out of him and hadnt gotten the message out. Now he had to pay for it. NOt to mention what shed said about him using his newsies. That hadnt been true and he didnt want her to think that.. he didnt know why.

[Charity]

Charity just shook her head and gave a little wave, dismissing the subject. He was winning this one, and she knew it. Having worked most of the day she didn’t have exactly the bite she usually had, but never the less she didn’t back down.

She licked her bottom lip lightly and frowned a little, what was she suppose to say back to that, she knew he had felt her kiss him back, there was no denying it. Her mouth opened and closed a few times before she let out a rather loud huff, Cole frustrated her more then anyone she knew. “ I don’t know.” It was the worst come backs he ever used, and she knew it sounded pathetic. Glaring at him she just shook her head. God she hated when Cole had the upper hand.

Charity’s eyes glanced down at his hand on her arm.” Let me go Cole. I know exactly what I’m talking about. I hear the boys talk, and from what I’ve seen you’re nothing but a coward, you just leave when people depend on you. And eventually, you’ll walk out on others, you know you’ll never be happy, you’re destined to be alone. Forever.” She let her words flow slowly from her lips as she yanked her arm away from his grip.

“ It’s a free country, I can voice my opinion and point of view to anyone who asks. And who’s going to stop me? You?” She laughed a little.” You wouldn’t dare. Face it Cole, deep down in side, you love these little run ins. Don’t get me wrong I know you live for the sex you get from the nameless girls you use and abuse.” She scoffed a little once again. The rain soaked her clothes, her hair plastered against her face and the little make up she had on, smeared under her eyes a little.

It was mostly just bullshit, but she had heard things, the boys talked and news got around. Sure she added her own little spin on things, but it didn’t matter to her what she said, as long as it got under Cole’s skin. “ Now if you’ll excuse me. I have to get back and clean up. I have matters to attend to.” She hissed at him.