The place was packed, stuffed to the brim with patrons, all there to see the much talked-about Knickerbocker Boys. They were said to be the hottest thing in Las Vegas and the crowds seemed to agree.

"One double whiskey on the rocks, a sazerac, and one Manhattan," Jack said, handing the drinks off with a charming smile. "Enjoy the show, folks."

"Thank you ever so much," said the woman who took the Manhattan. She gave Jack a quick wink before joining two older people he assumed to be her parents. Judging by their clothes and matching scowls he assumed they were quite rich and incredibly bothered by their young daughter flirting with a bartender. He gave her a wide smile just to annoy them more.

"She was pretty."

He turned to see a sullen David approaching, no happier with the flirting than the girl's parents.

"You jealous, Davy?"

"Wouldn't you be if I were flirting with another woman?"

"Come on, you know me. I don't have any interest in her. Now Mitch is another story," he said, refering to one of the younger men in the show who had come onto Jack on more than one occasion.

David rolled his eyes. "Yeah, well I don't think he'll be trying to dance with you anytime soon. He fell down the stairs backstage and I think he has a broken leg. I'm waiting for someone to come pick him up and get him to the hospital."

"You push him?"

"Of course not. Even though I've wanted to a couple of times," David muttered. "He was trying to show off and he slipped."

Jack was certain he heard David add, "Serves him right" under his breath.

"I figured some alcohol might help numb the pain," he said, grabbing one of the spirits from behind the bar. "Or at least he'll pass out and stop wailing."

"Take the gin," Jack suggested. "That'll knock him out in no time."

"Thanks." He reached for the bottle, but Jack pulled it back, out of his grasp.

"What? Don't I get a good luck kiss tonight?"

"You don't need luck; you're the bartender."

"Aw, you're hurting my feelings."

"Jack, I've got to get back to my patient."

"He can deal for another minute, Davy."

A small smile crept over David's face. "Well, I guess that's true. But are you sure you want to do it out here in the open? What if someone sees us?"

Jack didnt' answer. He leaned in, capturing David's lips with his own. David was more than happy to return the favor.

When they broke apart, Jack was all smiles. "Worth the risk," he said.

It had been three months since their chance encounter on the train, since they had rekindled their friendship and had discovered the romance that almost never was. They had managed to settle down nicely in the new town. David had found them an apartment near the theater and had set up his office in town, providing general care to all, as well as serving as on-site medic for the theater. He had also called his parents to tell them of his move. Whether or not he had told them everything, Jack didn't know.

Denton had returned to New York to finish his story, proudly send them a copy to read for themselves. Even a couple of the other newsies had sent messages, hoping they could make the trip to visit them sometime.

Medda, in the meantime, had remained true to her word, buying the Jewel Theater and renovating it into a theater like no other in the state. She had gracefully fazed herself out of the performances, leaving the boys to enjoy the spotlight. While the marquee still proclaimed her as part of the act, she remained mostly offstage, only performing a single song now and then. She seemed much happier to be on the other side of the business these days.

"Did you ever think you'd be here?" Jack asked.

"Be where?"

"In a Las Vegas theater kissing me?"

"I have to admit, the idea never crossed my mind until recently."

"Yeah, me neither." He ran a finger along David's cheek. "I thought I'd lost you all those years ago."

"Me too, Jack."

He pulled David against him, resting his head atop David's "I guess I just had to put my faith that destiny would make it right."

The past had caught up with them at last. And neither would have had it any other way.

AN: And that's the end! Thanks for sticking with me!