You Okay?- David Jacobs

Hello!!!! Love your work :)

If you're still looking for prompts, may I suggest a neurodivergent Davey Jacobs just having a hard day (Maybe overstimulation of something of the like?) and his friends helping him out?

Anyway, I hope you have a wonderful day and know that you are very much appreciated!!! (Also don't forget to drink some water/eat/take care of yourself <3 <3 <3)

You Okay?- David Jacobs

(Note: thank you so much to whoever asked me to write this! I really love writing things that people request, so if you’d like to see me write something, just ask! Also, a quick note- I have never been diagnosed with autism, but I do experience issues with sensory things such as light, touch, and sound. Please let me know if I miswrote anything- I’d be happy to fix any inaccuracies or problems! Enjoy!)

Jack’s eyes searched the crowd, scanning each little group of people for a single face. Everyone was laughing and joking, simply basking in each other’s company- but there was one thing missing.

“Heya, Jack,” Race piped up from behind him, slipping an arm around his and taking the unlit cigar out of his mouth. “Where’s Dave?”

“That’s what I’m tryin’ to find out,” Jack replied, squinting and trying to catch a glimpse of Davey’s familiar form. No luck. “Has anyone seen ‘im?”

“Albert said he left to go somewhere a few minutes ago.” Race unhooked his arm from Jack’s elbow and shrugged. “I just thought he was goin’ to catch some fresh air or something, but he hasn’t come back.”

“Hm.” Jack wiped some sweat from his brow- the July air was sure getting to him. “Which direction did ‘e head off to?”

Race pointed to his left, where a small alcove led to the fire escape. Thanking his friend and setting off to find Davey, Jack felt a small tinge of worry worm its way into his mind. What’s keeping him so long?

As he peeked around the corner, Jack’s eyes landed on some kid huddled near the wall, staring into empty space. The boy’s vest was undone and laying next to him, and his eyes were rimmed with red.

“Dave?” Jack asked timidly, taking a step towards him. “You okay?”

Davey looked up, his eyes widening at the sight of his friend. “Oh, yeah, I… crap, sorry,” he stuttered out, grabbing the article of clothing next to him and ignoring Jack’s awkward smile as he sat down. “What do you need?”

“Just wanted to make sure you’re alright.” Jack tilted his head, and Davey glanced away, refusing to meet his eyes. “Are you?”

“Yeah, yeah. It was just…” Davey paused. “I needed some fresh air.”

“That’s what Racer figured was goin’ on.” Awkward silence filled the air for a short while, and then Jack coughed to clear his throat. “I know you get a bit, I dunno, overwhelmed sometimes- was that what happened?”

Davey took a breath, still not looking Jack in the eye. “Yeah.” He smiled sadly, his fingernail scratching at the dirt beneath them. “It’s always been like this, I guess. It all gets too much- like my brain can’t take anything more or it’ll explode.” He chuckled, but the sound of it wasn’t humorous. “Isn’t that a funny thought?”

“Mhm, sure.” Jack went to tousle Davey’s hair, and then paused. “Is it okay if I touch you?”

Davey’s eyes spelled hesitation, and he chewed on his lip. Jack took this as a no, and he settled for merely smiling at his friend. “Don’t worry about it, Dave,” he smiled. “Just tell me when you need a break, m’kay? I’ll make sure the guys don’t bother you.”

There was a moment’s silence before Davey’s mouth turned up in a small smile, and he nodded. “Thanks, Jackie,” he muttered back, turning to face the wall again. Jack waited half a beat before standing up again, giving a small wave before going back to join the others.

Davey watched him go, and he almost wanted to cry- he’d never expected anyone, especially not a group as rambunctious and loud as the newsies, to understand what he went through. He couldn’t help but smile as he leaned against the wall, his fingers tapping a steady rhythm against his arm, closing his eyes and basking in the warmth of the summer evening.