Disclaimer: Don't own the Newsies. Don't own the song 'I Should be Sleepin'' either. That belongs to Emerson Drive, whom I love. This is a modern-day one shot, Dutchy-fic. Happy Birthday Rosie! loves

I Should Be Sleepin'

Don't own the Newsies. Don't own the song 'I Should be Sleepin'' either. That belongs to Emerson Drive, whom I love. This is a modern-day one shot, Dutchy-fic. Happy Birthday Rosie! loves

Dutch Schyuler was not a happy camper.

He was tired, exhausted, sleep-deprived.

Of course, both these emotions only occurred at night. During the day, he was better than he'd ever been before.

But this, of course, was not the daytime. This was nighttime. It was three o'clock in the morning. And poor Dutchy couldn't sleep at all.

He dug into the cold pizza that sat on the table next to him. Screw the acne-causing grease; he was bored and hungry. There were some pretty good movies on HBO at this time of day, he'd come to realize, but was that the point? No. The point was this: he was totally fucking head-over-heels in love.

And that's why he couldn't sleep.

Not that he could do anything about that, of course. He laughed and took a drink from the warm Pepsi at his side. But this was love for you, he guessed. He'd never really been in love before.

A sound from upstairs made him jump, but he decided it was just one of his little sisters rolling over as they slept. The house was old enough to creak at such slight movement. Cha. They could be loud even when sleeping.

Dutchy smiled. He loved them anyway.

"Rick… I… I…" The actress on the TV stuttered. Dutchy rolled his eyes and drank again.

"Oh, Ricky, I love you!" he said in a high falsetto. Then he said it again, and laughed.

She'd like that. Think it was funny, she would.

Dutchy liked making her laugh.

He let out a loud yawn, not even bothering to cover it with his hand. He was alone. Who would care, right? Right? Who would care?

Dutchy leaned back in his chair, watching the movie, getting bored with it, and changing the channel. And again. And again. Maybe the movie selection this late at night wasn't as good as he'd first thought.

Her face popped into his head, and a smile drew over his face. Yup. This was nice. Much better than TV…

A scream ripped from this new actress's throat, causing Dutchy to jump, and throw his pizza box at the set in frustration. Damn these thriller flicks, damn them to hell and back!

The phone rang, and Dutchy jumped again. Shouldn't be watching the Ring. No sir. He stared at the phone for a minute, then picked it up.

"'Lo?" he said, trying to keep the shake out of his voice.

" Dutchy? Heya, guess who."

Dutchy sighed in relief, then blinked. "How'd you get my number?"

"You gave it to me, silly."

"You know what time it is, kid?"

There was a giggle. "Of course. But you're the one that picked up the phone." A comfortable sigh. "Guess you couldn't sleep either."

Dutchy refused to give her the satisfaction of knowing she was right, and stayed silent.

She laughed again. "I'm right, aren't I?" she said, her voice delighted. "Why can't you sleep?"

"I'm an insomniac. Not a maniac." he cut her off before she could even start. "That's your department."

"Only where you're involved, Dutchster."

"Don't call me that."

"Dutchmeister."

"Better." Dutchy settled into the couch, ready for a nice conversation full of playful bantering and teasing, stuff he enjoyed, although he'd never admit it.

Maybe late nights weren't so bad after all.

I should be sleepin'
Instead of keepin' these late hours
I've been keepin'
I've been pacing and retracing
Every step of every move
And even though I'm feelin' so right
I'm so happy still I know
I should be sleepin'
Instead of dreamin' about you

END

AUTHOR'S NOTE

Gah, Emerson Drive is currently my favorite band. beams They're all so cute! One looks like the three-way child of Aaron Lohr, Dee Caspary and my friend Casey. Oo And I suppose that's a good thing. Another looks like a cross between Joseph Conrad and Sean Astin. Now that is a good thing. Joseph is very cute when his hair isn't in a bowl cut.

ducks mondie's attack

Anyhoo.

Rosie, I love you darling! sends much hugs and dutchy-love Have a very happy birthday! w00t!