The Right Words (Davey x Reader)
W/C: 1261
@musi-xals requested some Davey but I needed a soulmate AU so HEERE YOU GO
Dedicated to Kelly, @earlyjunes, @sincerlyyme, and the rest of my Davey lovers out there!!
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As a Newsie, former student, and avid reader, Davey Jacobs knew just how important the right words were. He understood that words held the key to things like a sharp mind and a happy heart.
Despite this, he always found himself boggled and frustrated by the single word on his wrist: your name.
It was bold, typewriter font. It reminded him of a headline, the headline of the most interesting and intricate story. He liked to think that he’d sell fresh out of that story, even if he bought every issue himself just to read about you again. Davey liked to trace the familiar letters with his finger under the dinner table, or sing your name under his breath as he stood on the street selling newspapers.He imagined doing things that he’d read young men do in novels. He wanted to buy you flowers, and take you out dancing, and take you by the waist and kiss you softly.
Only if you liked that kind of thing, though.
————-
“Please, [name]. Just go buy the bread and then you can come right home and plop back into your chair. It would be a big help,” your mother begged. With a nod, you headed out with your novel under your arm- leaving the house without a good book was almost taboo, in your eyes.
It was nice outside, and not too busy on the street. You enjoyed the quiet as opposed to the usual bustling city sounds.
“You know, I really do hope you like to read, David,” you smiled to yourself, peering at your wrist as you opened to a random page. “It would be an absolute shame if you didn’t.” You giggled. You liked to imagine what your soulmate was like. Did he like picnics? Was he tall? How did he feel about eggnog? Was he a cat or a dog person?
Your mind was clouded with such thoughts as you walked along the sidewalk and read. Your parents scolded you for such a thing, but you knew you had it under control.
“Miss, watch out!” A young man warned suddenly, and you looked up at him. Time seemed to slow as you met his eyes before shutting your own, feeling yourself fall before coming to an abrupt stop.
“I’ve got you, miss. You can open your eyes.” The boy stood you upright, keeping his hand on your back.
You opened your eyes slowly, and he gave you two thumbs up. His eyes were soft and brown, warm and inviting. You could have gotten lost in them easily.
“Oh, Pride and Prejudice, huh?” He read the cover as he picked up your book and his newspapers, which he’d dropped as he went to catch you. “It’s quite the read,” he rubbed the back of his neck with an eager nod.
“Quite,” you repeated, happy to see someone who shared your taste in literature.
“I love novels like that. Then again, I really do enjoy an adventure from right here in New York. I guess it always has been the place where dreams come true, don’t you think, miss?” He took a solemn glance at the newspapers in his hand before shoving them in his bag.
“For some people, I guess. And please, call me [name],” you insisted.
The boy’s heart fluttered. That name. It sounded so much prettier rolling off of your tongue than any of the million times he’d sounded it out himself. Like an angel choir or a piano in a foyer.
But how was Davey to know that you were his soulmate? Anyone on the street could have that name, hypothetically speaking. Maybe the statistics didn’t make it extremely probable, but he knew it was possible. “I’m Davey,” he tipped his cap, studying your face for a reaction. You simply nodded, repeating the name in your head. It was close. So, so close.
“Nice to meet you, Davey,” you smiled politely.
The two of you stood in silence for a second, but as Davey went to fill it, he was interrupted by a small boy that had come running up to him.
“I’ve just sold my last pape!” He beamed.
“Its been a rough day, Les. I’ve still got four left.” Davey frowned, obviously discouraged by the fact.
“I’ve got it, big bro,” Les reassured, digging into his bag with a toothy grin and a wave before scurrying off.
“What a cutie!” You giggled, watching him fake pout at a man.
“Try living with him,” Davey chuckled. “Now, I should be getting home. Les works quick,” he started rummaging through his bag, pulling out a little book. “Try this,” he smiled.
You turned it over in your hands. It was The Count of Monte Christo.
“Wow… thank you. How will I return it to you?”
“I’m out here selling papers each and every day. Shouldn’t be that difficult. I’ve also got friends all over these streets. Just ask around for Davey Jacobs,” he nodded with a warm smile.
“Then I’ll see you around, Davey Jacobs.”
“It was nice meeting you, [name]”
———————–
You’d gotten the bread, and were comfortably curled up in your favorite chair. As Pride and Prejudice came to an end, you couldn’t help but glance at the book still sticking out of your bag. An amused smile graced your lips as you picked it up, fingers dancing along the spine. It was clear to see that Davey kept his books in a good condition, as they should be. You knew he’d make a great soulmate to some beautiful girl someday. He just wasn’t yours, it seemed.
You opened it to the inside cover, and you could have sworn your breath hitched. In the top left corner, it was neatly written in beautiful cursive.
David Jacobs
You let that sink in, trying to interpret what it meant. David was a common name. If you were his soulmate, wouldn’t he have said something when you introduced yourself? It just didn’t add up. And yet, you felt it. You felt the need to go see him. To hold him. To love him. You began formulating a plan to see him tomorrow, and the image of his gentle eyes and kind smile were burned into your busy mind.
The next morning, you set out on the streets of New York. You really didn’t think it would be as easy as it was, but there he stood on the street corner, fidgeting as he tried to sell the stack of newspapers in his arms.
“Could I have a paper?” You giggled, holding out a dime.
“[Name],” Davey gaped. His heart felt warm, and it showed. “You finished already?” He tilted his head in admiration. He was head over heels for you, and was set on you being his for the rest of time.
“Much better. I’ve got you a headline, it’ll sell those papers like hotcakes.” You took a step closer, making the boy confused. “This just in: David Jacobs unites with his soulmate, and they live happily ever after!” you gush, pulling up your sleeve and holding it out for him to see.
Davey binked once. Twice.
“Can I kiss you, miss?” He bit his lip, shifting a little.
You nodded, and next thing you knew, his soft lips touched yours. He held you gently, newspapers still in his arms, and he was more gentle than a feather on a blanket.
“This….I think this is my new favorite story,” Davey caught his breath, kissing his name on your wrist.
