#kavid

Reasons Why David Jacobs is a Simp [1]

Character 1: Davey is a brand new newsie and the accidental creator of the newsboy union. Although shy and reserved, he can be brave and inspiring when he needs to be.

Character 2: Katherine is the daughter of one of the richest men in America, though she wants nothing to do with him. She is witty and smart, but deeply insecure about her place in the world.

All About It:

Davey and Katherine start off on the wrong foot. When they first meet, Kath (accidentally or out of naivety, but still) insults the newsies, calling them “a ragtag gang of ragamuffins” and “a gang of kids who haven’t got a nickel to their name”. (Newsies Live script, page 33) She also is rude to Jack, choosing to sass him rather than answer his questions. (Newsies Live script, pages 33, 34) Davey, obviously, does not take too kindly to this richly dressed and patronizing woman talking down to his new friends. He retaliates by saying that they’ll “save any exclusive for a real reporter”, which Katherine probably interpreted as him thinking she couldn’t be a reporter because she’s a girl. (Newsies Live script, page 34) Its safe to say that the two don’t have high opinions of each other by the end of their first meeting. @oldsiebutanewsie has a post on this that I drew inspiration from (post).

However, Davey comes to respect Kath. The next time Kath sees Davey, she has fixed her language problem. She refers to them as “gentlemen” and tells them “you got yourselves in the pape”. (Newsies Live script, page 47) This change of tone doubtless goes a long way to repair their bad start, as Davey calls her “the star reporter” during King of New York (Newsies Live script, page 49) and encourages her to dance with the rest of the newsies. (The 6th Picture) Later, they appear to be working together, as they go to find Jack and convince him to stick with the strike together. (Newsies Live script, pages 54, 55)

Davey and Kath are physically affectionate with each other. They are often standing or sitting very close to each other, and they link arms to dance during King of New York even when it would make more sense for Race to be next to Katherine. They even hold hands during King of New York and Watch What Happens Reprise. (Photoset courtesy of @im-alone-but-i-aint-lonely)

Will it Ship?

YES! Not only do they have a generally positive relationship, but Davey and Katherine have a lot in common (both being intellectuals in their group and choosing to do something their parents might not want). Katherine even appears to be friends with Les, which Davey would probably find reassuring.