Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

It was 1964 in Boston, another dreary day with gloomy clouds threatening rain. Scout was, as he always was, on the run after nicking an apple from a market stall. Surely the grocer wouldn't miss just one, right? He was hungry. Scout didn't hold it against his Ma, he knew she worked hard, and with 8 kids to look after, eventually you learn some tricks to help yourself. But he heard a shout behind him, and Scout knew it was his cue to start running. Eight brothers will prepare you for an explosive start to any challenge, Scout knew just what to do . He began sprinting along the market and alleyways he knew so well. Nobody tried to stop him, as this was just another day in the city.

Glancing over his shoulder and slowing his jog to a walk, he crunched on the apple with a hand in his pocket, trying to give off a casual nature. He looked around Boston’s numerous small, tucked away areas, not quite knowing where he ended up after his chase with the grocer. It was dusk, and bright neon bulbs were starting to flicker on, enticing people to come, sit, have a drink, and relax.
Scout’s eyes fell on a shiny sign, glowing green, aptly named The Whisper. A wooden chalkboard sign sat in front, with a beautiful drawing of a woman smiling at him. Darlene, star of this side of the city, sings tonight.

Scout felt around his pockets, and found a handful of change, a whole 50 cents, enough for the entrance fee and a small drink of something light. Having worked a couple odd jobs for weeks, he had been saving for a new baseball bat. Scout dreamed of something metal that would last longer than a crummy wooden one.

“Well, guess it wouldn’t hurt to see a little something,” he thought to himself. “Maybe just a couple of songs. I can always make some more money later” Scout sauntered in, handing his money to the disapproving doorman with a flourish, who swept it into the till and handed him a ticket, gesturing him to go inside. A jazz band serenaded the room, saxophones and the sound of french horns and pianos cloaking the room in a sensual feeling.

Scout slinked in and grabbed a seat near the back of the showroom, and waved at the waitress for a drink. The lights around him dimmed, promising the show would start soon, as a drink of fizzy water and a whisky was set in front of him.

“Thanks doll,” Scout said to the waitress, who left with a nod, allowing him a full view of the stage. The curtains rustled, then parted, and Scout immediately forgot the world around him as the most beautiful woman he had ever set eyes on stepped out. She was dressed in a long black gown that caught the light, her long brown hair twisted up into a french twist, pearls adoring her neck and ears. It was like glancing into the gates of heaven.

“Evening, ladies and gentlemen,” she spoke into the microphone in a low voice. “Thank you for joining me this evening. I’m Darlene, your entertainment tonight. Please enjoy the performance.”
God, that was the most dazzling voice that ever graced Scout’s ears. He gasped, a hand reaching to his chest, as he felt his heart miss a couple beats. Then, oh, she began to sing, and Scout was transported to a place where nothing mattered except Darlene and time stood still. She sang so sweetly, nothing else could compare to her voice. Darlene’s gaze swept the room, and landed on Scout. She gave him a little smile as she crooned the words,

“I'll make you happy, baby, just wait and see

For every kiss you give me, I'll give you three

Oh, since the day I saw you

I have been waiting for you.”

Scout felt his breath catch in his throat as he slumped, mesmerized, back into the chair.
When the music ended, Scout was stuck in his chair in shock. Who was she? How had he gone this long in his life in this city without seeing such a pretty face before? He just had to know more about her, maybe show her around town. Scout was sure he could do it. I mean c’mon, he was a star on the minor leagues baseball team. One day he would be in the big leagues, pitching for the Red Sox. That was sure to impress her right?

Scout slipped out of his seat as quietly as he could, making his way to the backstage areas. He glanced around, hoping to catch a glimpse of Darlene. There she was! He saw her just round a corner, but when he started towards her, a hand on his chest stopped him. Scout looked into the scowling face of a bodyguard, who shook his head and pointed back to the main room silently.
“C'mon man, I just wanna talk to her. You know how it is right?” Scout tried to reason. The bodyguard just raised an unimpressed eyebrow and gestured again, this time with a little shove to Scout’s shoulder.

“All right, all right I get it. No need for a fight or nothin’” He surrendered, slinking back to the main room and out the door with his hands in his pockets. He started down the street towards home. The night had really rolled in now, with only the streetlights to guide his path. “Darlene,” he thought, “what a beautiful name for a beautiful lady. Well, I’ll just have to figure out a way to see her.” He sped up to a jog, wanting to get home fast to not worry Ma too much.

He arrived home in just a little while, shouting his arrival and shoving his shoes into the overcrowded closet. Scout kissed Ma on the cheek and responded to her question about dinner with an “Eh, I”ve already eaten. Gonna head to bed, I gotta practice for the scouting event for baseball tomorrow.”

Ma let him go with a hum, already busy over the stove with tomorrow’s lunch. Scout trotted off to his shared bedroom, where the lights were out and he was surrounded by his brother’s snores. He grabbed his wooden baseball bat, worn with loving use, and flopped into the top bunk. Man, what a night.

Chapter Text

Darlene’s Diary

Hello, again Diary. Today was the same old routine. Get dressed, get on stage and sing to the crowds again and again. The manager won’t even let me suggest new songs on the setlist. But I'll tell you a secret. I saw someone today, out in the crowd. He was wearing a baseball hat. I was a little shocked, I mean really, who wears that in the Whisper? I don’t mean to speak highly of myself, but I can’t even leave the club without a headscarf and glasses so I don’t get stopped. I really should start setting aside money for an escort to and from home. I’m so worried about getting recognized. Anyways, where was I? Oh yes, he was young, and wore red, and a black hat. He had a funny expression on his face, perhaps he had too much to drink. Maybe he will come again. I need to go now, it’s time to head home and prepare for tomorrow.

Signed, Darlene.

Chapter Text

God, Scout just couldn’t stay focused! Ever since that night at the Whisper, he had been working like a dog to earn some extra cash, while at the same time attempting to act normal. Any glimpse of a black dress or a pearl earring had him snapping his neck for a glance, hoping it was Darlene.

“Oh what an angel”, he sighed again. His thoughts strayed toward the mysterious singer, her hair, her voice…

“Ack!” Scout yelped as a ball whizzed by him. It was a practice day so he didn’t have to worry so much about being focused. Still, he heard a shout of “Scout, keep your head on straight!” from his coach at the dugout.

Scout admittedly had been busy training for the upcoming baseball season. He was hoping to qualify for the big leagues, and was perfecting his pitching skills.

“Huh,” Scout thought to himself, “Wonder if she likes baseball ... .maybe I could get her down here for a game, that might impress her.” Another ball shot by him, close to his face, making him flinch.
“Ah well, best look busy for the coach.”

A few days later, Scout was still having trouble being interested in anything that wasn’t Darlene. He was jogging along the outdoor marketplace, never one to walk if he could help it, picking up veggies for his Ma’s soup tonight. He had earned a little more pocket change. Scout debated spending it at the market on some Starbursts for himself and his brothers. Nah, he thought, best to save it for my bat. He conversed with the vendor, pointing at the carrots he wanted.

“Hey man, could I get a coupla these? Thanks.”

As he stuck them into the bag on his shoulder, he heard it. That beautiful voice that captivated him. Darlene.

Scout spun on his heel, urgently looking around for her. There she was! Just walking into Meg’s diner, thanking the man holding the door for her. Scout hiked the bag further up his shoulder and pushed through the crowds, heading towards that voice. He shoved it open, his gaze sweeping the diner, looking for her.

Darlene had just taken a seat at the barstools in the corner. She had a little notebook out and was writing something down.The overhead lighting illuminated her, making her look like that night she was on the stage. Suddenly Scout felt a rush of anxiety. What could he say? How does he introduce himself?

“I’ve got this,” he told himself. “I mean, c'mon, I get all the ladies, this is no big deal.” Scout took a deep breath and walked towards Darlene. When he was close enough, he cleared his throat. Darlene glanced up at him, and he immediately forgot how to breathe again.

She was as gorgeous as that night at the Whisper, dressed in a swing dress he’s seen girls dance in and a headscarf concealing most of her face. She had the brightest red lips and mysterious eyes that looked at him curiously.

A few seconds later, he realized he had to say something. “Hey, how you doin?” Crap, that definitely wasn’t the smoothest.

Darlene smiled with trepidation and responded with, “Fine, how are you? Can I help you with anything?”

“Uh, um, well you see,” Scout floundered for anything interesting to say, “I saw you, um a while ago, at the Whisper?”

Darlene’s eyes widened, and she quickly glanced around. She grabbed Scout’s hand and tugged him down on the seat next to her.

“Shhh,” she hissed, “don’t talk about that here. How did you recognize me?”

“Well,” he stammered, stunned by her hand on his, “how could I forget a face like yours? And I heard your voice outside, and I just knew it was you.”

“Oh,” Darlene looked taken aback, and turned a little away, her hand coming up to shield her face. She cleared her throat, fiddling with the edge of her headscarf. “Well, that’s very kind of you to say. But you can’t announce this to the world. I don’t want to be recognized, it would be awful. Ladies with my kind of job aren’t very well received, if you know what I mean.”

Scout nodded, wanting to do anything to keep her talking. His hands clasped together in his lap to keep them from fidgeting. Gosh, what else should he do? Apologize?

“Uhm, sorry about that, miss. I didn’t mean no disrespect. Just wanted to see you again.” Scout shuffled in his seat, motioning to leave. “I’ll just get out of your hair now.”

“Wait,” Darlene said, grasping his hand again. “You don’t have to leave. I apologize, that was aggressive. I came here to relax and find inspiration for a new song. Here, sit, tell me how you ended up at the Whisper.”

He sat again, a little straighter now that he had Darlene’s attention. “I was on the way home from uh, baseball practice, and had some spare change. Wanted to relax a little and headed in, then, I saw you.” He lied, not wanting to admit to stealing. That wouldn’t be a good look on him, right?

“Baseball? Are you aiming for the Red Sox?”

“Yeah! I’m gonna be the best pitcher in the world, just you wait.” Scout scooted his stool a little closer, and they both leaned a little closer to each other.

They continued to share tidbits of their lives together, and time flew by. Before Scout knew it, an hour had passed. He was enraptured by her. She wasn’t just a pretty face to him anymore. Darlene was intelligent, with big dreams just like him. She had worked hard to get where she was, and lived for singing. An amazing woman who wanted to explore the city, and live a good life.

“Oh,” Scout realized, “I want to be part of that. “

Darlene glanced at the clock on the wall and gasped, “Oh my, it's getting late. I must be getting back. Thank you for chatting with me, I guess time got away from me. Goodbye now.” Darlene grabbed her purse and started to make for the door.

“Wait!” Scout exclaimed, grabbing her wrist while he was halfway out of his chair. “Um, can, can I see you again? I promise not to tell anyone, but please?”

Darlene looked back at him, her face thoughtful. After a few seconds she brought her hands to her chest.
“I suppose so. But nothing too public, you understand.”

Scout nodded briskly, promising to not tell a soul. “Lemme take you out. Just ta get to know each other a little more. Er, that is, if you want to.”

Darlene agreed, and they planned to meet under the pier at sundown in a few days. As she turned to leave, Scout noticed a blush across Darlene’s cheeks. He lost his breath again, as so often was the case nowadays. He took a moment to recover, then grabbed the bag of groceries he had meant to get home quickly with. Ah well, he sighed, I’m sure Ma will understand. Images flashed behind his eyes on his way home, images of dancing and cuddling with Darlene, and having a couple little rascals running around underfoot. He sighed wistfully, turning the corner and speeding up to jog to make it home to apologize to Ma.

Chapter Text

Hello again diary. Today was a nice day. I had the day off, so I went out to Meg’s diner. I tried to stay hidden. But something unexpected happened. That boy I saw, that night at the Whisper, he saw me and sat down at the diner with me. He recognized me, but seemed apologetic and swore he wouldn't tell anyone about my job. His name is Scout. A bit of an unusual name, but he makes up for it in his personality. I worked hard to get here, in this city, doing what I love. I can’t risk too much attention, I mean, the ladies at the court houses are making quite a ruckus, but I’m not there yet. Anyways, he’s a sweet gentleman, and plays baseball. We agreed to meet near the pier, a private place. I need to keep this job, however, so it will be our secret. Mom and Dad know this is my passion, and I can’t risk losing it. I’ll need to talk to Scout about my next singing gig in Chicago. My manager isn’t making it a big deal, but I know this is the next step in my career.

Chapter Text

Scout bounced on his heels impatiently. He had cleaned up as well as he could, and told Ma not to wait up for him. He could tell she was getting suspicious of what he was up to, staying out late and coming home with a blissed out expression on his face. But Darlene had asked to keep it a secret, so he would stay steadfast in silence.

He blamed it on the upcoming baseball season. Scout was hoping to be recruited to pitch for the Red Sox. Scout practiced day in and day out, determined to be the one to impress the recruiters and clutch a spot in the Red Sox lineup next year.

He glanced around the small shops lining the beach near the pier, where they agreed to meet. He grasped a bunch of flowers he had nicked off the ground from a flower cart.

Hope she likes crushed flowers, he thought miserably to himself. He knew there was a ‘proper’ way to do things. Girls liked flowers and stuff like that . Unfortunately Scout had blown most of his money on a new metal bat, something that would help him during recruiting season. A season that was approaching faster and faster each day.

Anyways, he knew there was an order to these things. Give her flowers, pay for the food, and listen to everything she has to say. Simple, right? Then maybe another date later. Maybe soon he could convince Darlene to join him at a game. He was sure she could stay hidden, maybe the coach would even let her sit in the dugout! No one would see her then.

His clothes, a polo shirt and jeans had been washed, and his hair fluffed up. Scout’s hat was left at home this time. His dog tags from his eldest brother, lost at war, still hung around his neck. He shuffled again, raising his head to glance around the scene, and then he saw her. Darlene was approaching, wearing a shirtwaist dress and kitten heels, a hat low on her head and a mesh thing covering part of her face.

Scout shoved off from the wall he had been leaning against, standing up at attention as she got closer.

“H-hey, Darlene,” Scout stuttered, trying for smooth but failing miserably.

Darlene looked at him with a little knowing smile on her face.

“Hello Scout,” she answered. “Beautiful night, isn’t it.”

“Uh, yeah! Just, just like you, um,”

“Oh,” Darlene said, stunned. “Well, thank you. Are those for me?” She gestured at the rumpled flowers in his hands.

“Yes! Got them uh, just for you.” Scout thrust the bouquet towards her, and she took it with a smile that once again, stopped his heart. He had just enough time to recover and jog a couple steps to her side as she turned to walk towards the small arcade at the end of the pier.

As they walked down the brightly lit boardwalk, Scout filled the silence with stories about his baseball games and brothers, while Darlene whispered about a singing deal, far away in Chicago that she was considering.

“So, y’know I’m the youngest right? Well get this, my brother Joey thinks it’s alright to steal mah Starbursts! Just cuz I don’t keep a lid on them all the time. A guy doesn’t have time to keep track of his candies! And a man shouldn't touch another man’s sweets either. It just ain’t right.”

“Yes of course, Scout. But they sound like a rowdy bunch, and you fit right in.”

“Yes ma’am I do! I gotta keep up. I’m gonna be a baseball star, jus’ you wait. I’ll be gettin home runs every game! Oh, about that. Do ya think you could come to one? A game I mean. I can totally get a ticket from my coach, it’s not a big deal.”

“Oh,” Darlene stopped with a thoughtful expression. “Perhaps, but you know we can’t be too public, remember? I have a singing deal in Chicago, and I need to keep this under wraps. Nothing against you, I’m having a great time tonight, I promise. But you understand, right Scout?”

“Yeah, yeah I get it,” Scout nodded assuredly.

Yes! He thought. I'll play the best he possibly could for her at the next game, you watch.

“Are those dog tags?” Darlene pointed to the jingling tags around his neck.

“Yeah! My oldest brother’s. He, uh, went to war, and didn’t come back.”

Scout’s hand came up to clutch the tags, metal digging into his palm. The mood turned bitter, memories of his eldest brother resurfacing and swirling in his vision.

“Oh,” Darlene breathed, her hand coming up to grasp Scout’s. “You poor thing. I’m so sorry.”

Scout shook his head. “That’s alright. He was a good guy, I mean, he used to sneak me an extra portion at dinner so I could play better the next day. My Ma took it the hardest, but we got his picture up on the wall. I’ll make him proud by being the best I can.”

He looked up and took her arm again, and led them farther down the pier.

Scout caught sight of the arcade, and a plan sprung into mind at the sight of the claw machines. He tugged Darlene over toward them, the sad mood disappearing, vibrating with excitement.

“Hey look! A claw machine. Gotta say, I’m not half bad at these. Wanna try one?”

“That’s alright, I’m terrible at them.” Darlene said. The glow of the machine illuminated her face. Scout gazed at her and was filled with determination.

“I’ll try it! For you of course. Pick one! Which one do you like the most?”

She pointed at a gumball claw machine, where the hands looked like shovels meant to scoop the balls into a little chute. Scout hurried to get some coins out of his pocket and jam them in the machine.

A couple of tries later…. “Well, uh…that was the last coin. Sorry about that.” Scout stepped back, nervous about her reaction.

“That’s alright Scout, you certainly tried your best.” Darlene stepped towards him, smiling, and looped her arm through his. “But I really did want something sweet to snack on. Let’s go try to look for some ice cream.”

Once again her arm looped through his and they walked in step farther down the pier. The cool night air brushed their ankles and swept up into their hair. The sun was making its descent towards the ocean’s end, bright stars peeking out from their hiding places in the sky.

“I’ll be honest Scout, I’m a little worried about this singing deal. Chicago is just so far away. My manager isn’t a bad guy, but I’m worried that with all the missing persons reports lately it's not safe for me.” Scout nodded seriously.

“Well, you could always hire another bodyguard. That guy that was guarding your room was pretty scary! Didn’t say a word but I knew not to mess with him.”

“Daivd? You met David? When?” Darlene asked with a raised eyebrow.

Crap. “Uhm, when, when I saw you for the first time. I tried to go backstage to see ya, nothing bad I promise! But, uh, he was there acting really scary like, and I left after that.”

“Ah, I see. Yes, he’s very protective, with the amount I pay him. Don’t worry Scout, I’m not mad. That’s why he’s there, to protect me.”

“Oh good, was worried you were gonna be. Let’s keep going, I think I see the parlor a little farther up.”

Doyle’s Ice Cream Parlor, a little white and red shack sat up ahead, situated near the water. Scout ordered a triple scoop of chocolate, bubble gum and peanut brittle while Darlene asked for a cone with mint chocolate. Scout made sure to pay for the treat.

They made their way to the edge of the pier, licking their respective treats to stop it from ruining their nice clothes. Scout plopped down and swung his legs out over the edge towards the water. Darlene folded her legs under her and sat next to him, their arms brushing.

“Well Mr. Scout, I have to say this is the best time I have had in quite a while.”

“Oh-really? Good, good, um, you’re doing great too? Um I mean,”

Darlene chuckled and scooted a little closer to him. “I really mean it. Guys in my line of work, they want things from me. I mean, I stopped going out with men, but you seem so genuine. It means a lot Scout, I really appreciate you for treating me like a person, not an idol.”

Scout was dumbfounded. Again he questioned, how could this angel of a woman be near him? How was he so lucky? He shook himself out of his stupor and answered, “Darlene, it has been my pleasure getting to know you. I mean, I’m not always the luckiest guy but I sure do feel like it tonight. You’re so easy to talk to! And you don’t insult me like the other guys on the team. I mean they’re not bad guys, that’s not what I’m saying here. Just, you are so kind, and I feel better around you.”

Darlene smiled, joy flashing in her eyes, and set her napkin down, before leaning against his shoulder and putting her head on his chest. Scout stiffened immediately. This was unexpected, but he forced himself to relax. He very casually raised his arm and placed it around Darlene’s shoulders to support her, not daring to breathe.

Just like the movies, he signed internally. Gosh, what a lucky guy I am.

She sighed, her head leaning back, and looked out at the water as the sun started to kiss the horizon.

“Thank you, Scout, for this perfect night.”

Scout swallowed around the lump in his throat and rubbed his hand on her back a little. “Yeah, yeah. No problem. I enjoyed it too.”