So what's yer name, kid? Real name, I mean--first an' last. I gotta keep accurate records or the city gets on me back, but I ain't gonna share 'em wit no one.

Nicholas Melas, though my family calls me Niko.

Ya gots a nickname? How'd ya get it?

Pie Eater. I was twelve, I got into the beer on a dare, and seems I fell asleep after eatin' a whole pie. If a bunch a' snotty kids gave you a nickname, you think it'd be a good one?

Know how old ya are? When's yer birthday? The boys all likes to chip in an' make ya feel special. By which I mean, they likes any excuse for a party.

18, born on the 1st of May.

Now describe yer appearance for me. Try an' be detailed. My mem'ry ain't what it useta be, an' if I hears about a vicious killer on the loose, I wanna be able to check my records an' make the connection.


Brown hair, brown eyes. I try to keep myself fit, otherwise it gets hard to win fights. Got a few scars from my bouts in the park, but who doesn't around here?
Got any odder job 'sides sellin' papes? Legal or illegal, I ain't gonna squeal on ya.

I take on fights in the park for extra money -- man name of Michaels arranges the ring and the bets, and I take home part of the money at the end of the day. Easy work, even if I lose.

All right, time for the big one. What kinda person are ya, kid? How d'you treat odders? How d'you treat yerself? We gets all kinds here, so be honest--I just wanna know what to expect.

That's a heavy question. A lotta people think I'm snobby, but really I just don't have much to say most times. I like to tease my friends, but I try to be around when they need me. I ain't the best guy in the world, but I'd like to think I'm decent.

Got any hobbies? Whaddaya do wit yer spare time?

Read, if somebody's got a book lyin' around. Don't have much spare time, seems like. If I'm not sellin' papes, I'm in the rings.

How 'bout vices or bad habits? Smokin', drinkin', gamblin'? I want 'cha to promise to keep 'em outside the house.

I smoke an' drink, who doesn't? Not much of a gambler, though.

Got any fam'ly or friends 'round here? Or enemies, for that matter? Tell me who ya knows in the area.

My family still lives around here -- my ma and pa run a grocery a few blocks away, and my three brothers and sister help out.

An' maybe a special someone? I got a special set o' rules when it comes to that sorta t'ing.

I don't have time for that kinda trouble. At least, nothin' serious.

Fin'ly, every boy's favorite question... *chuckles darkly* What can ya tell me 'bout yer past? Where'd ya grow up, what brought ya here, an' what happened in between?

Born and raised here, but my family's from Greece. Our house was pretty crowded, with me and my two older brothers, plus my sister and a new baby brother, so they sent me here to be a newsie. Been here ever since, but I still see my folks on occasion.

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Profile By: Kimmie

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