The Outsiders: Dar-Bit

The Handyman

Ms. Mathews asks Darrel if he can fix their electricity problem, to which he agrees to do so. However, there is another problem he needs to fix: his needy boyfriend.

-

The Curtis brothers were thankful for the weekend. Bombarded with work, cars, and exams, the three men were in desperate need of a break. Ponyboy used his break as a moment to catch up on the new books he got for Christmas, Sodapop decided to hang out with Steve at his place, and Darrel remained in his bed, trying to catch up on some sleep.

There was a sudden knock on the door, waking the brunet up. He slowly got out of bed, stretching out his back. He left his room, watching Ponyboy sprint to the door. The youngest Curtis opened the screen door, revealing Two-Bit's mother.

"Oh, Ms. Mathews!" Ponyboy exclaimed, "How are you?"
"I'm good, honey," she said with a smile, "Look at you getting all tall, my goodness."

Darrel made his way over to the door, rubbing his eyes.

"Hi, Darry," Ms. Mathews greeted the oldest Curtis.

"Afternoon, Ms. Mathews," Darrel said tiredly, "What's going on?"

"Well, I was wondering if you could do me a favor," she started, "I think there's something wrong with my fuse box and there's no electricity. I was wondering if you could fix it."

"Of course, ma'am," the older man said, "Lemme just shower and get dressed and I'll be on my way."

"Oh, thank you, honey," Ms. Mathews said out of relief, "I'll wait for you here, if that's okay."

-

Ms. Mathews and Darrel started walking over to the woman's house, trying to avoid the mountains of snow created by the passing storm last week.

"I promise I'll pay you," Ms. Mathews chirped excitedly.

"Please, ma'am," Darrel laughed, his condensed breath making itself present, "No need to pay me. You're like family."

"Such a sweet young man," Ms. Mathews fixed her hat as she spoke, "Two-Bit's so lucky to have someone like you."

Darrel's face and neck grew red, the brunet hiding his face in his scarf.

"Y'know, every time he comes home, he's always going on and on about you," Ms. Mathews continued talking, wanting to see how red the brunet could get.

"I-I hope it's all good stuff, ma'am," Darrel spoke into his scarf.

"Of course it is. My goodness, that boy loves you," Ms. Mathews reminisced, "The other day, he told me how he made macaroni and cheese for everyone. I never would've thought he would do such a thing. But he then said that you were late and he didn't want you to stress out over dinner."

"Ah, yeah," Darrel snorted, "He's been super helpful."

"As he should be. Darrel Curtis, you bring out the best in him, and I can't thank you enough for doing that," Ms. Mathews patted Darrel's back lovingly.

Darrel smiled underneath his scarf.

-

The two arrived at the Mathews household, the brunet's eyebrows raising at the sound of laughter.

"Two-Bit and Katie are in the back playing," Ms. Mathews informed him, holding the door for him. Darrel nodded, making sure the door was closed all the way. He took off his winter garments and boots, sighing from the heat accumulating in the house.