Hello Young Lover

A Fighter and a Thief

"Suspended on your second day of school," Two-Bit laughed. "Well, this is a first. Now I can confidently say that we're definitely related."

"You've made quiet an impression on Tulsa," Steve nudged her shoulder.

"Shut up," she groaned, burying her face into her hands. They were all sitting in the Curtis' living room, discussing the afternoons events. Everyone except Dally and Darry. Darry was at work, and Dallas was at Bucks, and would be coming by later. When she first walked in, a panic overtook her when she didn't see Dally, fearing something happened after last night. She didn't know why she was so worried about him. He only brought trouble. Silently, she realized she was grateful for him sticking up for her last night, but would never bring herself to admit it.

"How long are you out for?" Soda asked, looking at the girl, concerned but amused.

"Till next Monday. I guess I should be lucky I'm not expelled."

"Well it's bullshit man," Johnny piped up. They looked at him, surprised. "It is. He started it. He's not in trouble cause he's rich. Parents give money to the school. I'm surprised his father didn't press charges on old Dal." They were quiet for a moment, realizing that Johnny was probably right.

"Did you tell your mom yet?" Ponyboy asked.

"Don't remind me," Y/N looked at him grimly. "I haven't even talked to her since we got here. I don't know how I'm gonna break it to her."

"C'mon, she knows what your'e like. She'll get it's not your fault," consoled Soda. He remembered Ponyboy's advice from the night before. About getting to know her. He had no idea how to go about it. He wanted to find an opportunity alone, but whenever he hung out with her, so did the guys. Ponyboy had the same thing on his mind. How to get her attention first.

"Hey, Y/N, wanna get a drink with me from the kitchen?" Soda asked awkwardly. Pony grinded his teeth in frustration.

"Yeah sure, you guys need anything?" They shook their heads and she followed the middle Curtis brother into the kitchen.

Soda leaned into a cooler and threw her a bottle of coke. She grabbed it, and opened it against the counter, leaning the bottle back and taking a sip.

"I'm really sorry that happened to you today," he said softly.

Y/N looked up, shocked. "Don't be, I've been meaning to apologize for last night all day. I can't believe that happened. I should've just listened to Two."

"Are you crazy? How were you supposed to know. It's not your fault. I just wish I was there today," He pulled her into a hug, and she stood, comforted by him, his smell and warmth. His cologne wasn't dense and strong like the Socs, but softer, like cinnamon and fresh laundry. He pulled back reluctantly.

"I have a question," he asked seriously.

"Shoot."

Soda hesitated, taking a deep breath. "What's your favourite colour?" The boy broke into a toothy grin, and she laughed.

"Hm, that's hard," she smiled, "but I'd have to say green. Like a pine colour. What about you?"

"Red," he chuckled. "I didn't give the shade much thought though."

"Red's good."

They looked at each other for a while, smiling stupidly. He leaned in closer. "But I do have a serious question."

"What's my favourite food?"

"Don't you think that's being forward? I'm a gentleman," Soda chuckled.

"What is it then?"

The door slammed shut, making them both jump, and turn. Dally was in the doorway, a beer in his hand. He had on a brown coat, and his hair was slightly pushed back. He smiled at everyone, before his eyes narrowed on the girl. "Hey ya'll. Y/N, mind if I talk to you for a second?"

Y/N looked at Soda. "What was the question?"

"Don't worry about it. Go see whats up with Dallas." He leaned against the counter before watching her leave, silently kicking himself for not holding her back.

Dallas let the door fall shut behind them, before taking a seat on the porch. She followed. There was an awkward silence, the only sounds being a car breaking down and kids playing. The quiet continued for a couple more seconds before-

"I hit a Soc today."

He looked over at her, surprised. After a moment, he smirked and chuckled. "Good for you. Which one?"

"The one from last night. He started in on Johnny."

His expression was one of dark satisfaction. "What'd he look like."

"Bad. You did a number on him."

"I mean when you hit him."

"Oh. Surprised mostly. Then pissed. He would've hit me back if a teacher didn't cut in."

"Don't know why he was so surprised. You're a New York girl. What'd the school say?"

"Oh they were thrilled. Gave me no school for a week as my reward."

Dallas turned towards her, his eyebrows raised. "What, you mean they suspended you?"

"Obviously."

"Bull. You don't deserve that. They just got what they deserved. You said until next Monday?"

"Yeah."

"Well, I know a way to fill your time," he spoke, smiling coyly.

"What?"

"Go to the drive in with me. Tomorrow night."

"What're you talking about?" She laughed.

"C'mon. You owe me anyways."

"I don't owe you anything."

"It was unspoken. I risked my neck last night."

"You just wanted to hit a Soc," Y/N contradicted, rolling her eyes.

"Even so," Dally grinned, "what else do you have to fill your days, besides spending time with your mother."

Y/N hesitated. "What about Soda?"

"Hey, I don't know what you're talking about. We're just two friends hanging out. Besides, I know for a fact Soda is working late tomorrow. You wouldn't be able to do anything with him anyways."

They stared at each other for a long time. "Fine. Pick me up at my house tomorrow, and you don't need to be telling Soda about this."

"Deal," he said, as he mimicked locking his lips. Y/N got up, and turned towards the door before Dallas started speaking again. "Also," he began, "you have something of mine."

"What're you talking about?"

Dallas mimed turning on a lighter. "Oh, yeah," Y/N said, reaching into her pocket, and pulling out the lighter she took from him. She could see their distorted reflection in the plastic of the lighter, before throwing it over to him. He turned it over in his hand.

"A fighter and a thief," Dallas smirked, looking down at her.

"Shut up," she shoved him, feeling herself blush, before walking in, and sitting next to Soda, a feeling of guilt in her stomach. She looked up, and saw Dallas staring at her, quickly winking before leaning back in his chair.