Ghost Of You // Jally

Petal

TW: Blood, injury and beatings. Signs of sexual assault.

The next few weeks passed by blissfully, though their relationship took a large jump at the beginning, the two were going at a steady pace. For the first time in years, Johnny felt like he belonged in this world. All the beatings, tears, and loss, finally stopped, he could almost forget what life was like before this.

For Dallas, the relationship provided both stress and peace, it all just depended on how he was feeling. Most days, he could spend all day with Johnny and never get tired. Johnny was everything to Dally, but other days, Dallas felt seconds away from breaking down. Paranoia had entered Dally's mind, and it haunted him for days on end. He felt obliged to protect Johnny with his entire life, which applied prior to confessing his love, but it only felt more enforced now. Dallas was going to only hold himself responsible for anything that could happen to Johnny. Not to mention having to keep everything a secret, of course Ponyboy knew, he was their best friend. But no one was to know, if it ever came out, or the wrong person were to find out, all their lives could be at stake. 

These thoughts often tortured Dallas Winston, he was fine with being hurt, but not Ponyboy, especially not Johnny. That was the last thing he would ever want, is to hurt the ones he loved the most. These fears were sometimes all he could think about, it would make his head pound, and his heart race. Sometimes his eyes would even water, thinking the worst.

But then, Johnny would come. Johnny would join Dallas in bed, or on the couch, or even place himself in his lap if the two were alone. Johnny would wipe the tears from Dally's eyes, and give him a warm smile. Dally's heart could finally slow down. The slightest kiss or touch anywhere could help Dallas feel more grounded. His head no longer throbbed. Johnny would talk to him, sometimes Dallas could respond, other times he just listened in silence. For the first time in knowing each other, Johnny was finally taking care of Dallas. Not the other way around.

Dallas didn't have to voice his gratitude for Johnny to know he was helping. It was kind of unspoken between the two, a silent balance. Dallas pulled Johnny from a world of insecurity and depression, and Johnny eases Dally's anxiety and paranoia.

One particular night, Dallas couldn't sleep very well, whether it was Johnny overheating him, or just not burning enough energy throughout the day, he couldn't take it anymore. He kissed Johnny's jawline before slipping out of bed. Johnny mumbled something incoherently and turned on his side.

"Shh, shh," Dallas whispered, stroking his arm. "I'll be back in a little bit, okay?" Johnny seemingly processes this information, and pulls the blanket further up his chin.

"Okay Dally," He mumbles back, his eyes were still closed. Dallas grins and tucks Johnny into bed, as soon as he stepped away, he saw that Johnny had entered a deep sleep again.

Dallas pulled on his jeans and a loose t-shirt, along with his sneakers and denim jacket. He kissed Johnny's head once more before leaving his room and Buck's place, thinking a walk would tire him out.

With no clear idea of where to go, Dallas decided to take a walk to the Curtis house, he was hoping one of the boys was still awake to annoy. He eventually approached the house but was confused at the sight. It was pretty late into the evening, but Darry's truck wasn't there, and all the lights were still on. As he reached even closer to the house, he heard screaming coming from the living room. 

That was weird, as angry as Darry got, he never...screamed. He'd holler and raise his voice, but whoever was inside was screaming bloody murder. Dallas got increasingly worried but that's when the front door flew open, and...Steve? 

"Hey! Hey!" Dallas yelled running towards the house. "Steve man! What's going on?!" Steve ignored him and ran straight to his car, quickly getting in and driving off.