Fold (Dallypop)

⚠️Chapter Five: Snuggly Duckling

⚠️ Attention: This chapter contains homophobia and usage of the f- slur. Don't continue if you're uncomfortable with this.

(Dallas' POV)

I stumbled through the darkness, the whiskey still warm in my veins, my mind buzzing with thoughts of nothing and everything. The night air was crisp, cutting through the haze in my head as I made my way to the Curtis household. Sodapop's place always had a comforting warmth to it, something I desperately needed that night.

As I pushed open the creaky door, the scent of home hit me—familiar and inviting. The lights were dim, casting a soft glow over the worn-out furniture, and the only sound was the gentle hum of the refrigerator. Soda's room was at the end of the hallway, a beacon of solace in the quietude of the night.

I found him sprawled out on his bed, his tousled hair catching the faint glow of the moon streaming through the window. The sight of him brought a rare softness to my hardened heart. He was the only one who could do that to me.

"Hey there, little duckling," I whispered, my voice hoarse from the whiskey but laced with an joking tone. "Mind if I join you?"

'Where the hell did that come from? How hammered was I?'

Soda stirred, his eyes fluttering open for a moment before recognition set in. "Dally? What are you doing here? It's the middle of the night."

I shrugged, a crooked grin playing on my lips. "Couldn't sleep. Thought I'd come bother you for a bit."

"Pony's gonna be back soon. Where he gonna sleep?" Soda asked with a tired girn.

He didn't seem to bother that I was standing (somewhat) in his room, in the middle of the night. Soda didn't realize I'd called him 'little duckling' either. Or he did notice and wasn't saying anything, or he was deaf. Soda was like that sometimes.

"He can take the couch..." I mumbled slurring my words a bit.

He chuckled, shifting to make room for me on the bed. "Alright, Dally. You always find your way here anyway."

I slipped under the covers, the warmth of the blankets a welcome embrace against the chill of the night. The scent of Sodapop surrounded me, a mixture of his cologne and the detergent he used. It was intoxicating in its own right, a scent that spoke of familiarity and safety.

"Jus' stay in you're own side..." Soda mumbled with a yawn.

We lay there in companionable silence for a while, the weight of the night pressing down on us. But somehow, with Soda beside me, it felt lighter, bearable even. The shared quietness spoke volumes, words unnecessary in our brotherhood.

"You know, Soda," I murmured, my words slurring slightly, the vulnerability of the moment making its way to the surface, "you're the closest thing to family I got."

He turned to me then, his eyes soft with understanding, the moonlight casting shadows on his features. "Same goes for you, Dally. The whole gang. We're all we got."

And in that moment, with the darkness embracing us and the world outside forgotten, I felt a warmth I hadn't known in years. It was the warmth of belonging, of being accepted despite everything. Soda's presence was a balm to my troubles.

With Sodapop by my side, I closed my eyes, allowing sleep to claim me. For in that fleeting moment, I was home, finding solace in the company of my makeshift family.

***

It was near sunrise when I woke up. I felt something pushing against me... something warm. I lifted my head to find Soda's chest pressed up against my back with his arm wrapped around me. (Uhm. The fuck.)

"Soda." I grumbled as I nudged him with my elbow.

That only made him grab on to me tighter. When I felt his hand rest on my stomach I felt hot. No.

'I'm not gay. Nope, not a fag. Is he a fag? I guess that'd be better for me- NO. I'm. Not. Gay.'

I immediately got out of the bed ripping myself away from Soda's arm. Soda whined, his eyes still closed. He started reaching around looking for me. I put a hand on his shoulder and tried to shake him awake.

Holy shit, he was freezing. How can someone be that cold under blankets?

"Wake up, Soda." I pushed him lightly.

Nothing.

I sighed in annoyance. I unzipped my jacket and took it off. I crouched down and I placed it around Soda. It has wool lining so hopefully it would keep him warm. I ran a hand through his blonde hair.

"Damnit... why do you have to be so cute?" I groaned.

I stood up and darted for the door. I didn't want to be here anymore. I made my way through the house, skipping the squeaky floorboards that Pony told me about years ago (he's a useful little brat).

Speaking of little brats named Pony, he was passed out on the couch. I crept over to him and pressed my fingers on his nose.

He started coughing and woke up instantly. I laughed quietly and ran out of the door. It slammed behind me as I ran out into the street.

(Yes, I made a Tangled reference, sue me. >:} pls don't sue me, I'm broke.)