cliche {Johnny Cade}

i.

"Shut up! This is why we hate you!" Johnny runs out of his house the same time Dally and I were walking to Pony's.

"Hey Dally, hey Vi." Johnny mumbles, his hands stuffed in his pockets. I sigh and look back at his house, where the screaming was still going on. The boy didn't deserve that kind of life, and he definitely deserves love from everyone.

Johnny is the kindest person I know. A selfless, adorable puppy that's been hit too many times. I used to count when I was little, and the usual day ended with five new bruises. My mom wouldn't let him stay with us, and neither would her secret lover. So, I would run to the other side of town every morning to wait for Johnny.

"Hey kiddo," Dallas rubs his hair, causing Johnny to groan and me to laugh. The rest of the time we walked, we didn't say anything. Johnny's parents were still screaming, but it's getting quieter with each step.

"There they are!" Steve says from the ground, making me roll my eyes and step over him. Johnny does the same and sits next to me, while Dallas goes into the kitchen. Pony was probably doing his hair, and Soda was probably getting ready for work, which isn't a surprise.

"Breakfast is ready." Darry calls out from the kitchen, Steve getting up and running. Johnny shifts next to me, sighing and shifting again. I glance over at the fidgeting boy, raising my eyebrows as he sighs again.

"Are you okay?"

"Yeah. I want to eat but I know Two is gonna steal my spot." He says and I laugh, shaking my head.

"Dude, just go eat." Johnny gets up and walks into the kitchen, Two running in and sitting next to me.

"So how's my favorite couple going?" He raises his eyebrows and I roll my eyes, trying to hide the blush on my cheeks.

Long story short, I like Johnny. It was pretty obvious, so of course Two-bit caught on and now makes fun of my every move. Every single chance he gets, he makes fun of Johnny and I.

"Will you shut your trap, two?"

"You're blushing,"

"And you're very unintelligent, so we both know things." I roll my eyes as Two-Bit places his hands on his heart.

"Rude. Anyway, you are so in love with him,"

"With who?" The whole gang decides to show up, obviously eavesdropping.

"Uh, um, Dally. Yup, I'm in love with Dally," I cringe, everyone raising their eyebrows at me. Dallas scoffs and Two-bit just looks confused, making me cringe more.

"Really?" Pony laughs, Dallas holding his fist up to hit Pony.

"Uh, yeah. Of course, I mean who wouldn't?" I chuckle awkwardly, everyone still looking confused.

"Alright, well,"

"It's about time, babe. Always knew it. We're going out, don't wait up." Dallas grabs my arm and winks at everyone, my eyes widen and going to Two-Bit. He looked just as scared as me, but his eyes were flickering from me to Johnny.

--

"That was so funny," Dallas says as he lights his cigarette, making me roll my eyes.

"It's not funny, I was suffering and now everyone thinks I'm in love with you." I groan, taking the cigarette from his mouth and stomping it out.

"You aren't? I'm offended,"

"Dal, this is serious. How am I gonna tell Johnny I was talking about him, not you?"

"I think he'll understand. Remember that one time he was talking 'bout some broad on the street?" He lights another one and I nod, "all you. He always talks about you. Plus, he's known you for sixteen years, I think he should know when you're lying."

"They think we're on a date right now," I laugh, trying to take his cancer stick but he moves so I can't.

"Wanna make it a date?"

"What?" He rolls his eyes and moves his cigarette with his tongue, the cigarette waving back and forth between his teeth.

"Come on, not like that. Wouldn't do that to the poor kid. But, I do want food, so yeah. A date."

--

"We're back."

"How was the date?" Pony raises his eyebrows at me. I shrug and look for Dally, thinking he was by me, when really, he was already out the gate.

"It was with Dallas Winston, how do you think it went?" I shrug and sit on the couch, looking at the clock. It was only eight pm, but if I wanted to get home without dying, I should probably leave soon.

"Great." Pony laughs, making me roll my eyes for the hundredth time today. Pony knew too, but I made him swear that he wouldn't tell.

"Anybody catch onto it?"

"Johnny was a bit skeptical, but other than that I think you're good."

"Cool, I gotta get going Pony." Pony stands up and shakes his head, making sure I knew he was walking me home.

"Check on Johnny for me, okay?" I whisper as we get to my house, making sure my mom wasn't in the windows. Pony nods, turning to leave. "Stay safe, Pony."

"I will Violet, don't worry,"

----

this is so bad i'm so sorry I promise it will be better in the next chapter.