✓ | falling ➝ j. cade

xx. release all hell

❝YOU'RE WANTING TO HAUNT ME, BUT THAT WON'T WORK ANYMORE.❞
− DARREN CRISS, FIGHTER

×

Theodosia and Johnny loved each other. Theodosia Mickelson and Johnny Cade loved each other. The words rang in the girls ears for weeks after they were said. She had felt like her feet weren't actually touching the ground as she walked. It was like she was just completely aloof for the weeks following.

It was the middle of February when life decided it was time for Theodosia to come down.

The day itself had been good, better than normal. Bailey was less irritable, and James stayed off her case. Theodosia even found time to briefly spend with Johnny and the gang. For the first time in a long time, the redhead felt like she was actually apart of something. The gang had finally accepted her as one of their own, even Dallas. She figured they had finally trusted her to be with Johnny and be good to him.

Walking in the direction of Brown's Record Shop, Theodosia was alone. Johnny had a test to retake for one of his teachers after class. She had offered to stay and wait for him, but Johnny insisted that she go on without him. So, as a constellation, the Greaser had given the girl his jean jacket to wear. Theodosia knew it was just a ploy to have a reason to stop by her house later, not that she was complaining (hence why she played along).

But, before Theodosia could even find Brown's Record Shop in her view to check in with Mr. Brown, a pair of hands grabbed the girl by her shoulders.

"Hey there, Theodosia," Whispered a voice that made the girl's skin crawl.

Theodosia tried to wring herself from his grip, growling,"Markus."

Turning to face the boy, Theodosia scowled and crossed her arms over her chest.

"So you are sleeping with that Greaser, huh?" Markus wickedly grinned, grabbing the end of Johnny's jacket. Instinctively, Theodosia smacked his hand away. She didn't want to get any of Markus' scum all over it.

"You're a pig. Sex is all you think about!" Theodosia retorted appalled.

"Shh," Markus feigned concern,"wouldn't want all the elders hearin' you say that dirty word."

Theodosia rolled her eyes, exasperated."What? Sex? Big deal!"

"Well, if you keep sayin' it, people may think you're that kind of girl. You know, a slut. The good girls don't dare say the 'S' word."

"That's utterly ridiculous."

Markus laughed in response."Of course you think it is. Only sluts think that, and we both know you are. You wanted me that night, and you know it."

Theodosia slapped the boy, only momentarily stunning him. When it recovered only a few seconds later, Markus pushed Theodosia up against tje nearest building. He made sure to push his full weight against her as he pinned her fists to the wall. She was utterly defenseless right then.

"What?" Markus whispered."Couldn't get another high class lover like me? Hmm? Is that why you stooped as low as criminals?"

"Johnny's not a criminal!" Theodosia argued back.

Markus laughed again.

"So he's good," Markus decided, nodding his head to himself."Can he make you scream?"

Theodosia began to struggle against Markus' grip. She wanted that particular conversation to be over.

"Asshole," Theodosia hissed.

Markus opened his mouth to speak but was cut off by two unlikely heroes: Sodapop Curtis and Steve Randle.

"You need some help, 'Dosia?" Soda hollered before the pair took off in a dead sprint towards the girl.

This display made Markus release his grip on Theodosia just enough so she could wring her way out of it before he could stop her. So, she sprinted towards Sodapop and Steve. When they were close enough, the two pushed the girl behind them.

"Leave 'er alone," Steve growled,"or me and my buddy'll make ya."

"I'm nor scared of a couple Greasers," Markus scoffed."I can take you both."

Theodosia watched in horror as she watched all three square up to fight, but their actions were halted.

"You buggin' my friends?"

Theodosia had never been so grateful for Dallas Winston.

"Nah, nah," Markus backpedaled.

"Then go," Dallas said simply,"or I'll make you myself."

With that, Markus turned wordlessly and walked away from the four.

Before Theodosia could get out a 'thank you' to the three, Dallas spoke,"Where's Johnny?"

"He had to retake a test for one of his teachers. He insisted that I go ahead," Theodosia explained.

Dallas didn't respond; he simply pulled out a cigarette and lit it up.

Soda rested a hand on Theodosia's shoulder, causing her to look at the boy."You okay?"

Theodosia nodded,"Yeah, I'm good."

"Man, Johnny's gonna be real torn up about this when he hears," Dallas commented.

"Yeah, he is," Theodosia agreed quietly.

"C'mon," Soda said gently,"let's go back to my house."

___

"I shouldn'ta made you go. I'm sorry," Johnny apologized for the hundredth time that evening as the pair was sat near the sofa in the Curtis household.

Theodosia intertwined their fingers and spoke gently,"It's okay. You didn't know. I'm okay."

Johnny frowned,"I know, I know. I jus'... feel bad."

"Don't. It's all okay. I'm okay," Theodosia rested her forehead on Johnny's."I love you."

"I love you, too," Johnny sighed, shutting his eyes.