Late Nights (Dallyboy)

Chapter 1

Ponyboy was hunched over his books and papers, cramming for the next day. He planned to study for the exam over the weekend but had gotten caught up in some other classes.
It hurt his head as the desk lamp reflected off the pages. It was nearly midnight, and he hadn't taken a break since 7 in the afternoon.
Soda tiptoed in the room, concerned for his brother.
"Hey", he murmured, " I get it that you're afraid of Darry yelling at you over your grades but you should really take a break and sleep."

Pony sighed and shook his head, "I can't-"
"Pony, you really can, it's fine.", He said. "You have been studying all night, go take a break in the living room at least."

With more persuasion and the offer of food Ponyboy finally took a break.

Down in the living room the whole gang was lounging. Darry was passed out on the sofa by Two-bit, who was intently watching the TV. Johnny was playing cards with Dally, and Steve was spectating.

Johnny was the first to notice who was coming down stairs "Hey Pony.", He said in a monotone, focused on the game.
Ponyboy said a "Hey Guys" back and sat on the floor, between the card players

After watching them play for awhile, he absent-mindedly studied Dally's features. Sharp-cheek bones, a soft bump on his nose from being broken a few times, a tiny faint scar on his temple and soft feathery looking hair. He didn't really notice those feature, though he looked at it a million times before. His stomach began to twist. He couldn't stop looking.

Dallas snapped his head toward Ponyboy, even with all his staring Pony didn't notice the change of focus to annoyance. "What're you lookin at?"

Pony's face burned and he looked at the deck of cards, "Nothin'."

Dally slapped the back of his head and went back to playing cards. Johnny chuckling softly.

***

The school day ended and Ponyboy busted out of school, waltzing to the movies. He was stressed from exams and decided that watching a film would calm him down. Was he damn wrong.