Darryl sighed. He had just finished his last job for today, and he was completely beat.
He sat on the couch, happy that it wasn't his turn to do the dishes or cook dinner (especially since they all decided to eat cereal). The oldest Curtis boy popped his neck before rolling his shoulders, trying to relieve some of the tension.
Two hands were placed on his shoulders, both of them feminine.
"_____, what're you doin'?" Darryl asked. A lax-sounding sigh slipped from his lips. "I don't even care anymore. Just keep doin' it."
_____ giggled. "You're always so tense when you come home, Darry. Soda and Pony told me so. Since I sorta know how to work around that, I thought that I'd, y'know, do that." He felt her nuzzle his head as her thumbs kneaded his muscles.
"With you doin' what you're doin' now I could prob'ly fall asleep," the Greaser said. His eyes closed.
"Now why would ya do that, Darry? Don't fall asleep; enjoy it while she's goin' to do it!" Sodapop stepped into the room, a grin on his face. Ponyboy followed him.
"Whatever. Don't you two have somethin' to do?" Darryl looked up, eyes narrowed.
"Shhh..." _____ shushed Darryl. "Stay relaxed..."
Soda and Pony left after a second or two.
"Darry, I can make you an offer if you want these to continue." He looked up when _____ stopped.
"I'll kiss you each time you do it." He had a hopeful look in his eyes.
Not as much about getting repeated massages as the kissing, but it was still hope.
"Hm...nah." Darryl's eyes turned downward. "But," he looked up, "if you can let me help you support what's left of here, then I'll give you more than a shoulder massage." A blush crossed his face as he turned to stare at his friend.
"You'll be my metaphorical wife, then." He grinned.
"Nah, I'll be your girlfriend. Marriage comes later." She winked at him before leaving, calling out a "See you tomorrow, babe!" as she left.
Darryl smiled. She was a handful, sometimes. But that's why he loved her.
