This Might Hurt A Little-A Dallas Winston Fanfiction

Shock To The System

I looked at Ashton dumbfounded for a few seconds, while Soda started asking questions like there was no tomorrow.

"What do you mean? I can't just leave."

"Sure you can. Your mom already said you can." He stared back at me, like he was confused about why I wasn't jumping into the car and running back to Ohio with him.

"You talked to my mom?" I couldn't believe that my mother would discuss this with him and not even mention it.

My mom couldn't stand a single friend I brought home but she loved Ashton. It probably had something to do with him calling her "mam" every time he talked to her.

He nodded, "Come on. Don't act like you don't miss Whitewater."

Soda grabbed my arm and spun me to face him, "Don't leave. Please."

For once in his life, there wasn't a hint of laughter in his eyes. I gave him a reassuring kiss on the cheek and then turned back to Ashton, "I can't leave. I'm sorry, Ash. I've got people here."

"You have people back home." He leaned against his mustang, tapping his fingers impatiently against the door. "Remember how much fun we had?"

I nodded, "I can't just run off with you."

A tiny part of me, barely even there, wanted to hop right into his car and drive away without another look. But, the biggest part of me couldn't even imagine what it would be like leaving Tulsa. A weird expression ran its way across Ashtons face but, when he looked back at me, it was gone.

"Can we at least hang out for today then? I miss having you around."

I smiled, "Sure."

I gave Soda's hand a squeeze who was starting to sulk and pulling away from the idea of being friendly with Ashton.

"We were just going to Sodas' but, we can just go back to my place, if you want."

Soda cut in before Ashton could say a word and gave a wicked smile, "Let the kid meet the gang. Probably dying to meet everyone."

I knew Soda was up to something but, I didn't have the energy to argue with him in front of everyone. Especially Dallas and Ashton.

"So, Ashton, you a soc?" Dallas smiled at Soda and then at Ashton.

I knew then that they were tag-teaming him. If only  Tim Shepard would have been there, the trio would have been complete. Dallas, Soda, and Tim hung out quite a bit at parties because, together they were practically untouchable. Soda was used for his charm, Dallas for his manipulation and Tim, well, for his fists. 

"Am I supposed to know what that means?" Ashton raised his thick eyebrows at me.

"It means a rich kid." Dallas smiled.

Anyone would have thought it was genuine but, I knew better.

"Yeah, he's a soc. So what? So am I."  I snapped at the two of them. 

Poor Johnny at this point was looking awfully uncomfortable, walking between us all.

Dallas and Soda both held their hands up in mock defense, "Just tryin' to find out a little bit more about our new friend."

Ashton shook his head, looking like he was thinking about booking it back to his car and driving all the way home. He snapped his head when Two-Bit started shouting at the end of the block for us hurry up.

"Who's that?" Ashton whispered.

I knew he was feeling out of place, anyone would have.

"Two-Bit. He'll joke around with you but, he's a good guy." 

It felt weird having to explain those things to someone. It felt like I was giving away some secret. It was then when I realized how protective I was over all of them. I knew they could take care of themselves but, that didn't stop me from wanting them to only be mine. It was selfish, I knew, but it was how I felt and it was real.

Two-Bit came running I over. I guess he couldn't stand to just wait for us to get there. Looking at Ashton he asked, "Who's this?"

His hand instinctively ran against his back pocket and I knew his finger tips were resting on his switchblade. I glared at him so good though then, that he dropped his hand to his side almost immediately.

"Ashton Neff." Ashton shook Two-Bits hand, a tense and a bit awkward greeting.

"Two-Bit Matthews." He pulled a weed out of his jacket, "Golly, you sure ain't from around here."

"He's from Scars' old town." I could hear the wicked smile in Dallas's voice even without looking at him.

Two-Bit seemed to pick up on Soda and Dallas's mood and looked back at Ashton with a different expression this time, "You don't say? Well, welcome to Tulsa."