What Can I Do // Dalpop

The Truth Comes Out

Dally's POV

I sat in the living room, shirtless, waiting for my shirt to dry off. I wasn't worried about it though, Two-bit and Steve were glued to the T.V., Ponyboy was at school, & Darry was at work.

Ponyboy should be getting home soon though. I assumed that Soda was in his room. I didn't mind being alone so much, but these past two days have been pretty weird for me.

I felt like Soda was trying to lift my spirits every chance he got. I didn't mind it but I just wasn't use to it.

Me and Soda haven't had the closest relationship in the past. So what changed?

He was acting different around me, like Johnny use to do. That's why I loved Johnny, he could always tell when I was upset, and he always knew what to say or do to make me feel better.

Damn it. I wish I could just forget about Johnny. It hurts too much to think about him.

Why is Soda treating me like this? I don't want to be treated differently. It's starting to piss me off. I don't want him to be nice just because he knows I'm depressed. Why can't things just go back to normal? I wish I could have my Johnny back. That's why I'm being nice to Soda, because I'm being reminded of Johnny when I'm with him.

I need to get this off my chest.

I stand up and walk over to Soda and Ponyboy's room. I knock on the door softly and hear Soda say, "Come in."

I walk into his room and close the door behind me. I see Soda laying on his bed, facing the ceiling. I walked over and said, "I need to talk to you." Soda sat up and said, "Okay, about what?" I sat down next to him and said, "Soda, I need to know why you've been acting differently around me these past couple of days."

Soda had a confused look on his face.
"What are you talking about?" I looked at him, "You begged me to go to the drive in with you, then you wanted to sit next to me. And today when I wanted to get away you insisted on coming with me, and you were acting weird when I payed for you. What's up man?"

Soda had a puzzled look on his face. "Dally, I wanted you to go to drive in because you've been really distant. Even after you left for 3 months, when you came back you barely talked to us. I didn't care if I was scared at the drive in because I just wanted to hang out with you. And I wanted to hang out today because I had a good time with you yesterday. I'm sorry that I'm making you uncomfortable. I'll just ignore you from now on if you want."

He stood up and started walking away, but I quickly grabbed his wrist and turned him around. "Soda wait. I didn't mean to come off bitchy. I'm just not used to feeling like this." I let him go.

"Feeling like what?" He said, I looked away in embarrassment. "I....I'm not used to feeling like....I'm needed."

Soda's eyes widened and he said, "Dal, is this how you felt when you were with Johnny?" I nodded my head.

I was ashamed of myself. I hated feeling vulnerable in front of people. I held back tears as I said, "I guess that's why I'm feeling weird around you. Because I feel needed. You make me feel needed."

I could barely finish my sentence before Soda wrapped his arms around me and hugged me tightly, his head on my bare chest. I was shocked, I didn't know what to do but hug him back tightly. It felt nice. I used to hold Johnny like this. But it felt different with Soda. Like our spirits were connected or something.

I pulled back and looked at him in his beautiful eyes. I did the only thing that felt right in the moment. I kissed him. I kissed him so passionately, like I used to kiss Johnny. But this kiss was different. It felt right.

After about 15 seconds we pulled apart. Soda looked at me with fearful eyes and he started crying. He looked so heartbroken and I couldn't help but to feel guilty. I squeezed him tightly and said, "I'm sorry, Soda. I'm so fucking sorry." He sniffled and said, "Don't apologize Dally. I think I've wanted this for a long time." I sat down, still holding Soda tightly and said, "Why are you crying then?"

Soda looked at me and said," I'm crying because I'm scared. What is the gang gonna say? Their probably gonna beat the shit out of us and kick us out." I looked at Soda, I wiped a tear off of his cheek and said, "Soda, you have two loving brothers who would never want to hurt you. Steve is your best friend and Two-bit.... Well, who cares what Two-bitch thinks." Soda smiled and said, "Thank you Dal." He kissed me quickly and stood up.

"What the hell are we gonna do?" He said. I shrug my shoulders, "I don't know Soda. I wish I had the answers but I don't." I stood up and grabbed his hands, "But what I do know is that I'll always be here for you from now on. I promise." Soda smiled, "Dallas Winston, I think I might love you." I smiled. "I think I might love you too, Soda."

We hugged and he said, "Alright, I need a shower. Your shirt is probably dry now so you can go get it. Unless you wanna keep walking around shirtless. I don't mind." He smiled then grabbed some clothes, "Enjoy your shower, Pop." I said as I walked out of the room.

I walked into the living room to find Steve was gone and Ponyboy was where Steve was just a minute ago.

"Hey, where's Randle?" I say. Two-bit turned around and said, "I don't know, he went to go ask Soda something and then just walked out of the house."

My heart dropped. Steve probably heard me and Soda in the room. 'Damn it!' I thought to myself. I've got to let Soda know as soon as possible.

Ponyboy stood up and said, "Man, I've gotta pee." He began walking. "You might wanna hurry. Your brother is about to take a shower." Pony started running and said, "Wait, Soda! I've got to pee!"

I tried not to think that Steve heard us, even though it was a big possibility. 'Shit. Shit. Shit.' I thought. None of this would've happened if I had kept my hands to myself, or told Soda not to go walking with me, or if I said no to the drive in. 'Damnit Soda, why do you have to be so charming?'

-

A couple of minutes had passed and Soda stepped out of the shower. I waited for him to get dressed and I walked over to his room and knocked, he opened it and let me in.

"What's up, Dal?" I sat down, "It's Steve. I think he might have heard us earlier." Soda's face became worried, "Why would you think that?" He sat down next to me.

"Because Two-bit said that he went to ask you something earlier while we were in here and after that he went home." Soda began sweating.

"Shit Dally. I don't know what to do. Should I tell him even if he already knows?" I sighed, "Do whatever you feel is right Soda. I'm right behind you."

He smiled and said, "Thanks, Dally." I patted him on the back and that's when Pony opened the door and walked in.

"Dally, move over, you're in my reading spot." I stood up and said, "Sorry kid, I was just leaving." I began walking out and when I turned to leave I saw Soda wink at me. I smiled and walked out.

I don't know if I'm ready to be in a relationship with Soda. Maybe Soda is just what I need to stop being depressed. All I know is that I've felt more love from Soda in these last two days that I've felt from anyone in the past few months.

I think I'm in love with him. I just hope that he really feels the same way. I don't think I can handle another heartbreak.