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When Sodapop Curtis left the DX that evening, wiping his hands on the rag he had tucked in his pocket, he didn't expect to see Dally waiting there for him.
Or at least he assumed he was waiting for him. He was leaning against the side wall of the building, hands jammed angrily into his pockets as he stared straight ahead. He seemed to be looking at the sunset, but Soda nearly laughed at the thought.
Dally jumped at the slam of the door behind Soda, grinning as soon as he saw who it was.
“Hey, Pepsi-cola.”
“Aw, is my boyfriend comin’ to walk me home?” Soda teased, laughing as he slipped an arm around Dally's waist and admiring how he made him blush. Dally's pale cheeks and the yellow glow of the sunset contrasted quite nicely with the pink dusting his face,
“Sure, you could say that,” Dally mumbled, lighting a cigarette and trying desperately to calm the flush spreading across his face.
“Mmm,” Soda leaned his head on Dally's shoulder, closing his eyes for a second.
Thank god they were in the back of the building, that they could have this moment, if only for a second, Dally thought. Every minute with Soda like this was precious to him, the little time they had alone together was locked in a secret place in Dally's heart.
Dally held his cigarette to Soda's lips, and Soda took a drag, tilting his head and blowing the smoke upwards as Dally sat down on the back steps, gently pulling Soda down beside him.
“You okay?” Dally asked quietly, as Soda leaned his head back on Dally. He seemed less restless than usual, more overworked.
“Yeah...I’m real tired.”
He sounded it too, his voice weary with sleep, or lack of it.
“Another nightmare last night?” Dally looked over at Soda, who had his eyes closed again, hair falling in his face. Dally tentatively reached and pushed it behind his ear.
“Yeah.” Soda said again, not giving any more details. Dally didn't push it.
It was silent for a minute, Sodas breathing slow and steady, grounding Dally, calming him. He slid his arm around Soda and pulled him closer, kissing his hair softly. God, he missed him.
Soda opened his eyes and glanced up at Dally. “Being awful soft today, Dal. ‘Specially out in public.”
Dally shook his head. “I missed you. You had a long day. Besides, I ain't that soft.”
“Yes you are” Soda laughed, and Dally's heart warmed just from the sound.
“Maybe I am.” He turned, watching Soda as he was illuminated by golden light. “But just for you.”
Soda was silent at that, it was his turn to blush under Dally's gaze, smiling a little.
Then he sighed a little. “I don't want to go home.”
“I know.” Dally's voice was gravelly. All he wanted was for Soda to be happy.
“When we go home, will you stay for dinner?” Soda's voice was low, almost a whisper, he looked nearly asleep, face buried in Dally's neck.
“If you want me to, doll.” Dally would have done anything for Sodapop at that moment, or any moment, really.
“Will you sleep on the couch?” Soda's voice was impossibly quiet.
Dally knew flashes of Soda's dreams, he knew of the worries of him dead, leaving him, not loving him. He also knew that being there, having proof that Dally was alive, was something that helped Soda, so he always stayed when he asked.
“Of course I will,” Dally said easily, grabbing Soda’s hand and giving it a gentle squeeze. Soda returned it gratefully.
They sat for one more peaceful moment in silence, just basking in each other's presence and the warm glow of the dying rays of the sun.
Dally hated ending it, but he knew he needed to get Soda home safe.
“Babe? It's time to go.” Dally's voice was quiet now. He didn’t know why.
“I know.” Soda sighed. Dally stood up, holding out a hand and helping him up too.
The sun sank below the horizon as the two boys started off.