Work Text:
Paul inhaled sharply, swaying side to side in silence. The sun was setting slowly. The field he stood in;overgrown and empty. It was pretty unusual for this place to be empty, no greasers,
the gang gone. But there was a reason. He lifted his chin and looked over at the object of his admiration (as well as mild hatred at that moment).
“Dal,” he whispered “will you hear me out now?”
Dallas rolled his shoulders back and huffed “talk, just get on with it.”
Paul ran a hand through his now shortly cut hair. There was a knot in his stomach, sinking deeper and deeper the more he thought. The longer he stared at Dallas though, the more he felt like all his worries were slipping away. He had to do something though. For his own sake.
“You’re not very considerate about my feelings, It’s not like I’m sensitive or anything like that. It’s just, y’know”.
Dallas cocked his head to the side and smirked slightly, of course he wasn’t taking this seriously. Paul gave a mirthless laugh.
“Christ, of course, you’re not going to take me seriously”
It wasn’t a question, but Dallas shrugged.
“You’re always so inconsiderate man, you always criticise me but it’s never constructive”
Paul threw his hands up “you always treat me like shit and I never tell you but- but it makes my blood boil!”
Dallas shoved his hands into his coat pockets, shifting his weight.
“You’re off seeing other people but it’s MY fault when I get mad? Have you ever considered I let you do whatever you want because I’m a pushover” he barked out.
Dallas’ eyes sparkled and he pivoted to look directly at Paul.
“Maybe it’s your fault”.
The world stopped,
“Maybe you’re not a very good partner. Paul” his name said with intense scrutiny.
He felt as if his ears were ringing. He stepped back, the grass sinking under him. It was quiet, windy but quiet. He knew he wasn’t the best. This confirmed it though.
“I’m sorry,” Paul whispered.
“You’re mental, you know that? It’s so hard to be around you. It’s draining” he complained.
“You know I’m trying to work on that” Paul stammered out.
“You’ve said that before, man, you’re not getting any better,” Dallas scowled “I don’t think you will for a really long time”
Paul cringed and pushed his hair out of his face. He didn’t want to seem hurt. He didn’t want to seem upset. Everything Dallas said was true.
“Dallas come on, please don’t do this to me again” his voice shook as he shut his eyes.
Dallas looked away, his eyes slightly glazed. He was tired of worrying and taking care of Paul. He never presented his worry, he truly resented it. Paul was the light of his life, but it all felt burdening now.
“Maybe another time, I don’t want to talk to you right now” he turned away and without hesitation was walking off. It was a relief he hadn’t lashed out, but Paul felt he wanted that more. At least then he would’ve known that Dal felt something. Even if it was rage and annoyance.
Paul felt tears prick the corners of his eyes. He hung his head low and let out a shaky
breath.
“Christ…” he slammed his hands onto his head and sobbed out “goddamnit!”
Maybe another time. Maybe in the future.