Dallas Winston has always loved dogs.
He can remember walking down the streets of Tulsa, his small hand encompassed by his mother's, who was often sporting a bruise from a client who had gotten too rough.
He can remember the way her smile could light up the entire world, or at least his corner of it, and the way her dirty gold hair would fall into her face as she leaned down to offer a small treat to any stray dog that crossed her path. The dog would gaze up at her in adoration and love that someone had taken the time to give them a measly morsel of food and a scratch behind their ears.
Dallas Winston can't understand how anyone couldn't adore and love his mother.
But most of all, he can remember her lying broken and bleeding in a dark alley, stabbed by a drunk who had her mistaken for his Susie, who had run off with the milkman.
He knows this because he can remember hearing the man's desperate shouts as he chased them.
Oh, Susie, come back!
I'm not mad you left!
Why the milkman?
What does he have that I don't?
Dallas Winston can remember the drunk's whispered I love you when he caught them and plunged his blade into her.
Dallas hopes the milkman beats Susie.
He can remember his mother's last request.
Dallas, take care of my dogs. They need to be loved. Everyone needs to be loved.
And if he tries really hard, he can recall his weak response.
I love you, Mommy.
And when he closes his eyes and ears to his surroundings, he can see her angelic smile and feel her golden tough and hear her soft voice.
I know, sweetie. I know.
When he kisses Johnny, though, all of his memories fade away into oblivion and all he can focus on is the younger boy's taste and eyes, which gaze up at him in adoration and love.
Dallas Winston has always loved dogs.
AN: Meh... I don't know if I like this. I meant to be all deep and stuff, but I think I just sounded a wee bit prententious. Ah, well. It's my first Outsiders fic. I'm not gonna angst over it. If people like this one, I kinda have an idea for a companion fic thingy-ma-bob, except it won't be so light hearted. Wow... A story that includes insinuated prostitution and murder is light hearted... I am one screwed up kid! The companion-ma-bob'll be about Dally going to prison and maybe New York, and let me tell you, he is one sadistic ten year old in it. I mean, wow. I'm scaring myself with some of the ideas I'm having for it. It'll probably be M. Well, adieu and please review! (HA! THAT RHYMED!)