Before either of us got to say anything else "supper," Soda called. We both stood up quickly and went inside. I chuckled when we got inside at all the guys came rushing in and fighting to get food.

"Feeding time for the herd huh?" she joked and Two-Bit gave her a weird look, raising his eyebrow at her comment. Then she jokingly said, "you guys are acting like a bunch of animals who haven't eaten in two days."

"Not even funny," Two-Bit said chuckling, shaking his head.

After all the guys were out of the kitchen Charlotte and I got our hamburgers fixed with the toppings we liked on them. When we were done we went to the living room and sat down. Charlotte sat in the recliner while I sat on the couch close to the chair she was in.

"Stealing my chair again," I joked and she just smirked.

"It's comfortable," she teased me and I nodded in agreement.

"I know, it's the main chair I sit in after a long days work," I replied back.

"Wow, Darry, you're letting someone sit in your chair? That's a shock," Two-Bit spoke up and I just rolled my eyes at his antics.

"She can sit there anytime she wants to," I simply told the guys and they all just chuckled at me. My heart felt like it was going to pound right out of my chest. It was still a little awkward having her here after all this time, but it'll be something I can get used to fast. Unless she leaves again, my heart slowed at this thought, however Soda spoke up before my thoughts could continue on that path.

"Awe, look Pony, our big brother still has feelings for Charlotte," Soda spoke up interrupting my thoughts, and smirking at me. I took the chance and glanced at Charlotte and she smiled my way, "She has feelings for you also I take it." I saw her cheeks go red but she didn't say anything back.

I glanced over at Soda and he had a mischievous grin on his face, I was getting a little scared right then and there, "what is going on in your mind kid brother?" I asked him. Not sure of the answer I would get.

"Wouldn't you like to know?" Soda teased and Charlotte chuckled at that. I glanced over at her, seeing her try to hide her laughter, but not succeeding well at it.

"You sure haven't changed any Sodapop," she joked and I saw him raise his eyebrow and toss a French fry at her. She gave him a look that I knew meant 'you're in for it now.' she grabbed a small bit of the bun and threw it at him. But it hit Steve, whether it was an accident or not I didn't know. "Oops, sorry Steve." she acted all innocent batting her eyelashes at him, giving him a sweet smile.

He just grinned at her and threw a French fry her way, "Yea, yea sure your sorry."

I chuckled and she gave me a smirk and threw a fry at me, "Babe?" I asked and I saw her cheeks go red. I knew mine did as well.

"Yeah Dar?" she asked and it shocked me. I was stunned for a moment, my heart racing.

"You better run." she got up and ran, for some reason it was to my room, probably to try to hide. I wrapped my arms around her waist and picked her up. She let out a soft scream as I sat her on the bed.

"You caught me now what?" she simply asked with a twinkle in her eye. They seemed to dance and were bright, even in this dark room.

"Maybe we could talk a little more," I suggested as she stood up and put her arms around my neck like we were going to slow dance. I put my arms around her waist and for some reason we started to slow dance, but like normal there wasn't any music.

Before anything else could be said we heard, "want the dishes done tonight or in the morning?" from Soda. I sighed as I turned to look at him.

"Morning's fine," I told him and he just shook his head giving me a smirk. I closed the door behind him.

"Don't do anything I wouldn't do," Two-Bit called out and I chuckled.

"Which is what?" I called back picking on him. Yeah I'll admit it, Two-Bit has done a few things that I wasn't ready to do. Well maybe. I glanced at Charlotte and she had a confused look in her eyes, "you okay?"

"Yeah, I'm fine Dar," she softly replied as she slowly sat down onto the bed and leaned against my head board.

"I remember the night your dad came over at three am all because your mom never gave him the message that you were to tired to drive and everyone else was in bed already. I didn't wanna drive that late at night so we decided to crash in here," I told her with a chuckle and she laughed also.

"That was an awkward night for everyone, but your dad forgave my dad for waking him up," she told me and sighed.

"What are you thinking about?" I kindly asked.

"Just the simple fact that I have no idea what to do tomorrow or where to start cleaning or just anything," she told me with a smile. I smiled back.

"Oh, well, I have no idea what to tell you about that," I joked with her and I saw a smile on her face when she glanced at my dresser, "what?"

"You still have a copy of the picture your mom took of us at the winter festival dance?" she had joy in her voice. I got up and got it off the top of my dresser. I looked weird in the picture, wearing a light gray suit and a black tie, "My uncle," was all she got out and I saw the pain and anger in her eyes, "threw mine in the fire place."

"My parents had a couple extra copies, I can get you one," she smiled and nodded lightly. I went to get up but she grabbed my hand, and I jumped slightly from the touch. I felt sparks go through me.

"Tomorrow you can get it," she spoke softly, "But, I should get back to my house and finish taking care of everything."

"I'll walk you," I told her, she raised her eyebrow to me.

"Even though it is across the street, and I am perfectly able to walk there," she teased.

"Yes, I'll still walk you," I told her smiling softly at her. We had both gotten off the bed and went out to the living room. She slipped her heels back on and I chuckled.

'What?" she asked confused.

"Nothing, just that you're finally as tall as I am," I joked and she laughed.

"Don't get used to it," she replied.

"Oh, but it's nice, boy's behave, I'm walking her to her house," I told them as we left the house. I put my arm around her waist, just like I used to, and we walked over to her house.

"I might wear heels more often," she replied.

"You don't have to unless you want to," I told her.

"I know, I kinda like them, just it's been a while since I actually wore them," she replied unlocking her door.

"Well, I'll see you tomorrow Char," I spoke softly.

"See you tomorrow, night superman," she replied also softly. She lightly kissed me, and I could feel my heart beating faster.

"Night Char," I replied as she opened the door. I turned and walked home after she had the door shut and I heard it lock. I felt bad letting her stay in that big house alone, but being across the street I was in walking distance if anything happened to her. I got home and went straight to mom and dad's room, and got a copy of the picture, then I found an extra frame. I put the picture in the frame and put the picture on my night stand so I could give it to her tomorrow. I got ready for bed, laid down, shut my lamp off and slowly drifted into a good night sleep. Feeling hopeful for the future for the first time.