Okey-dokey. Fifth chapter. I'm kinda nervous because this is when the writing gets a bit tricky and turn-sy, but I'll give it my best shot. I'd just also like to add that this fanfiction is based off on the book and the movie, but the appearance of the characters is from the movie...so yeah, Dally with brown hair and whatnot. Enjoy...

Disclaimer: (I wonder if I forgot one to put one of these in my earlier chapters...I should go check later haha) I don't own The Outsiders, like not even one tiny little bit, even if I am in the fandom and I once thought about Sodapop Curtis every single minute for an entire day. All the credits of owning The Outsiders go to the one and only S.E. Hinton.

I can do what I want,

I'm in complete control

That's what I tell myself!

I got a mind of my own,

I'll be alright alone

Don't need anybody else!

I give myself a good talking to

No more being a fool for you

I remember how you made me wanna surrender!

Damn your eyes!

They're taking my breath away

For making me wanna stay

Damn your eyes

For getting my hopes up high

Making me fall in love again!

Damn your eyes!

-Damn Your Eyes, by Alex Clare

Chapter Five

Elvis was playing loudly - Hound Dog, the shower was running, sunlight was peeking through the curtains like fluffy warm kisses, and there was the light smell of pancakes wafting through the house (strong enough to smell, but light enough so you wouldn't drool with hunger). I breathed in deeply, drinking it all in. It felt like waking up with a little bit of heaven bursting in your heart and spreading though your soul. I could get used to waking up like that every morning.

I cracked open my eyes as I rolled over and stared up at the unfamiliar popcorn ceiling. I decided to go shower, tired and weary as I was. I hate sleeping in, really. My backpack had somehow made it into the room last night, and with a start, I realized that I was in Soda's and Pony's bedroom, too...with no recollection whatsoever of how I got there.

"No, no no..." I muttered to myself, slapping my forehead.

Now here was a very cliché situation. Girl meets group of boys, tells them her life story, wakes up in a room and doesn't know how she got there. Woot. But, the thing was, I knew nothing had happened. Nothing sexual, I meant, which was good. But I still needed to know how I got into the bedroom.

And suddenly it hit me - in tiny little flashbacks that started to pull together like strands of a spider web to form one picture. I'd gotten really drunk last night, because telling my life in New York to the boys had taken a lot of time, and tears. And that resulted in total exhaustion - which resulted in me passing out in the living room. I guess the boys had just left me there as they all drank on, because I'd darkened their moods with my story. And when I finally came to my senses, every one was either leaving or out cold on the chairs and couch.

But, Soda was looking at me when I awoke. He must have known I was too tired to walk, much less even offer him a smile, so he lifted me onto his back and carried me off to his room. Unfortunately, I was still drunk at the time...and I'd kissed wrapped my arms around his neck like he was a teddy bear or something. I hope he didn't find that weird - I hope he forgot all about it.

Apparently not, as he gave me a sly wink when I got out of the shower and stepped into the kitchen. Pancakes were cooking - but they looked strange. They were purple, but the sweet aroma of berries pushed my questions aside.

"Pony went out with Two-Bit, who crashed here last night. I think they're going to the grocery store. And Darry's working. They all said good mornin'. Sleep well?" he asked nonchalantly.

"Yeah...um I didn't mean for that to happen last night." I say the second part quietly, thankful that no one is in the room besides us.

"What? Getting drunk, crying, passing out, or..." he raised his eyebrows quite seductively, but of course only I was imagining them as seductive.

"Or what?" my voice raises a little, and I wish I hadn't said something so stupid because I knew exactly what he was talking about.

And then, Soda is hugging me from the behind, his arms around me just like I'd been last night. He laughs at my stunned expression, and lets go, ruffling my hair playfully.

"Or that." he says, grinning because I'm blushing wildly as he sits down.

"All of the above." I mutter, taking the seat across from him.

He slides me a dish with two purple pancakes, topped with a perfect dollop of whip cream and drizzled in honey. I take it gratefully, smiling as I inhale the savory air. Soda slides a fork over, too, but hold it firmly. I'm forced to do something I've been trying to avoid - look into his eyes. And when I do, I see excitement and joy, a little pain, and warmth. Always warmth.

"It's alright. You needed to get your story out, and we needed to know. Thanks for telling us, Lorraine - it must have been really hard to. But if you ever have anything else to talk about, we're always here for you, okay?" Soda says softly, and I nod, stunned by the strength of his eyes locked onto mine.

Soda taps my hand gently as he lets go of the fork, stands up, tells me to enjoy my pancakes, and leaves the kitchen. I'm left staring at the sink, still hit hard by the sincerity in Soda's voice, and petrified by the fact that Soda had not been wearing a shirt.

I'm sorry - my romance writing is a bit weird when I attempt cute-sy things. Just saying though...Soda is really confusing this girl, hmm? Lorraine is trying not to like him, but obviously that's not going to happen. I mean, who can't love Sodapop. Well, we'll see how they start to develop something... :) Review, please? I want to here more on how you guys feel/think of the plot! Next chapter will be up in a few days, 3 or 4, maybe?