A/N: I don't own the song Stand by me all rights go to Ben E. King

Summer hummed a tune to herself as the DX came into view;

When the night has come and the land is dark

And the moon is the only light we see…

She just noticed it had stopped raining. She smiled, her heart fluttering as she thought about Sodapop.

All of a sudden a wave of sadness swept over her as she remembered the fight she had with Dally. She sighed, she knew she'd have to talk to him soon, she could never stay mad at him, no matter what he did and he had the advantage because he was aware of that. She smirked to herself, As soon as I finish visiting Sodapop I know I'll inevitably run off to find Dally.

Summer saw Steve outside working on a car and waved to him, he nodded and returned back to work.

Summer held back a laugh, Steve was such a grouch. It was kind of amusing in a way.

She made her way inside and saw there was no one at the register so she rang the bell.

"Just a minute!" she heard Sodapop yell.

Hmmm, let me see if I can scare him Summer thought, grinning.

She crouched down behind the counter when she heard Sodapop coming.

Sodapop emerged from the back of the store and looked up. He scratched his head in confusion; he could've sworn he heard the bell ring.

"Hello?" he called "Anyone ring the bell?"

Summer giggled and quickly covered her mouth, but she was too late, Sodapop had heard her already. He raised an eyebrow and began walking towards the register when Summer popped up behind it.

"Boo!"

Sodapop didn't even blink, but he grinned when he saw Summer frown.

"What's wrong doll? I thought you'd be happy to see me!"

"How come you didn't get scared?" Summer asked, slightly annoyed at his calm demeanor.

"Oh, cause you're not scary." He smiled, as if this was the most logical answer in the world.

Summer smiled and shook her head. She walked around the counter and pulled Sodapop into a tight hug before giving him a quite extensive kiss.

"So," she began excitedly "Where are the hordes of admirers? I think it's only fair I have a peek at the competition."

Soda rolled his eyes but laughed. "You're funny ya' know that? You don't have competition Summer."

"Oh, sure" Summer replied "Until I win Miss Universe that's a lie," she added with a smile.

Sodapop just sighed. "Women."

"Anyways," he began "What took ya' so long? Did ya' stop world hunger on yer' way here?"

"Unfortunately, no." she laughed. "I stood asleep on your couch longer than usual and on my way here I saw some friends."

"Yeah, I saw you this mornin'. Pony told me what happened…" he said, leaving it at that, he didn't want to press the subject.

"Who'd you see, Amanda and the rest of em'?" Sodapop added as he busied himself fixing something under the counter.

"No, just some friends from school, Blake, James, and Adam."

She heard Sodapop hit his head against something and curse. He came back up rubbing his head with an annoyed look on his face.

"You hang around those guys?"

"Yeah, they're real nice once you get to know 'em."

Sodapop raised an eyebrow. "Nice? I don't really remember them being nice when they tried to jump Johnny and Pony the other day."

The color drained from Summer's face. "They tried to jump them?"

Sodapop nodded, wondering why Summer seemed so surprised, Socs loved to start trouble.

"I-I'll have a talk with them about it…" she said "Maybe they'll stop…"

Sodapop laughed. "Trust me sweetheart, don't waste your breath, it's not like they're gonna listen to ya'."

"How do you know that? Have you ever tried talking to them?" Summer asked, getting aggravated.

Sodapop looked up, not sure what Summer was getting all mad about. "No, I haven't. Cause I know it won't help none, just give them another excuse to try and pull another one of their stupid stunts."

"That's not fair Soda," Summer said shaking her head "They could change, maybe if you gave them a chance…"

"Right, cause they've done that much for me?" Sodapop asked.

"It could be different though," Summer pressed. "It doesn't always have to be a huge rivalry, maybe if you guys took the time to talk to each other-"

"It doesn't work that way," Sodapop interrupted. "They'll always be Socs and we'll always be Greasers. That's just the way it is doll."

Summer shook her head, those "Socs" where her friends. She thought of the boys who held the door for her, asked her how she was doing, made her laugh, spent time with her…

Why did Soda have to be so difficult?

"So? I know them better than all of you! If you just talk to them they'd listen!"

Sodapop was beginning to get ticked-off, "You don't know the first thing about them Summer…"

"Oh, and I suppose you do?"

"Well a hell of a lot better than you!" he laughed.

"Yeah right! If you can't even talk to them how-"

"Jeez Sandy! Why don't you just listen to me?"

Summer's eyes widened. He called her… Sandy.

Sodapop realized his blunder too late. He reached for Summer, "Doll, I didn't mean to say that. It was a mistake."

Summer felt her heart break a little at that moment. "Obviously I was a mistake too right?" she asked unable to stop the tears rolling down her cheeks. She walked out of the gas station as fast as her legs could carry her. Ignoring Soda's shouts, she continued forward, she knew all about his no-good ex girlfriend Sandy.

He'd never told her himself but she heard from her friends that she cheated on him and got pregnant with another guys baby! If he still loved her through all that, then glory! He must've really loved her… Summer thought sadly.

Fresh tears began to form at the corners of Summer's eyes but she ignored them. She needed someone to talk to right now; she needed…her best friend.

The only problem was that she had no idea where he'd be. She decided to stop by Ponyboy's house and ask.

As she reached the gate she noticed Ponyboy and Johnny outside.

"Hi guys," she smiled. "Do either of you know where Dally might be?"

Ponyboy and Johnny looked up. "Hey Summer," they said in unison.

Ponyboy saw that she was crying and stood up, "You alright Summer? No Socs got a hold of ya' right?"

Summer saw Johnny wince and she felt her heart break even more. Sometimes she just wanted to hold Johnny and tell him that everything will be alright.

"No, no. I'm fine Pony," Summer smiled wiping away her tears.

He studied her for a minute and sat back down next to Johnny.

"He'll probably be at Buck's place, you know where that is?" Johnny asked.

"Oh, alright," she said, her face lighting up, she knew exactly where it was. "Thanks boys, I'll see you later!"

"See ya!" they called back to her.

Summer thought about her last statement. She doubted she'd see them later, she was still mad at Sodapop.

I wonder if he ever loved me, she wondered miserably, or was I just a rebound after Sandy dumped him?

Sighing she ran a hand through her wavy hair. She was so in love with Sodapop, but what if he didn't even feel the same way?

After a few minutes she was in front of Buck's place, her heart pounding. She had no idea why she was so nervous. She'd known Dally forever, so why was she so apprehensive all of a sudden?

Swallowing her worries she knocked on the door. It was opened a few seconds later by a man who smelled heavily of whisky.

"How can I help you darlin'?" he asked with a crooked smile, revealing rows of yellow teeth.

Disgusting, Summer thought.

"I was wonderin' if Dallas Winston was here."

The man's smile faded and an angry look crossed his face. "Always gets the good ones he does."

Summer raised an eyebrow.

"This way," the man said leading her inside. He pointed up the stairs, "Second door to your right."

"Thanks" Summer replied, but she doubted that he could hear her over the blasting music, and the insane people who felt the need to scream when they were within arm's reach of one another.

She walked up the stairs dodging beer bottles and other obstacles that littered the floor. She moved to her right and counted two doors down.

Well, here goes nothing…

She opened the door silently and smiled when she heard it was rather quiet in here. Except for someone's loud snores. She looked at the bed in the middle of the room and broke into a grin when she saw Dally, sleeping like a baby.

She crouched down next to the bed, studying him. He looked almost happier in his sleep she noted.

She smiled, brushing his blonde hair out of his face, but he didn't stir.

"Dally," she said softly. "Wake up."

She waited a moment but he remained asleep.

"Dally" she said a bit louder, shaking him a little. "Oh, come on Dally."

She couldn't help but laugh. He stirred a bit but remained asleep.

She took one of the pillows from the bed and began hitting him with it.

He began to stir and as she continued to abuse him with the pillow he shot up and threw the pillow at her, not even seeing it was her.

Summer fell down, and removed the pillow, cracking up.

Dally rubbed his eyes but smirked; he knew who's laugh that was.

"Well good morning sleeping beauty!" Summer laughed.

"You're lucky kid, if I hadn't been so tired I would've suffocated you with that pillow."

Summer rolled her eyes; Dally didn't scare her one bit.

She sat down on the edge of the bed and watched as Dally got up and stretched.

Of course he's not wearing a shirt, he's Dally Summer giggled.

"What're you laughin' at huh? Think it's funny to disturb people's sleep?" he asked, throwing the pillow at her.

"Hey!" Summer yelled, throwing it back, but missing by a mile.

Dally laughed loudly. "Pitiful. You have horrible aim, even after all these years."

Summer rolled her eyes as he walked into the bathroom, brushing his teeth and doing whatever else Dally's do in the morning.

He came out after a few minutes and threw himself on the bed, causing Summer to fall off.

He guffawed while Summer glared at him.

"You're horrible, I hope you know that," she said, trying to keep the smile out of her voice.

"I try," Dally said, shrugging.

Summer sighed. "I guess you know why I came over here…"

"Enlighten me" he said smiling.

"Big word!" Summer laughed and dodged a pillow being thrown at her. After a minute she sighed.

"I'm sorry," she said seriously. "I over reacted yesterday, I guess I was in shock that my best friend who I thought was dead for three years shows up, so cut me some slack. I understand why you left, you were just trying to protect me and my mom," she smiled. Dally was quite fond of Ellen, though he'd probably never admit it.

"I'm just so happy that you're here," she said, A few tears escaping her eyes. "I really missed you," she brushed her tears away.

"So am I forgiven?" she asked batting her eye lashes, her lip protruding.

Dally was studying her, smirking.

"Yeah, yeah." He said. As she ran up to him and hugged him.

He hugged her back and said "Well I guess I should've sent a letter or somethin'."

"Are you saying sorry?" Summer asked excitedly.

"Those words never came out my mouth, did they Sunshine?"

Summer rolled her eyes, "I should've known better. Dallas Winston is way too tough to say sorry to anyone."

"And don't you forget it," he said, pointing at her.

Summer flopped down on the bed and let out a sigh.

"So you and Sodapop huh?" Dally asked, flopping down beside her.

Summer sighed again, recalling the events that took place at the DX. "I guess…" she said frowning.

"What do ya' mean 'I guess'? You guys goin' steady or what?"

"Well, we had a fight today…" Summer started. "He called me Sandy."

Dally shook his head. "Yeah, I heard all about that little broad. I would've pushed her into the river or somethin'."

"I don't know anymore Dally. What if he was just using me to try and get over her when obviously he's not? I-I fell in love with him."

Dally stared at her, realizing she was telling the truth. He let out a low whistle.

"Soda's not the type to do somethin' like that Sunshine. I don't think he'd try to hurt you on purpose, and if he did I'd smash his face in," he said casually, ruffling Summer's hair.

Summer laughed, she heard the joking tone in Dally's voice but she knew he'd really do it, not that she wanted him to at all. It was just nice knowing Dally would always be there for her no matter what.

Summer rolled over facing Dally. "When I came in and asked for you the guy that opened the door said that you always get the good ones. Should I be flattered or worried?"

Dally laughed. "A little bit of both."

"Let's beat it out of this place," Dally said pulling Summer off the bed.

He ushered her through the crowds of drunks and Summer smiled as they stepped out into the fresh air. The sky still looked ominous but the rain had held up for about an hour.

Dally eyed her outfit for the first time since her arrival. "How come you dressed like a greaser?" he asked, amused.

"If one more person comments on my outfit…"

Dally raised an eyebrow.

She sighed. "Remember when we were little and I always wanted to dance in the rain?"

Dally half-smiled and nodded. "Yeah, what about it?"

"Well I woke up real early today and I just had to do it. It was raining buckets and I couldn't help myself," she smiled. "That's why I'm wearing this."

"I make a good greaser don't I?" Summer giggled.

Dally snorted. "Whatever you say kid."

Suddenly a girl with dirty blonde hair and layers of make up on her face walked up to them angrily.

"Well if it isn't Dallas Winston and what have we got here? A new little hussy of yours?" she added with a sneer. "Let's see if she'll put up with you as long as I did, did you even care about me at all?"

A flash of rage crossed Summer. How dare this girl talk to her like that! Before she realized what she was doing she stepped up to this girl.

"Who do you think you are?" she yelled. "If anyone's a hussy here obviously it's you! What did you do apply your makeup with a broken arm?"

Dally cocked his head at Summer and couldn't help but grin. She was unpredictable.

"The name's Sylvia. And I'll give you 3 seconds to get out of my face before I have to rearrange yours," she said, hands clenching into fists.

"Whoa there," Dally laughed, moving Summer behind him. "Just beat it Sylvia, I sure as hell don't want you around me and definitely not Summer. So how bout you take your sorry ass back to the hole you crawled out from huh darlin'?" he said, not waiting for her to reply, he grabbed Summer and continued forward.

He left Sylvia standing in the middle of the street her mouth hanging open.

Summer resisted the urge to call back "Close your mouth or you'll catch flies!"

Instead she asked Dally, "Who in the world was that?"

Dally sneered. "Stupid broad I've hooked up with a few times, nothin' special."

Summer looked at him, "She'll probably never talked to you after what you said back there!" she laughed.

Dallas grinned, "Nah, that was nothin'. She'll come crawlin' back like she always does."

"Of course because Dallas Winston is irresistible!" she said batting her eyelashes and folding her hands together.

Dally smiled. "What can I say? I am."

Summer laughed and shoved Dally playfully.

He put her in a headlock, being careful not to hurt her and gave her a noogie.

"Dally!" she yelled. "Get off you idiot!" she was laughing at the same time, so it made Dally take her less seriously.

"What'd you call me?" he asked grinning, tickling her stomach.

"Dally!" Summer yelled. She was laughing so much; tears were coming down her cheeks.

"Alright! Alright! I give up!" she yelled in surrender.

Dally let go, laughing at how Summer tried to fix her hair from the way it was sticking up at the sides. For some reason he felt 14 again instead of 19.

"Glad I amuse you," Summer said, sticking out her tongue, so she looked more like an 11 year-old than her 16 year-old self.

Dally shook his head. "Let's head over to the Curtis'."

"Great," Summer mumbled "because Sodapop is just the person I want to see right now."

"Calm down, he's probably still at work you spaz."

Summer rolled her eyes, "I am not a spaz."

"Whatever," Dally said, unconvinced.

"Can I ask you something Dally?" Summer asked seriously.

"You just did."

Summer glared at him but continued. "Have you ever been in love?"

The question took Dally by surprise, he definitely wasn't expecting that. But he hid his shock skillfully.

"Where'd that come from?" he asked, trying his best to be nonchalant.

"I wondered for a long time, but I never had the chance to ask you,"

Dally sighed, thinking. In love? Psh. Yeah, right. Those two words together like that weren't even part of his vocabulary.

"Never have been, never will be." He answered coolly.

Summer noticed the frost in his tone.

"Have you ever loved someone?" she pressed.

"Whoa, whoa, whoa. What's with all these love questions kid? It ain't Valentine's Day! Ask me in August, or whenever the hell that holiday is."

"February," Summer corrected. "And I was just wondering. You've never talked to me about love,"

"Yeah, cause love is stupid as shit."

"Dally!" Summer yelled. "It is not! It's important to love and be loved."

"Yeah, well not to me," Dally said, taking a drag on his cancer stick.

"Do you love me?" Summer asked quietly.

Dally stopped and looked at her closely. "What?"

"Nothing, forget it." Summer said quickly.

Why in the hell would she ask me that? Dally wondered.

Summer sighed quietly, glancing at Dally. She'd known him for years and she hadn't completely figured him out yet. For some reason now more than ever she wanted to unlock the secrets that hid behind his frigid blue eyes.

"Hey Dally, I'm gonna head on home, I'm real exhausted." Summer said, and she wasn't lying. She could feel her eyelids getting droopy even though she had slept fine at Sodapop's a few hours ago. The day had taken its toll on her and she felt weak.

"Tell the boys I say hi," she said smiling.

"Alright fine kid. But you're not walkin' home alone. I'll drop ya' off."

"Honestly Dally, I think I can get to my own house perfectly fine, Summer laughed.

"Yeah, right" Dally smirked. "Says the girl I've rescued countless times."

Summer smiled up at Dally, she couldn't argue with that one.

"Where would I be without you Dally?" she asked in a high-pitched, sarcastic tone.

"Dead," Dallas smirked.

Summer laughed. "The crazy thing is, you're probably right."

"I am." Dallas said. "Shoot, you almost got yourself killed the first day we met!" he grinned, remembering that night in New York 6 years ago.

Summer smiled, remembering the first time she'd laid eyes on Dallas that night.

"I thought you were going to finish up the job that they'd started, but instead you saved me."

"Yeah, I know, I was there." Dally smirked when Summer shot him a shut up look.

"Mom is sure going to be surprised when she sees you!" Summer laughed.

Dally groaned, "Great."

Together they walked up the porch and Summer called her mother outside.

"Well hi there Ms. Out and about-" Ellen started, but stopped when her eyes fell on Dally.

Her eyes widened, "What? But, how?"

Summer took a moment to calm her mother and explain how Dally was still alive. While Dally just wore his signature smirk, hands in his jean pockets, leaning against the railing.

Ellen smiled weakly. "Boy, that's a lot to take in huh?"

After a moment she grinned looking over Dally. "My, my Dally, you've grown into one heck of a fox!" she winked.

Dally laughed. "You're not lookin' too bad yourself Ellen."

Summer felt herself blush and rolled her eyes. She glanced at Dally; her mother did have a point. His blonde hair fell in waves into his face but didn't cover his piercing blue eyes. His face still held that elf-ish quality and he did have a very nice build. Not to mention how his lips pulled into that teasing, trademark smirk and the air of coolness around him.

Summer shook her head. What am I doing?

She told Ellen that she was going to take a nap and said good-bye to Dally, giving him a quick kiss on the cheek.

She made her way inside, hugging her step-dad and conversing with him before walking upstairs to her room, while Ellen chatted with Dally on the porch.

She placed her hand over her heart, eyes widening as she felt it racing.

It's been pounding ever since I kissed Dally on the cheek… she realized.

She shook her head, No way this is possible. No way.

I may be mad at Sodapop but I love him. I always will, no matter what. And nothing will ever change that.

No matter how hard Summer tried to lie to herself, the feeling in her heart wouldn't go away.

She slumped on her bed, eyes widening.

Oh my God. I have a crush on my best friend Dallas Winston.

A/N: What do you guys think? Please review; it makes me a happy camper! For some reason as I've written these past few chapters I've had certain songs on replay. This time it was California King Bed by Rihanna. Lol. I'll update as soon as possible!