Two-bit scrambled up from the floor dusting off the back off his pants. "It's called cleaning." He looked around my room. "You've been hit by a storm."

"Yeah, it's called Huricane Soda." I pushed all of my blankets out of the way. "If you all don't mind we're getting out of here."

I made my way out, wondering if Soda had finished talking with Steve. If I were Soda I wouldn't bother listening to Steve's explanation, that was plain awful what he did. I stopped suddenly realizing that the boys hadn't been following me. I sighed in fustration but let it slide. "If Darry harasses me about anything I swear I'll kill you folks, especially you Two- bit! And I'll use your blade!" Faint laughter was heard and the thud of feet came rushing down the hall. Johnny, Ponyboy, and Two-bit came zooming past me, knocking me against the wall muttering apologies as they did. Dally however was taking his time strolling. He had his cigarette held loosely and I felt his eyes on me. I faced him and he gave me a sly grin.

"Your lookin' well, kid."

"You ain't bad yourself."

He began to study me. I felt awkward so I spoke up suddenly, "you feeling okay today, Dal?"

"Yeah, I'm fine." He winked then his face turned very serious. "Don't hurt 'em."

It took a moment for those words to register in my head. Don't hurt 'em? Don't hurt who?

"Johnny." He said, noticing the look of confusion held on my face. "Johnny." He repeated. "Don't hurt him."

"Why would I-" I paused. "You know then." I took a deep breath knowing he'd be the one telling my brothers. Why would it matter anyway? They wouldn't take it awful, they' d be shocked, but they wouldn't be angry with me.

"I don't wanna see him hurt, he get's hurt enough, don't ya think?"

"Damn Dally don't you think I know that? I ain't about to break his heart, I ain't like those chicks you go for." I didn't think that would affect him.

"Listen kid, I'm not sure your ready to be in a relationship." He lectured me coldly.

"Since when did you care?" I snapped back, "when did you suddenly win the roll of big brother?"

"Shut up, you know perfectly well that we all care about you."

"Mr. Winston, cold as ice, care?"

"Let me correct myself," He said through clenched teeth, "I care about Johnny, I don't want a bullshit skank like you toying with him."

I was steamed. "When the hell did I become a bullshit skank? I never dated before, Johnny's my first, I'm his. We are perfect for eachother, we haven't dated before, and we really like eachother. So lay off. You're smart enough to know I wouldn't hurt Johnny!"

He took a long drag of his cigarette before saying a thing. "I didn't mean it okay? I just don't want either of yous ending up hurt. It ain't nothing pretty, you aren't supposed to date friends, Val, if you do and break up, it won't ever be the same."

"Johnny is and always has been more than a friend to me, Dally, honest."

"I don't want you gettin' any ideas. Once you score you'll want more." He presisted.

"Why are you talking to me about this? I ain't that type." My eyes narrowed. "I don't need any more counseling, I get enough of that."

I turned to walk but he grabbed my wrist. Pain shot up my arm and when he saw me wince he let go. "Val, just don't get yourself into anything you can't handle." His eyes were filled with hate. Or something else, something I couldn't tell? I didn't know alright, but it scared the hell out of me. "But if you need someone to talk to, holler."

I laughed in my head at his last comment, talk to Dallas Winston? Yeah right. I excepted the fact that he was trying to help me, give me advice, but If I was going to talk to anyone, I'd rather talk to Soda, or Pony, or Darry. Or even Two-Bit. Maybe even Steve. If I wanted lessons of how to skin someone I'd go to Dally.

Oh my god, I'm so sorry, I know that this chapter is SUPER short. But I don't have much time since it's a school week but I promise you readers (thanks for reveiwing I love you guys! =] ) that I will right a larger chapter this weekend. Maybe two. Keep up the reveiws! -BRI-