Can't Wait to Feel the Rain on Your Skin

Author: NTKG

Disclaimer: I am NOT SE Hinton, therefore I DO NOT own the outsiders or anyone associated with them. The only person I own is Samantha Randle.

Rating: T for language

AN: This fic has slowly become my baby and the plot bunnies are still making me pound out chappies so enjoy! Sorry this ones a bit shorter than the rest!

"Change is a courageous dance whose delicate steps are made of strength and dreams, for in each of us are wings yearning to fly."

Chapter 3

Sam sat looking at herself in the mirror. Tears mingled with make-up as they slid down her soft face. Her eyes became puffy and red, making it hard for her to keep them open. She took one last look into the mirror before standing and slowly walking to the bed. She collapsed onto the bed, but found it hard to sleep. She lay with her eyes shut for what seemed like ever before sitting up and sighing. All she could think about was Soda. His lips, his kiss, his hands, his voice..him in general. He made her feel special.

There had always been something between them, but they had always both either been taken or just ignored it. Something collapsed that ignoring barrier tonight and made everything okay. Sam just wanted to be in his arms. The world was right in his arms.

Soda walked into his house, flopped down on the couch and shut his eyes. He blew it. Steve was madder than he had ever seen him and Sam was hurt. He hadn't meant for it to happen the way it had. He really liked Sam and hadn't wanted it to be so messed up.

"Geez Soda. Way to blow it." He sighed to himself, trying to force himself to get up. He needed a shower.

"Come on Soda. Get up. " He tried to tell himself, but it proved to be unsuccessful. He closed his eyes to try and sleep and visions of Sam covered his mind. Her laugh, her smile, the way she flicked her hair..everything about her. He didn't know what was happening and he couldn't stop it, but he wasn't sure he wanted too.

Sam sighed resignedly after many random attempts to sleep. She finally decided she needed to get out of the house. She quietly opened her bedroom door and looked down the hall for any sign of Steve. When she found none, she slowly tiptoed down the stairs. She heard his loud snoring and noticed him asleep on the couch with the tv on. It was the only light in the entire living room. She crept through the living room to the front door and gently pulled it open. She tried to make no sound as she stepped outside and pulled the door shut. She let out a long breath she had inadvertently been holding.

"Man.." She mumbled as she wrapped her arms around herself. Her jacket was still upstairs and she wasn't going back for it. She wouldn't make it long in this weather without it though. She looked around her front yard and the road ahead, not even needing a second thought as to where to go.

Soda finally pried himself off the couch and made his way to the bathroom to start the shower. He let the water adjust as he walked back towards the living shedding his shirt into a basket that was sitting in the hall. He unfastened his belt and draped it over the arm of the recliner and was just unbuttoning his pants when he heard a faint knock. He looked around, squinting to see where it came from. All he heard was the water from the bathroom.

"Soda?" He heard a soft voice ask. He walked towards the door and opened it.

"Sam! What are you doing here?" He asked alarmed as she shivered and her teeth chattered. "And where's your coat?" He pushed the door open and led her inside, whispering so not to wake the rest of the house.

"I-I had to s-see you." She said trying to stop the chattering in her teeth. He smiled down at her gently before reaching over to the couch and grabbing the blanket that was draped over the back of it for anyone who needed a place to crash at night. He unfolded it and wrapped it around her shoulders, rubbing his hands up and down her arms to create heat.

"Does Steve know you're here?" he asked. She shook her head softly.

"No." Soda sighed, running his hand through his hair.

"He'll be worried sick if he wakes up and your not there." He stated.

"I know."

"You want me to walk you back home?" He asked, as she became silent for few minutes.

"Soda?" She asked, finally speaking.

"Yea babe?"

"Can I stay with you tonight?" Soda looked at her, semi-shocked at the question. He knew that if she stayed and Steve found out all hell would break loose; But he couldn't just send her home if she didn't want to go.

"Yea Sam. You can." He said decidedly. "I'll be right back." He released her arms and made his way back to the bathroom and flipped the water off. He took a glance at himself in the mirror. What am I getting myself into?

Sam smiled at Soda as he reentered the room. "Thank you for letting me stay SP." Sam said softly as Soda pulled her to the couch.

"Don't thank me. You can crash here anytime." He wrapped his arms around her as she made herself comfortable leaning against him. He pulled the blanket over them and snuggled close to her.

"Sam?" Soda asked after a short while. He waited a moment, but received no answer. He opened his eyes and glanced down at her. She was sleeping soundly, tucked into his arms.

"I love you Samantha Randle." He whispered, kissing her forehead, before drifting off into a sleep all his own.