Dallas Winston wasn't one to let things bother him much. This was unknown territory for him though. He had seen what could happen to homosexuals in New York, and there have been a few greasers and even Socs in Tulsa that came out. Some even got harassed just for rumors of being gay. Dally knew he had been part of that from time to time, mainly for kicks. It was bothering him that now one of his friends had become gay. It was also bothering him that one of his other friends was deserting his best friend over it. Dally knew his loyalty to the gang was going to have to come before any ugly feelings. He was just waiting for the right time to confront it.

The first thing he had to find out for himself was Steve. Dally wandered towards the DX garage, where he found Steve shuffling tools around.

Steve looked up and saw Dally leaning against the entryway. He was unsure what he wanted, and Dally's bad side wasn't where he wanted to be. "Hey."

"Hey man," Dally greeted, removing his sunglasses.

"What are you doing here?"

"Came to chat with you."

Steve expected the worst as Dally began walking closer. He stood his ground, half expecting to get a blow to the face, if not worse. "About Soda?"

"Yeah," Dally said, "I'm just trying to figure some shit out."

"Like what?"

"I hope the things I'm hearing about you aren't true. If they are, I think it's pretty shitty."

"What things?"

"Well we all know what's going on with Soda."

"Yeah," Steve simply said.

"Did you hit him?"

Steve looked over to the side as he responded, "Yeah I did. You would have too. Don't act like you wouldn't."

Dally shrugged, "Maybe. I'd be shocked if he did that to me too, so yeah I'd probably hit him."

"Well there you go," Steve said.

Dally looked at Steve with lowered eyebrows, "Well shit."

"What?"

"You really don't feel bad."

"Of course not."

"You aren't sorry. You don't miss him at all."

"Nope." Dally's feelings were right. Steve felt no remorse towards what he had done to Soda.

"You are done with him."

"Yes," Steve replied beginning to get frustrated, "You would be too."

"Bullshit," Dally simply said, "He's your best friend Steve. The gang are my friends. I get why you'd be mad at Soda, but I wouldn't expect you to just throw him out of your life. That's messed up man."

"You rag on gay guys plenty Dally. Don't be a hypocrite at me."

Dally couldn't even believe what he was hearing. He did rag on people who were gay or rumored to be, he could admit that to himself, but he wouldn't turn his back on the gang for being that way. If he could, he wouldn't be putting so much effort into trying to confront the situation and trying to get comfortable with it. He raised his hand, pointing a finger at Steve. "Don't mess with Soda man. Don't even try it."

Two days passed and not much changed at the Curtis house. Johnny and Two-Bit were still there to give Ponyboy and Sodapop company while Darry worked. It was quiet. No one had heard from Steve or Dally. Two-Bit and Johnny had gone home a couple times, but no one's gone into town. Even Two-Bit was nervous to hear what was going around town by now. That day he decided he was going to face it though, knowing they'd all have to leave sooner or later. Two-Bit figured he could leave first before Soda went to face the world.

"Hey guys, I'm going to go to the Tasty Freeze. I'll grab us all some burgers and shakes," Two-Bit said.

"Going into town just sounds so weird," Pony commented.

"It does, but I figure it's time to go see if things have gone around. I should go try and find Dally too."

Soda swallowed, "He does hate me."

"You don't know that," Johnny said.

"Soda don't jump to ideas, alright? Maybe it's not that bad Dally has stayed away, he can tell me things we're wondering about," Two-Bit shrugged, "I'll be back later."

Two-Bit climbed into his car and started the engine. Before he pulled away, he saw Soda hurrying over to the driver's window. "What?" Two-Bit asked as he rolled down the window.

"Nothing," Soda looked down, "Just...thanks, for everything."

"Of course Soda."

"How much longer do you think until I can go out again?"

"That's up to Darry more than me. I'd be willing to go with you to make sure you're safe, but you'd have to talk to Darry first."

Soda nodded, "Maybe I'll bring it up tonight, depending on what you find out."

"Okay, I'll be back soon."

Two-Bit drove to the Tasty Freeze. As soon as he got out of his car he could feel the stares. There were a few people sitting at the outdoor tables, all silent. Two-Bit could see them stealing glances, but trying not to make it obvious. 'Well here we go,' Two-Bit thought to himself.

Entering the little diner, the loud conversations turned into mumbles and whispers. It was a little unsettling. It was also kind of odd. Sure, everyone probably wanted to ask Two-Bit if his friend was now gay, but he almost expected everyone to be lining up to ask, not hiding it. Something wasn't right. Two-Bit left the line before ordering and walked back out to his car. He had to find Dally and get the gossip news before anything else.

Eventually, Two-Bit ended up at the Dingo where Dally was hanging out.

"Hey Dally."

Dally looked up at Two-Bit, "Hey man."

"You still haven't come by," Two-Bit commented.

"I was actually going to come by today or tomorrow. I went and saw Steve a couple days ago and...man he just ain't right about all this," Dally shook his head.

"Yeah no kidding," Two-Bit said, "What's been going around town?"

"What do you mean?"

"What are people saying about Soda?"

Dally didn't respond right away, confirming Two-Bit's suspicion.

"It's something pretty bad, isn't it? I was waiting for people to come ask me about him, but people are avoiding me instead. I don't get it."

"It's because it's about you," Dally looked down towards his lap.

"M-Me? What do you mean me?" Two-Bit asked.

Dally looked Two-Bit in the eye, "Look, I didn't say anything. I don't know how this all started, I swear."

"What Dally? Tell me now."

"They're saying you and Soda are...are a thing now."

Two-Bit's mouth hung open, "Wh-What?"

Dally grabbed Two-Bit by the arm and lead him outside, knowing people were trying to listen in. "Two-Bit, everyone saw you that night with Soda. His meltdown or whatever at the drag race, then you left with him, and now no one has seen either of you for a few days. They think you're both hiding out together."

Soda, Pony, and Johnny didn't see Two-Bit the rest of the day. Darry got home from work and started dinner. It was an unsettling mood in the house. With Two-Bit being gone, they all could only imagine what he had found out.

"It's bad, I know it is," Soda said as he tapped his foot at the kitchen table.

"It was...expected," Darry responded, "Unfortunately we knew it could come to this."

"He's not coming back," Soda shook his head.

"Yes he is Sodapop," Darry said, "You know he..." Before Darry could finish his sentence, Soda got up and stormed out the back door. He didn't even try to ask Darry about going out. Clearly, this wasn't the time. Soda didn't know whether to be mad, frustrated, or sad about Two-Bit avoiding the house. It would be hard to hear anything, but Soda needed to know.

Some time passed and dinner was close to being done when Two-Bit reentered the Curtis house.

"Hey, where have you been?" Pony asked, "You went for shakes six hours ago."

"You owe us some good shakes," Johnny added in.

"Yeah, yeah," Two-Bit smirked, "We can go get shakes later." Two-Bit saw Darry in the kitchen, motioning for him to get in there.

"People are saying bad stuff, aren't they?" Darry asked. Two-Bit went straight to the fridge and grabbed a beer.

"Um, I'm not sure. It's hard to say. Where's Soda?" Two-Bit asked.

"Out the back," Darry replied, "What are they saying Two-Bit?"

"Let me talk to Soda first, alright?"

Darry nodded in understanding, "Alright. But you're telling me later."

Two-Bit stepped outside and saw Soda dribbling the basketball around. "Hey Soda."

Soda looked up, and couldn't help but smile at Two-Bit's return. "Hey. I'm glad you came back."

"Sorry it took so long. I had to drive around and think. I did find Dally. He's coming later tonight."

"Is...he mad?"

"No, no. He's fine," Two-Bit looked down.

"Something's wrong. I can tell. I can only guess people are saying some pretty terrible things."

Two-Bit continued to look down.

"What is it?"

"Soda...people are talking, but...it's not as we expected."

"What do you mean?"

"It's...us."

"Us?" Soda asked confused.

"Us," Two-Bit repeated, "Me and you."

"What are you talking about?"

"After that night at the races. I was comforting you, and then people heard later why you had the meltdown, and now we've both been out of the public eye for a few days, they think we're in this together."

"Oh Two-Bit," Soda lowered his head, "I'm so sorry."

"For what?"

"You don't deserve to have these rumors going on about you. This is about me. I went after Steve, not you! Oh my God, this is a disaster," Soda looked up at the sky in frustration.

"Soda, I'm not worried about that. I don't care," Two-Bit shrugged.

"It is a big deal," Soda said, "People could rag on you too. People could jump you over it when it's not even true." There was silence between the two. Soda felt bad that Two-Bit was getting in the middle of rumors. All Two-Bit did was help him and be there for him, he didn't deserve this.

"You should leave."

Two-Bit looked at Soda, "What are you talking about?"

"This isn't fair to you Two-Bit. We can't let them talk about you like this. You could get hurt like you all have worried about me."

"Soda..."

"You need to leave, and end that shit. Make it seem like you aren't even on my side."

"Soda, I'm not going to do that," Two-Bit shook his head, "You're talking stupid."

"I can't let them..."

"Let them talk Soda!" Two-Bit blurted out, "No matter what I say, they will still talk! It doesn't matter!"

Soda sighed, "I'm so sorry Two-Bit. I've ruined your life."

"Really?" Two-Bit scoffed, "That's what you say about all of this? Like this new lifestyle is ruining your life?"

"Well it's obviously not all roses and unicorns."

"You shouldn't be ashamed of what you want for yourself now."

"It's not what I want," Soda argued.

Two-Bit took a sip of his beer, "You mean you wish you weren't gay, or it's not how you expected it to go?"

Soda simply shrugged.

"You still have feelings for Steve, don't you?"

Looking up, Soda shrugged again, "Yeah."

"Do you think Steve is going to change his mind?"

"I'm not stupid," Soda barked, "I know he's not going to change his mind. It's just not easy to move on from the way I was feeling."

"I know, but..."

"Just leave me alone please," Soda felt the tears rise as he walked around the house towards the front yard to leave.

"Soda, wait! Damnit," Two-Bit hurried back inside the house, "Darry, Soda and me are going for a walk. We'll be back later." Two-Bit rushed around the house before Darry could ask anything.

Darry, Pony, and Johnny ate dinner. Darry was concerned why Soda and Two-Bit left so suddenly, but as long as Soda was with somebody, that was enough for Darry to not rush out looking for him. Even if it was Two-Bit he was depending on, it made the oldest greaser feel a little better.

"Will you boys do the dishes?" Darry asked as he brought his empty plate to the sink, "I'll save some leftovers for Soda and Two-Bit."

"Sure. We'll get to them when we're done," Pony said, "Do you think Soda is okay?"

"Yeah, I'm sure he needed to get out. He's been cooped up with his own head for some time now. Remember, Soda wasn't ever one to just stay in and not do anything, even if he is feeling down."

"Him and Two-Bit are probably causing their own shenanigans," Johnny added in, "Even if anything is going on out there, Two-Bit would be the one to distract Soda with his wisecracks."

"And I trust Two-Bit to keep safe," Darry said.

"Shockingly," Ponyboy smirked.

"He's all we really got right now," Darry chuckled.

Pony and Johnny began doing dishes while Darry wiped down the table and organized the chairs. As he finished up, he heard the front door open, and peeked his head around, expecting Soda and Two-Bit.

"Hey Dal," Darry greeted, "It's been awhile."

Another hour passed when Soda and Two-Bit walked back into the house. They walked in to everyone scattered around the living room. It was almost a normal scene in the Curtis house. As Darry looked up at his brother, he noticed Soda looked off, but decided not to ask in front of everyone.

"Hey Soda," Dally said, being the first to speak up.

"Hi Dally," Soda replied, "I'm glad you came by."

Dally nodded, "Sorry it took so long."

"No problem," Soda ran a hand through his hair, "Um, Darry I'm going to lay down for a second."

"Are you feeling okay? I saved you some dinner."

"Yeah, yeah. I just need a minute, alright?" Darry nodded as Soda went upstairs.

Two-Bit looked over at Dally and let out a small smile, "Thanks for coming."

"Sure. Don't get sentimental on me," Dally warned.

Two-Bit smirked, "Not yet."

"Is he doing okay?" Pony asked, motioning to the stairs.

"Yeah, he's fine. Now Darry, where is this dinner you're talking about?" Two-Bit smiled.

Darry rolled his eyes, "You know where the fridge is."

"That's where my beer is," Two-Bit rubbed his hands together as he walked towards the kitchen.

Dally stood up from his spot on the couch, "Alright, I'll take my chance to go talk to the kid."

"Thanks Dal," Darry said, "He keeps thinking you hate him." Dally walked upstairs and knocked on Soda and Pony's shared bedroom.

"Who is it?"

"It's Dally."

"Oh, come in," Soda said.

Dally opened the door and took a couple steps inside the room. Soda was sitting up on the bed, but wasn't turning to look at Dally.

"Well, what do you want?" Soda asked.

"I'm sorry I haven't been by," Dally began, "I needed to think about everything you know?"

"If you were still going to be friends with me, you mean?"

"No Soda. Don't be stupid. I didn't want to not be friends with you or just leave the gang. I went and talked to Steve though. I wanted to bash his head in."

"What?" Soda turned around, "What did he say?"

"Doesn't matter. I'm just disappointed in him."

"Makes the two of us I suppose."

"Soda, just know if he messes with you in any way, you tell me. Or if anyone does for that matter. Not many want to deal with me, so I got your back buddy."

Soda smiled, "Thanks Dally."

At that moment, Darry walked into the bedroom. "Hey buddy, you doing okay?"

Soda nodded, "Yeah I'm fine."

"Did anything happen while you and Two-Bit were out there?"

"No, we just walked to the park. No one was really there," Soda said, "It was nice to get out though."

"Good," Darry nodded, "Well come down soon. You should eat something."

"I will. Can you send Two-Bit up here first?"

"Sure." Darry and Dally both left, and Soda patiently waited. He knew it'd take Two-Bit a few minutes.

Soda kept his eye on the ground as he heard his bedroom door open and close. "Hey buddy," Two-Bit softly said.

Looking up, Soda looked towards the door. He couldn't make eye contact with the greaser who had been helping him through everything lately.

"Are you okay?" Two-Bit asked.

"Why?"

"Why what?" Two-Bit asked, trying to act confused, but he knew better.

"Why did you kiss me?"