A/N: Good grief, I went to Tulsa last weekend and planned to get right back into updating! That clearly didn't happen, so I apologize. I've been working really hard on some original writing and lost track on when I last updated here! Enjoy and review!

The gang finished up the house that weekend. It was a lot of work, but it was worth it. Soda made one attempt on Sunday to go downstairs and socialize, but he ended up just sitting on the stairs watching for a few minutes before going back to his room. It was Monday morning now, and Darry was getting the house listed before he went to work. He was planning to have a serious talk with Soda that night, because they needed to get on the same page about everything. He also didn't want to keep Janie a secret forever. He had a good feeling he could get serious with her.

Steve and Soda were at work that morning. There didn't appear to be any tension between the two. They made small talk the first couple hours of stocking inside the DX before Steve went into the garage. That made Steve feel good, especially since he was excited to go see Lexi after work. During the afternoon, Soda walked into the garage.

"Do you want to hang out after work?" Soda asked.

Steve sighed as he set his wrench down, "Darry had mentioned he wants to talk to you after work actually."

"Why?"

"Just with all this house stuff going on. You guys are moving whether you like it or not. I'm sorry to be blunt, but you have to accept it," Steve said, "You'll be okay though Soda. You really will."

Soda let out a sigh, "Well can we go do something afterwards?"

Steve gripped his towel, "I, uh, actually have plans after work. I was just going to drop you off at home and head out."

"Oh," Soda said surprised, "What are you doing?"

"I'm meeting up with someone."

"Who?"

"Just...a-a girl I kind of met," Steve admitted, unsure how Soda would react.

Soda's eyes widened, "You met a girl? When? Why didn't you tell me?"

"I, uh, met her on Saturday when I was running an errand for Darry. I don't know why I didn't tell you. That seems stupid now. Things have just been whacky for you lately, so I didn't think you'd want to hear it."

Soda wasn't sure why Steve would feel that way. Sure, they had some arguments, but Soda didn't want their friendship to be on the level of unable to tell each other good news. "I'm sorry you felt that way Steve, but I think that's great."

"Thanks man," Steve smiled.

"So are you taking her out on a date tonight?"

"Not exactly. She's working on a car and I told her I'd come hang out and maybe help her a little."

"You met a girl who works on cars? You've got to be kidding," Soda smirked.

"No," Steve couldn't help but let a smile cross his face.

"So you found the feminine version of you," Soda laughed.

"Yeah I guess I did. It was crazy, because I thought maybe I was dreaming or something."

"What's her name?"

"Lexi."

Darry and Janie met up for lunch. He had missed her over the weekend, and was really excited to have lunch with her. It made all the negativity from the weekend seem so small.

"So, is the house officially available?" Janie asked as they sat in a booth.

"Yes," Darry nodded, "It's officially up to be sold."

"Have you started looking for a new home yet?"

"No. I'm just not sure how long it will take for the house to sell."

"How's Soda doing with it all?"

Darry shrugged, "I'm going to have a talk with him tonight. I want to really sit with him and talk about this. It's going to happen, so we have to be on the same page if we're going to get through this and come out stronger."

"You still keeping me a secret?"

Darry slowly nodded, "I really hope you understand."

"I do Darry, really," Janie grabbed his hand and gave it a squeeze, "I really like you and want to respect your choice. We aren't serious enough for me to make a big deal about it."

"I just don't want you to think I'm keeping you a secret, because I'm ashamed of something. Until I can have some sort of support for anything from Soda, I have to lay low about things. He could just throw out some stupid connection between the house and my dating, even if he doesn't mean it."

"You don't have to explain yourself Darry. That just means we'll have to spend time at my place until you're ready for more," Janie winked.

Darry laughed, "I got a lot of shit from Steve for that one."

"For what?"

"Not going into your hotel after our date," Darry rolled his eyes.

Janie laughed, "No, it's very gentlemen of you."

"You'll be in your new place in a few weeks though."

"Yeah, maybe then you can help me break it out," she winked again with a sly smile. The idea of that actually made Darry nervous. It had been a long time since he had been intimate with someone.

That evening, Darry and Soda were home alone. Darry was thankful Steve had other plans, otherwise he would have told him to go find something to do while they talked.

"Alright Soda, let's talk," Darry took a seat at the kitchen table. Soda grabbed a piece of chocolate cake and a glass of chocolate milk before taking his seat.

"Alright, go ahead."

"The house is ready to sell. I know you are against it, but it is what it is. I'm going through with it. I have to, but I can't have our relationship break down from it," Darry went on, "Can you at least try to understand why I'm doing this?"

"I do understand why you're doing it. It's not like I don't get what you're going through, because I am too. We both just need different things from it. You want to get away from it all, and I feel like..." Soda paused, trying to hold back the tears, "...I feel like if I l-leave here, Pony and mom and dad are just gone."

"They will always be with us Soda," Darry gave Soda's hand a squeeze, "They will always, always be with us little buddy. I'm not trying to erase them from my mind or my life completely."

"I just..." Soda began choking on tears as they ran down his face, "They are already gone physically, I don't want to leave them even more."

Darry looked down and took a deep breath to keep his own tears back, "Soda, I will do everything in my power to keep them alive for us. We'll bring there things, because we'll be finding a bigger place to keep everything together anyway. We'll remember them by the good memories. I just can't deal with these memories here, in this house. I can't handle walking by his room and..."

Soda wiped at his eyes and took a sip of his chocolate milk.

"I only know it's more, because walking by mom and dad's empty room is nothing like walking by Pony's room. I haven't told you that, but walking by his room is another level of...just everything. Some nights I debate just sleeping on the couch, because I have to walk past Pony's room to get to my room," Darry pulled his hand away and covered his face, "Soda, please...just try. I need you to just try. We'll do this together. I's not going to be easy for me either to leave, but I can't stay here. It's killing me to have to put you through this, but I can't stay here anymore."

Soda watched his older brother try to hide himself. He hadn't seen Darry this bad yet. This was all killing him. He had gotten better physically from the accident, but he was mentally dying. Slowly nodding, Soda took a deep breath, "I can try...I just can't seem to get past the anger for it though."

"That's fine little buddy. It's scary for me too. I'm not feeling all happy and joyful about it. It's a lot for me too, but...staying here, sleeping here..."

"I get it. I'll try. I promise."

"Thank you Soda," Darry pulled his little brother in a tight hug, "I will do everything I can to make this smooth for you. I promise."

"Thank you Darry."

"Now," Darry said, sitting back in his chair, "there's something else we need to talk about."

"What?" Soda asked, confused.

"Steve."

"What about him?"

Darry shrugged, "How are you feeling about him being here still? Do you still want him here?"

"Why do you ask?"

"I'm just wondering. I think he could technically go back home now if he wants, but if you still want him here he can stay here. It's up to you."

Soda thought for a minute, "I guess he can decide."

"Well Soda, he's just going to ask you the same question."

"It has helped having him at night, because that's the hardest part," Soda said, "But he does have his own life. He met a new girl."

"He did? I didn't know that."

"Yeah, he met her Saturday. That's what he's doing right now, he's hanging out with her. So, I mean, he has his own life. He can't just worry about me all the time. He deserves to go have fun."

"Well, I guess it's something I can let you two talk about and decide. Sound good?"

"Yeah, I can talk to him tomorrow."

Steve was shocked when he realized how dark it was getting. He had been at Lexi's house for a long time. He certainly didn't mind it. He was having a lot of fun watching Lexi work and checking the car out. He was impressed by how smart she was.

"So do you live with your mom?" Steve asked as they cleaned up some of the tools.

"Yeah, but she works nights, so she had left before you got here."

"What's she like?"

"Oh she's great. She's been having a hard time with my dad passing you know, but nothing unreasonable. What about you?"

"I just live with my dad. My mom left when I was little."

"That's awful," Lexi frowned.

"That's my side of town for you," Steve shrugged, "Me and my dad don't get along well, but it's fine."

"Well, I'm sorry you didn't get to do much with the car," Lexi said as they piled the tools in the garage. She obviously didn't know how to respond to Steve not getting along with his dad. She wasn't used to that kind of life style.

"No, no, don't be sorry. It was fun checking out the car. You're really good at this too."

"Thanks. I'm sure it was fun watching me get filthy," Lexi laughed.

"You have no idea," Steve muttered.

"What?"

"Nothing," Steve said getting the last of the items put away.

"So, what's your plan now?"

"I guess I'll go back to my buddy's place."

"Are you still helping get the house together?"

"No, it's ready to sell," Steve said, "My buddy and his brother are just going through a really tough time, so I've been staying at their place. They just lost their youngest brother."

"Oh my God..." Lexi said, "What happened?"

"A car accident. He was in a coma, and just...never woke up."

"I'm so sorry," Lexi said, "That's so sweet of you to be there for them though."

"I'm trying," Steve bit his lip, "Me and the kid weren't on great terms when he passed. It still gets to me."

"Did you guys get in some big fight or something before the accident?"

"Not exactly. I cared about the kid. I cared about him a lot. He just didn't think though, so I'd get frustrated and my way of showing I cared was...well...harsh."

"I know it's probably easier said than done, but you can't dwell on that forever."

"I know I can't. I hope it'll get better soon."

"Me too," Lexi smiled, "Well, I can let you go then if you need to get back."

Steve looked out at his car and thought for a minute. He had such a great time with Lexi. He didn't want to leave, but he wasn't willing to just shove her in the house and sleep with her. He didn't want to rush that.

"What is it?" Lexi asked. Steve turned back towards her. There was one thing he wanted to do though. He put his hands around her face, and pulled her in for a kiss.

Lexi returned the kiss and let out a small giggle, "You do realize how dirty I am right?"

Steve smiled before continuing to kiss her. When he let go, he asked, "I hope that wasn't too much."

"No way," she smiled, "Although, I wouldn't have minded dinner first."

Steve shrugged, "You hungry now?"

"I thought you wouldn't ask. Let me go shower real quick and we can go somewhere."

"Sounds great."

"You can come wait inside or something if you want to."

"No, it's fine. I'll wait out here," Steve said, giving her a quick kiss before she headed inside.

It was around eleven that night when Steve walked into the Curtis house. He had lost track of time, but he had a lot of fun with Lexi.

"Where in the world have you been?"

Steve jumped at the statement as Darry got up from his armchair. Instantly, panic erupted in him. "Wh-What? Did something happen to Soda when you talked to him? Did he leave? Oh my God Darry, I'm so sorry, I was just..."

"Steve, Steve, no, no, no," Darry put his hands up in defense, "I was just messing with you. I'm sorry. Things are just fine here."

"Oh thank God," Steve put a hand over his racing heart.

"I'm sorry," Darry chuckled, "I didn't mean to scare you."

"It's fine," Steve smiled, "Where is Soda?"

"He's in bed."

Steve looked around Darry, "And I see Two-Bit is giving you company."

Two-Bit smiled from the couch, "Well apparently you wouldn't have been here anyway."

"Shut up man," Steve playfully hit him. He was slightly dreading the rest of the night, knowing exactly why Two-Bit was there.

"Where were you?" Darry asked.

"Just out."

"With this secret girl you met?" Two-Bit joked.

Steve smiled, "Yeah, I was hanging out with this girl I met."

"That's really cool," Darry smiled.

"Yeah, we had a lot of fun. I lost track of time. So...did you guys talk? How did it go?"

"It went good actually. I think it's a small step in the right direction," Darry said.

"That's great to hear."

"Well anyway, I was only staying up to make sure you were okay. I wasn't sure why you were gone so long. I have a really early morning, so I'm going to bed. Night guys."

"Night Darry," the boys said. Steve took a seat on Darry's armchair.

"Did Darry say anything about his talk with Soda?" Steve asked.

Two-Bit set his beer on the coffee table, "He said Soda seems willing to try, so it sounds good."

"That's good," Steve nodded.

"Is she cute?"

Steve laughed, "She's a looker. I kissed her too."

"Wow. You really like her huh?"

"Oh yeah."

"How long has it been since you really dated anyone?"

Steve shook his head, "A long time. Evie and I have been broken up for over a year now, and I just never found anyone else I liked. It's kind of weird though, she's not a greaser or a Soc. She's firmly in middle class town."

"That's cool though. Does she know you're a greaser?"

"I mean...I haven't said that or anything, but I think it was pretty obvious."

"She doesn't care?"

"Not at all. She's a really cool girl."

"Did you go far with her? Is that why you're out late?" Two-Bit asked, raising his eyebrows.

"No, no," Steve shook his head, "I could have. She was home alone, but we just went out for food. We went to the Dingo and we sat there this entire time just talking and kissing."

"Aww, how cute," Two-Bit smirked.

"Yeah, maybe if Soda really is relaxing about this whole moving thing, Darry can tell him about Janie soon."

"Maybe. He was still telling me to be careful not to mention her for now," Two-Bit said, "Let's do this medicine though."

"Do we have to?" Steve asked, "I had such a great, amazing day. Do I have to ruin it?"

"Maybe that will help you take it," Two-Bit shrugged. He walked into the bathroom and grabbed the bottle of pills hidden under the sink.

Steve could feel his heart begin racing. He just kept trying to picture Lexi and all they did that night. He closed his eyes and just held his hand out, feeling Two-Bit put a pill in it. Without looking at it, Steve placed the pill in his mouth, held it for a few seconds before taking it down. He felt slightly sick, but he was able to keep it down.

"Are you okay?" Two-Bit asked.

"I think so," Steve sighed. He wasn't going to want to have to tell Lexi about his problem.

"Well, let's get you up to bed, alright?"

Steve sat up in bed, stretching. The sun was out and it looked peaceful outside.

"Good morning."

Steve turned and saw Lexi at the bedroom door.

"Lexi? What are you doing here?"

"I just wanted to come see you," Lexi smiled, walking over to the bed, "I missed you."

Steve pulled her in for a kiss, "I missed you too. Where is everyone?"

"Your friend is taking a shower, so we have a few minutes of alone time."

Steve smiled as he pulled her close. Laying her down, Steve kissed down her neck and pulled at the bottom of her shirt. He removed her shirt and began kissing down her chest, listening to her moans as she wrestled with his hair.

"Are you sure you want this already?" Steve asked, slightly out of breath.

"Of course I want you," Lexi smiled.

Before Steve continued, he heard a loud thump.

"What was that?" Steve asked.

"Maybe he slipped."

Steve got up and hurried down the hall. He turned the door handle and opened the door.

"S...So...oh my God!" Steve yelled at the sight. Soda was on the ground, the pill bottle in a loose grip. There were no more pills in the bottle. "Soda!"

"Steve! Steve!"

"Soda! No! Please don't do this!"

"Steve!" Steve's eyes flew open. Soda was grabbing his shirt, shaking him awake. "Steve! Wake up! Look at me!"

"So-Soda?" Steve shakily asked.

"Yeah it's me," Soda said, "What..." Before Soda could ask, Steve ran out of the room and into the bathroom, vomiting in the toilet.

Darry was awake. He walked out of his room, seeing Soda outside the bathroom. "What's going on?"

"It's Steve," Soda said, "I think he had a bad nightmare."

Darry peeked in, and saw Steve shaking uncontrollably. He fell back against the wall and began hyperventilating. "Soda, go get some water." Darry walked into the bathroom and got on the floor with Steve. "Steve, breathe. It's okay, just breathe." Steve took a minute, but he got his breathing to slow down and then it turned into crying. He went forward and hugged Darry, crying into his shoulder.

"Steve..." Soda quietly said as he set a glass of water on the sink, "Here Darry, I got it. You have to get up early."

"No!" Steve yelled. Soda took a step back, unsure what was going on. "I'm...I'm sorry Soda, it's not you. I-I just..."

He was unable to finish his sentence as he buried his face back into Darry's shoulder.

"Soda, you can go back to bed. I got him," Darry nodded.

"Okay, come get me if you need anything."

"Steve," Darry rubbed the scared greaser's back, "What's wrong?"

Steve sat up and looked at Darry. He knew he wasn't getting back to sleep. He wasn't sure how, but he knew he was going to have to tell Darry what happened with Soda. "Darry...I need to tell you something."