What I Like About You

Authors Note: I literally wrote and uploaded a different Outsiders fic a matter of hours ago and then said I wouldn't write anymore of it for awhile. Then this happened. -sigh- I'm hooked on this. Anyway, I know Dally wouldn't know that Johnny said he was gallant, but just roll with me here. Also, let me know what you think!

I like the way you look up at me with those big black eyes. I like how you look at me like I'm your hero, like I'm the reason the sun comes up in the morning and the stars come out at night. No one else has ever looked at me like that.

I like how you follow me, whether it's with your eyes or your body. Wherever I'm going I can count on you to be beside me. You don't need to ask where I'm going, you just come. When I walk into a room you follow me with your eyes, like you need to keep me in sight. When I leave a room you look at me for permission to follow. You don't need it. I always want you to follow.

I like the way you say my name. The way it rolls off your tongue, like you're the only one who's ever been supposed to say it. The sound of my name coming from you sends a jolt through my body.

I like the way you never flinch when I touch you. I'm happy that you sit perfectly still when I'm checking to see what damage your old man has caused. I'm glad that my touch never frightens you. The way you always trust that I won't press too hard, or move something the wrong way.

I like that you're not scared of me. Other people shy away at my threats, but you never do. You know I won't hurt you. You're scared I'll be disappointed in you, but you're never scared of me. I couldn't be disappointed in you.

I like that you think I'm a good person. I've always been called a no good hood. I'm the toughest greaser in Tulsa. It's not the sort of thing that makes people like you, but you don't care. You think I'm wonderful. You think I'm gallant. You think I'm the good guy when everyone else thinks I'm the villain.

I like that you're so innocent. I like that you aren't hard like me. It's a hard thing to admit. It's the kind of thing that could get you killed, but I like it anyway. You have faith in the world. You think things could get better. You still allow yourself to love other people. You haven't become so jaded that everything in your life makes you sick and angry.

I like that you let me protect you. You never listen when I tell you to get hard, but you're always willing to let me do it for you. You're never embarrassed to let me talk for you, or shoot a glare at some Soc that's been looking for too long.

I like that you're shy when you talk to girls. I love the way you stumble over words and the way your cheeks flush at every little thing. You don't need a girl, but it's fun to watch you talk to them.

I like how tuff you are, even when you think you're being weak. Even when you're dragging yourself to the Curtis' after a beating from your old man, you don't cry. You aren't a screamer or a crier. When you are crying I know it's bad. I never think any less of you. I just worry.

I like that your bangs are always in your face. Actually I just like that you let me move them. Your hair's too long and covered in grease. I wouldn't change it. I like the way it feels when I run my hand through it.

I like so many things about you. It's hard to find things that I don't. But there's one thing I can't stand that has always stood out, especially as of lately.

I love you.

You make me care too much about you. You make me soft. You make my heart flutter like the wings of a hummingbird. You make me worry about you when I shouldn't even care. You gave me a weakness and I never asked for one.

You're everything to me and I can't stand it. I can't stand myself.

I love you, but I hate you for making me feel that way.