AN. Hey guys… I know I've been neglecting the story, but I have good reason! I just started school and I have tons of homework/studying. I just hate that feeling when you're sitting at home thinking to yourself, "man I can't wait 'till school starts,", but in the end, it just sucks… SO, thank you all for subbing and favoriting and all that junk. And the wait is over! I'm finally done with the second chapter! I hope you like it and don't forget to review!

BTW: this chapter may be a bit boring to you, but I cannot post total epic action chapters each time. :P

Now on with the story!

Natalie POV

"Well, I think your eye will be just fine. Give it a few days and try not to run into any more doors, okay?"

I had arrived at the Curtis' house earlier with my eye pulsing with pain. During the walk back, Soda had told me almost everything about himself and the rest of the 'gang'. Every so often, I'd make a stupid joke, and to my pleasure, he'd laugh anyway.

Now his older brother, Darry, was standing up from his crouching position next to me. Soda slouched on the worn out couch next to me as the TV buzzed, clutching the remote.

I reached around to rub my still-sore shoulder and noticed my shirt was drenched. I pulled my hand around and crimson blood stained my fingertips. "Uh," was all I could manage to say. Soda noticed my discomfort and looked at me curiously until he saw my hand.

Sodapop POV

"Oh shit…" I breathed. I sat up quickly and motioned for Natalie to follow. I led her over toward the bathroom and closed the door halfway.

She bumped the door with her hip to close it all the way and began taking her shirt off to reveal a white strapless top.

I felt a dark blush creep up on me and I froze, staring at her.

"Can you help me with this?" She asked as she bent down to pick up a washcloth. "S-sure," I replied.

Natalie turned her back to me, pulling her hair out of the way. Her undershirt was low set in he back which gave me butterflies almost instantly. I quickly sprayed some cold water on the cloth and started wiping excess blood off of her shoulder, being careful not to hurt her.

Once the blood was cleaned, she turned back toward me, her grey eyes shining with embarrassment "Sorry I got you into this mess. And I feel a bit embarrassed that I haven't thanked you yet."

Natalie POV

I have no idea how, but I suddenly had a strange burst of courage. Something had just clicked between us and I wish I could just tell him, "Soda I love you!" but the more I thought about it, the less confident I got.

Before I knew it, My cheeks were flushed a bright shade of red. Ugh, why wont you just say it already? I thought to myself.

Soda gave a slight nod and started opening the door. I quickly grabbed the collar of his shirt, tugging him back into the small bathroom and slammed the door shut.

I was feeling all jittery inside and my hands began shaking. My breath was getting uneven and I started feeling nauseated.

Suddenly, Soda slowly turned himself around and intertwined his fingers with mine. It was obvious that he was blushing which I thought was just adorable.

I stepped forward and took one hand away to reach out and lock the door behind him. He looked deep into my eyes and I instantly calmed down, feeling a shiver of excitement run down my spine. Compared to some of the other guys I've dated, this one didn't smell like cigarettes or beer, he just smelled… Good. Really good, in fact.

I took another step forward, nose to nose. All I had to do was lean a bit closer…

BAM BAM BAM!

A huge pound on the door broke me out of my trance. "Hey Soda, who's this chick I've been hearing about?"

Soda groaned and rolled his eyes, "She left, Two-bit," he lied.

Another voice, this time deeper, leaked trough the door, "Is she hot? 'Cause if she is I wanna see this broad, man."

Soda released my hands and clenched his fists together. I bet he was as frustrated as I was.

"I should go," I whispered. I really didn't want to leave, but it was really awkward being called a 'hot broad'.

"No," he replied calmly. "You can… Stay here if you want. I don't think Darry'll mind, you being hurt and all."

I felt my cheeks burn hotter than ever. "Uh, n-no I couldn't… It's way too much to ask."

"Don't worry about it," he said. Soda slowly unlocked the door and we both stepped outside.

I realized that I was still wearing my strapless undershirt, but since the other was blood-stained, I decided to just deal with this one.

"Hey So-," one of the lighter-skinned boys spoke but cut himself off as he saw me.

One of the other guys raised an eyebrow, looked me up and down, and a huge grin split across his face. "Damn…" he slurred.

The tallest of the group stood up and began walking toward me. He narrowed his eyes and smiled a dangerous smile. I raised an eyebrow like asking, "You done yet? 'Cause I have better things to do than just stand here and watch you drool."

Soda started inching toward me.

"Alright, that's Two-bit and Dally," He stated. Dally gave me a slight nod and smirked. I was waiting for Two-bit to say something but his eyes were fixed on a Mickey Mouse show.

"That's Ponyboy," he gave me a friendly grin and I smiled back, "and over there is Johnny."

Johnny was slouching at the table with a slight cut across his cheek. Soda leaned over to me and whispered, "He gets… Abused at home, so try not to bring that up."

I gave a slight nod in acknowledgement and began memorizing all of the names.

"Hay Dar," Soda said, "Can Nat stay over tonight?"

Dally's eyes lit up at the thought and butterflies escaped my stomach.

Darry hesitated. "Where's Pony gonna sleep?"

Pony jumped at the sound of his name and said, "I'll sleep on the couch tonight, I don't mind."

I turned to face him. "Are you sure?"

"Yea, I don't mind," He shot me another friendly smile.

Darry sighed and finally said, "It's okay with me."I saw a slight smile creep across Soda's face.

Dally cocked an eyebrow, smiled, and asked, "So are you two planning' on doin' something tonight?" His smile widened.

Soda and I exchanged glances and I finally said, "I don't know…"

I don't know? Why did I have to be such an air-head sometimes.

Soda shrugged as well.

Dally snorted and rolled his eyes. "So you'd be alright if I asked her out to the Dingo?"

I felt Soda stiffen next to me and answer quickly, "No! I-I mean…"

I started feeling stupid, just standing there, not saying anything. I grit my teeth together, forcing myself to make my decision, should I prove to Dally I love Soda, or vise-versa…

I quickly turned to Soda, balling up a clump of his shirt in my hand and pulled him as close as he could possibly be. Leaning forward, our lips met, sending more shivers down my spine.

Soda stood there in shock, but then registered what was happening. He kissed back, though more forceful.

I found myself reaching around his neck and pulling him closer. My leg wrapped around his and Soda clasped his hands around my hips.

Everyone was staring in shock. Dally was furious, glaring daggers at us as we continued kissing. That's all he needed to make him snap. He sat up out of the corner of my eye and walked outside, sitting back down on the cement steps while lighting a smoke.

When Soda finally broke away, he grinned with his eyes still closed. "Hey Nat?" He asked.

I cocked an eyebrow and ran my fingers through his hair.

"I love you, too."