*I don't own The Outsiders.

(DPOV)

I hadn't told the gang that Leslie was coming back today. I'm not sure why I didn't. I think it's 'cause then they all would've wanted to come with me to see her. I really wanted to see her myself. I don't think this is the reason, I know this is the reason why I didn't tell them.

Of course, I just keep telling myself that I was worried she wouldn't be able to handle seeing everyone the day she got back. Maybe, her leg is worse than she told me. I wouldn't be surprised if she had written it off as nothing last night on the phone.

That is just an excuse though. Really, I'm being selfish. I want to see her first; I guess there is still a child in me somewhere.

I am ecstatic that my best buddy is home. I am also terrified because my best buddy who I fell in love with, which she doesn't know, is home. I don't know in what ways her experiences in Vietnam might have affected her. I'm worried that her leg may be worse off than I think.

Maybe, Pony is right, I can be a little pessimistic. I can't help it, it's my job to worry, so I do it. That worry includes my brothers, the gang, and Leslie.

I rubbed my forehead with the palm of my hand. Would I be able to keep my feelings from her? I doubted it. I was sure they would come out sooner or later. Hopefully later. She would notice. Leslie knows me, a friendship that has lasted over a decade has made sure of it.

This would be difficult.

Even if she did return the feelings, like my brothers think she does, this will be hard. I'm not so good at talking about how I feel or anything like that. This wasn't asking some girl I thought was pretty on a date, this was risking this entire relationship we've built over the years.

And it's the same circle over and over. I know I should just let whatever happens, happen, but that's like telling a starving man not to eat. I like to know what's going on and I know I'm not the go with the flow type of guy.

It just doesn't work for me. This whole thing is stressing me out.

I pulled up to the familiar white house. It was small with brown shutters and a brown roof that has been faded in the sun. The yard was clean and cut, overall it was a nice house. It was just located on the wrong side of the tracks.

Her Father's truck was parked, telling me they were home. I hope I didn't come too soon. I know Leslie told me to come at one, but she likes to keep moving so her judgment may not have been the best for her Father.

I walked up and knocked on the door. I could here Les yell, "Hi, Darry!" through the door. I couldn't help but smile. She sounded like her usual happy self.

Her Father opened the door to let me in, "Hello, Darrell. How have you been?'

"I've been alright, Mr. Welker. I hope you can say the same?" I responded automatically.

"I'm much better now that my baby is home." He motioned me into the living room. The floor was carpeted a cream color and the walls were a tan-ish color, a little darker than the floor. I bet Pony would know what to call that color.

"Darry!" Leslie exclaimed excitedly. "Stop talking to my Dad and come on over and hug me already."

I grinned, she had shorts on and a t-shirt. Her leg was wrapped in white bandages from her ankle to about her knee on the right side. She hopped to her feet anyway, leaning on the left side, waiting for a hug.

I wrapped my arms around her waste and picked her up, spinning her around. I then pulled her into my arms bridal style and sat her on the couch, "I think you should watch that leg. I'm sure you know that considering you're the big bad nurse from 'Nam," I drawled.

She laughed, blue eyes sparkling, "Well, I didn't think it was possible, but I think you go a little bigger, Dar."

I sat next to her, throwing my arm around her shoulders, "If you say so."

"Smart man, agreeing to everything I say."

We both laughed. I could hear a door shut upstairs and assumed her Dad was doing paperwork for his job. I remember multiple times when I came over and he had to yell at us to shut up. He couldn't stand the noise while doing his work.

Les wrapped her slender arms around my waist, leaning her head on my chest, I returned the gesture my hugging her back. "Hmm, I missed you, Dar. I know I told you that last night but I really mean it. I thought about you and the gang a lot," she tipped her head back to look at me.

I turned her remark around in my head. She said she missed me and the gang. Did she miss me the same as them? How much does "a lot" mean, when it came to thinking about me? Has she ever considered an"us?"

Too many question that are getting me nowhere.

"I missed you. I haven't told the gang that you're here yet though," I confessed.

"Really? Know what, good. I think later on we should go to your house and surprise everyone!" She said jerking up straight in my arms to look me in the eye. I could tell she was excited about surprising them.

"Maybe you should rest here and if you're up to it, have them all come here," I glanced at her bandaged leg.

"That's what the crutches are for! I don't want to sit here. I want to surprise them."

I huffed, we starred each other down for a second. I already knew I was going to give into her, "Fine."

At least I wasn't the one being surprised I hate surprises.

"Tell me how you've been," she said.

"Same old, same old, really. Nothings changed. I work, eat, sleep, take care of my brothers, hang out with the gang," I shrugged.

"Come on," she drawled. "You must've done something interesting while I was gone. Where are all those fabulous stories, hmm? I know you're not that boring, if you were I wouldn't be you best buddy."

I laughed, "Two-Bit's the story man, not me," she threw me a look. My smile widened, I can't help it, it's funny when she gets pissed off. "Okay, lets see...I might become a manger at my job. Then I won't have to work outside all day. I can be in the cool air-conditioned office. Of course, the pay will be better too. A standard nine to five day with benefits and all that great stuff."

"See there you go, was that so hard?" She didn't give me time to answer. "That would be great. Then you won't have to do so much overtime and work for two employers anymore. You do still work at the factory storing boxes right?"

"Yeah, it'd be better if I could just have the managing job at the roofing office. It'll be easier having a schedule that doesn't change, especially during Pony's track season."

Les patted my cheek, "If you want the job go get it. You will get it," she said this as if it were a done deal.

I rolled my eyes, "Maybe I'll get it. I don't think I'll get my hope up."

She scowled, "Darry, there hasn't been one time in all the years I've known you that you didn't get what you worked for. You have been working for a year for Roger's Roofing. You're a hard worker and do twice as much as some guys who work there. You're smart, so it's not like you're incapable of doing the job, it's practically set!"

I smiled as we fell into the usual pattern. I was relieved that Leslie seemed to be the same as ever. I felt more relaxed than I had in a long time. We talked the afternoon away, Leslie tucked under my arm.

Should I continue?