Hey y'all! I know it's been a while since I've updated, and I'm sorry about that– I was focusing on the next few chapters and had writer's block for this one. With that being said, I hope you enjoy this chapter and are ready for some angsty things happening soon!

(Darry's POV)

After weeks of picking up as many hours as I could at work, along with Soda earning some extra money at the rodeo on the weekends, we managed to pay off our past-due bills. Unfortunately, after paying those bills, I didn't have much money left over for a gift to give to Kate for her birthday. I was already making something that I hoped she'd like, but I still wanted to buy her something because she deserved it.

Kate and I had been dating for a few months, and even though that was a relatively short amount of time, it felt much longer in a good way. I was constantly thinking about how lucky I was to run into her again years after we graduated high school, and even luckier that she was willing to go on a date with me. Then she agreed to another date, then another one, and then more after that.

Even after just our first date, I felt the connection with Kate that was lacking in all of my previous relationships, and that feeling never went away. I always knew she was special, but once we starting dating, I realized "special" wasn't a good enough word to describe Catherine Miller. I only hoped I could find something that demonstrated that to her.

"Ain't she turnin' twenty-one?" Two-Bit asked as I parked the truck. "Just get her some booze, then she'll be celebrating correctly!" As Two-Bit laughed, Pony and I shared a look, both of us rolling our eyes before getting out of the truck.

Two-Bit had strolled into the house earlier on that Saturday morning while the rest of the gang was already there, eating breakfast. Since I had the day off, Pony and I were discussing what I should buy for Kate when we planned on going shopping after breakfast, and the guys supplied their own ideas too. After Two-Bit sat down and started eating some cake, he immediately decided that he was going to tag along to "help" pick out a gift. After Soda and Steve left for work, Dally said he'd stay with Johnny at the house since the kid's back was aching and he didn't want to use the wheelchair out in public if he could help it. That left Ponyboy, Two-Bit, and myself to get into the truck for what was sure to be an interesting shopping experience.

"Not everyone considers a twelve-pack to be a present," I stated as we walked towards the front doors of our destination.

Going to the pawn shop to look at jewelry was Soda's idea, and it made me wonder how he could ever think he was dumb. There was sure to be a variety of jewelry to choose from, and it wouldn't cost nearly as much as if I went to any other store. If I could find a necklace or something there for Kate, it would be a good compliment for what I was making her too.

"If you see anythin' you like that's too expensive, let me know and I can get you the five-finger discount," Two-Bit said mischievously as he wiggled his eyebrows at me.

"Keith," I warned as I gave him a mild glare. "No stealing. I mean it." Not only did I not want him to break any laws while he was with me and my kid brother, but I wouldn't give Kate a gift that was stolen anyways. That would be in poor taste.

Two-Bit huffed out a dramatic sigh. "Fine. Whatever you say, Superman." Then I pretended not to hear him when he quietly offered Ponyboy his discount services too.

When the three of us walked into the store, I was prepared for everyone to look at us like we were hoodlums or juvenile delinquents, especially since the store was closer to the west side than we usually dared to shop, but nobody even glanced in our direction. The other customers were diverse in every sense of the word, and the workers behind the counter were busy talking with the young couple looking down at the glass display case near the register. The display was filled with objects that shined in the light, and I knew that it housed the jewelry I was looking for.

"I'll be over there," I told Pony and Two-Bit, motioning in the direction of the couple standing at the display case. Then I gave Two-Bit one last look. "Don't cause any problems."

My buddy pretended to be shocked by the insinuation, but Pony chuckled and promised to keep an eye on him for me. I smirked and walked away before I could hear whatever Two-Bit would counter with.

I looked down at all of the jewelry in the display case, and not only at the pieces themselves, but also the prices. Glory, even after the discounts these sure are expensive. I wanted to buy Kate something nice because she deserved it and so much more, but I started to worry that I had overestimated my ability to buy my girlfriend something nice for her birthday.

"Can I help you find anything?" a woman's voice said from directly in front of me. I looked up and saw that it was one of the workers; the middle-aged woman with greying hair. "You lookin' for a gift for someone? A girlfriend perhaps?"

I couldn't help by raise my eyebrows at her in surprise. "How'd you guess?"

She smirked at me. "I could tell. You have that look."

Her statement instantly reminded me of when I first met Connie and she told me she knew I was trying to treat Kate right just looking at me. Between this woman and Connie, I'm starting to think all older women are psychic.

"How can I help?" the woman asked, ignoring any look of surprise I was sure I was giving her.

"I'm trying to find something to give to my girlfriend for her birthday," I explained. I was hesitant to say the next part, but I knew I should be upfront. "I can't afford much, but I want her to have something nice."

The woman didn't look fazed at all. I figured I wasn't the only one to say that to her since we were in a pawn shop after all. Maybe I wasn't even the first one to say it that day. "Of course. Tell me about her. What's she like? Maybe that can help us narrow things down and pick something she might like."

"She's… glory, where do I even start?" I wondered out loud, running my fingers through my hair before resting my hand on the back of my neck. This stranger wants to know more about Kate, but there still isn't a good enough word to describe her. "She's beautiful, smart, funny, tough… she's amazing."

Suddenly, an arm was thrown across my shoulders and I was being shaken slightly.

"Talkin' about your girl, Darry?" Two-Bit drawled. His obnoxious voice was so close to my right ear, the volume made me wince. When I glanced at him, I saw him giving the woman in front of us his most charming smile. "She's a saint if I've ever known one, 'specially for puttin' up with all of us." Then an intriguing look crossed his face. "Saint Kate… hey, I like that sound of that!"

I rolled my eyes and shook my head slightly, ignoring the looks we got from nearby customers. Two-Bit was a good buddy, but sometimes he was louder and drew more attention than I would've liked. Thankfully, it seemed like the woman wasn't bothered by the jokester in the slightest.

"She's real nice," Pony said, suddenly joining us too and standing on my left. He was smiling softly as he spoke to the woman. "She gives us chocolate shakes whenever we go see her at work, and she even makes dinner for us at least once a week. She's real smart too; always helps me with my homework if Darry ain't home yet or if I bring it with me to the diner."

I had overheard Kate helping Pony finish his homework once or twice, but the way he said it, it must've been a common occurrence.

"Well, it certainly makes sense why you'd want to get her something nice," the woman said to me with a big smile on her face. "Let's take a look at our selection, and tell me if anything catches your eye."

Two-Bit removed his arm from my shoulders, then the three of us surveyed the assortment of jewelry in front of us.

There were a few rings, bracelets, and necklaces that caught my eye, but none of them were it, and even though I wasn't sure what "it" was or meant exactly, I knew I would know once I saw it. After a couple minutes of browsing and listening to Two-Bit's comments, I spotted a diamond necklace that was especially shiny. It was also especially pricey. As much as I would've liked to be able to spend that kind of cash on my girlfriend's gift, I couldn't justify it if it meant I wouldn't be able to feed my family properly.

Would Kate even like anything that fancy? She's more of a modest and classy type of girl. I don't think she's impressed by how expensive something is.

"Anything catch your eye?" the woman behind the counter asked kindly.

I was about to explain that I couldn't afford the diamond necklace I was looking at, but before any words came out, something else caught my eye. Right below the shiny necklace, there was a simpler piece of jewelry that I though fit Kate's style and personality more.

That's it.

It was a thin, gold chain bracelet with a single, rectangular black gemstone. The bracelet wasn't too flashy or anything– it was pretty simple actually– but it was elegant, and something told me that Kate would appreciate it just as much as something extravagant or expensive, such as a diamond necklace.

Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Ponyboy move closer to my side, assumingly to see at what I was at. "Hey Darry, you know what that kind of reminds me of?" Pony said softly. When I turned to look at him and raised my eyebrows in question, he pointed at my wrist. "Dad's watch. Your watch."

I looked down at my watch, and since both pieces were gold and black, the resemblance was pretty obvious, but just as I thought that was the only parallel, I realized something else. Mom had given the watch to Dad as a present, and it immediately became his prized possession. Even though we could tell it was pricey, the fact that it was a gift from Mom was the reason Dad loved it so much and never left the house without it.

I wonder if Ponyboy is thinking about that too. I wouldn't be surprised if he is since he reads poetry and understands symbolism like that. Then I remembered how Kate had helped my brothers get my watch fixed for Christmas, and suddenly the bracelet in the display case became anything but simple. If I give Kate this bracelet, it would have a whole lot deeper meaning than I originally planned.

Before I knew it, the woman took the bracelet out of the display case and set it down on the counter so we could all see it better.

"Looks pretty tuff, Superman" Two-Bit said genuinely in a voice that was so calm and normal that I was shocked it came from him. "Certainly seems like somethin' SuperKate would like."

Keeping my eyes on the bracelet, I nodded silently, agreeing with Two-Bit while also ignoring yet another nickname he came up with for my girlfriend. The longer I looked at the bracelet, the more I thought Kate should have it.

After picking it up and inspecting the bracelet for another minute or two, I looked over at my kid brother. "What do you think, Pone?" I hoped he knew my inquiry was really my attempt at asking him multiple questions at once. When his eyes met mine, I just knew he understood me: Is it still okay to buy this for Kate, given what it resembles and any meaning behind it?

"I think you should get it, and Soda will agree once he sees it," Ponyboy said definitively. "Kate's gonna love it."

Two-Bit had said he thought the gold bracelet was a good gift, but having Ponyboy's blessing, and likely Soda's too, was the confirmation I needed.

I looked up at the woman. "How much is it?" I asked her as politely as I could, forgetting that I didn't even look at the price. How could I be so stupid? What if I can't afford it?

She gave me a warm smile. "I'll give you a good deal."

Kate told me she would've been happy if I just cooked dinner for her birthday like I had done for Valentine's day, but I insisted that she deserved to have her birthday dinner somewhere fancier than a house on the east side. Once I convinced her, I brought Kate to a nice restaurant in town, then afterwards, I drove the us back to the house so she could have some cake. Instead of the chocolate cake that was always on hand, Johnny helped me make a special pink champagne cake using a recipe that Mrs. Mathews found. Without Johnny's help, I wasn't sure I would've been able to make it presentable or palatable.

The gang had told me they wouldn't be around that night, but it was still strange to walk into the house and hear nothing but silence. As Kate was taking off her heels by the door, I maneuvered in the dark room until I managed to turn the lights on.

When I turned around to face Kate, I was once again struck by how effortlessly beautiful she was. She was bent over removing her shoes, and her auburn hair looked like a waterfall as it dangled in front of her face. The green dress she wore made her eyes look brighter than ever, and when she straightened up after kicking her heels to the side, I got to see those pretty eyes again, and I couldn't help but smile at her.

With her shoes discarded, she sighed in relief. "I'm definitely not cut out to wear heels on a regular basis. Good thing I don't have to wear them for work," Kate said with a light chuckle. Then she noticed that I was watching her, and she tilted her head a little. "Why are you looking at me like that?"

"I can't help it," I said without thinking. "You're just so beautiful."

Her cheeks were pink, and I couldn't tell if she was blushing, or if the drinks she had at the restaurant were to blame.

I took a step towards her, and she mirrored me, taking a step towards me. When my hands landed on her hips, I smiled down at her, staring into her magical eyes. "I love you, Kate." We shared a brief kiss, then when we pulled apart, her skin was still flushed. "Happy birthday."

"Thank you, Darry," she said, pulling me back down for another kiss. "I love you too."

We shared several kisses, but before we got carried away, there were still a couple surprises I had in store for Kate.

"Come on, you can't celebrate your birthday without some birthday cake," I said with a grin.

I led Kate towards the kitchen so I could get the cake, but before we reached the fridge, I spotted something on the dining table that wasn't there before. Right in the middle, there was a bottle, and upon closer inspection, there was a card right next to it.

"Looks like the guys wanted to wish you happy birthday too," I said with a small grin.

The gang, (mostly Soda and Two-Bit,) was upset when Kate told them she didn't want anything special or crazy for her birthday, which meant their idea of filling the house with balloons and streamers was a no-go. However, it was apparent they weren't going to let the day go by without doing something.

Kate was grinning as she read the card, and at the end, she let out a laugh, but when I asked to read it, she held it close to her chest and smirked at me. "Nuh uh, only I get to read this. Birthday girl privileges." I raised my eyebrows at her, surprised and a little concerned about what the guys had written on the card, but before I could think too much about it, Kate handed me the bottle that was on the table. "Can you please put this in the fridge for me?"

Maybe it's for the best if I don't know what's on the card.

"Of course, sweetheart," I said, accepting the bottle. As Kate walked back to the living room, presumably to put the card away, I looked at the bottle in my hand. It was a high-end champagne that I doubted anyone paid for. I wouldn't ever give Kate something that was stolen, but I guess the gang doesn't have the same rule.

With the champagne in the fridge and the card nowhere in sight, Kate and I enjoyed some of the special cake Johnny and I had made. It was good– even better than I expected– but I still thought chocolate was better. Even so, Kate seemed to really enjoy it, and that's all that mattered.

After washing the dishes and putting the cake away, I was excited and nervous to give Kate her birthday presents. The guys had all told me she would love them, but I couldn't help but worry that Kate wouldn't. What if she expects more? I'm her boyfriend after all… she probably expects-

"Darry?" Kate's voice broke through my thoughts.

I realized that she had turned the radio on. Not only that, but she was standing in front of me with her arms resting on my shoulders and her fingers combing through my hair. Instinctively, my hands landed on her hips.

"What are you thinking so hard about?" she asked once she realized I had snapped back to reality. She looked concerned, and I didn't like that look on her face.

"Nothing," I said. She knew I was lying, and it only took one pointed look from her to get me to cave. "I still have to give you your birthday present. I just hope you like it."

Her expression changed, but it was hard for me to read. "You didn't need to get me anything." Before I could respond, she pulled me into a brief kiss before she smiled up at me. "I promise whatever it is, I'll love it."

I tried to give her a smile in return, but my nerves were getting the best of me.

"But before that, can we… can we dance?" Kate asked shyly. I wasn't used to her being shy, so it took me back a little. She must've noticed my reaction, because she grinned sheepishly and averted her eyes. "I- I like this song. That's all."

I wasn't familiar with the song that was playing, but I didn't care. If my wonderful and gorgeous girlfriend wants to dance, of course we're going to dance. Instead of replying with words, I gave her a smile, then I took the lead.

Without any kind of discussion, we fell into an easy rhythm. Kate followed my lead, and we moved gracefully across the room like we had done it a hundred times before. By the time the song ended, Kate's head was resting against my shoulder, and I couldn't resist giving the top of her head a kiss before wrapping my arms around her and swaying with her during the next song.

"I'd love to keep dancing with you darling, but I really want to give you your presents," I muttered into her hair after the second song ended.

She picked her head up and looked at me, confused. "I thought you said it was only one present."

"It's kind of one, but also kind of two," I said vaguely. The playful glare she gave me in return made me laugh. "I promise it'll make sense in a minute. C'mon."

I led Kate to my bedroom, where her gift was hidden in my closet. I wasn't sure how to wrap it, so I didn't, opting to hide it instead. When both of us were in the room, I closed the door and instructed Kate to close her eyes while I got her present. She looked a little hesitant for a moment, but then she leaned her back against the door and covered her eyes with her hands.

"You better not be peaking," I joked as I rummaged through my closet.

"I'm not!" she squealed.

I chuckled as I grabbed her present, then I brought it to my dresser so neither of us would be at risk of dropping it. Once I set it on the top of my dresser, I walked up to Kate, then I slowly and gently wrapped my fingers around her wrists. When I pulled her hands away from her face, she opened one eye to look at me, and just as she started smiling, I leaned forward to kiss her.

"Is that my present?" she asking, pulling her lips away just enough to get the question out. "Because I wouldn't mind if kissing my boyfriend is the surprise."

I huffed out a short laugh. "No, it's not. I'll show you what is."

When I led her to my dresser, she was giving me a confused look until her eyes landed on the object I had just set down. She immediately froze and her eyes widened.

It was a handmade wooden jewelry box that I had worked on during the weeks leading up to her birthday. I spent most of my limited spare time trying to make it perfect. The guys from work had helped me figure out some of the specific details and measurements, while Evie helped me with some of the cosmetic details and figure out what kind of things needed to be included.

After taking everything into consideration, I decided to make it with red oak, and I opted to use a stain that allowed the wood itself to take the spotlight rather than paint it and take away from the natural color. When the top is flipped open, there's a section of rows of black fabric with openings for rings to rest securely, and the other side had a couple divided compartments for other kinds of jewelry. I also made two drawers that pull forward, which was where I put the second part of her present.

She was enthralled as her fingers traced the grooves on the top where I carved her name into the wood. Then she opened the top and looked at the section for rings, feeling the black fabric. "You made this?" Kate asked breathlessly.

"Yeah, I did," I said awkwardly. I was proud of the finished product and all of the work I put into it, but I was still feeling anxious. Does she like it? Before I found out, I felt that it was important for her to know one more thing. "I even used the tools you gave me from your dad."

Kate turned to look at me, and the warm smile she gave me showed how much it meant to her that her dad was a part of making the jewelry box too.

"I can't believe you did this for me," she said after a few silent moments passed. Her voice was quiet, but I was pretty sure I heard it wavering a little, like her emotions were threatening to overwhelm her.

I gave her a soft smile and grabbed her hand to give it a gentle squeeze. I'll do things like this over and over again if it means this much to you.

"There's one more thing," I stated. Then I kissed the back of her hand and let it go. "Go ahead and open the drawers," I instructed.

Her reaction to the jewelry box itself was great and I almost felt like I could breathe a sigh of relief, but her delight almost made me more nervous about the second part of the gift. Will she like it as much as the jewelry box? What if it's a letdown?

Kate quirked an eyebrow at me before proceeding. She pulled the first drawer open and glanced at the black fabric lining the inside before shutting it and opening the second drawer. When she spotted the gold bracelet with the black gemstone, her eyes widened once again.

After a brief moment passed, she slowly and gently reached forward to hold the bracelet. Once it was in her hands, she looked down at it and admired it. "Darry, it's beautiful," she said, her voice still filled with emotion. Then she looked up at me, surprise and appreciation washing over her face. "You didn't need to-"

"I wanted to," I interrupted, putting my hands on her shoulders and smiling at her. Thank God she doesn't hate it. "And remember what you said a few months ago? You said that I could get you anything I wanted to for your birthday, so no arguing."

She rolled her eyes at me, but her smile grew. "It's wonderful Darry, thank you. Can you help me put it on?"

I wasn't an expert on putting jewelry on by any means, but I managed to secure the bracelet around Kate's wrist in less than a minute. While I did so, she was watching my movements and smiling, and when her eyes flickered to my watch, I saw her lips and eyebrows twitch slightly before she looked up at me with a warm expression. She noticed.

"Do you really like it?" I asked.

"I do, I love them. I love both gifts," she said before going on her tip-toes to give me a kiss. Then she suddenly leaned forward and pushed me so I was sitting on my bed, with her knees on the outsides of my legs. With her straddling me and wrapping her arms around my neck, I rested my hands on her waist and looked up at her lovingly. "And I love you too, Darry. Thank you so much."

"Anything for you," I said, my voice suddenly sounding husky, even to me. "I love you too."

A spark must have ignited between us, because we were suddenly making out passionately. Our hands and lips were roaming over each other's bodies, and before I knew it, my hands had moved under the hem of her dress and were resting on her bare skin. The last time that happened was on Valentine's Day, and I took it as a good sign that Kate seemed more comfortable with it than she previously had. Even so, I didn't dare to push the boundaries more and try anything else.

Meanwhile, Kate's fingers were trailing down my chest as she kissed a particularly sensitive spot on my jaw, sending shivers down my spine as I let out a soft moan.

I don't know how long we spent memorizing more of each other's bodies than we ever had before, but eventually my shirt and Kate's bra were both on the floor, which left me only dressed from the waist down, and her being covered by a partially-zipped dress that was daring to slip off her shoulders at any moment. As much as I would've loved to let my hormones and desires take over and dictate my actions, I knew I couldn't. We agreed to take things slow. I can't push her too much or too fast.

We gradually slowed our actions down until Kate was just sitting on my lap, breathing heavily into my neck as I gave her one more kiss on her exposed collarbone. Once both of us caught our breath, we opened our eyes and looked at each other. Lust was still evident in Kate's eyes, just like I was sure it was still in mine, but both of us had accepted that we wouldn't be going any further that night.

She moved to rest her forehead against mine and looked deep into my eyes. "I love you Darrel Curtis," she said before giving me a peck on my lips.

"I love you too, Catherine Miller," I said in my husky voice. I felt her shiver beneath my fingers, which rested on her lower back. Then I gave her one last kiss on the cheek. "Happy birthday."

I am not a smut writer, but I still want to acknowledge that Darry and Kate are both adults and are in a committed relationship, so that means I will occasionally write some fluffy/intimate scenes (nothing super graphic though because like I said, I'm not a smut writer and I probably wouldn't give it justice if I tried).