Tragic Kingdom (80s/90s imagines)

49. Dallas Winston (The Outsiders)

For Rose_Ravenholt

"Oh yeah. The guys'll love you. I mean, you already know Steve, and you've met Ponyboy, my little brother," Soda rambled.

You two had been best friends when he was still in school, and you still stopped by the DX to see him after he dropped out. He finally invited you over to officially meet the gang, though you off handedly knew most of them, either through school or just around the neighborhood.

"Sodapop, are you nervous about introducing me to your friends?" you teased. "Were you this nervous when Sandy met everyone?"

"It's different. You're my friend, and I want then to be friends with you too, Nat."

You shot him a smile. "Then I'll be friends with them. I've got this, Soda."

And boy, did you. The guys took to you very quickly and acted as if you were one of their own. Of course, you were quite taken by one Dallas Winston, who you had only heard about up until then.

"You know, when I heard that I'd be meeting the infamous Dallas Winston, I was a little worried, but obviously, you're not nearly as scary as everyone makes you out to be."

Dallas smirked. "People call me scary?"

"Not exactly, but I could tell it's what they meant," you explained.

"So, Nat, what am I?" Dallas leaned in closer to you, awaiting your answer.

You let out an amused breath, not quite a laugh. "You're cute."

The guys had met many Greaser girls in their day, but you were one of the very few that could keep up with, if not stay ahead of, Dallas.

Darry whispered something to Soda whether it was a good idea or not to let you get so close to Dally.

Sodapop knew better than to tell you to stay away. "Hey, maybe it'll work out."

"I'm cute?" Dally asked. "How am I cute?"

"I don't know. Something about your face or the way you think you're tough shit because you live on this side of the tracks. It's all pretty cute."

As the sun went down, the group only got to like you even more. Ponyboy and Two-bit had questioned you about the record shop you worked at, and eventually Johnny joined in on the conversation, figuring you were alright.

"Hey, Nat," Dallas grabbed your attention from Two. "Me, Johnny, and Pony were going over to the drive in. I was wondering if you'd like to come with us."

"Sounds great!" You accepted the invitation. "Soda, you won't mind if I leave you, do you?"

Soda smiled. "Why would I care that my best friend is leaving me for some gang members?" he joked.

Steve looked offended. "I thought I was your best friend!"

"Aw, Steve, are you jealous?" you teased. "Don't worry. I'll go, and you can have your best friend back. Sound good?"

Once the jokes and jests were put aside, you left with Dallas, Ponyboy, and Johnny.

"For the record," Dally started as you two walked side-by-side down the sidewalk, "I think you're pretty cute too."

"I'm cute?" you gasped, quoting him from before. "How am I cute?"

"Oh, something about your face," he replied, cracking a smile.

It has literally been months. I am so so so so so so sorry for how long this took!! I am a trash human. I had something written for this and then realized it didn't even go w when your requested and I has to start over. I rlly hope you like this one even tho it's short as heck. Thank you for requesting and being so patient w me. M'kay.

~Mariah