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Every greaser that Two-Bit knew was at the Curtis house. From Steve to Tim Shepard to Johnny, and with the Curtis's too, it was a packed home.
Yet, for the entire night Two-Bit had his eyes on Dallas Winston.
It was no secret to himself that he has a crush on Dally. He's had one for a while, but jeez, as if he's ever gonna tell Dally that. He'd probably punch in his nose for saying something like that, and tell him to "Stop being a goddamn sap, Mathews." And yet, past the cold exterior, Two-Bit could always see the warm heart he had. The way he cared for Johnny like a brother, how he always would crack a joke or two, and Dally's kindness towards Two-Bit always made Two-Bit feel all flustered.
Two-Bit could confidently say that they were friends, and because of that he didn't want to ruin anything between them. He'd rather be friends than fuck everything up and never be with him again.
So, the rest of the night everyone is playing cards and watching the television, and Two-Bit sat there admiring Dally across the room, who was laughing with Steve and Soda. Two-Bit and Dally even made eye contact at one point, but Two turned away out of embarrassment. People ate and drank and laughed, and the energy in the room was at a high. That's when Dally got the idea to say "How about some good old arm wrestling competitions?’ The gang got all giddy, and Dally continued. “C'mon now, Tim with Darry, Sodapop with Steve, Pony and Johnny," Dally then turned to Two-Bit. "Two-Bit you and me."
Two-Bit almost went into a panic simply thinking about making hand contact with Dally. "Well then," Dally said mockingly, "Are you gonna do it, or are you too scared?"
Two-Bit's competitive side kicked in. "Don't get all cocky Winston, I can beat you easily, don't even have to try!"
"Well then Mathews, you and I can go last, save the big show for last!"
"Fine by me Dallas."
And so, the arm wrestling began. It started off with Pony and Johnny, which Pony won easily (Two didn't blame him, Johnny's like a mouse compared to everyone else in the house.) Sodapop and Steve were next, which honestly ended with both of them in a fit of giggles muttering gibberish, which Pony seemed disappointed with “Y’know Steve,” He grumbled out, "For someone who was so damn excited for this you sure did a shit job," which lead to Steve giving Pony a small playful whack to the head. Next, Tim Shepard went against Darry. That went on for WAY too long, to the point that Soda asked for their round to be called off.
And then It was their turn. Two-Bit and Dally. They sat down, facing each other face to face, Hand in hand. Dally's eyes pierced into Two-Bit's soul. It made him a bit nervous, afraid that Dally was reading his thoughts, seeing what he felt about him.
"Well then Two, you ready for me to beat you?"
"Huh, I think you've got it all mixed up. You sure it isn't the other way around?"
"Oh I'm sure sweetheart, you're going to be a mess when I'm done with you."
He wasn't wrong. As Two-Bit was trying to keep himself from squealing from the sudden statement, Soda screamed "GO" and the boys went on with the round.
Dally was fucking strong, like unreasonably strong. Two-Bit seriously doubted he was gonna win, but decided to put up a strong front. "What is this? This is the best you can do?" Two-Bit jeered, which led to Dally immediately pushing harder and Two thinking, oh my god never mind he can do better. He tried his damn best to push back, but it was seeming hopeless. Dally looked up and let out a breath and gave a smug smile, and Two was sure that he was gonna pass out right then from a sudden heart attack. Then to top it all off, Dal had to add his little commentary.
"What is it Two-Bit, can't take me on? Can't last much longer? Keep going Two, I dare you. You'll be fucking destroyed by the time I'm done with you."
That was when Two lost it. He stopped pushing against Dally's arm, letting out a chirp of surprise, and Dally easily pushed his hand down on the table. A crowd of cheers from the other greasers surrounded him and during the commotion, Two hid his tomato red face.
Dally turned to him, with a proud look slapped onto his face. "Not bad Two-Bit, you did good. Of course not quite as good as me. Maybe next time though."
"Yeah, maybe next time."
The gathering quieted down eventually as people started to head out. Two-Bit was ready to head out by himself, but Pony protested.
"Two-Bit, it’s probably not the best idea to head out by yourself right now, with all the Soc’s and whatnot. You should walk with someone else."
"Eh, I'll be fine. I’m no kid, don't worry about me pipsqueak."
Pony was about to protest when Dallas walked up to the boys. "Don't worry Pony, I'll walk this punk back, I'm heading out anyway." Two-Bit was once again sure he was about to have a heart attack, because oh my god he was going to walk alone with Winston.
They waved goodbye to everyone and headed out the door. The walk was relatively silent, with small glances at one another and general small talk like 'how did you like the meetup' or 'Darry really outdid himself with the food this time'. Questions you could quickly answer with 'yes', 'ok', 'sure', 'I did' and whatnot. When they finally reached Two-Bit's house, he realized that no one was home. His sister was out and his mom was probably busy working.
"No one there Two-Bit?"
"Yeah, they'll be back soon."
"Oh, ok. You want a quick smoke though?"
Two never really passes up on a smoke, so in the slightly chilly atmosphere of the night, they sat on the porch in silence, the only sounds around them being the crickets and Dally's eccentric puffs of smoke.
"Hey Two?"
"Mhm?"
"I caught you glancing at me, were you ok, man? Do you need to tell me anything?"
Two-Bit's brain did a flat stop. Oh my god he thought. He tried to open his mouth, but all he thought was gibberish, and nothing came out. And Dally was now standing and looking down at him, an unusual sympathetic look glazed in his eyes. Dally was already a couple inches taller than him, but when he was staring down at him he seemed even bigger. And sometimes when we feel the smallest, we decide to take the biggest actions.
Two-Bit stood up and stepped closer to Dally, taking a deep breath inwards, before letting it all out. "I- I- Oh god, fuck it, Dallas I like you! In the romantic sense! Not just friendship! Dear god, I've liked you for forever, and it's been killing me, gosh it's been killing me!" Two bit covered his hands with his face, too afraid of what was going to happen next.
Instead of a kick in the face however, Dally took one of Two-Bit's hands off his face and gave him a gentle flutter of a kiss on the cheek.
Two-Bit removed his other hand and looked at Dally, who had the most gentle smile he'd ever seen from him. "Keith," he said, "I really like you too." They both ended up leaning in, pressing their lips together in a small, passionate kiss. Two pulled himself away, breathless.
"Man, your kisses are great. Tell me to kiss you more often."
Two-Bit just let out a giggle of relief and ecstasy, hugging Dally close as Dally stroked his hair.
"Well then," Dallas said when pulling away from the hug. He lit another cigarette, inhaling and puffing the smoke outwards in a little ring. That was hot he admitted. He should do that more often. Dally started walking backwards. "I should head home now. How about a date on Tuesday?"
"Really? Hmm, how about Molly's diner?"
"Sounds like a plan, Keith."
Two-Bit slowly opened the door and waved at Dallas as he walked away. Dallas made a small heart shaped gesture with his hands, and then walked away into the street, until even his shadow couldn't be seen.
Things were looking up for Two Bit Mathews, and that he could say with confidence.