Darry Curtis @ask-darrelcurtis - Tumblr Blog

…Hey, Paul.

(@ask-darrelcurtis)

Paul stiffens a second. He doesn’t dare look at Darry.

hey, grease. ain’t ya got youse own turf?

Darry stiffens in return, straightening up defiantly.

If ya gonna say jack like that, Holden, ‘least look me in the eyes.

Paul stares straight ahead.

don’t tell me what to do.

You were the one who listened.

Darry scoffs and his gaze falls.

…this was a terrible idea.

…Hey, Paul.

(@ask-darrelcurtis)

Paul stiffens a second. He doesn’t dare look at Darry.

hey, grease. ain’t ya got youse own turf?

Darry stiffens in return, straightening up defiantly.

If ya gonna say jack like that, Holden, ‘least look me in the eyes.

so are ya gonna do anythin’ ‘bout it? ya know ya love ‘im.

I-I do not-

he changed his route so he could drive by your house.

…‘kay. Maybe, MAYBE, you might have a point.

dar, are ya dumb? obvs he wants to see ya!

The hell makes ya think that?

yeah, darry. yeah.

i know.

i won’t tell, but y’onow, ya oughta talk to ‘im.

I…

…I don’t think he wants to hear from me.

Things ain’t ended well with…us.

ya weren’t too subtle with the snoggin’ at that drive-in back in high school, darry. i ain’t blind.

That- that was-

It…was…

paul gave me that idea. y’all keep hangin’ like this it’ll start givin’ more people ideas. y’know he gay as hell!

…

…he is?

ru one of ‘em queeeeers

’Scuse me?

The hell gave ya that idea?

Later that day

Paul grins easily at Darry from his car.

Get in, loser. We’re goin’ to the drive-in.

Yeah, yeah, I’m comin’.

Darry grins back, quickly climbing into the car with Paul.

One of those damn middle schoolers-Marcy or somethin’-told me it’s some comedy.

Nice.

Better than the one we saw last time. I hate those sappy ones.

Agreed. Romance in general, the way it’s portayed. It sucks.

Exactly.

Let’s go.

Sweet.

Paul starts the car, grinning over at his..friend.

So, this a date?

He says jokingly.

Darry laughs.

Well, yeah, that’s what we said earlier.

Paul’s eyes widen faintly in surprise. He’d been joking-he thought…It didn’t matter what he thought. Darry certainly wasn’t…Not that Paul was. Homosexual.

Uh, yeah. A date. And we’ll, uh, get popcorn or somethin’ and our hands will brush, like romanticly-like in the movies.

Darry laughed again, nervously this time.

Well…if it were like the movies, we’d have to kiss.

Paul swallows, palms sweaty against the steering wheel. Oh, shit. OH SHIT.

As a joke, ‘course. As a joke.

Darry pauses, his eyes now bearing a bit of disappointment.

Uh, yeah. As a joke…

Paul pulls into the drive-in, parking towards the back as it’s mostly full. He quietly stares at Darry for a while. Namely, Darry’s lips.

uh, what?

Nothin’, nothin’. Just…forget ‘bout it.

Darry sighed, staring at the screen and trying to push Paul out of his mind.

Paul pauses..

uh, we can do it. kiss. as a joke, ‘course.

He looks away, face bright red.

REA-?!

Darry stops himself quickly, clearing his throat.

I-I mean…sure. If you want.

Paul’s face lights up.

Uh. ‘Kay.

Nervously, as if it would all shatter if he did one wrong move, he reaches out and holds Darry’s chin as they kiss for a bit.

Darry gently pulled back after a few moments, his face red.

…damn.

He whispered.

Paul hums, face red. He looks away.

Sorry-ya, uh probably didn’t mean kissin that much-

N-no, I, uh…

Darry trailed off a moment before speaking back up again.

…I liked it.

Paul turns back to him, smiling surprisedly.

Damn, I’m that good of a kisser?

Darry chuckles.

Don’t flatter yourself…

…but it was pretty great, yeah.

Paul is quiet for a minute.

This don’t gotta…happen again. If ya don’t want it.

…I want it to keep happening.

So do I.

Is this happenin’, then?

Damn, this really is a date now, Curtis.

Always was, Holden.

…If this gets out, we deny everything.

Got it.

Paul drums his fingers on the steering wheel.

…wanna kiss again?

…oh, hell yeah.

Darry says after a beat, taking Paul’s face in his hands and kissing him again.

They snog for a bit or something, before Paul has to pull away.

You’re real good at this. Got a lot of practice?

Nope. Just with you.

Darry grins.

Paul laughs, propping his feet up on the dash.

Don’t worry, I ain’t either-despite popular belief.

Dunno, I’d say you’re pretty good.

Aw, stop it. You’ll make me blush.

Good, you look good with a red face.

Paul flips him off, fanning his face with the other hand.

Oh, woe be me!

Aw, gettin’ all flustered there?

Paul kisses him on the cheek.

Now we’re even.

Darry’s face goes red, and he looks off to the side.

Fine.

Paul swallows.

Fine. I guess I was. Gettin’ a bit red in the face.

It’s as close to an apology Paul can go.

Darry cracked a grin.

Is Paul Holden apologizing?

Paul rolls his eyes.

Whaddya think?

I think it’s the closest I’ll ever get.

Paul laughs.

The movie’s nearly over, y’know.

Shame. Our date’s comin’ to an end.

…Y’know, there’s a party at the Brillstein’s.

Date extension?

Date extension.

Good. Was hopin’ this wouldn’t end.

Darry grins, leaning in and kissing Paul again.

Paul laughs, snogging him for a short while, eventually pulling away.

Me too.

Darry grins.

So we’re goin’?

Paul kisses him on the cheek.

Yeah. You do know you can’t make out with me there, right? Only as a joke.

Darry groans.

Fine, fine.

Paul laughs, starting the car.

Sorry, Dar, but I don’t feel much like goin’ to prison and being denounced by everyone we know except you.

I guess you’re right, handsome…

Paul smiles over at Darry, parking the car in the driveway.

Let’s get some booze! I want to introduce ya around.

Sounds great.

Paul walks up to a random Soc footballer and loops an arm around Darry’s shoulders in what he hopes looks like platonic friendship.

Hey, Jamie. How’re you? Wanted ya to meet my good pal Dar here.

The two engage in conversation.

After making sure no one was listening, Darry leaned over to Paul and whispered to him.

Not gonna introduce me as your boyfriend, huh?

He teased.

Paul socs him in the arm jokingly.

Ain’t I gone through the whole illegal thing?

Darrel sighed melodramatically.

Dumbass laws.

Paul put a hand on his heart, shaking his head mournfully.

Dumbass people.

Dumbass people is right.

Dude. Pal. Buddy. As much as I hate to tell ya this, you’re literally gay. Why are you agreeing with the dumbasses.

...no, Paul, what I mean is that you’re right, they are dumbasses.

…I’m grabbin’ a beer.

Get me one, too.

Yeah, sure.

Paul vanishes into the crowd, presumably near the beer keg or whatever it’s called.

After several moments, Dar went to go look for Paul.

Paul holds two beers, and is cheerfully chatting with some short blonde girl.

Darry pauses for a moment, annoyed at how much he seems to enjoy talking to the girl.

He turns and leaves.

Paul turns away from Sandy, waving a goodbye.

Dar!

He jogs over to where Darry was supposed to be waiting.

…Dar?

Darry, convinced Paul was flirting with someone else, was walking home.

Paul, who was NOT flirting with Sandy, thinks for a second.

Oh, god.

He breaks out into a run towards where he assumes rightfully Darry is walking.

Darry spots Paul and begins walking slightly faster to avoid him.

Unfortunately for Darry, Paul was a fast runner-faster than him.

Paul quickly caught up to Darry.

Wheezing, he said…

Got…your…beer…

Are you kidding me?

Darry was fuming.

Paul stares at Darry with a look of complete and utter confusion and anger.

Oh, I’m kiddin’ you? I went to grab a beer and I spoke to my friend a bit, and the minute I get back, you’re gone without even a goodbye!

Yeah, ‘cause you were all over that girl!

Faint realization.

You mean Sandy?

…She’s literally in eighth grade, dude. Ew. She’s like my sister!

Darry pauses for a moment before groaning and putting his hands over his face.

Oh, god, I’m an idiot…

…Did you not realize from how short she is?

Paul laughed.

I dunno! Some people are just short!

Here’s ya beer.

Thanks…

Paul and Darry slowly walk towards the car.

Uh, how’s your family?

They’re good.

Darry sighed.

What about you?

Paul rolls his eyes.

Gone again. Business trip to California.

He makes air quotes when he says “business.”

That sucks.

Darry said, placing a hand on Paul’s shoulder.

Paul shrugs.

It doesn’t bother me much. Could always be worse-you remember that Jamie guy I introduced you too? James? His parents are literally never home. Once, his sister Marcy-I think I mentioned her?-got hurt at school, and her parents didn’t even visit in the hospital.

Oh, god.

Makes me appreciate my folks even more.

Your folks are awesome. I’d never have thought so, considerin’…

*Paul makes a gesture clearly representative of the soc-greaser conflict* …but they are.

They really are.

Darry sighed.

At least you have me.

*Paul laughs.* I have everyone ‘cept my folks n the…people you hang around with.

Well…

Darry paused for a moment before breaking into a stupid grin.

You have my heart, Holden.

He teased.

Paul grins, opening the car door for Darry.

Cheesy.

Awe, you love it.

Paul mock faints.

Oh goodness-you’ll be in drama club in a second singing the Sound of Music.

Wouldn’t you miss me in football, then?

Darry snickers.

You’d miss me more! I am your best receiver.

Paul starts the car.

Fair enough, Holden.

Paul drives in silence for a while.

Mind if I come in? I haven’t eaten in a bit.

’Course you can.

Thanks, Dar.

He parks in front of the Curtis house, and jogs around, opening Darry’s door with a grin.

What a gentleman!

Darry teased.

*Paul rolls his eyes.* They literally make all of us Socs take *etiquette classes.*

#SORRY IDK HOW TO END RPS 😭😭😭

Ugh, that sounds horrible.

Later that day

Paul grins easily at Darry from his car.

Get in, loser. We’re goin’ to the drive-in.

Yeah, yeah, I’m comin’.

Darry grins back, quickly climbing into the car with Paul.

One of those damn middle schoolers-Marcy or somethin’-told me it’s some comedy.

Nice.

Better than the one we saw last time. I hate those sappy ones.

Agreed. Romance in general, the way it’s portayed. It sucks.

Exactly.

Let’s go.

Sweet.

Paul starts the car, grinning over at his..friend.

So, this a date?

He says jokingly.

Darry laughs.

Well, yeah, that’s what we said earlier.

Paul’s eyes widen faintly in surprise. He’d been joking-he thought…It didn’t matter what he thought. Darry certainly wasn’t…Not that Paul was. Homosexual.

Uh, yeah. A date. And we’ll, uh, get popcorn or somethin’ and our hands will brush, like romanticly-like in the movies.

Darry laughed again, nervously this time.

Well…if it were like the movies, we’d have to kiss.

Paul swallows, palms sweaty against the steering wheel. Oh, shit. OH SHIT.

As a joke, ‘course. As a joke.

Darry pauses, his eyes now bearing a bit of disappointment.

Uh, yeah. As a joke…

Paul pulls into the drive-in, parking towards the back as it’s mostly full. He quietly stares at Darry for a while. Namely, Darry’s lips.

uh, what?

Nothin’, nothin’. Just…forget ‘bout it.

Darry sighed, staring at the screen and trying to push Paul out of his mind.

Paul pauses..

uh, we can do it. kiss. as a joke, ‘course.

He looks away, face bright red.

REA-?!

Darry stops himself quickly, clearing his throat.

I-I mean…sure. If you want.

Paul’s face lights up.

Uh. ‘Kay.

Nervously, as if it would all shatter if he did one wrong move, he reaches out and holds Darry’s chin as they kiss for a bit.

Darry gently pulled back after a few moments, his face red.

…damn.

He whispered.

Paul hums, face red. He looks away.

Sorry-ya, uh probably didn’t mean kissin that much-

N-no, I, uh…

Darry trailed off a moment before speaking back up again.

…I liked it.

Paul turns back to him, smiling surprisedly.

Damn, I’m that good of a kisser?

Darry chuckles.

Don’t flatter yourself…

…but it was pretty great, yeah.

Paul is quiet for a minute.

This don’t gotta…happen again. If ya don’t want it.

…I want it to keep happening.

So do I.

Is this happenin’, then?

Damn, this really is a date now, Curtis.

Always was, Holden.

…If this gets out, we deny everything.

Got it.

Paul drums his fingers on the steering wheel.

…wanna kiss again?

…oh, hell yeah.

Darry says after a beat, taking Paul’s face in his hands and kissing him again.

They snog for a bit or something, before Paul has to pull away.

You’re real good at this. Got a lot of practice?

Nope. Just with you.

Darry grins.

Paul laughs, propping his feet up on the dash.

Don’t worry, I ain’t either-despite popular belief.

Dunno, I’d say you’re pretty good.

Aw, stop it. You’ll make me blush.

Good, you look good with a red face.

Paul flips him off, fanning his face with the other hand.

Oh, woe be me!

Aw, gettin’ all flustered there?

Paul kisses him on the cheek.

Now we’re even.

Darry’s face goes red, and he looks off to the side.

Fine.

Paul swallows.

Fine. I guess I was. Gettin’ a bit red in the face.

It’s as close to an apology Paul can go.

Darry cracked a grin.

Is Paul Holden apologizing?

Paul rolls his eyes.

Whaddya think?

I think it’s the closest I’ll ever get.

Paul laughs.

The movie’s nearly over, y’know.

Shame. Our date’s comin’ to an end.

…Y’know, there’s a party at the Brillstein’s.

Date extension?

Date extension.

Good. Was hopin’ this wouldn’t end.

Darry grins, leaning in and kissing Paul again.

Paul laughs, snogging him for a short while, eventually pulling away.

Me too.

Darry grins.

So we’re goin’?

Paul kisses him on the cheek.

Yeah. You do know you can’t make out with me there, right? Only as a joke.

Darry groans.

Fine, fine.

Paul laughs, starting the car.

Sorry, Dar, but I don’t feel much like goin’ to prison and being denounced by everyone we know except you.

I guess you’re right, handsome…

Paul smiles over at Darry, parking the car in the driveway.

Let’s get some booze! I want to introduce ya around.

Sounds great.

Paul walks up to a random Soc footballer and loops an arm around Darry’s shoulders in what he hopes looks like platonic friendship.

Hey, Jamie. How’re you? Wanted ya to meet my good pal Dar here.

The two engage in conversation.

After making sure no one was listening, Darry leaned over to Paul and whispered to him.

Not gonna introduce me as your boyfriend, huh?

He teased.

Paul socs him in the arm jokingly.

Ain’t I gone through the whole illegal thing?

Darrel sighed melodramatically.

Dumbass laws.

Paul put a hand on his heart, shaking his head mournfully.

Dumbass people.

Dumbass people is right.

Dude. Pal. Buddy. As much as I hate to tell ya this, you’re literally gay. Why are you agreeing with the dumbasses.

...no, Paul, what I mean is that you’re right, they are dumbasses.

…I’m grabbin’ a beer.

Get me one, too.

Yeah, sure.

Paul vanishes into the crowd, presumably near the beer keg or whatever it’s called.

After several moments, Dar went to go look for Paul.

Paul holds two beers, and is cheerfully chatting with some short blonde girl.

Darry pauses for a moment, annoyed at how much he seems to enjoy talking to the girl.

He turns and leaves.

Paul turns away from Sandy, waving a goodbye.

Dar!

He jogs over to where Darry was supposed to be waiting.

…Dar?

Darry, convinced Paul was flirting with someone else, was walking home.

Paul, who was NOT flirting with Sandy, thinks for a second.

Oh, god.

He breaks out into a run towards where he assumes rightfully Darry is walking.

Darry spots Paul and begins walking slightly faster to avoid him.

Unfortunately for Darry, Paul was a fast runner-faster than him.

Paul quickly caught up to Darry.

Wheezing, he said…

Got…your…beer…

Are you kidding me?

Darry was fuming.

Paul stares at Darry with a look of complete and utter confusion and anger.

Oh, I’m kiddin’ you? I went to grab a beer and I spoke to my friend a bit, and the minute I get back, you’re gone without even a goodbye!

Yeah, ‘cause you were all over that girl!

Faint realization.

You mean Sandy?

…She’s literally in eighth grade, dude. Ew. She’s like my sister!

Darry pauses for a moment before groaning and putting his hands over his face.

Oh, god, I’m an idiot…

…Did you not realize from how short she is?

Paul laughed.

I dunno! Some people are just short!

Here’s ya beer.

Thanks…

Paul and Darry slowly walk towards the car.

Uh, how’s your family?

They’re good.

Darry sighed.

What about you?

Paul rolls his eyes.

Gone again. Business trip to California.

He makes air quotes when he says “business.”

That sucks.

Darry said, placing a hand on Paul’s shoulder.

Paul shrugs.

Oh, god.

Makes me appreciate my folks even more.

Your folks are awesome. I’d never have thought so, considerin’…

*Paul makes a gesture clearly representative of the soc-greaser conflict* …but they are.

They really are.

Darry sighed.

At least you have me.

*Paul laughs.* I have everyone ‘cept my folks n the…people you hang around with.

Well…

Darry paused for a moment before breaking into a stupid grin.

You have my heart, Holden.

He teased.

Paul grins, opening the car door for Darry.

Cheesy.

Awe, you love it.

Paul mock faints.

Oh goodness-you’ll be in drama club in a second singing the Sound of Music.

Wouldn’t you miss me in football, then?

Darry snickers.

You’d miss me more! I am your best receiver.

Paul starts the car.

Fair enough, Holden.

Paul drives in silence for a while.

Mind if I come in? I haven’t eaten in a bit.

’Course you can.

Thanks, Dar.

He parks in front of the Curtis house, and jogs around, opening Darry’s door with a grin.

#okay okay thank you #how are we gonna end their date? just out of curiosity #are they gonna like get freaky in darry’s room or something…?? idk sorry 😭

What a gentleman!

Darry teased.

Later that day

Paul grins easily at Darry from his car.

Get in, loser. We’re goin’ to the drive-in.

Yeah, yeah, I’m comin’.

Darry grins back, quickly climbing into the car with Paul.

One of those damn middle schoolers-Marcy or somethin’-told me it’s some comedy.

Nice.

Better than the one we saw last time. I hate those sappy ones.

Agreed. Romance in general, the way it’s portayed. It sucks.

Exactly.

Let’s go.

Sweet.

Paul starts the car, grinning over at his..friend.

So, this a date?

He says jokingly.

Darry laughs.

Well, yeah, that’s what we said earlier.

Paul’s eyes widen faintly in surprise. He’d been joking-he thought…It didn’t matter what he thought. Darry certainly wasn’t…Not that Paul was. Homosexual.

Uh, yeah. A date. And we’ll, uh, get popcorn or somethin’ and our hands will brush, like romanticly-like in the movies.

Darry laughed again, nervously this time.

Well…if it were like the movies, we’d have to kiss.

Paul swallows, palms sweaty against the steering wheel. Oh, shit. OH SHIT.

As a joke, ‘course. As a joke.

Darry pauses, his eyes now bearing a bit of disappointment.

Uh, yeah. As a joke…

Paul pulls into the drive-in, parking towards the back as it’s mostly full. He quietly stares at Darry for a while. Namely, Darry’s lips.

uh, what?

Nothin’, nothin’. Just…forget ‘bout it.

Darry sighed, staring at the screen and trying to push Paul out of his mind.

Paul pauses..

uh, we can do it. kiss. as a joke, ‘course.

He looks away, face bright red.

REA-?!

Darry stops himself quickly, clearing his throat.

I-I mean…sure. If you want.

Paul’s face lights up.

Uh. ‘Kay.

Nervously, as if it would all shatter if he did one wrong move, he reaches out and holds Darry’s chin as they kiss for a bit.

Darry gently pulled back after a few moments, his face red.

…damn.

He whispered.

Paul hums, face red. He looks away.

Sorry-ya, uh probably didn’t mean kissin that much-

N-no, I, uh…

Darry trailed off a moment before speaking back up again.

…I liked it.

Paul turns back to him, smiling surprisedly.

Damn, I’m that good of a kisser?

Darry chuckles.

Don’t flatter yourself…

…but it was pretty great, yeah.

Paul is quiet for a minute.

This don’t gotta…happen again. If ya don’t want it.

…I want it to keep happening.

So do I.

Is this happenin’, then?

Damn, this really is a date now, Curtis.

Always was, Holden.

…If this gets out, we deny everything.

Got it.

Paul drums his fingers on the steering wheel.

…wanna kiss again?

…oh, hell yeah.

Darry says after a beat, taking Paul’s face in his hands and kissing him again.

They snog for a bit or something, before Paul has to pull away.

You’re real good at this. Got a lot of practice?

Nope. Just with you.

Darry grins.

Paul laughs, propping his feet up on the dash.

Don’t worry, I ain’t either-despite popular belief.

Dunno, I’d say you’re pretty good.

Aw, stop it. You’ll make me blush.

Good, you look good with a red face.

Paul flips him off, fanning his face with the other hand.

Oh, woe be me!

Aw, gettin’ all flustered there?

Paul kisses him on the cheek.

Now we’re even.

Darry’s face goes red, and he looks off to the side.

Fine.

Paul swallows.

Fine. I guess I was. Gettin’ a bit red in the face.

It’s as close to an apology Paul can go.

Darry cracked a grin.

Is Paul Holden apologizing?

Paul rolls his eyes.

Whaddya think?

I think it’s the closest I’ll ever get.

Paul laughs.

The movie’s nearly over, y’know.

Shame. Our date’s comin’ to an end.

…Y’know, there’s a party at the Brillstein’s.

Date extension?

Date extension.

Good. Was hopin’ this wouldn’t end.

Darry grins, leaning in and kissing Paul again.

Paul laughs, snogging him for a short while, eventually pulling away.

Me too.

Darry grins.

So we’re goin’?

Paul kisses him on the cheek.

Yeah. You do know you can’t make out with me there, right? Only as a joke.

Darry groans.

Fine, fine.

Paul laughs, starting the car.

Sorry, Dar, but I don’t feel much like goin’ to prison and being denounced by everyone we know except you.

I guess you’re right, handsome…

Paul smiles over at Darry, parking the car in the driveway.

Let’s get some booze! I want to introduce ya around.

Sounds great.

Paul walks up to a random Soc footballer and loops an arm around Darry’s shoulders in what he hopes looks like platonic friendship.

Hey, Jamie. How’re you? Wanted ya to meet my good pal Dar here.

The two engage in conversation.

After making sure no one was listening, Darry leaned over to Paul and whispered to him.

Not gonna introduce me as your boyfriend, huh?

He teased.

Paul socs him in the arm jokingly.

Ain’t I gone through the whole illegal thing?

Darrel sighed melodramatically.

Dumbass laws.

Paul put a hand on his heart, shaking his head mournfully.

Dumbass people.

Dumbass people is right.

Dude. Pal. Buddy. As much as I hate to tell ya this, you’re literally gay. Why are you agreeing with the dumbasses.

...no, Paul, what I mean is that you’re right, they are dumbasses.

…I’m grabbin’ a beer.

Get me one, too.

Yeah, sure.

Paul vanishes into the crowd, presumably near the beer keg or whatever it’s called.

After several moments, Dar went to go look for Paul.

Paul holds two beers, and is cheerfully chatting with some short blonde girl.

Darry pauses for a moment, annoyed at how much he seems to enjoy talking to the girl.

He turns and leaves.

Paul turns away from Sandy, waving a goodbye.

Dar!

He jogs over to where Darry was supposed to be waiting.

…Dar?

Darry, convinced Paul was flirting with someone else, was walking home.

Paul, who was NOT flirting with Sandy, thinks for a second.

Oh, god.

He breaks out into a run towards where he assumes rightfully Darry is walking.

Darry spots Paul and begins walking slightly faster to avoid him.

Unfortunately for Darry, Paul was a fast runner-faster than him.

Paul quickly caught up to Darry.

Wheezing, he said…

Got…your…beer…

Are you kidding me?

Darry was fuming.

Paul stares at Darry with a look of complete and utter confusion and anger.

Oh, I’m kiddin’ you? I went to grab a beer and I spoke to my friend a bit, and the minute I get back, you’re gone without even a goodbye!

Yeah, ‘cause you were all over that girl!

Faint realization.

You mean Sandy?

…She’s literally in eighth grade, dude. Ew. She’s like my sister!

Darry pauses for a moment before groaning and putting his hands over his face.

Oh, god, I’m an idiot…

…Did you not realize from how short she is?

Paul laughed.

I dunno! Some people are just short!

Here’s ya beer.

Thanks…

Paul and Darry slowly walk towards the car.

Uh, how’s your family?

They’re good.

Darry sighed.

What about you?

Paul rolls his eyes.

Gone again. Business trip to California.

He makes air quotes when he says “business.”

That sucks.

Darry said, placing a hand on Paul’s shoulder.

Paul shrugs.

Oh, god.

Makes me appreciate my folks even more.

Your folks are awesome. I’d never have thought so, considerin’…

*Paul makes a gesture clearly representative of the soc-greaser conflict* …but they are.

They really are.

Darry sighed.

At least you have me.

*Paul laughs.* I have everyone ‘cept my folks n the…people you hang around with.

Well…

Darry paused for a moment before breaking into a stupid grin.

You have my heart, Holden.

He teased.

Paul grins, opening the car door for Darry.

Cheesy.

Awe, you love it.

Paul mock faints.

Oh goodness-you’ll be in drama club in a second singing the Sound of Music.

Wouldn’t you miss me in football, then?

Darry snickers.

You’d miss me more! I am your best receiver.

Paul starts the car.

Fair enough, Holden.

Paul drives in silence for a while.

Mind if I come in? I haven’t eaten in a bit.

#wait. i’m really dumb. is that a yes or no.

’Course you can.

Later that day

Paul grins easily at Darry from his car.

Get in, loser. We’re goin’ to the drive-in.

Yeah, yeah, I’m comin’.

Darry grins back, quickly climbing into the car with Paul.

One of those damn middle schoolers-Marcy or somethin’-told me it’s some comedy.

Nice.

Better than the one we saw last time. I hate those sappy ones.

Agreed. Romance in general, the way it’s portayed. It sucks.

Exactly.

Let’s go.

Sweet.

Paul starts the car, grinning over at his..friend.

So, this a date?

He says jokingly.

Darry laughs.

Well, yeah, that’s what we said earlier.

Paul’s eyes widen faintly in surprise. He’d been joking-he thought…It didn’t matter what he thought. Darry certainly wasn’t…Not that Paul was. Homosexual.

Uh, yeah. A date. And we’ll, uh, get popcorn or somethin’ and our hands will brush, like romanticly-like in the movies.

Darry laughed again, nervously this time.

Well…if it were like the movies, we’d have to kiss.

Paul swallows, palms sweaty against the steering wheel. Oh, shit. OH SHIT.

As a joke, ‘course. As a joke.

Darry pauses, his eyes now bearing a bit of disappointment.

Uh, yeah. As a joke…

Paul pulls into the drive-in, parking towards the back as it’s mostly full. He quietly stares at Darry for a while. Namely, Darry’s lips.

uh, what?

Nothin’, nothin’. Just…forget ‘bout it.

Darry sighed, staring at the screen and trying to push Paul out of his mind.

Paul pauses..

uh, we can do it. kiss. as a joke, ‘course.

He looks away, face bright red.

REA-?!

Darry stops himself quickly, clearing his throat.

I-I mean…sure. If you want.

Paul’s face lights up.

Uh. ‘Kay.

Nervously, as if it would all shatter if he did one wrong move, he reaches out and holds Darry’s chin as they kiss for a bit.

Darry gently pulled back after a few moments, his face red.

…damn.

He whispered.

Paul hums, face red. He looks away.

Sorry-ya, uh probably didn’t mean kissin that much-

N-no, I, uh…

Darry trailed off a moment before speaking back up again.

…I liked it.

Paul turns back to him, smiling surprisedly.

Damn, I’m that good of a kisser?

Darry chuckles.

Don’t flatter yourself…

…but it was pretty great, yeah.

Paul is quiet for a minute.

This don’t gotta…happen again. If ya don’t want it.

…I want it to keep happening.

So do I.

Is this happenin’, then?

Damn, this really is a date now, Curtis.

Always was, Holden.

…If this gets out, we deny everything.

Got it.

Paul drums his fingers on the steering wheel.

…wanna kiss again?

…oh, hell yeah.

Darry says after a beat, taking Paul’s face in his hands and kissing him again.

They snog for a bit or something, before Paul has to pull away.

You’re real good at this. Got a lot of practice?

Nope. Just with you.

Darry grins.

Paul laughs, propping his feet up on the dash.

Don’t worry, I ain’t either-despite popular belief.

Dunno, I’d say you’re pretty good.

Aw, stop it. You’ll make me blush.

Good, you look good with a red face.

Paul flips him off, fanning his face with the other hand.

Oh, woe be me!

Aw, gettin’ all flustered there?

Paul kisses him on the cheek.

Now we’re even.

Darry’s face goes red, and he looks off to the side.

Fine.

Paul swallows.

Fine. I guess I was. Gettin’ a bit red in the face.

It’s as close to an apology Paul can go.

Darry cracked a grin.

Is Paul Holden apologizing?

Paul rolls his eyes.

Whaddya think?

I think it’s the closest I’ll ever get.

Paul laughs.

The movie’s nearly over, y’know.

Shame. Our date’s comin’ to an end.

…Y’know, there’s a party at the Brillstein’s.

Date extension?

Date extension.

Good. Was hopin’ this wouldn’t end.

Darry grins, leaning in and kissing Paul again.

Paul laughs, snogging him for a short while, eventually pulling away.

Me too.

Darry grins.

So we’re goin’?

Paul kisses him on the cheek.

Yeah. You do know you can’t make out with me there, right? Only as a joke.

Darry groans.

Fine, fine.

Paul laughs, starting the car.

Sorry, Dar, but I don’t feel much like goin’ to prison and being denounced by everyone we know except you.

I guess you’re right, handsome…

Paul smiles over at Darry, parking the car in the driveway.

Let’s get some booze! I want to introduce ya around.

Sounds great.

Paul walks up to a random Soc footballer and loops an arm around Darry’s shoulders in what he hopes looks like platonic friendship.

Hey, Jamie. How’re you? Wanted ya to meet my good pal Dar here.

The two engage in conversation.

After making sure no one was listening, Darry leaned over to Paul and whispered to him.

Not gonna introduce me as your boyfriend, huh?

He teased.

Paul socs him in the arm jokingly.

Ain’t I gone through the whole illegal thing?

Darrel sighed melodramatically.

Dumbass laws.

Paul put a hand on his heart, shaking his head mournfully.

Dumbass people.

Dumbass people is right.

Dude. Pal. Buddy. As much as I hate to tell ya this, you’re literally gay. Why are you agreeing with the dumbasses.

...no, Paul, what I mean is that you’re right, they are dumbasses.

…I’m grabbin’ a beer.

Get me one, too.

Yeah, sure.

Paul vanishes into the crowd, presumably near the beer keg or whatever it’s called.

After several moments, Dar went to go look for Paul.

Paul holds two beers, and is cheerfully chatting with some short blonde girl.

Darry pauses for a moment, annoyed at how much he seems to enjoy talking to the girl.

He turns and leaves.

Paul turns away from Sandy, waving a goodbye.

Dar!

He jogs over to where Darry was supposed to be waiting.

…Dar?

Darry, convinced Paul was flirting with someone else, was walking home.

Paul, who was NOT flirting with Sandy, thinks for a second.

Oh, god.

He breaks out into a run towards where he assumes rightfully Darry is walking.

Darry spots Paul and begins walking slightly faster to avoid him.

Unfortunately for Darry, Paul was a fast runner-faster than him.

Paul quickly caught up to Darry.

Wheezing, he said…

Got…your…beer…

Are you kidding me?

Darry was fuming.

Paul stares at Darry with a look of complete and utter confusion and anger.

Oh, I’m kiddin’ you? I went to grab a beer and I spoke to my friend a bit, and the minute I get back, you’re gone without even a goodbye!

Yeah, ‘cause you were all over that girl!

Faint realization.

You mean Sandy?

…She’s literally in eighth grade, dude. Ew. She’s like my sister!

Darry pauses for a moment before groaning and putting his hands over his face.

Oh, god, I’m an idiot…

…Did you not realize from how short she is?

Paul laughed.

I dunno! Some people are just short!

Here’s ya beer.

Thanks…

Paul and Darry slowly walk towards the car.

Uh, how’s your family?

They’re good.

Darry sighed.

What about you?

Paul rolls his eyes.

Gone again. Business trip to California.

He makes air quotes when he says “business.”

That sucks.

Darry said, placing a hand on Paul’s shoulder.

Paul shrugs.

Oh, god.

Makes me appreciate my folks even more.

Your folks are awesome. I’d never have thought so, considerin’…

*Paul makes a gesture clearly representative of the soc-greaser conflict* …but they are.

They really are.

Darry sighed.

At least you have me.

*Paul laughs.* I have everyone ‘cept my folks n the…people you hang around with.

Well…

Darry paused for a moment before breaking into a stupid grin.

You have my heart, Holden.

He teased.

Paul grins, opening the car door for Darry.

Cheesy.

Awe, you love it.

Paul mock faints.

Oh goodness-you’ll be in drama club in a second singing the Sound of Music.

Wouldn’t you miss me in football, then?

Darry snickers.

You’d miss me more! I am your best receiver.

Paul starts the car.

#hold up should i have darry say “ily” for possible angst purposes

Fair enough, Holden.

Later that day

Paul grins easily at Darry from his car.

Get in, loser. We’re goin’ to the drive-in.

Yeah, yeah, I’m comin’.

Darry grins back, quickly climbing into the car with Paul.

One of those damn middle schoolers-Marcy or somethin’-told me it’s some comedy.

Nice.

Better than the one we saw last time. I hate those sappy ones.

Agreed. Romance in general, the way it’s portayed. It sucks.

Exactly.

Let’s go.

Sweet.

Paul starts the car, grinning over at his..friend.

So, this a date?

He says jokingly.

Darry laughs.

Well, yeah, that’s what we said earlier.

Paul’s eyes widen faintly in surprise. He’d been joking-he thought…It didn’t matter what he thought. Darry certainly wasn’t…Not that Paul was. Homosexual.

Uh, yeah. A date. And we’ll, uh, get popcorn or somethin’ and our hands will brush, like romanticly-like in the movies.

Darry laughed again, nervously this time.

Well…if it were like the movies, we’d have to kiss.

Paul swallows, palms sweaty against the steering wheel. Oh, shit. OH SHIT.

As a joke, ‘course. As a joke.

Darry pauses, his eyes now bearing a bit of disappointment.

Uh, yeah. As a joke…

Paul pulls into the drive-in, parking towards the back as it’s mostly full. He quietly stares at Darry for a while. Namely, Darry’s lips.

uh, what?

Nothin’, nothin’. Just…forget ‘bout it.

Darry sighed, staring at the screen and trying to push Paul out of his mind.

Paul pauses..

uh, we can do it. kiss. as a joke, ‘course.

He looks away, face bright red.

REA-?!

Darry stops himself quickly, clearing his throat.

I-I mean…sure. If you want.

Paul’s face lights up.

Uh. ‘Kay.

Nervously, as if it would all shatter if he did one wrong move, he reaches out and holds Darry’s chin as they kiss for a bit.

Darry gently pulled back after a few moments, his face red.

…damn.

He whispered.

Paul hums, face red. He looks away.

Sorry-ya, uh probably didn’t mean kissin that much-

N-no, I, uh…

Darry trailed off a moment before speaking back up again.

…I liked it.

Paul turns back to him, smiling surprisedly.

Damn, I’m that good of a kisser?

Darry chuckles.

Don’t flatter yourself…

…but it was pretty great, yeah.

Paul is quiet for a minute.

This don’t gotta…happen again. If ya don’t want it.

…I want it to keep happening.

So do I.

Is this happenin’, then?

Damn, this really is a date now, Curtis.

Always was, Holden.

…If this gets out, we deny everything.

Got it.

Paul drums his fingers on the steering wheel.

…wanna kiss again?

…oh, hell yeah.

Darry says after a beat, taking Paul’s face in his hands and kissing him again.

They snog for a bit or something, before Paul has to pull away.

You’re real good at this. Got a lot of practice?

Nope. Just with you.

Darry grins.

Paul laughs, propping his feet up on the dash.

Don’t worry, I ain’t either-despite popular belief.

Dunno, I’d say you’re pretty good.

Aw, stop it. You’ll make me blush.

Good, you look good with a red face.

Paul flips him off, fanning his face with the other hand.

Oh, woe be me!

Aw, gettin’ all flustered there?

Paul kisses him on the cheek.

Now we’re even.

Darry’s face goes red, and he looks off to the side.

Fine.

Paul swallows.

Fine. I guess I was. Gettin’ a bit red in the face.

It’s as close to an apology Paul can go.

Darry cracked a grin.

Is Paul Holden apologizing?

Paul rolls his eyes.

Whaddya think?

I think it’s the closest I’ll ever get.

Paul laughs.

The movie’s nearly over, y’know.

Shame. Our date’s comin’ to an end.

…Y’know, there’s a party at the Brillstein’s.

Date extension?

Date extension.

Good. Was hopin’ this wouldn’t end.

Darry grins, leaning in and kissing Paul again.

Paul laughs, snogging him for a short while, eventually pulling away.

Me too.

Darry grins.

So we’re goin’?

Paul kisses him on the cheek.

Yeah. You do know you can’t make out with me there, right? Only as a joke.

Darry groans.

Fine, fine.

Paul laughs, starting the car.

Sorry, Dar, but I don’t feel much like goin’ to prison and being denounced by everyone we know except you.

I guess you’re right, handsome…

Paul smiles over at Darry, parking the car in the driveway.

Let’s get some booze! I want to introduce ya around.

Sounds great.

Paul walks up to a random Soc footballer and loops an arm around Darry’s shoulders in what he hopes looks like platonic friendship.

Hey, Jamie. How’re you? Wanted ya to meet my good pal Dar here.

The two engage in conversation.

After making sure no one was listening, Darry leaned over to Paul and whispered to him.

Not gonna introduce me as your boyfriend, huh?

He teased.

Paul socs him in the arm jokingly.

Ain’t I gone through the whole illegal thing?

Darrel sighed melodramatically.

Dumbass laws.

Paul put a hand on his heart, shaking his head mournfully.

Dumbass people.

Dumbass people is right.

Dude. Pal. Buddy. As much as I hate to tell ya this, you’re literally gay. Why are you agreeing with the dumbasses.

...no, Paul, what I mean is that you’re right, they are dumbasses.

…I’m grabbin’ a beer.

Get me one, too.

Yeah, sure.

Paul vanishes into the crowd, presumably near the beer keg or whatever it’s called.

After several moments, Dar went to go look for Paul.

Paul holds two beers, and is cheerfully chatting with some short blonde girl.

Darry pauses for a moment, annoyed at how much he seems to enjoy talking to the girl.

He turns and leaves.

Paul turns away from Sandy, waving a goodbye.

Dar!

He jogs over to where Darry was supposed to be waiting.

…Dar?

Darry, convinced Paul was flirting with someone else, was walking home.

Paul, who was NOT flirting with Sandy, thinks for a second.

Oh, god.

He breaks out into a run towards where he assumes rightfully Darry is walking.

Darry spots Paul and begins walking slightly faster to avoid him.

Unfortunately for Darry, Paul was a fast runner-faster than him.

Paul quickly caught up to Darry.

Wheezing, he said…

Got…your…beer…

Are you kidding me?

Darry was fuming.

Paul stares at Darry with a look of complete and utter confusion and anger.

Oh, I’m kiddin’ you? I went to grab a beer and I spoke to my friend a bit, and the minute I get back, you’re gone without even a goodbye!

Yeah, ‘cause you were all over that girl!

Faint realization.

You mean Sandy?

…She’s literally in eighth grade, dude. Ew. She’s like my sister!

Darry pauses for a moment before groaning and putting his hands over his face.

Oh, god, I’m an idiot…

…Did you not realize from how short she is?

Paul laughed.

I dunno! Some people are just short!

Here’s ya beer.

Thanks…

Paul and Darry slowly walk towards the car.

Uh, how’s your family?

They’re good.

Darry sighed.

What about you?

Paul rolls his eyes.

Gone again. Business trip to California.

He makes air quotes when he says “business.”

That sucks.

Darry said, placing a hand on Paul’s shoulder.

Paul shrugs.

Oh, god.

Makes me appreciate my folks even more.

Your folks are awesome. I’d never have thought so, considerin’…

*Paul makes a gesture clearly representative of the soc-greaser conflict* …but they are.

They really are.

Darry sighed.

At least you have me.

*Paul laughs.* I have everyone ‘cept my folks n the…people you hang around with.

Well…

Darry paused for a moment before breaking into a stupid grin.

You have my heart, Holden.

He teased.

Paul grins, opening the car door for Darry.

Cheesy.

Awe, you love it.

Paul mock faints.

Oh goodness-you’ll be in drama club in a second singing the Sound of Music.

Wouldn’t you miss me in football, then?

Darry snickers.

Later that day

Paul grins easily at Darry from his car.

Get in, loser. We’re goin’ to the drive-in.

Yeah, yeah, I’m comin’.

Darry grins back, quickly climbing into the car with Paul.

One of those damn middle schoolers-Marcy or somethin’-told me it’s some comedy.

Nice.

Better than the one we saw last time. I hate those sappy ones.

Agreed. Romance in general, the way it’s portayed. It sucks.

Exactly.

Let’s go.

Sweet.

Paul starts the car, grinning over at his..friend.

So, this a date?

He says jokingly.

Darry laughs.

Well, yeah, that’s what we said earlier.

Paul’s eyes widen faintly in surprise. He’d been joking-he thought…It didn’t matter what he thought. Darry certainly wasn’t…Not that Paul was. Homosexual.

Uh, yeah. A date. And we’ll, uh, get popcorn or somethin’ and our hands will brush, like romanticly-like in the movies.

Darry laughed again, nervously this time.

Well…if it were like the movies, we’d have to kiss.

Paul swallows, palms sweaty against the steering wheel. Oh, shit. OH SHIT.

As a joke, ‘course. As a joke.

Darry pauses, his eyes now bearing a bit of disappointment.

Uh, yeah. As a joke…

Paul pulls into the drive-in, parking towards the back as it’s mostly full. He quietly stares at Darry for a while. Namely, Darry’s lips.

uh, what?

Nothin’, nothin’. Just…forget ‘bout it.

Darry sighed, staring at the screen and trying to push Paul out of his mind.

Paul pauses..

uh, we can do it. kiss. as a joke, ‘course.

He looks away, face bright red.

REA-?!

Darry stops himself quickly, clearing his throat.

I-I mean…sure. If you want.

Paul’s face lights up.

Uh. ‘Kay.

Nervously, as if it would all shatter if he did one wrong move, he reaches out and holds Darry’s chin as they kiss for a bit.

Darry gently pulled back after a few moments, his face red.

…damn.

He whispered.

Paul hums, face red. He looks away.

Sorry-ya, uh probably didn’t mean kissin that much-

N-no, I, uh…

Darry trailed off a moment before speaking back up again.

…I liked it.

Paul turns back to him, smiling surprisedly.

Damn, I’m that good of a kisser?

Darry chuckles.

Don’t flatter yourself…

…but it was pretty great, yeah.

Paul is quiet for a minute.

This don’t gotta…happen again. If ya don’t want it.

…I want it to keep happening.

So do I.

Is this happenin’, then?

Damn, this really is a date now, Curtis.

Always was, Holden.

…If this gets out, we deny everything.

Got it.

Paul drums his fingers on the steering wheel.

…wanna kiss again?

…oh, hell yeah.

Darry says after a beat, taking Paul’s face in his hands and kissing him again.

They snog for a bit or something, before Paul has to pull away.

You’re real good at this. Got a lot of practice?

Nope. Just with you.

Darry grins.

Paul laughs, propping his feet up on the dash.

Don’t worry, I ain’t either-despite popular belief.

Dunno, I’d say you’re pretty good.

Aw, stop it. You’ll make me blush.

Good, you look good with a red face.

Paul flips him off, fanning his face with the other hand.

Oh, woe be me!

Aw, gettin’ all flustered there?

Paul kisses him on the cheek.

Now we’re even.

Darry’s face goes red, and he looks off to the side.

Fine.

Paul swallows.

Fine. I guess I was. Gettin’ a bit red in the face.

It’s as close to an apology Paul can go.

Darry cracked a grin.

Is Paul Holden apologizing?

Paul rolls his eyes.

Whaddya think?

I think it’s the closest I’ll ever get.

Paul laughs.

The movie’s nearly over, y’know.

Shame. Our date’s comin’ to an end.

…Y’know, there’s a party at the Brillstein’s.

Date extension?

Date extension.

Good. Was hopin’ this wouldn’t end.

Darry grins, leaning in and kissing Paul again.

Paul laughs, snogging him for a short while, eventually pulling away.

Me too.

Darry grins.

So we’re goin’?

Paul kisses him on the cheek.

Yeah. You do know you can’t make out with me there, right? Only as a joke.

Darry groans.

Fine, fine.

Paul laughs, starting the car.

Sorry, Dar, but I don’t feel much like goin’ to prison and being denounced by everyone we know except you.

I guess you’re right, handsome…

Paul smiles over at Darry, parking the car in the driveway.

Let’s get some booze! I want to introduce ya around.

Sounds great.

Paul walks up to a random Soc footballer and loops an arm around Darry’s shoulders in what he hopes looks like platonic friendship.

Hey, Jamie. How’re you? Wanted ya to meet my good pal Dar here.

The two engage in conversation.

After making sure no one was listening, Darry leaned over to Paul and whispered to him.

Not gonna introduce me as your boyfriend, huh?

He teased.

Paul socs him in the arm jokingly.

Ain’t I gone through the whole illegal thing?

Darrel sighed melodramatically.

Dumbass laws.

Paul put a hand on his heart, shaking his head mournfully.

Dumbass people.

Dumbass people is right.

Dude. Pal. Buddy. As much as I hate to tell ya this, you’re literally gay. Why are you agreeing with the dumbasses.

...no, Paul, what I mean is that you’re right, they are dumbasses.

…I’m grabbin’ a beer.

Get me one, too.

Yeah, sure.

Paul vanishes into the crowd, presumably near the beer keg or whatever it’s called.

After several moments, Dar went to go look for Paul.

Paul holds two beers, and is cheerfully chatting with some short blonde girl.

Darry pauses for a moment, annoyed at how much he seems to enjoy talking to the girl.

He turns and leaves.

Paul turns away from Sandy, waving a goodbye.

Dar!

He jogs over to where Darry was supposed to be waiting.

…Dar?

Darry, convinced Paul was flirting with someone else, was walking home.

Paul, who was NOT flirting with Sandy, thinks for a second.

Oh, god.

He breaks out into a run towards where he assumes rightfully Darry is walking.

Darry spots Paul and begins walking slightly faster to avoid him.

Unfortunately for Darry, Paul was a fast runner-faster than him.

Paul quickly caught up to Darry.

Wheezing, he said…

Got…your…beer…

Are you kidding me?

Darry was fuming.

Paul stares at Darry with a look of complete and utter confusion and anger.

Oh, I’m kiddin’ you? I went to grab a beer and I spoke to my friend a bit, and the minute I get back, you’re gone without even a goodbye!

Yeah, ‘cause you were all over that girl!

Faint realization.

You mean Sandy?

…She’s literally in eighth grade, dude. Ew. She’s like my sister!

Darry pauses for a moment before groaning and putting his hands over his face.

Oh, god, I’m an idiot…

…Did you not realize from how short she is?

Paul laughed.

I dunno! Some people are just short!

Here’s ya beer.

Thanks…

Paul and Darry slowly walk towards the car.

Uh, how’s your family?

They’re good.

Darry sighed.

What about you?

Paul rolls his eyes.

Gone again. Business trip to California.

He makes air quotes when he says “business.”

That sucks.

Darry said, placing a hand on Paul’s shoulder.

Paul shrugs.

Oh, god.

Makes me appreciate my folks even more.

Your folks are awesome. I’d never have thought so, considerin’…

*Paul makes a gesture clearly representative of the soc-greaser conflict* …but they are.

They really are.

Darry sighed.

At least you have me.

*Paul laughs.* I have everyone ‘cept my folks n the…people you hang around with.

Well…

Darry paused for a moment before breaking into a stupid grin.

You have my heart, Holden.

He teased.

Paul grins, opening the car door for Darry.

Cheesy.

Awe, you love it.

Later that day

Paul grins easily at Darry from his car.

Get in, loser. We’re goin’ to the drive-in.

Yeah, yeah, I’m comin’.

Darry grins back, quickly climbing into the car with Paul.

One of those damn middle schoolers-Marcy or somethin’-told me it’s some comedy.

Nice.

Better than the one we saw last time. I hate those sappy ones.

Agreed. Romance in general, the way it’s portayed. It sucks.

Exactly.

Let’s go.

Sweet.

Paul starts the car, grinning over at his..friend.

So, this a date?

He says jokingly.

Darry laughs.

Well, yeah, that’s what we said earlier.

Paul’s eyes widen faintly in surprise. He’d been joking-he thought…It didn’t matter what he thought. Darry certainly wasn’t…Not that Paul was. Homosexual.

Uh, yeah. A date. And we’ll, uh, get popcorn or somethin’ and our hands will brush, like romanticly-like in the movies.

Darry laughed again, nervously this time.

Well…if it were like the movies, we’d have to kiss.

Paul swallows, palms sweaty against the steering wheel. Oh, shit. OH SHIT.

As a joke, ‘course. As a joke.

Darry pauses, his eyes now bearing a bit of disappointment.

Uh, yeah. As a joke…

Paul pulls into the drive-in, parking towards the back as it’s mostly full. He quietly stares at Darry for a while. Namely, Darry’s lips.

uh, what?

Nothin’, nothin’. Just…forget ‘bout it.

Darry sighed, staring at the screen and trying to push Paul out of his mind.

Paul pauses..

uh, we can do it. kiss. as a joke, ‘course.

He looks away, face bright red.

REA-?!

Darry stops himself quickly, clearing his throat.

I-I mean…sure. If you want.

Paul’s face lights up.

Uh. ‘Kay.

Nervously, as if it would all shatter if he did one wrong move, he reaches out and holds Darry’s chin as they kiss for a bit.

Darry gently pulled back after a few moments, his face red.

…damn.

He whispered.

Paul hums, face red. He looks away.

Sorry-ya, uh probably didn’t mean kissin that much-

N-no, I, uh…

Darry trailed off a moment before speaking back up again.

…I liked it.

Paul turns back to him, smiling surprisedly.

Damn, I’m that good of a kisser?

Darry chuckles.

Don’t flatter yourself…

…but it was pretty great, yeah.

Paul is quiet for a minute.

This don’t gotta…happen again. If ya don’t want it.

…I want it to keep happening.

So do I.

Is this happenin’, then?

Damn, this really is a date now, Curtis.

Always was, Holden.

…If this gets out, we deny everything.

Got it.

Paul drums his fingers on the steering wheel.

…wanna kiss again?

…oh, hell yeah.

Darry says after a beat, taking Paul’s face in his hands and kissing him again.

They snog for a bit or something, before Paul has to pull away.

You’re real good at this. Got a lot of practice?

Nope. Just with you.

Darry grins.

Paul laughs, propping his feet up on the dash.

Don’t worry, I ain’t either-despite popular belief.

Dunno, I’d say you’re pretty good.

Aw, stop it. You’ll make me blush.

Good, you look good with a red face.

Paul flips him off, fanning his face with the other hand.

Oh, woe be me!

Aw, gettin’ all flustered there?

Paul kisses him on the cheek.

Now we’re even.

Darry’s face goes red, and he looks off to the side.

Fine.

Paul swallows.

Fine. I guess I was. Gettin’ a bit red in the face.

It’s as close to an apology Paul can go.

Darry cracked a grin.

Is Paul Holden apologizing?

Paul rolls his eyes.

Whaddya think?

I think it’s the closest I’ll ever get.

Paul laughs.

The movie’s nearly over, y’know.

Shame. Our date’s comin’ to an end.

…Y’know, there’s a party at the Brillstein’s.

Date extension?

Date extension.

Good. Was hopin’ this wouldn’t end.

Darry grins, leaning in and kissing Paul again.

Paul laughs, snogging him for a short while, eventually pulling away.

Me too.

Darry grins.

So we’re goin’?

Paul kisses him on the cheek.

Yeah. You do know you can’t make out with me there, right? Only as a joke.

Darry groans.

Fine, fine.

Paul laughs, starting the car.

Sorry, Dar, but I don’t feel much like goin’ to prison and being denounced by everyone we know except you.

I guess you’re right, handsome…

Paul smiles over at Darry, parking the car in the driveway.

Let’s get some booze! I want to introduce ya around.

Sounds great.

Paul walks up to a random Soc footballer and loops an arm around Darry’s shoulders in what he hopes looks like platonic friendship.

Hey, Jamie. How’re you? Wanted ya to meet my good pal Dar here.

The two engage in conversation.

After making sure no one was listening, Darry leaned over to Paul and whispered to him.

Not gonna introduce me as your boyfriend, huh?

He teased.

Paul socs him in the arm jokingly.

Ain’t I gone through the whole illegal thing?

Darrel sighed melodramatically.

Dumbass laws.

Paul put a hand on his heart, shaking his head mournfully.

Dumbass people.

Dumbass people is right.

Dude. Pal. Buddy. As much as I hate to tell ya this, you’re literally gay. Why are you agreeing with the dumbasses.

...no, Paul, what I mean is that you’re right, they are dumbasses.

…I’m grabbin’ a beer.

Get me one, too.

Yeah, sure.

Paul vanishes into the crowd, presumably near the beer keg or whatever it’s called.

After several moments, Dar went to go look for Paul.

Paul holds two beers, and is cheerfully chatting with some short blonde girl.

Darry pauses for a moment, annoyed at how much he seems to enjoy talking to the girl.

He turns and leaves.

Paul turns away from Sandy, waving a goodbye.

Dar!

He jogs over to where Darry was supposed to be waiting.

…Dar?

Darry, convinced Paul was flirting with someone else, was walking home.

Paul, who was NOT flirting with Sandy, thinks for a second.

Oh, god.

He breaks out into a run towards where he assumes rightfully Darry is walking.

Darry spots Paul and begins walking slightly faster to avoid him.

Unfortunately for Darry, Paul was a fast runner-faster than him.

Paul quickly caught up to Darry.

Wheezing, he said…

Got…your…beer…

Are you kidding me?

Darry was fuming.

Paul stares at Darry with a look of complete and utter confusion and anger.

Oh, I’m kiddin’ you? I went to grab a beer and I spoke to my friend a bit, and the minute I get back, you’re gone without even a goodbye!

Yeah, ‘cause you were all over that girl!

Faint realization.

You mean Sandy?

…She’s literally in eighth grade, dude. Ew. She’s like my sister!

Darry pauses for a moment before groaning and putting his hands over his face.

Oh, god, I’m an idiot…

…Did you not realize from how short she is?

Paul laughed.

I dunno! Some people are just short!

Here’s ya beer.

Thanks…

Paul and Darry slowly walk towards the car.

Uh, how’s your family?

They’re good.

Darry sighed.

What about you?

Paul rolls his eyes.

Gone again. Business trip to California.

He makes air quotes when he says “business.”

That sucks.

Darry said, placing a hand on Paul’s shoulder.

Paul shrugs.

Oh, god.

Makes me appreciate my folks even more.

Your folks are awesome. I’d never have thought so, considerin’…

*Paul makes a gesture clearly representative of the soc-greaser conflict* …but they are.

They really are.

Darry sighed.

At least you have me.

*Paul laughs.* I have everyone ‘cept my folks n the…people you hang around with.