Twice the Trouble, Half the Gold

I sat in the passenger seat of Darry's truck, the box of pads resting awkwardly in my lap like it might start talking. The silence stretched between us, only filled by the hum of the engine and the occasional rattle from the dashboard.

I glanced over at him, trying not to make it obvious. "You, uh... you knew what to get pretty quick," I said slowly, playing with the corner of the box. "Most guys would've panicked."

Darry gave a small shrug, eyes focused on the road. "Did my best. Don't know that much."

"Yeah, but you knew enough," I said, narrowing my eyes a little. "Like, way more than Soda would've."

He smirked at that but didn't respond right away. I leaned my head against the window and added casually, "So... is there someone who's been teaching you about this stuff?"

There was a beat of silence before he sighed through his nose. "Maybe."

I grinned to myself. "Maybe?"

He gave me a side glance. "Fine. Yeah. There's this girl I've been talkin' to. It's... not serious yet. Just kind of a thing. But she's real smart, helps me out with this kind of stuff."

"A talking stage," I teased, nudging him gently with my elbow. "You've got a bit girlfriend."

Darry chuckled, shaking his head. "If Soda hears that phrase, I'm blaming you."

"I knew it," I said, sitting up a little straighter, suddenly way too pleased with myself. "I knew something was up. You've been acting all mysterious lately."

He rolled his eyes. "Maybe I just didn't want to scare you off with the idea of me having a life outside of work and babysitting you and Pony."

I snorted. "Please. I'm glad. Kinda nice knowing someone's got your back too."

We pulled into the driveway just as he let out a low hum. "Yeah. She does."

I looked over at him as he put the truck in park, and for a second he looked... softer. Not the usual tough, weight-of-the-world Darry. Just a guy who finally had someone in his corner.

I didn't push it further. Just smiled and grabbed the box. "Guess we're both growin' up, huh?"

He glanced at me with the faintest grin. "Guess so."

─── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ──

We walked back into the house, the screen door creaking behind us. I tucked the box into a grocery bag so none of the boys would make any comments—not that I thought they would, but still. Better safe than having Two-Bit shout something dumb across the house.

Pony was sprawled out on the couch reading, one leg kicked over the back like he owned the place. Johnny was sitting cross-legged on the floor next to him, flipping through a comic.

"Where you been?" Pony asked, eyes not leaving his page.

"Grocery store," I said simply, walking past them and straight to the bathroom to stash the bag away under the sink. When I came back out, Pony glanced at me like he wanted to ask more but decided not to.

Darry was already heading into the kitchen, grabbing himself a glass of water like nothing had happened. I trailed behind him, leaning against the counter.

"Thanks, by the way," I said under my breath.

He looked over his shoulder. "Don't mention it."

"No seriously." I kicked at the floor with the toe of my sneaker. "You didn't make it weird. That coulda been the most awkward moment of my life."