Only You || Two-bit Matthews

Chapter Three • Inclusive

He then turned to point at the two strangers sitting on the couch beside Keith. "This here is Steve," he pointed to the brown-faced man who was attempting to clean his face with a rag. Keith took the rag from him and began helping him like a mother with her child. I smiled at that thought.

Darry then pointed to a very handsome young man. "And this here is my kid brother, Sodapop."

I couldn't help but giggle at his name; he isn't what I imagined when Keith described him. Sodapop stood and held his hand out to me, "Nice ta meet ya." I noticed his eyes examining the spots on my face, curiosity filling him.

I nodded and shook his hand, "You too."

Keith began chuckling at the television, pointing to the black-and-white cartoon. I smiled and almost rolled my eyes. Of course, he enjoyed this cartoon; he wore the shirt.

Steve kicked Sodapop in the back of his leg, "C'mon, Soda. I wanna play cards!"

Soda turned around and playfully kicked him back, "You'd better not cheat!"

Steve laughed loudly before pointing to me, "He LOVES to cheat at cards, he hides them in his socks!"

Soda playfully shoved Steve over onto Keith.

Keith shoved Steve back towards Soda, "Leave me alone, I'm tryna watch Mickey!" 

Darry rolled his eyes and sighed deeply, "Calm down, boys," He said sternly.

I pulled Keith's jacket around me tighter, feeling out of place.

Darry shook his head before walking into a separate room, which looked like a kitchen based on the tile flooring. A few pots and pans could be heard from the living room.

Keith glanced at me before looking back at the television. Seconds later, he looked at me again, giving me a look. His facial expression was soft but concerned.

I shook my head at him, letting him know I didn't feel comfortable. I felt bad for feeling uncomfortable, for feeling awkward, and overwhelmed. Keith furrowed his eyebrows for a moment before standing up. "Hey guys, Is gots somethin' I need to take care of. I'll catch y'all later!" He waved and smiled at them. They waved back and agreed.

Moments after, Soda and Steve began bickering over the card game, something I think we all saw coming.

Keith grabbed my arm gently and guided me out of the front doors, outside in the sun once more.

"You don't have to leave if you want to stay," I said softly. "I can find my way home from here. I don't want to be a burden."

Keith smiled, "How would you be a burden?"

I didn't know how to reply to him.

"Don't be silly, let's go, sunshine."

I smiled at another nickname, a nice nickname.

He opened the passenger door for me, letting me slide in before shutting the door and going to his side.

"Do ya wanna go home? I can drop ya off or somethin'?"

I bit my lip and looked around, "Or we could go get some food?"

He grinned his goofy grin at me, "Is you askin' me on a date?"

My face turned red; I hadn't thought of that. After a few moments, I decided that it was a date. "Yes."

He blushed, turning to face me in his seat. "Well, little lady, where to?"

I smiled uncontrollably, "Anywhere you want, what's your favourite place?"

Keith didn't hesitate, "Dairy Queen, their milkshakes are the best in the world, the world I tell you."

"Well, if they're the best in the world."

He chuckled softly before backing up and starting the car, "You'll love it."

I smiled, but deep down I braced for the inevitable mockery I was going to face. I would be able to ignore it, though, just like I always did. Well, at least in the moment.

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Word count: 2,199
Sorry for the wait; this one was sitting in my drafts for quite some time.
Can we talk about how sweet they are together? 🥰
Take care! <3
-SHE