you were madly attractive. at least in ponyboy's eyes. he loved everything about you. admiring you was one of his favorite pastimes―if one of the gang weren't around.

the two of you often slept near each other, finding solace in the other as best friends would. he would often wake up in the middle of the night, finding that you had shifted so you were facing him, and he would take his time to admire your face. dragging his gaze up from your jaw, to your lips, and finally to your closed eyes.

whenever one of the gang was around though, it was complete opposite. he had to force himself not to stare at you, and that in which caused him to never look your way. he was too paranoid that he would start staring and they would catch him.

which is what exactly happened today. you and ponyboy in the living room, with pony on the couch, arms resting on the side and body turned towards you as his head rested on his arms; and you, asleep on the single seat chair―which you and ponyboy both squished on sometimes―, head resting against the back and eyes closed.

he honestly had forgotten that dallas had walked in a few moments ago, stirring you awake. with your eyes now open and trained on the tv, he kept up his staring. enough for dallas to notice. but not you apparently.

"hey pone," dal spoke, "whatcha starin' at?" the seventeen-year-old spoke up, grinning as he took a drag of his lit cigarette. with the knowledge that darry didn't like the gang smoking inside the house.

that caused you to look over, catching his gaze on you. laser focused. red tinted his face as he sat up fully, fumbling for an excuse.