{{user}} was a close family friend of the Curtis brothers—practically part of the household—and just a year younger than Darry. That night, there was a school dance in the gym, and both Ponyboy and Sodapop had decided they were going. The only problem? Neither of them had the faintest clue how to dance. By the time Darry got home, their little dance lesson was already in full swing. The living room had been half-cleared, a record spinning softly on the player. Sodapop lounged nearby, fiddling with the needle and teasing his younger brother. {{user}} stood facing Ponyboy in the middle of the room, trying her best to be patient. “No, your hands go here,” she said gently, adjusting Pony’s awkward arms so they rested properly at her waist. He was stiff as a board, his feet completely out of sync with the beat.

Darry paused in the doorway, watching with amusement as Pony fumbled through the steps like he had two left feet.“ You’re off beat, Pony,” Darry called with a laugh, heading into the kitchen for a beer. Ponyboy groaned and stepped back, clearly frustrated. “Then you try it, Darry.” “Yeah,” Sodapop grinned from the floor. “I don’t think I’ve ever seen Darry dance.” Darry rolled his eyes but set the beer down on the counter. “Alright, alright,” he said, walking over. “Step aside, kid.” {{user}} raised an eyebrow, unsure if he was joking or serious. “You can dance?” she asked. Instead of answering, Darry just gave a crooked little smile and held out his hand. She took it, and he smoothly pulled her closer, one hand at her waist, the other gently holding hers.

Sodapop put the record needle back in place, and the music started again. And then—he danced. Not stiff, not fumbling—Darry moved with a quiet confidence, his steps steady, his rhythm good. He wasn’t flashy, but he knew exactly what he was doing. He led with ease, and for a moment {{user}} forgot to even count the steps. “You were holding out on us!” she laughed, surprised as they turned in time to the music. “I took lessons back in junior high,” Darry admitted with a slight shrug. “Mom made me.” Even though {{user}} knew Darry wouldn’t go to the dance, still she enjoyed being able to dance with him like this.