Memories flashed through my mind - some were happy, others not so much. But in very few of them did I recall every being rendered speechless, which, with six words now playing like a broken record in my mind, is something Johnny had accomplished.

    Go on a date with me, go on a date with me, go on a date with me

     With a new confidence in his gaze, Johnny refused to break eye contact with me. His puppy dog demeanor had shifted. Although he still had the same cuteness as always, his way of holding himself had shifted from the protected to the protector.

      Vaguely, I felt the corner of my lips pull into a smile as I watched him with years of memories weaving through my mind. Movies at the drive in, late night talks while gazing at stars in the lot, sharing hidden glances around the gang when they were being foolish, the shade of red his face became the first time Two-Bit asked us if we liked each other. And there were bad memories as well - having to mend his injuries after his parents beat him, talks of how cruel the world is, the typical arguments between kids, and the look of betrayal on his face the first day I showed up at school dressed as a Soc following the death of Mr. and Mrs. Curtis.

      Even with the hard times though, we made up and found ways to be there for each other. He'd always been my rock, the one person who could cheer me up when no one else could. We went to each other with secrets, good or bad. And whenever something exciting happened, he was the first person I thought of telling. He was *my* Johnny, the special strength of our relationship was something I'd always held  dear but never had the words to explain until now.

       I took a deep breath and spoke, "I would love to go on a date with you."

       At the same time, cracking from the anticipation of waiting, words started spilled from Johnny's mouth. "No pressure or nothin', I don't wanna make you feel forced. It's just, I'd love to, but only if you want."

        Realizing he hadn't heard me, and that he was to lost in the sweetest attempt to reassure me that he wasn't trying to force me into anything, I did the first thing I could think of. He was still talking but his words floated through my ears, with no clear recognition, as I leaned in and lightly brushed my lips against his cheek. An action that quickly made him some talking.

       "You really wanna?" With a smile and a nod, I leaned in to give him a hug. Instinctually, his arms wrapped around me.

       "More than anything Johnnycakes, more than anything." Even though my face was partially buried in his chest, I knew he heard me the way his arms tightened around me.

       Everything felt perfect - which had my heart and mind at war with whether this was good or a warning sign. I got my answer faster than I would have liked.

       Muffled shouts and the sound of items crashing to the ground had me and Johnny separated in seconds, with him standing angled slightly in front of me.

       "Stay here." Before I could object, he quickly strolled to the door and slipped out.  Unwilling to be kept in the dark, I moved to follow him.

      As quietly as I could, I slowly turned the knob and opened the door. The crack was barely an inch in size when I heard the one thing that never failed to make my blood run cold - Bryce's voice.