(A/n) This was a request from AquitarStar that I thought was pretty cool. It is a Soda/Cherry fic. I don't want any hate from Ponyboy/Cherry fans. It is just a story, so please no negative reviews about the ship being written about here. You're obviously welcome to read if you're a Soda/Cherry fan. If you are a Ponyboy/Cherry fan and don't mind reading a Soda/Cherry fic, or want to, then welcome and enjoy the story. If you are a Ponyboy/Cherry fan and you plan to hate in the reviews, then you can just get the heck out of my story and find something else to read.

Okay, now that that's taken care of, I'd like to dedicate this story and give the idea credit to AquitarStar. (S)he and I made all the plans for this story through a series of awkward PMs, and here is the story that was born. Thank you for the idea, AquitarStar! I hope you enjoy the story!

I hope the rest of you enjoy the story as well.

Chapter One: Of Greasers and Boyfriends (Cherry's POV)

"I said no, Bob! Go home!"

"C'mon, girl," Bob said, throwing his arm across my shoulders. "You don't want to be hanging around with the likes of them." The last part was a sneer directed at Ponyboy, Johnny, and Two-Bit. Bob hated greasers, and he was especially angry that they had been talking to me and Marcia.

I swung my hand around and slapped him. "How many times do I have to say it?" I snapped. "No."

Bob seemed taken aback. He let go of me and stalked off towards his car.

Randy looked at Marcia. "Let's go, babe," he told her. "If Cherry doesn't want to—"

Marcia cut him off with a glare. "Don't you dare call me 'babe,'" she growled. "And there's no way I'm getting in that car with you. You guys are drunk, and I'd rather live my life to old age than be killed in a car wreck. Thanks anyway."

Randy's eyes narrowed. "Whatever you say," he snarled. He followed Bob to the car, and the two Socs drove away, shooting the group dirty looks as they passed them.

I didn't relax until the Mustang had disappeared into the night. Then I turned to Ponyboy. "Is it okay if Marcia and I come over to your house for a while?"

Marcia nodded. "I don't think I'm ready to go home just yet. Could I use your phone to call my parents and tell them I won't be home for a while?"

"Sure," Ponyboy said. "You want to, Cherry?"

"Yeah," I said. "And I'm curious to meet your brothers."

*Later*

We arrived at Ponyboy's house after several minutes of walking in silence. When we got there, Ponyboy led Marcia and me inside. Two-Bit and Johnny waited outside.

I heard footsteps and turned to see two boys, both older than Ponyboy. One was tall and muscled, with dark hair and a permanent scowl. I figured it was Darry. And the boy behind him...

I had to keep myself from gasping. "Is that Sodapop?" I asked Ponyboy, pointing to the blond-haired brown-eyed teenager standing behind Darry.

"Yeah, that's Soda," Ponyboy said. "Why?"

"Oh, um..." I tried to form an excuse. "Uh, just curious, I guess."

Sodapop stepped forward. "Hi," he said. "I'm Sodapop." He had a moderately deep voice, as smooth as silk.

"Um, hi," I said. "It's nice to meet you." I managed a smile. "My name's Sherri, but my friends call me Cherry."

Sodapop smiled back. "And I thought Ponyboy and I were the only ones in town with unusual names."

I laughed. "Guess not."

"Uh, Earth to Soda!" Ponyboy said.

I realized he'd been talking, and Soda and I had just tuned him out. Soda shook his head and looked at Ponyboy. "Sorry. What were you saying?"

"I said I'm going to walk Johnny and Two-Bit home. I should be back soon."

Soda raised an eyebrow. "You gotta take it up with the boss. I ain't the authority around here."

Ponyboy looked at Darry. "Can I?"

Darry pondered this for a moment before saying, "Alright, I guess you can walk them home, as long as you're back before ten."

Ponyboy sighed. "Thanks." He stepped outside, motioning to Johnny and Two-Bit. I followed them with my eyes until I could no longer see them.

"Okay, okay!" Marcia snapped. "I'll be home in five minutes." I looked at her; she was already on the phone with her dad, who was apparently opposed to her staying out late.

She hung up. "Guys, I can't stay tonight," she apologized. "My dad's gonna kill me if I'm not home in five minutes."

Darry stepped forward. "You need a ride?"

Marcia grinned flirtatiously. "Sure," she said. I could swear she was blushing.

Darry smiled slightly. He led her outside. I could soon hear the hum of a car's engine.

I turned to Soda, realizing we were the only ones left in the house.

"So, you gonna call your parents too?" he asked.

I thought about it. It would have been the good daughter thing to do, but the more I considered it, the more I figured my parents would make me come home, like Marcia's.

"Nope," I said, shaking my head.

Soda raised an eyebrow. "Won't you get in trouble?" he said, a smile creeping its way onto his face.

"I'd probably get in trouble if I told them where I am and who I'm with, which I'd have to do if I called them. They don't like greasers."

"So... does that mean you're gonna spend the night?" Soda asked cautiously, the grin broadening.

"I guess it does."

(A/n) And that, ladies and gentlemen, was chapter one of my very first suggested fic. Thank you again, AquitarStar.

Please please PLEASE review! And remember, Pony/Cherry fans, I don't want hate related to it being a Soda/Cherry fic.

I hope you enjoyed it! Stay gold! ~TLO