*Ponyboy*

I woke up to Soda shaking me awake. I groaned and rolled back over, to be truthful I felt like shit but Soda and Darry already worry too much so I'm going to try a fake feeling ok.

"Pony get up! You're going to be late!"

Soda poked his head in the room already dressed for work at the DX. He smiled at me and came in and sat on the bed. I guess I looked pretty pathetic because he sat on the bed and stroked my hair. He frowned and tried to feel my forehead again but I jumped out of bed before he could. I instantly regretted jumping up because I almost puked right then and there.

"Pony? Do you feel ok? You felt kind of warm."

"I feel find Soda. Don't worry."

He looked like he didn't believe me and I didn't blame him but before he could interrogate me some more Darry saved me.

"Pony, Soda! Breakfast time!"

Soda eyed me skeptically before turning to go to the kitchen. I quickly got dressed and sat down at the table. Darry had made eggs, bacon and a chocolate cake sat atop the table like a centerpiece. I picked at my food not really hungry and with my stomach rolling like it was I knew I couldn't eat anything even if I was hungry.

"Don't like it Pone?"

"I'm not hungry."

They both looked up in surprise. Me not being hungry was a huge deal because we all eat like horses and I realized what an idiotic thing that was to say.

"I mean I have a stomach ache not big deal I'm ok," I quickly blurted to try and save myself. They both looked like they didn't believe me. I knew my best bet now was to get out of the house and fast! I quickly got up and put my plate in the sink after I wiped the food in the trash can.

While I was bent over the coffee table shoving my homework in to my backpack I felt a hand go under my shirt and on my back. I went stiff and turned around to Soda's sympathetic face.

"Pony baby, you're burning up. Why didn't you tell us?"

Darry was leaning in the door way with a concerned expression. I looked at my feet feeling guilty and cursing my stupid immune system.

"I didn't want you guys to worry about me."

Darry walked over and felt my forehead to confirm I had a fever. He nodded and pushed my hair back affectionately.

"Soda go call off work," When Soda walked in to the kitchen he turned to me.

"Ponyboy, we are your big brothers, it's are job to worry about you because we love you a lot. I wish I could call off work to stay with you but I can't but I want you to get lots of rest and listen to Soda you hear?"

I smiled and felt just a little better because it was the first time in months Darry and I were actually showing affection for each other.

"Yeah Darry I hear you."

He pulled me into a hug and pressed his lips to my forehead gently.

"I love you Pony."

"Love you too."