Why?
A Very Long Author's Note:
Ponyboy confronts Steve. Originally it was going to be a one-shot about Ponyboy asking Steve why he was bullying him, and Steve eventually asking himself the same question.
That is still the idea I want to get across. However, it took a turn with Steve getting pissed at Soda, so I rode it, and it's now going to be a multi-chapter fic. I have a vague idea of where it's going in my head, but don't be suprised if the plot changes a lot from the summary I have up for the story.
I do know where I'm going after this part, but this seems like a good place to stop, plus I was eager to get this out and see what you guys think.Also, I did not get this beta-read. I intended to, but multiple complications prevented it.
I think I was a little overdramatic with Steve's anger. I always do that while writing emotions. I'll have to practice more.
Any reviews, except spam, are appreciated. I like constructive criticism, but anything's alright with me, even flames. I promise not to take anything personally. If you read please review. Anything you have to say about this story is okay. You can even do it anonymously.
When he tried, Soda could always read me like a book.
Actually, considering the fact that he doesn't read books much, I'd have to say he reads me better than he would read a book.
But not today.
No, today was the kid's day. Every day was the kid's day.
Here I was, sitting next to Soda, miserable. And for a damn good reason. But the naive brat was sitting across the room from us, slumped in a chair and working on something at the desk. He was taking these really long breaks, where he'd pause, close his eyes, groan, whatever.
And naturally, Soda was staring at him with that stupid concerned look.
No, I guess I didn't think that look was stupid when he gave it to me. But his idiotic brother was so self-centered. He just had a tough homework assignment: meanwhile I just found out my girlfriend was seriously ill, plus my dad...well, anyway. Long story short, I had the issues.
But guess who the boy who was supposed to be MY best friend was focused on. I'll give you a hint. It's not me.
"I have to go talk to Darry." Sodapop said, standing up. I stood up to go with him. "Privately."
What could he talk to Darry about that he didn't want me to... Oh. Right. More about Mr. Wah-My-Fricking-Homework-is-So-Goddamn-Hard.
I sat back down on the bed, pissed off. I decided everyone was wrong about Soda. Understanding? He's about as understanding as my ass. Speaking of asses...
"I am going to kill you, you stupid..." I paused for a second, trying to think of a word. "...kid!"
Damn. Guess I screwed that up. It just made me madder.Good. He deserves more of my anger.
He turned around, surprised. "Me?"
I leapt up off the bed. "Yeah you. Whiny and annoying. On a good day. I don't know how Soda-"
The kid interrupted my rant with one of those pathetic sighs and turned back around.
No one interrupts me.
NO one.
"Excuse me?" I heard my voice lower and soften. If someone in the next room had sneezed, he wouldn't have heard me.
But he did. I saw him raise his head from his work, still facing the wall, shoulders quivering just a little, deciding if he should turn around. Probably recognized the tone of voice.
"It" dropped it's head and turned back to work. Heh. Wrong move there, buddy.
"Arrghh!" I dashed across the room, spun his chair around, and shook his shoulders back and forth. Being a skinny wimp, he looked rattled and dizzy after I finished shaking him. Stupid punk.
"I am going to hurt you so bad your lungs are gonna-"
"No, you're not."
In a stupid display of shock and vulnerability, I stared at him, mouth open, shocked into being silent. He stood up, and since he had been sitting down before, he was a lot closer to me. Again the bumbling fool, I leaped back. Fuck.
"You're not going to hurt me. Your precious Soda would hate you forever."
I don't know why I did it. It was the only thing I could do to prove him wrong. My knuckles slammed into his temple. He stumbled back and fell into his chair. It rolled backwards and collided with the desk.
I stepped closer, staring into the startled and afraid face. It felt great-like a wolf approaching a small prey.
Suddenly his face lit up, and he waved to something over my shoulder.
"Soda, you're back!"
I whirled around. No Soda. Practically snarling with rage, I turned back to Ponyboy, who had taken the opportunity to dash across the room. The bastard was now sitting on the bed. I approached him again, but this time, instead of looking frightened, he leapt off the bed and stepped closer to me.
"Do you even remember what you're going to kill me about?"
"Like the fucking coward you are, you ran away from-"
"Before that." He had this smug, "I-kicked-your-ass-now-bow-to-me" ghost of a smile on his face. I felt like destroying...
Shit. What was I angry about? What the hell started this? He just kept putting more and more hatred into me, I had this desire to hurt him and no idea why.
But I'm not going to let him off that easily.
"I-I know...you must have done something to piss me off! I just can't think right now."
"What could I have done that wouldn't piss you off? If I had listened and agreed with your insults, you'd say I . If I didn't respond, you'd say I think I'm better than you. If I defended myself...Well, I did and look what happened." Ponyboy's face reddened slightly in remembrance. He took a deep breath and continued. "You'd be angry no matter what I did."
Screw this. I'm trapped again. What can I do? I have to win...He can't beat me. He can't. Think of something to say, damn it!
Soda stepped into the room. I could have died, I was so relieved.
He grinned that perfect grin at Ponyboy. "You're done with your homework?"
"No, just..." He glanced at me for a second, biting his lip, "taking a break..." Ponyboy slid off the bed and slinked back to his desk.
"Oh." The disappointment on Soda's face was clear even to me. He pulled me aside. "I talked to Darry, and he's going to get Ponyboy a counselor. He's been through a lot."
"Hmm."
"Steve, are you okay? You seem kind of..." He peered at me.
And then it happened.
"Just leave me alone, OKAY? You always have to interfere in EVERYTHING." I shoved him away roughly, then yelled to Ponyboy, "Hey, kid! Guess what? Your brother decided you couldn't handle the stress, so you now have to see a shrink!"
With that, I turned and left the Curtis house.