A bit of fluffiness and sentimental stuff ahead... But everybody loves that sort of story once in a while, right? :)

Disclaimer: I don't own the Outsiders.

Soda knew that his older brother thought Ponyboy spent far too time with his head stuck in the clouds. Soda would never dare say it to his face, but he knew that Darry was just a little afraid of anything outside his little world of firm reality.

Sodapop didn't mind, though. He liked the dreamy quality Pony always carried around him. It was part of his brother, part of what made him unique. Soda was always a little curious, though... curious as to why his kid brother was so different from all the others.

On a night just like any other, Soda finally asked the question he'd always wanted to know the answer to.

XXX

I tried counting sheep, thinking about my day, closing my eyes and clearing my mind, counting to three hundred, and even winking my eyes again and again like a madman... But I still couldn't sleep.

I groaned into the pillow, forgetting that someone was asleep beside me until it was too late.

"Soda?" Pony said sleepily, opening one eye the tiniest amount.

I grinned ruefully. "Sorry, Pone. I just can't sleep."

Instead of falling back asleep, Ponyboy sat up, rubbing his eyes. I couldn't help noticing how young he looked.

"Well, go ahead."

I glanced at him, a little surprised. "Huh?"

He rolled his eyes. "Aw, I know you, Soda. You sleep better than me, unless something's on your mind. So what is it?"

I smiled mischievously. Well, he asked for it.

"Why's your head always in the clouds, Pony? Either that or in some book you've always got."

"'Cause it's nicer up there," he answered easily.

What kind of answer was that?!

"Whaddya mean?"

"Well... For one thing, there are no Socs or Darrys in my imagination." He grinned, assuring me that it was just a joke.

"I can be whoever I want there. There are no limits." He paused, looking out the window thoughtfully. "I feel like if I pretend it's true long enough, it will be true. Idealism, you know? You should try it, Soda. See what I mean for yourself."

Pony smiled crookedly, then lay back down. He was asleep again within minutes.

I shook my head disbelievingly. Only Ponyboy could say so much in so few words. I wondered vaguely what he'd do when he grew up ... Whatever he did, there was no doubt in my mind that he'd escape this place and go somewhere with his life.

I closed my eyes, trying for the first time something that Pony did every day of his life. I let my mind wander, and for once, I didn't try to stop it with logic. This was my daydream, where anything was possible.

I just started simple. In my head, I imagined Mom, Dad, Pony, Darry --The real Darry, not the hardened version of himself he was now-- and me. I even added Mickey Mouse, digging up old memories of his proud, ornery face.

And from there on out, I didn't have to consciously try anymore. I wasn't sure when the daydream turned into a real dream, but that didn't matter. The last drowsy thought I had somewhere between the two dreams was that if even I could dream up something so great, I'd give anything to live in Pony's head for just one day.

Very short one-shot. Hope you guys liked it! :) Review please!