AN: Hey Guys! I'm so glad you guys like the story so far! I'm going to try and post as often as I can probably 3-4 times a week depending on my schedule. Still no Soda's POV I'm going to work that into the next chapter for sure. Please review and let me know what you think. I sadly do not own The Outsiders.
(Ponyboy's POV)
When I woke up the next morning it was later than usual. Darry and Soda were already awake and I could smell breakfast on the table. I sighed forcing myself out of bed and slowly walked into the kitchen where I found my brothers. "Hey honey." Soda walked over to me pushing my hair out of my face "How are you holding up this morning?" I just shrugged walking over to sit down on the couch as Darry followed behind me.
"Hey kiddo." He took a seat next to me keeping his strong mask although I could see right through it. "It's all gonna be ok. I have to go sign some papers today about becoming you and Soda's legal guardian how 'bout you come with me? I don't want you here by yourself and Soda won't be home." I just nodded leaning into him as I tried not to cry, if Darry and Soda weren't crying there was no reason I should still be.
"Awe Pone come here." Soda had made his way to the couch and wrapped his arms around me real tight as I buried myself into Darry's chest. I still didn't cry though, I couldn't. I had to, but couldn't. "It'll all gonna be ok honey." I felt Soda hold me tighter as I broke down getting tears on Darry's shirt and tried to pull away.
"It's fine." Darry whispered softly still holding me and Soda. "It's ok Pone. Or, it will be." I could have sworn I saw tears running down Darry's face. He hadn't even cried at the funeral, he just sort of stood there with his hands in his pockets but he was definitely crying now.
I nodded and buried back into my oldest brother's chest as the three of us sat there comforting each other. Things were never going to be the same but at least I always knew I'd have my brothers with me through everything and having that knowledge almost made me feel better. I almost hadn't noticed Darry gently grabbing my hand and moving it back down to my side. I groaned inwardly knowing I was going to have to break that habit all over again.
(Darry POV)
I just sat there hugging my kid brothers trying to stay as strong as possible for them. I couldn't go around crying I had to be the responsible adult now and that terrified me. I'm not an adult yet, I'm not even 20! I'm just a kid and I know I'm going to make mistakes but I have to make sure whatever those mistakes are won't hurt Pony or Soda's future.
Speaking of Pony I had just noticed his current position. Ever since Ponyboy was a little kid he would bite his finger nails; he only ever bit his thumb nails though so it always looked like he was sucking his thumb. As he started school not only was he a greaser, but he got picked on all the time because everyone thought he sucked his thumb which was babyish according to Pony's classmates. He had come home crying one day and that just about broke our hearts. From then on we had tried everything to get him to stop but he just couldn't until recently. Mom and Dad were shocked although Soda and I think it has something to do with him starting smoking. I guess it was because of everything going on that his thumb was right back in his mouth. Soda and I shared a knowing glance before I gently went to move my brother's hand away from his mouth knowing he'd have to find a new way to get rid of his bad habit.
(Ponyboy's POV)
"W-we should eat before breakfast gets to cold." I nodded standing up as I walked over towards the table. Darry and Soda were hot on my heels until we heard the door creak open and all three of our heads turned. "Hey I just found out this morning." Dallas Winston stood in our doorway looking at us, me in particular, sadly. "How are y'all holding up?"
"You're out early Dal." Two-Bit had made his way in after him "Were you a good little greaser? Eat all your fruits and veggies?" Leave it to good ol' Two-Bit to make attempts at humor at a time like this. Dally nodded giving his a sarcastic reply before looking back over at us and the two of them sat down quietly as others slowly trickled in none of us being our usual selves. I just really wanted things to go back to the way they were.
