I'm back from the dead! Sorry if this chapter has a ton of mistakes, I'm going to try and fix it up soon, but I just wanted to get it to you all!

"Ponyboy. Ponyboy, wake up."

Ponyboy groaned, opening his eyes. Fingers were running through his hair, and he hummed happily. The person beneath him chuckled.

"C'mon, Pony, Darry's gonna skin ya if you're not home before midnight."

Ponyboy sat up, rubbing his eyes. Johnny sat up as well, pressing a kiss to his cheek.

"Don't wanna go home." Ponyboy grumbled.

"Why not?"

"Darry's mad cause I got an A- instead of an A. He says I have to study more. It was only a few points! I don't see what the big deal is."

"Darry just wants you to have a good future, Pone. You can go anywhere you want when you graduate. Only a few more years."

"Yeah, if I last that long."

"C'mon, Pony, don't be like that-"

"No, Johnny!" Pony jumped to his feet, fists balled at his sides. "Everyone's always sticking up for Darry and telling me I should be grateful for him keeping me and Soda, and I am! But Darry should be grateful, too! I get good grades! I stay out of trouble as best as I can! But no, I'm just never good enough, am I?" Ponyboy began to storm off into the night, ignoring Johnny's cries of his name. When he heard Johnny start jogging after him, he took off running.

"Ponyboy, wait!"

Ponyboy ignored him, running, he dashed across a street, but stopped dead when he heard an "oof" and the sound of something hitting the ground. Spinning around, he felt the blood drain from his face. Johnny had tripped and fallen in the middle of the street - and there was a car coming.

"Johnny!" Ponyboy turned around, running back toward the boy on the ground. The sidewalk stretched on ahead of him, Johnny moving further and further away. "Johnny!"

There was a car horn, a scream-

Ponyboy shot up in bed, throwing his arms around himself and panting softly. Beside him, Steve slept somewhat peacefully, curled in on himself. Ponyboy glanced at the clock - 5:57 a.m. Getting out of bed, he pulled on a shirt and went outside, shivering in the chilly air. The sun was beginning to rise, and slowly, Ponyboy could feel himself relaxing.

He wasn't sure why these memories were coming back. Maybe it was Steve's return, reminding him how much he missed the rest of the gang. He remembered that night from his nightmares. Johnny had gotten up and scrambled out of the car's way just in time, and Ponyboy had hugged the life out of him, near tears. The two boys had made their way back to the Curtis house, where, upong relaying the story to Darry and Soda, they were given hot chocolate and put to bed. Soda had let Johnny have his spot, and they two youngest had spent the night curled around each other.

The gate creaked behind him, and he turned to see Darry step out with a blanket over his shoulders, yawning. Darry smiled at his younger brother, taking a seat beside him.

"I knew you liked sunsets, but I'm surprised to see you out here early enough to catch a sunrise." He tossed part of the blanket over his brother's shoulders and they huddled together. "Did you have fun last night?"

Ponyboy nodded, smiling. "Yeah. Steve's a terrible dancer, even worse when he's had a few."

Darry chuckled. "It's strange to see y'all gettin' along. I know you didn't like each other very much in the past. I think Soda would be happy to see it."

Ponyboy smile lessened, and he sighed. "I miss him, Dar."

"Me too, little buddy. Every day, all the time." There was a sniffle, and Ponyboy turned to see his brother quickly wipe his eyes. He turned away, saying nothing. Silently, they got, making their way back into the house and into the kitchen. Darry started on some coffee while Ponyboy got out the eggs. They needed to go grocery shopping soon. He took the rest of the leftover chicken, starting on breakfast. Darry disappeared, returning with the bottle of aspirin. He got two glasses of water, set them on the table with the aspirin, and then sat down to read the paper.

Two-Bit and Steve appeared at the same time, groaning and slumping down at the table. Without speaking, they took some aspirin with the glasses of water. Ponyboy chuckled to himself and began to dish out the food. Everyone thanked him quietly.

Breakfast was a near silent affair, but Two-Bit and Steve began to perk up as it went on, the cups of coffee Darry forced on them helping immensely. After breakfast, Two-Bit and Darry washed the dishes, while Ponyboy and Steve lounged around the living room.

"You hafta work today?" Steve asked.

Ponyboy nodded. "Yeah, later though."

Darry and Two-Bit came out from the kitchen. "You two gonna be alright if we go out for a bit?" Darry asked. "Two-Bit needs clothes, and he wants to take me somewhere, then we're gonna hit the grocery store."

"We'll be fine." Ponyboy said.

Darry went to get dressed, and Two-bit went outside. Darry followed just a few minutes later, and they heard the sound of the truck pulling off. Steve got up from his seat, mumbling something about using the bathroom before disappearing into the hall.

After a moment, Ponyboy heard the toilet flush, and steps in the hall, but Steve didn't return. He gave it another minute before he called out, "You okay, Steve?"

"Yeah," came a soft, strained reply, and Ponyboy got up, making his way into the hallway. Steve stood frozen in front of some pictures.

"Steve."

"I just…" he reached up, touching one of the pictures. Ponyboy couldn't see it clearly, but he knew from the frame what it was - it was a picture of Steve and Soda the day they started working together at the DX. they were sitting on the back of Steve's car, smiling like idiots, though they weren't looking at the camera - they were looking at each other. They weren't out then, but Ponyboy had recognized the affectionate way they looked at each other - it was the way Ponyboy had felt about Johnny, and later Dallas, though he hadn't voiced those feelings for fear of backlash not only from his family, but from strangers. Those feelings weren't safe out in the open, only between him and his lovers. Steve and Soda had been just as secretive, but had come out when Soda had gotten his draft letter. At that point, nothing short of the destruction of humanity could separate them, and Steve and Soda had been thankful for the support during such a scary time.

Steve's hand moved to a different picture. "I wish I could have been with him." he said. "When the bomb went off. He… he shouldn't have died alone like that, surrounded by strangers."

Ponyboy swallowed against the lump in his throat, but he said nothing.

"I loved him so much." Steve whispered, his voice shaking. "Now he's gone… I just want to feel something again."

"I understand." Ponyboy stepped forward, putting his hand on Steve's shoulder. Steve turned to him, eyes shiny, but not crying. He put a hand on Ponyboy's cheek. Ponyboy didn't move.

He kept his eyes open as Steve leaned forward, but closed them when their lips met. Steve was surprisingly gentle, maneuvering Ponyboy until his back was against the wall, kissing him until they had to separate for air.

Ponyboy's eyes opened. "Steve-"

"Don't talk," the older man panted, kissing him again.

Ponyboy clutched Steve's t-shirt, trying to pull him closer and yank it off at the same time. Steve pulled away long enough to pull the shirt off before attacking Ponyboy's mouth again, fumbling with his belt before getting it off. He dropped it to the floor. Pushing open the button, he stuck his hand in, palming Ponyboy's erection through his boxers.

"Shit!" Ponyboy moaned, throwing his head back against the wall.

Steve chuckled. "Never heard you swear before kid." He kissed him again, stroking Ponyboy through the fabric.

Ponyboy whimpered. "Steve, please."

"I got ya…" Removing his hand, he hoisted Ponyboy up, carrying him to the spare room. Dropping him on the bed, he crawled on top.

Ponyboy hooked his legs around Steve's middle, grinding his hips up, moaning at the friction. Steve kissed him, hard, grinding his hips down. Suddenly, Ponyboy flipped them over, laughing at Steve's confused look. He crawled down, pressing soft kisses down his stomach. Unbuttoning his pants, he drags them, and Steve's boxers, down, eyes widening at the sight of Steve's cock. It was thick, the tip flushed red, and Ponyboy leaned forward, running his tongue from base to tip. Steve threw his head back, moaning.

"Wait," Ponyboy sat back, and Steve groaned. "I have a question."

"You've always got a damn question kid."

"Who's fucking who?"

Steve raised his head. "I don't bottom."

Ponyboy shrugged. "Fine. Then you have to prep me."

Steve sighed heavily, but nodded. "Got lube?"

Ponyboy got up, ducking into his old room to grab the lube, and some condoms, before coming back. They stripped completely, and Steve poured lube onto his fingers and nudging Ponyboy's legs apart. He circled the boy's hole for a moment before sinking a finger inside. Ponyboy whimpered, taking a deep breath and trying to relax. Steve waited for a moment before thrusting the finger in and out. Ponyboy bit his lip, gripping the sheets tightly.

Steve was quick but thorough in his prep, and it was only a matter of minutes before Ponyboy found himself nearly sobbing, pushing back against Steve's fingers. Steve kissed him hard, once, before pulling his fingers out and adjusting between Ponyboy's thighs. Putting the condom on, he grabbed Ponyboy's hips, pushing in slowly. He cursed as he sunk into him, warmth encasing his erection. Ponyboy wrapped his legs around Steve's thighs again, pulling him closer.

"You don't hafta go slow." He murmured, and Steve's eyes widened.

"You-"

"Had sex? Yeah. Don't tell anyone."

Steve shook his head and began pounding into Ponyboy, mesmerized by the way the younger boy's back arched as he was fucked. Steve smirked when Ponyboy cried out, and he knew he'd found the perfect angle. The sound of skin slapping against skin set his nerves on fire. "Christ, Pony," Steve moaned, "tight. So good."

"St-Steve, please, please," Ponyboy begged, pushing back against the man.

Steve's brow furrowed in concentration, and he reached forward, stroking Ponyboy's cock, slick with precome.

Ponyboy moaned, writhing. "Gonna c-come, soon, Steve!"

"Me too," Steven groaned, pushing Ponyboy's knees up to his chest. A few more thrusts, and Ponyboy was coming with a gasp and soft curse, mouth hanging open as pleasure shot through him. Steve came as well just a few thrusts later, cursing, his eyes screwed shut. Ponyboy could feel the older boy pulsing inside of him, and he moaned again, melting against the sheets as his orgasm subsided. Steve buried his face in Ponyboy's neck, gasping for air. When he softened, he slowly pulled out of Ponyboy, flopping to the other side of him.

Ponyboy was the first to speak. "Not bad, Randle."

"Damn right." Steve muttered, but there was a smile in his voice. "You weren't too bad yourself kid."

"Stop calling me, kid, I'm almost done with high school."

"Still a kid to me," Steve said, "but if it bothers you so much, I'll stop."

Ponyboy turned to look at Steve. His eyes were closed. "You don't gotta stop. It's not a big deal."

Steve grunted, but said nothing otherwise. He got up, pulling off the condom and tying it up before disposing of it. Ponyboy grabbed his shirt from off the ground, wiping off his stomach before dropping it back on the floor. Steve returned to the bed, and they both got under the blanket again.

Ponyboy turned on his side, and Steve looked at him. "So, why?"

"Why what?"

"Why this?"

"Gotta be more specific, kid."

Ponyboy sighed. "You could have gone out and gotten any girl or guy that you wanted. So, why me?"

"Steve opened his mouth to speak, then closed it. "I dunno." he finally mumbled.

"I ain't Sodapop, Steve. I can't love you like he did."

Steve frowned. "I don't want you to be Soda, Ponyboy. I loved him too much to try and replace him. I just… need someone to hold onto, you dig?"

"I dig."

Both men were quiet for a moment. Ponyboy reached out and moved to touch Steve's shoulder, but withdrew his hand.

"Where you gonna go, Ponyboy?"

"What do you mean?"

"When you leave Tulsa. I know you, kid. You're gonna get the hell out of here soon as you got a degree. So where you going?"

"I dunno. I don't wanna leave y'all behind, and leaving makes me feel like I'm forgetting Dally and Johnny. But if I really had to pick, then maybe California."

Steve snorted. "The hippie state, of course." he said, but there was no bite in his tone. "You should leave us behind, ya know. Me an' Two-Bit. You and Darry, you never really been greasers. Y'all were always too smart. The rest of us ain't nothing."

"Shut up, Steve Randle." Ponyboy sat up, ignoring the ache in his backside. "I'm every bit a greaser as you, and so is Darry. I fight, I carry a blade, I use enough grease to start a fire. A greaser can have dreams and plans and still be a greaser. An I ain't leaving anyone behind. Don't care how long it takes, I'm gonna make sure you, Two-Bit, and Darry have a better life than this."

Steve stared at him for a moment, then smiled. "Alright. I believe you."

Ponyboy lay back down, and Steve pulled him close. They were touch starved, though neither would admit it, but who could blame them? The one person who'd ever held them, platonically or romantically, was gone. Ponyboy pressed a soft kiss to Steve's shoulder, nipping at the skin, and Steve chuckled.

"What's so funny?"

"Nothin'."

"Steve."

"Alright, you asked. I was just thinking about how good you would look sitting on my dick."

Ponyboy's eyes were wide, his cheeks erupting in a furious blush. "You're disgusting," he muttered, then sat up. "Keep going."

A predatory smirk spread over Steve's face. "You would look so nice on it. Sinking down on it, nice and full, legs spread open wide…"

Ponyboy climbed atop him as he spoke, straddling him. He took Steve's half-hard cock in his hands, stroking it, bringing him back to fully erect. Steve handed him one of the other condoms, and Ponyboy rolled it on him, lifting himself enough to sink down on it. Steve inhaled sharply, gripping Ponyboy's hips again. Ponyboy whined as Steve pressed on the bruises from before, the pain and pleasure mixing. "Keep talking."

It took Steve a moment to harness the brain power for words. "W-Want - Want you to ride it slow - Jesus Ch-Christ." Steve's eyes fluttered shut as Ponyboy began riding him, taking a moment to find a good rhythm. He'd never ridden anyone before, but, based on Steve's sounds, he was doing a pretty good job.

Slowly, Ponyboy picked up the pace, slamming down on Steve's cock and gasping as he hit his prostate. Steve matched him, snapping his hips up.

"Keep talking," Ponyboy whimpered, and Steve laughed breathlessly.

"You look so g-good on my dick, takin' it so good, Pony."

"Yeah?"

"Yeah."

Ponyboy reached down to grab his own leaking length, but Steve swatted his hand away. "Wanna s-see if you can c-come without it." He said, snapping his hips up harder. Ponyboy moaned, but rode him faster, chasing his own release. A few well-aimed thrust on Steve's part and he was coming, loudly, and he bit his wrist to muffle himself. Steve came right after, vision going white. Ponyboy toppled off him, and they both burst into laughter.

"Holy shit," said Steve, trying to catch his breath, "didn't know you were so dirty."

"Neither did I." Ponyboy confessed. His face was burning, and Steve laughed when he noticed. Ponyboy smacked him. "It ain't funny!"

Steve stopped laughing, but his grin didn't fade. Ponyboy pouted and rolled over, arms crossed.

"Hey." Steve put an arm around him. "I'm just foolin' ya. Relax."

Ponyboy tried to hold the pout, but failed. "Yeah I know." He turned in Steve's arms. "We should clean up before Two-Bit and Darry come back."

Steve agreed, and they got up, gathering towels and making their way into the shower. It was a tight squeeze, but they managed, washing up and getting out. Ponyboy took some of Darry's clothes and gave them to Steve, gathering up all of the dirty clothes around and throwing them in the wash. The boys made their way into the living room, sitting beside each other on the chair.

"Steve?"

Steve grunted.

"Shouldn't we talk about what just happened?"

Steven pulled Ponyboy to him, arranging them until Ponyboy was resting on his chest. "Some things just don't need to be talked about, Pony."

Ponyboy wanted to argue, but he was comfortable, sleeping pulling on the edges of his consciousness where his nightmare had rudely woken him up, so he only nodded, letting sleep have him.

So fun fact, this isn't technically supposed to end as Steve/Ponyboy. I actually have a different ending written out. But if I get enough opposition, I'll change it if you prefer. Let me know in the comments!