Even as tired as I was, I still put up a fight when it came time to take my pills. Of course, it didn't really matter because Darry promptly told me that my options were take the pills or get my butt blistered and then take the pills. Since I'd already dodged a spanking once that day, I knew my luck would run out and I'd just end up over Darry's knee again. So, reluctantly, I took my pills before I finally was able to go to bed.

Much to my surprise, though, the sleeping pill did its job and I slept for ten consecutive hours. Even on the rare nights that I don't have a nightmare, I still wake up at least twice, so sleeping all the way through the night was quite the achievement. I didn't get too excited, though, because I knew that the sleeping pills always worked on the first night. By the end of the week, I'd probably be back to staring at the ceiling at four in the morning instead of sleeping like a normal person. Still, I planned to take advantage of the uninterrupted sleep as long as I could.

The only reason I didn't sleep even longer than I did was that Darry and Sodapop woke me up talking at around six thirty in the morning.

"…and make sure you come eat something before work," I tuned into their conversation as Darry was mothering Soda, "You get sick if you don't eat nothin' all day."

"I know, Dar," Sodapop replied from his side of the bed, yawning, "I will."

He still sounded half asleep, which wasn't surprising considering how much he hates mornings. Pretty much the only time Sodapop is willingly up before double-digits is when he has to work. Even then, it's rare he works an opening shift at the DX, so when he actually did have to wake up so early, he was pretty grumpy.

The only one of us who is a morning person is Darry, and that's probably just because he doesn't have much of a choice. I'm sure he'd love to sleep until noon sometimes. Hell, he definitely deserves to.

I slowly opened my eyes, letting out a low groan at the brightness of the room. Darry hadn't turned the light on, but the sun shining through the blinds was still an unpleasant change from the darkness of the back of my eyelids.

Despite the early morning mugginess, I actually felt refreshed for once in my life, and I could already tell my attitude would be much better for the day. Both Darry and my behind would be grateful.

I yawned as I rolled over onto my back, blinking rapidly to allow my eyes to adjust to the light. Sodapop was sitting on the edge of the bed, scrubbing at his eyes, and Darry was leaning in the doorway, already dressed for work.

Well, he was until he seen that I was awake, at least. Once I'd rolled over, he walked over to the bed and perched on the edge beside me.

"Morning, kiddo," he greeted quietly, giving me a small smile, "Sleep good?"

He rested his hand on my head as I nodded, forcing back another yawn. "No nightmares," I mumbled, shutting my eyes again under the weight of my brother's hand. "Didn't even wake up."

That's when Sodapop scoffed from beside us. "Yeah, I forgot that you snore when you actually sleep," He grumbled as he pushed himself up from the bed. "Go ahead and ruin my sleep, why don't ya?"

There was no actual heat to it, of course. We all knew Soda could sleep through absolutely anything. Hell, he'd sleep through the tornado sirens if we let him, so I'm sure my snoring was something he easily tuned out.

I chuckled softly, "As long as it's not my sleep getting ruined, I don't really care."

He shot me a glare over his shoulder as he headed for the bathroom, but I could still see him smiling.

Darry smiled and shook his head before turning his attention back to me, "You feel okay?"

I nodded again, reaching up to rub my eyes, "Yeah, I'm fine."

"Mm," Darry hummed softly, smoothing my hair back off of my forehead, "Can I trust you to take your pill later or do you need to do it now?"

I rolled my eyes and sighed dramatically. Maybe I could deal with the sleeping pill every night, but an anxiety pill? Come on. There's no way in hell that's helping me.

"Neither," I grumbled, glaring up at Darry, "Don't need it."

"That wasn't an option," Darry replied, "So I'm gonna take it as you need to do it now."

I groaned, looking over at the clock on the wall. It was just after six thirty in the morning, and I really didn't want to get out of bed so early, especially if I didn't have to go to school, but I also knew that the chances of me actually taking the pill without anybody there to make me were low.

"Whatever," I muttered, rolling my eyes again. I definitely was still against it, but it was easier to just do it than to put up a pointless fight. That's one thing getting my butt spanked on a regular basis has taught me: More often than not, it just isn't worth it.

At least I was finally learning something.

"Don't start with the attitude, Ponyboy," Darry warned as he stood up from the bed, arching an eyebrow. "Unless you'd like to get smacked this early in the morning."

"I'm not," I whined, my attitude disappearing as quickly as it came."I'll take the pill, Dar. I will."

I really, really didn't want to get swatted, and thankfully, I'm much better at avoiding pissing Darry off when I'm not exhausted.

"Good choice," He said, giving me a look that was clearly warning me not to push him, "Now, get up so you can come eat something. You can't take it on an empty stomach."

I sighed but muttered my assent. I wasn't really hungry, but it was another one of those fights I knew I wouldn't win, so I figured I might as well get it over with. I never ate much for breakfast anyway, so it's not like Darry would be surprised if I barely touched my food. I just had to eat enough to appease him, which is pretty much what I always do, anyway.

"C'mon, kid," Darry said, ruffling my hair before walking out of the room, heading for the kitchen.

I didn't make a move to get out of bed until Soda stepped out of the bathroom since I had to pee so damn bad. Plus, I wanted to brush my teeth again to try and get the remaining taste of soap out, anyway. Brushing my teeth the night before had helped tremendously, but the taste was still kind of overbearing.

Darry and his damned punishment methods.

I swung my legs over the side of the bed with a grunt, wincing a little at the lingering soreness in my behind. I hadn't really expected it to still hurt by then, but Darry was a heavy-handed son of a bitch. It didn't hurt nearly as bad as it does after he whips me, so I wasn't really complaining.

Still, I used one hand to rub at my behind and the other to wipe some of the sleep out of my eyes as I stumbled out of the bedroom and towards the bathroom. Sodapop, being the asshole that he is, felt the need to chuckle and swat me as he walked past.

"Ow!" I complained, even though it didn't really hurt, "Fuck off, Soda."

"Ponyboy!" Darry yelled from the kitchen as a warning. I didn't even have to see him and I could picture his glare.

I groaned, throwing my head back. He really does hear everything.

"Sorry!" I called back before turning my attention back to Sodapop, "Leave me alone before you get me in trouble!" I whisper yelled, shooting him a death glare as I continued on into the bathroom.

He shrugged innocently, laughing as he walked towards the kitchen. Asshole.

I shut the door behind me and stretched before relieving myself. I didn't realize why I had to pee so bad until I remembered I'd slept for ten consecutive hours (and I am very, very proud of that, thank you very much) and hadn't used the bathroom before that.

Once I was finished, I made quick work of washing my hands before reaching for my toothbrush. I knew it was stupid to brush my teeth directly before I ate breakfast, but I'd rather my food taste like mint than soap, so I did it anyway.

Even after I'd brushed my teeth (a-fucking-gain), I was disappointed to realize that my mouth still tasted like soap, although it wasn't as strong. I sighed, dropping my toothbrush back into the cup before stepping out of the bathroom.

I stopped back into our room to throw on some sweats before I headed for the kitchen. It's not that I was bothered by being in my boxers around my brothers; I'd just learned it was easier to always wear some form of protection in case I managed to get swatted somehow or another. Plus, it was a little cold in the house, so sweats weren't really an inconvenience anyway.

I waltzed into the kitchen just as Darry used a spatula to pop Soda, who was reaching for the cake, in the back of the hand.

"I said food, Sodapop," he scolded, pushing the cake away from our brother, "Real food."

Sodapop cradled his hand to his chest and shot our brother a wounded look, "Cake is real food," he shot back, but still turned his attention away from the dessert.

"No, cake is cake," Darry replied, "The real food is almost finished. Sit down until then."

Sodapop rolled his eyes but did as he was told, sulking towards the table and flopping down in a chair.

"Ha-ha!" I mouthed at him before sticking my tongue out at him. It was rare I got to tease him the way he always did me, and as long as Darry's back was turned and he couldn't hear me, I was free to do so.

He flicked me off, glaring at me the same way I did him when we were in the hallway, but I flipped him off right back.

Being the asshole he was, he turned his attention back to Darry, "Dar, Pony flicked me off!" he snitched, giving me a devious smile.

My jaw dropped as our brother turned around to give me a look. "He flicked me off, first!" I said incredulously, glaring at him.

"Doesn't mean you get to do it back," Darry scolded me, furrowing his eyebrows, "You know better."

It was Sodapop's turn to stick his tongue out, now. I was about to reply not-so-respectfully because it was so not my fault, but Darry turned his attention to Soda before I had the chance.

"And you," he started, pointing at Soda with the spatula he'd been cooking with, "Stop antagonizing your little brother. Don't think you're above getting popped, kid."

Sodapop lowered his head at the scolding, his cheeks turning a pale pink. I bit back a smile as I sat down, satisfied that I wasn't the only one to get chastised for once.

He glared at me from under his eyelashes when he saw the triumph on my face, but I just smirked. "You started it," I said quietly, shrugging.

He lifted his head back up, pushing himself into a standing position, "Yeah? Well, I'm gonna be the one to finish it if you don't shut your little-"

"Hey!" Darry cut him off, spinning around to face us, "What did I just say to you two?"

"I shut up!" Sodapop spat, still glaring at me, "I know you heard him say something to me! I was over it!"

My eyes widened at that, because, well, technically that was true and I could tell by the look Darry was giving me that he knew it, too.

"He was glarin' at me!" I defended, standing up, too (not my best decision, looking back). "That don't sound like being 'over it'."

Sodapop was going to reply, but Darry was to us in three swift steps before he had the chance. He swatted Soda once first, much to my surprise, eliciting a yelp from him before he turned his attention to me. I only had time to put my hands in front of me before he was by my side. He grabbed me by elbow before swatting me twice.

I whimpered, my hands shooting from in front of me to behind me to protect my behind from any more smacks. Luckily, though, he seemed to be finished.

"It is way too early in the morning for y'all to be doing this," He scolded, taking a step back so he could look from between the two of us, even though we'd both lowered our heads and were staring at the ground. "Now, both of you sit down and I don't want to hear you say a singular word to each other until you've learned to act your age."

We both did as we were told without a second thought, not wanting to piss Darry off any more than we already had. Granted, I was a little annoyed that Sodapop had only gotten one swat and I'd gotten two, but I figured it really wasn't the best time to point that out. Besides, it was probably mostly my fault anyway, because I'd kind of started it again after he reprimanded us the first time.

It was silent after that while Darry finished breakfast until I finally swallowed my pride and anxiously looked up at my brother, "Sorry, Sodapop," I muttered quietly, making sure to throw in the puppy dog eyes to ensure he'd accept my apology.

As per usual, it worked. He gave me a small smile and nodded, "Ditto," he replied simply.

That was pretty much as far as all of our fighting ever goes. It usually lasts about ten minutes, tops, and then we'll be over it. Well, except for directly after I'd gotten jumped, but that was pretty much ancient history by then.

Darry huffed as he set my plate down in front of me, shaking his head, "Don't you think it would have been a lot easier to do that before you got smacked?"

Soda and I rolled our eyes, "Where's the fun in that?" Soda joked, grinning at Darry.

I giggled as our brother rolled his eyes and set Soda's plate down, "Y'all are a mess."

That we were, but I don't think any of us really minded.

Breakfast conversation was light as usual, and Soda and I had managed to stop bickering and get along the entire time. Pretty much the only time Soda and I genuinely do argue is in the mornings when we're both still a little groggy, so finishing breakfast without any more issues was an achievement. It probably had a lot to do with us getting smacked for it the first time around, but an achievement is an achievement.

I even took my pill without as much as a put-upon sigh, too, which I know was a surprise to Darry and Soda. Hell, anybody who knows me would have expected me to put up a pretty big fight, but once again, I knew how it would end for me, so I did it without complaint, earning me a proud smile and hair ruffle from Darry.

I relocated to the couch once I was finished, flicking the TV on and lying down. I was still a little sleepy, and I fully intended on getting another couple of hours of sleep, but I figured I might as well see Soda and Darry off to work if I was already awake, anyway.

Sodapop disappeared into the bathroom again, this time to take a shower, while Darry cleared off our plates. Once he was finished with that, he joined me in the living room, coffee mug in hand.

"Sit up," he directed, lightly flicking me in the ear.

I glared at him, but did as I was told, pushing myself into a sitting position on the middle cushion. He flopped down beside me and I immediately leaned against him, curling up against his shoulder. He didn't react, reaching over to the coffee table to put his coffee down and pick up the newspaper. During the school year, I almost always lay on Darry and watch TV before we have to leave, unless we're running late, and if I'm awake during the summer I do it then, too, so it was pretty routine.

It was a little after seven, then, so he had a good hour or so to spare. He didn't actually have to be at work until 8:30, but he always got up really early because it's really not a good idea to get up on a roof half asleep, Ponyboy.

We sat in silence for a bit while he read the paper, and I was half asleep on his arm when he broke the silence.

"I might be getting a new job," he said, not looking away from the paper.

"Really?" I asked, furrowing my eyebrows. When he nodded, I continued. "Better pay?"

"Mhm," he hummed, "Factory job. Won't have to worry about me falling off a roof anymore."

I chuckled at that, but my face fell once I realized there had to have been a reason he was telling me this.

I sat up halfway so I could look at him, eyeing him suspiciously, "Different hours?"

He sighed, finally setting the paper down, "Not technically. It might be the second shift, though."

"Which would be..?" I prompted.

"Four to midnight," he answered grimly, eyebrows furrowed.

I sat up all the way now, frowning in realization. That's why he was telling me.

"That means I'll never see you during the school year, Dar," I stated the obvious, nearly pouting. If that was the case, I would quite literally only see him when he woke me up for school, because he'd be gone by the time I got home and wouldn't be back until after I'd gone to bed.

"I know, Pony," he said sympathetically, "But we really need the money."

I sighed, lying back down on Darry's shoulder. That was true, and I hated it, because as much as we needed the money, I'd miss Darry like crazy if he was always at work. I'd still see him on weekends, but that wasn't a lot considering I was used to being with him all afternoon and on weekends.

Darry must have sensed my distress because he lifted the arm I was lying on and wrapped it around my shoulder, pulling me closer to him. I went willingly, letting my head fall against his chest.

"I'm gonna try for first shift at my interview next week," He told me, squeezing me a little, "But if I can't get it, then it'll still be okay, alright? We'll adjust."

I shook my head, fully pouting now, "I'll never see you," I stated again, glaring at the TV.

But God, we needed the fucking money. It would be less stressful for Darry when it came to paying bills and stuff, and maybe Sodapop would finally be able to put enough money up to finish saving up for a car, but that didn't mean it made me any less unhappy about it.

Darry sighed and kissed the top of my head, squeezing me again, "I know, Ponyboy. I'm sorry."

His apology made me feel worse because it really wasn't his fault. They'd raised the property tax again and we were struggling more than ever. I know he and Soda were doing their best, it just really sucked. My brothers and I are close. Hardly being able to see one of them would be one hell of an adjustment, but I knew I was going to have to be a big boy and suck it up, no matter how much I didn't want to.

"It's not your fault, Dar," I said softly after a minute of thinking, "I'll be fine. Just try for first shift, please?"

"I will, Pony," he promised, kissing my head again, "Trust me, I'm not fond of the thought of leaving you and Sodapop here all night to do God knows what, either."

I couldn't help but chuckle, because he'd pointed out the one good thing that could come out of him working the night shift: I could get away with anything.

We fell back into silence after that, both of us now focused on the episode of Bonanza that was playing on the television. Sodapop joined us after he'd finished showering, now fully dressed minus his work shirt and eating a piece of cake that Darry wasn't in the kitchen to stop him from getting.

It was around 7:45 when our peaceful brotherly bonding was interrupted by a knock at the door.

"Get that, Dar," Soda said, not looking away from the TV, but I kicked his thigh before Darry had a chance to move from under me.

"You get it," I told him, huddling a little closer to Darry, "I'm comfy."

Darry snorted a laugh at that, but looked at Sodapop and cocked his head towards the door, "You heard the kid."

Sodapop groaned, rolling his eyes as he pushed himself off of the couch. He unlocked the handle and the deadbolt before opening the door, revealing a yawning Steve holding a half-asleep Dally.

"I thought your mom was keeping him?" Soda said as they walked in, closing the door behind them.

"Yeah, my mom's supposed to do a lot of things," He grumbled, not elaborating any further, "You don't mind keepin' him, do you, Pony?"

I shook my head no against Darry, half asleep. I knew since he was walking in with him and they had to be at work in fifteen minutes that I didn't really have much of a choice, but still, I didn't mind. Dally isn't all that hard to watch; he doesn't do much.

Steve stepped in front of Darry, and Dally turned around from Steve's shoulder to stick his arms out towards Dar. He took him with ease, setting him down on the leg I wasn't on so he could lay against his chest.

Dally, along with the rest of us, obviously wasn't a morning person. He laid his little head down on Darry's chest, nuzzling for a few seconds before stilling, closing his eyes. I couldn't help but smile fondly because, damn it; the little guy's cute, even though he looks like his Dad.

"Where's my shirt, Dar?" Sodapop called from somewhere in the back of the house, sounding a little rushed. Clearly, they were running a little late.

"My closet!" He called back over his shoulder, grimacing when Dally whined at the noise and squirmed. He rubbed his back a little and shushed him until he stilled again.

Sodapop came back into the room, his shirt unbuttoned but on, nonetheless. He quickly grabbed his lunch from the kitchen before heading for the door. "C'mon, Steve," he said, "We're gonna be late."

Steve bent down to kiss the top of his sleeping son's head, murmuring that he loved him before following in Soda's footsteps.

"We're off at 4," he said over his shoulder, following Soda out of the door, "Make sure he eats!"

I didn't have time to reply before the door slammed shut behind them, leaving me and Darry in silence except for the sound of Dally's soft breathing.

I pushed myself into a sitting position, knowing that Darry was going to have to leave, too. I winced a little at the sound of my ribs cracking but tried to play it off so Darry wouldn't notice. He did, anyway, of course.

"You alright?" He asked, his forehead creasing in worry.

I nodded, stretching a little, "Yeah, 'm fine. Just hurts a little when I lay weird for too long."

Those goddamn Soc's had fucked up that side of my body pretty damn well, unfortunately, but most of the time it only really hurt when I was positioned wrong. Besides that, it was usually unnoticeable.

Darry was still frowning but nodded. He slowly stood up from the couch, being sure not to wake up Dally was he did so.

"You gonna go back to bed?" He asked me as I stood up with him.

"Yea," I nodded, rubbing at my eyes with the back of my hand, "I'm gonna try and sleep for a couple more hours."

"Alright," he replied softly, walking towards the hallway, "I'm gonna lay him down in y'all's bed."

I followed after him, yawning again. It was obvious I still had plenty of sleep to catch up on.

I lied down next to Dally once he'd set him down and let him cover the both of us up. Dally shuffled around for a minute before he stilled again. Darry slipped his pacifier that he'd lost back into his mouth before turning his attention to me.

"You make sure you do your chores, okay?" He directed, running his fingers through my hair.

I nodded, shutting my eyes, "I will, Darry."

"Okay," he replied, kissing my forehead, "I'll see you when I get off. Behave."

"Okay, Darry," I mumbled, opening my eyes slightly so I could look up at him, "You be careful."

He gave me a small smile and nodded, "I will," he replied quietly, "I love you, okay?"

I nodded again, letting my eyes shut again, "Love you, too."

I was just about asleep when his fingers stopped carding through my hair, and I was out like a light before I ever heard his truck start.

This is a bit of an uneventful chapter, but there's plently of brotherly bickering and love in it. There will be some trouble for Pony in the next one, though!

As usual, leave feedback and comments, and I'll try to have the next chapter up next week!