Epilogue
Soda glanced down beside him at his little brother who was dozing against his shoulder. It was two weeks after they had rescued Pony from Daniel and the hospital had finally released him into his brother's care and after what had seemed like a thousand years they were finally on their way home.
Pony was still pale and incredibly weak but he had been improving little bit by and bit and the other Curtis brothers had barely left his bedside the entire time. Steve and Two-Bit had also been everyday so Darry and Soda could rest and Pony had seemed to be genuinely happy surrounded by his family.
The car suddenly pulled to a stop and Darry turned around from the driver's seat and said, "We're here."
Ponyboy's eyes slid open and he blinked blearily at the house out the window. For a few seconds he seemed confused but then his face cleared and a small smile twitched at the corner of his mouth.
Soda helped Pony from the car and together the three boys walked up the short stone path to the front door. Darry turned the key in the lock and the door swung open in a manner that seemed to be prolonged to the brothers.
For a few seconds Pony just gazed into the house that he hadn't stepped into in over two weeks. How was it possible that so much had changed and happened in such a short amount of time? Turning back, Pony saw Steve and Two-Bit coming up the walk, laughing and smiling and his heart lifted just a little.
The five young men stood on the front porch of the little house, staring in, none sure quite what to say. Finally Two-Bit seemed to steel himself and he said in a voice that cracked a little, "Well, Pony You're finally home! Don't you want to… go in?"
Pony blinked like her had just been woken up from a long dream and shook himself. "Yeah," he said uncertainly, "Of course."
Soda bit his lower lip and took his little brother gently by the arm. "Come on, baby," he said softly.
Pony looked up at Soda hesitantly and nodded. Together the two boys walked into the house with their big brother striding protectively in behind them and their two tough friends trailing behind.
That night Pony was lying in his bed for the first time in over three weeks thinking about how it was both so wonderful and strange to be back. His whole kidnapping experience seemed just like a very bad dream and yet he could shake the memories. How long would they haunt him?
Soda muttered in his sleep next to Pony and the boy turned to his brother's peaceful face with a sleepy smile. Even after everything that had happened he still had his family.
Pony reached out and touched Soda's face gently. To his surprise, Soda eyes slid open and he blinked at Pony in bewilderment for a moment. Then his expression melted into one that was warm and full of love.
His arm went around Ponyboy's waist as Soda pulled Pony against him. There were no words exchanged that night between the two brothers but that was ok. After all there wasn't really any need for them.
Ponyboy Curtis was safe and finally back where he belonged. There would be many scars but they were Greasers and they were tuff. They would make it.
THE END! Hope you all enjoyed reading this story as much as I enjoyed writing it! Until next time
~md202