*Look to chapter one for warnings and disclaimers.
Response to reviews:
ModestVanity: THANK YOU! That's really all I can manage at the moment...THANK YOU! *ahem* Sorry about that. But really, I love hearing from you...your reviews always make me feel so amazingly great. *grins* Sometimes I feel like I could hug you after reading them, so *hugs*. LOL. So here's the deal: you keep on reviewing, I'll keep on writing. Can't wait to hear from you again!
Tashue: Well, now it's my turn to blush. LOL. And hey, don't think I didn't write that scene partly because I liked the mental image. *sigh* Yum. And no, nothing like that has happened to me before (thank goodness), but thank you for the compliment. Anyway, I give you thank yous in extreme quantities for your reviews. THANKS!
Vampire-Slaying-Greaser-Gal: Omigod! I practically danced after I read your review; I can't possibly tell you how flattered I was and still am. I can't believe that people like this story so much, but I'm ecstatic that they do. Please keep reading and reviewing!
caroline: I know what you mean; I have an unhealthy hatred for Socs, myself. Well, not so much for Cherry and Randy, because they realised the errors of their ways and helped the Greasers, but definitely for most Socs. Anyway, thanks so much for your review!
LadyJessy: I have to admit; I have to remind myself constantly to keep writing with the speech patterns, so I'm really glad that they blend with the fic well. Does Soda really use 'honey' a lot? I'll have to check that out...am I really one of your favourite authors? Yay! *dances* Thanks! Keep reading and I will definitely keep writing!
killslay: I'd always pictured the brothers close like that too...well, not 'close' like 'that'. *ahem* Anyway, thanks for the review, and I see what you mean about the scene where Ponyboy came home, but it was mainly to express the protectiveness that the gang felt towards its youngest members. So really, it wasn't just because it happened to Pony, but because it happened to Johnny too. I realise that it wasn't very clear, but it'll become clear soon, I promise.
Also, my thanks go out to MissLKid, Estelle Yavetil, redrose2310, litzy bitsy and becca hood! Thanks guys!
Chapter Three
Ponyboy watched, fascinated, as the first rays of the dawn spilled through the window, bathing the small room in warm golden light. He rubbed his eyes tiredly, shrugging Soda's arm off his neck and rolling in the other direction, only to come into contact with a broad, solid chest. Darry.
'Oh glory, I'll never be able to move now.' Pony thought miserably. He was sore and aching from the beating he'd endured the previous afternoon and his limbs felt lethargic, his only rest having been a light doze for the short span of an hour, and even then his dreaming mind had been racing, preventing any true repose.
The auburn-haired boy gazed longingly at the window, wishing for the peace the sunrise could grant him, all the while shifting subtly in an effort to extract himself from the protective grasp of his brothers. At last, he managed to inch as far away from Sodapop as possible, flip onto his stomach, and crawl over Darry, blessing his oldest brother's deep state of slumber and his own light weight as he did so.
Pulling on a T-shirt of Soda's that he felt fairly swamped in, Ponyboy slipped out of the bedroom, shutting the door with only a faint click and leaving his brothers to sleep undisturbed. He padded down the carpeted hallway in only his boxers and the oversized T-shirt, hugging himself around his middle and roughly rubbing his bare arms where gooseflesh had begun to form, courtesy of his sleepless night and the cool breeze blowing through the house.
Pausing in his stride long enough only to grab a quilt from the couch, Ponyboy walked briskly out into the morning air, settling down on the porch steps with his back to the railing and eyes focused eastwards, towards the rising sun. The young Greaser sighed happily, green-grey eyes drinking in the sight of the colourful scene greedily. Pony snuggled deeper into the embrace of the old quilt, finally able to relax. He knew that most of the gang, even his brothers, couldn't even pretend to understand his love for both the rising and setting sun, but he found that when they asked, he was at a loss for words with which to explain. It was something deeper than simple beauty, truth be told, though it was of course breathtaking. For Ponyboy, it was sometimes the only thing that could remind him that life hadn't forsaken him; with such a blessing of beauty, he was reminded that there was always goodness in the world if one simply looked for it, no matter where on Earth you found yourself.
The dawn was stunning that morning, even more radiant than usual in Pony's opinion. Eyes fixated on the dazzling orb, he let his head rest lightly against the wooden bars supporting the railing, oblivious to the fact that his eyelids drooped sleepily as his mind registered the chipping paint of the wood...
"Hey, Ponyboy!"
Pony's head snapped up at the shout, body jerking in surprise as his mind registered hazily the grinning face of Two-Bit directly in his immediate line of vision. He groaned, letting his head fall back against the wooden railing as he tried half-heartedly to smack Two-Bit weakly. His good-humoured friend dodged out of the way easily, plunking down beside him on the porch step and punching him lightly in the shoulder.
"Hey Two-Bit," Ponyboy mumbled drowsily, shutting his eyes against the irritatingly bright light, and adjusting the quilt over his body. He shifted, and as ginger hair fell like a curtain across his face, it caught the light, highlighting the auburn strands and tinting the silky locks gold. Two-Bit found himself distracted by the play of light on reddish-brown hair, but as Pony shoved the hair from his face, he caught sight of the purple bruise stark against otherwise unblemished skin, and drew in a sharp breath at the ugly display.
Two-Bit was used to seeing such things of course- he was a Greaser after all- but not on Ponyboy. Pony rarely fought, by both his own wishes and his brothers' firm decree to fight only in self-defence, and even then it was seldom to see him hurt, as the auburn-haired Greaser could fight fairly well and was always surrounded by the protective circle of the gang. Until yesterday, that is.
Two-Bit cracked his knuckles purposely, resisting the urge to punch something as he thought of the attack on the youngest of the gang.
'First Johnny, and now Ponyboy,' he thought angrily to himself. 'Damn cowards, those fuckin' Socs are, attackin' the youngest kids they can find...'
He shook his head furiously, and pulled his treasured switchblade from his jacket pocket, flipping it open and shut idly just to occupy himself and not let his anger overwhelm him. Two-Bit was usually cheerful and well known as the wisecracker of the gang, but at that moment he felt as if he couldn't crack a grin if his life depended on it.
A low hiss to his right drew his attention, and grey eyes slid to Ponyboy, watching with mild concern and vast amusement as the young Greaser carefully prodded the bruise on his jaw, both the visible wincing and minor sounds of pain tribute to the discomfort it caused him. The elder boy batted the hand away, managing to plaster on a smile as green-grey orbs gazed at him from beneath lowered lashes questioningly.
"Don't do that," Two-Bit admonished gently, turning away to hide the seriousness in his eyes. "You'll just be makin' it worse, kid." He pretended to concentrate intently on lighting his cigarette and avoided looking at Ponyboy directly. The younger boy, however, was still drowsy from his rude awakening, and failed to take notice of his friend's abnormal body language. Rubbing his eyes with the heels of his hands, he murmured under his breath darkly, muttering unintelligibly, but it seemed Two-Bit caught at least the gist of it, as his smile transformed from forced to genuine in a split second as he laughed loudly.
"Don't be getting' mouthy, Ponyboy." He scolded playfully, stormy eyes now twinkling with his usual mischief, "That mouth'll need to be washed out with soap if you keep up that cussing."
Ponyboy glared at Two-Bit heatedly, but reluctantly obeyed, setting his chin in the palm of his hand as his elbows rested on his knees, as he grumbled, "Well, I wouldn't be cussing if a certain Greaser hadn't scared the livin' daylights outta me." he groaned, stretching languidly. "Why'd you wake me up, anyhow?"
Two-Bit flashed him a cocky smile, replying laughingly, "Shoot kid, you really do need a babysitter." He caught Pony's hand in mid-air as the younger Greaser attempted to hit him, still grinning like a maniac. " You were asleep on your porch, Ponyboy." The rusty-haired Greaser continued, his tone suddenly serious. "Anyone coulda just come by and jumped ya. Wasn't exactly the smartest thing ya coulda done, 'specially after yesterday."
At the mention of the recent encounter with the Socs, Pony's eyes shot to his friend, and he studied Two-Bit curiously as the other Greaser shifted uneasily on the porch steps, the wooden boards creaking under his weight. Two-Bit didn't usually dwell on past events; what was done was done for him. He merely dealt with the situation and then moved on, so, truly, even simply bringing up the topic of the assault was uncharacteristic of him.
"Two-Bit?"
Two-Bit met Ponyboy's eyes frankly. "Yeah, Pony?"
Pony cocked his head to the side, green-grey orbs searching his friend's face, and brow crinkling in puzzlement. His voice, when he answered, was somewhat detached.
"You're acting awful strange, Two-Bit. Everyone is, actually. I mean, it's not like no one's ever been jumped before... you've been jumped plenty of times, right? Steve even got attacked last week." He paused, eyes narrowing questioningly. "What's the deal?"
The older Greaser took a long drag on his cigarette, mulling thoughtfully over the question. "Well," he began, "it's just that when it's you, you and Johnny I mean, that the Socs are hittin', it's us too...when you guys are hurt, we're hurt, ya dig?"
Ponyboy didn't understand in fact. Two-Bit's words confused him immensely, but he decided that he wouldn't press him further; his friend seemed agitated enough. He'd ask Sodapop about it later, he decided. For now, all that was on his mind was his grumbling stomach, demanding immediate nourishment. It seemed to attract Two-Bit's attention as well, for the elder Greaser cocked an eyebrow at him, the practiced gesture emphasizing the amusement evident on his handsome features.
"We might as well go inside, then." Ponyboy mumbled, cheeks pink as he avoided Two-Bit's laughing eyes. He pushed himself to his feet, one arm on the railing to keep his balance and the other wrapped around his waist, holding the patched quilt in place.
The rusty-haired boy grinned, suggesting brightly, "Yeah, you can make me breakfast!" Pony just mock-glared at him silently for a moment, full lips threatening to curve into a smile at the easy, infectious grin on Two-Bit's face. He shook his head ruefully as he lost the battle and smiled broadly, turning towards the door once more.
"Come on." Ponyboy said lightly as he entered the house, tossing the quilt carelessly on the arm of Darry's chair and right next to one of Soda's shoes, as he made his way to the kitchen.
Two-Bit stayed where he was briefly, still chuckling, before leaping to his feet, and running into the house after the auburn-haired boy, deliberately slamming the screen door as noisily as possible before Ponyboy could even open his mouth to yell a warning against it.
Two-Bit launched himself onto the couch, laying down comfortably, body stretched out along the length of the sofa, and arms folded behind his head, as he waited patiently for the inevitable reprimand. Eyes closed, he counted down on his fingers: four...three...two...one...
"Two-Bit!" Pony scolded angrily, stepping out of the kitchen doorway, eggs in hand. "Don't do that! Soda and Darry are still sleepin'."
Two-Bit remained silent, Ponyboy's allure causing him to eye the young Greaser with interest. The boy's ginger-coloured hair was somewhat ruffled, but lovely as always as it fell about his finely sculpted face, and high cheekbones were slightly coloured with annoyance, as full lips formed a pout. The over-large T-shirt he was wearing had slipped off one shoulder, revealing the bare, creamy skin underneath. He was positively striking, and perfectly desirable.
As Two-Bit felt himself becoming hard, he shook himself roughly, refusing to give into that particular temptation. He liked sex, to be sure, but he'd never fallen in love and wasn't planning on doing so in the near future. He had no need for love-his friends were everything. However, that meant that his relationships were therefore purely based on physical attraction and easy conversation, and he would not damage his relationship with the gang by even fantasizing about Ponyboy. It was wrong in every aspect-Pony was too young, too sensitive, too innocent and he was also a friend. Absolutely forbidden territory.
'Even if we could get together, I'd just hurt him, and no way am I gonna do that,' Two-Bit thought, 'but it wouldn't matter, 'cause even if we did get together, Soda and Darry'd have my hide.' He reasoned mutely, laughing quietly as he headed into the kitchen, where Ponyboy had returned after realising his words of rebuke were falling on deaf ears. But when Two-Bit leaned against the kitchen doorframe, eyes lingering on Ponyboy's slim waist and slightly curved hips as the young Greaser stood frying eggs over the stove, his laughter stopped abruptly.
'What a catch he'd be, though.' He couldn't help but think to himself, sighing softly.
At the quiet sound, Ponyboy looked over his shoulder, the corner of his mouth rising in a half-smile when he saw his friend standing there.
"Well don't just stand there, Two-Bit," he ordered good-naturedly, "get some cake out of the freezer, and put some plates on the table. Enough for everybody, though; I'm sure they'll all be here soon."
Rooted to the spot, Two-Bit could only blink for a moment. Chores? He never had to do chores, ever. Not even his own mother could make him do housework. Yet here was this small, fourteen year-old boy giving orders that he obviously expected to be followed, from the way the way he was looking impatiently at his older friend. Two-Bit glared back coolly, not willing to give in to the younger Greaser.
"Look, I don't even do chores at home for my own mom, kid, never mind here. I don't work." He said forcefully, emphasizing especially the three last words.
Ponyboy stopped cooking, turned around, and was about to answer when all of a sudden a yell sounded out.
"Hey! Y'all here?"
"We're in here, Steve!" shouted Ponyboy, "don't slam the-"
SLAM! Steve strolled into the kitchen, the sound of the door slamming echoing throughout the house.
"Hey. Where's Soda and Superman?" he asked immediately, heading over to the freezer, and searching through it for chocolate cake.
"They're sleepin'." Ponyboy replied neutrally, taking the frying pan off the burner and turning off the stove.
"I-"
"Hey," Two-Bit interrupted in a puzzled tone, "how come they're not awake? Don't they gotta work?"
"Naw, Two-Bit; it's Saturday. They're both off." Steve said, grinning broadly. "Me and Soda are gonna head over to the Dingo later...maybe pick up some broads. He could use it after that whole thing with Sandy."
A subtle narrowing of Steve's eyes as they flitted over to Ponyboy, unnoticed by Two-Bit but seen clearly by the youngest Greaser. He shrank back from the dark orbs that gazed warningly at him, cautioning him to refrain from asking to join them.
As a peace offering, Ponyboy handed Steve a plate of eggs and a fork and knife, indicating for him to sit down at the table to eat. Handing Two-Bit a plate as well, Pony exited the kitchen and raced down the hallway towards his bedroom. Never breaking stride, he yanked the door open and dove onto the bed, landing solidly on Darry's chest.
"Oomph!" Blue-green eyes open slowly, still clouded with the fog of sleep.
"Ponyboy?" Darry asked quietly, rubbing his eyes with a fist as Pony folded his arms across his oldest brother's chest and rested his chin on them, wide green-grey orbs focused on his brother.
"Mornin', Dar," Ponyboy greeted brightly, a radiant smile lighting his face, "you gotta get up."
The eldest Curtis smiled softly, eyes warm as he gazed affectionately at his baby brother. "And why's that?" He yawned. "I don't even gotta work today."
Ponyboy jabbed him in the chest, protesting mildly, "Yeah, but I made breakfast and it's gonna go cold. Are you really gonna let all my hard work go to waste?"
Darry laughed quietly, holding up his hands in surrender at Pony's insistent look.
"Ok, ok, I'm coming. Good luck trying to get Soda up, though; he sleeps like the damn dead sometimes." He declared mirthfully as Pony's eyes slid to Sodapop, whose handsome face was still relaxed and content in slumber.
"I'll let Steve wake him up," Ponyboy decided, climbing off his brother "he'll probly have more luck."
"Probably." Darry agreed as he followed the younger boy out of the room and into the kitchen, where his breakfast awaited him. He did a double take when he saw Two-Bit.
"What are you doin' up so early?" he asked with comic astonishment as he sat down at the table, nodding his thanks to Ponyboy as he took the plate offered to him.
Two-Bit stopped shovelling forkfuls of cake into his mouth long enough to swallow and grin at Darry with chocolate-covered teeth.
"Lookin' for Dal, actually." He said "The damn Greaser owes me money from a poker game yesterday. He was so wasted, it was like stealing candy from a baby, playing with him." He finished, amusement ringing in every word.
"Is that so?" a quiet voice cut in from the doorway.
Two-Bit froze, fork in mid-air and turned, face a tad pale.
"Hey, Dal," He greeted shakily, "what's up?"
All he got in response was a slap upside the head as Dally sat down in the chair next to him, ice-blue eyes flashing.
"Don't be talking trash like that 'bout me, ya clown. I got a rep to keep up." He spat as he pulled a pack of Kools from his front pocket. He was still muttering as he lit the cigarette. "Glory... like candy from a baby...fuck that...I ain't never been that drunk..."
The rest of the gang simply laughed at the humorous picture of an offended Dally and reprimanded Two-Bit, and the latter joined in after a moment, passing Dally a piece of chocolate cake apologetically.
"Naw." Dally declined, "I got a nasty hangover. I'd just throw it up."
Three heads nodded sympathetically, while Ponyboy searched through the cabinets for the aspirin, offering it to Dally once he found it.
"No need, kid." He refused once again. "It'll go away eventually." He looked around the room; suddenly realising it was much too quiet.
"Where's Soda?"
Steve snorted, replying with a smirk, "He's still sleepin', the lazy-"
"Hey, Steve," Darry interrupted, "go wake him up, will ya?"
Steve leapt to his feet eagerly, banging on the walls and hollering Soda's name as he raced down the narrow hallway.
Dally chuckled, leaning back in his chair and shielding his eyes from the bright sunlight that bled into the kitchen window, illuminating the room.
"What are you guys doin' today?" he asked, abandoning the effort for protection from the light and rubbing his temples furiously in an attempt to banish the agonising headache.
There was a collective murmur of 'I dunno's and 'not sure's, as he looked at each gang member questioningly.
"We should play football or somethin'." He suggested half-jokingly.
Two-Bit burst into loud peals of laughter, his grin so wide it threatened to split his face in two.
"You can barely stand, Dal," he managed to choke out, "how in hell are you gonna play football?"
Dally opened his mouth to retort, but Ponyboy beat him to it.
"Oh, lay off him, Two-Bit." He turned his attention to Dally. "Don't mind him, Dally; he's been like this all morning. I'd swear he was pregnant or somethin' from all the mood swings he's been having."
Dally threw back his head, laughing loudly, and when he saw Two-Bit blushing, too flustered to form a reply, and Darry grinning wildly at the sight, he couldn't stop tears of mirth from coursing down his face. He wiped them away hurriedly, still chuckling when Steve and Soda entered the room, Soda wearing only one shoe.
"Hey guys," the blonde greeted enthusiastically, before asking, slightly embarrassed, "any of you seen my shoe?"
"It's on Darry's chair, Soda." Ponyboy answered, smiling gently at his brother's absentmindedness.
"Thanks, kiddo." Soda said, grinning wildly, darting into the living room, only to race back into the kitchen a moment later, hopping on one foot as he tried to put on his shoe.
"Me and Stevie are gonna go out, probly play some football. You guys game?" he asked excitedly, dark eyes shining brightly.
"Yeah, we're comin'." Darry replied as he stood up, shooting an amused glance at Two-Bit.
"Alright! Let's go!" Steve cried.
Five Greasers raced to the door, four somersaulting and cartwheeling out of it, one stumbling, while the last followed serenely, leaning against the doorframe and calling out, "I'll come find you guys later! I'm gonna wait and see if Johnny comes over!"
"Alright, Pony, but don't wait too long!" yelled Sodapop, jumping on Steve's back as they ran down the street.
Ponyboy watched them go for a minute, returning to the kitchen only after they turned the corner, out of his sight.
He sighed as he spied the mess in the kitchen, realising that, even though he had cooked, he now had to clean everything up.
"Oh well." He said to himself. "Soda and Darry both deserve a break."
He looked around the room warily, disliking the silence of the house, as it made it all too easy for the memory of his nightmare to return. He shivered and began cleaning, hoping to distract himself.
'I hope Johnny gets here soon.' He thought forlornly.
So there is a nice, long chapter for you guys. I hope you liked it, even though I know the ending was terrible...absolutely terrible. But I couldn't think of anything else! Anyway, I recently saw the movie...Rob Lowe is totally hot! *drools* Oh yeah, and you can thank Tashue for the little slashy part with Two-Bit, because I adore that pairing now, thanks to her fics. But, the choice of whether it's Two-Bit/Ponyboy or Dally/Ponyboy is up to you guys. Vote for the pairing you want! So yeah, please review! Until next time! *grins*
Response to reviews:
ModestVanity: THANK YOU! That's really all I can manage at the moment...THANK YOU! *ahem* Sorry about that. But really, I love hearing from you...your reviews always make me feel so amazingly great. *grins* Sometimes I feel like I could hug you after reading them, so *hugs*. LOL. So here's the deal: you keep on reviewing, I'll keep on writing. Can't wait to hear from you again!
Tashue: Well, now it's my turn to blush. LOL. And hey, don't think I didn't write that scene partly because I liked the mental image. *sigh* Yum. And no, nothing like that has happened to me before (thank goodness), but thank you for the compliment. Anyway, I give you thank yous in extreme quantities for your reviews. THANKS!
Vampire-Slaying-Greaser-Gal: Omigod! I practically danced after I read your review; I can't possibly tell you how flattered I was and still am. I can't believe that people like this story so much, but I'm ecstatic that they do. Please keep reading and reviewing!
caroline: I know what you mean; I have an unhealthy hatred for Socs, myself. Well, not so much for Cherry and Randy, because they realised the errors of their ways and helped the Greasers, but definitely for most Socs. Anyway, thanks so much for your review!
LadyJessy: I have to admit; I have to remind myself constantly to keep writing with the speech patterns, so I'm really glad that they blend with the fic well. Does Soda really use 'honey' a lot? I'll have to check that out...am I really one of your favourite authors? Yay! *dances* Thanks! Keep reading and I will definitely keep writing!
killslay: I'd always pictured the brothers close like that too...well, not 'close' like 'that'. *ahem* Anyway, thanks for the review, and I see what you mean about the scene where Ponyboy came home, but it was mainly to express the protectiveness that the gang felt towards its youngest members. So really, it wasn't just because it happened to Pony, but because it happened to Johnny too. I realise that it wasn't very clear, but it'll become clear soon, I promise.
Also, my thanks go out to MissLKid, Estelle Yavetil, redrose2310, litzy bitsy and becca hood! Thanks guys!
Chapter Three
Ponyboy watched, fascinated, as the first rays of the dawn spilled through the window, bathing the small room in warm golden light. He rubbed his eyes tiredly, shrugging Soda's arm off his neck and rolling in the other direction, only to come into contact with a broad, solid chest. Darry.
'Oh glory, I'll never be able to move now.' Pony thought miserably. He was sore and aching from the beating he'd endured the previous afternoon and his limbs felt lethargic, his only rest having been a light doze for the short span of an hour, and even then his dreaming mind had been racing, preventing any true repose.
The auburn-haired boy gazed longingly at the window, wishing for the peace the sunrise could grant him, all the while shifting subtly in an effort to extract himself from the protective grasp of his brothers. At last, he managed to inch as far away from Sodapop as possible, flip onto his stomach, and crawl over Darry, blessing his oldest brother's deep state of slumber and his own light weight as he did so.
Pulling on a T-shirt of Soda's that he felt fairly swamped in, Ponyboy slipped out of the bedroom, shutting the door with only a faint click and leaving his brothers to sleep undisturbed. He padded down the carpeted hallway in only his boxers and the oversized T-shirt, hugging himself around his middle and roughly rubbing his bare arms where gooseflesh had begun to form, courtesy of his sleepless night and the cool breeze blowing through the house.
Pausing in his stride long enough only to grab a quilt from the couch, Ponyboy walked briskly out into the morning air, settling down on the porch steps with his back to the railing and eyes focused eastwards, towards the rising sun. The young Greaser sighed happily, green-grey eyes drinking in the sight of the colourful scene greedily. Pony snuggled deeper into the embrace of the old quilt, finally able to relax. He knew that most of the gang, even his brothers, couldn't even pretend to understand his love for both the rising and setting sun, but he found that when they asked, he was at a loss for words with which to explain. It was something deeper than simple beauty, truth be told, though it was of course breathtaking. For Ponyboy, it was sometimes the only thing that could remind him that life hadn't forsaken him; with such a blessing of beauty, he was reminded that there was always goodness in the world if one simply looked for it, no matter where on Earth you found yourself.
The dawn was stunning that morning, even more radiant than usual in Pony's opinion. Eyes fixated on the dazzling orb, he let his head rest lightly against the wooden bars supporting the railing, oblivious to the fact that his eyelids drooped sleepily as his mind registered the chipping paint of the wood...
"Hey, Ponyboy!"
Pony's head snapped up at the shout, body jerking in surprise as his mind registered hazily the grinning face of Two-Bit directly in his immediate line of vision. He groaned, letting his head fall back against the wooden railing as he tried half-heartedly to smack Two-Bit weakly. His good-humoured friend dodged out of the way easily, plunking down beside him on the porch step and punching him lightly in the shoulder.
"Hey Two-Bit," Ponyboy mumbled drowsily, shutting his eyes against the irritatingly bright light, and adjusting the quilt over his body. He shifted, and as ginger hair fell like a curtain across his face, it caught the light, highlighting the auburn strands and tinting the silky locks gold. Two-Bit found himself distracted by the play of light on reddish-brown hair, but as Pony shoved the hair from his face, he caught sight of the purple bruise stark against otherwise unblemished skin, and drew in a sharp breath at the ugly display.
Two-Bit was used to seeing such things of course- he was a Greaser after all- but not on Ponyboy. Pony rarely fought, by both his own wishes and his brothers' firm decree to fight only in self-defence, and even then it was seldom to see him hurt, as the auburn-haired Greaser could fight fairly well and was always surrounded by the protective circle of the gang. Until yesterday, that is.
Two-Bit cracked his knuckles purposely, resisting the urge to punch something as he thought of the attack on the youngest of the gang.
'First Johnny, and now Ponyboy,' he thought angrily to himself. 'Damn cowards, those fuckin' Socs are, attackin' the youngest kids they can find...'
He shook his head furiously, and pulled his treasured switchblade from his jacket pocket, flipping it open and shut idly just to occupy himself and not let his anger overwhelm him. Two-Bit was usually cheerful and well known as the wisecracker of the gang, but at that moment he felt as if he couldn't crack a grin if his life depended on it.
A low hiss to his right drew his attention, and grey eyes slid to Ponyboy, watching with mild concern and vast amusement as the young Greaser carefully prodded the bruise on his jaw, both the visible wincing and minor sounds of pain tribute to the discomfort it caused him. The elder boy batted the hand away, managing to plaster on a smile as green-grey orbs gazed at him from beneath lowered lashes questioningly.
"Don't do that," Two-Bit admonished gently, turning away to hide the seriousness in his eyes. "You'll just be makin' it worse, kid." He pretended to concentrate intently on lighting his cigarette and avoided looking at Ponyboy directly. The younger boy, however, was still drowsy from his rude awakening, and failed to take notice of his friend's abnormal body language. Rubbing his eyes with the heels of his hands, he murmured under his breath darkly, muttering unintelligibly, but it seemed Two-Bit caught at least the gist of it, as his smile transformed from forced to genuine in a split second as he laughed loudly.
"Don't be getting' mouthy, Ponyboy." He scolded playfully, stormy eyes now twinkling with his usual mischief, "That mouth'll need to be washed out with soap if you keep up that cussing."
Ponyboy glared at Two-Bit heatedly, but reluctantly obeyed, setting his chin in the palm of his hand as his elbows rested on his knees, as he grumbled, "Well, I wouldn't be cussing if a certain Greaser hadn't scared the livin' daylights outta me." he groaned, stretching languidly. "Why'd you wake me up, anyhow?"
Two-Bit flashed him a cocky smile, replying laughingly, "Shoot kid, you really do need a babysitter." He caught Pony's hand in mid-air as the younger Greaser attempted to hit him, still grinning like a maniac. " You were asleep on your porch, Ponyboy." The rusty-haired Greaser continued, his tone suddenly serious. "Anyone coulda just come by and jumped ya. Wasn't exactly the smartest thing ya coulda done, 'specially after yesterday."
At the mention of the recent encounter with the Socs, Pony's eyes shot to his friend, and he studied Two-Bit curiously as the other Greaser shifted uneasily on the porch steps, the wooden boards creaking under his weight. Two-Bit didn't usually dwell on past events; what was done was done for him. He merely dealt with the situation and then moved on, so, truly, even simply bringing up the topic of the assault was uncharacteristic of him.
"Two-Bit?"
Two-Bit met Ponyboy's eyes frankly. "Yeah, Pony?"
Pony cocked his head to the side, green-grey orbs searching his friend's face, and brow crinkling in puzzlement. His voice, when he answered, was somewhat detached.
"You're acting awful strange, Two-Bit. Everyone is, actually. I mean, it's not like no one's ever been jumped before... you've been jumped plenty of times, right? Steve even got attacked last week." He paused, eyes narrowing questioningly. "What's the deal?"
The older Greaser took a long drag on his cigarette, mulling thoughtfully over the question. "Well," he began, "it's just that when it's you, you and Johnny I mean, that the Socs are hittin', it's us too...when you guys are hurt, we're hurt, ya dig?"
Ponyboy didn't understand in fact. Two-Bit's words confused him immensely, but he decided that he wouldn't press him further; his friend seemed agitated enough. He'd ask Sodapop about it later, he decided. For now, all that was on his mind was his grumbling stomach, demanding immediate nourishment. It seemed to attract Two-Bit's attention as well, for the elder Greaser cocked an eyebrow at him, the practiced gesture emphasizing the amusement evident on his handsome features.
"We might as well go inside, then." Ponyboy mumbled, cheeks pink as he avoided Two-Bit's laughing eyes. He pushed himself to his feet, one arm on the railing to keep his balance and the other wrapped around his waist, holding the patched quilt in place.
The rusty-haired boy grinned, suggesting brightly, "Yeah, you can make me breakfast!" Pony just mock-glared at him silently for a moment, full lips threatening to curve into a smile at the easy, infectious grin on Two-Bit's face. He shook his head ruefully as he lost the battle and smiled broadly, turning towards the door once more.
"Come on." Ponyboy said lightly as he entered the house, tossing the quilt carelessly on the arm of Darry's chair and right next to one of Soda's shoes, as he made his way to the kitchen.
Two-Bit stayed where he was briefly, still chuckling, before leaping to his feet, and running into the house after the auburn-haired boy, deliberately slamming the screen door as noisily as possible before Ponyboy could even open his mouth to yell a warning against it.
Two-Bit launched himself onto the couch, laying down comfortably, body stretched out along the length of the sofa, and arms folded behind his head, as he waited patiently for the inevitable reprimand. Eyes closed, he counted down on his fingers: four...three...two...one...
"Two-Bit!" Pony scolded angrily, stepping out of the kitchen doorway, eggs in hand. "Don't do that! Soda and Darry are still sleepin'."
Two-Bit remained silent, Ponyboy's allure causing him to eye the young Greaser with interest. The boy's ginger-coloured hair was somewhat ruffled, but lovely as always as it fell about his finely sculpted face, and high cheekbones were slightly coloured with annoyance, as full lips formed a pout. The over-large T-shirt he was wearing had slipped off one shoulder, revealing the bare, creamy skin underneath. He was positively striking, and perfectly desirable.
As Two-Bit felt himself becoming hard, he shook himself roughly, refusing to give into that particular temptation. He liked sex, to be sure, but he'd never fallen in love and wasn't planning on doing so in the near future. He had no need for love-his friends were everything. However, that meant that his relationships were therefore purely based on physical attraction and easy conversation, and he would not damage his relationship with the gang by even fantasizing about Ponyboy. It was wrong in every aspect-Pony was too young, too sensitive, too innocent and he was also a friend. Absolutely forbidden territory.
'Even if we could get together, I'd just hurt him, and no way am I gonna do that,' Two-Bit thought, 'but it wouldn't matter, 'cause even if we did get together, Soda and Darry'd have my hide.' He reasoned mutely, laughing quietly as he headed into the kitchen, where Ponyboy had returned after realising his words of rebuke were falling on deaf ears. But when Two-Bit leaned against the kitchen doorframe, eyes lingering on Ponyboy's slim waist and slightly curved hips as the young Greaser stood frying eggs over the stove, his laughter stopped abruptly.
'What a catch he'd be, though.' He couldn't help but think to himself, sighing softly.
At the quiet sound, Ponyboy looked over his shoulder, the corner of his mouth rising in a half-smile when he saw his friend standing there.
"Well don't just stand there, Two-Bit," he ordered good-naturedly, "get some cake out of the freezer, and put some plates on the table. Enough for everybody, though; I'm sure they'll all be here soon."
Rooted to the spot, Two-Bit could only blink for a moment. Chores? He never had to do chores, ever. Not even his own mother could make him do housework. Yet here was this small, fourteen year-old boy giving orders that he obviously expected to be followed, from the way the way he was looking impatiently at his older friend. Two-Bit glared back coolly, not willing to give in to the younger Greaser.
"Look, I don't even do chores at home for my own mom, kid, never mind here. I don't work." He said forcefully, emphasizing especially the three last words.
Ponyboy stopped cooking, turned around, and was about to answer when all of a sudden a yell sounded out.
"Hey! Y'all here?"
"We're in here, Steve!" shouted Ponyboy, "don't slam the-"
SLAM! Steve strolled into the kitchen, the sound of the door slamming echoing throughout the house.
"Hey. Where's Soda and Superman?" he asked immediately, heading over to the freezer, and searching through it for chocolate cake.
"They're sleepin'." Ponyboy replied neutrally, taking the frying pan off the burner and turning off the stove.
"I-"
"Hey," Two-Bit interrupted in a puzzled tone, "how come they're not awake? Don't they gotta work?"
"Naw, Two-Bit; it's Saturday. They're both off." Steve said, grinning broadly. "Me and Soda are gonna head over to the Dingo later...maybe pick up some broads. He could use it after that whole thing with Sandy."
A subtle narrowing of Steve's eyes as they flitted over to Ponyboy, unnoticed by Two-Bit but seen clearly by the youngest Greaser. He shrank back from the dark orbs that gazed warningly at him, cautioning him to refrain from asking to join them.
As a peace offering, Ponyboy handed Steve a plate of eggs and a fork and knife, indicating for him to sit down at the table to eat. Handing Two-Bit a plate as well, Pony exited the kitchen and raced down the hallway towards his bedroom. Never breaking stride, he yanked the door open and dove onto the bed, landing solidly on Darry's chest.
"Oomph!" Blue-green eyes open slowly, still clouded with the fog of sleep.
"Ponyboy?" Darry asked quietly, rubbing his eyes with a fist as Pony folded his arms across his oldest brother's chest and rested his chin on them, wide green-grey orbs focused on his brother.
"Mornin', Dar," Ponyboy greeted brightly, a radiant smile lighting his face, "you gotta get up."
The eldest Curtis smiled softly, eyes warm as he gazed affectionately at his baby brother. "And why's that?" He yawned. "I don't even gotta work today."
Ponyboy jabbed him in the chest, protesting mildly, "Yeah, but I made breakfast and it's gonna go cold. Are you really gonna let all my hard work go to waste?"
Darry laughed quietly, holding up his hands in surrender at Pony's insistent look.
"Ok, ok, I'm coming. Good luck trying to get Soda up, though; he sleeps like the damn dead sometimes." He declared mirthfully as Pony's eyes slid to Sodapop, whose handsome face was still relaxed and content in slumber.
"I'll let Steve wake him up," Ponyboy decided, climbing off his brother "he'll probly have more luck."
"Probably." Darry agreed as he followed the younger boy out of the room and into the kitchen, where his breakfast awaited him. He did a double take when he saw Two-Bit.
"What are you doin' up so early?" he asked with comic astonishment as he sat down at the table, nodding his thanks to Ponyboy as he took the plate offered to him.
Two-Bit stopped shovelling forkfuls of cake into his mouth long enough to swallow and grin at Darry with chocolate-covered teeth.
"Lookin' for Dal, actually." He said "The damn Greaser owes me money from a poker game yesterday. He was so wasted, it was like stealing candy from a baby, playing with him." He finished, amusement ringing in every word.
"Is that so?" a quiet voice cut in from the doorway.
Two-Bit froze, fork in mid-air and turned, face a tad pale.
"Hey, Dal," He greeted shakily, "what's up?"
All he got in response was a slap upside the head as Dally sat down in the chair next to him, ice-blue eyes flashing.
"Don't be talking trash like that 'bout me, ya clown. I got a rep to keep up." He spat as he pulled a pack of Kools from his front pocket. He was still muttering as he lit the cigarette. "Glory... like candy from a baby...fuck that...I ain't never been that drunk..."
The rest of the gang simply laughed at the humorous picture of an offended Dally and reprimanded Two-Bit, and the latter joined in after a moment, passing Dally a piece of chocolate cake apologetically.
"Naw." Dally declined, "I got a nasty hangover. I'd just throw it up."
Three heads nodded sympathetically, while Ponyboy searched through the cabinets for the aspirin, offering it to Dally once he found it.
"No need, kid." He refused once again. "It'll go away eventually." He looked around the room; suddenly realising it was much too quiet.
"Where's Soda?"
Steve snorted, replying with a smirk, "He's still sleepin', the lazy-"
"Hey, Steve," Darry interrupted, "go wake him up, will ya?"
Steve leapt to his feet eagerly, banging on the walls and hollering Soda's name as he raced down the narrow hallway.
Dally chuckled, leaning back in his chair and shielding his eyes from the bright sunlight that bled into the kitchen window, illuminating the room.
"What are you guys doin' today?" he asked, abandoning the effort for protection from the light and rubbing his temples furiously in an attempt to banish the agonising headache.
There was a collective murmur of 'I dunno's and 'not sure's, as he looked at each gang member questioningly.
"We should play football or somethin'." He suggested half-jokingly.
Two-Bit burst into loud peals of laughter, his grin so wide it threatened to split his face in two.
"You can barely stand, Dal," he managed to choke out, "how in hell are you gonna play football?"
Dally opened his mouth to retort, but Ponyboy beat him to it.
"Oh, lay off him, Two-Bit." He turned his attention to Dally. "Don't mind him, Dally; he's been like this all morning. I'd swear he was pregnant or somethin' from all the mood swings he's been having."
Dally threw back his head, laughing loudly, and when he saw Two-Bit blushing, too flustered to form a reply, and Darry grinning wildly at the sight, he couldn't stop tears of mirth from coursing down his face. He wiped them away hurriedly, still chuckling when Steve and Soda entered the room, Soda wearing only one shoe.
"Hey guys," the blonde greeted enthusiastically, before asking, slightly embarrassed, "any of you seen my shoe?"
"It's on Darry's chair, Soda." Ponyboy answered, smiling gently at his brother's absentmindedness.
"Thanks, kiddo." Soda said, grinning wildly, darting into the living room, only to race back into the kitchen a moment later, hopping on one foot as he tried to put on his shoe.
"Me and Stevie are gonna go out, probly play some football. You guys game?" he asked excitedly, dark eyes shining brightly.
"Yeah, we're comin'." Darry replied as he stood up, shooting an amused glance at Two-Bit.
"Alright! Let's go!" Steve cried.
Five Greasers raced to the door, four somersaulting and cartwheeling out of it, one stumbling, while the last followed serenely, leaning against the doorframe and calling out, "I'll come find you guys later! I'm gonna wait and see if Johnny comes over!"
"Alright, Pony, but don't wait too long!" yelled Sodapop, jumping on Steve's back as they ran down the street.
Ponyboy watched them go for a minute, returning to the kitchen only after they turned the corner, out of his sight.
He sighed as he spied the mess in the kitchen, realising that, even though he had cooked, he now had to clean everything up.
"Oh well." He said to himself. "Soda and Darry both deserve a break."
He looked around the room warily, disliking the silence of the house, as it made it all too easy for the memory of his nightmare to return. He shivered and began cleaning, hoping to distract himself.
'I hope Johnny gets here soon.' He thought forlornly.
So there is a nice, long chapter for you guys. I hope you liked it, even though I know the ending was terrible...absolutely terrible. But I couldn't think of anything else! Anyway, I recently saw the movie...Rob Lowe is totally hot! *drools* Oh yeah, and you can thank Tashue for the little slashy part with Two-Bit, because I adore that pairing now, thanks to her fics. But, the choice of whether it's Two-Bit/Ponyboy or Dally/Ponyboy is up to you guys. Vote for the pairing you want! So yeah, please review! Until next time! *grins*