Cabaret

"Hey, Pony. You in there?" Randy asked, knocking on the door.

"Yes. Come in; the door's open."

Randy shrugged and went inside the room. He had been in this room many times before. It had dark blue paint on the walls, and black drapes that were constantly closed. Probably so he can sleep. Working nights only has it's price. Spying Ponyboy sitting at his vanity table, he went over towards the younger boy. As he came closer he smelled an odd scent.

"What's that smell?"

"Vicks vaporub. For my sore throat, silly." Pony smiled tiredly.

"How've you been feeling lately?"

"Like crap. My cold's not getting any better. And the winter doesn't help at all. I wish we didn't have to live in such a cold place."

"Ah, but you love the scenery. You even said so yourself." Randy said, wrapping his arms around Pony once more. "Besides, it's almost Christmas. And what's a Christmas without nay snow?"

"I guess you're right..." Pony replied, relaxing into Randy's arm. Randy smiled down, and kissed pony softly on the lips.

"You wanna go to bed know? Or stay up..." Randy whispered.

"Lets go to bed," Pony yawned. "I need the rest. And, judging by the dark circles under your eyes, so do you." The two laughed.

"I guess you're right." And they got up and walked over to the bed. Pony fell asleep a few minutes later, Randy followed suit.

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"Welcome, ladies and gentleman, to the Cabaret. For our first performance, I introduce, Mrs. Hanna Weiker." Darry finished his introduction, the crowd applauding for the first act. Walking off stage, the oldest brother headed up the stairs, leading to one of the balconies. In the first balcony, sat Soda, Pony, and Randy, watching the show.

"Aren't you guys supposed to be working the bar?" Darry asked, sitting down.

"Naw. I got Two-Bit working there for tonight." Soda said.

"Don't' you think that was a bad idea?"

"No, why?"

"Because, knowing him, he'd drink all the liquor!"

"Oh, shit! You're right." The blonde got up off his seat and ran down stairs. Ponyboy, and Randy were laughing. Darry just shook his head.

"Sometimes I worry about him." This statement caused Pony to laugh even harder.

"Hey, Pon. Aren't you going on tonight?" Randy asked good-heartedly.

"I don't think so," Pony spoke in a raspy, low voice. "My throat isn't any better. So, I'm not gonna go on tonight."

"Infact," Darry said. "You shouldn't even be out of bed. Remember what Dr. Dickenson said? 'He needs bed rest and nourishment'. So get to bed, Ponyboy."

"Oh, Dar... I'm fine. Can't I watch the rest of the performers tonight?"

"No."

"Please-"

"NO!"

"Fine, I'll go to bed." And he got up out of his seat, and walked towards the back rooms. Randy and Darry watched him go until they couldn't see his back anymore. Then, they turned around. Darry sighed.

"He really worries me."

"Why? He knows what he's doing?"

"That's what worries me."