Chapter 3

Note: I forgot I had this chapter typed up for the most part. So here I am posting two chapters in one day! So, I hope you enjoy!

Disclaimer: I Don't own The Outsiders

"Ponyboy now can you tell me why Mickey mouse is so cool?" Two-Bit asks the youngest greaser who he was practically forcing to watch the show. Ponyboy was not going to argue with him on his television choices since Two-Bit was he one in charge.

"I can't answer that. I'm not sure we have the same definition of cool "Ponyboy retorted. He said to mess with Two-Bit. Two-Bit looked at Ponyboy before making a grab at the boy.

Once Ponyboy was in his hold he started poking and tickling the young boy. Ponyboy shrieked with laughter. Ponyboy was an extremely ticklish. "What's that you little shit?" Two-Bit demands playfully tormenting the youngster.

"I think….your… a. weirdo," Ponyboy barely cried out between laughter. H squirmed trying to get away from his attacker.

"I'll show you weirdo," Two0Bit declares with a wicked smile. Ponyboy had just earned Two-Bit pulling out the big moves now! Two-Bit grabbed a hold of Ponyboy's feet.

"No! No! Oh no! Not my feet! Help!" Ponyboy screeched knowing the older friend was going to tickle him on the most ticklish spot on his body. Though that may not say a lot since he had so many ticklish spots.

Ponyboy could not help but let loose to kicking his feet. When you messed with his feet he had no control. "Ok! Ok! You win! Mickey Mouse is cool! Pony gasps. Two-Bit released the kid once he was satisfied with admission. Two-Bit had to make sure this kid learned early on what was acceptable and good in life.

Ponyboy sits himself up trying to catch his breath. "Two-bit?" Pony asked still smiling as he moved next to his friend and resting his head against Two-Bit.

"What's up?" he asks turning his attention to the kid smiling at him. Two-bit thought he was a sweet kid compared to how his sister was at that age. Ponyboy was loving towards everyone minus Steve and Dal.

"Can we go to the park today?" Ponyboy asks using his best puppy dog face. Two-Bit was more for getting out of the house. Honestly watching Ponyboy gave him an excuse to play at the park without people looking like he was nuts.

"Sorry kid but your brother said not today, He said you were all snotty yesterday so he wanted you inside today. That and he said something about you taking a nap today " Two-Bit tells him. Nap days the worst if you were in charge. Ponyboy hated them so much and you feel bad for disappointing the kid, but no one was brave enough to go against the eldest Curtis Well Two-Bit at least now has a great excuse to sleep, and now he will have plenty of energy to go out drinking tonight. Darry mentioned it took forever for the kid to fall asleep last night and he woke back up again in the middle of the night with a nightmare causing him to be up for over an hour, so if the kid did not get a nap he would most likely hit his annoying bratty mood. That's never a pleasant mood for anyone and normally ended with someone in a bad moor.

"How about we trick Darry by saying I took a nap?" Pony questions hoping who older friend would agree with the foul proof plan he had thought of.

Two-Bit startles Ponyboy when he starts laughing. "Shoot kid I'd rather fight two grizzlies with my hands tied behind my back before deceiving your brother. I don't plan to get your ass or my mine beat, " He answers him honestly. Two-Bit did not ell Pony this but he was proud of the kid. He was starting to use his head to come up with some decent ideas at times now. Ponyboy crossed his arms pouting! It was no fair he had to take a nap. He was way too old for that! He hated being treated like a baby.

"C'mon kid none of that. Why how about for lunch we have a huge bowl of ice cream. Superman did not leave any specific instructions other than nap and feed you," Two-Bit informs him trying to cheer the boy up. Ponyboy was a sucker when it came to sweet treats so his frown slowly turned upside down.

"Can I have some of your pop too?" Ponyboy tried pushing his luck. He had some new pop that was in a green bottle. It was called Mountain or something. He had never tried it. He very rarely was even able to have pop.

"You know kid I knew I always liked you. I'll give you a can of it with our lunch," Two-Bit agrees. Ponyboy smiles at him. Two-Bit still in awe by how easy it is satisfying the kid. His sister he would have had to do something like act like a princess or other girly stuff. He was happy she finally outgrew the princess stage now her head is caught up in boys.

"You're the best Two-Bit! Thanks," Ponyboy conveys to his buddy giving him a hug around the neck. "Guess what?" he asks smiles with a finger in his mouth.

"What?" Two-Bit inquires.

"Wet willy," he shrieks sticking his now wet finger into his friend's ear quickly before leaping off the couch and running to the kitchen to safety.

"You little shit," Two-Bit half laughed. The damn kid sure picked up on all his tricks quickly. He had done that to him yesterday. Two-Bit got up to chase after the brat. He quickly found him in the kitchen with a huge grin on his face. He was at the end of the table the furthest from Two-Bit.

"I'm going to get you back," Two-Bit declares with his eyes dancing with humor.

"You have to catch me first," Ponyboy challenged. Two-Bit had to admit the kid sure had some guts, but if he was told to knock it off most of the time he did instantly. Two-Bit has decided if he ever has a kid that he wanted the kid is as good as this one.

"You're sure being brave," Two-bit mocks the young boy while making a move towards the boy. Every step Two-Bit took a step towards him as Ponyboy y took one away from him. Two-Bit figured he was not going to get anywhere like this, so he quickly jumped on to the table. Now Pony was easy reach no matter where he moved,

"Got you," Two-bit roars grabbing towards the boy. Ponyboy shot under the table and crawled to the other side before darting out of the room.

Two-Bit jumped down from the table and got to the door way just in time to see Pony running and turning back to look at him before tripping running straight into the corner of the wall with a loud smash.

"Shit," Two-Bit murmured as he made it over to Ponyboy. The boy had tears in his eyes but made no noise. He was trying hard not to cry. The kid was tough and it took a lot to make him cry. Two-Bit looked him over and saw a decent size red mark along his left eye reaching his forehead.

"You ok Pone?" Two-Bit questions his voice trying to hide his concern. Ponyboy gave a small nod not trusting his voice. He did not want to start bawling in front of Two-Bit. Pony hated people thinking he was weak. He wanted to be as strong as his brothers,

Two-Bit bent over and pulled him to his feet. He was rather unsure of how to proceed. He knew Ponyboy was acting tough but knew he was hurting ,and probably wanted comforted like his brothers would do if they were here. He did not want to embarrass him but he let his big brother instincts kick in and picked the boy up. He held the boys head lightly to his shoulder while rubbing the back of his head.

"You're a tough kid Ponyboy Curtis. That was a hard-enough hit to make Dal cry," Two-Bit tells him knowing Ponyboy respected how tough Dallas was. Ponyboy gave Two-bit a small smile. He liked it when everyone thought he was tough.

Two-Bit carried the boy into the kitchen and opened the freezer finding a bag of frozen vegetables. "Hold this here" Two-Bit instructs placing the bag of peas on the red mark. He really hoped it did not bruise leaving him to have to explain it to the brothers. If it did bruise he sure is hell hoped Darry was working late and he only had to deal with Soda that way. Two-Bit was afraid of Darry only where and when is brothers are concerned. He had seen shiner Dar gave Dallas for some uncalled comments made in front of the kid, and he did not want to be next.

"Sit here for a minute kiddo. I'm going to scoop up some ice cream and slice up our cake," he informs him sitting in the chair. Pony sat holding the peas to his face. He hated they were so cold but he was glad he was holding them and not having to eat the yucky things.

Pony watched closely as Two-Bit prepped the worlds greatest lunch. Even Soda would make him at least eat a sandwich. Pony smiled as cake and ice cream was sat in front of him. Ponyboy ditched the peas and dug into the ice cream. It was rocky road his favorite. Ponyboy finished his bowl and cake in under five minutes.

"More please," He requests pushing his bowl to Two-Bit.

Two-bit shook his head standing up fixing him seconds. This kid certainly has the Curtis sweet tooth. He might even out do Soda on sugar. Two-Bit puts the second round down in front of Ponyboy who dug right in again. Two-bit proceeds to pour cups of Mountain dew for both, Ponyboy guzzled the ice-cold Mountain Dew down before Two-Bit even sat down.

"Ok we have two choices we can nap now or play for half hour first," Two-Bit enlightens Pony after he finally polished off his own sweet lunch. Two-Bit was trying to make nap time a little easier by giving Pony some say in it.

"Let's play. I like to play. Let's play! " Ponyboy squealed hitting is 90 to nothing mode.

"Ok Cowboy! I have an idea! I'll be right back. " Two-Bit said. His idea was to have them at the table so maybe Ponyboy will mellow out. He was nervous about naptime since he has never had to put him to sleep. Usually it was all fun and games the way wo-Bit preferred. Johnny Cade was stuck with a nap time once but never had he done it.

Two-Bit went off to the bathroom and grabbed the shaving cream. He walked back into the kitchen and sprayed some on the table. He spread it out and wrote Pony's name in it.

Pony started into the saving cream. He started writing all of his letters. "Very good kid. Let's try this," Two-Bit tells him writing 2+2 in the cream. Pony stares at it. He silently adds it in his head.

"Four," he answers. Two-Bit wiped it away and wrote 5+4. Pony stared at it for a minute. "nine," he answered. Two-Bit smiled at him.

"Watch," Pony tells Two-Bit as he writes out the word Red in the shaving cream.

"R-e-d red R-e-d red! I can spell red. I can spell red1 Fire trucks are red! Stop signs are red too. R-e-d, R-e-d!" Pony sang out the red song he learned at school.

"You're a smart kid. How about we draw pictures of each other?" Two-Bit questions. Ponyboy nods and starts in on his drawing. He draws Two-bit including his best mickey mouse shirt he always wears. After he was finished he stared at Two-Bits drawing and laughed. Ponyboy had spiked hair and was only two inches tall with two different sized eyes, but for a kid his age the drawing was amazing.

"Wow you made me look even biter looking then I already am," Two-Bit said cocking his eye brow at him. Ponyboy giggles at the compliment. Two-bit was always so silly.

"Alright cracker jack it's off to nap we go!" Two-Bit he says lifting Ponyboy out of the chair. Pony started frowning. He didn't want a nap.

"I'm going to potty first," Ponyboy pouted walking towards the bathroom. He went inside and did his business. While washing his hands he got caught up in the bubbles. He decided to stop the sink up add bubbles until the sink was overflowing with bubbles and water. Ponyboy covered his hands in soap until he noticed the water running over the side of the sink onto the floor. Crap!

Pony hurried up and shut off the water and kept playing with his bubbles and water He was soon distracted by knocking on the door. "Ponyboy Curtis come unlock this door. " Two-bit called from outside the door. Ponyboy looked down at himself his shirt now soaked with water. Pony hoped that he would not get into trouble. He obeyed and went over and opened the door.

"Ponyboy Michael what the hell were you thinking kid?" Two-bit asked in the sternest voice Ponyboy had ever come out of his mouth.

"I'll clean it I promise." Ponyboy tells Two-Bit. Two-Bit surveys the scene before unstopping the sink and grabbing a towel and handing it to Ponyboy. Ponyboy takes it and cleans the water off the floors and counter. Once the floor was dry Ponyboy stripped his shirt off before carrying it and the towel to the dirty t clothes. He did not want to make extra work for his friends….well his brothers. two Bit never left it clean.

" I'm sorry Two-Bit," Ponyboy apologizes to his friend. Ponyboy could not stand it if Two-Bit was mad at him.

"I forgive you kiddo. Just don't do it again. " Two-Bit tells him with a grin. Pony returns the grin happy to be forgiven.

"will you pick me up?" Pony asks Two-Bit timidly, Pony gets his answers when the teenager lifts him up, Ponyboy rests his head on his shoulder. He knew now for sure the teenager was not angry with him.

"I'll take a nap for you, but please don't make me lay down alone. I'll be good for the rest of the day I promise, " Pony negotiates with Two-Bit. He meant it too. He would go to sleep as long as his friend was near him. Pony would not admit It aloud but he was somewhat tired.

"Well I was figuring I need a nap, So I figured on joining you," he assured the youngster as he carried him to his bedroom. Once in the room he laid Ponyboy on the bed and climbed in on the other side.

Ponyboy moved next to Two-Bit and rested his head on his chest, Ponyboy grabbed Two-Bits hand making it rest on his back. He was trying to hint that he wanted his back rubbed or scratched which ever Two-Bit preferred. Two-Bit chuckled at the boy's hint, but started rubbing his back. Ponyboy was glad that he had Two-Bit as a friend. Pony shut his eyes as his friend scratched his back. It felt awful nice and soon Ponyboy was asleep. Two-Bit wrapped his arm around the boy once he was sure he was asleep and fell asleep himself.

Johnny walked into the Curtis house. He looked around stumbling on the sight of Two-Bit and Ponyboy snuggled up together. Since they were asleep Johnny decided to straighten up the kitchen before the other two brothers arrived home. Once he had the kitchen cleaned he sat down and watched some tv before falling asleep himself.

It was four thirty before Ponyboy woke up. He would never admit it but he had been tired and the nap made him feel a lot beer. He looked over at Two-Bit who was still sleeping. And decided to wake his friend up. "Two-Bit! Two-Bit! Twoooo-Bit," Ponyboy chimed waking his friend.

Two-Bit slot wanting to wake slowly opened his eyes up yet. "Take a good nap kiddo" He asks Ponyboy.

"Uh huh. Now I want to play! Can we play? " Ponyboy asks bouncing up and down. Two-Bit sighs. How in the hell does this kid have so much energy?

"I so wish I had half your energy," Two-Bit says getting on the floor. "Get on my back partner. Time to giddy up, don't forget to hold on tight," Two-Bit said as Ponyboy climbed on top. Ponyboy held on tight as Two-Bit would buck.

"Giddy up! Giddy up horsey!" Ponyboy shouts hopping up and down. The boys entered the living room startling Johnny awake by the chaos his friends were causing. "Hey Guys," Johnny greets the pair of goobers.

"Johnny! Johnny!" Pony shouts hopping off Two-Bit running to his best friend. Pony climbs up in Johnny's hugging him before settling down resting his head on Johnny's shoulder and watching tv.

"How in the hell do you do it every time Johnny? I can't get the kid to be calm for more than a few minutes at a time. Anytime you waltz in here it's like a your put a spell on the child and he is instantly calm. " Two-Bit says plopping on the couch to join the other two.

"Maybe because he likes me best," Johnny teases.

"Ha! HA! Ha! He is just a little shit." Two-Bit says pretending to be offended.

"I love you Two-Bit," Pony tells him thinking he had somehow hurt his feelings. He sure loved both of his friends but in different ways.

"I love you too! Even if you're a little shit!" Tw-Bit tells the boy ruffling his hair slightly.

Ok I hope you enjoyed some Two-Bit and Ponyboy bonding. Thanks for all who took the time to read. Now I need title suggestions as he original one was for the first chapter only as it was planned as a one shot.