Through Thick and Thin

Summary: Sodapop wasn't going to let his autistic little brother, Ponyboy, take the brunt of his father's abuse. He had made a promise to always protect him, and it was starting to look like the price he had to pay to keep that promise was his life.

Candymouse22: Thank you so much for taking the time to review! I hope you enjoy this last chapter as well. :)

White collar black wolf: Thank you so much! I'm glad that you enjoyed it.

HappierThanMost: I'm glad I got all the emotion across correctly. And lol I did, I really tried to! xD Thank you so, so much for your review! They never ever fail to put me in a good mood and make me smile. :)

Amanda (Guest): Aww thank you so much! You never fail to review and it means so much. I am so glad that you enjoyed. :)

One Wing In The Fire: Thank you so much! I've been trying to pay more attention to details. Not really nonverbal, but at first he couldn't talk, and then I just kind of had him not talking and I guess, yeah I made him kind of nonverbal but in his chapter I had him talk, he just doesn't talk a lot. And oh my goodness I'm so glad! I was hoping I didn't disrespect anyone who is autistic or has family that is. Sorry I talked so much, but thank you so much for taking the time to review! :)

FrankElza: Ooh unexpected is good, I'm glad! Here it is. Thank you so much for taking the time to review.

Guest: Thank you so much for taking the time to review! Here's the second chapter. :) And just out of curiosity, what's your account name?

Chapter 2: Doctor's Orders

~ December 11, 1965; 6:27 a.m. ~

Darry

Five long, painful hours passed at the hospital before Sodapop was out of emergency surgery. For all five of those hours Ponyboy didn't speak a single word to Darry. The uncomfortable silence was finally broken by a doctor.

"Are you the family of Sodapop Curtis?" Being that they were the only ones in the room, Doctor Alvarez was fairly certain they were, but they nodded to confirm anyway.

"Your brother just came out of emergency surgery. He's tired and won't wake up for a few hours, but he's stabilized. The bullet went through his appendix and didn't hit anything else major. He's down an organ, but he should make a full recovery."

Darry let out a shaking breath, tears of relief burning in the back of his eyes. But he didn't let them show. Looking over at Ponyboy, Darry bit back his burning tears and forced a thankful smile.

"Thank you so much, Doctor Alvarez. We really appreciate it," Darry thanked him appreciatively, sticking his hand out for a shake. The two shook hands before Darry and Ponyboy were told Sodapop's room number.

"247, got it," Darry mumbled. He felt Ponyboy squeeze his hand as the two made their way to Sodapop's room. As he passed the rooms the pained moans from patients filled his head as the smell of chemical hit his nose, leaving behind a faint tingling sensation.

As Darry approached Sodapop's room, he could hear the steady, rhythmic beeping of the heart monitor. With each beep it promised that Sodappp was alive and they were going to be okay. As long as Sodapop was okay, and as long as he had both of his brothers, he could live with the rest.

~ December 11, 1965; 7:39 a.m. ~

The sounds of Sodapop's breathing mixed with Ponyboy's low, relaxed breaths, laboring on the edge of snoring but never crossed over. Ponyboy had his forehead pressed to Sodapop's arm, their fingers loosely intertwined as the two slept. Darry was shocked Ponyboy was able to fall asleep, but Darry was grateful; he could tell Ponyboy was exhausted.

Darry took a long gulp of his coffee, wincing at the taste. He hadn't bothered to put any creamer or sugar in it. He figured the stronger the better to combat his exhaustion.

The first sound to break the relative peaceful silence was a moan. Sodapop's fingers twitched, and Darry watched as Sodapop slowly opened his eyes, blinking slowly, as if each action exhausted him.

"Hey, little buddy. I'm here," Darry encouraged. Darry watched Ponyboy lift his head up, his emerald eyes lighting up when he saw Sodapop.

"Hey, Sodapop," Ponyboy whispered softly, a wide grin spreading across his face.

"Mmmm..."

Darry chuckles softly. "I know, little buddy. You're in a hospital."

"I remember," Sodapop mumbled, glancing down. Darry rubbed Sodapop's shoulder gently, offering a small smile.

"It's going to be alright, got it?" Darry reassured his little brother.

"Darry? What happens...w-with dad and all?" Sodapop asked, sounding unsure.

"Don't worry about it, little buddy. We'll figure it out, I won't let anything happen to you two. But for now just focus on getting better, alright?"

Darry was certain he was going to protect his brothers and figure everything out for them. Because that's what you did. You protected family, no matter what the cost.

A/N: Please let me know what you thought! Thank you so much for reading. :) Thank you so much to everyone who read and reviewed the last chapter.

Stay Gold,

~ Alee XxX