Good God, I'm some sort of update manic. Here we go again. This time, Pony seeks Darry's advice because he's older, and could kick Steve's ass if need be. Good, Darry is hot. Wha, I mean, so is Steve. And Pony is adorable too. But damn, Darry- Focusing…

Disclaimers:

Same as last chappies. I'll tell you when the badness levels increase.

They went home early that night and Steve winked at Pony.

"Talk to you tomorrow." He'd said to no one in particular. Then he drove on home, Pony guessed. He didn't know why. According to everyone, his dad hated Steve. Pony had never met the man but felt bitterness rise in his throat when he thought of anyone hating Steve. Steve's dad was just like Johnny's dad, and he knew what having parents that hated you could do. Or parents like Dally's.

Darry was up, yawning as he sat on the couch with the paper and the bills.

"Pony, my calculator's outta batteries, got one I can borrow?"

"Yeah sure. I'll grab it outta my backpack Dar." At least they were getting along better. He grabbed it out of his back pack and came back out, turning the lamp on closest to Darry.

"Thanks kiddo." Darry said. Pony sat down next to him.

"You busy Darry?" He asked.

"Never too busy for a baby brother. Something wrong?" Darry asked. He ruffled Pony's hair. It was normal again, all the blonde grown out and cut off. And just as nice and babied as it used to be. Hair crazy younger brothers, Darry thought, shaking his head. Had to keep them in hair grease.

"Naw, not really." Pony said. Darry arched an eyebrow at him.

"Really? Would this have something to do with Steve?" Darry asked. Pony flushed and Darry took that as a 'yes'.

"How'd you know?" Pony asked.

"Parental instinct. What's wrong? He being mean to you again? I'll crack his jaw yet-"

"No, no, he's, being, nice." Pony said.

"How nice?" Darry asked.

"Just, nice." Pony said.

"Don't be so shocked. He's an all right kid sometimes or I'd have kicked him out long ago." Darry said.

"But, why?" Pony asked.

"Maybe he finally realized you aren't just some tagalong little kid. Maybe he realized what a fine young man you are. Or maybe he's trying to get along so you'll help him pass his senior finals." Darry chuckled and Pony smiled.

"You really think that's all?" Pony asked.

"Well yeah, unless he's pulling moves on you." Darry laughed. "Then you should be worried because he's on the rebound." Darry shook his head as he snickered.

"What?"

"Take a joke Pon. Getting to be more serious than me in your old age."

"What do you mean, on the rebound?" Pony asked.

"Evie dumped him, so he's probably out hounding some breezes at the Dingo as we speak. That's what I mean." Darry said.

"Oh."

"Is something else going on Pony?" Darry asked.

"No." Pony said.

"All right. I was a little worried about you and Steve. He's been real quiet lately, thinking a lot, and I think it's about you. He knows you aren't just a little kid anymore. I think he's starting to let himself like you a little, like he does Soda. Might make a friend of him yet." Darry said.

"Really?"

"Yeah." Darry said.

"Thanks Darry. Ya know, somewhere along the road, you got real good at talking." Pony said.

"Well, someone has to do the talking when it's just you and me, huh? There's some cake left over in the fridge from this morning, why don't cha make yourself scarce so I can do the bills and see what's left to feed you beggars."

"All right. Thanks Darry."

"No problem baby brother."

(la la la)

Steve came back late that night. Pony heard him and shuffled out of Soda's arms. Soda mumbled in his sleep.

"I think it's just Steve. I'll go make sure he's okay." Pony said.

"Holler if you need me. Tell him to stop drinking and get over that floozy." Soda murmured. He would normally get up but he was tired today. He'd spent a lot of time bouncing on the bed.

"Steve?" Pony called.

"Yeah, it's just me Ponyboy." Steve said. He sounded exhausted. Pony came to the couch where he was already dozing.

"You all right?"

"Yeah." Steve said. He didn't sound so cocky, or happy, as he'd been earlier.

"Something's wrong." Pony knelt by the couch, feeling awkward since he wouldn't ever have done this before what happened earlier today.

"Yeah yeah. Went to the Dingo, had a few, still perfectly sober, went home to sleep, dad was there and blasted. Kicked me out for good. Stuffs out on the lawn for me to pick up tomorrow." Steve said. He curled away from Pony.

"Steve-"

"I'm fine Pony. Don't worry about it."

"Steve, I do worry about it. And if you're interested in me, you can't shut me out like I'm some kid. And if you ain't interested in me, or you're using me for something, then just tell me, and I'll go back to ignoring you." Pony said.

"Pony, I ain't using ya-"

"Then talk to me. I wanna know more about you, and help you, if I can. I'm a good listener ya know."

"Yeah, I know. But I'm afraid that once I start talking, I'll say something stupid and never get another chance with you." Steve said. Pony saw how difficult it was for him to be so damn honest. It made him shake, even as his back was turned to Pony.

"You'll never know if you don't try. Besides, you've said lots of stupid things, and I'm still here."

"All right. What should we talk about?" Steve said. He brushed his eyes and Pony didn't dare believe he'd been crying.

"Everything."

Awwwwwwwww. And to answer the question we all wanna know, yes, this will likely be a slash fic. Witht some, citrusy type situations.

Thanks to my faithful reviewers, and keep doing what you do best. I've been posting alot, so gimme some luuuuuv.

Shadows Run