Chapter Text
“Now I dont wanna hear ‘bout you bitin’ Steve's ear off or nothin’,” Darry lectured Ponyboy. It was a simple Thursday night, but Darry and Sodapop had been planning on going over to their uncles’ house for a week by now. They were set to leave on Friday morning and come back Sunday night, and Ponyboy was supposed to be left in the care of Two-Bit or Steve. When it was obvious that Two-Bit needed to stay with his little sister, Steve was the only choice.
The issue?
“...No one seen Steve?” Sodapops voice drifted through the door of his and Ponyboy's room. Ponyboy sat up a bit, looking at Darry. Darry turned around and Ponyboy followed him into the living room. Sodapop stood at the phone, receiver to his ear and presumably calling the Randle’s household. Ponyboy stood near Darry, watching as Sodapops eyebrows furrowed.
“If ya see him, can ya tell him to come to the Curtis’s?” Sodapop finally asked. After what sounded like a bit of yelling, Sodapop finally put the phone down and sighed. Darry walked over, Ponyboy shadowing him.
“Everything alright?” Darry asked, knowing the answer. Sodapop shook his head, “Steve ain't been around apparently… I know I asked him last week, but I didn't think he’d be in the cooler…”
“He got arrested?” Ponyboy piped up. Sodapop shook his head, “Naw, at least I dont think so…”
Darry furrowed his eyebrows, “Well I dont wanna leave Ponyboy alone…” Ponyboy rolled his eyes, “I can stay alone for a weekend, aint like I’ll be alone much in this house.” Darry shook his head, “That ain't the issue Pony and you know that.” Ponyboy looked down, red starting to dust his cheeks. His nightmares hadn't been bad, but a bad one on Tuesday had been enough for Sodapop to secure Steve a semi-permanent spot on the couch for the weekend.
A small headache passed through Ponyboy, one that he passed for him just being annoyed with Darry. At first, Darry wasn't too put off by the idea of leaving Ponyboy alone, as long as his nightmares weren't horrible… But the nightmare on Tuesday had been enough to change his and Sodapops mind.
Just as they were about to figure out what to do, someone very specific came in… Actually- barged in.
“Shit! Yall got any first-aid kits right now?” Dally asked, limping slightly into the house. At that moment, Darrys eyes lit up. Ponyboy panicked, ready to tell him that he really could stay home alone and didn’t need to be watched. He was okay with Dally, but at the same time, he feared him. Still, Sodapop loped to the bathroom, quickly getting the first-aid kit and Ponyboy found that the words died on his tongue.
Dally limped to the couch, falling down very ungracefully as he sighed. A bruise was starting to form around his eye and jaw, but he still held a triumphant smile. “A soc thought he could get the better of me,” Dally explained. Darry nodded, walking over and taking the first-aid kit from Sodapop.
“I'll guess you'll be spending the night here then?” Darry asked, a small bit of hope in his tone. He usually wouldn't ask Dally this, actually he was fighting with himself to even ask. He’d offer it and see if Dally would take it. Even Darry knew that you couldn't tell Dally what to do, you just had to offer it and make it seem like his own idea.
“Guess so,” Dally groaned, looking ready to punch Darry. Undeterred, Darry kept working on the scratches and bruises. “Why dont ya stay for the weekend?” He offered. Ponyboy slumped onto the couch, watching as Sodapop looked at Darry indignantly.
“The whole weekend?” Dally mirrored. Darry nodded, and Sodapop did too. Dally looked over to Ponyboy, almost as if waiting for his confirmation. For some reason, Ponyboy found that the world seemed to be spinning as if he wasn't sitting down. He planted his feet firmly on the ground, hoping that maybe it was just some anxiety setting in.
“What's the catch?” Dally asked when Ponyboy didn’t give any signs. Darry looked over to Ponyboy, a somber expression on his face. “Me and Soda are headin’ to our uncles’ to help him with their farm,” Darry explained. “It's gonna take the whole weekend.” Dally seemed to consider this as Darry continued. “The fridge is fully stocked and we even got more first-aid kits.”
Dally laughed, confusing Sodapop and Darry for a moment. When they looked at him seriously, he stopped. He noticed that they were serious. “What ‘bout Steve or someone?” Dally asked, his eyebrows furrowing.
“In the cooler or somethin’,” Ponyboy slurred. Sodapops head shot towards him, a small look of concern coming onto his face. Dally nodded, seemingly taking it into consideration. After all- it was just a weekend.
“Yeah, sure.”
Darry blinked at him unexpectedly as he put the final bandage on Dally. Now his own anxiety was setting in. He hadn't even asked if Dally knew about Ponyboy's nightmares! Ponyboy couldn't find it in himself to argue, instead, he found it easier to go back to his and Sodapop's bed. Sodapop lay down next to him, a concerned look still etched on his face.
“Are ya okay Pony?” He asked. Ponyboy nodded, feigning being all right. His head was spinning more by now, and he was starting to find it harder to think about keeping his eyes open. “Just tired,” he lied to Sodapop. Soda nodded, a small smile growing on his face.
“Rest up, I’m sure you'll need the energy to deal with Steve when he gets here.” Ponyboy groaned, pushing the blankets higher on himself. He didn't want to admit that he’d rather have Steve there than Dally. After all, Dally couldn't even keep a goldfish alive for a day!
Ponyboy swallowed thickly, noting the soreness in his throat. Hoping it was just nerves, he went to sleep, waking up to an empty bed…
The morning went by just as Ponyboy knew it would. He got ready, ignoring the pounding in his head. No matter what, he knew that he had to keep going. So even when making breakfast, he denied any help, even if the heat of the stove was making him lightheaded.
Dally sat on the couch, making sure that none of his injuries were exposed just yet. Ponyboy knew though that by the end of the day all the bandages were going to be ripped off. For him to patch up again, or just wait until Dally got an infection or something.
After making enough breakfast for the entire gang, Ponyboy tried not to flinch when Two-Bit came in, slamming the door as his first greeting. He called out to Dally, “Woah! Didn't expect to see ya here!” Ponyboy cringed at the loud noise, pushing away his food to be given to another person. He could lie that he ate another time.
Two-Bit came into the kitchen next, ruffling Ponyboy's recently greased hair. He tried to fight him off, finding himself to be weaker than he was used to. Even Two-Bit noticed the difference as he easily pinned Ponyboy down in a headlock. Dally watched, almost amused until calling Two-Bit off.
“Man kid, did ya muscles deflate or somethin’?” Two-Bit joked as he squeezed Ponyboy's arm. Ponyboy let out a strangled yelp, not having got enough oxygen just yet. Two-Bit instantly backed off, his eyebrows furrowing as he reached over to Ponyboy's forehead.
Before he could check Ponyboy's temperature, Ponyboy pushed him on the ground into a headlock. While it was weak, it was enough for Two-Bit to just think that he was sore from track or something.
After Two-Bit ate enough cake to kill a small Victorian child, he and Ponyboy went to school. Ponyboy sat in the passenger seat, inspecting the lot as they drove by. “Is Johnny not comin’ to school?” Ponyboy asked. Two-Bit shrugged, “I oughta guess he’s tryna skip Mrs.Nil’s class.”
Ponyboy cringed, the memory of his history teacher reminding him about the upcoming quiz. His pounding head reminded him that he wasn't able to sneak any aspirin either. He thought about any alternatives, maybe asking Curly if he had aspirin? But Ponyboy knew that if he did ask, he might as well just do heroin or weed.
Two-Bit looked over at him concerned, “Are ya sure you’re okay Ponyboy?” Ponyboy nodded on instinct, not wanting Two-Bit to have to worry. If Two-Bit worried, then he knew for sure that he was going to call Sodapop or Darry. In whichever case, Ponyboy was the fault.
He knew how much Sodapop wanted to see the farm. Especially because it had been an area they visited frequently with their parents before they… Ponyboy pushed that thought away, hoping that Darry and Sodapop would have fun in a place that they knew better than him.
“Dont be so down kid. Im sure next time they’ll take ya,” Two-Bit said. Ponyboy looked at him confused. Two-Bit just cocked up an eyebrow, earning a laugh before focusing on the road again. After another story about Bucks party, Ponyboy was finally at school. His stomach churned as he went through his classes.
It took everything in him not to bite his fingernails off the second he got into Mrs.Nil’s class. He took the quiz paper, praying that he remembered the answers to the questions. It was his last class before lunch, he tried to hype himself up, I can do this. So he focused on the paper, ignoring the weird chill that went through him as he tried to write down the answers.
Somehow, even when sick, he was able to do fairly well. Mentally he hoped that he didn't miss any questions, but other than that he didn't care about the grade he would get. After a glare from a couple of socs, Ponyboy put his head down on his desk. His breathing grew heavier as he found himself slipping into an easy sleep…
“Ponyboy?” A voice called up from above him. Groggily Ponyboy lifted his head, noticing the entire class was empty. He panicked, scrambling to get up. Before he could, Mrs.Nil put a hand on his shoulder and then on his forehead.
“Are you alright?” She asked, “Do you need to go to the nurses?” Ponyboy quickly shook his head, a bout of nausea hitting him as he slumped back down into his chair. “I understand if you dont want to miss school… but your health comes first,” Mrs.Nil reiterated. Ponyboy shook his head, “Im fine.”
“I'll tell your coach you can't make it to practice,” Mrs.Nil said, leaving before Ponyboy could argue. Part of him felt thankful for the fact that he didn't have to run. But another part hated how sick he felt at that moment. Quickly he packed up his stuff, finding that the hallways were empty. Before he could look for his friends, the bell rang, signaling the second to last period of the day.
Ponyboy made his way back to class, avoiding Two-Bit as much as he could. The offer of going to the nurse's office stayed clear in Ponyboy's mind. He could go home, but could he? He thought about it, Dally wouldn't be able to sign him out. Not unless he was able to skip.
Ponyboy groaned as he sat down on his chair. It was an elective class, art. Just as he was about to fall asleep again, someone sat down next to him. “Kid?” The voice said. Ponyboy blinked blearily as he looked face-to-face at Steve.
He jumped a bit, forgetting that he shared a class with Steve, and his eyes went wide as he looked at Steve. Steve glared at him, but the glare softened after a moment. “Are ya okay-”
“Ahem! So to use oil paints-” The teacher interrupted Steve. Ponyboy watched as Steve flipped the teacher, Mr.Jones, off. Mr.Jones continued teaching, interrupting Steve every time he tried to talk to Ponyboy. It was clear to Steve that Ponyboy was running on hopes and dreams by that point. Knowing that it was their second to last period, the second the bell rang, Steve dragged Ponyboy out of PE.
“C'mon kid, it’s obvious ya ain't feelin’ well,” Steve said, shoving Ponyboy into the passenger seat of his car. Ponyboy found it harder to argue, just rolling his eyes and going limp in the passenger seat. He didn't say anything as Steve drove, just watching as the streets sped by. When they made it to the Curtis house, Steve had to drag Ponyboy out of his car and into the house.
When they were inside, Steve noticed a familiar body on the couch, sleeping. “Dally?” Steve said, holding Ponyboy up as best as he could. Dally looked up, almost unhappy that someone woke him up. However, when he saw it was Steve and Ponyboy, he couldn't help but panic.
Ponyboy looked horrible, there were small beads of sweat rolling down his face as he panted slightly. Somehow though, he was still shivering. Steve pulled him along, dragging him to bed. The second that Ponyboy was in bed, he fought to get up, glaring as Steve kept pushing him down.
After a bit, Ponyboy calmed down, his eyes blinking slowly as he fell asleep. Steve sighed in relief, hurrying to the bathroom to see if there was any medicine for Ponyboy. All he could find were two aspirins, not nearly enough for Ponyboy.
“Is Sodapop here?” Steve asked as he walked into the living room. Dally stood up, picking off one of his bandages. “He ain't tell ya ‘bout him and Darry heading to their uncles?” Dally asked with a dismissive tone. Steve felt his stomach drop.
“Actually, they were just lookin’ for ya yesterday,” Dally added, his glare fixated on Steve. “The kid said ya might be in the cooler.” The more that Dally talked, the more that Steve knew that he wasn't kidding.
It wasn't that Steve forgot about Ponyboy, but in a sense he did, even if Sodapop had only asked him two days ago. Steve didn't want to admit to Dally that he was at Tim’s, betting away the minimal amount of money he could. Still, under Dally's cold glare, he found himself cowering a bit.
“Well, the kids sick,” Steve said. Dally rolled his eyes, “That much I can tell.” Steve had to hold himself back from saying what he wanted to. Instead, he tightened his fists. “The kid needs medicine.” Dally furrowed his eyebrows, not interested much in the conversation anymore.
“Now I’m sure ya dont know which to get, so I’ll get it while you watch the kid to make sure he dont move none,” Steve said before leaving the house. Dally stayed in the living room for a moment, unsure of what to do. Then, a small cry was enough to send him running the room. Ponyboy pushed the blankets as high as they could go, folding into himself to try and stay warm.
Unsure of what to do, Dally put a hand on his forehead, checking to see if he was okay. The sudden heat made Dally flinch back. He knew that whatever Ponyboy's fever was, it wasn't safe. Quickly he made his way into the kitchen, looking in the familiar spot where he used to see Mrs.Curtis put away the thermometer. When he found it, he practically ran back to Ponyboy's side, shoving the thermometer in his mouth.
Dally waited, his fingers twitching for a cigarette. He left things to die by themselves usually, like with plants or animals. But as he sat next to Ponyboy, hoping the fever wasn't any higher than it needed to be, he knew that he needed to stay. Usually, he would've left by now, but with Ponyboy in that state, Dally just ran his fingers through Ponyboy's hair, offering any kind of support he could.
Ponyboy whimpered slightly, “D-dad?” He slurred, throwing Dally off. His eyes widened and he pulled the thermometer out. “102.5…” Dally murmured. The numbers were higher than he expected them to be, sending an unfamiliar chill of fear down his spine.
Unsure of what else to do, Dally got up, making his way to the bathroom. “Dad?” Ponyboy cried out again, his voice sounding scratchy. Dally blinked away the tears that came to his eyes. It hadn't even been a month since they had died, and he didn't know what to tell Ponyboy. Dally got a towel, put it under cold water, and made his way back to Ponyboy's bedside.
Ponyboy's eyes were opened, albeit glazed over. His breathing was labored, sounding as if he had just run a marathon, and the sweat seemed to reflect that too. Ponyboy tried to sit up, his breathing growing heavier as he did so. Dally pushed him back down, wiping his face with the wet towel and leaving it on Pony's forehead. Ponyboy blinked at Dally, looking at him confused.
“Dal… where’s mom?” Ponyboy whispered. Dally made no move to correct Ponyboy on his nickname but made no move to tell Ponyboy. “Dallas?” Ponyboy asked. Dally just shook his head, finding it harder to tell Ponyboy. He wanted to get out of there, slam the wall, and scream to the world that the Curtis parents didn't deserve to die the way they did.
Instead, Dally put a hand on Ponyboy's shoulder. “Go to sleep kid,” he choked out. Ponyboy nodded slightly, his eyes drifting closed once again. Dally sighed with relief, sitting down on Ponyboy's side of the bed. The fever was messing with him, Dally told himself, he just dont remember.
Before Dally could do anything else, Steve came in. He looked up, confused as to why he didn't hear the door slam. Instead of an answer, Steve held up a paper bag, “I got the medicine. Did ya already check his temperature?” Dally nodded, looking back at the thermometer.
“It was 102.5,” Dally said. Steve cringed, “Okay, so…” He thought for a moment. How would he help Ponyboy? He could just call Sodapop and tell him about Ponyboy not being well. But then he would have to admit that he didn't know that Ponyboy was unwell. Just thinking about that call to Sodapop caused him to shake his head and sit down near Dally.
“If it gets too high we might have ta send him to the hospital,” Steve muttered. Dally tensed up, getting up and walking out before anything else. Steve sighed, putting his head in his hands. He looked over to Ponyboy, the towel on his head being the only sign that Dally attempted to help him.
“Why did ya have to get sick, kid?” Steve asked, watching as Ponyboy's sweat beaded off of his head. He fought with the blankets for a moment, almost as if unsure if it was hot or cold. In the midst of the movement, the towel fell off. Steve reached over, putting a hand on Ponyboy's forehead and cringing.
Steve reached into the bag and pulled out some medicine. All he had was some crappy bubblegum flavor that he knew was too strong for Ponyboy. Still, since it was all he had, he took it out and looked around for a cup of water. He wanted to call out for Dally to get it, but thinking better of it, he decided to get it himself.
Steve walked out into the living room catching sight of Dally on the couch, his head in his hands as he stared at nothing. “Ya good?” Steve found himself asking as he reached for a cup. Dally slightly nodded, “Kid didn't know his parents died…” Steve froze. The cup stayed in his hand as the words set in.
“He kept crying for his dad… then his mom,” Dally's voice sounded desperate. Steve filled the glass up, unsure of what else to do. The deaths were still affecting them, and he knew how much Ponyboy suffered with it as well. Especially due to his nightmares…
Before Steve could offer any words of advice, they heard one sound they dreaded…
Throwing up.
Steve ran into the room, Dally following close behind. They looked at Ponyboy who was leaning off to the side and had a puddle of throw-up in his lap. Tears streaked his eyes as he looked up at Steve and Dally. Steve was the first to move, pulling the sheets off and dragging a limp Ponyboy to the bathroom.
“I'll clean it up,” Dally called over his shoulder, “Clean the kid.” Steve rolled his eyes, pushing Ponyboy into the bathroom. C'monn kid,” Steve groaned. “Why didn't ya tell us?” Annoyance was clear in his voice, and Steve was starting to regret taking the offer of the couch.
“‘m sorry,” Ponyboy cried, wiping his eyes as much as he could. Steve panicked, unsure of what to do. Then it dawned on him, just do what Sodapop would. Or… what Mrs.Curtis would.
Steve went back into the room, watching as Dally put new sheets onto the bed and took the blankets out. Steve got clothes for Ponyboy, unsure of what would be comfortable and what wouldn't When he picked out a “decent” outfit, he went back to the bathroom.
Ponyboy was hunched over the toilet, puking up whatever he could. Steve set the clothes down and sat down near Ponyboy. “C'mon… let it out,” he tried to soothe. Ponyboy cried harder, “I want Soda…” Steve put a hand on Ponyboy's shoulder, “Its okay kid.”
When Ponyboy was done throwing up, Steve pulled him up. “I'm gonna need ya to take a shower, think you can do it?” Steve asked. Ponyboy blinked at him for a moment, his eyes glazed over. “If ya can't I’ll have to help you,” Steve said, making sure his tone was threatening enough. Even if Ponyboy actually couldn't, then Steve wouldve helped either way.
Ever so slightly, Ponyboy nodded, working on trying to pull his shirt off. Steve stepped in, helping Ponyboy put his dirty clothes in the hamper and turning on the water. When it was clear that Ponyboy was struggling to stand, Steve set up a bath instead.
Quickly, Ponyboy hopped into the bath, crying when the warm water hit his hot skin. “Steve! I-its cold,” Ponyboy said, his voice shaky. Steve sat on the toilet seat, merely supervising Ponyboy. “Its warm kid, its just your fever,” he explained. Ponyboy's tears hit the water, “Its cold!”
Steve shut his eyes, trying to think of what Mrs.Curtis would do. When all he could think about was her letting Ponyboy stay inside of the bath, thats what Steve did. “Wheres mom?” Ponyboy asked after a beat. Steve looked at him, noticing Ponyboy's glazed-over eyes.
Before Steve had to answer, Dally came in. He took a look at the sight for a moment, before looking at Ponyboy. His eyebrows furrowed and Steve took another look at Ponyboy. He was paler and his eyes started to seem sunken in.
“We needa take you to bed,” Steve said, getting up and pulling out a towel. Ponyboy gratefully got up, wrapping himself in the towel as best as he could. Ponyboy sat down on the toilet seat shivering. “C'mon kid, time for clothes,” Steve said, grabbing the clean clothes. Ponyboy stared at him, his eyes seemingly going through him.
Steve set the clothes on Ponyboy's lap, hoping that it would be motivation enough to put on said clothes. Steve walked out with Dally, giving Ponyboy privacy but also keeping the door cracked open to hear if he fell. Ponyboy struggled to put on his clothes, his vision blacking out and the world spinning. Still, he tried, putting on his boxers and a shirt. The shorts that Steve chose were too hot, Ponyboy decided, so he left them off.
“Ya done kid?” Dally called out, cracking the door open enough. Ponyboy nodded, getting ready to stand up. His head felt as if it was spinning, and his stomach was churning alongside it. Dally reached over to Ponyboy, grabbing him as Ponyboy's legs gave out.
“Shit!” Dally cussed as he struggled to hold Ponyboy. He wasnt as strong as Darry, but, he fought to keep the kid in bridal position as he carried him back to bed. Steve followed along, only stopping to go to make broth for Ponyboy.
As Dally got Ponyboy situated, Ponyboy cried. His tears were silent, and Dally could tell that Ponyboy didnt know what was happening. Carefully Dally wiped Ponyboy's head with a blanket, making sure to get all of the sweat out.
Steve worked on making broth, unsure of what Ponyboy would and wouldnt eat. Part of him wanted to make chicken noodle soup, something that Mrs.Curtis would make for them…
“Fuck it,” Steve muttured as he grabbed the supplies and got to work. After a moment, Dally came out of the room. He watched Steve for a moment as Steve worked. The second Steve finsihed, Dally reached over, taking some of the hot soup and eating it.
“Careful-” Steve said, stopping when Dally swallowed the liquid with ease. “Needs some salt,” Dally said nonchalantly. Steve's mouth fell open as Dally moved around him and took a bowl out. “IM HOME!” A voice suddenly yelled from the living room as the door slammed. Steve ran to the living room, watching as Two-Bit sat down on the couch.
“Hey Stevie!” He exclaimed. “Shut up Two!” Steve whispered yelled. “For what?” Two-Bit asked, his voice only a bit lower. Steve groaned as Ponyboy's cries came through the hallway. Two-Bit got up, his eyebrows creasing as he followed Steve to the room. They watched as Dally pushed Ponyboy down, making sure that the blankets were tucked enough to keep Ponyboy in the bed.
“Mom!” Ponyboy cried out weakly. “I want mom.” Tears fell down his eyes quickly as Dally kept him from moving too much. “Shh kid, shut up!” Dally ordered. Ponyboy stopped, staring eye-wide at Dally with tears in his eyes.
“Dont go so hard on the kid,” Two-Bit said, reaching over to Ponyboy. He ran his fingers through Ponyboy's hair, making sure to tug gently in a soothing manner. Steve watched, remembering how Sodapop and Mrs.Curtis did the same thing.
After a moment, Ponyboy calmed down again, but didnt go back to sleep. A bowl of soup was on the bedside table, next to some water and a towel. Two-Bit grabbed the soup, cringing at the heat of the bowl. “Get some ice, Pony needs to eat,” Two-Bit said. Dally nodded, getting up and walking to the kitchen.
Steve just sat on the edge of Ponyboy's bed. “Nice to see ya aint in jail Stevie. Didn't think ya would be baby-sittin’ though,” Two-Bit joked. He looked at Ponyboy, “I sure hope Darry and Sodapop could handle this.” Not wanting to tell Two-Bit about having to watch Ponyboy for the entire weekend, Steve just shrugged.
“He didnt eat none at school,” Two-Bit added. “Heck, I thought he skipped!” Steve nodded along, glaring slightly at the kid. His mind went back to how he had to drag Ponyboy out of school because of how sick he was. Then, all he could think about was leaving the house and leaving the kid by himself. But as the clock ticked closer to dinner, he couldn't find it in himself to leave.
Dally came back with the ice, plopping them in the soup one by one until it was cool enough for Ponyboy. “C'mon kid,” Steve said, slightly pushing Ponyboy's shoulder and pulling him into a seated position. Ponyboy groaned, his eyes adjusting to the light for a moment.
Two-Bit took the job of feeding Ponyboy, knowing that Steve or Dally would probably choke him. “Open up Pony, here comes the choo choo train!” Two-Bit tried to joke. All he got was Ponyboy eating a bite and slumping back down. “No kid you gotta eat more,” Dally said, pulling Ponyboy up by the shirt. Ponyboy groaned opening his mouth as more chicken soup was shoved down his throat.
When Two-Bit was done, Steve took to giving Ponyboy medicine. Dally supervised, almost as if he was concerned for Ponyboy. Steve tried to ignore his piercing gaze as he shoved the medicine down Ponyboy's throat. Ponyboy swatted at him, a frown growing on his face. Steve barely noticed the hit, preferring to just offer the kid water.
Ponyboy grabbed the cup, albeit weakly, almost dropping it before Steve just held it up for him to drink. “Slow down,” Steve said as he pulled the cup away. Ponyboy groaned, finally slumping down and going back to bed. Dally pulled over a chair from Ponyboy's desk, dragging it over for Steve to sit.
“Glory, this kid is gonna be the death of me,” Steve muttured. Dally laughed, “Aint that what Darry says?” Steve shrugged, “Hell if I know. I aint been ‘round here much.” The mood went gloomy as they thought to a month ago. Knowing he wasnt one for sappy stuff; Dally got up.
“Are ya gonna leave?” Steve asked, watching as Dally turned around. His eyes landed on Ponyboy sleeping restlessly. “Nah,” Dally said, and he meant it.
In the kitchen, Two-Bit worked on getting dinner out for himself, Steve, and Dally. He thought it was very smart to just reuse the same food that Steve made for Ponyboy for everyone else. So when Dally walked back to the kitchen, Two-Bit gave him the soup and left.
“I gotta head back, my mom needs help,” Two-Bit told Dally. Dally nodded, watching as Two-Bit slipped out of the door. Dally looked at the extra bowl on the table and grabbed it. Now loaded with two soups, Dally walked over to Ponyboy and Sodapops room. Steve looked up as Dally walked in.
“Here,” Dally said, handing Steve the soup. He sat down on the edge of the bed, starting to eat his soup. Steve joined in, carefully watching Ponyboy the entire time. Only once did Ponyboy move, and that was just to turn to his side.
“Whos takin’ the couch?” Dally asked. Steve looked over, a bit shocked. Dally rolled his eyes, “Well someones gotta stay in ‘ere with him.” Steve ran a hand down his face, “Youre right… ya can take the couch, Ill put some blankets here or somethin’.”
Dally shrugged, getting up and taking the bowls. Steve sighed, wiping Ponyboy's face once more with a towel before getting up and grabbing some blankets. He made a makeshift bed on the floor, grabbing Sodapops pillow to try and sleep.
Dally fell asleep on the couch, a watchful eye on the door and in Ponyboy's bedroom. Steve slept, trying to ignore the sound of Ponyboy moving. Ponyboy moved more and more, almost as if he was trying to get away from something.
After a sudden moment of silence, Steve shot up, unsure if Ponyboy was in bed. When it dawned on him that Ponyboy was gone, he ran out of the bedroom, ready to look for Ponyboy. The toilet flushing and a flickering light as Steve ran into Ponyboy outside the bathroom was enough to startle both of them. Steve hit the wall lightly as Ponyboy covered his mouth in an almost scream.
“Glory kid!” Steve cursed. “Why didnt ya wake me up?” Steve's tone grew angerier, “What if you fell?” All Ponyboy could do was blearily blink at him once more, obviously starting to fall asleep. “C'mon kid, back to bed,” Steve whispered as he started to drag Ponyboy into bed.
When Ponyboy was in bed, it was obvious he wasnt going to sleep. He moved around, more than when he had been asleep. “What is it kid?” Steve asked, annoyed by the constant movement. “I had a nightmare…” Ponyboy slurred. Steve groaned, unsure if he was going to join Ponyboy in bed or just sit next to him until he was able to sleep.
Finding that he preferred to be well-rested before work, Steve got up and slid into Sodapops side of the bed. “Is it better if I just sleep here?” Steve asked sleepily. Somehow, before he fell asleep, he saw a small nod of Ponyboy's head as he drifted off to sleep.