Chapter Text
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DISCLAIMER
I can reclaim the F slur
This was writtem at 4 am and finished at 5 so its probably gonna be fucking shit but im posting either way :3
i fixed all the spelling mistakes and repwrded some stuff but no major changes!!
enjoy!!
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Me and Pony were sitting alone on the porch, a beer hand. Of course, it wasn’t him drinking though. Just me.
“Hey Two, how do you be funny?” Pony spoke softly, it came out as a half serious question. Something Two-bit didn’t know how to answer.
“Well Ponyboy thats not something you can teach!” Two said, his words slurring as he let out a little giggle at the end of his sentence. Pony stayed quiet and continued to look out at the neighborhood.
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“What seems so blue in the sunlight, but at night was a pale green.” Pony read aloud to Johnny who was listening intently, cuddled next to Pony.
Though Pony was still captivated by the book, it seemed like his mind was elsewhere. Johnny had tried prying about it earlier, but Pony just didn’t budge. Hell, he didn’t even notice Johnnys futile attempts to get him to open hp. What ever it was, Pony didn’t seem too stressed about it so if he didn’t want to talk about it, Johnny wouldn’t ask anymore.
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Soda reached out to hug Ponyboy after his long day of work at the DX. Usually Pony would laugh and complain that he smelled like sweat and car oil, but he just stood there uncomfortably; mumbling out a ‘hi’.
Soda would guess he’s ‘maturing’. Growing up; getting to old for hugs. Soda would like to argue he wasn’t a little sad from the interaction but it did mess with him a little until he tried to put two and two together. That was the solution Soda finally came to. No matter how much it didn’t seem like his brother, he let ot go.
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“Hey Dal,” Pony started before slowing down a little. “You think I’m as handsome as Soda or Darry?” the kid asked uncomfortably. Dallas didn’t really know how to answer. Hell, if Pony wasn’t handsome than Dallas was beyond ugly. Who knows why the kid would even think to ask that question? Was it some Socs? Cause he could beat the tar outta them if Pony would like.
“Of course Yer’ kid.” Dallas said with a confused yet laid back tone. Pony just shifted in his seat slightly and nodded. It was clear that he didn’t believe it but Dally didn’t know what else to say so he left it at that. Comforting people was not his strongest suit. oh how he would regret that.
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Theres really no way of winning if in their eyes, you’ll always be a dumb greaser.
Fag
Useless
Weirdo
Stupid
Worthless
Loner
Piece of trash
Annoyance
Tag Along
Disappointment
Chatter box
Clingy
Shit face
Pony began to cry, his back hitting the bathroom door that was locked behind him; for extra safety incase someone decided to come home. He cried over nothing in particular, just life and how he was a failure and a let down in everyones eyes.
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Pony had left for college, the months following it had been filled with him being occupied with schoolwork. He was exhausted, but finally he got into a good school with a scholarship. His major in journalism, and on the track team. Everyone was so proud of him for succeding. But Pony just felt a disconnect with everyone. Like all the trouble he caused in their lives was enough for them to loathe him. Like this was supposed to be Darrys graduation, and now Pony was ruining it by even having these negative thoughts.
That was why he barely even bothered to give them the phone number to his dorm. He had practically cut himself off from everyone in his hometown, except for some calls here and there from his brothers. He never called first, knowing it would bother them.
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Even if no one admitted to it, everyone missed Ponyboy. His personality, his presence, the way he would rant about anything. Hell, the kid could have a conversation with a wall and the wall would be intriged.
Some people may not admit it, but his absence took a toll on them. Especially after recieving no messages from him since the day he left. Only speaking with his brothers from time to time.
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“So, how is Ponyboy these days?” Dallas asked Darry, one if the few people who had contact with him nowadays.
“Last I heard he was living, with a boy who acts his age.” Darry said as he tried to keep his eyes from closing. He tried to act proud that Pony was keeping his act up, but it was hard to act like he didn’t mind his brother living miles away. The eye bags were on Darry’s face were evident. But thankfully since Pony had left he was able to have more off days. Still, that didn’t stop him from worrying about the kids well being.
Johnny listened closely to the elders conversation. His hands fidgeting with a loose string on his jeans. He guessed he’d just miss Pony, even if the boy wasn’t even really gone. Things were just ‘different’, every since Pony cut everyone off.
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Lots had changed since Ponyboy’s leave. Steve was able to get a small scholarship in town for his car maintenances, learning more about it and being able to take some professional classes from time to time.
Soda had taken over the DX, their old boss long retired. He seemed happier than ever to some people, their money problem no longer weighing down on the family. Darry had been feeling lighter too, even getting to join a local football team where he was noticed by a famous Football coach watching the game. Things were looking better for the Curtis’.
Two-bit had landed a job and an apartment. His mother had a friend who sold it to him so there was no trouble with money for him either. Hell, he was still a drunkard but it was manageable. Especially due to his job as a store manager. None of the gang could believe he was a manager, especially with his attitude.
Dallas and Johnny stayed mostly the same, riding in rodeos or completing side quests for Buck. Johnny was even allowed his own room at Bucks! The two were content with always being near eachother, it also included the perks such as Dallas teaching Johnny to fight. No one would ever hurt Johnny again like they did that day.
On the other hand, Pony had finished college and got a job as a newspaper writer. It turns out he was damn good at his job, even writing the newspaper Darry read every morning. Darry had even ranted about how he liked the new news writer to Soda but never noticed the writers name at the bottom of the page.
Ponys last call with his eldest brother was over 4 months ago. He figured they didnt care anymore, so he tried not to care either.
Though he was raking in triple the money Darry would ever get in a paycheck, Pony still felt empty. No one would hug him like Soda or Darry would, or ensure protection like Steve or Dally. No one could make him laugh so hard he could piss himself like Two-bit or listen to his rants like Johnny.
Thats why Pony had taken a month off as soon as he got the chance. He climbed into his brand new Corvair and drove towards his hometown, seeing familiar landmarks from when he had arrived in Darrys truck with his family
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