Chapter Text
The finale bell rang for the school day, the halls quickly filling with bodies. Most students hustled out the doors, ready to be somewhere else that wasn’t within the confines of the building they dreaded going to. While others stuck around with their friends, some at the lockers and others at the picnic tables on the school grounds.
Ponyboy adjusted his school bag on his shoulders as he made his way to the field house. Going to have one finale track practice before he left for his track meet tomorrow. The state qualifying track meet. Depending on how he placed, he could bring home a state trophy to be on display in a case at the high school and a personal medal that was sure to make his gang proud, mostly his brothers, Darrel and Sodapop.
The work Pony has put into perfecting his strides, stabilizing his breathing and cutting down his time on the events he will be racing in has been a top priority. This could be his way to college, a full ride as a track star. It would take a boulder sized weight off of Darry if he could make this happen. With everything that has happened in the last year and a half, going to college and fulfilling a dream of his and his older brothers seems to be the least he could do.
It’s been close to 6 months since the deaths of Johnny and Dallas. Ponyboy has made a lot of growth to get to where he is, and his brothers have been by his side through it all. The weeks and months following the incident were rough. The motivation to be involved in anything was nonexistent. Pony wanted to the bare minimum to get by, to do whatever was needed to get through a day of life, a life where he no longer had his best friend. He just wanted to stay home and hide away in his room, the weight of losing Johnny and Dally causing extreme exhaustion. Within minutes of laying on his bed he would be out like a light. Only to be woken up when dinner was ready.
His brother’s hearts hurt at the grief their baby brother was going through, however the careless behavior wasn’t going to be tolerated much longer, especially by Darry. “You can’t stop living because you lose people.” The oldest Curtis brother would say, holding back his own tears as he looked at a heartbroken Ponyboy. Most of the days following the deaths of their friend’s brothers. Pony could be found curled up in his bed, his arm covering his eyes to block out the mid day sun that shined in. Darry soon grew tired of the endless days spent like this and starting making him participate in activities with him, Soda, Two-bit and Steven. Having to spend time outside of the safety of his room and be reminded daily that the gang is no longer made up of seven tuff and rugged guys. Throwing the football or walking aimlessly around town with Two-bit starting growing old so he ended up going to work with Darry some days and spending time with Soda and Steve, mostly Soda, at the DX.
What felt like would be never, Pony finally started to come around more on his own terms. During the hours in thought, while setting in the shade of the awning at the DX or in the bed of Darry’s truck at a house getting a new roof installed, the effort his brothers put into providing a living for them began to set in. Pony realized what Darry meant. Had Darry stopped living when their parents passed, they wouldn’t have the roof they live under. They wouldn’t have each other. Although their lives changed significantly and more responsibility was placed on Darry’s shoulders, Ponyboy really started to understand the sacrifices that were made. Starting to feel guilty for the way he’s been acting. Pony wanted, no needed, to show his brothers that he was going to be okay. That as much as they were always going to worry, they didn’t need to go overboard with the worrying. The weight of losing his best friend was still heavy, but he needed to grow beyond this stage of grief and live the life Johnny and him would day dream about.
The ends of his hair stuck to the nape of his neck with sweat. Wiping the beads that threatened to drip from the hair across his forehead. Letting out a heavy exhale through parted lips, getting into a race ready headspace. The sun had begun to set, indicating he needed to head home. Stepping up to the white starting line. Ponyboy’s focus was on the first hurtle before him. Clearing his thoughts of everything and tuning out all sounds. Breathe. Long strides. Eyes on the finish line. He thought to himself as he transitioned to the ready position, his eyes still locked on the hurtle before himself, waiting for the whistle to release him from the line.
Pony’s focus was locked in. Treating this last run as what could be a personal record and winning run. As if there was a trophy waiting for him at the finish line. As if Johnny and Dally were waiting for him at the finish line. Not daring to take his attention off the obstacles before him. His legs beginning to shake from the position he was having to hold, using all the strength within to not allow his thoughts to slip to the pain his legs were experiencing. The whistle blew and he was off.
However the whistle continued to blow. Going off again and again and again. Glancing between the hurtle and the coach. Watching the coaches arms wave above his head attempting to grab the attention of Ponyboy. Jumping the first hurtle, clearing it. A couple more glances were made in a matter of seconds and he realized there was another person standing with the coach. His brother Darrel.
The speeds at which he started had slowed back down, his line of sight still on his brother. “What th-“ A complaint beginning to leave his mouth just as he ran straight into the second hurtle. Crashing to the asphalt of the track and coming to a full stop, hearing the clank of the hurtle as it popped back up from being knocked down. He let out a groan as he rolled to his back, rubbing out the pain that was in his arm before picking himself up off the ground. By the stinging he felt on his knees he knew some of the skin had been scraped.
Darrel must’ve forgot that he had talked about practicing for his track meet after school at dinner last night. Meaning he would be home later. “Dar, I told you I’d be practicing late today.” He stated as he approached his brother. Annoyance obvious in his features that his training was interrupted, but mostly because he just face planted in front of his coach and brother. As much as it wasn’t completely his fault, the action of falling didn’t exactly scream ‘capable of winning state’.
Darry had pulled up to the track as fast as he could. Barreling out of his truck and hustling to the coach that was working with Ponyboy. As proud as he was and hated to stop the hard work being done, something terrible had happened. Quickly explaining to the coach the situation at hand and politely demanded that he calls his kid brother over. Without any hesitation, Pony’s attention was grabbed however he didn’t respond in the most graceful way.
Tapping his fingers anxiously against his leg as he watched Pony make his way over. Noticing some blood dripping down his leg from the less than graceful fall. “C’mon Pony, you wouldn’t think you’d be in track at that speed.” Darry commented, using his head to motion towards his truck. Turning on his heel and already making his departure. His heart was heavy with worry but there was no way to allow that to show outwardly. “I’m not done practicing Darry. What’s going on?” Ponyboy asked, pointing in the direction of the hurtles but noticed his brother had already made his leave. Jogging up to his side. “The state qualifying track meet is tomorrow Dar, this could be the full ride w-..I need for college.” Pony’s voice grew more impatient with each step he took. Running a hand through his sweaty hair, a heavy sigh escaping his parted lips. Pony was so caught up in striving for perfection in track, that he was oblivious to the signs that something was wrong. Darry doesn’t just forget Pony telling him something, he knew he was staying late after school.
“Dar-“ Ponyboy started to speak but was cut short when he ran into his brother who had stopped abruptly. Taking half a step back adding space between the two. Darry hung his head slightly, resting his hands on his hips as he looked at the ground. Taking a brief second to ensure he would maintain his composure before speaking. “Soda at the hospital, he’s been in an accident.” He choked out, watching the color drain from his little brother’s face, seeing immediate concern and fear on his features. “Now for the love of god, get in the damn truck.” Darrel pleaded.
Getting the call from the hospital had taken Darry back to the day he got the call about Ponyboy and Johnny. The fear of loosing a brother again hit him in the gut hard. He had just gotten home from work, was about to shower and start dinner when the phone rang. Barely getting out a ‘hello’ before he was dropping the phone and running out the door.
“What happened to Soda? Is anyone there with him at the hospital? He’s not going to die is he?” Ponyboy questioned, rapid firing all of his thoughts onto his older brother. Tears filled his eyes as he looked to Darry, feeling the rumble of the road as the truck accelerated down the highway. Beginning to anxiously pick at the skin around his thumbnail, not getting the relief he wanted Pony ended up bringing his hand to his mouth and began chewing on the skin around his nail. “I-I…” Darry tried to speak but was cut off with another question. “Two-bit a-..” Once again being stopped mid answer. “Hey Pony, breathe a little brother.” Darrel quickly spoke, glancing between the road and Ponyboy, reaching over and gently grabbing a hold of the hand he was chewing on. “I don’t know all of the details. All I know is he was in a car accident and the car rolled multiple times.” Darry explained as he pulled Pony’s hand down to his lap, holding it for a moment before releasing. “Two-bit and Steve are with him now. Steve was in the accident with him. Sodapop is not going to die.” His voice was stern with the last statement. There was no way in hell that he could allow himself to think of that as a possibility.
“Why couldn’t it have been Steve? Sodapop doesn’t deserve this.” Ponyboy mumbled under his breath as he slouched in the seat, tears continuing to stream down his cheeks.
“Knock is off Pone. You don’t mean that.”
“I know, just wish it wasn’t Soda.” Pony replied before pressing the back of his hand to his mouth. Trying to hold back a sob but to no avail it slipped out.
Darry’s heart broke upon hearing the sobs coming from the passenger seat. “Ponyboy he’s gonna be alright. You gotta calm down some or you’ll make yourself sick.” The oldest Curtis stated softly, reaching over and placing a hand on the back of Ponyboys neck gently. His thumb rubbing small reassuring circles at the base of his hairline. Trying to comfort him the best he could while driving. “Soda’s tough. He’s gonna be just fine little buddy.” He added, hoping to sound convincing for Pony but mostly trying to convince himself that what he was saying was true. Sodapop was tough, one of the toughest, but the unknown of what happened and what his condition is has Darrel so worried he’s sick.
Ponyboy would like to think the reassurance Darry was attempting was helping but all he could think about was the worst possibility. That upon entering the hospital room he would see his brother like he had seen Johnny. Unable to move and going in and out of consciousness due to pain. Shaking the dreadful thought from his mind, Pony snaked his arms around himself. Holding onto his stomach, believing it’s the only thing preventing him from throwing up his lunch. Silently sobbing, as the fear that rushed through him took all control he had over his emotions.
Almost as quick as he pulled into the parking lot. Both Darrel and Ponyboy jumped out of the truck. Sprinting into the hospitals emergency room and straight to the front desk. “Sodapop Curtis, I’m his brother Darrel Curtis and legal guardian. This is our brother Ponyboy.” Darry stated to the lady with a name tag that ready “Shirley”, briefly remembering the questions that he was asked when it was Pony in the hospital all those months ago. Quickly giving the names, hoping his sense of urgency would be reciprocated. Between the tapping of his fingers and the clear distraught look on Ponyboy’s face, Shirley understood the seriousness of the situation. “Room 137. That’ll be down the hall, last room on your left.” She said sweetly. “Thank you ma’am.” Darry responded, appreciative that she didn’t hold him up at the counter.
Upon approaching the room, Steve and Two-bit were spotted outside the door. Two-bit casually leaned up against the wall while Steve held his head in his hands, sitting in a chair. Cuts and bruises on display on Steve’s arms, they had been cleaned and one even looked like it had a couple of stitches. “Was hopin’ to not be back here anytime soon.” Darry had heard Two-bit mumble, the greaser watching his hands as he messed with the zipper on his jacket. “Yeah us either.” Both, Steve and Two-bit, looked up when the familiar voice was heard. Spotting Darrel and Ponyboy. “What in the hell happened?”
While a nurse was in the room with Soda, the reason why Steve and Two-bit were out the hall, Steve quickly explained how this all happened. What started out as some fun flirting with a couple of girls who had stopped by the DX turned into their Soc boyfriends getting pissed off and tailing the greasers when they left work for the day. Putting everyone’s life in danger on the road with their chaotic driving and road rage. Their buddy who was driving attempted to speed away but he couldn’t lose them. Instead, the Soc’s clipped the back corner of the car with theirs, not sure of what the intent was but the bumper to bumper impact cause the car to flip. Over and over and over.
Upon hearing the story, Ponyboy had started to get choked up again. Quickly being pulled into Darrel’s embrace. He wrapped his arms tightly around his little brother’s frame, resting a hand on the back of his head as he firmly held him. Never being the best at physical affection, but with brother’s like Sodapop and Ponyboy, he had to learn to adapt to their needs. Especially with all they’ve been through in the last couple months. “He’s gonna be okay.” Darry whispered to Pony, with the intent on holding him until he was ready to pull away first, but the movement and creaking of the hospital room door caught the attention of everyone standing nearby.
A pleading hope in Darry’s eyes, silently begging the nurse to have any news that would confirm Sodapop be good as new in the coming days. “C’mon on in boys.” A sweet voice calls out to the hall as the petite nurse walks deeper into the room. Those words had Ponyboy and Darry rushing into the room, both going to Sodapops side. “Sodapop is gonna be sore for a while. He has a couple of broken ribs, a fractured right ankle and a deep laceration on his abdomen but with rest he’s gonna heal and be just fine.” The nurses tone carries a sense of enthusiasm that warmed Darry’s heart. Grateful to hear what the injuries were and that they weren’t as bad as he had assumed.
“Sugar, if you need anything don’t you hesitate to press that call button.” She commented, giving his good ankle a gentle squeeze and a comforting pat before heading for the door. She reminded Sodapop of a sweet and gentle grandmother who made it her life’s purpose to care for her grandchildren.
“Yes ma’am. Thank you.” Flashing her the biggest grin he’s been able to make since arrival.
“Anything for you darlin’.” The older nurse replied before making her exit from the room.
“Hey Dar.” A pained and weak voice was barely heard from Sodapop as he attempted to adjust his body to sit up a bit. A smile curving his lips as soon as his brothers came into view. “Pony.” He forced out, holding out a hand to his brothers who had came up on either side of the bed. Grabbing ahold of them and pulling them into a desperate hug. “bout damn time you guys show.” Soda teased as he tightly wrapped his arms around his brothers, groaning a bit at the pain caused from the pull around his abdomen.
“Hey little man.” Darry greeted, running a hand through Sodas hair. Moving a few strands out of his face as he did so before embracing his brother when he was pulled in. Trying his best to be as gentle as he could, however it was obvious Sodapop really just wanted a hug. Regardless of the pain it would cause. “Had Ponyboy decided to not rumble with a hurtle, we’d be here sooner.” Darry replied with a soft laugh, pulling away from the hug and throwing a soft punch at Ponyboy’s arm.
This earned a small laugh from Soda, causing a sharp pain to erupted throughout his torso. Quickly placing a hand over his abdomen as the laugh fizzled into a wince of pain. “Our little track star.” Soda commented, ruffling Pony’s hair before he could move out of his reach.
“If I hadn’t been distracted, I wouldn’t have fell.” Ponyboy quick to defend himself, glaring at both his brothers as he attempted to dodge Soda’s hand but failed. “Sodapop c’mon…” mumbling as he pushed his brother’s hand away gently. “Can’t catch a break even when you’re broken.” Pony commented as he pulled a chair up to his brother’s bedside and sat down. Returning his hand to hold onto one of Soda’s.
Soda allowed his body to relax into the thin mattress once the pain subsided, keeping a hand on his abdomen while the other held onto the shaky hand of his younger brother. “Ponyboy you gotta stop shakin’, I’m gonna be just fine.” Soda reassured, rubbing circles on his back of Pony’s hand with his thumb in an attempt to comfort him.
Ponyboy had wanted nothing more than to climb into bed with Soda and cling to him and never let him go. However the bed wasn’t nearly big enough, so pulling up a chair as close as he could would have to do. “Sorry, can’t help it.” The adolescent replied, taking a deep breath and slowly letting it out. Attempting to calm his nerves and the shakes.
The room grew quiet as Soda has drifted off to sleep. Ponyboy stayed sat at his side, his arms crossed on the bed and his head lay atop them. Darry had ended up pulling a chair to the other side of the bed and taking a seat. The exhaustion from work and the adrenaline rush from a few hours ago was finally starting to catch up to him. His eyelids grew more heavy as the minutes passed.
“Ponyboy.”
“Hmh.”
“What time do you need to be at the school tomorrow morning?”
Ponyboy lifted his body from the bed. Trying to rub the tiredness from his eyes, glancing over to his oldest brother before settling his full attention onto Soda who was sound asleep. “I’m not going Darry.”
This was something Pony had thought about since finding comfort in the seat next to Soda. He’s already lost the opportunity for a fully rested sleep, but to also leave Sodapop’s side at a time like this is truly the last thing he wanted to do. Even if the worry of death is no longer a concern. There is still concern somewhere or he wouldn’t be in the hospital still.
Furrowing his eyebrows and straightening his posture as he assessed Ponyboy’s response. Making sure he heard correctly. “What do you mean you’re not going?” Darry crossed his arms over his chest. Already having a pretty good idea as to the reason of his brother’s answer. As much as he wanted to immediately deny Pony’s refusal in going to his track meet tomorrow, he knew in order to maintain the good streak they had with no arguments he needed to hear Pony out. In doing so also had better results.
“I mean I’m not going. I’m not leaving Soda’s side. Besides, it’s already getting late. Wouldn’t be wise to compete without a full nights rest.” Ponyboy’s eyes never left Soda. Knowing if he looked at Darry, he would begin to feel guilty.
“Pony, Soda is no longer at risk for anything life threatening. You have a lot at steak with this meet. You’re going.” There was a sternness in his tone as he spoke, leaning forward to rest his elbows on his knees. A defeated sigh was released from his body as Darry hung his head. “Ponyboy, please think abo-“
“I have! You guys dropped out to take care of me…” Ponyboy’s voice raised as did his frustration when he spoke, though the words fell to silence at the abrupt mention of dropping out of school. His emotions were still high, exhausted from a full day of school and track practice and now being told he couldn’t stay with his brother who is in the hospital. The stressors of the day were bound to erupt at some point. “This isn’t my last year of school, I have two more opportunities to make state. I wanna stay here with Soda.” He finally made eye contact with Darry. The look he gave pleaded to not make him go.
Ponyboy is surrounded and now being raised by two brothers who have taken on responsibilities that should have never been given to them. Not because they can’t handle it, but because they are young. They have done everything they can to ensure their family of three is taken care of. That’s all Pony wants to do right now. Sacrifice what he needs to, to ensure Soda has the care of two brothers. Just as he had when in the hospital. Dropping what is necessary to take care of each other. It runs in the family.
The commotion between the two had caused Soda to begin to wake up. He stayed still to see how the conversation would play out but once hearing the words laced with anger, he reached to Ponyboy’s hand and gave it a squeeze, opening his eyes as he did so. “Pony. There’s nothing more you can do for me here.” Soda scooted himself up on the bed, wincing in pain at the movement. Seeing the jump each of the brothers made at his sound of pain. He held a hand up, silently telling them to back off. “This is your future we’re talkin’ about. Don’t go throwin’ it away and pull a Darry.” Flashing the older brother a small smile before returning his attention back to Pony. Soda knows and understands the decision Darry made all those months ago, however he’s always going to tease him about it.
Soda was grateful Darrel made the decision to take on being the legal guardian of him and Ponyboy. The possibility of being separated had turned into a fear during the process of Darry becoming their guardian. He understands why Pony wants to stay, but he’s the brother with the bright future.
Tears had begun to swell in Ponyboy’s eyes. Looking away from Sodapop and over to Darry before dropping his gaze to the floor. Of course Soda was right, but it doesn’t mean he had to be happy about it.
“Don’t worry, you can take care of me when you get back tomorrow night. I’ll have a list of tasks waitin’ for ya.” Soda grinned, laughing softly before grabbing Pony’s wrist and pulling him down towards him. Wrapping both arms around him the best he could given the awkward angle. “Give’em hell. Go make it to state. Mom and dad would be proud.” He whispered into his brother’s ear, giving a tight squeeze before letting him go. Catching a glimpse of a tear rolling down his cheek before it was quickly wiped away.
Darry will always envy Soda with how good he is at handling Ponyboy and all his emotions. He’s definitely getting better and would agree that this was a moment of proven progress. It just comes so naturally to the middle brother and sometimes makes him feel lousy, but there are times when Darry has to step in and do what Soda struggles to do. They’re like a wrestling tag team. Sodapop and Darry compliment each other in the best way when it comes to caring for their baby brother.