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Today was a very special day, for a very special boy.
July 22nd. Ponyboy’s 15th birthday.
Soda had been pestering Pony about what he wanted to do for his birthday, and all Pony kept sayin’ was, “I dunno… anything is fine…”
See, as much as Pony loved his brothers and the Gang—especially Johnny and Soda, he wanted to spend some time with someone they would all skin in a heart beat.
Curly Shepard.
It wasn’t that long ago when the two had reconnected. After the whole Bob Sheldon incident—and Curly getting out of reformatory, they’d been talking and hanging out with each other.
They met again when Ponyboy had unknowingly stumbled into Shepards territory (he really ought to stop spacing out…) and bumped right into the young Shepard kid.
Weirdly enough, Curly wasn’t all that pissed off by it. In fact, he helped Ponyboy up and they started talking, catching up.
Ponyboy had more to say, considering Curly was locked up in the reformatory half the time…
Ponyboy knew he couldn’t blow the whole Gang off to hangout with the delinquent though, they all hate the kid. Which is why he’s currently sitting on the couch, surrounded by birthday gifts from everyone in the Curtis house, watching Two-bit, Steve, and Soda play poker, planning a midnight rendezvous to see Curly.
“Oh come on! You’re fucking cheating, man!” Two-bit angrily shoved a finger in Steve’s grinning face, slamming his hands which held the cards down onto the table.
“I ain’t doin’ shit, Two!”
“Yes, you are!”
“Ladies… stop fighting why don’t you?” Soda had swiftly, and jokingly intervened, stifling his laughter.
Pony had been watching them for a bit, turning to glance at Johnny and Dally a few times…
He’d been sitting here waiting, staring at the clock and genuinely counting every damn second. He hoped that Darry—whose in the kitchen, making Pony his birthday cake could decide to quicken up the pace.
Then he could go fake sleep sooner…
Ponyboy swore up and down to Curly he would sneak out to go see him—not that he wasn’t allowed to go out late on his birthday or anything, it was just that he’s going out with a Shepard was the issue, Curly knew that.
The gang, especially Darry and Soda—glory, they’d pop a blood vessel if Pony ever even implied he was gonna hang out with one of the Shepard twins.
Ponyboy sat watching everyone else talk and have fun, eventually joining in on the fun himself—hoping that maybe if he focused less on the time, it’ll pass by quicker.
Johnny was doing relatively good after the Bob Sheldon incident, though, left with several burn scars and having a cast on his arm and leg (which he’s gonna have to keep on for a long while.), Pony still felt guilty though.
But the past is in the past right?
Johnny made a pretty good recovery and didn’t end up how doctors predicted he would, and Dally is in good shape—he had a burn scar or too, but nothin’ too serious, just like Pony.
Johnny’s hair gotten longer since then, and Ponyboy actually grown into the blond hair, so he’d been re-dying his hair blond every time it grew out too much—at first he hated the blond hair ‘cause his hair was short, but the longer it got, the tuffer it was.
While Pony was lost in thought, most of the gang was playing poker now.
Two-bit hadn’t won a single round, which was crazy—considering even Johnny had joined up won at least twice. (And Johnny isn’t exactly known for being great at poker either—usually he just watches it happen with Pony.)
“Oh this is so unfair! this game is rigged.”
Lady luck just wasn’t playing in Two-bit’s favor today…
By the time the clock struck 7 pm, Darry had finished up the cake—of course, it was chocolate, the Curtis’s favorite cake to ever grace the planet; chocolate cake.
It was nicer than their usual chocolate cakes as this is for a birthday after all.
Two tiered, and frosted nicely with chocolatey buttercream and ganache… Darry must’ve looked at some recipe books to get something this nice!
Ponyboy was practically beaming when he saw his cake—and the others were just as excited—mainly to shovel it down their throats.
But everyone was excited nonetheless!
“Happy birthday, Honey.” Darry smiled at his youngest kid brother as they all gathered around the dinner table.
They’ve been getting along better since the incident—for Soda’s sake, they try very hard.
“Thanks, Dar.”
“No problem, Colt…”
Darry looked at Ponyboy, smiling and ruffling his hair in such a way it nearly reminded him of their dad.
“C’mon Pone! Blow the candles already… I want cake!” Two-bit was impatiently shaking Pony by the shoulders—for a adult Two-bit sure acted like a kid.
Rolling his eyes, Ponyboy nodded.
“Yea, yea, be patient Two. We’re getting there…”
Soda excitedly held the packet of birthday candles, already placing a few on.
“How many do you want Honey?”
“Just put five, Soda.” Darry said, grabbing a lighter from the countertop—it was probably Dally’s, since it was places right next to a pack of Kools.
Lighting the candles, everyone gathered around the table.
Sodapop and Two-bit were loudly singing a dramatic rendition of “Happy Birthday”
Johnny quietly sung alongside Darry, and the other two didn’t sing at all.
Dally was never really big on singing, (or birthdays) and Steve was just being a dick.
Despite that, Steve and Pony didn’t really hate each other anymore. They were just mean for fun.
Darry made sure to get some good photos of Pony being sung to, and blowing out the candles. The camera was their mother’s, she always took pictures on big days—like birthdays.
He couldn’t ever forget to continue her traditions.
“What’d you wish for sweetie?”
“Dar! Pony can’t say or else its not gonna come true—“
“Of course… I forgot.”
Soda believed in a lot of the silly things their dad said… especially the one about not being able to reveal what you wish for, otherwise it wouldn’t ever come true.
Ponyboy piped up with a really vague answer, just to be funny, “I wished for something real great… trust me.”
Pony wistfully looked up, like he was longingly dreaming of something.
That something was seeing a Curly haired boy, who had dark blue eyes Pony could just get lost in for hours…
No one had to know thats what Pony wished for though. That probably wouldn’t play out well.
The eldest Curtis cut everyone a piece of cake (though some took more than one piece…) So to no one’s surprise, the whole cake was devoured in less than an hour.
“Is it alright if I head to bed early?”
Darry raised a brow… Ponyboy usually doesn’t sleep all too early during his birthday.
“Why? You feeling sick, Honey?”
“Naw… jus’ tired. Didn’t plan on doing anything this year anyway.”
“Aww.. Go get some shut eye Pone! We can all do something fun tomorrow night, I’m sure!” Soda smiled and kissed the top of Ponyboy’s head.
Darry followed suit, giving Pony a sweet kiss on the temple, “Sleep well, Colt.”
Nobody else noticed when Pony left, other than Johnny, who gave him a nod.
They were all busy playing poker again anyway.
Ponyboy had to quietly get dressed, as to not blow his cover of not actually being asleep.
He didn’t know where Curly planned on taking him but… just in case—he should wear something nice?
Or, you know. The nicest thing he owns.
So, Pony put a leather jacket (the one Dally gave him) overtop a white shirt and jeans.
It was kind of sad that thats the nicest thing he owns, but then again, it’s not like he’s gonna wear some suit and tie to wherever Curly’s planning on goin’.
He was probably thinking of going to some party with drugs and alcohol anyway…
Pony hated parties. Especially ones with alcohol and drugs.
It just was not his scene… Curly enjoyed them. Immensely.
Pony was looking at himself in Soda’s floor length mirror—he had really wanted a mirror in their room, so he went out and bought one with his paycheck a few months ago.
Pony had been using it religiously to make sure he didn’t look a mess. Then he remembered hadn’t greased his hair today, nor has he been doing it lately—should he be greasing his hair?
Does it look better that way? Soda said he looks great both ways… what does Curly think?
And maybe Soda wouldn’t mind if he “borrowed” a little bit of his cologne…
Pony’s thoughts were racing a mile a minute, getting dressed sure was hard when you’re… trying to impress someone?
He understood why girls take ages to get ready to go out now. Evie made everyone wait on her when going anywhere—Steve got a little annoyed with her about it, but not too much.
They’ve been in like some weird honeymoon phase ever since they got together freshman year.
Pony snapped out of his thoughts when he heard thuds on his window, he internally panicked since he still hadn’t decided whether to grease his hair or not…
Oh well. (It wasn’t really just “Oh well.” what if Curly thinks he doesn’t look tuff enough?)
He softly padded towards the window and opened it up—as he did so, Curly was already half way in; perched on the windowsill.
“Heya, Pones… Ready to go?” Curly grinned, canines sharp. “I snagged ol’ Timmy’s car, we ain’t hav’ta walk!”
“You ‘snagged’ it? As in you got permission or you just took it, huh?”
“I took it. He’s my brother! Whats so bad if I borrow without askin’ once in a while?”
Curly snickered, and Pony couldn’t help but laugh along too…
“Right, right… well I’m ready—where’d you park Curls?”
“Down the street… I ain’t no dummy baby Curtis, I wasn’t gonna get us caught…”
Pony rolled his eyes, putting on his shoes before hopping out the window after Curly.
It took them about 5 minutes to get to Tim’s busted up looking car.
“Ladies first…” Curly winked, opening the passenger seat, bowing with arm out, welcoming him in.
“Shut up, Curls.” Ponyboy scoffed and hit him upside the head before continuing and getting in the car, “Where are we even going?”
“A party! I heard Angel talkin’ about it so, I thought I’d take ya—for yer birthday.” The older boy replied, going around the front to get into the drivers seat.
Ah… so It seems Ponyboy’s assumption was right. A party, classic…
It’s not like Ponyboy was really hoping for anything—not really… dinner would’ve been cool though? (Then maybe Pony could have really confessed… maybe it could’ve been a real date. A normal one.)
Oh—what’s wrong with him? Curly ain’t queer, and plus, a public date? between two boys? quickest way to get jumped, period.
Even if Curly was queer, Pony didn’t think he was near tuff enough for a guy like Curly Shepard.
In what world would Curls ever fancy him?
“Oh.. uhm, heres your gift, by the way…”
Curly nervously scratched the back of his neck, holding out a (decently wrapped) gift towards Ponyboy. He’d flushed a little pink, but he was sure Pony couldn’t see… It was dark!
It wasn’t usual for Curly to act this way; shy and stuff… but Pony just made him feel sometimes. Not that he doesn’t have feelings, but Ponyboy really does bring out something in him…
Something good…
Something—gold?
Pony stared back at Curly, stumbling over his words a little, “T…thanks! Thank you, Curly… ’preciate it.”
He reached out to take the gift from the other boys hand—fingers grazing each other.
Ponyboy held on for a second before taking his hand back so it didn’t start getting… awkward.
It might’ve just been a second that Pony held on, but it was a second long enough that it had Curly thinking, and hoping for something.
“Anyway… Who’s hosting? It better not be Buck. I hate that guy n’ his dirty little parties.”
“Oh! Ah… Nah, we ain’t goin’ to Bucks—we’re goin’ to some kids party. Angel’s friend or something…”
The rest of the car ride was filled with random chatter, it was clear to both of them they were avoiding something.
They both wanted to say something—they just wouldn’t dare be the first to say it.
Once there, Curly parked the car out front before they both stepped out.
“I know you ain’t like parties, Pone… but trust me. This’ll be fun!”
“Really? And you aren’t gonna get drunk are you? You’re driving.”
“Pshhh… I have good tolerance Ponybabe, relax…”
Ponyboy blush lightly at the nickname… “Ponybabe” it was kind of silly, but cute… Pony hopes Curly didn’t notice his flushed face.
The older boy didn’t seem to notice it and put an arm around the blond and lead him inside.
Honestly, Ponyboy didn’t really think he’d like it even if Curly said it’d be quote, “Fun.”
The music was loud, people everywhere, a million lights were blaring in different colors, and the air smelt of tobacco and alcohol.
In short, it was just bad all over.
Pony could even swear he see’s some greaser girl humping a guys leg. (He prays it was just an angle trick though…)
“I’ll get us some drinks, Pone, you… just stay here, alright?”
“Sure, sure… don’t take too long, or I might just take Tim’s car and scram.”
Curly scoffed and mumbled a, “As if…” as he left to get drinks.
Ponyboy watched as Curly walked away, going over to the table with all the drinks. (Which were all probably alcoholic?)
He could see a girl getting real close to Curly… all chummy, fuck, that’s just not fair—worse, he seems to just be letting it happen?
I mean, sure, Pony told himself Curly didn’t and wouldn’t ever like him back but… damn, it hurts to see it be true.
He was so entranced staring at Curly and that random girl, that he didn’t notice when someone came up to him.
“Ponyboy? Is that you?”
It was Cathy—Cathy Carlson.
Pony hadn’t seen her in a while, they broke up a few months ago because Ponyboy just couldn’t get into her…
He tried, really.
But he was hooked on Curly Shepard… so for both his and hers sakes, they broke up on good terms.
Cathy was fine with Ponyboy being queer, and she promised to not tell a single soul…
That made everything easier.
“Oh, hey Cathy. Didn’t know you were a party girl..”
“Well, I didn’t catch you for a party guy either. You said you hated ‘em?”
Cath smirked… like she knew Pony just here because a certain someone was.
“Oh, shut up, Cath… Curly took me here, I didn’t go alone hoping he was here…”
“Ain’t that sweet?” Cathy chuckled before pulling Ponyboy in for a hug. “Happy birth—“
“Get off of him!”
Curly set down the drinks before rolling up his sleeves, ready to sock Cathy in the face.
“uh—uhm, Cathy… I think you should go!”
Cathy gave him a look, before nodding and briskly turning to walk the other way.
“Why were you hugging your ex, Pony?”
Curly was meant to sound mad, but it came out more jealous than anything… then again, those kinda go hand in hand.
“We were just… she wasn’t—ugh, just chill out… alright? People are starting to look..”
Ponyboy grabbed Curly by the wrist and started dragging him out to the back porch.
There weren’t many people outside, anyone who was out here was just out to take a quick smoke.
“Listen, Curls… it wasn’t—“
“I like you.”
“What?”
Ponyboy was left dumbfounded.
“I said, ‘I like you.’ I thought I was gonna hav’ta get drunk to say it but… guess not.”
All Pony could do was stare, I mean, Its great to know his feelings are reciprocated but… its hard to comprehend when you’re told it so straightforwardly.
“I… uhm… really? You? Like.. me?”
“Don’t sound so surprised, everyone thinks your whole family is attractive—I almost think it’s unfair.”
Curly rolled his eyes, and Pony laughed.
“Don’t fucking laugh. Do you like me or not Pony? I’m seriously gonna hit you.”
“Of course I like you … Curls.”
“Yea, alright. So, you don’t mind?”
“Don’t mind what?”
Curly grasped Pony by the sides of his face, pulling him in close—but giving him time to pull away if he didn’t want this.
But he didn’t.
So closing the gap further—they kissed.
It was sweet, warm, everything Ponyboy has been dreaming of since playing chicken.
whether or not they were just friends or more, he didn’t care.
Not about labels.
At least not now.
When they broke apart, Ponyboy felt a little disappointed.
But at least he knew his little crush could actually lead somewhere…
He felt warm and fluttery inside, it was nauseating, but good! In a way…?
“Happy birthday, birthday boy.” Curly smiled a crooked grin, and Pony couldn’t help but smile back.
By the end of that party, Ponyboy entered as a single little grease, and left with a boyfriend in tow.
When Curly drove him home in Tim’s beat up bird, they held hands, and exchanged kisses before parting ways.
Ponyboy snuck back in through his bedroom window—and was greeted with a sly Sodapop Curtis on the bed…
“Out, I see?”
His grin only grew seeing how his kid brother flushed with little pink cheeks.
“With a pretty girl too? Scandalous, little buddy…”
“Sure.. a pretty girl..”
Ponyboy couldn’t help but blush at the thought—it really wasn’t a girl. It was a guy. A Shepard… Curly Shepard.
“It’s okay, Pones! I wont tattle to Superman… just get in here and sleep, bud.”
Soda smiled kindly, and Pony breathed out a breath.
He was nervous for nothing.
Of course Soda wouldn’t tell Dar…
So Ponyboy changed into comfier clothes and got into bed.
Falling asleep to thoughts of a certain Curly haired greaser…
This was his greatest birthday yet.