spiders scare me

Darry:

He is very protective of her, obvi. Pony has Soda; Darry has his little sister. They are very close. He worries extra about her, bc he thinks she is too fragile and innocent for the harsh world (he pictures her like she's still 5 years old). They don't fight much at all. When they do, it's just about little things like what she wears, makeup, her smoking. Actually cracks his tough exterior when she laughs and jokes with him.

Sodapop:

His little princess! He loves her so so much! She can do no wrong in his eyes. Keeps her secrets. Thick as thieves, these two. He loves to pick her up and spin her around randomly. Always wants to be messing with her/touching her (tickling her, pinching her, playing with her hair). The only sibling he has who is a chatterbox and energetic like him. Ready to fight anyone who even dares to look at her the wrong way.

Ponyboy:

Even though he's younger, he feels the responsibility to protect her. She reminds him so much of their mom. He asks for hugs from her when he's upset, bc of this. He loves that she is gentle and really listens to him when he wants to talk about movies, books, sunsets, fights with Darry, stuff like that. He knows he can be vulnerable around her, and that she won't judge him. Johnny and her are the two people who he doesn't mind having at the movies with him.

Two-Bit:

Treats her just like he treats his own sister. He loves to hide her stuff and then stifle his laughs when she is trying desperately to find it. Definitely taught her how to steal, and now they make the perfect pair. Her as the pretty distraction, and him to do the actual dirty work. A little scared of her sometimes, especially when she gets on to him about his drinking or missing school. He likes to sit on her bed and watch her while she does her makeup and hair, rattling off questions like "Now what's that for?" or "Doesn't that hurt when you poke your eye with it?!"

Johnny:

Literally a lovesick puppy, but tries to hide it, bc he feels like she's off limits being Darry, Soda, and Pony's sister. He tries to act extra tuff when she's around, so she'll think he is cool. Stutters so much more than normal when she's talking to him. Blushing all the time. Likes it when she tags along with him and Ponyboy when they're out doing stuff. Never too scared to stand up for her to anyone, he doesn't care who it is. She brings him out of his shell more than anyone.

Dallas:

She's a lot like Mrs.Curtis was, and Mrs.Curtis was the only adult in his life he actually took seriously, so he likes that about her. He doesn't let on how much he really does care for her. Swipes a little something for her almost every time he's in a store (nail polish, hair clips, lipstick, etc.). Will get jailed before he would let anyone talk badly about her or treat her badly, but if she asked him about why he did it, he'd just tell her to shut-up lmao.

Steve:

The only person he cares about as much as Soda. He always wanted a little sister. Ponyboy gets on his nerves, but she never does. Roughhouses with her like she's one the guys, but always lets her win. She helps him get the complicated swirls in his hair. She likes to cuddle up to Steve when the gang watches movies at the Curtis house, bc Steve is always burning hot, and she is always cold af. Comes to her (even before going to Soda, sometimes) for advice about anything and everything.

𓂃𓈒⟡・𓂃𓈒⟡・𓂃𓈒⟡・𓂃𓈒⟡・𓂃𓈒⟡・𓂃𓈒⟡・𓂃𓈒⟡・𓂃𓈒⟡𓂃

note: requested by @somesimpformen a while ago! hope you like it! <3

The walk to Dally's room was silent, but once you all were just a few feet away from the door, you heard some bickering inside. Dally was arguing with the nurse. Well, at least you know he's fine, business as usual. You all made your way into the room while the nurse was leaving.

"Get out, just get out. You're making my stomach sick," he said to her and finished his statement with loud laughter.

Dallas is harsh, and he doesn't care what anyone thinks of him. You have always admired the latter trait, but not the first. You felt a little bit of pity for that nurse for having to deal with Dally. Two-Bit asked him how he was doing and tossed him a little something he had swiped for Dal when he was in the gift shop. You managed a small 'Hey, Dally', and then went back to staying quiet. Dally talked to you all while he got out of the hospital bed and slammed his door. You were only half paying attention. You couldn't really focus on anything right now. You were glad to see with your own two eyes that Dally was okay, and now, you just wanted to get back to Johnny. He returned to his bed, and you heard him mention something about Tim Shepard and the rumble tonight. You think maybe he asked Pony for a cigarette too, but you weren't sure. You finally snapped out of your trance when you heard him mention Johnny's name. You looked up at him for the first time since entering his room.

"How is he? How's Johnny doin', man?" Dally asked Two-Bit. He stared right into Two's eyes. You saw a look on Dally's face you had never seen from him before. He was...concerned? Worried? You didn't think Dally ever even felt things like that.

"Look Dal. Uh, I don't know 'bout stuff like this, but, uh. But he didn't look too good. Passed out cold before we left," Two-Bit couldn't meet Dally's eyes. He looked down to the ground sadly.

Thinking about what had just happened with Johnny and his mom before you left made you upset all over again. You had tears blurring your vision, but through them you saw Dallas's demeanor change even more. He was not only looking worried and concerned, but now, also heartbroken. Maybe just as much or more than you. You knew Dally and Johnny were close. Johnny admired Dallas so much and looked up to him, but you had failed to notice just how much Dally cared for Johnny as well. He asked Two-Bit for his switch. You weren't sure why and Two-Bit wasn't either, but he flicked it open and handed it over anyway. Dallas took the blade his hand and then rolled over on his side to where none of you could see the front of him. He began a tirade about the rumble and making the Socs pay for what they had done. He stabbed at the bed while he spoke loudly and aggressively. He was really freaking you out. The tension and uncertainty in the room was strangling, and you couldn't stand to be in there anymore. You made your way to the hall and waited for Pony and Two-Bit to come out. You didn't even say bye to Dally.

When your brother and Two-Bit entered the hallway, Two said it was probably time for you guys to head back home. Pony wasn't looking too good, you and Two-Bit both could tell. He was looking sick. You told them to head home without you. Maybe you'd make your way back later, you weren't sure, but right now, you were going to go back to Johnny.

"I don't know, (Y/N). I think Darry probably wouldn't want me to leave ya here like this..." Two-Bit trailed off.

"Don't worry 'bout it, Two. I'll be fine. I'll deal with Darry later if he's mad. You just get Ponyboy back home, okay?", you asserted.

Two-Bit looked like he wanted to protest, but he didn't say anything else except an apprehensive 'okay' and 'goodbye'. You gave him and Pony both a hug, and then they headed to the elevator. You walked down the hall and made your way back to your dear Johnny. The nurse stopped you before you could walk in his door, and she said Johnny still hadn't come back to yet, but she would come and get you when he did. You nodded and took a seat in that waiting room. It was beginning to feel like a second home to you at this point. You lit a cigarette, closed your eyes, and leaned back in the seat while taking a drag.

It had been hours, and the nurse still hadn't come back yet. You glanced out of the big bay windows of the waiting room into the darkness that had swept through the streets. You decided that it had been long enough, and you tried to make your way into Johnny's room again. It didn't matter if he was awake or asleep, you just wanted to be by his side. You bumped into the doctor while he was leaving Johnny's room.

"Oh. I was needing to speak with you, Miss Curtis," he said.

His nurse was with him, and she gave you a look that was filled with gloom. The doctor led you away from the door and down the hallway a bit. Then, he began speaking slowly and despairingly.

"I know you are aware that Mr.Cade's condition has not been good at all. Not a single time since he was admitted."

You nodded and let some tears slip out, urging him to continue.

"Things have only progressively gotten worse and at a fast pace. There is no easy way to say this, but it's unavoidable. Johnny is not going to get better. He is dying, and he will more than likely not make it through the night. He has been made aware of his circumstance. We are doing all we can to keep him comfortable and keep his pain controlled. I am so sorry."

Your breath hitched in your throat. No, that can't be true. He is going to be okay. He is tough. He is strong.

"Wha...What? No! No, no, no! You're wrong! You don't know what you're talkin' 'bout!", you said with a raised tone. Your voice wobbled and broke. You started to hyperventilate.

You took a couple of steps away from the doctor until your back hit the wall, and then you slid down it. He gave another quiet apology and then left you alone to process the news. You pulled your knees to your chest and sobbed into them. The doctor's words started to really fully register in your head. You were going to lose Johnny, and you were going to lose him soon. It didn't matter that you love him and he loves you. It didn't matter that 16 years wasn't going to be long enough. Nothing mattered, and nothing was gonna change what was happening.

You cried until there were no tears left. You took a shaky breath and slowly stood up from the ground. Johnny didn't have long left, and you needed to pull it together and be there for him. You went to the bathroom and threw cold water in your face, patted yourself dry with some paper towels, and then went to him. They had moved him from his earlier position; he was lying on his back now. He looked more comfortable that way. Even with all of his burns and bandages and all the medical equipment, he still looked like an angel. You pulled the chair beside his bed even closer, took a seat, and just stared at him for a while. You wanted to memorize every detail of him. His slightly crooked teeth, his tanned skin, his newly roughly chopped black hair. It looked so much different without his grease. Almost fluffy. You gently wrapped a hand around the upper part of his left arm, careful to avoid his burns. He stirred and cracked open his eyes just enough to see you sitting there holding him the best you could without adding to his pain. He closed his eyes back, and the ghost of a smile danced across his face. He used all the energy he could muster to mumble in your direction.

"My favorite girl...," he said just barely above a whisper. "I'm not...not scared....anymore," he could hardly speak between shallow breaths.

"Shhh, Johnny. Just rest. I'll be right here, I promise," you said to him. You held back your tears, thinking maybe it might frighten him if he knew just how distraught you were really feeling in this moment.

"Kiss...me..." Johnny murmured.

Your heart was in your throat. You wanted nothing more than to kiss him, but you were so afraid of hurting him. You thought about it and determined that if this was what he wanted, you would grant him his wish. You leaned forward and brushed through his bangs with your fingers. You cupped his cheek with your hand, leaned down, and pressed a slow, delicate kiss to his lips. The first and the only kiss the two of you would ever share. You pulled away when you heard a commotion outside his room. You turned to look at the door right as Dally and Ponyboy trudged in. You had clean forgot about the rumble with everything happening here. Pony looked absolutely awful. He was limping. His shirt was torn. Blood dripped from a cut on his head. His face was bruised. He was muddy and wet. Dallas was a little beat up, but not too bad. He was wet too. His burned arm still bandaged up. He has some blood oozing down his chin from the corner of his mouth and what looked like the beginnings of a black eye. You stood and grasped Ponyboy by his shoulders, looking him up and down.

"Oh my god, Ponyboy! Jesus christ! What the hell happened in that rumble?", you said to him.

He didn't even react to you at all. He was clearly very disoriented. Dallas kneeled down next to Johnny on the other side of the hospital bed and spoke to him.

"Hey. Hey Johnny. We beat the Socs, man. We chased 'em right outta our neighborhood."

"It's...useless..." Johnny croaked at him. "Fightin' ain't no good..."

Dally hesitated for a moment, trying to think of something that Johnny may like to hear.

"Ya know, they're still writin' editorials about you in the paper. Ya know, about you bein' a hero? We're all proud of you, buddy. It's gonna be alright."

Johnny turned his head just a little bit towards Ponyboy. He still hadn't had the energy to even open his eyes.

"Ponyboy...Ponyboy...", he whispered so quietly, you could barely make it out. Ponyboy leaned in closer to Johnny. "St...stay gold, Ponyboy....stay gold...", he let out a final labored breath.

His chest fell, and it didn't rise again. His head drooped off to the side, and he was gone. One minute he was here, and the next he had faded away. You grabbed Pony, and you both held each other and wept together. Dally shook Johnny's body, urging him to wake up.

"So this is what ya get, huh? This is what ya get for helpin' people? Punk...Come on Johnny, don't die. Come on. Come on, Johnny, don't die on me now. Please..."

Dally's face was twisted in pain. He was utterly devastated, tears falling from his eyes, sobs caught in his throat. He bowed his head and cried for a brief time. Then finally, he rose from his position and swiftly punched the wall.

"Bastards!!", he shouted.

You jumped and gazed at him in terror. He grabbed the door frame and leaned his forehead against it while catching his breath. He turned, wiped his eyes, had one more look at what was left of Johnny, and then took off down the hall. You ran to the door and yelled to him.

"Dally! Dallas, wait! Please stop!", but it was too late. He was gone, and you knew nothing good could come from this.

You swiveled back around and observed the scene before you. Johnny's limp body on the bed, still as ever. Ponyboy falling apart at the seams. Your little brother looked at you with teary eyes and a quivering lip. You had to get Pony home, that's all you knew for sure in this moment. You gave Johnny one last kiss on his cheek. It felt foreign and weird. That wasn't Johnny, not anymore. You reached for Ponyboy and threw his arm over your shoulder, so you could support his weight and help him walk. Together, you made your way out of the room, down the hall, to the elevator, and then out the hospital doors. You dragged Pony beside you; he was having a hard time keeping up. You weren't sure how long you had struggled with trying to walk him and yourself at the same time, but then, a man pulled up and offered you a ride. He seemed nice enough, so you took him up on his offer. He got you back to your house, and you thanked him before pulling Ponyboy out of the car. You walked him through the fence, up the steps, and through the front door. It creaked as you pushed it open. All eyes were on you both as soon as you entered the house. The guys looked like they had been worked over pretty well in the rumble. Chipped teeth, bruises, bite marks, and bloody knuckles all around. You had been crying ever since the hospital, and tears were still pouring from your eyes.

"Where you been?," Darry said to you and Pony.

Neither of you spoke. Pony just looked around and then at the ground. Darry looked at you both, concern washed over his features as he stood from his armchair.

"Hey, Pony? (Y/N)? What's wrong?"

Pony answered his question. You couldn't even begin to form any words right now.

"Johnny's dead."

Darry just stared straight ahead, his eyes glazed over. You walked to him and leaned your head into his broad chest. You grabbed the material of his black t-shirt between your fists and broke down, finally able to let it all out now that you had gotten yourself and Ponyboy home safely. Everyone looked around to one another, eyes widened with shock. Pony walked into the dining room as he continued to talk. He was jumpy and had a frantic look about him.

"Told him 'bout beatin' the Socs, and I don't know, he just died. Told me to stay gold. Dally's gone. He couldn't take it! He's gonna blow!"

The atmosphere was fraught with anxiety. The only sound was that of your sobs.

𓂃𓈒⟡・𓂃𓈒⟡・𓂃𓈒⟡・𓂃𓈒⟡𓂃𓈒⟡・𓂃𓈒⟡・𓂃𓈒⟡・𓂃𓈒⟡𓂃

note: ouch, this one has a little bit of a kick to it. rip johnny cade, gone but not forgotten. </3

The walk to Dally's room was silent, but once you all were just a few feet away from the door, you heard some bickering inside. Dally was arguing with the nurse. Well, at least you know he's fine, business as usual. You all made your way into the room while the nurse was leaving.

"Get out, just get out. You're making my stomach sick," he said to her and finished his statement with loud laughter.

Dallas is harsh, and he doesn't care what anyone thinks of him. You have always admired the latter trait, but not the first. You felt a little bit of pity for that nurse for having to deal with Dally. Two-Bit asked him how he was doing and tossed him a little something he had swiped for Dal when he was in the gift shop. You managed a small 'Hey, Dally', and then went back to staying quiet. Dally talked to you all while he got out of the hospital bed and slammed his door. You were only half paying attention. You couldn't really focus on anything right now. You were glad to see with your own two eyes that Dally was okay, and now, you just wanted to get back to Johnny. He returned to his bed, and you heard him mention something about Tim Shepard and the rumble tonight. You think maybe he asked Pony for a cigarette too, but you weren't sure. You finally snapped out of your trance when you heard him mention Johnny's name. You looked up at him for the first time since entering his room.

"How is he? How's Johnny doin', man?" Dally asked Two-Bit. He stared right into Two's eyes. You saw a look on Dally's face you had never seen from him before. He was...concerned? Worried? You didn't think Dally ever even felt things like that.

"Look Dal. Uh, I don't know 'bout stuff like this, but, uh. But he didn't look too good. Passed out cold before we left," Two-Bit couldn't meet Dally's eyes. He looked down to the ground sadly.

Thinking about what had just happened with Johnny and his mom before you left made you upset all over again. You had tears blurring your vision, but through them you saw Dallas's demeanor change even more. He was not only looking worried and concerned, but now, also heartbroken. Maybe just as much or more than you. You knew Dally and Johnny were close. Johnny admired Dallas so much and looked up to him, but you had failed to notice just how much Dally cared for Johnny as well. He asked Two-Bit for his switch. You weren't sure why and Two-Bit wasn't either, but he flicked it open and handed it over anyway. Dallas took the blade his hand and then rolled over on his side to where none of you could see the front of him. He began a tirade about the rumble and making the Socs pay for what they had done. He stabbed at the bed while he spoke loudly and aggressively. He was really freaking you out. The tension and uncertainty in the room was strangling, and you couldn't stand to be in there anymore. You made your way to the hall and waited for Pony and Two-Bit to come out. You didn't even say bye to Dally.

When your brother and Two-Bit entered the hallway, Two said it was probably time for you guys to head back home. Pony wasn't looking too good, you and Two-Bit both could tell. He was looking sick. You told them to head home without you. Maybe you'd make your way back later, you weren't sure, but right now, you were going to go back to Johnny.

"I don't know, (Y/N). I think Darry probably wouldn't want me to leave ya here like this..." Two-Bit trailed off.

"Don't worry 'bout it, Two. I'll be fine. I'll deal with Darry later if he's mad. You just get Ponyboy back home, okay?", you asserted.

Two-Bit looked like he wanted to protest, but he didn't say anything else except an apprehensive 'okay' and 'goodbye'. You gave him and Pony both a hug, and then they headed to the elevator. You walked down the hall and made your way back to your dear Johnny. The nurse stopped you before you could walk in his door, and she said Johnny still hadn't come back to yet, but she would come and get you when he did. You nodded and took a seat in that waiting room. It was beginning to feel like a second home to you at this point. You lit a cigarette, closed your eyes, and leaned back in the seat while taking a drag.

It had been hours, and the nurse still hadn't come back yet. You glanced out of the big bay windows of the waiting room into the darkness that had swept through the streets. You decided that it had been long enough, and you tried to make your way into Johnny's room again. It didn't matter if he was awake or asleep, you just wanted to be by his side. You bumped into the doctor while he was leaving Johnny's room.

"Oh. I was needing to speak with you, Miss Curtis," he said.

His nurse was with him, and she gave you a look that was filled with gloom. The doctor led you away from the door and down the hallway a bit. Then, he began speaking slowly and despairingly.

"I know you are aware that Mr.Cade's condition has not been good at all. Not a single time since he was admitted."

You nodded and let some tears slip out, urging him to continue.

"Things have only progressively gotten worse and at a fast pace. There is no easy way to say this, but it's unavoidable. Johnny is not going to get better. He is dying, and he will more than likely not make it through the night. He has been made aware of his circumstance. We are doing all we can to keep him comfortable and keep his pain controlled. I am so sorry."

Your breath hitched in your throat. No, that can't be true. He is going to be okay. He is tough. He is strong.

"Wha...What? No! No, no, no! You're wrong! You don't know what you're talkin' 'bout!", you said with a raised tone. Your voice wobbled and broke. You started to hyperventilate.

You took a couple of steps away from the doctor until your back hit the wall, and then you slid down it. He gave another quiet apology and then left you alone to process the news. You pulled your knees to your chest and sobbed into them. The doctor's words started to really fully register in your head. You were going to lose Johnny, and you were going to lose him soon. It didn't matter that you love him and he loves you. It didn't matter that 16 years wasn't going to be long enough. Nothing mattered, and nothing was gonna change what was happening.

You cried until there were no tears left. You took a shaky breath and slowly stood up from the ground. Johnny didn't have long left, and you needed to pull it together and be there for him. You went to the bathroom and threw cold water in your face, patted yourself dry with some paper towels, and then went to him. They had moved him from his earlier position; he was lying on his back now. He looked more comfortable that way. Even with all of his burns and bandages and all the medical equipment, he still looked like an angel. You pulled the chair beside his bed even closer, took a seat, and just stared at him for a while. You wanted to memorize every detail of him. His slightly crooked teeth, his tanned skin, his newly roughly chopped black hair. It looked so much different without his grease. Almost fluffy. You gently wrapped a hand around the upper part of his left arm, careful to avoid his burns. He stirred and cracked open his eyes just enough to see you sitting there holding him the best you could without adding to his pain. He closed his eyes back, and the ghost of a smile danced across his face. He used all the energy he could muster to mumble in your direction.

"My favorite girl...," he said just barely above a whisper. "I'm not...not scared....anymore," he could hardly speak between shallow breaths.

"Shhh, Johnny. Just rest. I'll be right here, I promise," you said to him. You held back your tears, thinking maybe it might frighten him if he knew just how distraught you were really feeling in this moment.

"Kiss...me..." Johnny murmured.

Your heart was in your throat. You wanted nothing more than to kiss him, but you were so afraid of hurting him. You thought about it and determined that if this was what he wanted, you would grant him his wish. You leaned forward and brushed through his bangs with your fingers. You cupped his cheek with your hand, leaned down, and pressed a slow, delicate kiss to his lips. The first and the only kiss the two of you would ever share. You pulled away when you heard a commotion outside his room. You turned to look at the door right as Dally and Ponyboy trudged in. You had clean forgot about the rumble with everything happening here. Pony looked absolutely awful. He was limping. His shirt was torn. Blood dripped from a cut on his head. His face was bruised. He was muddy and wet. Dallas was a little beat up, but not too bad. He was wet too. His burned arm still bandaged up. He has some blood oozing down his chin from the corner of his mouth and what looked like the beginnings of a black eye. You stood and grasped Ponyboy by his shoulders, looking him up and down.

"Oh my god, Ponyboy! Jesus christ! What the hell happened in that rumble?", you said to him.

He didn't even react to you at all. He was clearly very disoriented. Dallas kneeled down next to Johnny on the other side of the hospital bed and spoke to him.

"Hey. Hey Johnny. We beat the Socs, man. We chased 'em right outta our neighborhood."

"It's...useless..." Johnny croaked at him. "Fightin' ain't no good..."

Dally hesitated for a moment, trying to think of something that Johnny may like to hear.

"Ya know, they're still writin' editorials about you in the paper. Ya know, about you bein' a hero? We're all proud of you, buddy. It's gonna be alright."

Johnny turned his head just a little bit towards Ponyboy. He still hadn't had the energy to even open his eyes.

"Ponyboy...Ponyboy...", he whispered so quietly, you could barely make it out. Ponyboy leaned in closer to Johnny. "St...stay gold, Ponyboy....stay gold...", he let out a final labored breath.

His chest fell, and it didn't rise again. His head drooped off to the side, and he was gone. One minute he was here, and the next he had faded away. You grabbed Pony, and you both held each other and wept together. Dally shook Johnny's body, urging him to wake up.

"So this is what ya get, huh? This is what ya get for helpin' people? Punk...Come on Johnny, don't die. Come on. Come on, Johnny, don't die on me now. Please..."

Dally's face was twisted in pain. He was utterly devastated, tears falling from his eyes, sobs caught in his throat. He bowed his head and cried for a brief time. Then finally, he rose from his position and swiftly punched the wall.

"Bastards!!", he shouted.

You jumped and gazed at him in terror. He grabbed the door frame and leaned his forehead against it while catching his breath. He turned, wiped his eyes, had one more look at what was left of Johnny, and then took off down the hall. You ran to the door and yelled to him.

"Dally! Dallas, wait! Please stop!", but it was too late. He was gone, and you knew nothing good could come from this.

You swiveled back around and observed the scene before you. Johnny's limp body on the bed, still as ever. Ponyboy falling apart at the seams. Your little brother looked at you with teary eyes and a quivering lip. You had to get Pony home, that's all you knew for sure in this moment. You gave Johnny one last kiss on his cheek. It felt foreign and weird. That wasn't Johnny, not anymore. You reached for Ponyboy and threw his arm over your shoulder, so you could support his weight and help him walk. Together, you made your way out of the room, down the hall, to the elevator, and then out the hospital doors. You dragged Pony beside you; he was having a hard time keeping up. You weren't sure how long you had struggled with trying to walk him and yourself at the same time, but then, a man pulled up and offered you a ride. He seemed nice enough, so you took him up on his offer. He got you back to your house, and you thanked him before pulling Ponyboy out of the car. You walked him through the fence, up the steps, and through the front door. It creaked as you pushed it open. All eyes were on you both as soon as you entered the house. The guys looked like they had been worked over pretty well in the rumble. Chipped teeth, bruises, bite marks, and bloody knuckles all around. You had been crying ever since the hospital, and tears were still pouring from your eyes.

"Where you been?," Darry said to you and Pony.

Neither of you spoke. Pony just looked around and then at the ground. Darry looked at you both, concern washed over his features as he stood from his armchair.

"Hey, Pony? (Y/N)? What's wrong?"

Pony answered his question. You couldn't even begin to form any words right now.

"Johnny's dead."

Darry just stared straight ahead, his eyes glazed over. You walked to him and leaned your head into his broad chest. You grabbed the material of his black t-shirt between your fists and broke down, finally able to let it all out now that you had gotten yourself and Ponyboy home safely. Everyone looked around to one another, eyes widened with shock. Pony walked into the dining room as he continued to talk. He was jumpy and had a frantic look about him.

"Told him 'bout beatin' the Socs, and I don't know, he just died. Told me to stay gold. Dally's gone. He couldn't take it! He's gonna blow!"

The atmosphere was fraught with anxiety. The only sound was that of your sobs.

𓂃𓈒⟡・𓂃𓈒⟡・𓂃𓈒⟡・𓂃𓈒⟡𓂃𓈒⟡・𓂃𓈒⟡・𓂃𓈒⟡・𓂃𓈒⟡𓂃

note: ouch, this one has a little bit of a kick to it. rip johnny cade, gone but not forgotten. </3

You rushed into the elevator with your two older brothers, Darrel and Sodapop. The hospital smelt so sterile, so clinical. It was awful, but right now you didn't care. Ponyboy and Johnny were the only things on your mind. Ponyboy was back. Johnny was back. But at what cost?

You had been ready to follow Pony right out the front door when he ran after Darry had struck him, and you would've too, but your brother held you back.

"We need to let him cool off, (Y/N). He'll be back," Sodapop had whispered to you that night, his hands holding you by the shoulders.

If only you had known what awaited your little brother and best friend at that park. The park you all had grown up playing in. The park you all had been to together so many times before. No going back now, though.

The elevator doors slid open after what seemed like years. Soda was the first out, then Darry, and then you. You all glanced down the hall to the waiting room, and there he sat. Your baby brother, smoking a cigarette, wearing a filthy shirt that was 3 sizes too big, covered in soot, and...blond? Pony looked up when he heard the footsteps, and he rushed into Soda's arms. He embraced him tightly.

"Ponyboy! Oh, look at your tuff hair...," Soda barely managed to squeak out his words, a definite tightness in his throat.

"Ponyboy, oh my god! You had us all scared to death!", you said while joining their hug. You brushed down his newly bleached hair with your hand, and then you all pulled away from each other.

"Pony...," Darry spoke quietly. He was afraid of what his brother now thought of him. Their last interaction had been Darry's biggest regret in all of his 20 years. His eyes were glistening with tears.

"Darry, I'm sorry!", Ponyboy said while running over to him.

This was enough to cause your eldest brother to fully breakdown. He threw his muscular arms around Ponyboy, and you and Soda helped to sandwich him in. Not a single dry eye between you, a big bunch of bawl babies is what your family had been reduced to.

"I thought we lost you like we did Mom and Dad!", Darry said between sobs. "You sure look funny!", he finished with a teary chuckle.

After the emotional family reunion, you all realized that every news station and paper had sent reporters here, fighting for the chance to speak with one of the heros who had saved all those little children's lives. The police were there as well, to get Pony's side of the story in all this mess. It was crazy for a long time between the interviewing and interrogating. When things died down, you all waited to hear about the conditions of Johnny and Dallas, but you "weren't family", so they "couldn't say." Bullshit. You and Darry finally got it through their heads that you guys were the closest thing Johnny and Dally had to family. The doctor explained that Dally would be fine after a couple of days in the hospital. Some scarring would mar him forever, his arm had been burned very badly. It would be a couple of weeks before he would be able to use that arm completely.

Johnny was not so good. Broken back, shock, third degree burns over much of his body. You felt the tears running down your cheeks before the doctor had even finished talking. You were positive that you were just as pale as Pony was right now. Darry threw an arm around each of you and squeezed hard. Your hearing was going in and out as the doctor continued to speak.

"Doing our best to ease the pain......if he lives.......crippled for the rest of his life."

If he lives? If? No, no, no. Not Johnny. Not your Johnny. The Johnny who always made you feel seen. The Johnny who held all the doors for you, shared his last cigarette with you, gave you his jean jacket when you shivered, blushed when you looked his way. The Johnny who was so funny, but not many knew, because he only whispered the sarcastic remarks to you. It was just a couple of nights before he went missing that you had tucked him in the for night on your living room couch, kissing his forehead and wishing him sweet dreams. Now, he lay in that hospital bed fighting for his life.

The doctor told Darry to take Ponyboy home and have him get some rest. You all needed rest. None of you had slept much at all during the last week. You had been so tired a couple of minutes before the doctor had come over, Soda had even fallen asleep with his head on Darry's lap, but you were wide awake now. You would not leave this hospital as long as Johnny was in there. He did not need to be alone at a time like this. Darry told you there was nothing you could do now. He begged you to come home with them and get some sleep.

"Come on, honey, please? I promise I'll drive you right over here first thing in the morning before work."

"No, Darry, alright? I ain't leavin'! Not until they let me see Johnny!"

Darry knew you weren't messing around. No one was going to be able to get you out of that hospital. You were so damn stubborn, always have been.

"You do not step one foot out of this hospital until someone comes back to bring you home, got it?", Darry said to you. He hated the idea of leaving you there, but he was too tired to argue anymore.

You agreed to his terms. You didn't want to leave anyway, that was the problem. Darry, Soda, and Pony reluctantly left you in that waiting room after hugging you goodbye.

It felt like hours had passed since your brothers had left. You stopped one of the nurses who you knew was caring for Johnny and poured your soul out to her.

"You have got to let me see him, please. You don't understand! He needs me!", you pleaded.

"I'm sorry, but he is in no shape for visitors, doctor's orders."

Your sobs could be heard throughout the whole ICU floor. The nurse was actually worried they may have to sedate you to get you to calm down. A doctor came out of his office to see what the problem was. He was a different doctor than who had spoken to you before; they must've switched over from night shift to day shift.

He walked up to you and asked, "What's your name, young lady?"

"(Y/N). (Y/N) Curtis," you said, followed by a few hiccups.

"He's been asking for you. Are you his girlfriend?"

Oh, man. You felt your face flush. You had never thought about Johnny like that before. He was a boy, and he was your friend, so you didn't feel too bad about lying to that doctor. You figured it was the best chance you had at getting to see him.

"Uh, yeah, yes, he's my boyfriend!," you replied quickly.

"Let her in to see him, nurse. It might help him to see a friendly face," the doctor stated.

Thank god! You followed the nurse down the hallway, and the first door on the right was the only thing that stood between you and your best friend. You cautiously pushed open the door. You took a few steps in, and there was Johnny. They had him lying on the bed on his stomach, his arms and head held up by slings. You hesitated briefly to give yourself a chance to breathe and calm down. You wiped your face to rid it of tear streaks, and then you stepped up to his bedside.

"Johnny? Sweetheart?"

You noticed his heartbeat on the monitor speed up at the sound of your voice.

"(Y/N), oh hey...", he croaked. "Golly, I hate for such a pretty gal to see me like this. They ain't even lettin' me grease my hair or nothin'...,"he ended that sentence with a couple of coughs and winces.

You took a seat in the chair beside his bed, leaning forward to look down into the mirror they had in front of his face. His big brown eyes looked back up at you. You wanted to be strong for him, you really did, but your tears had come back. You looked away and wished it was you on this bed instead of Johnny.

"You still look tuff. I promise, Johnnycakes." You tried to give him the brightest smile you muster.

You couldn't even hold his hand, because of the burns. That killed you. You both used to hold hands every now and then when walking around town. You wondered now if you'd ever be able to hold his hand again. His shoulders and the top of his back were clear of the injures. You gently laid a hand there, and stroked back and fourth slowly. He tensed up just for a split second and then relaxed into your touch. He looked truly at peace for the first time since you had walked in.

"I ain't leaving your side, you hear me? I'm here for you now and forever, Johnny. I love you."

The last part had just slipped out. You couldn't help it. You couldn't stop thinking about what you had said to that doctor about Johnny being your boyfriend. Everything made sense to you now, and you can't believe you hadn't noticed. Johnny loved you too. You knew it. You think part of you had always known. Maybe he was too scared before, to be so vulnerable with someone, and that's why he had never confessed his true feelings. His parents were the last people he had trusted with his love and look how that had turned out for him. Disappointment after disappointment. Maybe he thought he wasn't worthy of your time or attention, you didn't know. But what you did know was that he needed to know you loved him, and he needed to know it now. It was Johnny's turn to have tears in his eyes. He started to get pretty worked up, and he struggled to get a good breath.

"Oh damn, I'm sorry, Johnny! Please, take it easy or they'll make me leave! I'm sorry, forget I said anything!"

"I...I...love...you...too...," Johnny said, and then he passed out cold.

𓂃𓈒⟡・𓂃𓈒⟡・𓂃𓈒⟡・𓂃𓈒⟡𓂃𓈒⟡・𓂃𓈒⟡・𓂃𓈒⟡・𓂃𓈒⟡𓂃

You have got to snap out of it! Take action! Lock in, dammit! You were not going to let Darry know he was right all along. You used your knee to strike the fool that was on top of you right where the sun don't shine. He crumpled over beside you, moaning while curling up into a ball. You stood quickly and kicked him once more in the same, very sensitive, area. He was down and staying down this time. You steadied yourself and surveyed the scene in front of you. You only a had brief second before you saw a new rival heading straight for you. Here we go.

You dug your heels into the ground and readied your fists. He tried to get you with his left hook, but you dodged it. You swung and hit him right in the eye. He shook off your punch and lunged at you. He grabbed your skull with both hands and head-butted you. "Holy shit. Ow. Fuck, that hurt," you thought. Your nose was pouring blood. You could taste it as ran down your face into your mouth. This ignited a fire in you. All you saw was red. You swept your leg to take him out at the knees. He fell and was kneeling in front of you now. You threw back-to-back punches at his face. Honestly, you weren't even sure how many. Your hands started to go numb to the blows. He was pretty out of it and was struggling to stay up. You decided to help him out with that by putting your foot to his chest and kicking him over on to his back. You stomped him in the abdomen as hard as you could, and he looked up at you with a shocked expression, face twisted in pain. He rolled over and scrambled to get away from you. You noticed now that all of the out-of-towners were retreating. Oh my god, you all won! Everyone around you was celebrating.

"And don't you ever show your ugly faces 'round our town again!", you heard Steve holler.

The whole group was patting each other on the backs, laughing and jumping around. You had completely forgotten that you weren't even supposed to be here. So caught up in the moment, riding the high of the triumph. You started towards your friends and brothers, joining them in the rejoicing.

"Woohoo! Hell yeah! We stomped 'em real good!", you cheered. Your smile was crimson from the blood that had invaded your mouth after leaving your nose.

The crowd before you went eerily silent fast. Now you've done it. Everyone's focus turned to you immediately, and it was at this moment you realized your hat had come off in the scuffling. Not that it could've helped you here much anyway. The gang looked at you with wide eyes. Even Tim Shepard's outfit could tell something wasn't right. Before anyone could speak, Dallas started chuckling and grinning like a possum. He didn't even try to hide how proud of you he was. He ran up to you, picked you up, and spun you around in a circle.

"Well, look what the cat dragged in, boys! Baby's first rumble, eh?! You little firecracker!! Look at ya, all bloodied up! You look tuff, doll!", he said while setting you back on the ground and ruffling your hair.

You smiled up at him, glad at least one person wasn't upset with you. No one else was thrilled like Dally, not a single one of them. Even Two knew that this was no laughing matter. You glanced over at Darry for the first time since the fight had ended. He stared at you with a look that you couldn't quite place. Almost like he was in pain, but he didn't appear to be hurt. Besides, Darry never got very hurt in rumbles. He's really good at fighting. His face had turned red and his breathing was uneven. He closed his eyes, took in a shaky breath, blew it out slow, and turned to point a finger at Sodapop.

"Soda, make sure (Y/N) and Pony get their asses home. Straight home."

Before Soda could reply, Darry started to walk off towards the house. Not a word uttered to anyone else and without even a glance back. He was beyond mad. A whole new level of pissed had been achieved. It made your stomach tighten with anxiety. You hated when he was mad at you, but you didn't think this was gonna be that big of a deal, especially since you had done well and held your own. Everyone's buzz from the fight was long gone. The tension was palpable.

"Come on. Let's go," Soda spit out, his voice laced with venom.

You and Pony both followed behind your older brother. The rest of your crew had all split up and went their separate ways. Normally, the guys would come back to your house after a rumble to get patched up together, compare injuries, and tell stories from the fight. But, they all could tell that right now, they were not going to want to be anywhere near the Curtis house. You had known Darry would be mad, but you hadn't even considered that Soda may be angry with you as well. You tried to lighten the mood with some conversation while making the walk of shame back home.

"Ah, come on, Soda! I proved that I can handle a rumble! That's all I wanted to do! No sweat!", you said as you gave him a playful punch in the arm.

"No sweat? No sweat?! Do you have any idea what could've happened to you?! We didn't even know anything about those other guys, (Y/N)!! They could've just pulled you away and done whatever they wanted with you, do you understand that?? And what if they had brought blades or heaters?", he snapped at you.

"Well! What if? That could've happened whether I was there or not! And then, what would you have done, huh?", you snapped back.

"That's not the point, and you know it! Gosh dang it, (Y/N), why can't you just see we were trying to keep you safe? Meanwhile, you're just throwing yourself at trouble. If you don't get why this is different, then maybe I'm not the only dumb one in this family."

You didn't speak for the rest of the walk home. You weren't sure why you were so upset, you had gotten what you wanted. So, why was it leaving such a bad taste in your mouth? Maybe that was the all blood...

You got home and entered the house slowly, so sure that Darry was waiting there to finally let loose on you. Once inside, you were suprised to see that he wasn't around. It only took a moment for you to notice that he had locked himself in his bedroom. You took a seat on the couch. Soda went to get a shower, and Pony walked to the kitchen. He grabbed himself a pepsi from the fridge and got some peas from the freezer. He threw the peas your way.

"Put that on your nose, it'll help with the bruising and swelling," he said while popping the cap off his pepsi bottle.

"Thanks, Pone."

"What were you thinking anyway, (Y/N)? I mean really. Usually I'm the only one pulling stupid shit like that," he said as he plopped down on the couch next to you.

"I don't know, Ponyboy," you said while bringing the peas down from your face. "I'm so tired of feeling left out, ya know? Feeling like I'm less than, just because I'm the only girl. I had to do anything I could to feel something different for once. It's just so hard without Mom. No one gets it. I had someone on my side, someone who understood. It was me and her, the two ladies of the house. Now, I'm all alone," you could barely choke out those last words. You turned to face away from Pony, so he couldn't see the tears that were filling your eyes. He still noticed, despite your best efforts.

"Hey, hey, hey. You know that ain't the truth. You're never alone. You always have us by your side," he said while pulling you into a hug.

You wiped away some stray tears and replied, "It don't feel that way most of the time though. I bet Darry just wishes he didn't even have a little sister at all. It would probably be easier for everyone if I wasn't here."

You guys hadn't seen that Darry had come out of his bedroom and was now standing in the living room doorway. He had heard your whole conversation, and he caused you both to jump when he spoke.

"I would never wish that."

You were afraid to look at him. Afraid of coming face to face with what you had done and what you had said. Darry walked up and sat on the coffee table in front of you. He had the first aid kit under his arm. After opening it, he got some alcohol on a cotton ball and reached out for your hands. You gave them to him without a word, wincing as he wiped your knuckles clean from where they had busted open. He wrapped them up in bandages. Pony just watched and continued to sip his drink. Soda was making his way out of the bathroom now, and after seeing all his siblings in the living room, he took to the armchair and tuned in to the conversation.

"Will you look at me, (Y/N), please?", Darry begged.

You glanced up into the pale blue-green eyes of your eldest brother. They were bloodshot just like yours. Had he been crying too? No way. Right?

"I never meant to make you feel left out, okay? I worry about ya so damn much. Different worries than I have with Soda and Pony. Things are already rough enough for the boys who are born on the wrong side of the tracks, and especially rough on the girls. It's not that I thought you couldn't handle yourself. I just didn't want you have to deal with even more than you already do just by being in the situation you're in, ya feel me? This was one thing I thought I could keep you away from, save you from any extra hurtin'. Boy, did that backfire on me," he said to you.

"You can't deny that you get more unwanted attention when we walk down the street than the normal Greaser guy would. Remember when we had to teach that one punk a lesson for talking so dirty to you?", Soda said.

You nodded.

"Yeah, we really showed him!", Pony quipped with a small laugh.

Darry continued on, "Listen, maybe I haven't dealt with this in the way I should've. I know I didn't. I'm still learnin' and makin' mistakes. But, if I can protect you from havin' to face any part of the ugly sides of this life, you best believe I will. Because you are my baby girl, my little sister. You shouldn't have to handle stuff like this."

You took in what all your brothers were trying to tell you. You couldn't dispute the fact that you did have to deal with things they could never even imagine since you were a girl. Things that made your skin crawl. Guys staring you down, whistling, making inappropriate remarks and gestures. It was making sense to you now why Darry wanted to keep you out of the fighting. He already worried every time you left the house that something bad would happen to you at the hands of a strange man. And then, here you were wanting to just give yourself right to them. You would've been mad too, if you were him.

"I guess I'm startin' to see what're sayin'," you said.

"Good, I'm glad. I'll try to be better about not treating you so different, okay, little lady?", Darry asked.

"Okay," you said with a smile.

"Yay! We're a happy family again!", Soda yelled while jumping up and pulling everyone into a big hug.

"Watch it, Sodapop!", Pony mumbled, his words muffled by all the squeezing.

Soda finally let you all go after a long time.

"Oh, and (Y/N)?"

"Yeah?", you replied to Darry.

"You're grounded for a month," he said while giving you a smirk and a pat on the back.

𓂃𓈒⟡・𓂃𓈒⟡・𓂃𓈒⟡・𓂃𓈒⟡𓂃𓈒⟡・𓂃𓈒⟡・𓂃𓈒⟡・𓂃𓈒⟡𓂃