#ponyboy

~~

The lunch in Ponyboy’s mouth tasted acutely similar to a steaming pile of dog crap.

He scowled, swallowing down his sandwich.

Across the cafeteria, you were talking to, and giggling at a boy. And that wasn’t even the worst part.

This creature had an aura, one that certainly wasn’t positive to Pony, and nor would it be to the other Curtis boys.

Would Ponyboy face you up front about it? Of course not. He was looking out for you, sure, but he also had twin duties to keep up with.

So the second Darry and Soda got home from work, Ponys mouth was running faster than his legs could.

“She’s got a boyfriend! And he looks like a real creep!”

Darry raised his brows silently, watching you tackle Pony. The two of you tousled for a good minute, until Sodapop yanked Ponyboy off of you.

“Quit it. Pony ya just being over-protective.”

The younger boy squirmed in Sodas hold.

“Invite him ‘round for dinner,” Darry spoke up finally. “I wanna see for myself.”

You huffed, sitting up with a scowl. “Ain’t nothing to see!”

“Liar!”

This time Darry caught you before hell could break loose again.

~~

“He should be here by now…” 

Your eyes rested on the nearby clock, as your boyfriend grew more tardy by each tick.

Pony gave a triumphant look to Darry and Soda, which you noticed and kicked his shin from underneath the table.

Finally, 30 minutes later than anticipated, there was a sharp knock at the door.

You bounded up, racing to open the door with a large smile.

The boy, Brian, at the door grunted, sidestepping you as you attempted to hug him.

Darry had appeared behind you silently, holding out a hand to Brian, who shook it and mumbled an introduction.

“Pleasure.” Darry deadpanned, moving back to the kitchen to where Pony was scowling and Soda was smiling slightly.

“Ain’t seem that bad, Pony. Maybe a bit bland..”

“No, no, no. He is evil. Trust me.” Sodapop chuckled again at Ponys warning.

You led Brian in, yapping excitedly about your day, although he was clearly not listening, an openly annoyed expression on his face.

The three brothers shared a silent look, before Darry started dishing up everyone’s meal

From that night, Darry noted that your boyfriend constantly seemed bored or bothered by you. 

Soda saw how he subtly tried to control you, with where or how you sat. 

And Pony noticed he was a mouth breather, which was obviously the worst sign.

~~

A few days after that unimpressive night, you burst through the front door with tears streaming down your face as you made a beeline for your bedroom.

Dally and Johnny, who’d crashed on your couch, both jumped up, equally startled by your dramatic entrance.

Ponyboy raced in a few moments after you, panting for a moment then continuing his pursuit.

“C’mon, open the door! Tell me what’s wrong!”

He huffed, trying at the very locked door once again before slumping against the wall and sliding down to the floor.

“What’s up with her?” Dally asked from the end of the hall.

“Man, beats me.”

Pony grumbled, before burying his face into his hands. He was so stressed about you. You were usually so cheerful, quick to banger back with Pony.

But that afternoon, when he made a joke about Brian, all he got was tears.

Pony didn’t move from beside your door, listening to your muffled sniffles and sobs.

Thankfully Darry and Soda (and Steve) got home earlier than usual.

“Pony! Where’s your sister?” Darry called out.

“Didn’t kill her did ya?” Ponyboy finally looked up at Sodas words.

“She’s locked herself away, man. I said something about her boyfriend and— and now she’s bawling her eyes out.” By now Pony was holding his own tear back.

Soda tugged Pony to his feet, escorting him back out to the living room.

Darry knocked lightly on your door.

“Hey bub, you alright?”

There was some soft rustling, then the door clicked open and you lunged into his arms.

 You’d always been Darry’s little girl, having his protection and adoration since birth. Pony had Soda, and you had Darry.

You babbled for a moment, before you cleared your throat with a few coughs.

“Deep breaths, it’s okay…”

“He cheated! He kissed another girl, Dar.” You sniffled again, your lip shaking and glistening threatening to leak again.

Five pairs of greaser ears perked from down the hall.

“He’s an idiot, sugar.”

“I know! I know! I should’ve listened to Pony and steered clear…”

Darry shook his head, wiping a tear from your cheek. “It ain’t your fault. Don’t go blaming yourself, and you better not apologise for anything, okay?”

You nodded, promptly burying your face into your brother’s shoulder.

Darry guided you back to bed, before he met back up with the gang.

“Ya know where he lives, Pony?”

Ponyboy nodded, hesitantly murmuring an address. “Blue car out front.”

The Curtis gang filed out of the house, aside from Ponyboy who volunteered to watch over you.

It was safe to say that you never paid Brian a second thought ever again.

~~