Sickness Chapter 6

Ponyboy's POV

I don't know what woke me up, all I knew was it was dark, hot, and Darry and Soda were asleep next to me. My brothers were both facing me Soda's head resting on mine and Darry's on Soda's. I thought about all the things they did for me.

Even though they didn't make very much money they made sure I had good birthday presents and school supplies. The worried over me and as much as I hate making them worry I secretly loved that they showed that much love on a daily basis.

Darry worked long, hard hours but still came to most of my track meets. Soda had Steve to hang out with but I've seen him turn down the drag races so I'm not alone while Darry is at work.

I quietly as I could I slid out from under their arms. Once they seemed to still be asleep I left to go to the bathroom. Once there I looked in the mirror and concluded that I looked like shit but oddly enough I didn't feel completely shitty as I had before.

I heard scrambling and a hasty knock on the door. It was Soda.

"Pony? Are you ok?"

His voice sounded kind of panicked.

"Yeah I'm alright Soda. Feeling a little better even!"

"That's great Little Man! But can you still open the door for me?"

I knew Soda thought I was lying to him but I wasn't so I opened the door. Soda stepped in as soon as I turned the knob. His eyes swept over me as if looking for signs of damage. When he found none he smiled,

"Jeez, Pony next time don't just leave like that. Darry and I waking up to find you gone. You scared us.

"Sorry Soda. I didn't mean too."

I didn't really think they were as worried as they told me they were.

"I know Little Man, its ok."

We walked to the living room and I saw Darry outside looking around the house for me.

"Darry! I found him!"

Darry came walking in he looked worried and angry. Just wonderful, another lecture.

"Don't do that Pony! Nearly gave me a heart attack! Rolled over and felt around for you and all I felt was Soda! Thought you had slept walked into the street or something!"

I put my head down in shame and muttered a quiet 'sorry'. I hated to worry my brothers. Darry came over and gently lifted my chin. I looked into to his once icy eyes and saw, they had thawed. It was only a little bit but I saw it. I think after I got sick he realized that I need and want him around. He felt my forehead.

"Feels like your fever went down. You feeling better?"

"Yeah, I'm feeling ok."

He nodded thoughtfully and pushed my hair back.

"I still want you to rest today, ok?"

"Ok Darry I will."

Then he turned to go make breakfast.

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After breakfast Soda and I went in the living room to watch TV. The show we were watching was boring and I started to feel tired. I knew my body was recovering from the sickness so I didn't fight it.

I laid my head down on Soda's lap and be stroked my hair affectionately. Darry looked up from his newspaper and smiled. I smiled right back as my eye lids got heavier and heavier. My fist curled in to the fabric of Soda's shirt. His hand rubbing my hair soothed my worries and soon I was asleep with a peacefulness I hadn't felt in months.

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Later that night, I was joking with the gang and felt loads better! Darry had made my favorite dinner and I won a poker game. For the first time in a long time I felt worry free. I knew that no matter what, I had two amazing older brothers to protect and provide for me. Soda seemed to sense that I was at peace because he and Darry were much more relaxed.

That night I crawled into bed with Soda and was not scared to sleep because I knew that even though the sickness was fading, the bonds my brothers and I had formed would stay with us for the rest of our lives. I was no longer scared to lose them because I knew no matter what our love, went beyond death.

Sorry it was short but I hope you liked it! I'm thinking of writing a one shot Darry and Pony fluff. I don't know yet! Anyway thanks for sticking with this fanfiction even when I didn't update!

Love, Alycurtis1965