Where Have You Been? - Ponyboy x Reader

"CAT AND MOUSE HUH?" - Chpt. 9

2nd Person PoV

"(Y/n), wake up." You felt an arm placed on your shoulder, rocking you back and forth. You groaned and tried to ignore it.

"The guys are here. Don't be lazy." You stirred awake from the harsh accusations being thrown at you.

"I'm not lazy. Quit sayin' that Pony." He laughed at your response, earning him an annoyed glance. Your expression softened once you noticed his bare skin. He was shirtless?? When did this happen??

"Where'd your shirt go?" You questioned, fighting off a smile and the urge to stare.

"Believe it or not, you're like a mini-oven. I was sweatin' real bad, didn't wanna gross you out or nothin'." He looked away from you, almost embarrassed. Sitting up, you figured you should probably go and talk to the guys about staying over your house.

"Hey greasers." The boys attention shifted to you as you stepped out of the bedroom. Soda was back from work, though still wearing his dirty uniform.

"(Y/n)! How was your nap? I saw some of your friends durin' my shift. They asked me to say hi."

"I slept good. I hope they ain't bother you too much." You replied with a laugh. It's very possible they were more annoying than he let on. Especially after the kiss.

"They're a very interesting bunch, I'll give'em that. Oh by the way, is everyone free tonight? I think (Y/n)'s got something up her sleeve." He asked the group, giving you a wink in the process.

"I'm not doin' nothin'."

"I'm free."

"I got nothin' but, I don't know if I trust her, man."

"Yeah, whatcha schemin' (Y/n)?"

"Well.. my parents are out of town for the week, so I was wondering if you guys would wanna stay over mine. I'm sure Darry's sick of us, and I can score us some free pizza from Scott's. Soda and Pony are already in." It was a little nerve racking putting yourself out there. You had a fear of rejection. The group exchanged looks and seemed to reach a conclusion at once.

"Sounds good."

"I'm down."

"Hell, if everyone else is going - I'm in."

"Free pizza!"

You let out a breath you didn't even know you were holding and walked over to the couch.

"Good. Now scooch!" You playfully pushed Dally's leg to the side, taking the seat in-between him and Johnny. It was still mid-day. Logically, everyone would probably want to hang out at the Curtis's house for a few more hours. Now was the time to relax. You laid your head back on Dally's shoulder.

"Hey Dal. What's up?"

"Just hangin' in Doll. I'm not gonna lie, I thought you were gonna wreck Buck's car for sure. Way to go Skippy." He laughed as smoke flowed from his mouth.

'Skippy?'

Quite random, but anything sounded good coming from him. You reached your hand out for a puff of his cigarette, when Soda shot you a look. Dally placed it in your hand, to which you glanced back a Soda. He was waving his arms around, basically telling you not to. Boy, was Soda protective, but you didn't want him to baby you. You ignored his signs and took a couple drags. With each one, you heard Sodapop get closer-and-closer. You quickly handed the cancer stick back to Dally, who didn't even notice the negative tension between you and Soda.

"You gotta knock it off (Y/n). Bein' sneaky won't work for long." He stopped in front of you, shaking his head. You found it cute when he acted like that, if only Pony did the same. Speaking of Pony, where'd he go? You peered around the room, spotting him in the kitchen. He still hadn't bothered to fix his hair, his bed head went untamed. You were entranced. He always kept you guessing. Cuddling, napping, hanging out at your house, going out to eat, running together - what did it all mean? He even kissed your head a couple hours ago. It didn't make any sense to you. He was with Cherry last night doing god knows what, yet continuously toyed with your feelings.