Where Have You Been? - Ponyboy x Reader

"Operation Curtis." - Chpt. 13

2nd Person PoV

"Wake up (Y/n)." You felt as someone shook you, trying to break your state of unconsciousness. Hopefully, if you ignored them enough they'd give up.

"How's she such a heavy sleeper? Its unsettling. Check her pulse." Your dreams morphed around the outside noises, and your brain was able to conjure up the image of the face behind the voice, Sodapop.

"She's clearly breathin', I don't think we gotta worry about that. Take the covers off of her; it's what Darry used to do to me." You saw a visual of Ponyboy in your mind, unable to process what was about to happen.

'woosh'

There was a loud flapping of the blanket as it flew through the air. The cool air nipped at your once warm and comfortable body. It was a complete shock to your system, instantly summoning you from your slumber.

"Agh, what the fuck?" You groaned. Pony was still beside you on the bed. He was sat upright, with his gorgeous bedhead flowing above. Soda and Dally stood by your feet, holding different corners of the blanket.

"Darry made some family plans for today since Soda ain't working. We figured Dal should take you home now so that you don't gotta ride your bike." Ponyboy spoke quietly. He felt bad having to disturb your peaceful environment, but he didn't have much of a choice. He stroked your head to keep you from falling back asleep.

"I can't move- too tired." Your eyes were uncomfortably heavy and though your mind was awake, your body wasn't. Soda and Pony exchanged looks, unsure of how to proceed.

"I gotcha Doll, ya won't have to move a muscle." All of sudden, a pair of arms slid underneath your waist and scooped you up into the air. Dally held you close to his chest as he fully regained his balance.

"Frog bag and backpack, they comin' with?" He motioned to your stuff and you gave him a quick nod.

"Pony take those out to the car for her, would'ya?" Ponyboy obliged, following Dally as he carried you outside - bridal style. Being held by him was an interesting experience. His arms were extremely muscular and kept a firm grip on you, but he didn't struggle at all. It was like you weighed less than air.

As he swung the front door open, you were temporarily blinded. The sun blazed, resulting in the bright and hot day ahead of you. Today could've been the perfect beach day if Pony and Soda weren't busy!

"Alright Doll, saddle in." Dally said as he placed you into the passenger seat. Pony walked over, setting your bags on the ground by your feet, before giving you a warm smile. There was an awkward tension, like it wasn't enough. After the night you had, he couldn't just send you off with a smile. He knew you deserved more than that.

"C'mere dummy." You watched as he opened the door and moved in closer, wrapping his arms around you one last time. You buried your head into his shoulder to savor the moment. Maybe Darry would let you come over again later, why worry? He broke away and gave Dally a quick wave as he walked back inside.

"And we're off!" The rugged boy next to you cranked the radio up, speeding away from the curb. You weren't too excited to go home, especially knowing you'd be alone for the rest of the day. It was the absolute last thing you wanted to do. As Dally hit an atrocious pothole, it knocked an idea into your head.

"So, uh Dal- what're you doing after this?" You peaked in his direction, having to yell a bit in order to be heard. He turned the volume down and tipped his head to you.

"Probably just hangin' out at Buck's man. What's it to you?" He had to have known why you were asking. The look on his face screamed 'cocky'.

"Well, would you want to do something? I'm not too excited about going home." You talked slow, testing the waters. He probably wouldn't mind if you tagged along with him, right?