DEFINE LOVE - JOHNNYBOY

EPILOGUE

June 6, 1971 - 12:19 PM

Alternative POV

︵‿︵‿୨♡୧‿︵‿︵

Ponyboy’s POV

The long grass tickles my legs as I walk hand in hand with Johnny. Above us is a bright blue sky coated with large, fluffy clouds. The slight breeze shakes the surrounding trees and cools down the warm summer air.

“This is so beautiful, babe,” Johnny gushes as he scans our surroundings.

“I know,” I smile and lead him to the checker-patterned blanket with multiple platters of his favorite foods that I’d set up half an hour before. I wanted to plan everything in advance so that I was prepared to make this evening absolutely perfect.

I sit down and Johnny lays beside me. He continuously thanks me for planning the date and making the food. I laugh as he makes a silly face every time he takes another bite.

Once we’re done eating, I take Johnny to the top of a tall hill. This has been my favorite place ever since I was a kid because everything below the hill looks so small and lovely.

Johnny’s dark hair blows in wisps across his face as he gazes out at the fields and farmhouses. His brown eyes have a golden glint to them when exposed to the sunlight. I stand a few feet behind him and reach a hand into my pocket.

︵‿︵‿୨♡୧‿︵‿︵

Johnny’s POV

“Wow, Ponyboy, look at the view,” I turn around to gesture at Ponyboy, and gasp when I see him bent down on one knee. In his hand is a small velvet case.

“Jonathan Cade,” Ponyboy says, “ever since I was a young boy, I’ve dreamed of love. I would spend countless hours pondering absurd questions about what loving someone and being in a relationship would be like. Ever since we started dating six years ago at around this time of the year, you have revealed the answers to all of my questions. You’ve shown me that love is a naturally occurring thing that connects people who care about each other in an extraordinary way.  Sometimes love can be vibrant and exciting, while at other times it’s somber and heartbreaking. Love can be so many beautiful things. Although I didn’t realize it immediately, I’ve cherished you since the day we met, and my love for you will grow as we remain together. This is why I want to spend the rest of my life with you, Johnny. Will you marry me?”

Ponyboy carefully opens the case in his hands to reveal a gleaming silver ring with three diamonds and intricate swirling designs carved into its thick material.

“Yes! Yes, of course, I’ll marry you!” I exclaim, lurching forward and attacking Ponyboy with a firm hug. I cradle his face in my hands and smash my lips onto his.

Six years ago, love meant avoiding physical harm upon returning home. Now love means standing here in my fiance’s arms and having this permanent gut feeling that repeatedly assures me, “He’s the one.” Love is when you care about someone with so much intensity that you are willing to go to any lengths to protect them and put a smile on their face. It wasn’t until I met Ponyboy that I was able to understand the wonderful definition of love, and I am eternally grateful for him.

︵‿︵‿୨♡୧‿︵‿︵

Comment, vote, and stay gold!