Flowers & Cigarettes: Outsiders One-Shots

Every Thing Has Changed (Ponyboy)

The sun dipped below the horizon, casting a warm golden glow over the quiet streets of Tulsa. Ponyboy Curtis walked with a slight spring in his step, his mind lost in the pages of a book he had tucked under his arm. The gentle breeze played with his unruly hair, and the summer air was filled with the scent of freshly cut grass.

As he rounded the corner, he nearly collided with Maria, a girl he had seen around school but never really spoken to. Her eyes widened in surprise before she flashed him a warm smile that lit up her entire face.

"Hey there, Ponyboy," Maria greeted him, her voice soft and melodious.

Ponyboy returned her smile, feeling a hint of nervousness in her presence. "Hi, Maria. Sorry about that."

Maria waved off his apology. "No worries. What are you reading?"

Ponyboy held up the book, a classic novel that he had been engrossed in for days. "Just something I picked up at the library."

Maria's eyes sparkled with interest. "I love that book! Mind if I join you?"

Ponyboy's heart skipped a beat at her request, but he nodded eagerly. They found a bench in the nearby park, the fading sunlight casting a warm glow around them.

As they sat side by side, they talked about books, movies, and their dreams for the future. Maria's passion for literature matched Ponyboy's own, and he found himself opening up to her in a way he hadn't with anyone else.

The conversation flowed effortlessly, their laughter mingling with the sounds of nature around them. The sky turned from gold to dusky pink, painting a picturesque backdrop for their budding friendship.

As twilight descended, Maria turned to Ponyboy, her eyes searching his. "You know, Ponyboy, everything feels different when I'm with you. It's like... everything has changed."

Ponyboy felt a warmth spread through his chest at her words, a connection forming between them that he couldn't ignore. "I know what you mean. It's like the world slows down, and all that matters is this moment."

Maria smiled, a soft blush dusting her cheeks. "I'm glad I met you, Ponyboy."

Before Ponyboy could respond, Maria leaned in, her lips meeting his in a gentle kiss that sent a jolt of electricity through him. It was a kiss filled with unspoken emotions, a silent promise of new beginnings.

Ponyboy's heart raced as he wrapped his arms around Maria, pulling her closer. He could feel her heartbeat against his chest, matching his own rhythm.

As they pulled away, breathless and exhilarated, Maria looked into Ponyboy's eyes with a mixture of excitement and uncertainty. "Did that feel as right to you as it did to me?"

Ponyboy nodded, a smile playing on his lips. "More than right. It felt like... everything changed in that moment."

Maria's eyes softened, her hand reaching for his. "I don't want this night to end."

Ponyboy squeezed her hand gently. "Then let's make the most of it."

They spent the rest of the evening exploring the park, sharing stories and dreams under the blanket of stars. Time seemed to stretch, each moment precious and filled with the magic of newfound connection.

As the night whispered secrets of love and possibility, Ponyboy and Maria walked away hand in hand, their hearts full of hope for a future filled with endless adventures and the promise of a love that had changed everything.