We've got each other
- Pony, Soda + Darry -
Word count: 1,937
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Soda was the one to carry him into the house this time, being extremely careful not to bash his brother's head against the doorframe or the wall as he made his way to their bedroom.
Darry followed quietly behind, having not said a single word since it had happened, but Soda didn't blame him.
He made it to the room and set Ponyboy down on the bed, taking a deep breath as he sat down beside him.
"You reckon he'll be alright?" He asked quietly.
"He's sick and didn't tell us." Darry muttered, finally speaking. "The shock of - of Dally was just too much after everything else, I think he'll be okay."
Soda didn't take his eyes off of Pony, and the two brothers just stood there for ages, letting the seconds tick by before the youngest began to stir.
Pony immediately groaned, rolling onto his side and letting out a few weak coughs, eyes staying closed despite the fact that he was now awake.
"Hey Pony," Soda murmured, keeping his voice soft and as gentle as he could. "You wanna open your eyes for me?"
Pony just groaned in response.
Soda sighed, reaching over and placing the back of his hand to his younger brother's forehead. "He's real hot Dar." He whispered. "It's bad."
Darry was still stood in the doorway, watching his two brothers closely. "How did I not notice?" He said, voice quiet.
Soda tore his eyes from Pony to turn and face his older brother. "Don't go beating yourself up." He said somewhat firmly. "You know if Pony wants to hide something from us he will, there ain't no figuring out if he's hurting or not."
Darry was quiet for a while, before he smirked. "Reckon he learnt that from you." He gently teased.
Soda smiled at this, giving his brother a small laugh before turning back to face Pony, who was still on his side, face scrunched up in pain.
"Pony? Hey, it's Soda." He tried, hand squeezing his shoulder gently. "How you feeling buddy?"
"Sick." Was the one thing Pony managed to croak out, voice hoarse and scratchy.
Soda sighed, relieved he'd actually said something but not very happy with the answer he'd given. "Imma fetch a cloth." He explained. "Try and cool you down yeah?"
Pony did nod a little at this, but didn't say anything.
Soda swallowed hard, before standing and heading for the kitchen.
He found a cloth and ran the cold water, just as Darry turned up in the doorway.
"Pony okay?" Soda asked immediately, looking concerned.
Darry sighed. "He's out again." He replied.
Soda's shoulders slumped as he leant against the sink, placing the cloth down and running a hand through his hair.
Darry walked over, grabbing his younger brother by the shoulders, standing him up straight and pulling him into a hug.
Soda froze for a second, but it didn't take him long to relax into the hug, returning it and burying his face against Darry's shoulder.
"We're gonna be alright Soda." Darry murmured. "Everything's gon' be fine."
Soda nodded a little, forcing back tears. "He's real beaten up Dar." He whispered. "Why did I think he wouldn't get hurt?"
