Stay Gold(PonyBoy x Reader)

Chapter 11

I awoke to a clang of dishes. I bolted up, instantly regretting that action. Pain and throbbing shot through my head. I groaned and massaged my temples. I've experienced a hangover many times. I was dating Dallas Winston for pete sake. However, I've never experienced one like this before. I could barely open my eyes it hurt so bad. I guess whoever was in the kitchen saw me because I felt a glass and two advils given to me. After I downed the water and pills, the figure didn't leave. With my eyes closed, I patted his face. Soft skin and lips, strong jawbone, I pet his hair. Long and greased back.

"Pony!" I yelled, throwing my hands in the air. I heard a chuckle. I threw my arms around Pony and hugged him. I silently hoped that this wouldn't be a sign that I wanted to be more than friends. I really didn't. I wanted a break from dating. I just wanted a good ol' friend. I pulled away and slowly opened my eyes. I didn't like the sight I saw. I put a hand over my mouth in shock. Pony was beat up. I mean beat up. The swelling died down, but it just looked worse. He has a cut from his temple to his jaw, both of his eyes were black and purple, he had a cut lip. His cheekbones were purple and pink. His face was covered with scratches, cuts, and bruises. He looked away. Why? What was he feeling? Embarrassment? Sadness?

"Oh Ponyboy." I choked, feeling a lump in my throat. "Oh sweet Ponyboy." Tears rolled down my cheeks and I let out a sob. I clenched my fists, eyes blazing. I was mad, very mad. I guess Pony could see that I wanted to kill Cherry, so he surprised me by giving me a hug. This wasn't an ordinary friendly hug. It was a hug full of emotion. I dug my face in his shoulder and let out another sob. I pulled away and sadly smiled, examining him again. He was dirty. He didn't shower last night. His clothes were blood stained with dirt. His hair had dried blood in it along with dirt. Dirt and blood.

"We should probably get you in the shower. I'll finish breakfast and get you new clothes." I smiled getting up and walking to go start the shower. I put it on warm as Ponyboy walked in the room. I closed the door behind me, allowing him to have privacy. Hmmm. What would Pony wear? I quietly opened the drawers because Soda was still asleep. I picked out his blue shirt with the sleeves cut off, some jeans, and lastly, his underwear. I didn't care. I walked in the bathroom, he was concealed by the shower curtain away, and put his new clothes along with a towel on the toilet seat. I walked out and went to the kitchen. I made hard eggs for Pony, an egg, bacon and tomato sandwich for Darry, and eggs with jelly for Soda. Their favorite. I set the table along with the food, and gave them each a fat slice of chocolate cake. A dressed Darry came in sitting down, along with a shirtless drowsy Soda. I earned a smile from Darry and an eye rub from Soda. A dressed Pony came in sitting down after them.

"Suckers." I laughed "You guys have to do dishes."

"Awww but I always do them." Soda whined

"Hey! No fair! I was up first and you made me take a shower." Pony stuck his tongue at me.

"Fine fine. I'll do them ya sissy's." I gave them the finger and they gave it back to me. I chuckled as I took their empty plates and started the dishes.

I realized I was dirty too. I had no clean clothes here so I had to go home. I waved goodbye and started my journey home. I saw Dallas sitting on my porch.

"Hey Dal. What you doin' here?" I lit a cigarette.

"Waitin' for you. I've been here all mornin'. I was gettin' impatient." He stood up "Sometimes, I regret breakin' up with you"

"Well. We ain't gettin' back together." I chuckled, unlocking the front door and allowing both of us in. I threw my jacket on the couch. "I'm takin' a shower." I sighed

"Can I come?" He questioned

"If we were together you could" I laughed

"Then let's pretend we are" he smirked.

"No, Winston. Your loss!" I sang walking up the stairs and locking the bathroom door once I was in. I started the shower and looked in the mirror. I was pretty bad, not as bad as pony, but bad enough. I sighed and stepped in the shower. After I washed, I changed into blue jeans with a gray crop top and applied eyeliner, mascara, and red lipstick.

"Oh showing my stomach definitely helps keeping Dallys hands off." I said sarcastically. It was my only clean shirt. Today was washing day anyways. I walked downstairs to hear a whistling from behind me.

"What a broad you are, y/n." He said winking

"Oh fuck off. You're so childish" I giggled.

"Who's gonna make me?"

"I will punch you straight in the face."

"Cool it like cool whip."

"What?"

"Nothing."

"Mhm." I opened the front door and grabbed Dallys hand and laced my fingers with his. I pulled him outside as we walked to the Curtis' house.

"This doesn't mean anything" I snapped as he chuckled

"Fine by me."