16 Candles

Fantasies

Ponyboy sits outside with his older brother, now stealing TwoBit's lawn chair. He pulls it up close and tries to look at his blonde siblings face.

"Soda?"

"...what, Pony?"

Even that made the younger tense. He never talked like that. Maybe when he was trying to sleep late at night but not when he was fully conscious.

"What's going on with you?"

Sodapop sighs and looks behind them to their home. The house seemed to explode in more voices and talking. Dallas and Steve must be there now. He looks at his kid brother again and feels that familiar twinge in his heart.

"I'll tell ya later, Ponyboy. Just wait till then."

The 16 year old sighs and nods.
"Okay." He promises and scoots back some. He looks to the fire and he can't help but think of that burning church. He shakes it off. Too many bad memories.

Steve, Dallas and Two-Bit come out with cigarettes, beers and some burgers. Ponyboy smiles as they gather around the bonfire.

"Dude! What did y'all do?!" He asks with an excited grin.

"Dallas won a $50 lottery ticket." Steve blurts as he passes out food.

Dallas smirks and looks Ponyboy over. Pony blushes and looks away briefly. He nods. "Thanks, Dally."

"Yeah, thanks, Dally." Soda chimes in and happily eats his feelings.

Inside the house, Johnny is munching down on a burger and taking in the amazing taste. He finishes it before he even knows it. He sighs and throws away the wrapper. He washes down the taste with milk and washes his hands very briefly so the water pressure doesn't mess with Darry's shower. He sighs as he finishes the glass of milk and settles it into the sink. His brown eyes rise and look to the night sky that's fluttering with bonfire ashes. He sighs and crosses his arms. Its calm here. The house is so still and for a moment he feels at home. Johnny smiles softly and heads to the living room. He takes a seat in Superman's chair and covers up with a blanket that's thrown over the back of the couch. He snuggles up there in a ball and starts dozing off. Everything is so peaceful. He's not sure what lulled him to sleep or what told him to come here but he's so happy here in Darry's chair and home. Of course, he'd put an end to his fantasy after his nap. As for now, he was taking it all in.

Darry gets dressed after his shower and drying off. He comes out in a nice cloud of steam. He was glad there was still enough hot water for him today. Darry puts his dirty clothes in the hamper and switches out the laundry. He puts Johnny's clean wet clothes in the dryer and folds the towels and wash clothes that were in the dryer previously. He walks past the living room and pauses. He backs up and sees Johnnycakes sleeping in his chair. Darry smirks and walks over. He picks up johnny slowly and gingerly. He carries him bridal style to his bedroom and lays him in on his bed. He tucks him into the clean sheets and thick comforter and let's him sleep. He looks him over. Johnny was so handsome. He truly was gaining hold of Darry's heart. Darry knew better though and he'd put an end to his fantasy. But for now, he was taking it all in. Darry hesitantly presses a sweet kiss to Johnny's forehead before leaving the room to let him have some deep sleep.