𝐒𝐄𝐂𝐑𝐄𝐓. ( 𝘫𝘰𝘩𝘯𝘯𝘺𝘣𝘰𝘺 )

f o u r

Ponyboy walks down the stairs from his room, watching as his older brother walks out of the door with his coffee. After that, he finds Johnny in the kitchen and smiles softly to himself.

Slowly, the younger boy walks up behind Johnny and taps his shoulder causing Johnny to spin around to see who it was. Johnny sighs in relief and puts on a smile.

"Hey Ponyboy," Johnny says.

"Hi Johnny," Ponyboy says. "Whatcha doing?"

"Getting some dishes done before starting on the laundry," Johnny says. "Oh, and breakfast is on the stove. There should be some left for you."

"Thank you Johnny, such a sweetheart," Ponyboy says, turning to the cupboard and grabbing a plate.

Johnny's face heats up slightly and he smiles a little more, biting his lip. Ponyboy gets some breakfast and sets it on the counter.

"What do you eat Johnny," Ponyboy asks.

"I don't eat anything unless your brother gives me something," Johnny says. "Why?"

"Cause there's still some food left and Soda already left with his pal Steve," Ponyboy says. "Why don't you eat what's left?"

"Won't someone be mad," Johnny asks, obviously referring to Darry.

"I can always say that I got extra hungry," Ponyboy says. "I mean, I am a growing child."

"All right Ponyboy, if you say so," Johnny says. "No go eat before you happen to be late."

"Johnny... It's Saturday," Ponyboy says laughing lightly. "It's the weekend and no one's home until about seven."

"Oh yeah, that's great," Johnny says. "Now I don't have to work as quick."

"Or... How about I start on laundry while you finish up in here," Ponyboy says. "Then we can watch a movie or play a game."

"Ponyboy it's my job to work, not yours," Johnny says. "But thank you for offering."

"Johnny, it ain't working if you don't get paid," Ponyboy says. "You're like some slave here."

Johnny sighs in defeat and slightly nods his head. The younger boy ruffles his hair and grabs his plate.

"I'll eat and then start on laundry," Ponyboy says. "It's the least I can do for you."

"Thank you," Johnny says. "That means a lot to me."

"It's no problem."

Ponyboy takes his plate to the table and starts eating. The older boy goes back to washing dishes and and hums to himself, making sure everything was rinsed well.

After a few minutes, Johnny finished what was in the sink and walks over to the stove where some eggs were still in the pan. He hesitantly grabs a bit out and eats it.

Just then, Ponyboy walks in and sets his plate in the sink. Johnny stays quiet and eats a little more from the pan.

"Oh c'mon Johnny, just get a plate, your already cleaning as it is," Ponyboy says. "I promise you won't get yelled at."

Johnny nods and does as he was told, putting what was left in the pan and onto his plate. He eats a little and smiles to himself.

The younger boy walks into the laundry room when he sees a small make shift bed on the floor. He frowns and starts on laundry, feeling bad for the older boy.

After that, he walks back into the kitchen to see Johnny already finished and starting on more dishes. He smiles softly.

"Man Johnny, you ate all that quick," Ponyboy jokes.

"Well I was starving," Johnny states shrugging. "Have to do something before your brother starves me to death."

Ponyboy frowns again and walks over to Johnny, resting a hand on his shoulder gently. Johnny turns his head to look at him.

"I'm sorry he doesn't feed you too much but I'll try my best to sneak you things here and there," Ponyboy says. "I promise you."

"Are you sure Ponyboy," Johnny asks.

"100%."

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How was this?

Sorry it took forever but here it is! I hope you like it because I'm excited for this story