BACK AND FORTH (𝘴𝘵𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘣𝘰𝘺)

two

It wasn't that Ponyboy wasn't having a decent time with Steve, it was just that he was confused. Him and the older boy had never gotten along, even when they were little kids. They just didn't like each other, and Steve always made sure to let Pony know that. But for the last few weeks, Steve had been leaving him alone. They didn't talk, and didn't bicker. So one could easily imagine Ponyboy's surprise when he was invited out by him.

The two were leaving the Dingo now, and driving out to the nightly double. They had talked a little bit, but hadn't had a real good conversation.

Why doesn't he just call it a night? Pony thought, confused. It seemed almost as if Steve was desperate to have a good time together. He kept attempting to start up conversations, but didn't know what to say.

"Did Soda put you up to this?" He finally asked.

Steve glanced over at him, his cocky attitude starting to appear again. "Why the hell cant I just try to do something nice, Ponyboy?" Pony shut his mouth and looked out the car window, and Steve sighed. "Look, I'm sorry. I know I'm an asshole like, all the time. It's not even for the reason you think.." he trailed off. "I just want to try and make it up to you, okay?"

  Pony's brows furrowed in confusion. Not for the reason he thought? What was that supposed to mean. He debated over asking him about it, and eventually decided to not to. "I guess I haven't treated you all that great either. Maybe a do over would be kinda nice."

  "I think it would." Steve smiled, and tried to hide it, but Pony saw it anyway.

  Ponyboy blushed, lightly. Steve actually looked nice when he didn't have that usually scowl on his lips. He studied his face some more. He noticed how his eyes were sunken in a bit, as if he had been up for days at a time, and how worry lines were starting to appear in his forehead, despite the fact he was only seventeen.

Pony supposed that's just what growing up as a greaser did to somebody. Steve definitely wasn't someone who had it easy. Though pony never said anything, he knew Steve's dad abused him. Maybe not as bad as Johnny's father had, but still bad nonetheless. His mom ran out on them too, and the trauma of losing Johnny and Dallas had taken its toll on everyone.

  Pony was taken out of his thoughts when he noticed that they were parked. He looked up, and saw they were in the spots for cars that were actually watching movies. "You didn't wanna sit at the seats?" He asked.

  Steve shrugged. "If you want to we can. I'll move the car."

  "It's okay, I just figured you'd be acting all weird since it's usually love birds in the cars watching." He chuckled, but Steve didn't laugh. He only looked at him oddly for a few seconds before asking him if he wanted any popcorn. "Sure, thanks." Pony watched him walk away, completely dumb struck. Why didn't he get yelled at, or even halfway acknowledged for making a joke about the two of them being a couple?

  His thoughts shifted back to their conversation at the Dingo, where he asked about queer people. Was it possible...no, his head screamed. not Steve Randle. Steve would never be into guys like that, much less be into Pony himself.

  "I hope you like a lot of butter, because I accidentally ordered extra, extra grease." Steve had returned and handed Pony his popcorn.

  "I don't mind." Pony smiled softly and took it. "Thank you." He began eating, and soon enough watching the movie. Though every time he was almost completely engrossed in the story, he would catch Steve staring at him. It happened frequently, and each time Steve realized that Pony had caught him, his cheeks would turn red and he'd bite his lip, or his nails.

  What was with his behavior? Pony continued to pretend to ignore it until the movie was over. Steve pulled out of the place almost immediately and began driving him back home. "Listen kid I'm sorry about tonight, I know it wasn't that much fun for you."

  "That's alright Steve. Next time you'll just have to pick something different. Where we can actually be inspired for regular conversations."

  Steve chuckled, lightly. "You wanna hang out again?"

  "Well sure," Pony smiled at him. "I know you were really trying tonight. Maybe you can have a do over?"

  "That does sound nice, my biggest thank you, your highness." They both laughed, and the rest of the drive was a comfortable silence. When Pony finally got home, he waved goodbye to the older greaser and promised him a next time.

  Once the car was out of sight he let out a breath he didn't even know he was holding. What a stressful, yet oddly satisfying night. He spun around and walked inside, finding his brothers who both looked extremely worried. "Darry? Soda?"

"Pony!" Soda yelled, very much relieved.

Darry, however, looked madder than anyone in the world. "Where were you?"

"With Steve. Did you not get the note?"

Darry fished it out of his pocket. "I got it, but why on earth were you and Steve out together? You two can't stand each other. I figured you had to be lying."

"I did too Pony.." Soda said quietly. "Y'all just don't dig each other.

"He wanted to make it up to me." I sighed. "It's nice of him, though. We've always been at each other's skin, and now we both want to right our wrongs? I guess. I don't really know."

"Okay.." Darry sighed. "I'm sorry for getting you in trouble." He ruffled his hair. "Why don't you and Soda head up to bed?"

That sounded like an amazing idea.

Wow I updated. Glad I got someone to motivate me.