A Little Off-Limits - Ponyboy x Reader

Sixth Grade

Dedicated to hugs_for_weed :)

You
     "See ya' around!" I called, waving as I stepped onto my porch. The steps creaked underfoot as they always do-- a two short ones, a longer creak, and another short one.

"Bye, (F/n)," Christian replied, smiling back at me as he adjusted his backpack on his shoulders.

I stepped into the house and immediately noticed my brother standing on the steps and looking out the window. "Who was that?" he asked, letting go of the floral curtains.

"My friend, Christian. He was in my class last year. He was walking me home from the record shop."

Steve stepped towards me and waved his finger. "No boys. None."

"He's dating Patty; I can promise you I'm not interested." I sighed. "Besides, who I date isn't your decision anyway," I sung.

"That's what you think." He grumbled. "I've got my friends comin' by later. If I'm sleeping, you let 'em in, 'kay?"

"So what you mean to tell me is that you're gonna go take a nap?"

He tousled my hair. "Look how smart you are. I'll in the basement."

I nodded and went upstairs, pulling off my capri jeans and yellow top. It was hot and muggy, especially inside (we didn't have an air conditioner, so the heat always built up), so I grabbed a tight, blue tank top and a pair of my running shorts-- they were really short, kind of showing some of my ass, but still very cool and comfy. I wiped off my makeup and tied my hair up into a half ponytail. I did not look cute, I can say that much.

     It took me thirty minutes to finish my homework, though I probably got half of the problems wrong. I shoved the science paper into my bag just as my stomach growled.

I grabbed Buddy, my lovebird, from his cage and walked back downstairs and turned on the radio. Buddy crawled up my arm and rested on my shoulder as I began to make a grilled cheese sandwich. I flipped the sandwich on the pan and danced along to my favorite song.

     "Wouldn't it be nice if we were older?" I sang quietly. "Then we wouldn't have to wait so--"

     The doorbell rang loudly, breaking through the Beach Boys' voices. I turned the volume down and placed my spatula on the counter and went to the door. When I opened it, I saw Steve's friends standing there-- the two Curtis boys, Johnny, and Dallas-- chatting animatedly. Johnny was the first to see it was me, and he smiled. Besides Soda--and Dallas, who I'd watched running outta the drug store after stealing some smokes--I hadn't seen any of these boys in a long, long while. Ponyboy looked especially nice.

Ponyboy
     I looked up when Johnnycake stopped laughing, and I couldn't help but copy him. Steve's little sister, (F/n), was in front of us. She was looking at me with a smile. I hadn't talked to her since she was a nerdy sixth grader-- but we were in ninth grade now, and, boy, had she changed. My face heated up. Soda gave (F/n) a quick hug and walked in, taking his shoes off.

     Dally whistled. "Whoo, long time, no see, Mousy. Lookin' good."

     I saw (F/n) roll her eyes. "Nice to see you too, Dallas. You're right, it has been a while. Hello, Johnny, Ponyboy, Soda. Y'all can come in. Steve's sleeping in the basement."