𝐇𝐔𝐍𝐆𝐄𝐑. ( 𝘫𝘰𝘩𝘯𝘯𝘺𝘣𝘰𝘺 )

THREE.

NOVEMBER 29TH, 2018. (THURSDAY)

The next day, the two boys find themselves walking around the street of Tulsa, Oklahoma. Ponyboy and Johnny always did this due to boredom but today was something different.

"Hey, Johnnycake," Ponyboy starts. "I'm pretty hungry. Do you mind if we stop inside the Dairy Queen for a bite to eat? We won't be too long and I'll even buy you something."

Johnny's stomach tightens a little at the mention of food but he keeps walking alongside his best friend. He was never one to let someone he loved dearly, down.

"Yeah, we can stop for something quick," Johnny says. "But I ain't too hungry. You don't gotta buy me anything. I'll be all right, promise."

"Are you sure, Johnnycake," Ponyboy questions softly. "I didn't see you eat anything since breakfast yesterday morning. You should be at least a little bit hungry. Please, I'm paying."

Ponyboy is right, Johnny was a bit hungry but it wasn't like he was going to eat anything. The 16-year-old boy shakes his head and stuffs his hands back into his denim jean jacket's pockets.

"If it'll make you feel better," Johnny murmurs. "I'll get a Coke or something and call it good. I just don't feel well is all. I'm probably just getting a stomach bug and shouldn't eat much anyway."

"Well," Ponyboy starts slowly. "I wouldn't want to make you sicker if you really are. I'll just buy you a drink and we'll get a booth. Does that sound okay?"

Johnny smiles warmly, genuinely happy at the moment. He knows Ponyboy actually cared for him and his well being.

Ponyboy hums and takes a hold of Johnny's arm carefully, pulling his hand out of his pocket. He slides his hand down and holds the older boy's hand lightly.

Johnny's cheeks go red but he smiles a little more, a small chuckle escaping his lips. The younger boy looks down shyly, a small blush coating his cheeks light pink.

Both boys did this all the time with each other so it was nothing new. They had always been so close to each other that affection like hand-holding, long hugs and even cuddles didn't really affect them.

The 16-year-old loved the affection anyway since he never got it anywhere other than Ponyboy and the rest of the gang. Ponyboy pulls the older yet smaller boy into the Dairy Queen, hearing a bell ding when the bell goes off.

They both walk to an empty booth near the back and take a seat, Johnny sitting across from Ponyboy. Ponyboy smiles softly at him.

"I'm gonna go up and order now that we claimed our spot," Ponyboy says. "You just want a Coke, right?"

Johnny nods his head at his best friend and gives a small smile in return. The younger boy gets back up and makes his way up to the front counter.

The 16-year-old stays seated at the table and shifts himself slightly, taking a deep breath. He couldn't remember the last time he's had a Coke and to be honest, he was scared that the bubbly drink would make his stomach sick.

The boy didn't want his best friend's money to go to waste just because he couldn't keep it down long enough. After a bit, Ponyboy comes back with a tray and slides into the booth.

Ponyboy hands his best friend the Coke and smiles happily at him. The older boy of the pair smiles as well, a little smaller than Ponyboy's smile.

"Thank you, Ponyboy," Johnny says.

The boy hesitantly takes a sip of the bitter and bubbly beverage. Johnny hums and swallows, feeling it run down his throat.

"I also got you a small fry," Ponyboy says. "I know you're sick and don't wanna eat but I got it just in case you wanted something."

The 14-year-old slides the small thing of fries over to Johnny who was looking at it like it was some weapon. Johnny glances at the thing of fries and swallows thickly, his throat and stomach tightening at the sight.

"Thanks, Pone," Johnny murmurs, slowly picking a fry out of its container.

Ponyboy nods and smiles again happily, starting to eat his own food that he had bought. Johnny hesitantly sticks the fry in his mouth, chewing slowly.

It was almost like cement was in his mouth, keeping him from chewing and swallowing. After a moment, he swallows and gags a little bit.

Ponyboy glances at him, seeing his friend get a sick look on his face. It worried him but he figured it was because Johnny was sick.

"You don't gotta eat them," Ponyboy says. "Just drink your Coke and take the fries for later or something."

Johnny nods his head and pushes his container of fries away, going back to sipping slowly at his drink. He was glad Ponyboy wasn't going to make him eat them.

The 16-year-old looks around the restaurant slowly, trying to take his attention off of his aching stomach. Even for just a small drink, it was hurting him.

"Why don't we just go back to my house now," Ponyboy suggests. "You don't feel good and I wanna let you rest on the couch or something."

Johnny nods and weakly stands, picking up his drink and fries. The younger boy of the two stands as well and picks up his food as well as the tray.

Both of them walk to the trash, tossing away anything needed and sits the tray on top. Johnny hesitantly tosses his leftover fries away before sighing.

They walk out (having already paid when the food was ordered) and start heading back to the Curtis house. Ponyboy sips at his own drink and walks.

The 16-year-old glances at him and sighs longingly. He wishes he could walk around so confident and happy just like everyone else could.

It's such a shame that it'll never happen...

✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:*

Word count; 1002

How was this?

This chapter was really light-hearted compared to the other few and that makes me a little happy. I don't wanna pound this story filled with only depression because I know at some point, there will be happy and good moments.

I hope you guys enjoyed this and I'm super sorry for the late update. I've been working on this for a few days whenever I get the motivation and time :)