The Oustsiders -One Shots-

Ponyboy and Sodapop

(I couldn't think of a title that wouldn't have been a dead giveaway to the plot of this short. It takes place a few months after Johnny and Dallas die.
It is not a ship story and there is a HUGE Trigger Warning right now before you start reading! 
I repeat, TRIGGER WARNING!!! Read at your own risk, please.)

"Everything alright, Curtis?" Soda heard his boss call over to him.

He sighed softly as he turned to face the man, "My kid brother always calls at this time, check in, as you know Jim..."

"And?" Jim wasn't trying to come off as rude.

"He hasn't yet... And I just... I'm worried." Soda spoke honestly.

"Go home kid. Me and Steve got it here. Check on the kid and come back when you can." Jim spoke as he grabbed his shoulder

"Thanks, Jim..." Soda spoke softly as Jim patted his shoulder and ushered him out. Darry had the truck so Soda had no choice but to walk home. It wasn't that far but he was worried.

When the house came into view he quickly ran up the walk and into the house.

"Pony! I'm home!" He shouted as he kicked off his shoes out of habit. The silence he was met with made his heart drop.

"Pony?!" He called as he quickly moved to their shared room. When he stepped inside he didn't see anything but the air felt much colder. "Pony...?" He whispered as he walked up to the bed slowly and froze. He screamed out loudly as he saw his brother laying on the floor on the far side of the bed. He quickly jumped over the bed and dropped to the floor at his brother's side and cradled his body close to his own as he felt himself sobbing hard.

"Oh god Ponyboy!" He cried as he held his brother's limp head, he was still weakly breathing which was a good sign. He slowly set his kid brother down and stumbled into the living room to call the police.

"I need an ambulance!" He cried as soon as he heard the person on the other end pick up. "My brother is dying and he needs a doctor!" He quickly gave the address, hung up and called Darry.

"Hello? Pony what's the matter?" He answered softly.

"Darry!" Soda cried out as he felt his hands shaking. His work shirt was covered in oil and blood. "Pony, fuck! You need to come home now!"

"Slow down there little buddy, what's the matter?" Darry asked, trying to keep his voice calm.

"Pony slit his wrists..." Soda managed out through sobs. "I came home early because I thought something was wrong and... and-" Soda choked out another sob. "I think he's dead!"

"Shit... I'll be there as soon as I can..." Darry cursed under his breath as he hung up. Soda dropped the phone and quickly ran back to Ponyboy and cradled him in his arms again. He should have called the shop too but he hadn't thought about it at that moment.

10 minutes came and went as red and blue lights filled the house. Officers rushed inside with paramedics followed by Darry. Soda let the men take his brother from his arms and he caught sight of Darry. He rose to his feet and rushed to his brother, hiding his face in his chest and sobbed hard. Darry rubbed his back as he watched them wheel his baby brother out on a stretcher.

"We're going after them." Darry said softly.

"I gotta call work real quick first... Let them know I won't be back in..." Soda whispered through tears.

"Okay. Go do that... I'll uh... I'll be in the car..." Darry said softly as Soda grabbed the phone and dialed the shop.

"DX Station, this is Steve. How can I help you?" Steve answered.

"Hey, Steve..." Soda's voice cracked.

"Woah, Soda what's wrong man?" Steve's voice instantly dropped.

"Can you please let Jim know I won't be back in tonight?" Soda asked softly.

"Of course, but tell me why first, dude." Steve spoke sternly.

"Pony's on his way to the hospital..." Soda's voice cracked.

"Shit man." Steve whispered.

"I gotta go... Darry's in the truck waiting for me..." Soda whispered.

"Alright man, I'll let the boss dude know, you guys stay safe. I'll pick up Two after work and meet you guys there..."

"Alright. Thanks man... I'll talk to you later, bye..." And with that Soda quickly hung up, grabbed his shoes and rushed outside to get into the truck. He hoped to god Ponyboy would be okay and that they didn't lose him as well.