Sparks of Gold.

After Johnny died, everyone spun out of control in a way none of them had ever experienced before. Darry was walking on eggshells with the courts, careful not to make even one mistake, in fear of losing custody of his brothers while also masking the pain of losing a close friend. Sodapop was a closet mess, finding it harder and harder each minute to keep up a smile. The losses he was suffering were too much too soon for him to handle. But who could he turn to for help? Pony boy wasn't hiding his bad coping or multitude of cigarette packs lying around the house. He just lost his best buddy- and now he had to worry about Dallas. After Johnny died, Dallas had gone berserk. It hit him hardest. Two-bit was forcing a smile as he threw back bottles of beer and ignored any source of conversation. It was his way of coping. Meanwhile Steve had a hard time shutting up about it. Everyone was on edge, sleep deprived, and stressed to the max. How could they be there for eachother when they were falling apart themselves? Who was going to help Sodapop pull himself out of his dark thoughts? And would Dallas be able to get through this? Who knows.

(StevePop eventually. Dallyboy eventually. Angst. Depressive episodes. Suicidal thoughts/attempts. Coarse scenes and triggering chapters. There are trigger warnings at the beginning of the chapters in bold text. Read the warnings before proceeding. Enjoy.)