summary: you and darry have been together for as long as soda and pony remember that to them—and the gang—you’ve been married the entire time. in fact, they all see you and darry as the parents.
pairing: darrel “darry” curtis x fem!reader
includes: cursing, fluff, angst if you squint, dally is a menace, two-bit is obsessed with mickey mouse (obvi), the usual in an outsiders fanfic
a/n: i love darry curtis, he’s my favorite 🫠
You woke up to the sunlight filtering through the thin curtains, tired eyes squinting at the sudden brightness evading your vision. The bedroom was completely still—except for the slow spins of the fan above—and yet you knew the second you stepped out, chaos would fill the house.
Darry stirred beside you, his arm tightening around your waist and head tucking into your neck. “You awake?”
You ran your fingers through his hair, smiling softly at his morning voice. “Mhm, though it seems like you’re barely awake.”
He simply hummed in response and pulled you impossibly closer, pressing tired kisses to your neck and jaw. You scratch his scalp and let the calm from the morning wash over the both of you before you had to get up and run the household like you were running a tight ship.
“You ready to get up yet?” You ask softly, pausing your movements when you don’t get a response. “Darry?”
“Yeah,” He groaned and sat up, leaning back on his elbows. “I’m up.”
You giggle and wipe away the tiredness from his eyes, earning a quick kiss to the lips before he swung his legs over the side of the bed and stretched properly. You follow suit and sit beside him, tilting your head to meet his blue-green eyes.
“You tired already, old man?”
Darry playfully glared at you, “You’re the one who wanted to stay up all night.”
“And you agreed.” You point out and move to stand, laughing when he pulled you to stand in between his legs, his chin resting on your abdomen. You rest a manicured hand on his jaw, thumb gently rubbing his incoming stubble. “We’re only twenty, Dar. We’re still young.”
“I know.” He murmured and pressed a kiss on your palm. “You remind me every day.”
You smile softly and watch him as he stands, resting a warm hand on your waist. He kisses your forehead before pulling out his work clothes for the day, making you spring right into action.
The routine you and Darry had started ever since you practically moved in with the Curtises. While he got ready for work in the morning, you made it your job to get the boys up and ready for their own day—occasionally the rest of the gang when they stayed over. Last night, Johnny stayed over.
You knocked on the boys’ bedroom door before opening it quietly, your heart tugging at the sight of Ponyboy wrapped in Sodapop’s arms. You sat on the end of their bed and gently shake Sodapop awake first, watching his face contort in discomfort.
“You gotta get up now, Pepsi-Cola. I don’t want you late for work again.” You say quietly as he finally sits up, exhaustion covering his face. “Good morning.”
“Morning.” He grumbled, rubbing his eyes with his hands and slowly making his way to the bathroom to shower, work clothes in hand.
You sigh and look back at Ponyboy who was still under the covers. “Hey, Pony. It’s time to get up for school.”
“Five more minutes, mom.” He groaned and tugged the blanket over his head, not realizing what he had said.
For a second, you sat frozen at his words. There were several instances where the boys would call you mom, but they were all fairly conscious and said it as a joke. But as Ponyboy subconsciously called you his mom, your heart only ached at the thought. And you could never replace Mrs. Curtis—everyone knew that.
“Ponyboy, you need to get up.” You pulled the covers away from him, looking down at his tired figure with soft eyes. “Please? You can’t miss another day of school or Darry’s gonna have to come down to the principal’s again.”
After contemplating—although you knew Ponyboy just wanted to lay in bed longer—he begrudgingly got up and shooed you out of the bedroom, muttering a quick acknowledgment in your direction.
You sighed before entering the living room, a sad smile tugging at your lips when you spotted Johnny curled up on the couch. His limbs were hanging off the edge and the blanket barely covered his body, but you knew he would rather sleep here than at the lot or worse, his own home.
“Hey, Johnnycakes.” You kneel beside him and put a hand on his arm, careful to not scare him from the sudden action. “How did you sleep?”
“Like a baby.” He mumbled and gave you a sheepish smile before sitting up, straightening his jacket to have something to fiddle with. “Sorry for intrudin’.”
You stand and fold the blanket, waving a dismissive hand. “You’re always welcome, Johnny. Hell, I’d have you move in with us if it weren’t for your folks.”
Johnny burned red and nodded, mumbling an excuse about needing to use the restroom. You opened your mouth to tell him Sodapop was occupying the space, but the sudden stomps of boots that came running inside the house interrupted you, the screen door rattling behind them.
“Two-Bit Mathews and Steve Randle!” You call from the living room as they ran into the kitchen to grab the chocolate cake from the icebox, ignoring Darry’s disappointed look. “What did I say about slamming the door?”
“Sorry, ma!” They hollered in unison, sitting their asses right in front of the television that was tuned into Mickey Mouse for Two-Bit’s sanity.
You rolled your eyes and entered the kitchen, leaning back against the counter as Darry prepared breakfast for the household. You watched him with a smile, eyeing him up and down before meeting his gaze, his eyebrow raised in your direction.
“What? You can’t blame a woman for staring at her boyfriend who looks effortlessly handsome cooking.” You brush a stray piece of hair away from your face, cheeks dusted with a light pink hue. “Besides, you chose not to wear a shirt in the morning, Superman.”
“Maybe because I’m comfortable like this.” Darry swapped the finished eggs for bacon, pulling out the grape jelly for Sodapop and hard boiled eggs for Ponyboy. “Or maybe because your reactions are totally worth it.”
“Aw, you love me.” You put a hand on your heart dramatically and smile wider when he pulled you close by the waistband of your sleep shorts. “Hey—“
“I do love you, don’t question it.” He murmured and pressed a kiss to your lips, smirking when you gasped at the sudden action.
Darry knew you knew that he hated public displays of affection. So when he initiated it in his own house filled with the boys who you both knew would make fun of the display, you were thoroughly shocked.
“Darrel, man, do you have an ice pack—? Jesus Christ, keep that in the bedroom.” Dally scrubbed his face at the sight of the two you of you and turned away, boots heavy against the floor as he headed back into the living room where he last was.
You pulled away from the kiss, giggling at Darry’s suddenly bright red face. “You know, for a manly guy, you get red real fast, Curtis.”
“Shut up.” He snapped your waistband against your hip and spun you around, nudging you out of the kitchen playfully. “I love you.”
“Love you more.” You huff in amusement and tilt your head back at him, blowing a kiss before changing your gaze toward the boys sitting in the living room, each boy doing their own thing.
Sodapop was lazily laying on the couch with a towel wrapped around his waist, Ponyboy was most likely telling Johnny about his latest book read, Dallas was smoking a cigarette and blowing it in Steve’s face, and Two-Bit—well—he still sat directly in front of the television with the plate of cake in front of him, using his hands to dig into the sweet without care.
You sighed at the sight and grabbed your purse, taking money from your wallet and handing five dollar bills to Johnny and Ponyboy.
“For lunch. If you don’t eat, I will find you and make you eat extra for dinner, yes?” You put your hands on your hips and tap your finger, watching them with a careful eye as they nodded vigorously and tucked the money into their pockets.
Sodapop lolled his head to the side and met your eyes, making you raise your brows at his appearance. “Why aren’t you dressed for work?”
“Thought I could wait until after breakfast.” He mused, running his fingers through his wet hair before shaking his head like a wet dog, earning an annoyed groan from Dallas. “That alright, mom?”
You exhale slowly and rub your temples, choosing to ignore what he called you. “As long as you’re ready before it’s time for you to leave, it’s alright.” You opened your eyes again and stared at the boys as they returned to do their own thing, wishing they would cooperate a little better than they did.
Just as you caught Dallas stubbing his cigarette into the wooden side table instead of the ashtray you specifically bought for him, Darry walked into the living room and put a hand on your back, stabilizing your overworked mind without knowing it. You looked up to your right and gave him a soft smile, earning one back before he spoke to the boys.
“Breakfast is ready.” Darry announced and watched his brothers and the rest of the gang stumble over their own feet to get a piece of real food before anyone else ate it—almost like a stampede of animals in Africa.
“You better be washing your hands first!” You call out to them when you heard plates clash into each other, pursing your lips to hide a grin when their groans and complaints rang through the house.
You waited until you heard rushing water to look up at Darry properly, his hand still warm against your back.
He tilted his head down and smiled, “You ought to be their real mother with the way you scold them.”
“Six boys under one roof? Hmph, sounds like a recipe for disaster.” You rest your hands on his chest, feeling his steady heart beat under your fingertips. “Besides, if I’m gonna be a mother, I’d rather it not be with those group of boys—“
“Steve, that’s not your egg!”
“Well, Dally took my egg!”
“Can y’all shut up?”
“No!”
You and Darry look back at one another, your laughter and his chuckles ringing through the air. You both knew you would rather take care of these boys rather than send them back to their terrible homes—it was part of the Curtis’ open door policy. Besides, you cared for each boy in their own way, Ponyboy, Johnny, and Sodapop as your main priority.
“You think they’ll let us have our own breakfast?” Darry moved his hand to your hip and slowly moved toward the kitchen, the arguing from the boys getting louder with each step.
You peer into the crowded kitchen, eyes widening at the sight of the once clean space. “I think they probably ate all the food already… Maybe.”
“Hey, it’s mom and dad!” Two-Bit pointed the two of you out, the food that was stuffed in his mouth flying out with every word.
The rest of the gang cheered in laughter—each boy expressing their own opinion on your relationship.
Dallas was beyond disgusted by the two of you, but still agreed that you were both like the parents of the gang; Two-Bit loved calling the two of you ‘mom and dad,’ finding joy in the simple things; Steve didn’t care too much, only adding to the joke whenever he felt like it; Johnny thought the two of you were a better set of parents then his were; and Ponyboy and Sodapop?
They loved your relationship the second the two of you made it official all those years ago, not minding too much that you and Darry were essentially their second set of parents. They wouldn’t trade the two of you for the world, even if you were both sometimes a little hard on them.
“Yeah yeah, mom and dad are here.” Darry pushed through the boys and stole his plate from the counter, emerging victorious with a cup of orange juice for you.
“Thanks.” You kiss his cheek before returning your eyes to the scene in front of you, resting your head on his shoulder. “We sure know how to make a house full, don’t we?”
“Well, according to them, we are mom and dad.” He splits half his breakfast sandwich with you. “I think it’s part of the job.”
You look over at Johnny, who seems to be eating more than he usually does whenever he’s over which makes your heart feel a little better at the sight. “I think I like this job, even if it wasn’t ours to begin with.”
"Dally-" You let out a whine when he pushes his tip inside you — your back arching as Dally strokes your sides, tettering on the edge of pain and pleasure.
"Shh, babydoll," He leans down and whispers into your ear, his voice soft and soothing — unlike the tough wal he’d built around himself ever since he’s been in New York. You moan when he pushes another inch in. "Gonna feel so good after a while, okay?" He promises, stroking your hair, hissing when your fingernails dig deep into his toned back, leaving cresent-shaped marks. He pushes in, inch by inch, until he’s bottomed out inside you with a groan. It’s too full, too much, and tears fall free from the corner of your eyes from the fullness of Dally’s cock inside of you.
"’S so big-" You manage to say, choking on a moan when he does a slow, tentative thrust. "Dal!" He laughs when your eyes roll back, before grabbing your hips and slowly thrusting in and out of your warm heat.
A/N ; help I’m losing so much motivation. Anyways. First outsiders post I love Dally!
summary: ponyboy’s having a hard time wrapping his head around the fact that you are dating dallas winston. (part 2 of dally’s girl? but can be read as a standalone)
content: dally x soc!reader, fem!reader, platonic!ponyboy, platonic!johnny, post canon lite, mostly fluff with a cheeky makeout
word count: 1200 words
warning: profanity, mentions of sex, suggestive
“Pony, you got 5 out of 20 terms correct. I know you don’t love Shakespeare, but this just isn’t like you. Are you okay?” You asked, brows furrowed in concern, eyes worried.
You were so soft. Caring. Like the big sister he never knew he wanted. And you were dating Dallas Winston. Of course, he was finding it hard to focus.
Ponyboy shook his head, not wanting to upset you, “Yeah, yeah, of course, I guess my mind is just somewhere else, sorry.”
It took one look to know that you did not remotely believe him.
You gently placed your perfectly manicured hand on his. “Ponyboy, you know you can talk to me.”
He shook his head again, careful to avoid your eyes.
“Is this about,” you leaned in close to whisper, “Dally?”
Ponyboy stiffened. Of course, it was about Dally. How the hell did he manage to get a girl like you? You were pretty, intelligent, kind, and above all… YOU WERE A SOC! The very thing Dally hated most in this world. Sure, he’d softened a little since the events of last year. Since Bob’s death, the rivalry between greasers and socs had definitely lessened, but things certainly weren’t hunky-dory.
What was even odder was how much Dally seemed to listen to you, respect you. Seriously, what was going on here?? For God’s sake, he was lying on the Curtis couch right now, just waiting for you to be done studying.
Dally hadn’t started there, of course. First, he sat at the table and invited you to sit on his lap while you studied. When you didn’t accept, he then stretched his arm over your shoulders and made snarky, unhelpful commentary about the material you were studying, which is precisely what led him to his current position. Stretched on the couch, mindlessly flipping a lighter and tuning in and out of whatever Johnny was watching.
“Ponyboy?” Your voice pulled him back to your question. A question he really didn’t want to answer.
Looking up at you shyly through his lashes, Ponyboy nodded in confirmation.
“Do you want to talk about it? You can ask me whatever you want,” you were too nice. Way too nice.
“I just need a second to wrap my head around it. Just a lot, ya know? I’m real sorry,”
“There’s nothing to apologize for.” You closed your book decisively, “How bout we call it a day? Add an extra hour to tomorrow's study session to make up for it? Does that sound good?”
“Sounds good to me!” Dallas called out, leaning against the doorframe.
“I don’t remember asking you, Dally.” You weren’t being mean, just a matter of fact (and a bit teasing if the smile on your face was any indication).
“It, uh, sounds good to me, too. I think I’m studied out,” Pony interjects.
“Fair enough.” You placed your books in your bag, standing up to dust off your skirt. In the blink of an eye, Dally found his way behind you, confidently wrapping his arms around your middle and resting his head on your shoulder.
“Pony, when are Darry and Soda getting home?” Johnny asked, slinking his way into the kitchen.
“They’re both workin’ tonight.”
“What are you gonna do for dinner?” You asked softly.
Dally pinched his nose, groaning as he motioned to Pony, “Get in the fucking car, we’re going to the Dingo. You, too, Johnnycakes.”
You smiled widely, thanking your boyfriend and leaning in to kiss his cheek.
Dally leaned into you, allowing your heads to touch for a moment, before turning his attention back to the boys, “Go. ‘Fore I change my mind.”
…
“It was really nice of you to get the boys dinner,” you coo softly, as you twist a strand of Dally’s dark hair between your fingers.
“Told ya I was nice,” he murmurs from where his head is resting comfortably on your abdomen.
Dallas had climbed through your window about twenty minutes ago and made himself at home amongst your plush pink comforter and stuffed animals. For the past month, he had spent nearly every night wrapped up in bed with you. He swore it helped him sleep, but really, it was just nice to be with you. Feel your heartbeat against his body as he held you close each night. His little stint in jail was the longest he’d gone without you, and he’d be lying if he said he hadn’t been losing his mind.
Dally pressed a kiss to your stomach, “Besides, it always helps to be incentivized.” His hot mouth trailed up your clothed sternum, pausing midway to rest his chin and look up at you.
His fingers curled around the ring hanging from your neck. His ring. “Looks good on ya, sweetheart,” he said as he kissed along your collarbone, occasionally stopping to gently suck on your soft skin in the hopes of pulling a reaction out of you.
In your time dating Dallas Winston, you learned that this kind of switch-up was common for him. One minute, he’s cuddly; next, he’s absolutely insatiable. Not that you necessarily did much to satiate him, not the way the base of his stomach burned to be extinguished.
“And what exactly were you hoping to get in reward?”
“Ain’t it obvious, doll? You,” He continued his ministrations up to your neck, his body caging yours. He took care to press a kiss after each adjective, “Beautiful, perfect, sexy you.”
Your face flushed brightly, “You sure are a cheeky one, aren’t ya?”
Dallas met your lips hungrily before returning his attention to your neck, nipping playfully at the sensitive flesh. “Cheeky. Horny…”
“Dallas!” You squeaked.
“Just kidding, doll… mostly.” He chuckled slightly as he placed a peck on your lips. “You know you got me wrapped around your pretty little finger, right?”
“How you figure?” You asked, trying to maintain a teasing tone despite the vulnerability behind your question.
“Have me lying around the Curtis house for hours, taking the boys out for dinner. Walking my ass all the way here to climb through your window, when I know damn well we ain’t going all the way tonight. And fuck, I don’t even care.” Dally laughed before a more subdued expression crossed his face. His rough fingers delicately traced your jaw before grabbing it. His eyes met yours in a way you could almost swear was vulnerable as he continued, “It’s just worth it to hold ya, kiss ya.” He hesitates slightly, “See ya. What have you done to me, sweetheart?”
Flushed and flattered beyond belief, you reach out for Dally, smashing your lips again. You moved against his mouth slowly, deliberately, desperate to convey every feeling you were too scared to voice.
Dally’s hot breath fanned against your face as you pulled away. He placed a gentle kiss on your temple before rolling off of you and tugging you slightly to follow him with a soft, “C’mere.”
There, wrapped up securely in his arm, head against his pounding heart, you thanked your lucky stars you were Dally’s girl.
When Darry realizes Johnny's gained some weight. All his life, Johnny's been neglected, forced to get food wherever he can find it. He'll steal it if he needs to and the gang feeds him as much as they can but Johnny still doesn't eat right nearly enough and is a little bit underweight because of it. But when he starts seeing you and you see how hungry he is, well, you start feeding him. Making extra of everything you make at home and telling Johnny that you made it special just for him (because you are doing it for him, anything else is just a bonus).
And when Darry realizes that Johnny's a little healthier and eating better, oh, he just smiles so big. He remembers his mother doing that too, sneaking Johnny food, and he likes you at once for it.
When Two-bit hears you make him laugh. Johnny's a quiet, sad little thing. He laughs, sure, but he's got two laughs. The soft one that he uses the most, a little amused but still with that sadness to him, and his real one. Louder, almost like a little clap of distant thunder, only heard when something makes him shake the sadness off, if only for a moment. Two-bit tries to make him laugh like that as much as he can. And he knows that Johnny's been hanging around you and you seem sweet enough, you're a good girl. But are you good enough for Johnny?
He decides that you are when, one day as he's passing the lot, he hears Johnny's real, true, thunder laugh and looks over. There you are, one hand holding yours and the other holding a cigarette, having dropped his lighter he was laughing so hard. You picked it up for him and lit the cigarette, smiling at him like he was the sun and stars and Two-bit approves right then and there.
When Dally realizes that Johnny doesn't sleep at the lot as often anymore. He makes a habit of going by the lot and checking on Johnny just about every night. Just in case. He doesn't bother him or anything, just makes sure he's okay, but lately, Johnny hasn't been there as often. Dally asks around and hears tell of him in some other neighborhood. Not a real nice one or anything but nicer then theirs, at least. And he's worried so he goes looking for him...only to see Johnny Cade kissing you as you pull him in through your bedroom window. Dally leaves it alone.
But then next day, he does talk to him, Johnny smiling softly as he explains that, yeah, he sleeps there most nights...he'd be there more often but he doesn't want you in any trouble with your folks. Besides, you ask him to come, telling him that you worry about him out in the lot. And Dally likes knowing that you worry about him too and likes you just fine after that.
When Steve sees you take up for Johnny. Because Johnny Cade might be their pet, their pup, everyone's kid brother, but the world doesn't see him like that. In the eyes of everyone else, Johnny's rough. He's hard to look at, especially with that scar now, he hangs around with a bad crowd. He's a greaser. And some boys at school call him such, hitting on you and telling you that you could do better and being real dirty. Johnny's not around. And Steve, knowing that's his buddy's girl, is already walking over when you start off on them.
Oh! What a sight it was! Telling them that Johnny's twice then man they'll ever be and why would you trade in a man like him for little boys who run their dirty mouths? Before they can say anything back, Steve is there and scaring them off, walking you to meet with Johnny.
He likes you, Steve really likes you, because as sweet as you are, you're spitfire too and Johnny needs people like that.
When Soda catches him calling you darlin'. Sodapop Curtis was the second of the gang to know about you being Johnny's girl. Not that anyone actually told him. He stumbled upon the little secret late one night at the park, walking the long way home. There, in the darkness, was a girl. A pretty girl. Wearing a blue dress and playing with something in her hand...a note. And a little flower. Ever the romantic, Soda stopped to smile at the girl, clearly waiting for her lover and wondering who it was.
"Darlin'..."
And it was Johnny Cade that came out of the dark, kissing you so sweetly. Soda slips away without being noticed. But right then, he knew that Johnny loved you truly, he heard it in his voice that night, and he couldn't help but love you a little too (in a big brother sort of way) for making Johnny so happy.
When Ponyboy witnesses you meet for the first time and he knows two things: one, Johnny loves you. And two, you're perfect for him. He didn't used to believe in love at first sight. But something happened that night that changed his mind. He and Johnny were walking home, just talking and laughing a little, too involved in the conversation to notice a girl coming around the corner too. In one moment, you and Johnny had knocked into one another, both of you falling. Johnny caught himself on a lamp post and caught you too with his free hand, pulling you up with him.
"Oh, I'm sorry! I wasn't even watching where I was going, was I? I'm so sorry..." you trailed away, not knowing his name.
"Johnny," he finishes for you, reaching down to pick up the book you'd dropped, which must have been what had distracted you. "Johnny Cade. That's Ponyboy."
"I'm Y/N."
And he can tell from the way you're looking at his friend that you're seeing him, really seeing him for who he is. You see all of the good parts and the sweetness and the loyalty...and you smiled so sweetly at him, it was love, wasn't it? It was love at first sight, just like the movies and the books and all those silly romances.
Now Pony knew that love at first sight was real. Maybe just for Johnny but...it anyone deserved such a thing, it was Johnny Cade, wasn't it?
“There’s Darry, Sodapop and Ponyboy — and then there’s their baby sister. She’s loved, sure, but do they truly ever show it? Or do they just say so and hope that it’s enough?”
Warnings ~ cursing, arguing, insinuation of sh and mental health struggles
･ ⟢ ⋮ a/n ~ This little fic is based around this fic by @jamesdeanbby !! I tried my best to make sure it isn’t the exact same, but the store scene is rlly similar 😓 🙏 also yes I am making this two parts…
w/c: 1,000+
──── ₊˚⊹ ♰ ⊹˚₊ ────
Life would never be easy for someone like you.
A teenage girl, living in a house constantly full of boys.
Before your parents died, it was fine; sure, you didn’t always get the newest clothes or cutest makeup, but it was enough. Because you had your mom.
Now you don’t.
And Darry is the one bringing you shopping. Darry is the one supervising what you buy. Darry, a twenty-year-old boy — no, man — is the one who watches you eye the frilly, cute dresses in the store and is the one who says no every time.
It feels as though he never even tries to understand you. He gets along with Soda and Pony just fine, because they’re boys, but you?
You’re a girl. And therefore, lesser than.
At least that’s how it feels.
Soda can go to as many rodeos as he wants, stay out as late as he wants. Pony gets praised for his smarts, he can smoke in the house whenever, he can stay at the lot and not get grounded.
You?
At the age of sixteen, you can’t stay out past 8:30. You can’t get cute skirts because they’re too expensive. You can’t go anywhere without telling Darry. You can’t get anything cute or girly. You can’t do anything.
You feel like a rat trapped in a cage. Like a bird with clipped wings.
It’s hell.
Darry never understands you. Never tried to understand you. Not before your parents died and certainly not after. He never knew what you did in your room, late at night — why your arms would suddenly be covered by sleeves despite the blistering summer heat. He never put in the effort.
───〃★
Beeps from cash registers, the pungent smell of cleaning products and terribly bright fluorescent lights overwhelm your senses. Darry’s footsteps echo beside you. Loud. Heavy. The total opposite of your own.
As you walk past the girl’s clothing section, your eyes catch on something. A skirt; pink with ruffles and lace. Your steps falter, and of course, Darry notices. His response is almost immediate.
“No.”
You look up at him, your expression shifting. That spark of excitement in your eyes burning out. He notices, but doesn’t show it.
“You know we can’t afford it, kid.” His voice is firm. Cold. That’s all it ever is around you. Not warm like it is with Soda, not calm like with Pony. He’s never treated you the way he does them.
“I know.” You reply, your own tone taking on an edge by default. But Darry, of course, can’t help getting mad.
“Would you quit that? You’re actin’ like a brat. You can’t always get what you want.”
He stares down at you, eyes stormy and voice like thunder; expecting you to argue, to make a scene like Pony would or scold him right back like Soda might.
But you don’t.
You can’t.
You just stand there, tears welling up but never falling.
He knows you’re not like Pony and Soda. You’re a girl. You’re different. Your brain is just wired differently, and he can’t seem to grasp onto the fact.
The rest of your time in the store is tense, like a taught string waiting to snap in half. Not a word is spoken from either of you; only subtle glances.
The drive home is worse.
───〃★
“You listen here young lady–!”
Darry’s voice roars throughout the small space of the living room. Moments earlier, you’d burst in, tears welling in your eyes, your expression full of frustration and betrayal.
“No! Why should I listen to you when you never listen to me?!” You yell back.
The others all stare on, the entire rest of the gang – Soda, Two-Bit, Pony, Steve – they all watch on as you and your brother argue like angry dogs.
Darry huffs, shaking his head disapprovingly. Like a dad would. Not a big brother. “Would you quit sayin’ that?! You’re actin’ like a damn child, y’know that?”
It’s like seeing someone argue with their reflection. Two people, both too stubborn to understand the other, but equally struggling. You, unheard and unseen, and Darry, placed in the position he is by chance, not choice.
“You never let me do anything! You treat me like a pest, not your sister!” You argue back.
He doesn’t say anything. Just stares. Too frustrated to snap back and not say something he’ll regret.
But you continue on; cracks in your voice, but not a single stutter.
“You don’t treat me like you do Soda and Ponyboy! You treat them like brothers, while I’m nothing but vermin!” The tears finally start falling, hot and salty against your cheeks. “You let Soda do what he wants, you praise Pony for being a genius, but what do I get? Nothing! Not a word of kindness or affection! ‘Stop pouting,’ ‘Don’t give me that look,’ ‘Calm down’! That’s all I hear—”
All Darry can do is stare at you. The room is silent aside from your rambling, each pair of eyes looking anywhere but you and Darry from their scattered positions.
“— and nothing else! I bet you wished I was in an orphanage, huh? So you wouldn’t have to deal with me an’ all my ‘childish’ wants?!”
This is what makes him snap. The idea that you think he doesn’t love you; that he doesn’t care.
“Would you shut your goddamn mouth?! You act like I don’t care, when that’s all I do! It ain’t my fault we’re broke and can’t afford your stupid skirts and dinner!”
There he goes again. Placing the blame on you, as if you aren’t the one being neglected. Tears stream down your cheeks like waterfalls, your bottom lip quivering as you try your hardest not to let out a sob; brows furrowed in a scowl. A mirror image of Darry himself.
And then you say the three words he would never wish to hear – three words that send him spiraling.
“I hate you, Darry! I wish I was never born, goddamnit!”
He freezes. Everyone does. The tension in the room reaches its peak, your words causing everyone to stop and hold their breaths.
But before he can reply, before he can apologize or argue, you’re gone. Leaving nothing but a door swinging in your wake.
Darry stares at the open door, eyes wide with emotion; regret, anger, frustration, betrayal. This is his fault and he knows it. He never made an effort to understand you. To make you feel loved. To love you in general.
Moments later, Dally and Johnny step inside, quickly noticing the tension and quietness.
“The fuck happened here? Did the girl throw another fit?” Dally drawls, a sick grin on his face.
His words are like a knife to Darry’s heart. Everyone’s silence tells him all he needs to know.
“Oh.”
“Oh.”
The realization appears on his face as quick as a lightswitch flipping on.
“Oh, shit, man. What did you do, Darry?” He immediately asks, stepping further into the quiet house.
