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Ponyboy's footsteps echoed softly against the pavement as he trudged down the familiar streets of Tulsa on his way to the DX after his unpleasant day at school. Yet another argument with some teacher who wouldn't listen to him. He had also spent the day alone as none of his friends showed up for their usual lunch hangout.
Lost in his thoughts, he didn't notice the group of older boys following him until their voices pierced through the air. "Hey, greaser!" Ponyboy turned around and was face to face with a blonde soc and his friends. Before he could react a hand shot out, grabbing him by the collar of his shirt and pushing him to the ground. He tried to get away, but they had too strong of a grip on him. The soc who had grabbed him landed a sharp blow on Ponyboy's cheek, leaving him wincing.
Before things could escalate further, footsteps approached where Ponyboy was pressed against the ground. “Hey! Leave him alone!” Ponyboy looked up and saw Steve Randle striding toward them, his fists clenched at his sides. Steve was on his way to his shift at the DX, but when he saw Ponyboy, he knew his it could wait.
The socs hesitated, questioning the consequences of a fight. “Back off,” Steve warned, his voice slow and steady. The socs reluctantly let go of the small boy and ran off.
Steve turned to Ponyboy, who had stood up, his body still trembling in fear “Kid, you okay? What were you doing walking alone?” Steve stood in front of him and put a hand on his shoulder. Ponyboy nodded, blinking away the unshed tears in his eyes. "I just wanted to see Soda.” Ponyboy felt his emotions building up in his chest and quickly suppressed them. “Alright, kid. Come on.” Steve responded quietly, starting to guide Ponyboy to the DX.
They walked up to the familiar gas station, and Steve pushed the door open, ushering Ponyboy inside. The bell above the door jingled loudly as they entered. Sodapop was behind the counter, putting money in the register. He looked up, his face lighting up at the sight of his best friend and brother.
“Hey Ponyboy, what's up?” Soda greeted warmly, walking over to him. Soda's smile faltered as he saw the distress on his face. Ponyboy's facade crumbled at the sight of his brother. Without a word, he threw himself into Soda's arms, his shoulders shaking as he sobbed. Normally, Ponyboy refused to cry in front of the gang, especially Steve. But today, he couldn't hold back. The frustration from school, the loneliness of the day, and the fear from the encounter with the socs all poured out in quiet cries against Soda's chest.
Soda just held him, rubbing his back soothingly. “Rough day?” He asked softly, his voice gentle and understanding. Ponyboy nodded against his shoulder, feeling safe in his brother's arms. “Yeah.” He managed to murmur, voice muffled by Soda's shirt.
Steve walked away, let the Curtis brothers have privacy, and started his shift. As Pony and Soda stood there wrapped in each other's embrace, the pain from the day melted away. At that moment, Ponyboy knew whether it was teachers or socs, his big brother would always be there for him.