Work Text:
“He’s been in there for an hour already,” Steve yelled to Sodapop. Everyone in the gang was in the living room, just enjoying their time. Everyone except Ponyboy. He had went to the bathroom one hour prior, scratching and telling them he needed to go.
“Give him time Steve,” Sodapop pleaded. He knew that his brother was sensitive, maybe he was just trying to take deep breaths. At least, that’s what Sodapop told himself as the minutes ticked by. Dally and Johnny worked on a puzzle on the ground, with Two-Bit messing it up.
“Ight guys lets go to the lot,” Darry finally called out. Steve looked up at Darry. Sodapop looked over to Steve, “Think ya can tell Ponyboy we’ll be in the lot?” Steve could tell that Sodapop didn’t want to leave, but, was still under the impression that Ponyboy was fine.
Steve rolled his eyes, trying to stop himself from pissing his pants and nodded. The rest of the gang walked out, leaving just Steve and Ponyboy in the house. Steve knocked on the bathroom door, “Cmon kid hurry up.”
Silence.
Steve knocked harder, “If you don’t come out I’ll make ya get out here.” Once again, he was met with silence. “I’m coming in,” Steve yelled as he jingled the doorknob. It gave way, letting Steve in easily.
The scent that hit him made him recoil. He stumbled back as the light from the bathroom showed him the scene in front of him. Ponyboy was in the bathtub, the water to his chin. His arms were out, showing deep cuts.
Steve tried to ignore the red color from the water, and the scent in the air. “Kid?” He called out, running into the bathroom and falling to his knees in front of the bathtub. “Fuck!” He called out as he felt his knee hit something sharp.
He looked down, seeing a razor looking right back at him. Everything was too much and his stomach let him know it. He turned to the side, throwing up the dinner Darry had made for them. Then he turned back to Ponyboy, Ponyboys eyelids were half-closed.
“Kid?” Steve called out, reaching a hand to Ponyboys shoulder. The water was barely warm, with some blood still oozing from the cuts on his wrists. “Ponyboy wake up,” Steve said, starting to shake Ponyboy. Tears started to line Steve’s eyes as he shook Ponyboy.
“S-Steve?” Ponyboys voice repeated. Steve’s eyes widened, “Kid? Oh glory kid thank god.” Tears started to fall from Steve’s eyes. “Steve!” Ponyboy suddenly called out as he looked at his wrists. Ponyboy writhed in pain, his back arching from the pain.
“Oh god Steve oh god,” Ponyboy panicked. “Hey- hey!” Steve called out, trying to get Ponyboy to calm down. “Breathe kid, breathe,” Steve repeated until there were just the tears of Ponyboy. “Look at me kid,” Steve ordered as he started to look for the first-aid kit.
“Steve I messed up,” Ponyboy cried. Steve shook his head, trying to dig out the gauze from the kit. “Shhhh kid, please,” Steve said, trying to hide how his voice was starting to break. Ponyboys tears still gifted to the tub, “I’m so stupid Steve… I- I don’t know-“
“Steve! Did ya get Ponyboy out yet?” Sodapops voice drifted into the house. Ponyboys eyes widened in shock and fear as he looked at Steve. “Don’t-“ Ponyboy pleaded. But- he was too late.
“Are ya in here-?” Sodapops voice cut off as he looked at the scene. Instantly, Sodapop was at Ponyboys side, checking his wrists while yelling at Steve to call for an ambulance. Steve ran to the phone, picking it up and dialing quickly.
Sodapop held his baby brothers wrists. They were both crying, with Sodapop telling Ponyboy that it’ll be okay. “I’m so sorry Soda,” Ponyboy cried, no matter what he couldn’t get the tears to stop.
“Shhh baby don’t speak like that,” Sodapop whispered, “It’s gonna be okay.” Ponyboy nodded, watching as Steve ran back into the bathroom. Ponyboy watched as Steve’s eyes also had tears in them.
“I’m so sorry,” Ponyboy whispered.