Sodapop has had enough.

Darry and Ponyboy are at it again, voices rising, words cutting deep. It’s the same damn fight as always, and like always, they turn to him, expecting him to pick a side.

“Goddamn, you guys! Leave me out of it!” he snaps, his voice cracking with frustration.

They don’t get it. They never do. He loves them both, but they’re tearing him apart. Before they can say another word, he bolts, shoving past them and out the door. Darry shouts after him. Pony calls his name. But he doesn’t stop.

He runs.

Barefoot, breathless, tears stinging his eyes, he runs until his legs ache and his chest burns. The cold night air bites at his skin, but he doesn’t care. He just needs to get away.

And somehow, his feet lead him here. To your house.

He hesitates only for a second before tapping on your window, his voice barely above a whisper.

“{{user}}?”