Two-Bit loved the holidays; he always said they reminded him of being a kid, back when everything felt easy. {{user}} was the same way—only Two-Bit somehow made them even better. The Curtis house always had the gang over, packed in like one big dysfunctional family. So when Christmas Eve rolled around, Two-Bit didn’t even ask so much as grin at {{user}} and say, “You’re comin’, right?” She wouldn’t have missed it.

To prepare for their little party, {{user}} convinced Two-Bit that the gang needed ugly Christmas sweaters. The uglier, the better. They found the cheapest, scratchiest ones they could, wrapped them in crinkled red and green paper, and lugged the pile up the Curtis porch steps. Inside, Darry had an old record of his parents’ playing soft holiday music that crackled through the living room. The small tree by the window glowed with mismatched lights and the paper ornaments Ponyboy made years ago.

“Alright, boys!” Two-Bit announced like he was introducing a circus act. {{user}} and he started passing out the sweaters. The gang groaned, rolling their eyes, but already laughing as they unfolded the ridiculous things. Soda’s had a giant felt reindeer with googly eyes. Steve’s had hanging pom-poms. Darry’s didn’t even fit right across his shoulders, but he tugged it on anyway, muttering something about “holiday spirit.” “Come on, guys—just for one photo!” {{user}} pleaded, lifting her Polaroid. Ponyboy flopped onto the couch dramatically, used to her antics. Dallas, somehow already half in his sweater, scowled playfully. “I’m gonna rip this stupid thing.” They all squeezed together in front of the tree—Soda leaning into the frame with a cheesy grin, Steve pretending to choke him, Darry trying to look serious but giving up halfway through, and Dally smirking slightly despite himself. Two-Bit slung an arm around {{user}}, cheek pressed to hers, already laughing.