Work Text:
No POV:
Johnny walks to the Curtis house, already feeling bruises forming on his body. Johnny sighs and rubs a particularly sore spot on his arm where his father grabbed him.
Johnny knew both Sodapop and Ponyboy were absent for the weekend, but Darry should still be there. Johnny figures coming over will do both him and Darry some good at this moment.
Johnny doesn’t bother knocking when he arrives, knowing the door was always unlocked anyway. Johnny opens the door and walks into a silent house. It was weird to Johnny, who thought at least Two-Bit would be there at this time of day.
Johnny looks around a bit in confusion as he doesn’t see Darry anywhere, despite his car being in the driveway. Johnny looks around until he gets to Darry’s bedroom. Johnny goes to knock on the door before he hears what sounded to be Darry gasping for breath.
Johnny opens the door in worry and is shocked to find Darry on the floor having a panic attack. Darry was in the fetal position, his hands in his hair and tears streaming down his face.
Johnny rushes over, but doesn’t tough Darry in case he sets him off. “Darry? Can you hear me?” Johnny asks with his hands out in front of him. Darry looks up at Johnny in shock.
Johnny smiles as he realizes Darry heard him, “Hey there.. What’s five things you can hear?”
Johnny waits until Darry lists all five things to continue, “And what’s four things you can feel?”
Johnny waits again before continuing, “Good. Now what’s three things you can hear?”
Johnny’s smile gets bigger as he realizes Darry is slowly calming down, his breathing coming back to normal. “You’re doing so good, Darry. What are two things you can smell right now?” Johnny asks once Darry lists everything off once more.
Johnny waits one final time before asking the last question, “And lastly, what’s one thing you can taste?”
“Salt..” Darry replies and wipes away the tears on his face.
Johnny glances down at his hands before back at Darry. “Can I touch you?” Johnny doesn’t want to make Darry more uncomfortable then he probably already is, not knowing if Darry wanted people to touch him in moments like these. Johnny was more used to dealing with Ponyboy’s panic attacks instead of Darry’s.
Darry nods his head, and Johnny gently hugs Darry. “It’s okay.” Johnny said as he squeezed Darry a bit. Darry smiles at Johnny and ruffles his hair.
“Thanks kid..” Darry replied with a soft smile.
“Anytime!” Johnny gave Darry one final squeeze before letting go, but still keeping his hands on Darry’s arms.
They both hear the front door shut and Two-Bit shouting his arrival, making them both chuckle.
They gave each other a silent look and head back to the living room where Two-Bit was, growing closer together.