It was only the beginning of the second month for Ponyboy's senior year, and he felt ready to sock the kid that was sitting behind him. Curly Shepard. Despite the two being good friends, the older male made sure to let the redhead know that his attention was needed, and it was needed now. There wasn't a moment to waste. 

"Curly, god dammit, I'm gonna smack you," the younger male hisses, spinning in his chair to look at the male behind him. His eyebrows were furrowed with irritation, eyes narrowed in a glare. "I'm trying to do something, you twit."

The ravenette smirks at the younger male, pressing another kick to the back of his chair. Curly loved testing people's patience and limits. His friends weren't excluded from this. Anyone was subject to Curly's reign of chaos. 

"You wouldn't smack little ole me," the older male purrs, leaning forward in his seat to get closer to the redhead's face, his curly hair bouncing a bit from his quick movements. "I'm just trying to get your attention and you happened to be too busy doing whatever it is you nerds do."

"I'm working on the assignment that was given to us today," Ponyboy huffs. "What could you possibly need from me?"

"I would... absolutely love, adore, cherish even... if I were to get some assistance from the almighty Ponyboy Curtis."

"What do you need help with?"

Curly shifts in his chair, gesturing to his beat-up folder, tore with years of wear, covered in a million overlapping doodles he's done. This was the only thing that he ever brought to school with him. And 90% of the time, he'd forget it at home or lose it somewhere before finding it again.

"Well, I know it's only a month or so in, but I'm already failing all of my classes. I've got missing stuff in everything, and Tim is threatening to knock my head in if I don't pass my classes and graduate. You know Tim, he'll actually smack me around. And I personally don't want to be at the receiving end of my brother's rage. So... will you pretty please help me?"

Ponyboy purses his lips in thought. Tutoring Curly? A kid who doesn't even really show up to school, much less pay attention to what was being taught to him. Half of the time he didn't show up because he was in the reformatory for some stupid petty theft that he got caught for. Curly did whatever he wanted and not even the adults were going to stop him. They've stopped trying. A lot of teachers have just given up trying to tame the wild being that was Curly Shepard. 

The two were only a year apart in age, 17-years-old and 18-years-old. Since Ponyboy was boosted a grade, they now shared a few classes and found themselves together more often than not while on school grounds. They've been friends since grade school but were into many different things that kept them separated a lot of the time. That and Darry and Soda weren't fond of the youngest Shepard. He rivaled Dallas with a long criminal record and a need to fight. He was always eager to throw a punch at anyone who looked at him the wrong way. While walking in the halls, most people moved out of the way to avoid Curly's possible wrath. 

"What's in it for me?" Ponyboy huffs. Although deep down he'd do it for free. Helping a friend was important to him. They were in different groups, but Curly was still someone he relied on and stuck close to. "I don't do many things for free."

Curly barks out a loud laugh, causing eyes to dart over and stare, the teacher included. Although he wasn't focused on their staring, only the redhead in front of him. He loved soaking up all of Ponyboy's attention.

"Anything you want, Ponybaby," the ravenette purrs, leaning a little further over his desk, their noses almost touching. "I have been known to please a few people."

"You wish," the redhead spits, his cheeks red hot at Curly's suggestion. He pulls his face away from Curly's. "My standards aren't that low."

The older male presses a hand to his chest in mock hurt, gasping. He leans back into his seat, his feet still on the back of Ponyboy's chair. 

"You wound me," the male whines. "How dare you say such hurtful things. I'm just asking for help, and you won't even take my payment. Astonishing. I thought that you were raised better than that."

Ponyboy glares.

"Not everyone wants payment with your body, Shepard."

"And why not? I think I'm attractive. Ask any girl I've been with in this school."

"I don't think their opinion would be what you're thinking."

Curly huffs. 

"Come on, just help me out," the ravenette says. "I don't want Tim putting me into an early grave because I'm too stupid to do whatever they're giving out here. You're the smartest guy I know and my only hope of graduating. Don't you wanna be my walking buddy? You know, we walk down to our seats together, arms locked and whatnot? I can't do that if I never even make it off home plate."

The ravenette clasps his hands together in front of his chest like he was praying, lower lip stuck out into a pout. His big, blue eyes suddenly looked so much softer and less menacing than they usually were. Ponyboy was finding it hard to say no to him. 

"Are you gonna actually let me help you? Or are you gonna let me do all of the work for you and you just turn it in?"

"I'll do whatever it takes, I promise. Scouts honor."

Curly crosses his heart with his dominant hand, looking at Ponyboy with big eyes. The younger male huffs, shifting a bit in his desk. His back was hurting from twisting around to look at him like this. He didn't answer quite yet. He wasn't sure.

The ravenette extends his hand out, sticking his pinkie like he was a little kid. It made Ponyboy laugh, a smile playing on his lips. A pinkie promise? Curly must really be desperate to deploy something like that. 

The older male smiles widely at Ponyboy's expression and laughter. He felt like he was winning the lottery. There was just something about Ponyboy Curtis that had him always watching, investigating. He was one of the most interesting people he's ever met.

Ponyboy extends his hand, linking pinkies with Curly, shaking their hands. 

"Fine, deal. But that means you're coming home with me tonight to study. You've got a lot of work and that takes time."

"What?" The older male whines. "Tonight? You're already gonna put me to work? How cruel."

"Would you rather study or have Tim knock your lights out for being an idiot?"

"...Do you want the real answer?'

Ponyboy pulls his hand away from Curly's, leaning forward to smack him upside the head. It wasn't rough or anything, more of a light smack than anything serious. The ravenette yelps loudly and pouts, moving a hand to press against where Ponyboy had smacked him. 

"You're coming home with me to study and that's final."

"Aye aye, captain."

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Welcome to my brand new purly story!

I know that it's been over a year since I last published anything... So this is proof of life from me.

I have been really into purly lately and I love the dynamic that I've seen with these two. It's just so perfect and fun to write and I'm honestly really excited to write this! I've got the first two chapters done already and a whole thing in my notes with ideas and things that I want to include.

As excited as I am, I will try my hardest to update consistently! As most of you know, people do happen to grow up. I'm 20-years-old and I have a job in which I'm currently training to be a manager. So in my free time, I will work on this the best I can!

I can only hope that you guys are still around and excited for brand new content! I can't believe that it's taken me so long to push something out!

This is my early eight year anniversary present!

Enjoy! <3