{ edited }

As the weeks grow by, the three grow impossibly closer. They were like a real family and although they knew at some point it might not stay like that, they chose to ignore it.

Ponyboy sits on the couch, holding Zach on his lap as he leans on his husband's shoulder. Everyone was relaxing and watching some cheesy Halloween movie.

Zach was loving every minute of it as he would laugh the entire time or grin whenever the movie came back from commercials.

A knock comes from the front door and they all turn their heads, a little curiosity forming. No one ever even walks up to their house, let alone knocks on the door.

Johnny carefully stands, walking over to the door and opening it. He looks at who it is and his heart drops to his toes, a frown forming on his lips.

It was a police officer. That never could mean anything good.

"Hello sir," Johnny says. "How may I help you?"

"You are one of the men taking care of young Zachory, right," the police officer asks.

"Yes, sir."

"May I come in," the officer asks. "I would like to talk over some things with you and your husband and about the placement issue of Zachory."

Johnny steps aside and lets the officer walk in, closing the door behind him. Ponyboy looks at the officer and gently holds the boy in his lap closer to him.

The officer makes his way into the living room, Johnny following him. Johnny takes a seat next to his husband again, gripping his hand.

"So, for the placement of Zachory," the officer starts. "He has no family members left to take care of him. That means he'll be placed into a foster home or an adoption clinic."

Ponyboy looks at Johnny with sad eyes and nods his head a little. The two had grown to love Zach so so much.

"What about us," Johnny asks, seeing the pain on his husband's face. "Couldn't we adopt and take care of him? He's really safe here and he's happy and loved and well cared for... Gosh, we love him around... He's like our own kid..."

"Well, I guess that is an option as well but I'm going to have to call a social worker to make sure your house is suitable enough for Zachory. You could have a chance at raising him and taking care of him."

"Do you really mean that," Ponyboy asks, finally speaking up. "We might get to keep him?"

"Yes. I'll just make an appointment for a few days from now," the officer says. "She will make sure you and your husband are suitable parents for this boy."

"Yes sir."

-  -  -  -  -

How was this?

Sorry that it's been almost a month since my last update. A lot has been going on and my health has honestly not been the best.

Please forgive me and take this filler chapter as my apology