"Maybe you could be neater? Huh Little Buddy" - He had never called me that before. Only Sodapop called me Little Buddy." -Darry/Ponyboy
Darry says this after Randy's visit when he is in Ponyboy's room. This shows that the relationship between Darry and Ponyboy has changed since the accident. Before, it was filled with hatred and bitterness but now they are like brothers rather than "father and son". By calling him a nickname that only Soda used probably made Ponyboy very happy. A series of tragic events actually brought Darry and Ponyboy closer, showing that everything happens for a reason.
Darry says this after Randy's visit when he is in Ponyboy's room. This shows that the relationship between Darry and Ponyboy has changed since the accident. Before, it was filled with hatred and bitterness but now they are like brothers rather than "father and son". By calling him a nickname that only Soda used probably made Ponyboy very happy. A series of tragic events actually brought Darry and Ponyboy closer, showing that everything happens for a reason.