All for Myself {dallyboy}

Problems

{Dally's POV}

It was yet another after school shift at Bucks. There was nobody in the building as I wiped down the bar. I mean, who goes to a bar at 4pm on a Monday? My mind drifted off as I sat at the stool behind the bar and thought of my day so far. I picked up Pony and Johnny up for school, went to all my classes, and then took Pony home. Johnny decided to walk home, against me and Pony's begging for him to come with us. He said he wanted to be alone on his walk to see Bryon. He got booked again. They still had him down at the station and he wanted to pay him a visit. He seemed dead-set on his goal, so we listened to him. I know that kid would follow that boy anywhere, even to his cell.

Anyways, after I kissed Ponyboy goodbye (and pinched his cheeks for good measure), I left and said I'd be back to cuddle when I got off work.

My mind returns to my job, but I have nothing to do. I'm glad I have week day shifts, It's practically  just babysitting this shit-hole. Nobody comes in here until Thursday at the earliest. I remember my wallet in my back pocket, and I reach around my back to grab it.

I gently unfold the front flap with my thumb, running it gently down the leather and reaching the card slot. I flipped behind my cards and pulled out the photo booth picture of Pony. So cute. I chuckled at how his shirt showed his underarms. I open the other flap, holding the other side down with my finger. Opening the money slot, I pull out the long photo folded sideways. I open it and stare down at my boyfriend, looking adorable as usual. I chuckle lowly even thinking about him. If only he were here.

I set the two battered photos against a glass on the bar counter. It's fun to remember our dates, hanging out at my place, and just getting to enjoy each other's presence.

As I study the battered photos, A sudden gust of wind and light sends them flying to the other end of the bar. The door of the bar slams open and I look angrily at the small figure who ruined my moment.

"Hey man, what the fuck!" I walk around the bar and scoop up the two photos. I stop in my tracks at the sight of the figure holding their chest and arm. "J-Johnny?"

"d-dallas-" he chokes out, leaning against the doorframe. As soon as he speaks, he falls to the floor on his chest. I unconsciously drop the photos and rush to his side. I see... blood. A lot, coming from his chest. I sit on my knees and try to hold him up.

"Oh god! Johnny, what happened?" I ask frantically, pulling his shoulders into my lap.

"On the w-way back from the station... they g-got me!" he chokes out through heaving sobs.

"Damnit Johnny, c'mere!" I pull him up so his back is resting against my thighs. I pull him up to a standing position and lead him out the door of the bar. I lead him stumbling to the door of the walk up. I swing his legs up and carry him up the stairs. He needs to lie down, he's breathing real heavy and still crying. I hate that I wasn't around to protect him. Just because he's small, they pick on him. Well fuck them. If only I had made him stay in the truck, goddamn it. I'm a fuckin' idiot.

I burst into the apartment, going to my room and laying Johnny across the bed. He's sweating and still bloody. I take my time and examine his poor, beaten frame. He has only bruises, besides a long gash across his chest. The blood is all coming his chest, his nose, or his busted lip. I take off my white shirt and remove his as well, wrapping my clean shirt around his chest tightly to stop the bleeding. I toss his blood stained shirt to the floor.

He's breathing heavy, almost hyperventilating. I put my knee on the bed to get closer to his face, taking my hand through his hair to soothe him. It always worked on Ponyboy, so it ought to work on Johnny.

"yeah, you're ok now... everything's gonna be all right now... Dally's here..."

•••

{Pony's POV}