「it ended at sonic」 | d.w. + c.v.

Chapter One: The Note.

HE COULD'VE BROKEN right then and there -- but no, no, no. Johnny had to leave a note, one that kept him thinking. He listened as Ponyboy read aloud, his voice breaking. He had two choices; let his raging emotions drive him, or take a moment to think. Was it really worth it? To die - sacrifice himself for those kids? Hell, if it was Dallas, he'd have never had a second thought; he'd have been long gone before their petrified screams filled his ears. If he'd have been smart like Dally, he would still be here. Yet through it all, he still felt as if it had been worth it -- why?

"I'm gonna go get a nurse." Ponyboy cut into his thoughts, folding the note and setting it on the bedside table before getting to his feet and exiting the room. He didn't exactly realize why he'd just up and left, until his eyes fell upon the redheaded broad. She had tears in her eyes, looking like she wanted to say something to either of them. Pony didn't give her a second glance, pushing passed her eagerly.

"I'm sorry." She said to the blond finally, her scarlet red curls shaking with her head. She'd even brought flowers. What a joke.

"So Greasers are worth a bouquet, huh?" It was dull, nothing like his usual attitude. His jaw was clenched, his eyes avoiding hers to gaze at the ground.

"I should've come sooner, but-" She didn't seem to have an excuse. Opening and closing her mouth in such a way that it reminded her of fish out of water.

Cautiously, she made her way toward the hospital bed, a few stray tears silently making their way to her quivering lips. Placing the flowers on the table, she swallowed hard. She tried her hardest not to look at Johnny, lying lifelessly in the bed just feet away. Guilt - that was what she felt. The tension visibly boiled up throughout the room as she swiped at her cheeks hastily. She had to hold back sobs.

"What the hell are you doin' here anyway?" He clicked his tongue, finally looking up to glare at her. Numbness faded, fury quickly taking its place.

"I started thinkin' about something Ponyboy said... thought I'd check up on you, I know you and Johnny were pretty close." Dally snapped, right there at those words.

"Oh, what do you care?" He nearly yelled as he stood up. He probably wasn't supposed to in this wing of the hospital, but who was he to ever follow the rules, anyway?

"I care because he's a good guy. That's hard to come by these days." He scrunched up his nose.

"You didn't even know him! 'The hell do you know?" That got her mad, and she spun, snapping an accusing finger towards him.

"Listen, you-" She didn't even know what to call him at this point. Nonetheless, she continued, "Look, I may not have known him very well, but he sure as hell left a better impression than you did!" He would've laughed had they been in a different situation.

"Oh, you're still hung up on that bit?" Dally scoffed as she rolled her eyes.

"I was making a point, Dallas. He was a good guy, seeing that in this generation is a rarity." It was astonishing how quick her mood could change. One minute he had her on her toes, yelling at him, the next she was all calm and collected like most women. And a small part of his brain wanted to rile her up once again, but a bigger part was already past that level. Though, it was useless to fight anyway, really. They were both just two people upset over the death of a friend. But that was the thing, she didn't even have the right to call herself Johnny's friend. Where was she when all this shit went down? Out with her Soc friends, having the time of her life. She didn't care about some Greaser that she met at the Nightly Double. His glare deepened as he spoke his next words.

"Go to Hell," he spoke in a threatening tone, and those were the last words he was able to get out before Pony finally came in with a nurse. Damn, he sure did like to take his sweet time. The broad whizzed past him silently, a blank look ghosting over her face as he caught sight of a few fresh tears making a slow treck down her face. As the nurse went to work, doing whatever it was that needed to be done, Ponyboy stopped Cherry at the door.

"Are you gonna be alright?" Her only answer was to lower her gaze to the suddenly intriguing white tile floor. He let her go without any more question, and at that moment, Dally knew he'd get questioned on the ride to Pony's house. Ponyboy was always a curious fella - even when he didn't need to be. Dally wouldn't have anything to tell him, not really. The broad had showed up far too late, and that was all there was to it. He raked his hand through his hair slightly, cooling himself off more so. Johnny was gone, and he wasn't coming back. That was a fact that would destroy the blond, but he would have to deal with that later, in his own time.

"You wanta go tell the others or…" He shook his head, throwing up his hand. What did someone even say in a situation like this? Hell if he knew. He was silent for a moment, mind unable to think properly. "Somethin'," he finally finished, casting one last sideways glance at Johnny. 

"Yeah." Pony nodded his head, gaze focused on the bed. His sight began to blur, and at this point he wasn't sure if it was due to him tearing up, or because he was staring in one place for so long. Urging himself to, alas, turn away, he followed him.

A/N: All character rights, names, and relationships belong to S.E. Hinton and her amazing portrayal of the 60's. This is an AU, and at one point or another may get out of character in the views of some. This is our attempt at expressing these characters, and perhaps giving them a happier ending(ish?). We may have gotten a few minor facts wrong or mixed up, but we tried and hope you appreciate the outcome. We are surprisingly proud at the result of this. Opinions are welcome!