There are some things me and Ponyboy don't talk about. We don't talk about school, feelings, or what would happen if anyone found out about us. But one subject I've learned to never bring up is Johnny. Everyone knows what happened with him. They say he died a hero. They say his dying had a lasting effect on Pony because they were best friends. But no one guessed how close they really were. Except for me. I always thought that their lasting glances as they passed each other at school held a little more than friendship. That was confirmed for me when Johnny's death had such a horrible effect on Ponyboy.
When me and Pony started hanging out, people began to notice how he started looking more presentable. They noticed his grades improving. They noticed him gradually coming out of his shell. But then a teacher had to go and say that I could very well be the new Johnny. Ponyboy took off running. He ran straight out of the school and down the street.
Being the concerned friend I was, I had to run after him. I had to try to catch him, even though I knew it was impossible. He was an A-team runner and I was, well, not the most athletic guy you could meet. It was all I could do to keep him in my sight. Ponyboy turned into the empty lot and collapsed.
When I finally caught up to him, he was sobbing. I sat next to him and tried to calm him down. I told him that the teacher didn't mean anything by what she said. That she was stupid and ignorant. That no one could ever replace Johnny because you can't replace people. But when Pony turned to look at me, it wasn't me he was seeing. It was Johnny. So when he grabbed me by the ears and pulled me down to kiss him, I wasn't as surprised as I should have been. When I kissed him back, he pulled away.
He told me that no one could know and that anywhere other than here we were just friends. I had to agree with him, though I knew even then I really was only the new Johnny. I try so hard for Ponyboy to see me but he can't. He can only see Johnny. I think he knows that I know. But a silent agreement has been made. This is another thing we never, ever talk about.
A/N Reviews are welcome, not expected. It would be nice, though. Hope you enjoyed it!