I'm not done reading The Outsiders yet, but I really wanted to write a story for it. So here's a drabble/oneshot through Johnny Cade's point of view that takes place when he kills Bob. Reviews are appreciated.

Disclaimer: I do not own The Outsiders or any of its characters.

Life or Death

The Socs were approaching.

My heart pounded against my chest at breakneck speed as I cursed under my breath. My hand moved towards my switchblade. Although I was scared to death, I would take it out if it meant defending me and Ponyboy. My blood felt icier than the bitter night air. I wished I could close my eyes and make them disappear, but of course that wouldn't do us any good. Pony and I shivered as we moved backwards to the fountain. I tried not to breathe in as they reeked heavily of alcohol and English Leather. I stared absent-mindedly, desperately hoping one of our fellow Greasers - like Dally - would show up. Inside I was trembling, but I strived to look tough. Pony and I wouldn't let those damned Socs have the satisfaction of knowing about our fear.

I recognized Randy and Bob, but I was unsure of who the other Socs were. Bob's rings shined in the moonlight as I stared at them in a mesmerized state. Bob spat in our faces about how we picked up their girls. I told them they were out of their territory in the lowest my voice could go, but Randy just swore and got even closer to us. I sensed Ponyboy's anger as Bob dismissed us Greasers as white trash. He retorted back furiously and spat back. A creepy grin crossed Bob's face as he ordered another Soc by the name of David to give Ponyboy a bath. I wasn't sure what he meant, but it didn't take long for me to find out.

Ponyboy feebly attempted to duck and escape, but the Socs grabbed him forcefully and twisted his arm behind his back. The Soc submerged Ponyboy's head harshly. Now I was really pissed at that Soc. As Pony flailed helplessly and the Socs snickered, I reached for my switchblade. I was gonna have to kill that Soc to save Pony. But was killing someone to save another really right? Now wasn't the time to ponder that. I deeply cared about Ponyboy, and I'd sure as hell rather see a cruel Soc die than my close friend. Though my hand was shivering, I grabbed my switchblade. With my eyes half-open, I ran towards Bob and repeatedly stabbed him in the back. Once Bob's body fell to the ground, the other Socs fled in fear. Ponyboy's head came out of the water as he tried to catch his breath. I sat down beside him and gazed with wide eyes at Bob's body. I, Johnny Cade, had taken a human life. The blood drained from my face again as I went pale. My icy fingers grasped the blood-stained switchblade. I turned away to give Ponyboy some privacy as he got sick.

"You really killed him, Johnny?" Pony asked incredulously. He sounded as shocked as I was.

"Yeah..." my voice quavered as I fought to hold back tears. "I had to. They were drowning you, Pony. They might have killed you..." I trailed off, hoping my unceasingly shivering body would stop soon. "And they had a blade...they were gonna beat me up..." The painful memory of me getting beaten up by Socs crossed my mind. A few hot tears rolled down my pale, frigid profile. I still couldn't believe I actually killed someone, but Pony meant that much to me...The cold made me crave a cigarette.

"You mean, like,"-Ponyboy briefly swallowed-"They did before?" His voice quivered with panic,

I went quiet. The guilt was overwhelming. Now we would have to run, and Pony might get in trouble cause of me. I mentally told myself to calm down multiple times. "Yeah, like they did before." What had I gotten myself into? I hadn't been in trouble like this. But I had only killed that guy for self-defense. Normally I wouldn't intentionally hurt anyone...My thoughts raced. If there was any bright side fo this situation, me and Pony were safe...for now.