It could have been worse, really. Sleeping in a church after killing a guy was better than, say, being taken back to a Soc's house for torture. Or dying of some unknown disease.
But who knew how long they could hide out in Jay Mountain for? The cops were probably still looking for Johnny right now, and with his luck so were his parents. He couldn't decide which was worse-getting the chair for killing a guy or going home to his parents.
The chair wouldn't beat me at least, he thought, sniffling and blinking back tears as he moved closer to Ponyboy.
"I'm awful sorry for getting us into this mess," he mumbled. "But I couldn't let 'im kill you, Pony, I just couldn't!"
Ponyboy threw an arm across the smaller boy's waist and smiled tiredly.
"We'll just keep runnin'," he said, "the cops can't chase us forever. Tomorrow someone'll probably commit a worse crime and they'll have to deal with that and forget all about us."
Johnny leaned into Ponyboy's embrace and closed his eyes.
"I hope you're right."
"Thanks for saving me back there, by the way," Ponyboy said. "I know I was freaking out a lot, but if it weren't for you Bob would've killed me dead."
"I'd do it again, too," Johnny murmured. "You're my best friend in the world..." The last word was cut off slightly by a yawn as exhaustion set in, and he fell asleep.
Ponyboy sighed.
"I'd do the same for you, man." After a moment's thought, he pressed a chaste kiss to the boy's lips. Johnny stirred for a moment, but didn't wake. iIf he felt it he probably thinks he's dreaming."
The church was cold and dirty and Ponyboy didn't like the feeling he was getting from being there. But at least they wouldn't be there for long.
"Sleep well, Johnny."