Disclaimer: I don't own the Outsiders. S.E. Hinton does.

A/N: I had 1 vote for #1, 2 for #2, 1 for #3, and someone who gave me their own idea. I tried to combine and I hope I have satisfied. Not all ideas are used in this chapter, but will be.

Two-Bit's POV (car conversation)

When Ponyboy got in I knew right away something was wrong. He was pale, his cheeks were flushed, and his voice was hoarse.

"You alright, Kid?" I asked him.

"I'b fine Two-Bit." He said, congested. I felt his forehead. He was not fine, he was burning up! He didn't want me to tell Darry, but all I could think about was last time he was sick, him lying in a hospital bed, delirious, screaming for Johnny. I flipped. I punched the steering wheel, cursing up a storm.

I told him I needed to be a responsible buddy, not just a pal, trying not to get him mad at me while taking him home. He seemed to get it and was silent for the rest of the ride to his house.

I told Darry and turns out he had a fever of 101. something-I-don't-remember. He sneezed and Soda and I cheerfully piped up a "bless you". He grabbed a tissue and blew his nose.

Ponyboy's POV

I felt awful. I knew now there was no way that Darry was letting me go to the rumble now. I wondered how I was going get to the rumble.

"I'm bored Two-Bit." I complained. Then, I got an idea.

"Let's play poker, Two-Bit!" I said excited for something to do.

"Kid, I'll whip you and you know it."

"I don't care." I informed him. I was about dying of boredom. He shook his head

"Kid, you can't sit still to save your life. You're worse than ol' Sodapop. Learn some patience." I laugh, but break off into a cough. I pop a cough drop and look at my hand. For once, it was good.

I got a straight and Two-Bot had a pair of aces.

"No way! What the heck?! You did not just beat me!"

We went back and forth for a while. At the end of the games, I was out $4! I gave up.

I eventually fell asleep listening to Mickey and Two-Bit's crazy stories.

Darry's POV

I walked in to see Ponyboy conked out on the couch. Two-Bit looked ready to drop too.

Ponyboy woke up when I slammed the door.

"Hey," I murmured quietly. The poor kid looked miserable. His nose was already red and raw. He sleepily mumbled a weak,"Hey, Dar."

He stated to fall asleep again but slurred out," How'sh wash work?"

I laughed quietly, he sounded so drunk," Good, little buddy." I grabbed a thermometer and stuck it in his mouth. His fever had gone up the 102.

Ponyboy's POV

Darry walked in and I half woke up. I asked him about work, and then fell asleep. I vaguely felt him stock a thermometer into my mouth before I fell into a deep sleep.

A/N: Sucky place to end I know, but I didn't know where to end it. I needed to gather my thoughts on how to continue. Writer's block sucks. Please send me reviews! You guys inspire me! 😛! I really need inspiration. Thank you who reviewed.