Author's Note: Sorry for a sort of late update guys! I hope this one makes up for it:)

As soon as the words escaped my mouth I almost regretted it. I had no idea what I was going to say, I didn't want to screw anything up. Johnny was sensitive and one wrong move could wreck everything. I gulped and gazed down at him, trying to smirk slightly. He looked up at me with wide eyes and I knew I had to say something else to ease his mind.

"Don't worry Johnny, I promise it ain't anything bad." I saw his eyes avert to the floor one last time before he stood up slowly. I took that as a sign to start walking through the living room and past the kitchen. I noticed Darry was sitting at the small table reading the paper. He glanced up at us and I nodded my head, hoping he understood what I was doing. He nodded back and looked back down, engrossed in whatever boring news article he was reading. I glanced behind me to make sure Johnny was following and sure enough he was. I kept walking until we made it out the back door and onto the porch. The air was cool and fresh from rain, one of my favorite kind of days, just not today. I sat down on the old wooden step and motioned for Johnny to do the same.

"So, um…" I started, looking off towards the run down fence. I honestly didn't know how to start such a conversation. I felt this was more awkward than talking to a girl like Cherry Valence.

"This is about me, isn't it?" I saw that one coming. I signed and quickly caught his eye.

"No Johnny. Well it is, but it really isn't. I just wanted to let you know that none of this was your fault. Sure, I understand we were in the lot together but it was just awful timing and an unfortunate circumstance. Please just, can we just not blame anyone and enjoy today? You're my best buddy and I can't stand seeing you beat yourself up over this." I figured just ranting was my best option. I needed my point to come across strong. I sighed and looked down, but as soon as I did I realized it might look like I'm mad at Johnny, which I really wasn't. I straightened myself out and glanced over at him with pleading eyes. He was biting his thumb nail and looking down. He finally stopped and looked up.

"I-I'm sorry if I made you angry Pony, I want us to spend as much time together too. I-I just can't help but feel bad, you know?"

"Yeah I know, I know. I just really wanted to get my point across because I realized we haven't really talked since that morning and I really missed talking to you like the buddies we are. Hell, even Steve noticed it!"

I heard Johnny laugh quietly, something I love to hear because if anyone in the world deserves to have a good laugh, it's Johnny.

"You do have a point there," he said, smiling.

"Good, so no more awkward tension! Let's get inside and grab something to eat. I can imagine you haven't had much and neither have I." I started to stand up but stopped when I heard Johnny speak up.

"Well I actually have some smokes with me, would you wanna maybe just hang out here for a bit longer? I don't think I'm ready to deal with the gang just yet."

I couldn't help but feel happy for even just a slight second. Johnny rarely speaks up around the whole gang so whenever we hang out alone, I can't help but feel some pride and accomplishment. Johnny was a lot different around me. You can really see his personality shine when he isn't overwhelmed by a crowd of people.

"Sure Johnny, that sounds great," I smiled at him and sat back down. He grabbed his lighter and a pack of cigarettes from his jean pocket. He took two out of the box and handed me one. He lit his own and passed the lighter to me, which I took happily. It was nice to have a quick smoke after being tense for so long. As long as Darry didn't yell at me, I was content. I turned my body so I was leaning against the side of the porch and took a drag.

"I love it when the weather is like this. I love smelling the rain and feeling the breeze, you know?" It was a stupid conversation starter with anyone else, but not with Johnny.

"Yeah, and you can see the sun starting to come out from the clouds. It sure is nice," Johnny said quietly. He took a drag and leaned back as well. I was really going to miss him when I left for the boy's home. Sometimes I don't know who I would miss more, him or Sodapop. I figured it was about equal. That thought alone was enough to make my eyes water and my throat swell but I blinked back the tears quickly. Crying in front of Johnny wouldn't make him feel too hot, and I finally made progress with him. I decided I would enjoy the peace and quiet before things got hectic.

"Do you remember all the times we would play football back here with everyone? And your mom and dad would tease us because we were smaller than the others?" My eyes widened at the sudden conversation. We rarely talk about past memories, only of our current situation. I wanted to grasp this moment though, because in time we would never get it back.

"Yeah, I do." I took a long drag from my cigarette which was now almost gone. "Those were some great times. We would all run in after and eat chocolate cake and not give a damn about the world. I miss those days." I leaned back and shut my eyes, feeling the soft breeze sweep across my face. Why couldn't we go back to those times? Why do we have to be poorer than dirt and deal with people like the Socs and Johnny's mom and dad? Why did my own parents have to die so young? It wasn't fair. I tossed my cigarette to the side.

"Life really does suck sometimes, huh?" Johnny replied, rubbing his hand over his scar. I grimaced at the not-so-nice memory of the day he was jumped by those damn Socs. I nodded my head, not feeling a need to speak another word. I could tell he was in deep thought, and so was I. After a few more minutes of lingering silence, I stood up and Johnny followed my action. We walked back inside to grab some food and prepare for the hopefully long day ahead. I was really glad everything was back to normal with Johnny and I, but I couldn't help but think about the fact I might not see him after tomorrow for a long, long time. I really hope visitors are welcomed often or I may go crazy. Just then an idea popped into my head. I knew exactly how I wanted to spend the day with the guys. I smiled and grabbed a plate of cake and eggs off the counter and sat down at the table next to Sodapop.

"Hey Soda?

"What's up Pony?" He responded with a mouth full of chocolate. I rolled my eyes and continued.

"Do you think we can maybe play a game of football later today?"