Dally told Tim to come over. By the time he arrived the boys were fast asleep in the living room. They decided to continue this conversation out on the porch with a smoke.

"You can't be serious," Dally said angrily.

"I am unfortunately," Tim looked down, "Two-Bit got him good. Lost a lot of blood from the wound and he hasn't become conscious yet. I don't think they have gotten a hold of his dad."

"Is his old gang seeing him?" Dally asked.

Tim shrugged, "I was just visiting quick to get an update. I didn't see anyone there for him."

"Did you get to see him?"

Tim nodded.

"How does he look?" Before Tim opened his mouth Dally continued, "Bring me to see him. Everyone's asleep, they won't even know." Tim didn't argue, they got in his car and headed their way. At the hospital Dally felt his stomach launch. He wasn't sure if it was fear, he usually didn't experience fear. He had seen gunshot wounds before, but never on someone he was close to. He didn't know what to expect.

Tim brought Dallas to Steve's room. "I'll wait out here," Tim said. That made Dally even more nervous if Tim wouldn't even go back in the room. Tim must have noticed this as he said, "Just be quick. It's easier that way." Dallas looked and Tim just stared at the ceiling. Dally could only imagine he was asking the same thing he was thinking. How could it have gotten this far?

Slowly, Dallas opened the door. He peeked in and saw Steve. There was bandaging over his chest, breathing tubes, and all types of machines hooked up to him. He was completely still and pale as his pillow. It was barely a minute when Dally shut the door. He didn't even take a step in. That was one of his best friends in there. He was dying. Steve could be gone in a matter of days, maybe even hours. Gone for good. Dally threatened to kill him and thought about killing him from this mess, but the reality of it made him regret it. Yeah, Steve deserved to get hurt and beat at his own game. Dally knew he didn't want Steve to go though. No one would. Tim must have regretted it too. He wasn't dancing around about karma or anything.

"It's so different when it's someone close to you. It's not like when you beat up someone you hate or when you see someone shoot someone at a rumble. We've known Steve for years, and even though he went against us...it's just..." Tim trailed off.

"What are his chances?" Dally asked messing with the door handle.

Tim shut his eyes.

"What are his chances?" Dally asked louder.

Tim sighed, "Maybe a couple days if he doesn't wake up."

Dally punched the wall and marched out of the hospital with Tim at his heels. "Don't tell Soda," Tim said as they got back in the car.

"I don't plan on it. But do you realize what can happen to Two-Bit if Steve dies? Trial goes to murder then. Not attempted murder or any other bullshit, but real murder," Dally said. He clenched his fists unsure of what to do.

Tim shook his head. "I think we should visit Two-Bit. Maybe he's talked to someone. We can see what they are going for right now."

Dally thought for a minute, "We'll visit tomorrow. But just us. I'm not going to tell Soda or Darry or anyone what we are doing. I'm done worrying them right now."

Tim nodded, "This is just ridiculous. How much more can anyone take of this?"

"Seriously," Dally mumbled, "Let's go to Buck's. We can sneak easier that way."

In the middle of the night, Pony awoke and wandered into the kitchen. He rubbed his eyes as he flipped the light on and made himself a glass of chocolate milk. Peering into the living room, he saw Soda sprawled on the couch and Johnny bundled in the armchair. Dally was nowhere to be found, and he wouldn't sleep in the brother's bed. Pony looked at the clock. It read two. He was surprised that he still felt tired. Not too tired to wonder about Dally's whereabouts though. Knowing him though, Pony could guess he was out getting wasted or something to erase his mind for a night.

Wandering upstairs, Pony peered into his older brother's room. He was surprised to see his lamp on and a book open. He looked up, "Pony?"

Pony opened the door all the way and sipped his chocolate milk at the doorway.

"You can come in," Darry said patting his bed. Pony sat on the edge of the bed while Darry put his book down.

"Why are you up?"

"I should be asking you that," Darry said.

Pony shrugged, "Went to bed really early. Still tired though."

"It was all good for you though," Darry said, "Finally getting some rest."

Pony nodded, "What are you reading?"

Darry shrugged, "Just a book from your room."

"You got up?"

"I'm fine," Darry said looking at Pony, "It was good for me to move a little. I slept too much today so I'm trying to tire myself with a book."

Pony nodded, "Dally's gone."

Darry shrugged, "I'm sure he will be back by morning. He did a lot for you guys today, just needs some Dallas time for himself."

"I guess," Pony said chugging the rest of his chocolate milk.

"Are you all sleeping downstairs?"

"Yeah, I was on the floor. I barely remember walking in the door from the park I was so exhausted."

Darry nodded, "Is Soda worried? About Two-Bit?"

"Two-Bit and Steve," Pony replied.

It was quiet for a minute before Darry spoke again, "You can sleep in bed with me if you want. It's more comfortable."

Pony did want a sense of security. He crawled into Darry's bed and lay next to him.

"Do you want the light off?"

Pony shook his head, "It's okay."