A/N: Just quick note, I realized I may have messed up some medical terms in the past couple chapters. I hope I caught them all in this chapter, but Steve has a cast on with a sling to help hold it up. I may have typed splint instead of sling, totally different things. My apologies!

Soda hurried as he followed Darry downstairs. He had slept so peacefully after working things out with Steve, but wasn't expecting to wake up to a possible emergency. He had no idea what could be going on though. Clearly Darry didn't want to wake Pony as he seemed to be hush about it, but he was also being urgent to talk to Soda about something. "Darry, what's wrong?" Soda asked as he followed Darry all the way to the kitchen. He was trying to figure out how Darry was feeling. He looked mad, but he sounded worried.

"Did I not hear something last night?" Darry asked, "Was Pony in pain last night or something?"

Soda was confused. He shook his head, "No?"

"Did you give him an extra pill last night?"

"No? What are you getting at, Darry?" Soda asked waiting for him to get to the point.

"I just can't find his pills," Darry said pacing around the kitchen.

"What...?" Soda asked as he watched Darry look around dishes and towels and opened all the cupboards. He felt his heart fall fast. His mind raced as it processed what Darry was telling him. Ponyboy's medicine disappeared, it was after the night Soda had stood up Dalton, and it was after Dalton had threatened Soda over getting the pills. 'Did he...?' Soda thought to himself.

"I thought maybe Pony asked for an extra pill, because he was in pain or something so maybe you brought them to your room," Darry explained, "I just can't find them."

"I-I didn't..." Soda began with a shaky tone, "I didn't do anything with them, Dar." He tried his hardest not to sound nervous. There was no way he could tell Darry that Dalton wanted Ponyboy's medicine, because he wanted to give them to an addict, which Soda was helping distribute. Soda had hoped he could had just told Steve about what he was doing with Dalton, admit everything, and then leave it behind forever. Was Dalton not willing to let it go that easily?

"Damnit," Darry muttered, "We can't lose those. We can't risk another hospital trip for him, Soda."

"I know, Darry," Soda said shuffling around the kitchen table and moving pages from the newspaper, "I don't want him to go back either. I have no idea where they could be though, only you dealt with them."

Darry sighed, "Okay, well maybe I'm freaking out over nothing. I'll ask Pony when he wakes up. Maybe he brought them upstairs." Soda felt his hands begin to sweat, but he couldn't let on to Darry what he could be thinking. His mind was circling, and he felt he was going to burst. He had to get out.

"I gotta go," Soda said turning to leave the kitchen.

"Soda, wait," Darry said.

"What?"

"I didn't mean to get on you," Darry said, "Maybe Pony did something with them and I'm panicking over nothing. I'm sorry. I just don't want anymore hospital trips for him, so I want to make sure he takes them all."

"No, no it's okay. I'm sure we'll find them," Soda said, "I just need to go see Steve."

"Oh, are you going to talk to him?" Darry asked. As much as he was worried about the medicine whereabouts, Darry didn't want to pass up the opportunity for Soda and Steve to patch things up. The house wasn't the same with the gang not being around. He also knew that had to mean Soda was getting out of his own trouble he may have been in.

"Well, we kind of talked yesterday. I think we're going to be okay," Soda said as he inched towards the front door. He had to get out before he truly panicked.

"Okay, well don't be too long please."

Soda hurried out of the house and ran to Steve's. He couldn't believe what Darry had exposed to him that morning. Dalton kept popping into his mind, but Soda was hoping a more logical explanation could be there. His heart was hopeful that Steve could help come up with a more rational scenario for it.

Running up the driveway, Soda knocked on the Randle's front door.

Mr. Randle opened the door, "Hey Soda."

"Hi Mr. Randle, is Steve upstairs?" Soda asked shoving his hands in his pockets. He was aware he was probably being fidgety, but he was trying his best not to.

"Yeah, go on up. I'm heading out for work." Soda walked inside as Mr. Randle turned to find his keys.

"Thanks, I'll see you later," Soda said as he hurried upstairs. He walked into Steve's room, finding him sitting on his bed only dressed in boxers, flipping through a car magazine. "Hey Steve...whoa, look man, I know you're really into cars..."

"Shut up," Steve laughed, "I just woke up. I haven't gotten dressed yet."

"You spend your mornings looking at cars? I think you need a girl," Soda smirked.

"No, I just needed my best buddy back," Steve said flipping the pages back and forth, "I've been bored as hell."

Soda put his hand to his heart, "I'm so touched."

Steve looked up to his best friend and laughed, "What's up, man?"

"Your dad seemed to be in a good mood," Soda commented.

"He's been pretty nice since I hurt myself. Says it reminds him of his teenage years," Steve shrugged, "I think he's proud of me."

"Yeah," Soda took a seat on Steve's bed.

Steve noticed the worried look on Soda's face, "What's going on? Did something happen?"

"I think Dalton found a way to get Ponyboy's medicine," Soda spilled out.

"What?" Steve asked with shock, "What do you mean?"

"Darry woke me up this morning and he couldn't find the pills," Soda said with a shaky voice, "I panicked and left the house to come here. I haven't even told Darry everything I told you about what I did with Dalton. I really don't want to with how bad it got. If I haven't told him anything, how can I tell him Dalton wanted the pills? How can I tell him Dalton may be behind this?"

"Okay Soda, slow down for a minute," Steve put a hand up, "Is there a chance you're overreacting? Is there any chance Dalton could have nothing to do with it and it's just bad timing?"

"What else could have happened to them though?" Soda got off the bed.

"Just think," Steve suggested, "Just slow down and think of any other explanation."

Soda paced the room a couple of times as he thought. "Oh Steve, I can't think straight. I just...he must have done this."

"When?"

"It must have been last night. Maybe when I didn't show up, he just went to my house while I was here with you. Or he did it while I slept."

Steve shrugged as he couldn't think of an explanation against that theory, "I mean...maybe Soda. It seems possible, but it also seems pretty far out there."

"He shot someone over money, why wouldn't he do this too?" Soda asked.

Steve clearly was trying to think of anything else, something more simple. Without much luck, he realized he may have to admit the idea that Soda could have gotten himself into some real trouble. "Damnit," Steve got up from his bed, "If this guy has really gone this far to mess with you and your brothers. Get you into some drug shit, mess with Ponyboy's health, and wreck my car...I swear, I am going to..."

"And broke your arm," Soda interrupted.

"What?" Steve asked.

"Sorry, he did wreck your car, but he did also break your arm."

Steve brushed it off, "Details."

Soda couldn't help but grin at that, "I did miss you."

Steve smirked, "I listed the important stuff."

Soda sighed, "So what do we do? How do we really find out?"

"Are you sure you don't want to tell Darry what's going on? He could help..."

"No!" Soda blurted, "I just...no, I can't right now. If I can figure it out myself and fix it and never look back to Dalton, then I'd rather just do that and forget it all." Steve took a heavy sigh as he rolled his eyes, clearly not approving of that idea. "Steve, please, just keep it between us. You told Darry about Dalton and the drag racing bets and all of that. You had the right to, I was completely in the wrong and you were right to do that. Please don't tell him about this." Steve continued to look at Soda, deep in thought of what to do. "Steve, if you are right and it turns out Dalton has nothing to do with this, then there is no reason to tell Darry. Please?"

Steve didn't like the sound of it. He didn't know the first thing about dealing with drug dealers, or thieves to that standard. "I just don't like the idea of trying to go up against these guys. You're already in deep enough, we can't get you even further down."

"Steve, if Dalton really did this, I have to fix it. He may have messed with my little brother, and I will do something about it."

Soda and Steve decided on a simple plan of going out that night to try and find Dalton. They were going to try and get a hold of Two-Bit, Dally, and even Tim to help out. Soda wasn't sure if that'd do much, considering Dalton didn't usually go out 2 nights in a row. He was a smart guy to not draw suspicion like that. It was worth a shot though.

Approaching his house, Soda was nervous to walk in. Steve had stayed home and would be over after dinner, but now Soda wished he had come with. Darry could still be freaking out about Pony's medicine. Soda was going to have to try his hardest to hide his anxiety towards the situation. He didn't want Darry to suspect he knew anything about it.

Soda took a deep breath as he opened the front door. He walked in to both his brothers on the couch. "Hey guys," Soda greeted with a smile.

"Hey," Pony replied.

"Hey," Darry said as he got up from the couch. He gave Soda a look and tilted his head as he walked into the kitchen. Soda swallowed hard as he followed his older brother.

"Did you find them?" Soda asked.

"Yeah, I did," Darry said with a low tone.

Expecting to have to calm his older brother, Soda's eyes widened. He wasn't sure he heard right. "You...you found them? Really?"

Darry nodded and sighed with relief, "Yeah I did. When Pony woke up, I didn't ask him right away. I didn't want to worry him, so I waited and just did some laundry and cleaning upstairs, keeping him company. Then when I came downstairs, I found them in the cupboard. I must have been out of it this morning to have missed them like that. I laughed at myself, I had been so scared."

Soda just looked towards his older brother and the cupboard, "Wow...I mean, that's great Darry. Thank God. I was so worried."

"I was too. I never told Pony about it, so just don't mention it."

"Yeah, sure, of course," Soda said. He walked across the kitchen and started pouring himself a glass of water.

"How was it with Steve?" Darry asked.

Soda felt himself relax a little at the mention of Steve's name. He was beginning to feel like their friendship really was back, and it made him static with joy. "I think we're good now," Soda smiled.

"Everything's okay?" Darry asked.

Soda nodded happily, "Yeah."

"Well, I have another question then."

"What?"

"Did you tell him everything he wanted to know?" Darry asked.

'Oh no,' Soda thought to himself. Was Darry going to make him talk no matter what? Soda took a sip of his water before he answered, "Um, y-yeah...I did. I told him everything that happened and told him nothing was going to happen again."

Darry nodded, "Well, if things are good then, I'll trust you."

Soda was confused, "What do you mean? That's it?" Was Darry going to let him off the hook?

"Yeah. I know this was more of an issue between you and Steve. If you want to tell me what's going on, you can tell me. If you can promise me you're not into anything anymore, then I guess I can leave it be."

Soda smiled, "Yes Darry, I can promise you it's all done."

Darry nodded, "Good. I can leave it be unless it becomes a problem again."

"Deal."

"So, when can I expect to start seeing Steve lounging around here again?"

"Soon," Soda chuckled, "In fact, I think I'll call him right now."

As Darry left the kitchen, Soda picked up the phone. He waited a few rings before there was an answer.

"Hello?"

"Hey Steve, it's Soda."

He heard a slight groan, "Should I be worried why you're calling so soon?"

"No, no. It's actually all good...I think? Can you just come over right now?"

"Uh, yeah sure," Steve said, "On one condition."

"Okay?" Soda asked unsure what Steve was about to ask.

"Help me wash my hair?"

Soda smiled, "Sure, bring your grease."

When Steve arrived, he got a warm welcome from Darry and Ponyboy.

"Ah yes," Steve said, "This is home."

"It's good to see you," Darry smiled and pulled Steve into a hug, "It's been way too quiet."

"Oh Soda wasn't being loud enough for all of us?"

"Ha, ha, ha," Soda mocked, "Don't make fun of me or I'll bring the food coloring for your hair."

"Oh I ain't about to walk out in public with hot pink hair," Steve commented.

"How's the arm?" Darry asked.

"It's fine," Steve looked down at the cast, "I'll be good as new in no time. Then I'll be able to wash my own hair."

Steve followed Soda into the kitchen. "I don't know if I've ever washed anyone else's hair before," Soda smirked.

"Just do what you do to your own hair," Steve looked over at Soda, "You do normal hair washing techniques right?"

"Shut up," Soda laughed, "Hop up."

Steve got up and laid flat on the counter, leaning his head back into the sink. "Do you remember when we got in that thorn bush and got that prickly shit all over our hair? I think we were like 13, and your mom had to lay us on this counter to scrub the hell out of our heads?"

"Oh my gosh, I didn't even think about that. I had completely forgot," Soda said cracking up, "Our heads were so sore from that."

"Please don't be as rough," Steve laughed.

Soda began washing Steve's hair. "When do you go to the doctor next?"

"Tomorrow actually. I'm hoping they at least say I can get out of the sling."

"Oh like you haven't taken it off yourself," Soda smirked.

"Maybe a couple of times. But the cast is still wrapped past my elbow, so I still can't move it a lot," Steve said, "So...what's going on here now?"

Soda lowered his voice as he rinsed Steve's hair clean, "Darry found them." Soda shut the sink off, and helped Steve sit up while holding a towel to his head.

"So, it's all good then?" Steve asked as he lowered to the floor.

"I guess," Soda shrugged, "It just seems weird doesn't it?"

"Maybe Darry really did just misplace it."

Soda sighed, "Yeah, maybe I am worrying over nothing. I guess I just got so scared of the idea of Dalton being part of it."

"I know, but don't sweat it. Maybe he is just moving on, or maybe he left town again. We can only hope."

"Soda, when have you ever seen my hair like this?"

After Steve's hair got dry enough, him and Soda made their way into the bathroom so Soda could grease it.

"Oh give me a break Steve," Soda rolled his eyes, "I don't know your step-by-step process for them swirls. They're too complicated."

"Oh just give me the comb," Steve said as he began undoing the sling.

"Just leave your arm be. Can your hair look a little off for one day?"

"It's looked off ever since this happened. I just have barely washed it, because I knew at that moment my swirls would be gone."

"You haven't washed your hair this whole time?" Soda asked.

Steve smirked, "Shut up. You think I was going to let Two-Bit wash my hair?"

"That's kind of gross, man. Darry would've shoved me in a shower," Soda grinned.

"Hey, I did wash myself as best I could. It's not like I went out and did much anyway," Steve said as he did his best attempt to comb his hair. Every time Soda watched Steve try to do anything with his broken arm, he couldn't help but feel bad he wasn't there for his best friend. It couldn't have been easy going each day with a restrained arm.

"You really are precise with your hair aren't you?" Soda chuckled.

"Hell yeah," Steve said as he finished combing, "That's probably as close as I'll get."

"Want to go to the park and throw the football?" Soda asked.

Steve laughed as he put the sling back on, "I'll try."

The boys didn't toss the football around too much, as Steve knew Soda just wanted to talk. Soda was feeling pretty amazed how quickly him and Steve got back to their usual selves. At one moment, it seemed as if their friendship was doomed to ever be back to normal and they wanted to rip each other's heads off, but now it was as if the constant fighting never happened.

"You ain't bad with this one handed," Soda commented as he threw the football.

Steve caught it into his elbow and scooted it back up to his hand, "Hell, I'm more coordinated than I thought."

Soda began scratching at his head, "I still don't feel good about what happened, Steve."

"I can tell. What are you thinking?"

Soda shook his head, "I've just been thinking about it, and I know this is going to sound absolutely crazy and maybe I'm overthinking it...but do you think Dalton snuck in my house and took Pony's pills?"

"And...then returned them?" Steve emphasized the last part to help Soda realize how crazy that sounded, "Seems a little odd don't you think?"

"So you think I'm overthinking?" Soda asked, "I need some reassurance to not worry, you dig?"

Steve shrugged, "I think you might be. If he really needed the pills to sell, why would he return them? If he wanted to get back at you, he'd just do it and get the money for them pills. Dealers don't mess with you like that, they get what they want and fast. Just like when you got in with the guy and the gun, Dalton didn't mess with him, he went off and shot him immediately. You get what I'm saying?"

Soda nodded, "That makes sense, it really does. I guess I just want to know for sure."

Steve thought for a moment, "Want to really make up this friendship?"

Soda furrowed his eyebrows waiting for him to continue, "What do you mean?"

"Let's have a late night together," Steve suggested, "And we can keep an eye on things. If nothing happens, then maybe that will answer your question. And while we wait around, I can kick your ass in poker."

Soda smiled, "I'd like that."