Haha, so sorry about the delay. Though it's probably obvious now, updates won't be coming very quickly. For a number of reasons at that. But please enjoy this chapter all the same.

Saturday morning- 7:23 AM

Something was pushing at my side.

"C'mon Soda, you gotta go to work."

Darn it! Can't whoever's bothering me see that I don't wanna get up!

"Soda!"

Cracking one eye slightly open, I could see Darry hovering over me like a vulture or something. That guy can get pretty scary.

"I don't wanna." I mumbled, trying to snuggle next to Ponyboy again.

"Damn it Soda, ya want me wake the other brother up?"

Gah, he knows my weakness! My love for Ponyboy! How can this be?

"Blah, whatever." Sitting up and rubbing my eyes, I gave a look to the elder one. "You're just a big meanie, using Ponyboy like that."

"Yeah, yeah, I'm really an evil dude that's planning to take over the world. Apparently my secret cover was too obvious. Now I will use my brainwashing techniques..." Pointing one finger at my forehead, he closed his eyes, "I command you to get ready for work."

Haha, Darry is an odd one alright.

"Yes master." I replied in a blank voice, standing up slowly. "As you wish, master."

Then that's when I tripped.

"GAH!"

And fell.

"OW!"

And annoyed Darry.

"Soda!"

And did the unforgivable.

"Nnnn..." A auburn head lifted up, blinking at his surroundings. Shifting towards me and Darry, he stared... said nothing... then placed his head back down.

Nothing was heard for a brief moment until quiet snores occurred.

Sighing, I stood up carefully, watching my step, and tiptoed out of the bedroom with Darry right behind me. Carefully closing the door with a resolute click, Darry gave me another look.

"Look at what ya almost did."

Huh! Was is it my fault! I mean, sure, I tripped and fell, yelling about it, but that doesn't mean it has to be all my fault. I see how it is, blaming the middle child because the youngest is too innocent and the oldest is too much of a 'God' to be blamed for anything! Yeah, I see what everyone thinks now. Don't think ya can deceive me any longer!

Of course, this was just random thoughts that I would forget in about... two minutes. Sticking my tongue at him, I turned, chin up in air and stalked into the bathroom.

I knew he was shaking his head though. I think Darry can be too predictable as well.

Friday morning- 11:03 AM

Surprisingly, there hasn't been much business.

Could be the major rainstorm happening outside.

Or maybe nobody feels like getting up today?

Of course, that thought made me think of Ponyboy... I've come to the realization that there are a lot of things that make me think of Ponyboy, like... books, cars, school, chocolate... the sun... the rain... the weather in general... and other stuff that I really don't feel like listing.

Steve was next to me, tapping his foot in annoyance. He also kept shifting around on his stool... which made me think how Ponyboy never shifts around when he sits.

Man... I really need something to do right now.

"Steve..."

He didn't respond right away. That wall must be really interesting for him to stare at it with such intensity.

"Steve." I tried again, speaking a little louder.

Ahh, this is getting annoying. Blinking, I looked at my right, on the countertop... and smiled.

There it goes flying... and...

"GAH! WHAT THE HELL?" My buddy yelled, falling off his stool and landing on his bottom. Flapping around, he finally pushed himself back up, staring at me with his mouth hanging open.

It was getting hard to breathe and my side was starting to hurt... but I couldn't stop.

"Quit laughing! It's not funny." He growled, glaring at me. "What the hell did ya throw at me anyways?" He looked around, his face all scrunched up as if he was confused or something.

I chuckled, coughing a bit to calm down. "My water bottle."

"Jerk."

"You love me."

"Go die somewhere."

I laughed again, holding out my hand. "I'm sorry, but I couldn't resist. Forgive me?"

He snorted, grasping my hand. "Yeah, yeah." Pulling himself up, Steve rubbed his backside. "But gheez, that hurt."

"You wouldn't listen to me." I replied, letting go to lean against the counter. Stretching my arms up, I placed them behind my head to relax. "I'm bored."

"And I'm Steve. Well, what the hell do ya expect me to do about it? Command the rain god to stop the storm and make everything well again? I mean, seriously Soda."

Steve is always so sarcastic. Whatever that means, but that's what Pony said he is...

Ponyboy...

"Steve, I haven't talked to Pony for like, ever."

He stared at me like I was crazy or something. Probably am... "So? Are ya mad at him or something?"

"No... I just never get the chance to talk to him. He's either sleeping or doing homework or something."

My buddy blinked, then scratched his head. "Well, gheez, again. What do ya expect me to do about it? Like I said, he's your brother, not mine, so ya should know what to do... ya dig?"

I bit my lip. Why do I feel a little ashamed? Like I did something wrong. "I... I guess so."

Sighing, he placed a hand on my shoulder, squeezing it. "Soda, ya worry too much. Maybe the bra-I mean, kid's having a rough week or something, huh? You'll get yer chance, since there's no school tomorrow and that. I mean, god, all we've been talkin' about is ya brother!"

I blinked. "We have?"

"Yes! It's always 'do ya think Pony's mad at me' or 'I'm worried about Pony' and stuff like that. Relax! The damn kid is fine! He's not gonna like, die within the next day or anything."

For some reason, this really bothered me. I don't know why, but I just feel like Steve is showing some odd feelings towards Pony that I don't like. "Hey! Ponyboy is NOT some 'damn kid', okay? And with those damn Socs everywhere, I can't help but worry about him, considering what just happened in the last few weeks!"

We were both standing, face-to-face, me glaring and Steve shocked. Breathing heavily, I stepped back one, placing a hand on the countertop, lowering my face towards the floor. Through my hair pieces that fell forward, I noticed that he sat back on his stool, rather slowly.

Neither of us said anything, making the sound of rain seemingly louder in the back.

Clearing his throat, I noticed he swallowed, as if he was nervous or scared. I guess I kinda let it a little loose back there.

Closing his eyes, he bowed his head slightly. "Look... I wasn't trying to offend you or Ponyboy... it's just that... ya... you're being really... obsessive about him... or something. I can understand ya being worried about his well-being and all...," He lifted his head back up and his voice raised a little at this point on, "but just because ya haven't talked to him for a few days doesn't mean it's the end of the world or somethin'!"

I didn't know what to say... what to think. Obsessive? No, I'm not. I'm just being the caring, loving brother that I always was... maybe a little more protective this time, but it's exactly the same as before... right?

I stared at my friend, staring at him directly in the eyes. "Pony was super close to Johnny. They were like brothers. Always talkin' and stuff... hell, they even ran away together."

Steve frowned, his eyebrows scrunching together.

"Steve... what do ya think Pony was thinkin' when Johnny died in front of him? And when Dally was shot? What exactly was Pony thinking at those times?"

And this is where I'm ending it! Oh my, a slight cliffhanger! And Soda's being all introspective with Ponyboy! Shocking, isn't it?

Sorry, I'm being a dork. And yes, I'm sorry for the lateness of this chapter. I'll try harder with the future chapters. Please review!