An update so quick? Golly, gee whiz, you all had better appreciate it! ;)

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Addiction: Thanks for the LONG review! I love 'em! I appreciate the constructive criticism! Since I am trying to update semi-quickly I'm sure there are some mistakes! But alas…

XLadyXAugreyx: Dally and Johnny will be in the story again very soon. Keep reading! I'm glad you like the story!

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XXX

Two-Bit's POV

I sat awkwardly in the armchair next to Ponyboy's bed, chewing on my thumb. I had ditched class today to come pay my penance to someone I felt I had continually wronged.

I briefly considered and then rejected the notion to cross myself. I had never been the church going type.

"Shoot kid, I'm not a very good babysitter am I? Somehow you keep getting into trouble under my watch."

"Don't tell my mom, she'll never trust me with my sister again." I chuckled hoarsely and sullenly watched the IV drip into Ponyboy's arm, the heart monitor beep steadily.

There had been no change with Ponyboy. Well, except the fact that he kept looking worse and worse: paler, colder and younger.

Flowers and cards from Ponyboy's teachers and classmates littered the windowsill of his room. My mom had sent a bouquet of carnations. She had also been sending Darry and Soda home cooked meals, which I had participated in eating since I spent the weekend mostly at their place.

A heavy-set nurse bustled in and checked on the beeping monitors. She fiddled with some tubes and checked Ponyboy's pulse.

"It's good that you're here," She said to me. I looked around nervously, feeling guilty all of a sudden.

"He needs all the support he can get right now," she continued. "I'll be seeing you again, I hope." The nurse smiled at me and then straightened the blankets over Ponyboy's still form.

"I think she likes you," I whispered once she had left the room.

I considered and laughed at the fact that when Ponyboy came around he would scare the crap out of the person in the room.

My laughter died off as I struggled with my next thought. "Look. I better get this out of the way. It's my entire fault you're like this…" Breathing seriously, I leaned forward closer to Ponyboy, clutching the edge of his arm.

"…And well, this is punishment enough on me. So, please wake up, if not for me than Darry and Soda. They look worse than you do, they look like sh-"

The door swung open interrupting me. Soda and Steve stood there looking frustrated with each other.

"Two-bit?" Soda asked questioningly moving into the room. "Aren't you supposed to be in class?" He took his usual spot opposite me on the other side of his brother's bed. Steve sat on the dresser in the room.

"Eh, it's just gym. I don't need the exercise."

"If Ponyboy knew you was skipping school on his account he'd brain you," Soda joked distractedly. "Hey Pony," he whispered, picking up his brother's hand.

"What's going on?" I knew something was wrong. Soda's voice was tight and Steve kept eyeing him uneasily.

"Some Socs came down to the DX today. BS'ing as usual." Steve replied. He stared at me and then his eyes flicked to Ponyboy.

"About what?" I asked even though I had a feeling about the topic that had pissed Soda off. Although he looked much calmer now that he was with his brother.

"He's pissed at me," Steve offered casually. His chin jutted out towards Soda. "I wouldn't let him start in on them." He looked knowingly at me.

My hands gripped my chair. I had had a similar experience this morning at school.

"Two down, one to go," a Soc had said bitingly to my back. I was opening my locker when he said it. Leaning into it, breathing heavily, I tried to calm myself. Images of Dally and Johnny and Ponyboy filled my head. I closed my eyes stiffly, trying to block the thoughts. Instead I saw red and blue specks.

"Let us know when the funeral is," he started in again. "Although the Curtis's probably can't afford much," he sneered.

I exploded. Wheeling around I punched the bastard flat onto his back, paying no attention to the students milling around. I turned and fled the school, needing to see Ponyboy and assuage my fears.

Soda leaned back in his chair and glowered at Steve who was laughing at him.

"Look buddy, we don't need you hauled in for manslaughter."

"It won't do Pony any good when he wakes up and you're in jail," I snorted.

A smile cracked on Soda's face. "How long you've been here?"

"An hour or so."

"I bet he makes for some entertaining conversation that one." Steve jumped off the dresser and moseyed around the room.

"Oh boy." I said exhaling loudly.

Soda's face grew cloudy. "Why don't you take a trip on down to the cafeteria then?" he snapped.

I sunk into my chair, trying to be invisible. Fights almost never happened between Soda and Steve. When they did, you had a right to be very afraid.

A pleading look passed Steve's faced, which changed into defiance. "Fine."

Angrily, he crossed the room and left.

Protectively. Soda smoothed his brother's hair back. "Darry'll be here soon," he said to him.

I opened my mouth to try and defend Steve, when Steve scooted back into the room, shutting the door covertly behind him.

He thumbed towards the door, exasperatedly. "We have company."

XXX

Oooo, who do you think it is? Who do you want it to be? Hehe.

Again, am I going too slow?

Was this a crappy filler chapter? Probably, huh?