Johnny woke up later that night to someone running their hand through his hair.

"Dally?" asked Johnny quietly.

"Yeah kid, it me, the guys thought it best for me to be the one to deliver the new" sighed Dally, Johnny's heart sunk.

" he's really gone isn't he" mumbled Johnny

"how'd ya know" said Dally solemnly

"because I could always feel his emotions and now the connection is gone, we were closer than twins Dal, tell me, what did you guys do to him and don't you dare lie?" said Johnny, tears flowing from his eyes.

" he tripped over a critical iv a few weeks ago, he almost killed you, well we all kinda flipped out and beat him up, then started treating him like crap, we told him you had died, and I guess that pushed him over the edge. Thinking back on it the hospital never should have had your iv hanging that low in the first place, Darry plans on suing the hospital. But Johnny please believe me when I say we never meant to hurt him that badly, we had no idea he was so depressed" Dally said. Johnny's face was neutral for a moment, his best friend was dead all because his so called friends treated him worse than Johnny's father treated Johnny.

"get out" growled Johnny, Dally nodded, he was expecting this so he walked out. He knew Johnny was pissed at then now, and he had every right to be.

"Johnny," Dally popped his head back in " just so you know, Darry had no part in this, he was trying to help the kid, don't be mad at him". Johnny nodded and turned away from the door. Knowing Darry wasn't at fault made him feel a little better but he still missed Pony something awful. He wanted this all to be a bad dream, that when he woke up he'd find himself on the couch in the curtis's living room, pony making breakfast. But he knew this was reality, pony had died, emotionally murdered by those closest to him. Johnny felt miserable and angry at almost everyone. The door opened and Darry walked in

" Hey johnny" said Darry quietly, Johnny could tell that the oldest Curtis had been crying, and he had every right to, he had just lost another family member.

"hey dar" whispered Johnny

" listen kiddo, the state's been looking into some stuff and found out that I've been the one taking care of you more than your own family, so they did some digging and let's just say your folks are in jail now and you're new legal guardian is me. Question is, do you want to keep your last name or take ours." said Darry. Johnny was shocked

"does this mean you're my dad now" asked Johnny

" either that or big brother" said Darry, smiling a little.

" big brother, your dad was more of a dad to me than anyone else was" said Johnny

" alright kiddo" said Darry softly

" Hey Darry, do you think pony misses us, because I really miss him" said Johnny

" I know he misses you Johnny, he said he was going to miss Soda, I'm not sure about the other though" said Darry sadly. Johnny sat up and hugged Darry.

Pony's POV

All for nothing. Johnny didn't die, I killed myself and hurt him even more, I always hurt everyone close to me. Mom pulls me close to her, at least they still love me. I don't know what I'd do if they hated me like everyone else. God everything still hurts. I hate being a burden.

Johnny's POV

I hate them, two bit, Steve, Dally. They killed Pony. I really hope pony is ok now, but something tells me he's still upset and depressed. I want him to be away from pain and be able to be happy but it seems like the damn universe won't let him. I wish I could tell him how much I care about him but he's gone because of the damn gang. They killed him, I will NEVER forgive them for what they did to my brother, NEVER!

Soda's PoV

I don't think I've ever felt more alone than I do now. My baby brother is dead, it's my fault I should have helped him, been there for him, God just have done something other than abandon him. I miss him so much. Darry said that Johnny was part of our family legally now, God he's going to hate me. Darry said that Pony's funeral was next week, closed casket, I don't think any of us would be able to look at him even if it was open. Johnny comes home tomorrow I think the guys are gonna try to avoid him knowing he is likely to be pissed at us. Darry talks even less than he normally dose. I'm laying in bed, it's been really lonely without Pony next to me, God why did I kick him out.