Hiiii! So I just wanted to say that I'm changing up my schedule for posting! Pb Pax will update on Saturdays now! Also I'll be taking a break for this whole week due to school things. (I got disowned but if I fail school then they're gonna kick me out :(... )

I hope you enjoy this chapter! :3

There was a constant thrashing right next to Sodapop. He freaked out for a minute, wondering who was next to him. Ponyboy was moving around. The moonlight flowed into the window, causing the room be be softly illuminated. Soda gently nudged Ponyboy, to see if he was okay.

"No-no please. Let- let me go…" Ponyboy pleaded with his eyes closed. Sodapop knew what was happening. "Pony? Are you okay?" He asked, trying to get Ponyboy to wake up. He saw the tears that lined Ponyboys eyes.

Now Ponyboy was moving more. His breathing was faster and it was like he was looking for an escape. Sodapop didn't want to scare Ponyboy but he knew he needed to get Ponyboy to wake up. Before Sodapop could do anything, Ponyboy woke up breathing heavily.

He breathed like that for a second, trying to get as much air as he could. Sodapop just waited and then gently spoke, "are you okay Pony?"

There was a small flinch from Ponyboy, almost as if he had forgotten where he was. "Just a nightmare," Ponyboy sighed out. His body relaxed and his breathing started to even out. He coughed a bit and Sodapop spoke up, "want some water?"

Ponyboy nodded and they made their way to the kitchen. Sodapop saw and even heard how quiet Ponyboy was. There was just about no sound made from Ponyboy as they made their way to the kitchen. Sodapop however made a lot of sound.

The door swung open and Dally and Two-Bit came staggering in. Soda and Ponyboy froze in the kitchen, waiting. Steve got up and helped Dally and Two-Bit get situated. Then, Sodapop tried to get a cup from the cupboard.

Steve turned around instantly and looked at Ponyboy and Sodapop. He gave an eyebrow raise and Ponyboy started speaking "I- I had a nightmare. Did I wake you? Sorry."

Steve shook his head, "Nah, Two and Dal woke me." Sodapop nodded and gently led Ponyboy back to the bed. As soon as they both were settled down, Ponyboy fell asleep first. Sodapop followed after, allowing himself to throw a protective arm around Ponyboy.

Sodapop woke up for the second time. Ponyboy was moving a bit. He watched to see if Ponyboy was awake and deciding that he wasn't he pulled him closer. Ponyboy was warm, Sodapop worried that he was sick for a moment.

The quiet and peacefulness of the moment was ruined by Darry yelling for Sodapop. Soda made sure that Ponyboy wasn't moving before making his move out. He hopped into the shower, excited for the day.

While Soda was in the shower, Darry walked into the room, expecting to see Ponyboy sleeping. Nope, instead he saw the bed neatly made and the window cracked open. His heart dropped and he knew that Ponyboy went back.

When Soda came from the shower he was in good spirits. He was happy to have breakfast with Ponyboy. In all the time they spent near each other, he had never seen Ponyboy eat. Except for last night, but he wanted to keep the streak and making sure that he ate.

Darry was making breakfast and now was serving it. Soda turned around to tell Ponyboy but Darry spoke up.

"He's gone. I think he went home again." Sodapop just looked at Darry. "What!?"

Darry nodded and Sodapop sighed. Everyone else had heard. Soda thought about when Ponyboy could've left. When he was in the shower….

Two-Bit and Johhny had left to see if Ponyboy was home. Sdoapop stood in the livin room as Two-Bit came from outside, Johnny trailing behind. Instantly, Sodapop was looking to Two-Bit and Johnny, waiting to see if there was an answer as to where Ponyboy was.

"He wasn't home but there was a note saying he was going to be at the library. I don't think he knows where the library is though," Two-Bit joked as he walked in. He held a piece of paper, the note that Ponyboy left. Soda nodded, dejectedly, before going to eat some breakfast.

After they finished breakfast Sodapop got ready for work and went with Steve.

"I'm going with Dallas," Johnny called out before leaving.

"I'm going to look for the kid," Two-Bit said as Darry left the house.

Soon the house was empty with everyone doing their own thing. Two-Bit ventured to library. Although he didn't know where it was. After a bit he ran into Dallas and Johnny.

"Hey Two-Bit, still looking for Ponyboy?" Johnny asked. Two-Bit nodded.

"Was he not in the library?" Dallas asked and Two-Bit sighed.

"I don't even know where the library is." Johnny laughed and Dallas smiled a bit.

"If you find him bring him to the Dingo, savvy?" Dallas said.

"At least tell me where to find the library," Two-Bit joked and Dallas chuckled but got a scary look in his eyes. "Why would you think I know where it is?"

Sighing Two-Bit made his way around town. He looked around for Ponyboy. There were kids all around that looked like Ponyboys age. Two-Bit had to resist the urge to walk into a bar.

Being sober was difficult. All he wanted to do was drink and look for the kid like that. He knew though if he went into that bar then there was a thin chance of him finding the kid.

Maybe the kid would have to look for him instead. But then Two-Bit recalled the amount of times that Ponyboy disappeared. If Ponyboy found him, would he take him home and then leave? Or would be make sure Two-Bit sobered up before he said goodbye? Knowing Ponyboy, the first answer wouldn't be too far from the truth. Maybe he would take him to his own house instead and still leave Two-Bit.

"We need to get a leash for him," Two-Bit thought to himself as he continued walking. The bars seemed to call him and yet he just continued walking. Soon, he found a familiar figure.

All the times he saw Ponyboy he was injured. Usually, it was dark so Two-Bit didn't know much of how he looked like. But, when he saw him looking at a calendar, he knew that he found him.

Two-Bit didn't mean to sneak up on him but it just kind of happened. He thought that Ponyboy had saw or at least heard him. Yet, when he talked he saw Ponyboy flinch.

"Why are you looking at a calendar?" Two-Bit asked.

"My birthday," Ponyboys voice was blunt. Two-Bit panicked for a moment. Was his birthday today? Did he need to go somewhere for his birthday?

"Is it today?" Thankfully, Ponyboy shook his head, "in a bit of days, not today."

Two-Bit couldn't help but sigh at that. If they knew that Ponyboys birthday passed and they didn't do anything, the gang would be heartbroken. Before Two-Bit could say anything else, Ponyboy started walking.

Two-Bit followed behind, maybe he had a place he wanted to go? After they walked in a complete circle Two-Bit spoke up.

"So, where you going?" Two-Bit watched as Ponyboy stopped. It was apparent on Ponyboys face that he had no idea where to go. Two-Bit somehow got him to agree to going to the Dingo.

Two-Bit felt ecstatic as he led Ponyboy. A small fear stayed in his mind that Ponyboy would just leave but when he turned around and still saw Ponyboy he couldn't help but breathe a sigh of relief. Two-Bit spotted Johnny and Dally. Johnny couldn't help but feel happy as Ponyboy sat down with them.

Two-Bit and Dallas got distracted from something outside. Johnny couldn't help but also look outside. It was maybe about 5 minutes later that they saw Ponyboy wasn't there.

"Did he just leave?" Two-Bit asked after some silence. When he looked down he saw 5. That was more than enough to cover all of their cokes.

"We gotta start putting a leash on him," Dallas sighed.

"Should we go look for him?" Johnny asked. They wondered about it for a bit and decided to.

"Didn't even hear him leave…" Johnny spoke to himself as they walked. They had been walking for about a minute or two in silence.

"That's what he just does. I wonder where he learned it from," Dallas spoke up. He cared for him more than he let on. Two-Bit saw the way his eyes lit up when he had brought him to the Dingo.

They walked for a little bit longer and soon they spotted Ponyboy.

"Should I go and scare him?" Dallas had an evil smile on his face. Two-Bit couldn't help but nod and chuckle. Ponyboy was looking at an old map. He seemed to be having trouble.

Dallas took the opportunity and put a hand on Ponyboys shoulder. Two-Bit was laughing with Johnny until they saw Ponyboy go limp. Dallas held onto Ponyboy and made sure he didn't fall onto the floor.

"Shit!" Dallas cussed as he made sure Ponyboy didn't hit his head.

"Did he pass out from fear?" Two-Bit asked as he rushed over. Dallas mumbled something.

"Should we take him to the hospital?" Johnny asked after a beat.

"He seems fine," Dallas had his hand on Ponyboys forehead. Dallas didn't seem too sure of himself though, his furrowing eyebrows let on something else.

"Should we take him to the Curtis's or his own home?" Johnny asked. Two-Bit and Dallas thought about it.

"The Curtis's, lord knows he's not going to take care of himself at his own home," Two-Bit replied. Dallas picked up Ponyboy and they started walking.

"This kid is way too light," Dallas said concerned. Johnny and Two-Bit couldn't help but notice how easily Dallas picked up Ponyboy.

"Do you think he doesn't have food?" Two-Bit asked.

"I haven't seen him eat until last night," Dallas replied, "what about you Johnny?"

"I've seen him eat. He made me breakfast once but he probably didn't eat after that."

"How long ago was that?" Two-Bit looked at Johnny concerned. Knowing Ponyboy, he probably only ate that and didn't eat until last night.

"Three days ago when he last went to school."

Two-Bit froze in place. Had it really been that long since the kid ate?

They all continued walking. Talking about Ponyboy.

"Think he passed out because he hasn't eaten anything?" Two-Bit asked.

"Probably, I wouldn't be surprised," Dallas sighed. Even if he tried to hide it, it was visible how much he cared for Ponyboy. As they walked Dallas's concern only grew more.

"If he doesn't wake up in an hour we needa take him to the hospital."

"Why?" Two-Bit was confused. If it was that bad shouldn't they have taken Ponyboy to a hospital already?

"He had a concussion. It could be bad news if he actually fell into a coma."

Two-Bit and Johnny stiffened at that. This kid had already had too many near death experiences for their likings.

"I won't mind," a weak voice came from Dallas's arms. They all looked to Ponyboy.

"What was that kid?" Dallas asked worriedly. Yet, Ponyboy was asleep again.

"Think he's delirious?" Johnny sounded worried.

"Hopefully or else I'm going to beat his head in," Dallas stated bluntly. Ponyboy didn't make any other sound as they continued walking.

"Think Soda is going to be scared?" Two-Bit asked.

"Yeah, Ponyboy is practically his kid brother," Johnny joked. They all knew how much Sodapop cared about Ponyboy.

"I think he's all of the gangs kid brother. Especially with the way he makes us worry,"Two-Bit added. Dallas couldn't help but snort at that. They walked in silence for a bit before Dallas spoke up.

"Tim says there's just about nothing on his family," Dallas started.

"Nothing?" Johnny asked, "Doesn't Tim have connections almost everywhere?" Dallas nodded.

"There's only one case and it's with Ponyboys name…"

"What's the case?" Two-Bit was concerned.

"A rape charge against an older man."

Johnny and Two-Bit looked at Dallas concerned. He looked down at the kid.

"Not only that but his family is like a cult. Tim said he found almost 100 other Pax's but they all looked different. Seems like they're like us, greasers in our own gangs." Johnny cringed at the analogy.

"Think if he wakes up we can ask him about his family?" Johnny asked. Two-Bit perked his head up to look at Ponyboy. He lay limp in Dallas's arms, pale and sickly. They wandered about it, if Ponyboy would ever tell them about his cult-like family.

"We're here," Dallas announced as they walked to te gate of the Curtis's house. When they walked in, they were surprised it was empty.

"Oh yeah Darry and Soda are at work," Two-Bit remembered.

"Should we put him on the couch?" Johnny asked while they just stood in the living room. "Maybe Sodas bed?" Two-Bit suggested. Dallas shrugged his shoulders and took the boy to Sodapops bed.

"Now what?" Two-Bit stood awkwardly. Ponyboy stayed asleep, not even giving any more comments. They stood around him, trying to decide what to do.

"Should we call the DX so we can let Soda know that Ponyboy is here?" Johnny suggested. Two-Bit nodded and went to call the DX, leaving Johnny and Dallas in the room.

"Think he will try to escape if we leave him?" Dallas joked. Johnny chuckled a big and sat near Ponyboy. "Knowing him, probably…" there was a brief frown on Johnnys face.

Two-Bit picked up the phone and punched in the DX's number. He listened to the ring as he waited for a familiar voice. "DX how may I help you?"Steve answered.

"Oh hey Steve!" Two-Bit greeted. "Two-Bit? What's wrong? Why are you calling?" Steve sounded concerned. "I was calling to tell Sodapop that I found Ponyboy and that he's in Sodas bed passed out."

There was a sharp breath on the other side. "What happened?"

"Long story…" Two-Bit laughed, "just calling to tell him, so he doesn't freak out when he sees Ponyboy on his bed."

"Okay, I'll tell him," Steve replied and hung up. After the call Two-Bit decided to go back into the room.

"Did he escape yet?" Two-Bit joked and sat down right near Ponyboys head. Dallas shook his head, "Not yet. I wanna see how he tries to get out."

Johnny chuckled and Two-Bit smiled. "At this point I'm going to put cameras go see where he goes."

"What if one day he just leaves?" Johnny asked anxiously. They all had that fear for him for some reason. It sounded like he had enough money to. But, why wouldn't he leave now?

"Well, we'll find him and bring him back," Dallas tried to reassure Johnny.

"Don, do dat," Ponyboy mumbled. They all turned to him.

"You awake kid?" Dallas was worried. He put a hand near Ponyboy and Ponyboy flinched but showed no other signs of being awake.

"He flinched in his sleep?" Two-Bit asked, almost to no one.

"Johnny does it," Dallas sighed. Johnny looked at him, "I do?"

"Yeah, once you were pretty bad off and when I tried to check your temperature you flinched so hard you woke up." Johnny tried to recall when that had happened. Maybe he really was that bad to the point he didn't remember any of it. "I feel like he is going to leave soon, and we're never going to find him again," Johnny confessed.

Dallas looked at him, trying to reassure Johnny that Ponyboy wouldn just leave like that. Johnny shook his head, trying to change the subject, "Curly saw him at school and it seems like he wants to be friends with him…"

"Curly?" Two-Bit asked abruptly, he looked worried. So worried that he almost looked like Darry. Johnny just nodded, "Curly wants to spend some time with him…"

"Damn if Curly becomes friends with him then we might see him in jail soon," Dallas sighed. The kid would be in trouble if Curly was even around him.

"I feel like they would escape anywhere together," Johnny continued, "Curly is so- free… Ponyboy has that freedom and reason to leave his house anytime. Especially with the way he can leave easily from anywhere. The fuzz would know him by name in a week."

"Curly-?" Ponyboys weak voice barely got out.

"You know Curly?" Two-Bit tried asking yet, Ponyboy was out again.

"Kid is freaking me out," Dallas said as the door slammed. They all looked up and saw Soda.

"Soda! Wait- your shift isn't done for another hour?" Two-Bit stated. Soda looked at him and then Ponyboy. Slowly tears filled his eyes. They could all feel how Sodapop felt.

The door slammed again and Darry came in. Everyone looked at him confused until they realized the time. He assessed Ponyboy, looking at the injuries he had and what could've caused it. Two-Bit spoke up as Darry checked Ponyboy, "Think we need to take him to a hospital?"

"Hopefully not. Don't want his crazy parents to have to pay the bills…" Darry looked down at Ponyboy. Ponyboy shifted a bit.

"You awake kid?" Two-Bit asked, carefully looking over Ponyboy. Pony stayed still, leaving Two-Bit thinking he was still passed out.

"Is he awake?" Johnny asked, he was near the end of the bed. Everyone was in Sodas room now, looking at Ponyboy.

"Didn't think I'd scare him that bad…" Dallas said.

"You caused this?" Soda looked at him weird. They forgot they didn't tell the story of what happened.

"I mean he just left. Didn't think Dally would scare him that bad…" Two-Bit tried covering for Dallas. Darry gave a stern look.

"At least I took him here!" Dallas continued digging his grave.

"I think you should've taken him to a hospital," Steve said exasperated. Out of the corner of Two-Bits eye, he saw Ponyboy smile. Then Ponyboy tried getting up. Two-Bit panicked and tried to hold him down.

"Whoa! Trying to leave already?" He was glad when it got a chuckle out of Ponyboy. The second time he tried to get up, Two-Bit just put a pillow behind him.

"Are you okay?" Johnny asked when Ponyboy was situated.

"Yeah, why wouldn't I be?" Everyone just stared at Ponyboy. Was he really trying to downplay his injuries?

"Because you passed out kid," Steve reminded him. He looked down and mumbled a soft apology. Then, he looked up at everyone. They could all see the fear in his eyes.

"When's your birthday?" Two-Bit asked, trying to change the topic. After Ponyboy finally said his birthday they all looked at him. Was his birthday that soon? Their daze was broken when the front door had three knocks.

At first they all stood still, waiting. Before Darry went to the door, expecting some salesman or even a social worker. As he opened the door he wished it was a social worker. Ponyboys parents stood in there and looked at him with disgust.

"How may I help you?" Darry greeted.

"Is our god awful son here? I hope not, he'd dirty your house-" Mrs. Pax said but mumbled something, "-it's dirty like him already."

Darry stiffened. Would he tell them? If he didn't then Ponyboy would be more at risk if he went home. So, Darry nodded and went back into the room and broke the news. Everyone could sees Ponyboys face contort with fear as he got up.

"There you are Pax jr." Mrs. Pax greeted, venom in her tone.

"Hello Mrs. Pax," Ponyboys voice was weak. They could all tell he was scared. Ponyboy was shaking, and it was easy to hear the small tremble in his voice as he answered his parents. They watched, almost in horror, at the interaction.

"Let's go back. We need to have a talk with you." Ponyboys body stiffened. Yet, he continued to walk to them, sparing a final glance to the gang.

They felt the fear as they heard the screaming. Dally and Johnny left right after and came back during the peak of the yelling. Johnny was distressed, the yelling seeming more and more like his mom. It wasn't until the sound died down did they hear the banging coming from the house.

Soda peaked through the curtains, desperate to see what was happening. All he could see was the dark curtains that hung from Ponyboys living rooms window. Suddenly, screaming came from the house, Ponyboys screams. The gang was ready to go, but they knew they couldn't until his parents left.

Sodapop watched the window, waiting for them to leave. As if a god answered his prayer, Ponyboys parents went into their black Mustang and drove away. When they left Sodapop got up and ran to the door. The gang followed behind, desperate to get to Ponyboy.

Sodapop fumbled with the front door. It was locked, but Dallas knew how to get in. After a bit of looking they walked through the hallway. Dallas was the first to hear Ponyboy.

"In-here!" A weak voice called out. It sounded the same when Ponyboy was delirious. Dallas tried the doorknob, and when seeing it wasn't unlocked, he started to break the door down. The gang came to him and started to surround the door as Dallas broke in.

The sight before then was horrific. Ponyboy was covered in blood, money, razors, and alcohol. It looked like a bad stripper horror movie. He was bound by ropes and could only pitifully look up. Soda tried to rush over but a razor stood in his path, Darry held him in place.

"They put razors in the rope. I'm sorry for the mess. I'm- I'm sorry," Ponyboy started crying. Why was he apologizing? They all freaked out when he passed out. His own blood seemed to try to drown him as his eyes closed and he slumped over.

In an instant, Dallas went over to Ponyboy.

"That fucker-" Dallas breathed out, "-another glass was smashed in his head." He noticed the glass spread around the room, reaching spots that werent even close to Ponyboy. A faint scent of acohol was barely able to be distinguished from the intense scent of blood.

Dallas looked at the ropes. With the amount of cuts Ponyboy had on his arm, it was likely he would need a blood transfusion.

"We need to take him to the hospital," Dallas declared and started to get the ropes off. Ponyboy was right, there were razors deep in his skin, being pushed down deeper with the rope.

"What about the bills?" Sodapop asked as Darry went over to pick up Ponyboy.

"I'm sure we can pay for it with all this money," Two-Bit said as he picked up the money and set it aside. They all nodded and Darry quickly took Ponyboy into his truck. Sodapop stayed with Ponyboy in the back, crying his eyes out at the sight.

"I'm going to kill his parents," Dallas said before Darry and Soda left. They couldn't say anything more, but- they all silently agreed.


I hope it wasn't too bad! Also I hope you're not too sad about me leaving :3. I'll be back soon! (Maybe)