SORRY FOR THE LATE CHAPTER!! I'm getting a new computer like next week so honestly I have no clue when I can update this. I'm trying to not drag this on for too long but it might just be that kind of fic. Hope you enjoy!!!

Sodapop walked down the hallway of the hospital. He tried to push the image of Ponyboy lying still out of his mind. He didn't want to believe that his baby brother was in a coma and that he wasn't going to wake up anytime soon. Just the thought made Soda cringe, in fear and sadness.

After a bit of walking, Sodapop finally found Two-Bit's hospital room. The doctor walked out and right to Sodapop.

"How is he?" Sodapop asked his voice in a tone he had never heard before. It sounded timid and weak, and it scared him. The doctor paid no mind, preferring to look back into the room for a moment, "I believe your friend is getting better. However, he will need to rest for two to three weeks."

Sodapop felt his eyebrows furrow in worry and curiosity. The doctor caught his expression and slowly checked Two-Bits chart. "It isn't contagious, but, we fear that he would need to stay for about a day or two. After that, he will need to stay inactive for as long as he can."

Well that helped, Sodapop thought as he rolled his eyes. Still, the worry was clouding his head, "So that's all? He doesn't have any injuries?" The doctor shook his head, "We understand how stressful it is for your family. I can assure you though, Mr.Mathews will be fine soon." And with that, the doctor walked away.

Sodapop felt like he was going to rip all of his hair out. The thought of Ponyboy stayed in his head, but now they were of Two-Bit as well. He didn't want to think anymore, let alone be in the hospital anymore. No matter how much his brain hated it, or how much his legs seemed to twitch to move, Sodapop mentally promised himself that he would stay, no matter what.

Sodapop mentally prepared himself to go inside of Two-Bits room. He was unsure if Two-Bit was going to look like his brother had, or if he was going to look worse. But, when he went inside of the room, Two-Bit looked fine. Except, Two-Bit was staring at the window, not speaking.

"Hey Two-Bit," Sodapop greeted, watching as Two-Bit slowly started to focus on him. Sodapop felt like something was off. He watched as Two-Bit lazily blinked at him, almost as if he was about to pass out again. Still, Sodapop walked over to him, expecting a joke or something to lighten the tension. "You okay Two?" Sodapop gently asked.

Suddenly, Two-Bit was crying, heaping sobs overtaking his body. Sodapop wrapped his arms around him, trying to calm him down. "It isn't supposed to be like this," Two-Bit sobbed out into Sodapops arms. "It isn't… but it's just the way it is," Sodapop whispered, running his fingers through Two-Bit's hair. The oil was completely gone, with Two-Bits fever most likely making him sweat it out.

Two-Bit cried into Sodapops arms for a while. And Sodapop stayed with him for the entire time that he did, making sure that Two-Bit was okay.

3

Steve stood in front of Johnny and Dally. They stared at him, with Johnnys mouth being hung open a bit. He was shocked and scared for his buddy. "Ya meaning… they don't know when he's gonna wake up?" Johnny asked, his voice wavering. Steve nodded, running a hand along his face, "Something in the surgery, pushed his body into overdrive or somethin'."

Johnny looked at Dally, concern and fear all over his face. "Are ya gonna visit 'im when ya get off?" Dally asked Steve. Steve stood still for a moment, he had thought of that question for a bit. After all, he wasn't his brother, but then again, Ponyboy was. Even if not related by blood, Steve knew that he cared for Ponyboy like his own brother. Steve nodded, "I get off in 'bout thirty minutes."

Steve only had worked four hours that day, but, he knew that without Sodapop he was going to have to work longer hours to compensate. Johnny and Dally waited, following Steve into his car. "Ya didn't bring yer car Dal?" Steve asked. Dally shook his head, a fist forming. "I didn't want to go anywhere in a car," Johnny admitted.

Steve's hold on to the wheel tightened, causing his knuckles to turn white. The roads hadn't been any better since the crash happened, with black ice lining the roads like asphalt. Johnny looked down at his lap, refusing to look at the snow that lined the roads. He didn't want to think about going back to school without Ponyboy, he didn't want to think of anything about the accident.

Dally and Steve looked at Johnny through the rearview mirror, with Dally silently telling him that it would be okay. Johnny wanted to believe it, but, he had felt like he had lost his own parents. And he didn't want to think about how the Curtiss felt about it, especially with their family being so close-knit. So, Johnny just stayed sitting, watching the roads pass as Steve drove.

When they made it to the hospital, Steve took note of how slippery the roads were getting. Part of him started to fear for Darry and Sodapop if they drove. Still, he pushed it aside and tried to find Ponyboy's room. When he did, he was surprised to only see Darry in there.

"Hey Superman, wheres Sodapop?" Steve asked quietly as if Ponyboy was just sleeping. Darry looked up, "He's in Two-Bits room." Steve cocked an eyebrow up to Darry, "What?" Johnny and Dally looked at Darry in shock, as Steve tried to understand. "Two-Bit passed out. Sodapop went to go check on 'im," Darry added. After a beat, Steve nodded, making his way outside the hospital room. Johnny stayed, as Dally seemed to be in a predicament to leave or stay.

"Go Dal, I just wanted to see Pony," Johnny said quietly. Dally nodded, watching as Ponyboy's chest rose and sunk in a steady rhythm. He walked out, following Steve in finding Two-Bits room. Johnny sat with Ponyboy, gently brushing away some hair in his face. "Is he okay?" Johnny asked, unsure of what else to say.

"He's going to be," Darry said confidently. He didn't believe it though, but, he wanted Johnny to remain hopeful. And for the small chance that Ponyboy was listening, he wanted him to know to stay strong. Johnny tried to crack a small smile, "Hes tough…" Darry chuckled a bit, gently placing a hand on Ponyboy's forehead, "He really is."

"Is everythin' alright with the state?" Johnny asked his voice in a whisper. Darry nodded, a small frown coming to his face. "Yeah, but, I'll have to work soon. They want me to have a steady income for a month or two…" Johnny nodded, understanding that it meant he wouldn't be able to be by the side of his brother. "I'll stay with him as long as I can," Johnny stated, confident.

Darry leaned over, ruffling Johnny's hair a bit. "Just don't spend so much time that ya have ta be in a hospital bed like him." Darrys words were joking, something that Johnny didn't know if he should laugh or cry about. Still, Johnny nodded, looking down at Ponyboy. "Maybe the gang can switch on and off…" Darry nodded, "I've been thinkin' of somethin' like that."

Johnny gently held Ponyboy's hand, gripping it tighter before relaxing his hold. "Please wake up," Johnny whispered, but, Ponyboy remained asleep. "Don't forget about school Johnnycake," Darry said, causing Johnny's attention to shift. Johnny looked down at Ponyboy; knowing that he didn't want to go to school without Ponyboy. Yet, Johnny just nodded, "I'll get his schoolwork while I'm at it. So he won't be too behind when he wakes up." Darry smiled softly, trying not to let the tears fall from his eyes.

"That's a good idea, Johnny."

Hope you enjoyed! :D