Hi everyone. Long time no see. Those who know me know exactly why this chapter took so long as I was dealing with lots of stuff. But it's a nice long one! Hope you like it. Please review!

Ponyboy Curtis was going home.

The fluid that was taken from his spine during lumbar puncture showed a considerable reduction in the infection. Though it wasn't completely gone, this was promising – with favorable numbers suggesting significant improvement.

Also, that uncomfortable headache he'd had after the procedure was over had gone pretty quickly – much faster than anyone had anticipated. By the following morning, it had nearly disappeared entirely.

In line with these improvements, Pony had undergone a comprehensive CBC analysis – essentially a blood test – which mirrored the positive progress observed in previous results. And finally, a chest x-ray had been conducted, revealing a notable reduction in signs of infection around the spine and lungs. It indicated that the aggressive bacteria was gradually retreating. The positive response to treatment was an encouraging sign for Pony's recovery.

Ponyboy was just grateful he wouldn't have to stare at the sterile and suffocating hospital walls much longer. It had been almost 2 weeks.

Truthfully, despite the tests, the last few days had been a lot more fun than the entire last month combined, all thanks to the crazy antics pulled by his brother Sodapop, his brother's best buddy Steve, and one Two-Bit Matthews.

Pony needed it. He was a bit downcast, since now that there was less snow, and he was "doing better." That meant Darry and Soda were going back to work.

Still, he'd had side effects from the lumbar puncture and so the doctors recommended he stay an extra two days for observation after that blood test. The first of those two days, they got the positive results of that spinal tap – but they didn't make any official announcements about discharging him.

By the following day, Pony was ready to climb the walls. It helped that he was distracted at a physical therapy session with Claire – but other times he just laid around bored.

He still couldn't read well and though it was nice of Two-Bit to bring one of his sketchpads from home, he couldn't focus on that either.

Two-Bit – bless his heart – was showing up more now that Darry and Soda were there less – and always trying to lighten the mood, especially when Pony wasn't feeling well. Luckily, he was also savvy enough to know when to tone it down. Still, he'd consistently whip out his arsenal of jokes just to make Pony crack a smile. The day that Pony's headache had started to go away, Two-Bit had shown up with a pair of Groucho Marx glasses, a fake mustache, and a fake cigar, waltzing into the hospital room with a goofy grin that was contagious enough to make Pony forget about his pain for a moment.

It was Two-Bit's pranks were where the real magic happened. One afternoon, while the nurse was busy scribbling something in her notes, Two-Bit snuck a rubber snake under her clipboard. When she lifted it up, that snake came slithering out, and the scream that followed was heard all the way down the hall. Pony nearly fell out of bed laughing, even though it hurt like hell.

And flirting? Oh Two-Bit was a smooth talker, no doubt about that. He had this way of charming the nurses that had Pony shaking his head in disbelief. He could rival Sodapop Curtis. Once, he'd managed to sweet-talk a nurse into bringing extra dessert for Pony, claiming it was for his "starving, suffering pal." The way he winked at the nurse had her blushing like a schoolgirl.

But Two-Bit wasn't just about the gags and the grins. Sure, he'd bring in old comic books, candy he'd swiped from the corner store, and he even shared those goofy stories about his daily escapades on ice that had Pony laughing until his sides ached. But when things got tough, when the pain or the fear got too heavy, Two-Bit would just sit by Pony's side, his humor tamped down, offering his support and a reassuring pat on the shoulder. It was from that moment that everyone could see Two-Bit's laughter and lightheartedness weren't just distractions – they were his way of making sure that even in the darker times, there was a glimmer of sun breaking through.

Pony recalled it all fondly, a smile plastered on his face, as he tried – without much luck – to pack up his things to go home. Instead, he sat on the edge of the bed, his energy drained without having actually used much of it. He waited for Darry and Soda to return from work. The day had come for his release from the hospital. Ron had paid a visit the previous night – two days after the blood test – bearing the good news that he'd given the green light on Pony's discharge the next day.

Ron let Darry fill out the paperwork that night knowing he wouldn't pull out Ponyboy right then and there. Pony had begged, of course, but it was late and Darry had to work the next day. Besides, taking him out the next day gave them time to prepare the house. And besides, Ron had explained, it made more sense to keep Pony just one more night to ensure the now oral antibiotics were doing their job.

As Pony remembered all this and sorted his things, he was by himself. Two-Bit had gone out for a smoke. He had actually contemplated staying inside the room and sneaking a few drags out the window – so as not to leave Pony alone – but when Pony had attempted to bum a cancer stick off him, he knew he would have to escape. For once,the joker of the gang wasn't joking around.

Pony wasn't offended – he knew darn well that Two-Bit wouldn't dream of handing him a cigarette, not when Darry was around, ready to lay down the law. But he still didn't like being in the room alone. He tried to distract himself by letting his mind drift to the events of the past two days. As he idly unwrapped a piece of tossed candyfrom the night before, a grin crept across his face. It was those wild moments, amidst his ongoing recovery, that he found a much-needed distraction from the harsh reality of his illness.

Darry and Soda weren't just working more. They were working a lot more. Especially Darry. He had called up his boss the morning Pony's headache had vanished and learned that he wanted him to be part of the crew that was starting at a new job site in the city. A well-to-do Tulsa resident — thankfully not a Soc! – needed his family home's roof fixed since it had caved from the resident was willing to pay a handsome sum if the roof repair would be done quickly and the family would stay at a hotel in the meantime.

The first day back on the job, Darry had gone home to pick up extra clothes and then jetted over to the hardware store for roofing supplies at the request of his boss. He was at the job all day, only arriving at the hospital after 7pm. Steve and Soda were also working until just before sundown that day, but Two-Bit was nice enough to offer his company as usual. He accompanied Ponyboy to the chest X-ray and sat with him as they took his blood directly from the hospital bed, calling Soda later to update him that everything was fine. Later, Darry called the DX during an afternoon break to get an update and make sure everything had gone smoothly.

The next day, Darry and Soda were both back at work but Two-Bit was there when Pony received the news that the results of the spinal tap showed a notable reduction in the infection and Pony was even closer to going home. Even though there was no talk of release just yet, Two-Bit and Pony were in good moods and Two-Bit's trademark grin stretched from ear to ear and his eyes sparkled with that mischievous twinkle.

"You hear that, kid? You're on the mend!" he whooped, "We're gonna raise some hell once you're back on your feet." A nurse who was in the room checking Pony's chart raised her eyebrow.

"Hell – did I say hell?" he asked suddenly, "I meant heck – raise some heck!"

Pony rolled his eyes.

Two-Bit mentioned having a celebration when Soda and Steve got back. Pony shared in the enthusiasm, the weight of his worry lifting, but he still felt overly tired and he wondered when the exhaustion would pass.

Two-Bit was there when Soda arrived around 4pm and Steve, just an hour later. He immediately told Soda and Steve the good news, but the excitement was soured by the evening's lousy hospital food.

Two-Bit, ever the clown, tried to make everyone laugh with a joke about the droopy chicken.

"Man, this place serves food that's worse than jail grub," he commented, making a face, "I'd rather eat a shoe."

Steve chuckled, "You got a point there, Two-Bit," he said, eyeing the soggy peas from across the room as he leaned against the window ledge, "I hear those shoes are tasty."

Soda and Pony burst into laughter.

"Ain't it about time we brought some real junk in here?" Soda blurted out. He had a mischievous twinkle in his eyes and an idea.

"We've been doing that everyday," Steve answered him, referring to the burgers and fries and sandwiches and milkshakes and mac & cheese that had been littering the place.

Two-Bit cocked an eyebrow, knowing his body was up to something, "I'm game, Sodapop. Whaddya got in mind?"

Soda smiled and his eyes lit up as he looked at the gang. "Let's go raid the vending machine! We'll fill up the place, have ourselves a real feast! 'Sides, we do have a reason to celebrate."

Pony let out a half-hearted groan and partially covered his face as Soda asked, "Steve, how much change you got there? Two-Bit?"

Then he managed to crack a faint smile as he watched Two-Bit and Steve pull coins from their pockets. It was true that his appetite had started to return and the idea of indulging in sweets and chips and cola was tempting.

"I could go for a Hershey bar," he admitted shyly.

It was like the secret to life's happiness had been answered the way the boys whooped and hollered. Pony laughed at their excitement. Still the hesitation was hitting him full force. Would he even be able to stomach all the sugary stuff?

"Throw on some pants, Pone, you're coming with us," Soda blurted suddenly.

"Huh?" Pony looked at his brother, confused.

The noise suddenly died down. Pony looked at Two-Bit and Steve, who shrugged.

"Sounds good and all – but I'm not sure I can make it down there," Pony replied honestly, "I ain't walkin' too good."

Two-Bit, who had been stunned for a moment, suddenly seemed to have a change of heart. He wagged his eyebrows playfully, "Ponyboy, you're the guest of honor! We can't make this junk food run without ya."

They weren't planning to stick around to eat the junk at the machine or anything, but he understood what Soda was trying to do. He wanted to get his brother out a little bit.

"I'll help you down there, no sweat," Soda added confidently, "We'll carry you if that's what it takes," Pony's ears grew hot, "You're comin' with us, Ponyboy. I ain't takin' no for an answer."

Steve's eyes flickered with both amusement and skepticism. Pony couldn't help but wonder if any of this was a good idea. The pain and discomfort from the illness had made him wary of moving around too much. But the idea of breaking away from the stuffy hospital room sounded so appealing. It almost felt like freedom.

But he hesitated. "Soda, you know, I'm not so sure about this, " he mumbled.

Soda leaned forward, and poked Pony's arm gently, "Aw, come on, Pone. You've been cooped up in this room for too long. It's time to shake things up a bit!"

As he spoke, Soda exaggerated his gestures, going as far as to use his hands to mimic the motion of shaking a vending machine. His voice carried a playful tone that was hard to resist.

"I mean, think about it, Pone," Soda continued, "We're talking about a mission. A daring escape to the land of lollipops and candy bars!" He leaned back dramatically, throwing his arm over his forehead in a mock swoon, "Oh, the sweet sound of chocolate chips, calling our names!"

Ponyboy couldn't help but giggle at Soda's theatrics. His enthusiasm was contagious. "Come on, little buddy. You've got us right here to back you up." He reached out and playfully nudged Ponyboy's shoulder, "Plus, it's not everyday you get to be a junk food hero!"

He leaned in close, like he was sharing a secret, and his voice dropped low, "Y'know, maybe that Hershey bar has some magic in it – somethin' to chase the blues away."

Ponyboy's gaze met Soda's and he couldn't help but laugh. Soda's ability to infuse every moment with a sense of excitement was one of the things Ponyboy admired about him most.

Ponyboy rolled his eyes, but couldn't suppress a genuine smile.

"What's Darry going to say?" Pony asked.

"Darry's not here right now," Soda replied, almost too quickly, "Don't think about it."

With Soda's persuasion, the room felt much less suffocating. He looked at Soda's eager, puppy dog expression and sighed, his reluctance giving way to a small smile, "Alright. Alright. I'm in," he said. Then he tried to sit up.

Soda turned to Steve, eyes sparkling, his grin triumphant. "That's what I'm talking about!" he shouted.

With a burst of energy, Soda bounded over to the bed and reached for his kid brother as Pony gripped Soda's upper arms. At the same time, Soda helped swing his legs over the side. Then he grabbed the pants that Steve had tossed his way and bunched them up over his brother's legs upwards like he was dressing a doll.

Pony was dizzy and lightheaded and standing up and his body was sore no matter how little he moved his legs. Soda took his arms and threw them around his neck. Pony kept his arms there, as Soda pulled him up. Pony's head throbbed as he attempted to stand. Gritting his teeth, he steadied himself and took a cautious step towards his brother.

He felt off-balance; if he hadn't been holding Soda around the neck, he surely would have fallen. And then there was the way his back muscles contracted involuntarily. It was a small spasm, but the pain was sharp and it caused him to wince in discomfort. Pony then clung to his brother's neck but he was embarrassed and hurting and you could see it on his face.

When he made a low grunt in pain and let out a breath, Soda ran his hand down his back, which while comforting, didn't exactly get rid of the pain.

"You sure this is a good idea, Soda?" Steve called out.

"You good, Pone?" Soda asked his brother in a low, concerned voice.

Pony couldn't completely hide the hint of discomfort. "Yeah, just…my back's acting up a bit. It's – no big deal," he gasped out, "Just give me a minute."

Soda's brow furrowed, his playfulness fading as he exchanged a glance with Two-Bit and then turned back, "Hey, Pone, we're not gonna do this if you're not up for it. Your health comes first. You know that," he said.

Two-Bit, sensing the dilemma, spoke up, "You know, there's no rush, kid. If you're not feeling up to it, we can always plan something else for later."

Pony gritted his teeth, and lifted his head, "I want to go," he said.

Two-Bit gave a knowing nod, and once again tried to lighten the mood, "You all spiffed and ready for your date with the vending machine?" he laughed like it was the funniest joke in the world, as Pony snickered at him.

"All clear," Two-Bit yelled from the doorway, as he looked both ways down the hall. Not that Pony wasn't allowed to take walks – in fact, he was encouraged to do so. But good ol' Two-Bit wanted to pretend he was orchestrating some grand escape.

"It's like you think we're on a spy mission," Steve remarked.

"Hey," he said looking at Steve hard, "We're top-secret undercover agents," he declared.

Soda maneuvered Pony so that he had the kid around the waist and Pony's arm had flopped around his shoulder. Pony moved slowly and cautious-like, taking tentative steps, but Soda was patient.

"Time to show that machine who's boss!" Two-Bit announced, his voice echoing down the hallway. He skittered down the corridor like a cat, darting from corner to corner like he was running after his own shadow. Luckily the halls were empty or the group would have attracted quite a few curious stares from nurses and visitors.

Pony's hesitant steps continued and Soda's grip was propelling him forward. Even though he had practiced walking with Claire a few times already (and had shown Darry and Soda how he could get from the doorway to the bed) the sensations made him feel nervous and unstable, like he was walking on thin ice.

The hospital corridor stretched before him, it's bright, sterile lights blurring together as he shuffled along the linoleum floor.

Soda leaned in, "Pony, you ok?" he asked again.

"Yeah," Pony replied, but his breaths were ragged and sweat was beading on his forehead.

"You got this," Soda countered steadily.

Somehow, they reached the vending machine even though they had to slyly bypass the nurses station. There was one nurse there – a pretty young thing – but Steve and Two-Bit winked at her and she grinned and went back to her work.

When they finally got to the machine, Soda propped his brother up against the wall so that he could let him go and his back would have some support.

At first, Steve pushed his fist vertically against the glass, giving it a hard blow so that something would shake loose and it worked – he got a Milky Way – but then nothing else did. Egged on by the unexpected success, he tried again as the group exchanged glances. Once again, nothing came down.

Two-Bit began pressing coins into the machine as the others shouted what they wanted – Lay's potato chips, Snickers, packs of Juicy Fruit, pre-packaged popcorn, bags of roasted peanuts, a package of Twinkies, cheese crackers, and a couple of Pepsi's.

"Pony, what do you want?" Soda asked, grinning at Pony's look of amazement as he requested a Hershey's bar and some Tootsie rolls. Soda took them out and dropped them into his hands.

Ponyboy was starting to get really tired, and he contemplated the idea of sliding down to take a seat on the floor. Meanwhile, the three other guys huddled around the vending machine, trying to procure more snacks without paying for them.

Suddenly, a shadow loomed over them. Pony gaped.

"Uhhh Soda?"

Soda spun around and his jaw dropped.

"Oh, hey, Darry," he said tentatively, giving a cautious grin, and holding up a package by the tips of his fingers, "Fruit snack?"

Darry stood there, arms crossed, muscles bulging. It was obvious he had just come back from work because he looked dusty and disheveled. His hair kicked out in front and his eyes were pools of blue-green ice that could freeze a man in his tracks.

"What do you idiots think you're doing?" he asked. His voice came out all gruff and stern, but if you looked closely you could see there was a subtle hint of amusement in the way the corners of his mouth turned up.

"What is going on here, Sodapop? I go past the room and no one is there. I go to the bathroom and no one is there.I start to get worried about whether something bad happened to Ponyboy. And then I find you here," he continued. "What are you knuckleheads up to? And why is my poor, sick brother standing over there in the middle of the hallway?"

Two-Bit and Steve whirled around in an instant. "Uh hiya Darry," Two-Bit said, "Would you believe us if we told you we were over here admirin' the free selection?" he flashed a cheeky grin.

Soda blurted out, "Aw come on, Pony wanted some chocolate so we told him we'd take him to the –"

"This was your idea, Soda," Pony hissed.

Darry looked back at Soda, brows raised, eyes indignant. "Blamin' it on the sick kid, huh?" Darry stepped closer to his little brother, protective instincts kicking in, "You ok, Pone?" he asked genuinely. "You look like you're about to keel over."

In truth, Pony did feel like he was about to fall.

"Yea, I'm alright," he lied, but he couldn't hide the weariness as the world tilted dangerously. Darry noticed and came over to help him straighten up, quickly circling an arm around his back and waist just before he fell.

"Just thought it would be ok to take him around for a bit," Soda added, "Things sure are slow around here."

"It's a hospital, Soda," Darry replied, "You don't come around here for beer blasts."

"Wouldn't that be fun?" Two-Bit said with an impish grin, earning a glare from the big guy.

"We were just, you know, tryin' to add a little flavor to this place,' ' Steve threw in, defending his buddy, "Hospital food sure ain't cuttin' it. Chocolate's always good. We might need a couple more trips at this rate," his grin widened as he looked down at his hands loaded with snacks.

"Hey, if we're gonna be stuck here, might as well enjoy the snacks, right?"

"No one is making you stick around here, Two-Bit," Darry answered, eyes blazing, "You can go you know."

"And miss watching my favorite little buddy go cuckoo over a Hershey bar?" Two-Bit said as he stood in front of Ponyboy, smiling mischievously, "I don't think so!"

Darry scoured the piles of candy in everyone's hands, each of them grabbing as much as they could hold in their greasy fists. Except for Pony, of course.

"Alright, you think you got enough?" Darry asked and everyone was shocked he wasn't scolding them.

"Wait, I just wanna get Pony another Pepsi," Soda replied, as he turned around and pushed his last coins into the machine. Pony smiled at him.

Two-Bit chuckled, "Pony got a front-row seat to this little adventure. Ain't that right, kid?"

"Yeah – right," Pony sighed..

With their arms full of junk food, they headed back to the hospital room. It took longer than expected, especially since Ponyboy seemed to be fading fast. If Pony had been feeling more like himself, he would have done somersaults and cartwheels and flying leaps down the hallway.

However, it was becoming increasingly evident that he was struggling. His steps were hesitant and he was sluggish, his energy was waning and his muscles had weakened from use. By the end of the journey, Darry was practically carrying him.

Darry helped him back into bed, arranging the pillows behind him as the rest of the guy spread the assortment of cookies and gum and chocolate and snacks all over the matters.

Steve also took charge of doling out the loot. He spread out an assortment on the bedside table as Two-Bit shouted, "Let the feast begin!" Soda tore open a package of M&Ms.

Ponyboy's eyes lit up as he watched everyone indulge in their sugary snacks. Soda popped open the top of the Pepsi at Pony's bedside table and Pony couldn't help but feel grateful for his brother's thoughtfulness.

"Hey Pony, think fast!" Two-Bit shouted, throwing over the Hershey bar before anyone was ready. Luckily, Darry caught it before it hit Pony in the face and shot Two-Bit the look of death. "Two-Bit!" he yelled.

As he laid back against the bed and unwrapped his chocolate bar, Ponyboy was clearly running on fumes. His weariness showed in his drooping eyelids and slow movements. Yet, even as he felt the world getting dim, there was an undeniable determination to stay awake for this junk food spectacle, to savor this moment and temporarily forget…

The room filled with the sounds of laughter and the crinkling of wrappers, but Pony's eyelids were drooping. He couldn't keep his eyes open much longer. His head nodded forward involuntarily as he fought to keep himself awake. He heard Soda laughing at something – a particularly cringe-worthy joke from Steve – but the words started to blend together. He was sad to miss this impromptu feast.

The candy bar slipped from his fingers, landing on his lap as he slumped against the pillows. He could vaguely hear Soda's voice in the background. "Get some rest, Pony, we'll save some snacks for you," he said, "Pony…"

"...Pony…" Two-Bit was calling to him. He was back on his bed remembering that fun night.

But more importantly, he was getting ready to go home.

"Where were you just now?" Two-Bit asked.

Instead of answering, Pony grinned and found another piece of partially unwrapped candy and threw it at him. Two-Bit shielded himself with his hands and the candy bounced off.

"Ow!" he shouted dramatically. "Hey, your brothers are gonna be here soon. You ready to go home?" Two-Bit asked.

Pony nodded, trying to muster up the same level of excitement that Two-Bit seemed to emanate. Deep down, he was looking forward to heading home, but he was worried about how things were going to be there. He knew he wasn't back to normal just yet and he didn't want his brothers fussin' over him neither. What if they didn't see him the same way anymore? He still didn't walk so good, and his back and neck were still sore and hurtin'. He still needed meds and he felt overwhelmed with exhaustion all the time. Thoughts of his homecoming swirled in his mind, casting a shadow over the enthusiasm he was supposed to feel and making the prospect of going home daunting.

"Sure," Pony replied, trying to keep out the apprehension in his voice, "Can you help me pick up some of the stuff around here?" he asked, "I – don't know where to start." It was more like he didn't want to move around too much. His back was starting to act up again but he didn't want to tell anyone for fear they'd keep him longer in this god forsaken place.

Two-Bit, though, could read minds. Sure he was a goof but he was smart when it came to protecting the youngest Greaser.

"Sure thing, kid," Two-Bit answered, knowing exactly why Pony wanted his help, "Don't say I never did anything nice for ya." He began picking up random clothes and magazines around the room and stuffing them into a backpack.

He also made Pony get up and walk around a little bit to get somewhat mobile before his brothers came, but he purposely made him pick anything up that required bending or the slightest bit of physical labor.

Darry and Sodapop showed up about 20 minutes later with Two-Bit making some excuse about how he had to go do something before he would see everyone back at the house. Darry was still in his grimey work clothes and Soda had his DX shirt and cap. He smelled a bit of grease and gasoline, but Darry had made him wash his hands before he entered the room.

Darry had picked up Soda on the way because they both wanted to be there to take Pony home. Steve was also meeting them back at the house. Pony was getting more excited by the minute but his back ached and the fatigue was starting to get to him. He tried to not let it.

Darry said hi to Pony before heading back out to find Ron. Ron had asked the boys to come find him when they came back from work so he could check Pony's staples and offer some last minute guidelines before his release.

A few minutes later, Darry walked back in followed by Ron and Nurse Linda, who was on the floor that day.

"Well Ponyboy," Ron said, a genuine smile on his face as he observed Pony's eagerness to leave, "I can see you're just itching to get out of here!"

"How can you tell?" Soda chimed in, a playful grin tugging at the corners of his mouth.

"Are you sure you don't want to stay, Pony?" Nurse Linda joked coyly, "We won't even charge you rent."

That earned a chuckle from everyone.

"No, but really, we're going to miss you around here, Ponyboy," Linda said wistfully, "Come back and visit anytime – just not as a patient."

Everyone laughed.

"Deal," Pony smiled.

Linda was there to assist as Ron inspected the staples and made sure everything was in order. The nurse put on a fresh bandage as Ron spoke to Darry about changing the bandage for the next day or so, after which they could take it off for good. Pony would come back to the hospital in a few days to get the staples taken out if things looked as good as they did now.

"Has there been improvement in the level of pain you've been feeling?" Ron asked.

"Kinda," Pony answered honestly, "In my back mostly," he said, "And I still feel pretty sore. But it's getting better, I think."

"That's normal," Ron replied, "You'll probably be sore for a while. But if you feel more significant pain at home, you need to let me and your brothers know," he explained, knowing full well by now that Pony was the type that never wanted to complain, "Hopefully the painkillers will help with that."

Ron continued, "You will probably feel very tired and weak at first – that's expected – but the point is to keep improving. It may seem slow at first but you're still recovering from a severe infection. Your immune system is probably not functioning anywhere close to how it usually does. Your body is going to need time to heal properly."

"Does that mean he can get sick more easily?" Darry asked.

"That does mean that you should be careful, "Ron explained, " You can't avoid everything, but it will be more difficult for Pony's body to fight viruses or infection than the average person. At least for a while. The common cold could do more to him than it would to either of you. So I'm not suggesting he should stop living his life. But yes, he should be more careful."

Ron gave the brothers more details. He was writing a prescription for antibiotics that he would probably have to take for at least another week — and more painkillers. Ron would take his staples out at the hospital, and then a few days later, he would come back to the clinic for a proper doctor's appointment. Ron helped Darry out by making it at the end of the day.

No school for at least another week, he told Ponyboy. Plenty of bed rest although he could move around. He had to eat. Physical therapy twice a week (it didn't have to be his brothers who took him there.) And the brothers shouldn't be worried if he slept a lot because that was actually a good thing. No roughhousing, he pointed out. And no lifting heavy objects.

"Guess you get out of helping Darry with the groceries," Ron winked.

Pony swallowed fresh antibiotics, and painkillers that Linda gave him, even though he insisted he "really wasn't in pain." Ron and his brothers knew better and Darry knew after he got Pony settled at home, he would go out and fill the prescriptions.

Darry promised he would keep Ron updated. They were friends now, after all. Ron couldn't stay —- he had other patients to see on his rounds — but Linda brought around a wheelchair. Pony was already dressed in a now even more oversized sweater and sweatpants…the hospital gown blessedly taken away.

"…I know you probably want to skip out of here, hun," Nurse Linda was saying, "But it's hospital policy that every patient leaves in a wheelchair." She had a warm smile.

True, Pony was anxious to get home. But that didn't mean he had to walk out. He was already running low on energy just from sitting up when Two-Bit had been around. Mostly, he just wanted to lay back down and go to sleep because everything wore him out.

Nurse Linda moved the wheelchair closer and put on the brakes. Then she came closer to Pony and asked his brothers to help him shift to the chair. Sodapop got him under the armpits as Darry looked on. "Is it cold outside?" she asked him and he answered, "Yea, it is," and they helped him put on a jacket. When he sunk heavily into the seat, Soda stood behind him.

"Ready to blow this popsicle stand?" he whispered in his ear.

Pony hesitated for a moment and put his left hand up to his head near the staples, immediately realizing his head was uncovered. "Soda? Can I –" he called out and his brother immediately got it. Soda pulled off his DX cap and carefully put it on Pony's head.

"Is that better?" he asked.

"Yeah," Pony said, and he smiled big, "Thanks." Soda squeezed his shoulder.

He knew he was in a hospital, but he still felt self-conscious. He didn't want to get stared at with his swollen eye and his weirdly half-shaved head.

Nurse Linda placed a blanket in his lap and the trio pushed him forward into the hallway. Pony had been in the hallway days before but he still took everything, especially because he was leaving.

Before they kept going, Linda tucked the blanket in carefully, "You take care, sweetheart," she said, her tone motherly, "And remember, if you need anything, don't hesitate to call us or come back. Your health is our priority." Pony managed a weak smile, feeling grateful for the support. With a deep breath, he braced himself for the journey home. Darry carried the bag Two-Bit had packed while Soda pushed the chair.

It was strange for Pony to get pushed out the front doors of the hospital for the first time. He had been outside already that one time at night in the snow, but this time it was still light out and the cold air hit him with full force, almost throwing him back. No snow was falling, though. He had to shield his face with his arm and Darry took off his own scarf and gave it to Pony to cover it up.

The nurse left and Soda stayed with him as Darry brought the truck around. Pony gaped as he realized that the truck was high or at least higher than he had remembered. His hand trembled as he gripped the sides of the wheelchair, his muscles still aching from the illness that had confined him to a hospital for weeks. Darry parked the truck as close as possible to the curb.

"Pony, you ok?" Soda asked, seeing his brother had gone pale.

"Soda," he said, "How am I gonna get up there? I'm too —" he wanted to say weak.

"Don't worry," Soda insisted, "We'll help you."

Darry, knowing his brother's strength was still returning, came around to the door of the truck as Soda helped Pony stand up. He shuffled slowly to the door where Darry was waiting.

"Pony, you think you can get up there?" he asked, "We'll help."

"I'll try," Pony answered, but Darry immediately saw the apprehension on his face.

Darry hesitated, concerned that attempting to lift him might worsen his pain. But he exchanged a determined glance with Soda. Moving in closer, Soda positioned himself on Pony's left, while Darry took his place on the right. With gentle, but firm hands, they attempted to assist Ponyboy, one supporting his legs, and the other beneath his rump, carefully maneuvering him into the truck.

The seat wasn't very high, but their efforts were met with resistance. Pony's body felt like dead weight, his limbs unresponsive and weak. He lacked the energy to move himself. Despite their collective strength, Darry and Soda couldn't manage to lift him high enough to get in. Pony's face contorted in a mixture of pain and frustration, and he let out a strained gasp.

"I – I can't," he stammered, his voice cracking.

Darry and Soda exchanged another glance, worry in their eyes. They eased Pony back down gently, supporting him on either side. "It's ok, Pony," Darry said, "We'll figure this out."

"Soda, go around to the driver's side and help pull him in," Darry insisted.

Soda didn't know exactly what he meant but he went in through the driver's side and slid across the seat to the other door. Before Pony even realized what was happening, Darry scooped him up under his legs and hoisted him gently into the truck. Soda helped pull him in.

"You ok, Pone?" Soda leaned in and asked him softly.

Pony, embarrassed, pulled the DX cap low, "I don't need to be carried," he said.

"You lost some weight there, kiddo," was all Darry replied.

Pony's breaths came out shallow as he shifted his weight, his body feeling like a fragile shell of its former self and heavy with exhaustion.

Soda got out from the driver's side and took the wheelchair back to the hospital. Darry climbed in behind the steering wheel and the truck roared to life. A minute later, Pony was warm and sleepy, sandwiched between his brothers as they began the drive home.

"Last time we were in the truck, we were trying to get to the hospital. Steve was driving," Soda spoke up, saying the words out loud and then directed at Pony, "Man, that feels like so long ago! You were talkin' real funny," he added.

Pony's face flushed, "I don't really remember," he said. He did remember bits and pieces. He remembered shivering and being covered by something warm. He remembered slumping against Soda's chest and asking for Darry. He remembered the lights hurting his eyes and closing his mouth when Soda told him to stop talking, even though he wanted to say something more.

Pony didn't want to remember anything else and he was exhausted so he laid against Soda's shoulder, the cap pulled low over his face. He felt Darry stroke his arm gently and say something he couldn't make out. He closed his eyes.

A minute later – or what felt like a minute – the engine was turned off and someone was shaking him awake. He blinked his eyes open and realized they were parked next to the house.

"How does it feel to be home?" Soda asked, grinning down at him. He wasn't really expecting an answer. Pony wouldn't give him one. He was just trying to focus. He felt drunk, like his legs were too heavy for his body. His back was sore and a headache coming on. But he tried to smile nonetheless.

Darry was suddenly there at the passenger side of the truck as Soda pushed the door open and hopped down. Meanwhile ,Pony managed to swing his legs around so that he was sitting on the seat sideways.

"Think you can walk?" Darry asked him.

Pony gazed up at Darry, his vision still blurry. He managed a weak nod, mustering whatever strength he had left. With Darry's steadying hand on his arm and Soda supporting him from the other side, he carefully pushed his legs out of the truck, planting his feet on the ground.

His legs wobbled as he attempted to stand. Darry and Soda were right there, their supportive grips keeping him upright. Pony leaned heavily on them, his body feeling foreign and unstable. Suddenly he felt a sharp twinge of pain shoot through his lower back. He winced, his body protesting against the effort. Why was he always in pain? Would it ever just go? His hand instinctively moved to his back to rub the soreness away.

The short distance to the house suddenly seemed like a daunting journey. Darry and Soda noticed his discomfort immediately, their faces concerned.

"Easy, Pony," Darry said, his voice soft, "Take it slow. If you need me to, I'll carry you."

"Darry –" Pony gritted through his teeth, knowing he would never live it down if anyone on the street saw that he was being carried by his older brother.

Soda, ever the reassuring one, placed a comforting hand on Pony's shoulder and smiled, "We're right here with you, buddy."

Pony closed his eyes and took a moment to manage the pain, with slow, deep breaths. "I'm just a little dizzy," he murmured, though his brothers knew it was more than that. "You don't need to carry me."

"Take your time," he heard Darry say as if from a distance. "There's no hurry." Damn, that brain fog. After a brief pause, he nodded again, giving the cue that he would continue. "I'm ready," he said and they made their way slowly down the path and up the porch steps.

Soda hurried in front of them to open the screen door. Looking out from the cap, Pony was surprised to see that the front door was already open, even if the screen door wasn't. He gave Soda a funny look as he leaned heavily against Darry. "Is somebody here?" he asked.

Soda smiled but didn't say anything as they made their way inside. Pony felt an oddly reassuring sensation settling in his chest. It was a strange, but comforting feeling to be home at last.

The house was still its old scrappy self, but it was – clean. The white peeling walls, mismatched furniture, faded sofa, and threadbare armchair were familiar. But someone had made sure to take away the dust and dullness, as if with a fine tooth comb.

He looked around in awe and then back up at Darry, "I don't think I've ever seen it so clean before," he quipped and the brothers laughed.

Pony's eyes widened as he took in an enticing aroma wafting out of the kitchen. The air was thick with the simmering scent of bubbling tomato sauce mixed with the sharpness of garlic, and seasoned ground meat, oregano, basil and melted cheese. The smell would have made him nauseous if it wasn't so inviting.

Pony sniffed, "Is that –"

Two-Bit and Steve ambled out of the Curtis kitchen. Two-Bit Matthews, once the definition of laid-back hood, now sported an unexpectedly delicate lace apron, to go with his sleeveless Mickey Mouse shirt. He held a spatula like a magic wand. Pony had no idea where the apron had come from – it wasn't even a remnant of his late mother's belongings.

Beside him, Steve stood cool as a cucumber except for the smudge of tomato sauce on his cheek. A playful grin replaced his typically composed demeanor as he cocked an eyebrow and wiped his hands on a dish towel.

"Ponyboy! Welcome to your humble abode," Two-Bit gave him a lopsided grin that turned into a sultry stare, "What's cookin', good lookin'?" he wagged his eyebrows.

"Shouldn't I be asking you that?" Pony retorted.

"Lookin' good, Two-Bit! Didn't know lace was your style," Soda teased and Two-Bit did a little twirl.

"Gee, Two-Bit, I didn't know you had a thing for women's aprons," Pony quipped.

"He's always been kind of a girl," Steve responded dryly, "How you doin', Ponyboy?"

Pony suddenly remembered how exhausted he was and he practically collapsed against Darry as his legs turned to jelly. Darry had to literally hold him up. Soda came over to help. "I think you need to park it on the couch, kiddo," Darry said and they led him over to the sofa where he sank down gratefully and sighed with relief.

"Are you in pain?" Soda wondered.

"No," Pony smiled weakly, "Not really," he added and Soda didn't believe him. He looked up trying to change the subject, "What are you guys doing here? Are you – cooking?"

"More like burning the house down!" Soda joked as he sat down next to Pony, who almost looked like he was gonna fall apart. .

"Speaking of the house," Darry said, looking around in awe, "You guys did a pretty nice job here,"

"Don't tell my momma," Two-Bit said, waving the spatula around, "She'd die of shock."

"They cleaned?" Pony asked, feeling bewildered by the entire situation.

"We almost got balloons," Steve joked dryly.

"We wanted to make it nice and cozy for your arrival," Two-Bit added smoothly. He sniffed the air in exaggeration, "Get a whiff of that."

"What is it?" Pony asked, feeling more fatigued by the minute.

"You don't know?" Two-Bit asked, feigning shock, "It's lasagna, you little greasy hood! Your favorite! You gotta eat something right?"

Unfortunately, Ponyboy's eyelids were growing even heavier, the exhaustion settling into his bones like a weight. It was too bad, because he really did appreciate that Two-Bit and Steve had showed up at the house just to prepare his favorite food. And even clean a little, apparently. But it had been a long day.

He managed a weak smile, appreciating the effort from everyone to make his homecoming special. The scent of lasagna hung in the air, warm and thick and mouthwatering, and for a moment, he was stirred by his appetite for it.

"Lasagna, huh?" Pony murmured.

"That's right, buddy," Two-Bit replied, his tone light and teasing, "The real deal, made with a whole lotta love and a whole lotta cheese."

Soda nudged Ponyboy gently, "You should eat something, Pony. It'll make you feel better."

Ponyboy nodded, too tired to argue. As he leaned back, propped up by pillows, he watched his brothers and friends begin to bustle around. Eventually, the sight was a blur, figures dancing in and out of focus, and he could only catch bits and pieces of conversation.

"-falling asleep again?"

"- had a long day"

" – slaved over a hot stove and he's not even gonna – " That was Two-Bit.

" – eat later – "

Darry was suddenly leaning over, peering at him. "Pony, you look worn out. Why don't you go to bed?"

"Hmm," Pony hummed, fighting to stay awake, and trying to pull himself upright, "I want lasagna!" he exclaimed, and everyone laughed.

"You can have it later," Darry replied.

"I'll take him," Soda volunteered, "I could use some sleep myself." Pony suddenly realized by the dark circles under their eyes how little sleep his brothers had gotten in the last two weeks. "Come on, kiddo," he called, taking Pony's hand and putting an arm around his shoulders simultaneously. Pony felt himself being lifted and it jolted him awake.

"Sorry," he muttered to no one in particular.

"It's ok," he heard Soda say.

His legs felt like lead as he shuffled weakly down the hall, every step a struggle against the gravity pulling him down. Luckily, Soda kept a firm grip and also kept glancing back, which made Pony realize that a solid presence was following close behind them. It was probably Darry.

"I got you, Pone," Soda murmured, his voice soothing in the haze of exhaustion.

Darry didn't come in, giving the brothers their privacy as Soda helped Pony to the bed. He couldn't miss the grimace on Pony's face as he tried to make himself comfortable against the pillows.

"I'm sorry I didn't eat,"Pony said, already half-asleep as Soda pulled off his shoes.

"It's alright," his brother answered gently, "You'll eat when you wake up."

"Tell Two-Bit and Steve I said thanks for the food. It was – nice of them," Pony sighed as Soda took off his hat.

"You'll tell 'em yourself," Soda replied, "Lasagna's your favorite, right?" Soda asked, "Two-Bit remembered."

"Yeah," Pony said, his eyes fluttering closed as he laid down on his back, "I'm real glad to be home, Soda," Pony murmured, already half-asleep. The sense of home wrapped around like a warm, familiar blanket.

Soda grinned as he crawled over Pony and flopped down on his stomach, ready to take a nice long nap in his own bed, by his brother's side.

"Me too, honey, me too."