"Johnathon and Ponyboy get in here," Darry says sternly.

Both boys walk walk into the kitchen, Johnny keeping his head down. Darry taps his foot and crosses his arms over his chest.

"Ponyboy, I'm sending you to the store with Johnathon to make sure he doesn't use the money I give him, for something else," Darry says. "Got that?"

"Yes sir," Johnny says quietly.

"What was that," Darry asks.

"Yes sir," Johnny says louder.

"Good...," Darry starts. "Now Ponyboy, get a jacket before you finally freeze and walk with Jonathon."

"Yes Darry," Ponyboy says turning.

The youngest boy goes up the stairs into his room, slipping his jacket on and stuffing a few dollars in his pocket. He walks back down to Johnny and smiles softly, seeing Darry hand Johnny a small list.

"C'mon," Ponyboy says waving Johnny out the door.

Johnny follows Ponyboy out the door and down the porch. It's been awhile since Johnny was made to do work outside the house.

The older boy takes a deep breath in through his nose and hides a small smile. Ponyboy notices and grins.

"Let that little smile grow Johnny, you look good when you smile," Ponyboy says. "You really do."

Johnny's face heats up but he smiles more, turning his head to look at Ponyboy before looking back in front of him. The younger boy ruffles Johnny's hair playfully.

"How long has it been since you've been outside like this," Ponyboy asks. "Walking around outside my house, I mean."

"Well... It's been a long time," Johnny says. "And to smell the air out here feels real good."

"I should make Darry send us to do shopping from now on," Ponyboy says. "You like that idea?"

"That sounds okay to me," Johnny says. "Just can't wait to be old enough to leave... No offense to you but I can't stay forever."

"No offense taken," Ponyboy says. "How old are you again? Darry has murmured something about it here or there."

"I'm 17," Johnny says. "I will turn 18 next year. Once I'm 18 though, I get to leave and get a job... But I'm not much help since I didn't go to school..."

"You can't get a job with no schooling," Ponyboy says quietly.

"I'm stuck at your house," Johnny murmurs. "All because I didn't go to school..."

"Maybe so Johnny but I'll make sure you get out of here soon, even if I have to go with you and find a place, I will," Ponyboy says. "You will not be cooped up in my house forever."

"Aw shucks Pony, thanks," Johnny says happily.

They both reach the store and walk in, Johnny holding the list in his hands. He grabs a cart and looks the list over.

"All right, list doesn't seem too hard," Johnny says. "Its just the basics."

"The basics," Ponyboy asks.

"Y'know, my basics," Johnny says. "Milk, bread, butter, other stuff like that."

"Ah, okay, I get it," Ponyboy says. "Sounds like basics to me."

"Uh huh, now help me find them so we can go," Johnny says. "I don't want to be tempted to buy anything."

"That's why I brought money," Ponyboy says grinning. "I thought you'd like a treat."

Johnny grins at the younger boy and laughs lightly. Ponyboy smiles back and tosses an arm around his shoulder.

"Ponyboy I swear you spoil me," Johnny says. "But thank you."

"It's no trouble," Ponyboy says. "I like spoiling people sometimes."

"And why do you spoil me," Johnny asks.

"Because you are in need of major spoiling," Ponyboy explains.

"Not really," Johnny says walking with Ponyboy, carefully rolling the cart.

"Of course you are," Ponyboy says. "All you do is work and in return you get nothing. That isn't okay Johnny and you know that. You need your share of love."

"I guess so," Johnny murmurs. "I-i'd like that Pony... A lot."

"Good. Now lets get all the things on the list and I'll buy you a pop or something," Ponyboy says. "Does that sound okay?"

"Yeah... Sounds fantastic."

-  -  -  -  -

How was this?

I kind of like this chapter and I'm excited to act upon fluff soon. Very soon.

Hope you guys enjoyed this