I walked around aimlessly with my hands in my pockets, thinking vaguely about what had just happened. I guess I had a place to eat for tomorrow. I fumbled with the zipper on my jacket, running it up and down. Confusion, a feeling that I seemed to be having a lot lately, took over once again. I was debating on whether or not to stay in this part of town, sure there seemed to be some pretty decent people, but that was about it. Then again, it's not like I really have a plan or anything.

I kicked a stray can of soda that was on the streets, and thought back to that one boy. I had never met someone so energetic and happy. It was kinda odd and annoying, but I liked him alright.

Then there was Two Bit. Lord, he couldn't keep his trap shut to save his life. He was a funny guy though, I gotta give that to him. It was impressive how quick witted he was.

Steve was alright, probably the least annoying of them all. I thought back to the poker game, and how cocky he was and the look on his face when I beat him. I smirked, continuing down the sidewalk.

The tall muscular one was pretty cool, Darry I think was his name. He easily seemed in charge, whenever he said something, everyone listened. Probably from a combination of being older and his strong build.

The one kid, Ponyboy was awfully quite. He looked scared to death when he saw me. I noticed how he tried his best to not make eye contact too. It was so obvious that he was the youngest.

Then lastly there was Johnny. Right away, I noticed he was different, kinda like Pony. He was quiet also, but there was something about him that stood out. The careful, hesitant way he spoke, his dark hair falling past his brows. Johnny gave a real nervous and scared vibe.

I rubbed my forehead, and looked around to see where I ended up. There was big, empty space that had some old benches placed around. There were also a couple trees scattered about. I shrugged, knowing that it would have to do for now. Maybe tomorrow I could look for a place that rents rooms, or something.

I made my way to one of the benches, and sat heavily in the middle. I leaned over, placed my elbows on my knees, and rested my head in my hands tiredly. A smoke seems real good right about now.

I heard the sound of a twig snapping, and quickly bolted up right. I grabbed my blade instinctively, and flicked it out. Back in New York, getting attacked when you were alone at night was pretty common.

But the sight in front of me made me put my blade back into my pocket. A boy was standing there, his face was cut, and bleeding, just above the left temple. The other side of his face was beginning to bruise.

"S-sorry for disturbing you," he stuttered. His voice was weak and shaky.

I furrowed my brows, shaking my head slightly. "Naw it's fine. You alright, kid?"

He looked up, biting his bottom lip, and nodded slowly. He stuffed his hands into his small jean jacket and kicked the side of the bench. "Yeah, it ain't nothing new."

I sighed sitting on the bench, again, and then tapping it for him to sit. I liked this kid.

He cautiously took a seat next to me, but at a pretty far distance. I rolled my eyes, "I'm not gonna bite you or anything."

He gave a small smile, and relaxed a bit.

"You got a light on ya?" I asked.

He nodded silently, pulling a lighter from his pocket and handing it to me. I lit up two cigarettes, and stuck one in my mouth, handing the other one to him. He looked up at me with his wide, dark eyes, and then back to the cigarette. He took it, and shakily brought it to his lips.

I sat back, enjoying the smoke and watching it swirl in front of me. We sat in a comfortable silence for some time, each in our own thoughts.

After I finished my cancer stick, I threw the nub to the ground, and stomped it out. I turned to the boy, "You come here often?"

He stared at his shoes, which had a small hole where his big toe was. "Yeah," he replied softly. "Whenever my folks are fighting...or if my old man is drinkin'."

I locked my jaw. That ain't right. Shit, the slang here is starting to rub off on me. But it was true, the kid was young, and he definitely didn't deserve getting beat on by a drunk.

I popped a knuckle, staring straight ahead. He looked up at me, fear was present in his eyes. I put my hands down, didn't want to scare him anymore then he probably was.

I decided to ease his nerves a little, and just do all the talking myself. "You know, I came here from New York," I said, hoping to get him to relax.

My plan succeeded, and his eyes widened with interest. "Really?" He asked eagerly.

I nodded, smirking slightly at his enthusiasm. Before I knew it, I was telling him stories on what it was like living on the wild side. I talked about the organized gang fights, when I almost beat someone to death, and I explained each time I got arrested. I even found myself talking about Dean.

As each story went on, his eyes become more and more engaged. He marveled at me, clearly impressed with everything that I said. Every once in a while he'd thrown in a "Really?" or a "No way!" It was like I was some kind of hero or something. 

Once I finished, he sat there with his mouth hanging slightly open. "Wow," he breathed.

I grinned, ruffling his hair a bit. "I'm crashing here. What about you?"

He nodded quickly and then his cheeks reddened a bit. "Um yeah...i-is that okay?"

I laughed at his embarrassment and nodded, "It's fine, kid."

He had a hint of a smile on his lips, and curled up on the opposite end of the bench.

I gave a content sigh, and crossed my arms over my chest, closing my eyes.

Johnny Cade was alright.

A/N
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Happy Birthday Johnny! I was planning on posting this earlier, then I realized his birthday was today so ¯\_(ツ)_/¯. I think there will only be one or two more chapters left for this story, so stay tuned. Hope y'all are still enjoying it!

For ever and always, Stay Gold

GoldGreaser83