When Soda and Darry stepped out of the room, Johnny ran towards the bed. I didn't notice it before, but he was hiding something behind his back. I raised my eyebrows, curious.

Finally, Johnny reached the edge of my hospital bed.

"Hi, Ponyboy. I heard that you called," he said, a bit cockily. He smiled a bit, but I could see the pain in his eyes.

"Yeah, I did. Please, sit down, Johnnycakes," I replied. Johnny turned red in the face, but did as I said.

The minute his butt touched the seat, he burst into tears.

"Oh, Pony! I'm so sorry! This is all my fault," he blubbered deeply. I shook my head, and then grabbed his hand.

I felt fireworks when I touched his skin, but I decided to ignore it for the time being.

"What're you talking about, baby?" I asked him. I suddenly realized the name that I called him, but brushed it off.

If Soda could call me baby, then I could call Johnny baby, too.

"It's my fault for not helping you and your disorder! I should have...I should have done something!" he shouted, crying even harder. My grip on his hand tightened.

"Hey, hey. It's not your fault, Johnnycakes. It's all mine. I was the one who didn't eat. You couldn't have fixed me by yourself," I said in a hushed tone.

Johnny sniffled.

"Ponyboy?" he asked. I looked into his chocolate eyes.

"Yeah, Johnny?" I replied, a bit confused at the look he was giving me.

It looked like it was filled with something more than friendship.

"I got you something.." he stated, trailing off. He reached behind him, and grabbed the gift.

It was a bundle of daisies.

I couldn't help but smile and blush.

"They're beautiful, Johnny!" I exclaimed. He grinned a bit.

"You really think so?" he questioned, uncertainly. I nodded with enthusiasm.

"I love 'em," I replied. Suddenly, Johnny looked down with a smile on his face. "What?"

"Nothin'. It's j- just.. daisies are flowers that symbolize true love," he whispered nervously.

I felt my face turn bright red, as silence washed over us.

Did he love me?

Were we meant to be together?

Could he be gay too?

I was taken out of my thoughts.

"..Ponyboy?" he asked. I snapped out of my trance. "Say something. You're really worryin' me.."

I stopped to think for a moment.

"Could you hold me, Johnnycakes? Could you sleep with me a bit?" I whispered.

He nodded, and bent down to take off his shoes.

A few seconds later, I felt him crawl into bed with me. Slowly, he put his arms around me, holding me closely to him.

Just as I closed my eyes, I felt his soft lips kiss my forehead.

Warmth engulfed me, and my skin felt like I was on fire.

Is this what love is supposed to feel like? I asked myself.

I didn't get an answer though, because I slowly started drifting into a deep slumber..