Pony's P.o.V.

I wasn't ready for this. I had to watch Johnny get beat tomorrow, and then not do anything about it.

It was late at night now, but I couldn't sleep, there was just too much on my mind. I turned over in my side and faced Johnny.

He was breathing in sharp breaths and twitching slightly. I sighed and began sifting a hand through his hair, which immediately caused him to relax.

"I'm sorry Johnny..." I whispered lightly. "You don't deserve to go through this."

"You've gone through worse..." he grunted lightly and yawned, turning over to face me.

"I-I didn't mean to wake you, I just--"

"It's okay Pony. It's okay..." Johnny yawned again and then cuddled up into my side.

"I don't know what you mean by 'you've been through worse.' I've never been beaten, and scared for my own life like you are." I hugged him close.

"You beat yourself up, and you were a slave to your own mind. That's so much worse than being someone's puppet. At least when I wake up I know that not everyday is gonna be bad."

We were both silent after that.

"Tomorrow ends your suffering Johnny..." were the only words I could manage to get out.

"I know, and I'm forever grateful."

-

The next morning was hectic. Everybody was talking about strategies, and how they were going to fight this mystery Soc.

Eventually, the moment that I dreaded happening came. Johnny walked down the stairs. "It's time to go..." he mumbled.

I sighed and walked next to him as we all walked out the door. "You okay?" I asked.

He nodded. "Yeah, just nervous. But I don't really mind getting hit or anything, as long as it keeps you safe."

"Isn't that sweet?" Two-bit smiled and put his arm around Marcia's waist.

Johnny giggled lightly, which made me smile. It was nice to know that he hadn't lost his laugh, or his smile, or anything else that made him happy.

It's hard to remember a time when I had lost all of those things; where I was an emotionless person. It wasn't too long ago, yet my memory of it was foggy. Almost like it was all a dream.

I knew that it happened, but sometimes it took the scars on my arm to remind me. Not that I want to be reminded, but sometimes it is nice to know how far I've come.

Johnny was a big part of that.

I found myself grabbing onto Johnny's hand and kissing his cheek, and all over his poor bruised face, despite being in front of the gang. We never did extremely lovey type stuff in front of them, but I couldn't help myself in this moment.

He laughed loudly and blushed. "Pony they're right there!"

"Yeah keep the pda low." Dally teased.

I only rolled my eyes and placed one more kiss on Johnny's lips.

Just a few minutes later, we had arrived to the spot where Johnny had to meet this guy.

"Y-you guys go hide...I'll wait for him here." He spoke softly.

We all nodded, and did as told. I hid next to Darry, and he looked like he was ready to kill someone. It seemed like he knew who the Soc was that was doing this to Johnny.

"You okay Darry?" I asked.

He grit his teeth. "I just can't believe anyone would do this to you two just to get back at me."

I frowned and looked down. There was an unusual fire in his eyes, that kind of reminded me of Dally. I knew better than to talk to Dallas when his eyes were like that, so I figured the same rule must apply to Darry as well.

Suddenly, I heard a voice that made my hair's stand on end.

I looked up and saw a Soc circling Johnny. I bit my tongue to keep from whimpering. This was the monster that had hurt my boyfriend so bad.

When I heard him talk I knew exactly who it was.

Paul.

Darry didn't seem too surprised, but he definitely looked angrier.

"Good thing you showed up today. I've got some fun stuff planned." Paul grinned evilly.

Johnny just stared him down, looking extremely brave. I could barely see the fear in his face.

"You're not going to like it, you sure you don't wanna let me have Ponyboy now? All of this could end for you." He sneered.

Johnny walked up closer to him. "I'd rather have you kill me."

Paul's eyes narrowed. "So be it." He said and pushed Johnny down to the ground.

He leaned down and punched him hard in the face, and then began kicking his ribs, which weren't healed yet.

I looked to Darry, about to beg for it to end, but he was already running out. He tackled Paul and pinned him against a tree.

Everyone else ran out as well, except for Marcia and Two-Bit I ran to Johnny who was on the ground, barely conscious.

"What were you gonna do to him!" Darry roared.

Paul tried everything he could to get away, but Darry was too strong. He was stuck.

"Pony?"

My head shot down and I saw Johnny's hand reaching out to cup my cheek. "Are you okay?"

"I'm fine baby. Don't worry about me, let me worry about you, okay?"

"Kay..." he mumbled and his hand dropped.

"We're taking this straight to the police asshole!" Dally grinned.

Sodapop seemed to be frozen, while Steve was comforting him. I guess he just couldn't quite believe that someone we used to know so well, would try to kill Johnny and I.

Johnny's eyes widened and he let out a loud scream of pain. The shock of the ordeal had worn off and now he was starting to feel what was happening.

His scream distracted Darry for just a second, but it was enough to where Paul managed to get free. He ran over and pulled me to my feet.

"Darry! Soda! Help!" I screamed, but shut up real quick when I felt the cool tip of a metal gun at my back.