(I know the ship isn't talked about much but I wanted to focus on Johnny more in this one. This isn't one of my best but I kinda like it.)

"You've been quiet, Johnnycake. What's on your mind?" Dallas spoke as he glanced over to Johnny who was sitting next to Ponyboy on the couch. They had gone around talking about their sexual orientation with the gang, most coming out as gay or bi.

"Can I confess something to you guys...?" Johnny asked softly, staring at his lap.

"Of course you can," Two-bit patted him on the shoulder. "We're always here to listen to you."

"Do you promise not to look at me any differently?" Johnny asked softly.

"Of course not, Johnny." Darry joined in softly.

"Okay... I'm..." Johnny took a deep breath as he looked down to his feet. "So I was originally born a girl but it never felt like that's I truly was meant to be. I use ace bandages to bind my chest... It's the reason why my dad beats me and my mom belittles me..."

"Johnny." Darry had a stern tone that made the boy flinch away. "Don't you know anything? Ace bandages aren't a safe form of binding! You can stay here as long as you need, I won't make you go back to that hell." He kept going. Johnny felt his eyes tear up. He had been expecting to be met with anger and disgust, but not this.

"Woah, Johnnycakes, it's okay... Don't cry." Soda said quickly as he quickly moved to his side.

"I'm sorry... I just didn't expect that kinda reaction... I'm just- I'm shocked that you d-don't see me differently." Johnny choked out softly.

"Of course we don't!" Steve spoke up. "We've all made confessions tonight! How would yours be any different!"

"Come on, Johnny, lets go lay down..." Ponyboy said softly as he helped the older boy to his feet. Ponyboy had known for months as he and Johnny always told each other everything. Johnny nodded as he squeezed Ponyboy's hand softly as they walked into his room slowly.

Months came and went and the two boys were sitting on their bed, Ponyboy reading Gone with the Wind to Johnny. Sodapop and Dallas were out on a date as Darry was in the kitchen cooking dinner. Darry had been planning something with Soda and Steve as a surprise for Johnny, they were just waiting for it to come in. Johnny and Pony both jumped when they heard a knock on the front door. It wasn't any of the boys, they always just walk inside.

"Johnny! Ponyboy! Come here!" Darry called making both boys jump.

"Coming!" Ponyboy shouted as they both rose to their feet and rushed into the living room.

"Yes, Darry...?" Johnny spoke softly.

"We got a little something for you, little buddy." Darry smiled fondly as he ruffled Johnny's hair. "No more ace bandages for you."

"Really...? What'd you get me?" Johnny asked softly as Darry handed him the package.

"Just open it." Darry said softly. Johnny slowly tore open the package and his eyes filled with tears. He pulled out two black tank tops as he looked up at Darry.

"Thank you..." Johnny sobbed softly.

"It's not just me you gotta thank. Soda, Steve and I all pitched in to get them for you. Now go try them on." Darry spoke softly. Johnny nodded softly, tears rolling down his cheeks as he quickly rushed off to go put on one of the two binders.

Darry smiled fondly when Johnny finally came back wearing one of them. Johnny rushed forward quickly and tackled Darry into a hug as he sobbed into his chest.

"Thank you... Thank you so much..." Johnny sobbed softly.

"Anything to keep you safe, buddy..." Darry whispered softly as he held Johnny close and tight.