"Why can't you just stay a little longer?" I pout, trying my hardest to hold back tears. Ponyboy's leaving College out of town and I won't see him until Christmas.

"You know I wish I could, but classes start in 4 days and I need to be ready Johnny." His eyes are shining from crying. I pull his face towards mine and kiss him passionately, like it was the last time.

"Come on now Pony, we gotta get on the road!" Darry called out.

Ponyboy looked at me, "I'm sorry babe, I have to go." I kissed him on top of his forehead.

"Write to me okay? I wanna know everything." he smiles nodding  and starts heading towards the car.

The engine starts up and I chase after the car, I forgot to tell him I loved him.

"Bye Johnny! I love you!" he yelled from the window. I stopped in the street as the truck kept going.

I cup my hands around my mouth. "I love you too Ponyboy!"

The car turns the corner, and he's gone.

•••

September 2nd 1969

Hey Johnnycake! Today was my first day at college, it's really big and scary compared to high school, but my teachers seem nice so far. I miss you so much already :( I wish I didn't have to wait so long to see you again, how's work going? Do you like being assistant manager at a corner store? Tell me all about what's happening, I'm missing Tulsa a lot.

Luckily I don't have a roommate! But the bedrooms are tiny and I'm not aloud to smoke in 'em.

Write back whenever you can! I love you <3

Ponyboy Curtis

•••

September 7th 1969

Hey Pony, I hope you're enjoying your time so far. Meet any friends yet? All is quiet and boring in Tulsa, Dallas and Two-Bit have been Drag racing nearly every day and everyone else is busy at work.

I almost got jumped by some Socs yesterday, got a black eye but I fought them off well enough before Steve had come to help... I've cried almost every day since you left, you where the only one I ever talked to really and now I'm alone I guess.

I've gotta go, but please write back soon. I miss you.

Love, Johnny Cade

•••

September 12th 1969

Dear Johnny,

Tell me the names of the sons of bitches that jumped you and I'll teach 'em a little something. I'm glad you're mostly okay though, they didn't scare you too much did that?

I've been crying a lot too recently... but please don't be sad because of me Johnny. I'll be home before you know it. In the mean time why not watch the races with Dally and Two? It'll keep your mind of the bad things.

I miss you so much. Yesterday I met a guy named Johnny and when he'd told me his name I nearly burst into tears right then. I miss being able to kiss you and hold you close, I'm counting down until Christmas break now.

Love you,

Ponyboy Curtis

•••

September 17th 1969

Hey Ponyboy,

I was a little shaky for a while after, but I'm alright now. I went to a race yesterday like you'd said, but too many people where socs and I was scared.

I don't know what to do without you here. Come back.

Johnny Cade

•••

September 19th 1969

Hi Ponyboy,

Sorry about the last letter I know it was a bit cold, I was having a pretty shitty day. Just wanted to say that I love you so so much, and I hope you're having a good time where you are now:)

Johnny Cade

•••
September 22nd 1969

The bus I took back to Tulsa was crammed and smelly, I'm back home this weekend to surprise everyone when I was supposed to back at Christmas.

I burst into my front door, it's late on a Friday and I saw Soda and Darry sitting eating dinner through the window.

"Fancy meeting you two here." I said dropping my bag. Soda stood up quickly and came towards me.

"Ponyboy!" he wrapped me in a bear hug and soon Darry was joining in too.

"Hey Ponyboy what're you doing home?" Darry asked smiling,

"Well it's nice to see you too Dar." I laughed, "I thought I'd come and surprise y'all and Johnny, in his letters he seemed real sad and all."

Their faces dropped a bit, something was wrong.

"Ponyboy, Johnny hasn't been doing too good after you left." Sodapop gave me a sympathetic look, "He hardly hangs around anyone anymore, he's always got a cigarette in his hand and he's started drinking again."

I feel my heart drop into my stomach, Johnny hasn't acted like that since his parents abandoned him and moved to Texas.

"I- I have to go see him. Do you know where he is?" I stammer,

"We saw him earlier this afternoon, we asked if he wanted to sleep at our place tonight but he said he was going to the lot." Darry said, "Don't go now though it's getting late Pon-"

It was too late, I was already running down the street towards the lot.

When I got there my feet slowed down and I tried desperately to catch my breath. I saw a tall dark silhouette leaning on a tree, puffs of smoke leaving his lips as embers flickered onto the ground.

"Johnny!" I called, my voice cracking as I felt tears start to well up.

He turned his head and I ran towards him, he threw what was left of his cigarette on the ground. Before I knew it i felt his hot breath on my skin as I kissed him, the taste of tobacco and coke on his tongue.

He pulled away first, leaving his hands on my waist.

"Why-when?" I saw he'd started to cry.

"I just got off the bus ten minutes ago, Soda and Darry told me what's been going on, what's wrong Johnny?" he stepped back from me and looked down at his feet.

"Just- When I got jumped a few days ago... the Socs didn't really hurt me, I mean they did but in a different way." he was quiet for a second, "Ponyboy I'm not worthless am I?"

"Oh Johnny, of course not. C'mere." I pulled him into my arms and he shoved his head into my shoulder.

"You're an amazing person Johnny Cade and there are so many people that love you. Especially me. Don't believe anything those bastards say alright?"

He let out a little giggle, "Thanks Ponyboy. I really missed you."

"Well I'm here now." we pulled away, "and I'm here all weekend too." I smile.

"Well it'll have to be a good weekend then." He winked and grabbed my ass. I shot him a look and moved his hand away, then I just started laughing.

"I love you Ponyboy, glad you're home." he smiled kissing me again.

"I love you too."