Johnny's P.o.V.

I winced as I woke up. Where I had been kicked so many times on my back was taking a toll on me. I rolled over slowly and saw Pony sleeping soundly.

I smiled, and knew that all of my pain was worth keeping him safe. I would do anything for my boyfriend, I didn't care what it was.

Groaning lightly, I sat up and got out of bed. The clock on the table read three a.m., but I knew I couldn't fall back asleep. I had dreamed of being abused by him.

Yesterday before I came over to the Curtis house he had found me, but instead of beating me, he told me to meet him tomorrow in the usual spot. I had no choice but to agree.

As I started walking to the door I heard Pony whine. "Johnny, where'd you go baby?"

I blushed lightly and walked back over to the bed, kneeling down beside it. His eyes were open, but I could tell he was having trouble staying awake. "I'm gonna go get water, I'll be right back."

He shook his head and held out his arms. "No stay with me."

"But I'm thirsty," I pouted, playfully.

"You can have a drink of my water...it's on the table."

I gave in, unable to say no, and took a sip of his water before crawling back into bed. Pony wrapped his arms around me and rested his lips against my forehead. "I'm tired..." he complained and I chuckled.

"Then go to sleep love. I'll stay with you." I whispered, lovingly stroking his hair.

"No...you sleep too." He sat up slowly and looked down at me. "Why don't you sleep?"

"I-I had a nightmare..." I answered truthfully while shuddering. Just thinking about it was enough to make my nerves snap.

Pony gave me a sideways glance. "About what? Maybe I can make you feel better."

I shook my head. "No, I don't remember."

I did.

-

This mourning when I heard some of the gang downstairs I finally got up and walked into the kitchen for some breakfast.

"Morning Johnny, you want any breakfast?" Darry was standing over the stove cooking eggs.

I nodded eagerly, remembering that I didn't eat dinner the night before. He quickly fried some eggs and set down a plate in front of me.

Soon enough the rest of the gang filed in and made their plates, including Pony who sat down next to me. He rested his hand on my thigh, like he does every morning.

"Did you ever fall back asleep?" He asked while taking a bite of his food.

"Uh yeah, right after you did." I lied.

He smiled, obviously pleased and went back to eating. I continued eating as well, until I noticed Soda staring at me. I looked around for a second before looking back and giving him a questioning look.

"You and Pony going out today?" He asked.

I stiffened a little bit and shook my head. "No, I can't today."

"Why the hell not?" He growled and I flinched.

"Soda!" Pony glared at his brother while everyone else looked extremely confused.

"Ponyboy you don't think it's even a little odd that he always disappears?" Soda rolled his eyes.

Pony looked down and I felt tears well up in my eyes. "I gotta go." I whispered and I hastily stood up.

Of course they would start to suspect something. I had been doing a shitty job of trying to cover up where I was going.

I wiped my eyes and decided to make my way to the spot where I had to meet him in the park, since I was already dressed and it's better to arrive early that late. Especially if I wanted to be let off easy today.

Soda's P.o.V.

"Soda you idiot you don't know anything!" Pony yelled to me. "Something's going on with him, yes, but it's not what you think."

"Then what is it?" I demanded. I refused to just sit back and watch my baby brother get hurt.

"I don't know! He won't tell me, but I'm worried..." he trailed off.

I huffed and stood from the table, stomping into the living room. Out the window I saw Johnny stalking off.

Right then I decided that I could finally put an end to all his lies, so I followed him. He walked slow, as if he was afraid that get to his destination.

He finally stopped walking in a very empty part of the park. I decided to make myself known. "So-" I walked forward and he nearly jumped out of his skin. "are you coming here to meet your bitch you're cheating on Pony with?"

He began shaking. "Soda you have to leave right now." He whispered.

"Why? I've already caught you. Just give it up." I spat.

He began shaking even more if that was possible. "Sodapop please, you need to leave right now! If you care about me at all you'll leave!"

"I don't care about you! Not after doing this to Pony!" I couldn't believe he was trying to reason with me.

"I'm not cheating on Pony! I'm getting beat, okay? And unless you want Ponyboy to die you'll leave! I'm this guy's puppet. I do whatever he tells me and he can do whatever he wants to me or else he'll kill Pony!" He yelled.

I was speechless. That couldn't be true, could it?

A new voice appeared that sounded to he about five yards away. "I sure as hell hope you're talking to yourself Johnny, or we got problems."

The color drained from his face. "Go!" He whispered. "Please go!"

I quickly turned around and ran. But I stuck around long enough to hear somebody yelling at Johnny and then Johnny started begging and pleading. I ran again when I heard his screams of pain and terror.

The noise would never leave my memory.

Poor Johnnycakes oh my gosh. I feel so bad for him. But I know for sure who Johnny's getting abused by now. You guys will find out soon enough. Maybe.