A/N: Hey lovelies! So, I've decided to add another story! Um, this is a short chapter, but I'm pretty sure these chapters won't be too long anyways. SLTW has chapters ranging 3000-4000 words typically. This one will most likely be between 1000-2000 words. It's alright, though, because it most likely means much faster updates than SLTW! Yay!

Alright, anyways…

Disclaimer: I don't own The Outsiders.

It was dark. That was the only thing Ponyboy could think about at the moment. It was dark. That was good. Dark was good. It provided a sense of security. It made hiding easier.

The street lamps were dim and there weren't many people out. He was sure that this was about the time that people were retiring to their homes, tucking in their children and sitting on the couch with their spouses. He wished for a moment that he was doing something like that. He was wishing for the impossible, though.

The bar he was headed to was only a ways up the street. Randy's was the name of it, although, Ponyboy couldn't remember ever meeting a Randy in the place. Of course, he'd never searched very hard for one either. He needed to get there and he needed to get out because, after tonight, he was gone.

He stuffed his hands deep into the pockets of his jacket. It was a chilly night for April and he was thankful he had thought to wear something over his thin t-shirt.

He did not know how long he would be without a place to stay. He didn't really know anything at the moment.

As he reached the steps of the establishment he took a deep breath. Anyone could be there. Anyone who was out to get him could be sitting right inside. For some reason, he was willing to take the chance anyways. Knowing what he was doing seemed to put his mind at peace. To him, he had to do this. He couldn't leave without finishing one last thing.

He grabbed onto the courage he had and made his way up the steps. When he reached the door he pushed it open and made a beeline for the bar.

He didn't make eye contact with anyone. He allowed his peripheral vision to give him a slight clue as to who was there. From what he could make out, it seemed only a few people had found a spot in the room so far. That was good for him.

Ponyboy reached the bar and sat at one of the stools. He wondered if the person he needed was ever going to come. What if he changed shifts? What if he left early? What if he called in sick?

Ponyboy knew that considering all the "what if's" was a bad idea on his part. He had been known to do it constantly and he was slowly trying to rid himself of the habit. Old habits didn't just go away with a snap of the fingers, though.

"Michael."

He immediately snapped out of his thoughts at the sound of the name he'd come to known in the town he had been in. It had not been his first choice, although, it would have made sense if it had been, considering that it happened to be his middle name. When he'd left for college he wanted to rid himself of the name Ponyboy.

For so long, the name had felt like a chain around his neck, pulling him down and not allowing him to let go of his past. When he'd moved on to the University he had simply gone by the name Michael and no one was the wiser.

Ponyboy didn't exist- at least the name didn't. The past seemed to slowly dissolve after that and Ponyboy was able to forget.

His last fight with Darry, Soda going off to 'Nam, Johnny dying, Dally dying, his parents' death and every other issue seemed to slowly fade, just like his name. The memories still hurt and every now and again he would find himself sitting alone in a room, remembering. Tears would come to his eyes as if the incident had only happened the day before. Just as quickly as the thoughts came, though, he would make sure they left. He didn't need those kinds of things bearing down on him. He pushed them as far back as he could.

Ponyboy looked up and nodded. "Roy, how've ya' been?"

Roy seemed to get a little anxious as he glanced around the bar. "No offense, buddy, but you need to get the hell out of here. I can't have you here right now."

Ponyboy nodded, understanding. "I know. I'm leaving tonight. I just…I just needed a favor from you."

Roy seemed to look around again, before pulling out his rag and wiping the bar down slowly. "What is it exactly that you need?"

"It's nothing big, Roy. I promise. It's just that…I need to do this and I'm not gonna get a chance… It's just a small favor, Roy."

Roy stood up a little. "Michael, this better be quick, kid. You're in enough shit right now and I ain't achin' to be dragged down with you."

Ponyboy held up his hands. "I already told you. I'm leaving tonight. It's one last favor. One last thing before I'm gone for good." He started to pull something out of his jacket pocket. "So…?"

Roy sighed and nodded. "You know I'll do it. Hell, you probably deserve a little favor after the shit you've been through."

Ponyboy sighed in relief and slowly pulled a few envelopes out. He sat them on the bar and stared at them carefully. "They're letters. I just need you to mail 'um. Don't put my name on 'um or anything 'cuz you know it'll just be another way to find me."

Roy stared at the envelopes quizzically for a moment. He looked back to Ponyboy. "Who are they for?"

Ponyboy stared at them sadly for a moment. He sighed. "Nobody. Just some people who deserve to know the truth, I guess." He shifted slightly in his seat before looking back up at Roy. "I just need to make sure it gets to them. I'm not coming back. I need to know. You'll get them there, won't you?"

Roy nodded. "You have my word, Michael. Now, get out of here before somebody comes in here after you. You need to get the hell outta dodge, kid."

Ponyboy nodded, even as he cringed slightly at the word "kid". Back home he'd been known as "kid" all his life. Moving away, he figure the nickname would go away. Of course, that was before he met Roy.

Slowly, he stood, giving Roy one last nod. "Thanks for everything."

Roy just waved Ponyboy off. "Don't worry about it." Before Roy turned he put his hand on Ponyboy's shoulder. "You keep yourself safe, kid."

Roy moved away and Ponyboy sighed. He knew he had to leave soon. He couldn't stick around much longer without being found or spotted. He was risking himself and others by not leaving. He realized this as he started to move towards the exit of the building.

He had to get away. He needed to hide. He knew that. After tonight, he was gone for good. After tonight, he would never see anyone he knew again. After tonight, he wouldn't have to worry.

Ponyboy gave one last look around the bar before lifting his hood to cover his head, praying that no one would recognize him with the small disguise of a jacket.

After tonight, it was over.

What do you think?! Review and let me know! I wonder why Ponyboy is leaving? Hmmm…Leave a review and tell me what you think! Thanks for reading!