If I could keep my life together for more than a few seconds at a time, I would update like I used to. I apologize for these delays, they are inexcusable and disappointing. Nevertheless, I can promise you that I will finish this story and all of my others; it just won't be at the speed that you are used to. Thank you for bearing with me – words cannot describe my appreciation.

Kings, Queens, and Jacks danced gallantly through the air as Steve lost his grip on the cards and they flew from his hands. Soda was the first one up and racing to Pony, he moved so quickly that Darry would later joke; maybe we could get you a track scholarship. When he arrived he could see his younger brother lying in bed, a tangled mess of blankets and sweat; the sheets were soaked through and Pony's hair was so damp it looked as if he had walked through a rainstorm. His breaths were labored as he continued to thrash about almost hitting Soda, who was kneeling beside him.

"Pony," he shook his shoulder, "Pony – get up." The other two boys watched speechless as Soda attempted to wake the youngest greaser. Their silence was broken only a few seconds later when Darry snapped out of his daze – he had never seen someone look so sick.

"Steve, go get some cool water and a washcloth from the bathroom." The stunned boy nodded his head, mumbled a quick "sure, Dare," before quickly exiting the room.

"Come on, Pony." Soda said stroking the younger boy's hair back, "Come on, honey, I need you to wake up."

"Soda, we need to call a doctor, he's ain't well." Darry's voice came out strong and commanding over the commotion

"Yeah, Dare, I can see that." He snapped before quickly adding, "I'm sorry...I just...you know he would hate that."

"I know, little buddy," he said calmer, "but sometimes you can't just be his friend, you have to be his older brother too."

"S-s-soda?" Pony stuttered as his eyes began to open, "Soda, it's so cold in here."

"Pony, why were you screaming? Did you have a bad dream, is something hurting you?"

"It all hurts, Soda. Bad dream though..." The boy's fevered eyes scanned the room slowly and they finally landed on Darry who was still standing silently in the door's shadow. Ponyboy frantically looked back to Soda, "You didn't tell Darry, did you? Soda, you promised, you said you wouldn't tell Darry."

"Tell me what?" Darry's voice was now a mix between worry and anger, "Soda, what's he talking about?"

"Shh, Ponyboy, calm down" Soda stroked his hair away from his forehead, "you're getting yourself all worked up over nothing and frankly I don't think your body can handle that right now."

"Soda," Darry's voice was threatening now, "What ain't you telling me?"

"Later, Dare." He said in a hushed voice, "I'll tell you later. You're going to stress out Pony if you keep asking."

"Listen here, kid brother, what did I just say about being his friend..." The oldest boy began but stopped talking when Steve returned with the basin and towel, so instead he took the two items and moved to the end of Ponyboy's bed. He dipped the cloth into the water, enjoying the few seconds of tranquility amongst the chaos in the room. He rung the towel out before handing it to Soda, who immediately began applying it to Pony's forehead.

"Ponyboy, how are you feeling?" Steve asked as he pulled up the desk chair and sat down near the bed. Soda smiled to himself, he knew that Steve hated how quiet it was in the room and was trying to make small talk to make up for that silence. Between his dad yelling at him and always being with the gang, Steve rarely encountered complete silence like this and when he did, he desperately tried to end it. Sometimes he would say stupid things that would start fights just so he didn't have to be left when his own thoughts; at least, that was Soda's theory.

"Ugh..." Ponyboy mumbled seemingly becoming more and more conscious of his surroundings, "I guess there's no point in saying 'I'm fine' anymore, is there?"

"None." Said Darry with his arms folded tightly across his chest.

"You look like you got run over by a train...shit...sorry, kid...I didn't mean like your...I was..."

"It's cool, Steve." Ponyboy said with a half smile, it was all he had energy for at this point.

"I'm going to go back out to the kitchen...you guys need anything – Soda, Darry?" he got up quickly and walked out before anyone could answer him.

"You know, Steve doesn't mean to be..." Soda began when he knew his friend couldn't hear the conversation

"Yeah, Soda, I know." Ponyboy tried sitting up in bed but strong hands held him back.

"Not a chance, little buddy." Said Darry, "you need to try and rest."

"I'm tired of resting." Pony said before swatting at his brother who was still applying the damp cloth to his head, "Soda, knock it off."

"You, knock it off. I don't care if you're sick or not – watch that attitude of yours."

"...sorry..." Pony mumbled as he slid back under the covers.

"I'm going to take your temperature and then you're going to try and get some sleep, okay?"

"Sure, Darry." He answered as his brother was already standing and walking out of the room.

"He's worried about you."

"...I know..."

"Look at you, you're pouting like a puppy." Soda joked with a smile

"I ain't pouting, Sodapop."

"Scout over, and let me climb into bed with you." Pony obliged as Soda moved beside him and wrapped a protective arm around his chest, "Don't worry about nothin' Pony, it'll all work out."

"I know," he replied with a yawn, "Thanks, Soda."

Not much of a cliffhanger but...(spoiler below)

Sick!Soda starting next chapter.

Thanks again for reading and reviewing, you guys are the best. I sincerely mean that.