Chapter Text
Tulsa - 1965
Johnny doesn’t think he’s ever been in this much pain before in his life, and that’s saying something based on what his home life consists of.
He doesn’t remember much until Soda’s soft voice and gentle hands broke him.
He began to cry.
“I-I couldn’t stop ‘em, they just kept coming at me man, I s-swear I tried.”
“Oh Johnny.”
Johnny looked up to see the rest of the gang surrounding himself and Soda like some sort of protective bubble. Too late for that now, he thought.
Johnny managed to lock eyes with Dallas but only a second as the murder in Dally’s eyes reminded him to much of the sadistic one Bob had earlier.
Instead he looked up at Darry, who had a stoic yet sad expression on his face. “C’mon Johnny, let’s getcha home.”
~~~~~~~~
Johnny was all ready to fall asleep for the next week but as soon as Darry gave the all clear on his physical health, the gang couldn’t hold back anymore.
“Who was it Johns, ya gotta tell us man!”
“I swear I’m gonna batter those Socs so fucking hard.”
“What were ya doing walking around by your lonesome?”
“Enough!”
The talking ceased immediately.
Darry sighed. “For God sakes let the kid explain.”
“It’s like dealing with toddlers”, Darry mumbled under his breath as he straightened up in his arm chair to listen to Johnny.
Johnny felt uncomfortable as suddenly all the attention was on him. He gulped and dove into his story, explaining how he was walking to the DX to see Soda and Steve and was by the lot when he was suddenly surrounded by Bob and his pack.
The gang stiffened and were all clearly holding back serious anger.
“How’d y’all find me?”
Steve spoke up. “Me and Soda were walking past the lot when we heard ya groaning, I went an’ grabbed the guys while Sodapop assessed the damage. You really scared us kid, stick around us from now on ya hear?”
“I hear ya.”
Soda clapped his hands together. “Well I’m starved, Darry made spaghetti!”
All the guys immediately jumped up and ran to the kitchen like a pack of hungry lions except me.
“Don’t worry Johns, I’ll bring you a plate, sit tight”, Darry said walking by before yelling after Soda, “I swear to God if those noodles ain’t a normal colour Sodapop Patrick!”
I soon got my answer as I was handed a steaming bowl of bright green spaghetti and sauce. Oh Soda.
~~~~~~~~
Johnny was about half way through his second bowl when Dally put his down and crossed his arms, eying Johnny carefully.
“Johns, I know it’s probably hard to talk about it but ya gotta let us know who did it so we can go and smash their heads in.”
The others nodded solemnly.
Johnny cleared his throat.
“It was Sheldon and his gang.”
Steve scoffed and Two-Bit looked pissed.
“That pussy asshole Bob?”
“Yeah.”
Soda looked confused. “Who’s Bob?”
Steve shook his head in disgust. “He’s in our grade Soda, he’s like the Socs fucking leader or somethin”.
“And where might we find Bob and his gang?” Dallas asked, a murderous glint in his icy blue eyes.
Johnny suddenly remembered something he felt might be useful to this attempted murder plan.
“There was someone else there aswell. I think he was apart of the group but he didn’t do anything, just stood back and watched. He looked real young too. Hold on I think he left me something!”
“Left you something?”
“Where’s my jacket?”
Johnny was passed his jacket by Soda and rooted around in the pockets, the thing was covered in specks of blood and Johnny would’ve liked to put it down as quickly as possible.
“Here it is.” He pulled out a small pocket book labelled ‘Fahrenheit 451’.
Having never seen this book in his life and being curious, he opened the book to find a quickly scrawn message on the inside.
“What’s it say Johnnycakes?”
“I’m really sorry I hope you feel better and enjoy the book, Michael.”
Dallas looked around the room eagerly.
“Well then, let’s find this Michael shall we.”