1960s Tulsa, Oklahoma -ˋˏ ༻❁༺ ˎˊ-

It was the Fourth of July. Dallas had managed to get his hands on some illegal fireworks and the gang all met up at the Curtis' house. There was food laid out on a table that Darry had brought from inside the house and everything was perfect. No Socs or other greasers to mess it up, it was beautiful. The first firework went off, you and Ponyboy sat on the steps as you two watched it fly up to the sky, bursting in colors. You were mezmerized. The second firework went off, then the third, then the fourth.

You could see everyone having a great time, laughter filled the atmosphere. There was one thing missing though. Where was Johnny? You tilted your head and looked over at Pony. Once you asked where Johnny was, he shrugged. He offered to go with you to go find him, but you told him to stay behind and watch the fireworks.

You got up and started to walk around the outside of the house, it didn't take you long until you found Johnny sitting with his back to a tree. His gaze was focused on the ground as he fidgeted with his hands. You walked over and sat down. "Hey, you okay?"

He slowly looked up and nodded, blinking his eyes. "Oh yeah.. yeah I'm good. Jus' wanted away from everything, y'know? The colors are real pretty though." He replied, his voice quiet. It took you second until you realized what had happened. Johnny was never really the same after the Socs jumped him. Given that combined with his home life, you couldn't blame him for being jittery.

You gave a small smile and brought looked back up to the sky, a fifth firework erupting in the air. You saw Johnny flinch slightly at the sound of the popping, so you scooted a bit closer, sitting directly beside him. "It'll be alright man, they're just fireworks. They ain't gonna get you."

He let out a low breath and picked at the grass under him. "Yeah, I know. I don't know what it is, it jus' doesn't sit right with me. Greasers ain't supposed to get scared, {{user}}."