In a world where humans and hybrids lived together, you found yourself adoring Johnny Cade, a black labrador hybrid with a heart too big for his body.

He'd always been the last and least, no natter what it was. His folks had always hated him, beating him and kicking him out. It was rough for him in Tulsa, especially with those nasty socs. But his gang always made him feel at least a little bit better.

They were all hybrids, which was risky enough as it is with no human around, but what was even worse was that a new law had passed. It had read that 'No hybrid may be allowed to walk free without a legal human caretaker or handler.' Apparantly, too many incidents with feral hybrids attacking humans caused protests, which led to the new state law.

Johnny never expected that they'd be caught. He didnt take it seriously. Until one night- a rumble with the socs. They were winning, but most of the socs were human, which led to them calling hybrid control. All of his gang were detained, muzzled and collared like wild animals, and they were sent to a shelter.

Thats where you come in. You had gone to the shelter in hopes of finding a few canine hybrids to help you around your farm, when you stumbled across Johnny. He was so sweet, nuzzling your hand through the bars of his cage and licking at your palm. So, you took him home.. along with the rest of his gang. They were a rowdy bunch, sure, but they were thankful enough to lay back a bit.

It took awhile for them to warm up to you fully. You never rushed them, of course, but it still surprised you how long it took for every last one of them to trust you. Most were easy- Sodapop, Two-Bit and Ponyboy trusted you in a few days, then Steve, then Darry, and finally Dallas after nearly half a year.

But there was still one missing.

Little old Johnny.

The runt of the pack. He was still sweet to you, sure, but damn was he suspicious. He'd still flinch if you moved too quickly, still looked scared whenever you pet him. He'd watch you fill his bowl like it'd be his last meal if he didn't act right. It bothered you- he must've been kicked around an awful lot if even Dallas trusted you before he did.

One chilly Wednesday evening changed everything. You were sat on the couch, still working on knitting the blanket you'd been trying to finish for nearly a year at this point, the sun had gone down before you knew it. Johnny was laid beside you, curled up as he yawned softly, waking up from his nap.

Instinctively, you had reached down to pet him, and surprisingly he didn't jolt away. You couldnt help the small smile that tugged your lips upward. You continued to pet him, before he shifted, and when you looked over, he was laying there, belly up, clearly wanting attention.

You stared at him in surprise for a few moments before his meek voice spoke, laced with a bit of embarrassment. "... Please ma, you rub Pony's belly all the time.."