Both Two-Bit and Pony think that the Greasers couldn’t get along without Johnny. Why do you think they feel that way?

Johnny was a part of the family.... they needed him..... the qualities that made him special and unique among the rest of the gang.

"You'll be okay," I said with fake cheerfulness. "You gotta be. We couldn't get along without you."
The truth of that last statement hit me. We couldn't get along without him. We needed Johnny as much as he needed the gang. And for the same reason.