This was just kinda inspired by another story I just read called 'True Friends' by thebutterfliesarewilting. It's a really nice story and I hope you all enjoy this. Oh, and this is my first Outsiders fic, so sorry if any of them seem a bit OOC.
It's late. Well after midnight. My folks were fighting again, my father's bottle getting drained. I snuck out before they could start beating me.
I'm starting to like being at the lot at night. It's cold, sure; freezing some nights, but it's quiet, and sorta safe. If only I had a weed, then I would be fine 'till morning.
I hear footsteps. I see the figure of someone walking lit by the street light, one of the only ones that ain't busted. Golly, am I gonna get jumped again?
"Hey kid. What you doing in the lot?" I know that voice. I smile in relief.
"Hey Dally. I'm sleeping here for the night. My parents are fighting again."
"They didn't get you, did they?"
"Nah, man. I left 'fore they got the chance."
"Come on. It's too cold out here to sleep. Go home."
Home? Dally was telling me to go home? Didn't he just ask if I was OK; well, in Dallas Winston's way at least? He wants me to go back there and get beat.
"Well kid?"
He is Dallas Winston. The toughest greaser there is. His word is law.
I get up, and start to walk back to my house. My head hurts. I thought Dally cared about my being.
"Johnnycakes, where you going?"
"Home." I say meekly. "Like you told me to."
"That's not the way to your home."
"Yeah, it is Dal." Gee, did Dally get hit too hard in the head during the last rumble?
"No, it ain't. Come on Johnny, let's go."
I sigh. Golly, Dally has me so confused. I walk with Dally anyway. He offers me a lit weed, and I readily accept. We walk all the way to, the Curtis' house?
"What are we doing here Dal?"
"I already told ya, we're home."
We musta been loud, 'cause Darry came out and silently urged us inside. Can't say I wasn't grateful, the night air is chilly and I've been resisting the temptation to shiver all during the walk over here.
Mmmm, it's warm in here.
"Where have you been? It's nearly one in the morning!" Darry says to me, trying to keep his voice low so he doesn't wake up Steve, who's sleeping on the couch, or Two-Bit who musta fallen asleep watching Mickey Mouse again.
"I, I was in the lot." I say quietly. I don't want to be the reason the others wake up. Why is Darry up anyway? Doesn't he have work in the morning?
"In the lot? It's freezing out there. Why didn't you come here if you weren't at your house?" Why is he getting so worked up? It's not like I haven't spent the night in the lot before.
"Damn Johnny, don't you get it?" Now Dally's getting onto me. "This is your home. It's our home. Here there are people who care about you, and I'll be damned if you end up getting jumped 'cause of your damn stupidity!"
Dally voice starts getting louder. I really hope he doesn't wake up the others.
Darry quiets him.
"Johnny, this is your home. With the gang, your real family. When you stay here, you're safe, and cared for and looked after. This is your home Johnnycakes, and this is where you belong." Darry ended, quietly.
"This is my home." I repeat.
Darry smiles.
"Yes, good. Now you two go upstairs and sleep in Soda's old room tonight. It's late, I've got work in the morning and you're going to school with Ponyboy."
I nod sleepily as I walk up the stairs behind Dally.
"G'night Darry. Thanks."
I yawn as I crawl under the covers.
This is my home. I am home.
And with that, I was fast asleep.
