A/N- Hey guys! So, I already have one Outsiders story out, called 'Nothing Gold Can Stay'. But it's a one-shot, and I really wanted to start an actual Outsiders chapter-story. So, I did this one. And I would also like to dedicate this story to Sydney the Indie Rokker! Thank you so much for all your help!

Sydney: Wow, thank you so much, Cirruz. I'm so honored. Like, wow. This is so awesome. This story is going to be great.

Cirruz: Thanks Sydney! Though, really, I'm the one that should be honored. Oh! And you guys should check out her story, (it really is amazing!) A Little Too Far. After that, you should check out Congratulations by her as well. Both are The Outsiders fanfictions. Do you think people are going to like this story Sydney?

S: Yeah! I do! I really think people will. And thank you.

C: I sure hope so! So, would you like to do the honors?

S: Sure! We do not own The Outsiders. Every character belongs to the great S.E. Hinton.

C: Alright folks, this is Sydney and Cirruz saying, HOPE YOU ENJOY! And please don't flame when you review! I ask you to kindly point out my mistakes. If I make any mistakes in the military information, I'm sorry, I don't mean to offend.. If anybody could help me with that, I'd greatly appreciate it. Thanks!

Chapter one- If Only They Knew

Ponyboy's POV:

Things have been slowly getting better since the accident. It still hurts to talk about it. Sometimes, I'll even find myself thinking I'll go to the lot and pass the football with Johnnycakes. But then I remember.

At least Darry and I have been getting along better.. Ever since that talk Sodapop gave us. And when we do argue, we make sure it's not when Soda's around.

Steve and I have become pretty good buddies, too. I mean, we're not exactly to the "friend" stage yet, but we're slowly getting there. Things are almost normal.

The last day of school was about two days ago. Friday. Which means, I'm all alone. I'm surprised Darry let me stay home by myself. I'm sure he would make Two-Bit watch me, if he hadn't gotten a job. Soda's at work, Darry's at work, Steve's at work, Two-Bit's at work, and it's scorching hot outside. What is a fifteen year old boy to do? Eat a popsicle and see what's on T.V.

So, I watched Mickey-Mouse for a bit, but eventually I started getting bored. That's also when I decided I would take a run outside. After all, I have to stay in practice for next year, if I want to be any good.

So I did what I do best… and I ran. People say I'm the fastest kid around. I'm not sure if that's true, but I can't help but admit that I'm pretty fast.

It doesn't take long for me to get back to the house, but I'm out of breath by the time I am. The mix between heat, and my smoking? I'm gonna have to have a lot of practice time.

I guess I'll check the mail. If I don't it'll probably just sit there for days.

I pull out all the little envelopes that hold those little papers that make it so hard for my brothers and I to stay together.

Bill.

Bill.

Bill.

Bi- wait… what?

I gently open the creamy white envelope. It was addressed to Soda, but what can I say? Curiosity killed the cat. I take out the neatly folded paper.

Sodapop P. Curtis,

You are hereby ordered into the induction into the Armed Forces of the United States, and to report at the Assembly Room, 17th floor on June 14, 1967 at 07:00.

I briefly registered the letter falling to the floor. Soda? My brother? My brain just couldn't wrap around it. I only had four days left with my brother. It's not fair. Soda shouldn't be one to go… He's Soda! He got the looks, he gets the girls, he's got the happy-go-lucky personality… he can't go there! I've heard people talking at the Nightly Double… War changes people. Though, I could have told you that. Soda shouldn't have to go through that.

And I wasn't going to let him.

With shaking hands I crouched down and picked the letter back up. I walked to mine and Soda's room. I hid the letter in the book Johnny gave me, Gone With The Wind. A book was a place I knew Soda would never look.

Right now, I didn't know how I was going to get there, or how I was going to do this. But I knew one thing. I'm not letting Soda go. I'll have to spend as much time with everyone as I can, before I leave. Even the thought makes my throat close up. My vision starts to blur. I hear the door slam in the front room, so I wipe my eyes and try to look normal. I walk out of our room and to the kitchen. I see Steve and Soda getting drinks. Soda turns around and I guess my eyes gave away my emotions, because he looked a little concerned.

"Hey Pone, you alright?" He walks over and puts his hand against my head. I nod.

"Yeah. I'm good, just thirsty." He laughs and walks to the fridge, taking out a Pepsi and tossing it to me.

"Alright, Steve and I are going out tonight, you want to come?" Despite the fact that Steve would probably complain, I smile and agree to go.

If only they knew.

A/N- So? Did you like it? Hate it? Tell me in a review, or even in a PM! But, I need some advice. Hopefully those italics got your attention. Anyway, I'm thinking of making the next few chapters Ponyboy's time with the Gang. You know… Like the second chapter, Ponyboy with Soda. Third chapter, Ponyboy with Darry. Or whoever. If you have any ideas, they would be very much appreciated. Thanks! And I'm sorry this was so short, but I've already started on the second chapter! So, it'll be out soon! Remember, Review!

Love Y'all!

~Cirruz~