AN: So. Here's this thing. I didn't mean to create something new. I just got this idea while I was out at the lot by my place - the place between my house and Dally's house is actually our own freaking Vacant Lot. I love it...sorta.

Anyway, I was hanging out out there listening to Marianas Trench and thought of this. I don't know. It doesn't match the song I was listening to, but I like the idea, so I shall write it.

Enjoy.

The calm silence of the late night air that had been very enjoyable was broken by the sound of harsh pants, as if someone had just ran a decent length, or was rather upset. That was what caught Steve off guard on his trek to the Curtis household. His old man had thrown him out once again, this time a bit later than would normally happen. He glanced up from where he had been watching the ground in front of him, just for something to stare at.

He blinked in surprise when he saw the youngest Curtis brother collapsed on the side of the road, struggling to even his breathing out.

He paused in front of him and spoke. "I take it it's not a good call to head to yours?"he asked, kneeling in front of the youngest member of the gang. "What's going on?"

Ponyboy only glared up at Steve.

It was enough for Steve to notice the red mark on one of Pony's cheeks and he blinked in surprise. "Who hit you?"he demanded. While, sure, they didn't get along, Pony was part of the gang and his best friend's kid brother, he didn't want him hurt.

Pony shook his head.

"Was it one of your brothers?"Steve asked, eyes portraying his surprise. If it had been a Soc, it would be worse, he knew. Not just a red mark. "Soda?"

Pony shook his head.

"Darry?"

He didn't get an answer.

Steve shook his head. "Get up."he said, getting to his feet. "You're going back home, and we're all gonna work this out. This ain't okay."

Pony wanted to fight back, but let Steve pull him up and back towards home.

When the two reached the Curtis home and entered the living room, Sodapop jumped up. "Oh, thank god."he said, pulling Ponyboy into a tight hug.

Steve leveled a look at Soda before he looked at Darry, hiding his face in his hands while seated in that armchair he loved so much. "I got a bone to pick with you."

Darry looked up at the same time Soda let go of Pony and backed away.

Soda looked at Steve for a moment before he pulled Pony out to the front porch. He knew Steve well enough to know that he wasn't going to be calm about any of this.

As soon as the door closed behind the two, Steve spoke again. "What the hell is wrong with you?"

Darry shook his head. "I over-reacted."he answered. "He was home late and Soda and me were worried and I...I didn't mean to hit him...I just..."
"Didn't think before you acted."Steve finished, plopping down on the couch. "I found him sitting on the curb close to my place on my way here. If I hadn't've been thrown out again, I wouldn'ta found him. The Socs would have. Then what would've happened?"

Darry looked down again. "I feel bad enough without you adding to it."
Steve shrugged.

"Besides, since when do you care?"

That caught Steve by surprise. Not only the phrase, but the bitterness in Darry's voice as he said it. "He's your kid brother."he deadpanned. "He's Soda's kid brother, and the youngest of the gang. Of course I care about him. Do I always like him? No, but that don't mean a damn thing when it comes to his well being."

The silence that followed that statement was one of the heaviest ones anyone in the gang had sat through.

When Pony and Soda came back in, Darry got up and started towards them. Pony shrunk down a bit, shying back into Soda a bit, which surprised everyone. Pony was tough, why was he doing this?

Darry frowned. "I ain't gonna hurt ya,"he promised.

Pony gave him a look that cut straight through the eldest brother's heart.

Soda shook his head. "I think it's a bit late. We'll all talk tomorrow."

Darry nodded, letting the two pass him.

Steve sighed. "I hope you're proud of yourself, Darry. Pony's never shied away from someone like that."he said.

"Just get some sleep."Darry said, heading to his own room.

The nightmares that came that night for Pony were pretty awful for him. Soda was oblivious to them for the longest. He woke up to Pony shaking like a leaf and frowned, pulling him closer and drifting off when he calmed down again.

Needless to say, it was a long night for everyone, and they had a long day ahead of them as well.

This is probably so badly out of character. I am so sorry.

Anyway. Just to get me writing again, because I'm stuck with everything right now, can't do anything without hitting a block of sorts.

If you have a request for like a oneshot or something, let me know. Just something to do.

Stay Gold.