I do not own The Outsiders.

Hello :) once again! I just want to take a moment to thank those who have been there for me when I was absent. Thank you so much for the messages, the reviews and e-mails of encouragement, support, wisdom and advice. Thank you so very much. There is no amount that I can measure to show you all how grateful, humble and loved I am because of you reviewers, fellow writers and readers.

"I have traveled to the ends of our known world, even those that don't exist; All without leaving my room."

-Kylelover101

CHAPTER 2

Curly Shepard and the Brumly boys. Curly Shepard, Tim's little brother. He wasn't far from being the next Tim Shepard or Dallas Winston. He had a reputation and a namesake down at the Juvenile Detention, anything and everything from theft, to fights with officers. Curly did a lot, he stole, he lied, he cheated, and he was meaner than any brat you could ever imagine growing up.

Ponyboy didn't like Curly Shepard at first growing up, the Shepard boy would call him names and sometimes try to pick a fight with him. Ponyboy, being the shy child he was, avoided Curly as much as he could till about middle school when Curly calmed down a little bit. Then the two became inseparable. Ponyboy found a new fascination for the game: Chicken; it was fun seeing someone do something so stupid, like pee on an electric fence, or tackle a mean dog for less than fifty-cents.

When Ponyboy started going to rumbles more often, he gained a new type of respect for Curly Shepard, the boy could and loved to fight and normally he'd team up with him. However, sooner or later, it was only a matter of time actually, that Curly would be sent to Juvy. He was sent quite frequently and Ponyboy often found himself sometimes without a friend in the world it seems. Then came Johnny but now Johnny's dead. Dallas too.

Ponyboy found himself not feeling too hot after thinking about Dallas and Johnny.

"Oi, don't be too glum now." Curly laughed, "There's girls here, they see you with that sour look, they won't look at us." Ponyboy smirked at Curly's joke and faked his best smile. Curly pulled into the Drive-in and almost immediately people started leaving. Knowing there was a Shepard around made a lot of others uneasy, or even intimidated. Curly scouted the area for anyone he knew, whether it was an old enemy, a buddy fresh out of Juvy like himself, or someone he just wanted to fight.

"Who's buyin?" He asked.

No one answered so Ponyboy went to fish for his wallet, he still had ten dollars of birthday money from last July but Curly shook his head, confusing the auburn.

"You're with The Shepard Gang, and we don't pay for nothing." Curly spoke as if he were listing the ten commandments. Ponyboy gulped seeing a round of Cokes coming their way.

They're going to dine and dash. Ponyboy thought.

"So, what was Juvy like, Curls?" One Greaser with a hole in his shirt asked. Ponyboy slowly sipped on his Coke, not really wanting to hear what prison life was like. Curly smirked, toying with his straw.

"Had real good fights I wanted in on, but I couldn't. Cause Tim would have m neck if he found out I had to stay in longer," Curly went on to talk about other inmates Ponyboy didn't want to ever meet, like Left-handed Cain he got his namesake because he stabbed a kid in the gut in broad daylight over a pack of cigars. Then there was Always-Running-Rusty, he had the cops casing him for nearly seven hours before they caught up to him after his car ran out of gas, then on foot for another twenty-minutes; Curly forgot what he did to end up in a situation like that.

Ponyboy sipped the last of his Coke and tried to look around for a clock to see what time it was. If he wanted to not get caught, then he'd have to be home at exactly three, cause Sodapop would be home around four, Ponyboy remembered. Ponyboy felt a little uncomfortable being at The Dingo, seeing it wasn't far from The DX. For some reason, the boy felt that at any moment Sodapop would be following after Steve while Steve pointed out Ponyboy's whereabouts. Ponyboy felt uneasy and he wished he had never skipped.

"What's your issue?"

Ponyboy looked up seeing Curly's confused stare. Ponyboy had to think of a legit excuse, but all that he could muster was a pathetic one.

"I feel sick." He mumbled. It wasn't a lie.

"Then don't drink so fast." Curly laughed. Ponyboy gave him a shy smile and returned to his thoughts. Curly was about to say something but something caught his eye. That something was a girl with long, tan, legs. Curly nearly panted like a dog. She was drop-dead georgous! Her semi-long brown hair and deep red lipstick only complimented her white and red dress. The dress wasn't anything flashy, it was simple white button up blouse with a red-checkered bottom. It was flowy and gradeful on her, and Curly found himself with an awful, dirty but funny, joke.

"Uh, hey Pony." He nudged the greaser. Ponyboy was pulled from his thoughts as he gave the curly haired greaser his attention.

"Ever had a real deep think?" Curly smriked, flashing a few of his teeth.

Ponyboy wondered at first if maybe Curly was putting two-and-two together, or even reading his facial expressions. He was never the one to hide what he was thinking.

"I guess." Ponyboy admitted.

"What of, may I ask?" Curly pressed his lips together in a thin line and smiled, squinting his eyes. Ponyboy knew he thought a lot, it was one of his best qualities and his greated flaws. Ponyboy didn't know what to tell Curly, no one had ever asked him what he was really thinking about; Darry and Sodapop did every once in a while, just to check up on him, but Ponyboy always told them 'nothing' or 'he was fine' when really he thought of everything: Greasers, Socs, his parents, his grades.

"Oh, nothing." Ponyboy polietly smiled.

"I think you should think about your name." Curly smoothly spoke.

Ponyboy was confused, his name? "What about it?" He asked. Curly shrugged, giving off a simple, innocent, glance at his half-empty beverage.

"Oh, nothing is wrong with it. It's a fine name. Unique," Curly listed. "However. . . . If I had a name like that, I'd use it to my advantage."

To his advantage? Ponyboy was lost. What was Curly talking about? Curly took a hold of Ponyboy by his far shoulder, bringing him in.

"You see, Baby Curtis, you have a girft. A wonderful gift. And do you know what that is?" Curly smirked. Ponyboy didn't like the way Curly was talking. Curly had the same tone of voice that Two-bit had when the greaser was going to mention something perverted.

Still, to answer Curly's question, Ponyboy shook his head. "No." He replied.

"Your name, Ponyboy." Curly flashed Ponyboy his sharp, electric white, teeth. Ponyboy didn't get where Curly was coming from. How was his name a gift? Was Curly giving Ponyboy a compliment and he had missed the plot? Ponyboy just nodded slowly but it was easy to tell he looked lost.

"A name, Ponyboy, a word or set of words by which a person, animal, place, or thing is known, addressed, or referred to. You, being Ponyboy, not only is your namesake different, but it's useful." Curly chuckled. Ponyboy smiled, "Don't forget Sodapop. That's a different name." Ponyboy pointed out.

Curly rolled his eyes, "Yeah, but nothing like Ponyboy. I mean, everyone has heard of Sodapop, not for a name, but no one's ever heard of a Ponyboy. You get what I'm saying."

"Ye-ea-a-h. . . No-o-o. . . uh, no."

Curly smirked, "See that girl there?" Ponyboy looked over to where Curly was pointing. Ponyboy felt his cheeks flush. She was stunning with her white and red dress. When she twirled around, her dress reached outskirts of long length, giving her legs a twigy-look. Her face was stunning as well, she had on just enough makeup to let her face glow, but the shine of all, were her cherry, red lips.

"Y-yeah." Ponyboy smiled.

"You can have her." Curly smirked. Ponyboy was confused, a girl like that would take one look at him and think he was a hood, with him being a Greaser and everything. Not to mention hanging around the Shepard's, even if you wern't a member, could give you a bad rep, that's how dnagerous and well known they were.

"W-what?" He asked.

"With just your name," Curly hushed. "wanna' find out how?"

Curious, Ponyboy nodded and leaned for Curly to whisper in his ear. Some of the Brumly boys had taken notice of what was going on and too were confused but seeing Curly silently give them a 'thumbs up' only made them snort and laugh as they knew something funny was about to happen.

"So, just go up to her ans say that?" Ponyboy asked, feeling a level of confidance. Curly nodded, "Yup. She'll maybe think about it two seconds, or fall for you instantly, it's foulproof Curtis."

"Okay." Ponyboy smiled, hopping out of the car to approch the girl. One of The Brumly boys turned to Curly.

"Oh, you're so mean, Curly."

Curly shrugged, "Aren't I?"

Ponyboy nervously walked up to the girl. She looked about Cherry's Valance's age and was a little taller than him. Still, he had been noticing girls in his class, or on the streets, in a different way. Suddenly he wanted their attention, even if it were just for a moment. Ponyboy was still rather shy about girls and wasn't sure about Curly's advice from earlier, but Sodapop and Darry have been busy and didn't have time to talk to him about the oppesite sex; also, Curly had dated girls before, so he must know what he's talking about.

"Um, hello." He meekly spoke. It was quiet, but it got the girl's attention. She turned to him from the soda station, Ponyboy could see her name tag: Julie.

"Hi, Julie." He smiled.

She had to snort at his attempt. "Can I help you?" She asked, professionally. Ponyboy turned back to Curly, he was feeling the confidance from before starting to fall, but seeing Curly nod his head and give him a 'okay' sign with his fingers, gave him reassurace again.

"My name's Ponyboy." Ponyboy started.

Julie nearly gasped. This couldn't be Sodapop's little brother, could it? She thought. He looks just like him, and they both had weird names, so he must be. Before Julie could say anything, Ponyboy said exactly, word-for-word what Curly told him to say after he introduced himself.

"Seeing as my name is Ponyboy and all, do you want a ride?" With that he gave a wink and a smirk. Ponyboy knew something must have been wrong with that statement, because the last thing he remembered was Julie gasping in disgust and smacking him across the cheek.

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Ponyboy groaned as he entered his house. There was a handprint on his face, it was bright red and burning. It was two-fifty when he arrived home and all he wanted was an ice pack. He ushered his way to the kitchen, towards the fridge. He sighed 'thank god' seeing an ice pack, wrapped it in a dish towel and sighed as he slipped on to the couch.

His eyes widened when he heard a familure whistling tune. It was one Darry normally did. Ponyboy scrambled to get off the couch and run to his room, but the door opened and in came Two-bit. Two-bit looked surprised seeing Ponyboy home so early.

"What you doing here, Ponyboy?" He asked.

"Uh," Ponyboy didn't answer. Two-bit narrowed his eyes and walked closer to the boy. Two-bit removed the ice-patch and he himself winced at the color of Ponyboy's cheek. "That smarts, Pony. Who did that to ya'? A Soc?" Immedatly Two-bit looked angry but Ponyboy shook his head.

"Naw, a girl." He admitted. Ponyboy nearly jumped hearing how loud Two-bit laughed. "A girl? A girl hit you?!" While Two-bit had his laugh, Ponyboy was just relieved that Two-bit hadn't asked when it happened.

"When did it happen, Pony?"

Dammit! "Um. . . lunchtime." Ponyboy spoke, it wasn't really a lie.

"Wish I was there." Two-bit laughed, "But I left school after fourth period." Two-bit flipped on the TV, searching for Mickey Mouse when Ponyboy paled. Two-bit had left school?! That wasn't uncommen of the hood, but Ponyboy feared the worst. Had he been seen by him?

"Oh. . . " was all Ponyboy replied with. "Would you like a beer, Two-bit?" Ponyboy pounced at the idea of getting Two-bit drunk so he'd forget about this afternoon, and, hopefully, forget if he saw him at The Dingo with Curly. Two-bit arched his eyebrow, but then shrugged.

"That's using your noggin' Pony. Gemmie a cold one from the fridge,will ya'?" Two-bit called. Ponyboy nodded and rushed back to the fridge. Two-bit sipped his cold beer then turned to Ponyboy. Ponyboy flashed Two-bit a nervous smile before facing the TV again. Two-bit was curious. This wasn't like Ponyboy at all.

"Ponyboy, what's wrong?" He asked.

"Nothing." Ponyboy smiled, "Enjoying your beer?"

Two-bit thought to himself for a moment: This is odd. He knew that for a fact. Then he shrugged. Oh well, atleast I don't have to move from my spot.

Ponyboy sighed when he thought he was in the clear then he remembered something, his backpack. He had put it in his locker before heading off with Curly! Ponyboy groaned. "Oh no!" He cried.

"What?" Two-bit asked.

Ponyboy hadn't meant to talk out loud, "I forgot my bag at school." He spoke. Two-bit shrugged. "Oh well, I can break in if you want me to and get if for ya'."

Ponyboy shook his head. Last time Two-bit broke into the school, he did it with Dallas. Ponyboy was in no position to either get Two-bit caught and in trouble, or to stir up old memories.

"No. It's okay."

What was he going to tell Darry?

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"Wait. . . .So, Ponyboy just left?" Sodapop asked his friend. The two were closing up shop early that day. Seeing how slow business normally was on a Monday, their boss said it was okay to close a little earlier than normal. Steve was biting his cheeks trying not to grin. Getting Ponyboy in trouble was his favorite hobby, if it were a sport he'd make it to the olympics.

"Yeah, he was hanging out with Curly Shepard. That kid is already bad news, Soda, you and I both know it. Not to mention he's a dumbass." Steve scoffed, remembering all the times Curly had lipped off to him, Steve swore that whenever Ponyboy was around Curly, the youngest Curtis got mouthier and spiteful.

Sodapop sighed, he didn't want to think that Ponyboy was skipping school. He was a good kid. Ponyboy could go places in life that Sodapop could only dream of doing.

"Well, I'll talk to him, I'll know if he's lying or not-"

There was a giggle heard outside and Steve turned with a smile. "Evie!" He cried, opening his arms to allow his girlfriend to jump into them. Evie was his on-again-off-again girlfriend. Steve was a man of his word and never cheated on Evie, but there had been times where Evie drove him nuts. Evie was Greaser-girl material. She had on a little too much eyeshaddow and liner for her soft colored eyes, and her clothes were a bit on the tight side with her crop top and mini skirt.

"Hi Stevie!" Evie giggled, turning to Sodapop she waved. "Hi Soda."

"Hey Evie. What's going on?" Sodapop asked, putting away his tools. Evie sighed, rolling her eyes "Well, you've gotta' hear what happened today-" Steve wasn't in the mood to hear any gossip from Evie, but when Ponyboy's name came into the picture both men turned to her.

"What?" Steve asked. "What happened?" He couldn't contain his smile.

"Ponyboy Curtis: Your little brother." She turned to Sodapop. "Did the most disgusting thing today!"

Sodapop narrowed his eyes, clenching his fists. "What did he do?" Steve held back a bark of laughter knowing by the sound of Sodapop's stern voice the kid would be dead before dinner time.

"He walked up to my friend today and said 'Hey my name's Ponyboy, wanna' ride?' it was so vulger!"

Steve couldn't contain himself, he laughed so hard he was neer tears. Sodapop on the other hand, was not laughing at all. Where had Ponyboy learned such horrible things to say?! Sodapop brought his hand to his mouth, looking deep in thought while Steve leaned against the hood of a car that would stay over night in the shop to keep himself from falling on the floor.

"It's not funny, Steve! Poor Julie wanted to spit on him, instead she slapped him."

That only made Steve laugh harder. "He got bitch slapped?" Evie growled before slapping Steve herself and stomping away.

"Aw, Evie, come back!" Steve called, racing after her. Sodapop was left alone in the quiet shop. He removed his hand and clenched his fingers. So far, from what he heard, Ponyboy had skipped school, hung out with Curly Shepard, and approched a girl in a rude manner.

There was only one thing on his mind: How the hell was he going to approch this when he got him?

Second chapter, baby! Whoo!

I promised to update at 10 and I keep my promise :) Yeah, Ponyboy isn't making too good of decisions now is he? But is there a meathod to his madness? Who knows, well, I do, but review to find out more.

*kisses baby Ponyboy's head*

-Kylelover101