Another update here...although it is short (just a warning). But the next one will be long. So enjoy and thanks for the reviews!! Leave more please!

XXXX

Darry's POV

"Do you want to do something tonight?" I asked Dana over the phone.

"Darrel. I have work. Besides it sounds like you're having fun without me," she pouted. Slapping my palm silently on my dresser I wished I could block out Dana and the noises coming through my bedroom door.

In the living room, the boys were trying to fix the coffee table that Two-Bit had just fell on. He had tripped over his own feet and ended up crashing down on the rickety old table.

And he wasn't even drunk. Imagine that.

"Two-Bit! Watch that hammer," Steve yelled.

I sighed and rubbed my temples, jerking the phone cord more and more into my bedroom. These days putting up with the antics of Two-Bit and Sodapop were beginning to sound like paradise compared to going out on a date with Dana. God, I need a new relationship. "Dana, I really don't need this from you," I growled into the receiver.

"What is that supposed to mean?" she hissed.

The room grew louder as someone un-muted the TV. As Dana's upset words flew at me, I cracked my door open. "Soda, would you turn that down? I'm on the phone."

"Oh no. Oh nonononono," Soda murmured. Then he erupted, "Darry!" His voice had an edge to it I didn't like. In fact the entire room had gone silent.

"Dana. I'll have to call you back," I sighed, hanging up on her protest. "Soda," I called out, "if this involves a head wound or any other kind of bleeding you're taking yourself to the hospital." Yet, I shook my head as I walked into the living room, knowing I'd never follow through on my threat.

Instead of a witty rebuttal, my brother was crouched in front of the TV set. "What's wrong Sodapop?"

Steve spoke instead. "Darry, where would have Ponyboy went for the groceries?"

I rubbed my head in exasperation. "The closest place is Granger's…but he might have gone to Sonny's Shop. Why does it matter?"

Gesturing to the TV, Steve grimaced. "It might matter a whole lot."

On the TV a 'special report' was running about a standoff in a convenience store. My eyes widened as I recognized it was Granger's, a few miles from our house.

"You don't think-?" Two-Bit began.

"Don't jump to conclusions," I said steadily, aware that I was holding my breath.

On TV a harried-looking older man, spoke breathlessly: "The scene here at Granger's is dire to say the least. Witnesses report four gunshots being fired within a span of fifteen minutes. Clues to the culprit and hostages are unavailable at the moment. But stay with us as we bring you more on this latest development." The newscaster flashed a cheesy grin and said, "Back to you John."

The camera swiveled to give us a long shot of the parking lot. "There!" Soda exclaimed, snapping his fingers and jumping up. "It's Shakes's car." We all saw the blue Chevy Impala parked haphazardly across three parking spaces.

"Who taught that kid to drive?" Steve murmured absently to himself.

"Aw, shit." Two-Bit shuffled his feet and stared at the floor.

Soda pushed past a frozen Two-Bit, his shoes already in his hands and a fierce frown on his face. "We gotta get down there…goddammit. Goddammit!" Soda winced and suddenly pounded outside, the door rattling behind him.

"You two," I said turning to Steve and Two-Bit, trying to collect my thoughts, "why don't you stay here and-"

Two-Bit shook his head, already playing the blame game with himself. "Like hell I will." He followed Sodapop out.

"C'mon," Steve laughed caustically. "You honestly expect us to sit here and twiddle our thumbs? Maybe play a few rounds of cards?"

Not in the mood for sarcasm, I ran an impatient hand down my chin.

"Steve, cut the-"

"Darry, I can be pretty useful in these situations."

I paused, relenting. He had a good point; at least I wouldn't be the only one trying to keep Sodapop and Two-Bit sane. I was having a hard enough time managing myself at the moment. Nodding towards the door, I dug my car keys out of my pocket with sweaty palms. "Fine. Let's go."

XXXX

The store was cut off by yellow police tape. Reporters and pedestrians milled around the scene as police officers spoke off to the side. Before I could park the truck, Soda was out and moving. Steve followed him quickly, bolting up alongside his friend and placing a hand on his shoulder to slow him down.

An older cop raised his eyebrow as the four of us approached him. "Whoa, whoa fellas. This isn't a sideshow," he said, taking in our appearance. He held out a hand to stop us from going any further.

"I wouldn't expect it to be," I replied rationally, but my hands instantly balled into fists. I prayed I would make it through the day without decking anyone. "My brother's in there. And I want to know what the hell you're doing to get him out."

The older cop took his time evaluating us. "I'm Captain Barker," he said slowly. "Right now all we can do is wait. We want to try and get them out of there with the fewest casualties possible."

A younger officer looked up from his clipboard. "Hostage situations can be a bitch."

"Thanks for the newsflash," Two-Bit snapped, eyeing the kid angrily.

"Officer Malloy," Captain Barker said, "I'd suggest you keep the witticisms to yourself. Especially since I haven't had my coffee yet. "

"Sorry Cap," he mumbled and slunk off as his radio shouted an update.

I started again. They weren't telling me anything. "Sir-"

Barker cut me off by raising his hand in that same stop gesture. He checked his watch and looked at me, annoyance suddenly spread across his face. "Sorry kids. I don't know much more to tell you. You're just gonna be in the way here. Go home and-"

Soda spoke up, his voice calm and even. "We are not going anywhere."

I checked my brother's face. It was unreadable: frozen and placid. But something told me a calm Sodapop was more dangerous than a panicked one. It meant he was thinking. About what I didn't know.

"Well, it'll get settled today." Barker told Sodapop. "One way or the other."

XXXX

Next chapter on it's way soon!