I do not own The Outsiders. All characters used from the book are borrowed with much respect to S.E. Hinton.

"Easy, kid. Take it easy. Don't be doin' any of that breath holding shit you like to do." Two-Bit looked at me in a panic as he hugged Ponyboy. "He turnin' any funny colours?"

I shook my head; life not completely registering at the moment. I stood there like an idiot and looked on at my youngest brother as he was squeezing the daylights out of our only remaining childhood friend.

"Shhh…come here, pumpkin. It's okay, it's just Two-Bit." Beth's voice was warm despite the cold look she shot at Mathews.

"C'mon, kid." Two-Bit tried to pry my brother's arms from around his neck, but stopped abruptly when Ponyboy's left arm started to tremor.

"Alright then, this is nice too. Jeeze Louise, kid! When did you get so cuddly?" Two-Bit huffed out a laugh before pressing his brow against Ponyboy's head.

"What the hell are you doing?" Beth leaned in while I stood dumbfounded. "Don't you know how to use a door?"

"Sorry Mrs. C. I tried, but forgot you keep it locked now. I didn't wanna wake y'all with it bein' so late. Thought I'd sneak in and surprise ya in the morning." Two-Bit answered and looked to me.

"Well it's a good way to get your head blown off. You scared the shit out of us!" My wife continued to chastise our friend, but her hand rubbed his back lovingly over the areas she was pounding on not minutes previous.

Two-Bit just looked at me. "She's just like you, only better lookin'."

I took a breath, but then just blew it back out while I shook my head. Words were forming in my brain, but I lacked the capacity to string them together in coherent sentences. Luckily Two-Bit just pressed on.

"Is it true? Is he here?"

I turned around to where my other brother had been standing, but all that was left was the baseball bat. I pivoted back to face the window again and nodded.

Two-Bit took a deep breath and I didn't notice how his eyes had filled up until he squeezed them shut and they spilled over and down his face. He held Ponyboy tighter to him when Soda finally returned; pulling his t-shirt down over his torso while looking on at our brother and Two-Bit.

"Missed ya kid, but I got a bone to pick with your brother, alright?"

Two-Bit pulled Ponyboy's arms from around his neck, but it took some force and I noticed Two-Bit's heartbroken expression when Pony broke down and cried in objection. Beth leaned in before things could get any worse, and wrapped Ponyboy up in her arms and he seemed to settle for the time being.

"Told ya the kid loves me," Two-Bit cocked an eyebrow before flashing a sly grin. "Well now, what do we have here? Superman and Supersoldier?"

"Don't call me that." Soda's voice was dark and cold. "I ain't no fuckin' soldier no more."

I reached out to lay my hand on his shoulder in a show of support, but also to ease him down. I didn't want him paying too much mind to Two-Bit's wise-cracking, but I knew he was hypersensitive regarding anything to do with the war he was still trying to make his way home from.

"Hell if that ain't the truth, Sodapop. Hell if that ain't the truth." Two-Bit's voice was low and calm, and I should've known him to not take any offence by Soda's reaction.

Two-Bit eased himself up off the floor and made his way slowly over to Sodapop while looking him up and down. His head tipped to the one side as he gauged the empty left sleeve of my brother's t-shirt while his hand covered his mouth before rubbing down over his jaw.

"What'd they do to ya over there, Sodapop?" I could hear Two-Bit struggle to keep his voice even.

Soda just shook his head.

"Steve?" It was only natural for him to ask, but it was all it took to send Soda spiralling to his knees; his fist in his mouth to try and keep from screaming.

Incredibly, it was Two-Bit that reached him first before I did, and I wondered if this was the same guy that got my brother hauled into the cop shop for talking him into doing cartwheels down the city sidewalk, or the same guy that yanked my brother's swimming trunks down for God and all of Tulsa to see at the public pool.

"Easy, Sodapop. You knew it was gonna be this way. Ain't no way ol' Steve was gonna let anyone take you away from Darry and Pony and that baby of yours. No fuckin' way in hell." Two-Bit cried as he held my brother, and I couldn't help but let my hand cover his shoulder and hold on tight.

His words held a deep truth that I just couldn't let myself think about. We'd suffered too many losses but the miracle of Soda being alive helped lessen the blow. Seeing Soda cling to Two-Bit brought the pain back into light. Steve knew what he was doing when he lay over my brother that night. He knew what would happen, but chose to make the ultimate sacrifice for Sodapop because Soda was all that he had.

Two-Bit didn't waver a bit as he held onto Soda, and it didn't take long before I felt the tug on my arm, and looked to find Ponyboy watching his brother worriedly.

"It's alright," I encouraged while tapping Two-Bit's shoulder.

Keith's face popped up and he cackled quietly while lifting his arm and pulling Ponyboy into the hug.

"Get in here, kid. And when I'm done with the two of you, I'm huggin' the shit outta your big brother."

"Just keep your hands where I can see 'em." I fell into our old pattern and heard Two-Bit chuckle louder.

"I ain't promisin' anything, Superman."

"He alright?" Two-Bit's voice broke through the clammer of Beth fixing him something to eat from the kitchen.

"Some days more than others." I looked on worriedly at Sodapop while his head laid on Ponyboy's thighs, and his legs were stretched out across the sofa and Two-Bit's lap.

His breathing was deep and regular with the occasional light snore, and it was all I needed to hear to know that Soda was sound asleep. Pony's own eyes were closed, and I noticed his hand as it was tucked underneath the top of Soda's t-shirt; his palm covering the scar where a bullet had tore through his chest.

"I didn't know what to think when Doc told me, y'know? It's like some weird, twisted dream. Fuck it all." Two-Bit sighed before looking back over to Sodapop. "Lookit what they did to him, Darry."

"He's trying, but I know he'd give his other arm if it meant Steve was still with us."

"He tell you what happened?" Two-Bit looked at me cautiously.

"As much as he could. He don't like going there, Keith. It's too much for him. Safe to say you hit the nail on the head. Soda caught one in the arm and one in the chest and Steve saw it happen—got over to him just as the next bullet hit."

"Awe, Steve," Two-Bit groaned as his head leaned back against the couch; his hand closing over Sodapop's ankle.

"He died for him. That cocky, stupid fucking asshole died so my brother would get to go home."

I choked on a sob that I didn't even know was there as I let it sink in. Part of me was ashamed when I thought about it. My brother's best friend and I had locked horns on more than one occasion, mostly because he couldn't keep his big yap shut and he walked around thinking he knew everything. There was so much loyalty I'd never given him credit for. He must've told me a hundred times not to worry about Soda—that he had it covered. I just never believed to what extent.

"Just like him to get the last word in." Two-Bit grinned ruefully, and I huffed out a laugh.

"Yeah, had to go 'n die a hero just to shut me up." I couldn't help the tears as I laughed. "Stupid asshole."

Beth had come in with a plate for Two-Bit and handed it off to him before she sat on the floor next to me. She didn't say anything, but her arm wrapped around my waist tightly as she let her head rest against my shoulder.

"Jeeze, Supernurse. I didn't mean for you to go to this much trouble."

Beth shook her head tiredly. "Just leftovers, sweetheart. It's no trouble. I'm sorry about before."

"Shoot, Mrs. C. I deserved more than that."

"How'd you even get here? Ain't they lookin' for your draft-dodgin' ass?" I piped up as Beth hunkered into me.

"I dunno, Darry. I just couldn't stay away, y'know?"

"Would've been safer to use the phone." I yawned, looking over to the clock on the wall.

3 a.m.

"I hadta see it with my own eyes. I hadta see him, Darry. Part of me didn't believe Greg when he told me. He all but begged me to sit tight—and I did for awhile, but I hadta see."

I nodded not knowing what to say. Heros seemed to surround me; whether they were putting themselves out as bait so their big brother wouldn't be harmed, or going off to war to help patch up the wounded. Another hero laid his life down and over his best friend so he could return home, and another was risking jail time just to make sure a friend was okay.

I watched quietly as Two-Bit ate like his life was depending on it, and I wondered if he'd eaten anything on his long trip from Alberta to Oklahoma. He seemed to notice me staring, and stopped eating.

"Shit!" His eyes were as big as saucers.

"What's wrong?" I yawned.

"I brought a friend along. Mind if I go grab him? He's probably ready to eat the steering wheel." Two-Bit hastily put the half-eaten plate of food down on the coffee table while moving Soda's feet from his lap so he could stand up from the couch.

"You left someone in the car?" I winced and shook my head as another yawn took over.

Two-Bit was out the front door, and I looked on at my family. All three of them had their eyes closed, even Beth as her head leaned on my shoulder. I was just about to give her a gentle nudge and tell her to go to bed when Two-Bit and his friend busted through the front door startling the four of us.

"Cripes almighty! What the hell is that thing?" I yelped as my face was attacked by a slobbery tongue.

"C'mon now, Gus! That ain't no way to treat our host!" Two-Bit scolded, but Gus had other ideas as he found Two-Bit's plate and made his meal disappear.

"Shit, man!" Two-Bit whined, but then broke out into full cackle as his monster dog licked the plate clean.

"Is that a wolf?" Beth was wide awake now as she gave a leery look Two-Bit's way.

"Canadian 57–just like ketchup. Who the hell knows what's in him. Got him off the reserve not far from my place." Two-Bit shrugged.

"Will he eat us?" I asked dryly, eliciting more cackling from Two-Bit.

"Shucks, Darry. He wouldn't hurt a fly. He likes to make a mess though—speaking of, don't be alarmed come morning. He took a dump in your front yard."

Sodapop's laugh broke through the night, and I couldn't help but chuckle. It was enough to grab Gus's attention too as he helped himself up onto the sofa to introduce himself to my brothers by sniffing and licking their faces. Soda sat up grinning like a madman.

"He's so fluffy!" Ponyboy was giggling. "Darry, can we get a dog?"

"No, we ain't gettin' a dog. I'm still tryin' to house train the two of you." I rolled my eyes.

"Darry!" Ponyboy whined, but then laughed along with his brother at my remark.

It was then that Beth eased up with a yawn, and put her hand on Two-Bit's head as she walked towards the hall.

"You okay if I just set the sheets out for you?"

Two-Bit grabbed her hand and gave a squeeze and a grin. "You're the best, Supernurse."

"'Night, boys." She mumbled before heading off.

"We should all think about hittin' the sack. You good, Keith?" I slowly stood up from being folded in half down on the floor, and my leg and hip gave a pull hard enough I winced.

"Leg?" Two-Bit asked knowingly, and I didn't miss the way Soda looked me over.

"'S what happens when you're a hundred and fifty." I groaned.

"And you ask why I'll never grow up." Two-Bit grinned. "Go to bed, old man. I know my way around."

I grinned back and winced again when I took my first step. I noticed Soda open his mouth to say something, but Ponyboy stopped him.

"Can Gus come sleep with us?"

"You got enough room for this rug?" Two-Bit joked as he gave the dog a pat on the back.

"Pony, no. He'll be here in the mornin' when you wake up." I frowned, knowing he was going to fight me on it.

"Why not? It ain't like you're gonna lose any sleep. We ain't sharin' a room with you no more."

I looked at Pony and sighed. Twenty years old and he was arguing with me like he was thirteen again. I shook my head, but didn't care enough to fight. I was too tired.

"C'mon, Pony. We got all day tomorrow to hang out with Two-Bit 'n Gus." Sodapop stepped in like we were back five years ago.

"But Soda…"

"If it makes you feel better, I'll let you pet my head and scratch my belly." Soda smiled before kissing Ponyboy on the hair.

He stood up and held his hand out for Pony, who reluctantly took it while looking over to me. He clumsily got to his feet, but Soda was there to keep him from toppling over. He looked at me again and I gave him a wink before Sodapop was pushing him out of the living room. Pony's face softened as his hand lifted to wave me a goodnight.

"You sure you're okay with the dog?" Two-Bit checked in.

"Mmmm," I nodded. "Useta have one remember? That thing never left our side. You might have a helluva time getting him away from Ponyboy. It ain't the first time he's bugged me about gettin' another mutt." I went on, thinking about our yellow cur dog and how heartbroken we all were when she passed.

Two-Bit nodded as he let out a yawn, and I was brought back to the present.

"Get some sleep, Two-Bit. We'll talk about the good ol' days tomorrow."

"Alrighty, Darry. See ya in the mornin'."

"It is the mornin', pal." I yawned and limped my way to the bedroom with him chuckling behind me.

In spite of being up in the middle of the night, I was the first one up early next day. The sun felt comforting when I stepped out onto the porch to grab the newspaper, and I just stood there for a quiet moment—my eyes closed and my face tilted upwards to the sky.

When I opened my eyes, they seemed to automatically focus on the large brown pile left by Gus that Two-Bit had warned me about. It looked like a horse had traipsed through the yard, and I huffed out a laugh as I turned around to head back inside.

I was glad I didn't have to clean it up.

The paper landed on the kitchen table with a snap as I hurried myself over to the stove to get the coffee going. It was early enough that I'd get to enjoy a few moments to myself with the paper before dealing with the reality waiting for me in the spare room.

I was almost through with the sports page when I heard a door squeak open, and the sound of scratching and pitter-patter against the floor boards before the front door opened. I absently fished for the funnies and pulled it out for Two-Bit before the front door closed and he was sitting across from me at the table.

"Coffee's on if you want." I said as I slid the comics over to him.

"No chocolate cake?" Two-Bit cocked an eyebrow at me.

"Sorry," I frowned. "I can get some breakfast goin' if you want. Bacon, eggs. The usual?"

I edged my way out of my seat to check the ice box when Two-Bit's voice stopped me.

"We gonna talk about this?"

"Talk about what?" I looked over at him curiously, pretending not to know the conversation ahead.

"C'mon, Darry. Stupid just don't suit you. Come back with me, Darry." Two-Bit looked at me wistfully.

"What?"

"You heard me. Y'all come back with me. C'mon, Darry. This place ain't nothin' but a town full of nightmares. I could hear the kid whimperin' through the wall all night, and I know damned well why. This ain't a home anymore—not since that night and you know it. We got Soda back; let's blow this shit stand."

I looked at Two-Bit like he lost his mind. "You're actually serious?"

"If only once in my pathetic life. Start over, Darry. Get Ponyboy away from them nightmares. Give Sodapop a chance to be something. There's tons of work, the people are good there, and better still, me and Doc are there. C'mon, Darry. Why do you even need to think about it?"

"Come on, Two-Bit. It ain't that easy. I got a life up here—a job, a family, a home. I'm supposed to just up and leave?"

"It's exactly that easy. I did it and had no one. When you do it you'll have me, and you said it yourself; we're family."

I saw how serious Two-Bit was, and I wasn't sure if I'd seen Two-Bit this sure of anything in the time I'd known him.

I opened my mouth to argue when Soda waltzed in no worse for wear, rubbing the sleep from his eyes.

"Hey Two-Bit, You just officially lost Gus to Pony. He snuggled right in next to him soon as I opened the door. 'Mornin' Darry." Soda patted me on the chest while he grabbed two glasses from the cupboard to make chocolate milk for him and Ponyboy.

Two-Bit never broke eye contact from me, and it didn't take a genius to figure out we were deep in a serious conversation. The truth was, the subject of picking up and starting over wasn't a new idea. I'd had the conversation with Beth before, but it was hard to imagine leaving my roots behind, namely the house me and my brothers had grown up in. Those four walls had held every good memory I could conjure, but Two-Bit's words made me realize my brothers might not have shared the same nostalgia.

"What the hell's goin' on? Why are you two lookin' at each other like that? What's wrong?" Soda leaned up against the counter and stared.

"Nothin' wrong, Soda. I'm tryin' to talk your big brother into leaving this shit behind and comin' up north with me."

Soda eyed me up and down, and I had to look away. I didn't want him knowing it'd been on my mind before. I didn't want him thinking I'd already made a decision, but I should've known better when he cuffed me against the shoulder.

"Well, what the hell are we waiting for?"