Hey guys! I'm back! Sorry for taking so long to update. I've had a lot of school stuff going on, so I've been busy. I'm really glad you guys enjoyed the first chapter. I put a lot of work into it.

I'm always looking for ways I could improve my writing, so a review would be greatly appreciated!

I hope you all enjoy this chapter!

- spacedreamerz

Darry POV

Darry stepped on the gas and sped down the street. His eyes were focused on the road, though his thoughts were far gone. The only thing on his mind was Pony and an ambulance.

Pony...who was…

Darry's vision got blurry. He could barely see the road because of his own tears. He furiously blinked them away.

He tried his hardest not to think about that. He couldn't afford to think about that right now. He'd destroy himself if he did. Though it was impossible to not think about. All his attempts to focus on anything else were useless. He could only think about that one damned thing.

Darry turned into the driveway. He was gripping the steering wheel so hard that his knuckles turned white. He didn't even notice he was doing it. Was too zoned out. All he could think about was what he just saw.

His brother…his baby brother…

Darry shook his head and put the car in park. Something was going to be done about this. Whoever did this to them…they were going to pay. One way or another.

Darry got out of the car and dashed towards the front door. He had to call the ambulance. Darry swung open the door and froze. His eyes met with Johnny. He was crumpled on the floor, his breathing deep and ragged. Darry's heart jumped. He ran towards Johnny and crouched down by his side.

"Johnny!" Darry shouted as he frantically shook him. His body was cold and sweaty.

"Johnny! Can you hear me? Wake up!" he yelled louder. Johnny didn't even flinch. Darry stopped shaking Johnny and stood up.

"Damn it!" he cursed. He had no time for this. He had to call the ambulance and get back to the park fast.

Soda and Pony were there alone. He had to get back to them with help. Though Johnny was unconscious on the floor…Darry stood and frantically scrapped his mind for solutions. One immediately popped into his mind.

Two-Bit.

Out of all the gang, his house was the closest. Although it was likely he wasn't home, maybe his mom would come and look after Johnny for him. She was a nice lady. She's been knowing Darry since he was just a baby. Surely she'd help.

Darry walked over to Johnny and picked him up. He was awfully light. He gently laid Johnny on the couch.

Darry then rushed towards the phone and quickly dialed 911. He had to call for help first though. He couldn't wait.

"911, what's your emergency?" the voice on the other end of the phone chirped.

Darry instantly answered, "My…brother needs help! We found him at the park lying up against a tree with a coat covering him!"

Darry was a bit shocked at the sound of his own voice. It was unsteady and high-pitched. He has never sounded like that before.

"Okay, sir. Where are you now?" the lady calmly asked.

"I'm…I'm at home. I had to come back and call you guys. My other brother is there with him." Darry answered.

His voice was seemingly impossible to steady. It scared him.

"Can you tell me your name, sir?" she asked.

"Uh…yes, Darrell Curtis Jr." Darry promptly answered.

"Alright. Can you tell me the exact street and park they're at?" she asked.

"Yes, it's…Silverwood Park. It's on Oscar Drive." Darry uttered.

He used to have so many good memories at that park. He used to play football after school with his friends. Mom, dad, his brothers, and the gang even went out there to have a picnic whenever the weather was nice. Soda used to get in so much trouble for playing in the fountain with Steve. His clothes used to be soaked.

Now, his happy memories were going to be gone. Replaced with…this tragedy…

"Can you describe your brothers for me?" the lady asked.

"Uh..yeah. One of them has golden blond hair and brown eyes. He's wearing a black shirt that has DX on it. My youngest brother has light brown hair. He's wearing a white shirt and a slate blue jacket." Darry described.

"Okay. Do you know what happened?"

Darry fidgeted with the phone a bit. "Y-Yeah, I-I-I was told that he…"

Darry trailed off. He didn't want to say it. He still didn't want to believe it. Something in the back of his mind was screaming at him. Telling him that Pony wasn't dead. Though the other part knew the reality of the situation. He was. Pony was dead.

Darry's vision got blurry with hot tears once again. Sadness loomed over him. A sob threatened to escape, but he didn't let it.

Now was not the time. He had to get the ambulance to the park and fast.

"Sir?" the operator asked, a bit of concern sprang into her voice.

"Drowned…" Darry choked out. The tears that sat in his eyes spilled over. He began clutching the phone tightly. It was a surprise it didn't break.

"Alright sir, we're sending an ambulance and officers over there now. Do you think you could go back to the park with your brothers? The police are most likely going to want to ask you some questions." the operator explained.

"Y-Yes...I can do that…" Darry stuttered. His eyes wandered over to Johnny's unconscious figure.

"Okay. Thank you for your cooperation, sir. I hope everything goes well." the operator expressed.

"Uh..yeah…thanks…" Darry mumbled. He then hung up the phone.

He walked towards the door and opened it. Though not without looking back at Johnny. He was still on the couch unconscious. Even in his sleep, you could see how tormented he was. Darry sighed.

"I'm sorry for leaving you like this Johnny, but I have to get to Pony and Soda. Two-Bit will be right over. I promise." he said.

Darry turned and ran out the door. Shutting it behind him.

Two-Bit POV

Two-Bit stretched as he yawned loudly. He looked around his living room with a small smile as he remembered that party that conspired a few hours ago.

It was one of the best he's ever been to. They had a lot of good liquor there. He had downed so much of it that even Curly Shepard had told him to lay off. He could barely walk by the time the thing was over. Curly and some other guy had to help him out to the car and drive him back home.

Luckily, his mom and Sarah were asleep. His mom would be on his ass all day if she saw him how he was a few hours ago. Sarah would blackmail him and threaten to tell his mom if he didn't give her cash or something.

Two-Bit leaned back on the couch and stared at the Tv. He slept on the couch. He was too drunk to make it to his bedroom. He could barely get up without toppling over. So, he saved himself the injuries and just stayed on the couch.

There was nothing on the TV at this hour. The TV went out at midnight. If you turned it on, nothing but static would play. He didn't know what time it was. The lights were out so he couldn't see the clock. He could just go cut the light on…but he didn't feel much like it. He felt like just chilling for the time being.

Two-Bit crossed his arms and leaned his head back on the couch so that he could stare at the ceiling. e tried to remember more from the party other than the liquor, but he was drawing blanks. He remembers talking to some girl though. She was a real fox. Long blonde hair, red lipstick, short mini skirt…

Just then, the memories came rushing back to him. He got a bit red and then smirked. He was a bit surprised he managed to bag her. Two-Bit racked his mind for her name, but he couldn't remember. He was sure it began with an N though.

Two-Bit yawned once again. He was still a bit tired. He was currently debating if he should go back to sleep or try and find something to do. All the gang would most likely be asleep by now. Two-Bit sighed. Maybe he could take a little walk or something.

Two-Bit's thoughts were stopped by the sound of something at the front door. It was loud, frantic banging. Startled, Two-Bit jumped and snapped his head towards the direction of the door.

He stared at it.

Who in the world could be knocking on a door this late? Not even he would do that…well not if he wasn't drunk, that is.

"Hey! Is anyone awake in there?" a familiar voice yelled.

Two-Bit got up from the couch. The voice…it was awfully familiar. He walked slowly towards the door, almost tripping over the rug in the process. He grabbed and twisted the doorknob, slowly pushing it open.

In front of him stood Darry. He looked bad. He had bags under his eyes. He seemed a bit pale and looked as if he'd been crying or something.

"Hey, Dar! What's going on? It's like four-" Two-Bit was cut off by Darry.

"Listen Two-Bit. I need you to go to our house and sit there with Johnny. He's unconscious. I need to hurry to the park, so I can't stay with him," Darry said, staring Two-Bit directly in his eyes with a grave look of seriousness mixed with a hint of fear.

Two-Bit was taken back by Darry's request. What in the world did he mean Johnny was unconscious? What did he have to hurry to the park for?

"Uh..what?" Two-Bit questioned. He was looking at Darry like he had lost it. Darry just turned and started hurrying down the street.

"Go to the house and stay with Johnny! I need to go!" Darry yelled back.

Two-Bit stood in the doorway gobsmacked.

"What the hell…" he whispered to himself as he shut his front door behind him.

While he had no idea what was going on, he was still going to listen to Darry. He didn't want to get on his bad side or anything. Plus, he was now worried about Johnny. What was he unconscious for? Did his old man do it?

Two-Bit hopped off the porch and began walking towards the Curtis Residence.

Two-Bit eventually reached the front door. He felt a bit nervous about opening it. Johnny was supposedly unconscious in here for reasons completely unknown. None of what Darry said to him made sense.

Two-Bit sighed. Hopefully, he'd get some answers in the house. He reached out his hand and twisted the doorknob. He swung open the door. The living room and hallway lights were on. Nothing seemed out of place. Everything appeared to be normal. Except, there was no Johnny like Darry said.

"Johnnycake? You here, buddy?" Two-Bit called out.

There was no answer. Two-Bit walked towards the kitchen.

"Johnnycake? Soda? Pony? Anyone here?" he called once again. Still no answer.

He retreated out of the kitchen and walked into the living room. Before he could call Johnny's name once again, he saw a body lying on the couch. It was Johnny. Two-Bit's heart dropped. He ran towards Johnny's side and began shouting.

"Johnny? Johnnycake? What's wrong?" he shouted. He began trying to shake Johnny awake to no avail.

Two-Bit tried to think of what to do. He could try throwing some water on him…but Darry would kill Two-Bit for getting the couch wet. Having no ideas, Two-Bit sat on the end of the couch next to Johnny. Maybe he'd wake up soon. He sure hoped so.

Two-Bit looked down at his hands to see them trembling. It surprised him a bit. He's never shaken from fear, let alone nervousness before. He reached toward his back pocket and pulled out a cigarette.

Darry didn't like people smoking in the house, but Two-Bit was a bit shaken up right now. Darry would understand…surely. Two-Bit lit the cigarette with his lighter and then put it to his lips. He glanced nervously at Johnny. He was going to be okay. He just knew it.

Darry POV

Darry sprinted towards the fountain.

It didn't look like the police or ambulance were there yet and he didn't know how long it would take for them to come. Though it was sad to think about, it'd most likely take a while. Neither the police nor the ambulance have been known for being fast responders in this neighborhood.

Darry eventually reached the fountain. He looked around for Soda and Pony until he spotted them. They were still by the tree. Soda was still clutching Pony and crying.

Looking at them made his heart ache. It felt as if it was being stabbed over and over again.

Darry knew this was all his fault. Everything. Ever since his parents died, he's been on Pony's case. Always yelling at him. He never gave him a chance to express what he thought and felt about things. It was always Darry's way or the highway.

It was his job to protect his siblings. Not make them feel angry or scared. He promised his parents the day of their funeral. He promised them that he'd take good care of both Soda and Pony. That they'd continue to grow up happy and healthy. That nothing would happen to them.

He failed.

Pony's dead and Soda's crying while cradling his body. He failed in just about every aspect.

His parents must be so disappointed in him.

So angry that he let their youngest baby die.

Darry tried. He tried so hard to take care of and protect his brothers. It wasn't enough. It was never enough.

Tears slipped down Darry's face. He tried his best not to breakdown. Not in front of Soda. He's been through enough. He didn't need to add to his grief.

Darry turned around. He couldn't let Soda see him like this. He walked towards the fountain. The place where Pony drowned. The water was calm. It was crystal clear like nothing ever happened. He bet no stranger would guess that a 14-year-old died in that water. They'd probably never know. Only he and the gang would. He'd never be able to face this park again.

Darry, who had remained strong for so long began, to cry. He choked out an audible sob. He hasn't cried in a while. Not since his parents died. Even then he didn't cry that much. Half because he was in shock, but mainly because of Soda and Pony. He had to stay strong for them. If he went and lost it, they'd be all on their own. He couldn't abandon his brothers like that.

His chest was hurting. It was like he couldn't breathe. He hated this. He felt pathetic, weak, and useless. He hated crying. Darry took a deep, ragged breath and held in a sob. Though doing so made him feel like he was about to explode. He had to get ahold of himself.

The police were coming. He had to answer their questions.

Darry wiped his eyes with his arm and took another deep breath. He stood at the fountain awaiting the sound of sirens. The chill breeze blew onto his wet face. The coldness hurt a bit. He gazed back towards his brother but quickly looked away. He couldn't start crying again. He had to be strong. For his remaining baby brother.

Just then, Darry heard the familiar wailing of sirens in the distance.

They were here.

Darry looked at the ambulance along with three police cars pull up. The paramedics quickly climbed out of the ambulance and opened the door.

They walked over to where Soda had Pony. They said something to him, but he didn't do anything. He stayed cradling Pony. They said something again only to get the same result. One of them reached out to touch Pony only to be screamed at by Soda.

"Don't touch him!" he shrieked. He sounded so scared.

He wouldn't let them take Pony. Darry walked towards Soda. He was clutching Pony even tighter than before. His beautiful honey-brown eyes were red. Still wide with shock and unspilled tears while his face was stained with them.

Darry's heart began breaking all over again.

"Come on, Soda…you have to let them help Pony." Darry coaxed gently.

Soda's eyes locked on Darry. They were pleading with him. He was begging Darry to not let them take Pony. Guilt once again surfaced in Darry. His eyes began prickling again.

"Please, Soda…you have to let them help Pony." Darry pleaded.

Soda continued looking at Darry. He could see the pain in heartbreak in his little brother's eyes. Soda's eyes then turned to Pony. Darry had never seen such pain in anyone before. He didn't want to let Pony go, but…he slowly released him.

One paramedic shot a grateful glance toward Darry and the rest of them picked Pony up and put him on a stretcher. They then carried him away.

Soda's eyes were locked on the ground. He refused to look up at anyone or anything. Darry watched helplessly as they took Pony away to the ambulance.

This is all your fault.

Once again his vision started going blurry.

"Are you Darrel Curtis?" a deep voice asked.

Darry whirled around to see a police officer. He had dark eyes and a no-nonsense aura about him.

"Y-Yes, I am," Darry responded as he wiped his eyes.

"I'm Officer Walls. I was wondering if I could ask you a few questions," the officer stated.

Darry slowly nodded, "Yeah…go ahead."

Officer Walls cleared his throat. "Alright. Could you give me the names of both your brothers?"

"Yes. Sodapop is the one sitting by the tree. Ponyboy is…well…you know." Darry responded with a quick sniffle. He tried to focus on the events and not what was conspiring behind him in the ambulance.

Officer Walls raised an eyebrow, but didn't question the names. "Can you tell me the events that happened leading up to the incident?"

Darry nodded and shifted his thoughts back to earlier this morning. "Soda and I were waiting up for Pony this morning. He didn't come back until like 2:00 I think...I was upset at him for coming home so late and we got into an argument. I ended up…hitting him. He ran out of the house and didn't come back…" Darry croaked. His words were soaked in regret.

Darry was sure Officer Walls was going to try and ask about abuse. To Darry's surprise, he didn't.

"Okay then. Is that all you know?" Officer Walls questioned.

Darry slowly shook his head. "No…I know someone who was there with Pony when the…incident happened."

Officer Walls perked up with interest. "Do you know this person's name or where to find them?"

While Darry was a bit unsure about disclosing Johnny's identity, he had to know what happened.

"Yes. His name is Johnny Cade. He's at my house right now, Though the last time I was there, he was unconscious," Darry explained, "I think he passed out due to stress."

"Do you think you could show me to your house? Officer Walls asked.

Darry nodded.

"Great, I can trail you in the cruiser." Walls voiced.

Officer Walls went back to the police car as Darry walked over to Soda. He was still sitting against the tree. His brown eyes were still staring ahead. Seemingly not aware of the world around him. A sense of dread washed over Darry. He gave a sigh and crouched down in front of him.

"Soda, buddy? We have to go…the police...they want to see Johnny. They want to trail me back to the house." Darry tried to explain.

Soda's eyes met Darry's. They were dark and full of misery and hurt. They used to sparkle with playfulness and life. That's long gone now. Part of Darry knew it wouldn't come back either.

Soda looked down again. The tears in his eyes overflowing. Darry thought he was going to break down again. Though he sniffled then slowly moved to his feet. He didn't look at Darry. He kept staring at the ground. Darry slowly reached out to grab his little brother's arm.

Soda didn't react. Darry led his little brother to the car.

He made another promise as he did. He promised his parents that he was going to protect Soda with his life. No one would hurt him.

Ever.

That was a promise he wasn't going to let himself break.

Phew, this chapter was kind of heavy for me to write. I was tearing up right along with Darry! I hope you guys weren't listening to any sad music while reading...

Chapter 3 should be out soon, so don't worry!

Thanks for your reviews and support!

-spacedreamerz