*** Disclaimer: I don't own the Outsiders. I do own Cody, the kids, Kyla, Alex, and Tanya. ***



Smiling I walked over to the fridge and pulled out a Pepsi. Coming back over to Soda and Steve I laughed at their surprised looks.

"So do you guys have girlfriends? Steve are you still with Evie?" I asked.

"I sure am. Soda here found a new love. I believe her name's Laura." Steve said with a smile.

"Man it's been awhile. How about we get some of Alex's cookin', what do you say guys." I asked.

They nodded and started to close up. We climbed into Steve's truck and headed back home. There was a surprise waiting for us at home. A black Cadillac was parked in front of the house. I climbed out of the truck and walked up the walk. Soda sprinted up the steps and opened the door. When I walked through the door I did a double take. Dally was sitting on the couch. What really got me was that he was wearing an expensive Armani suit.

"Wow Dally, you look great. Who do you defend?" I asked stunned. Never in my wildest dreams had I thought that Dally choose a noble profession.

"Hey half-pint, how are you I never thought you would be here." He said giving me a hug.

"I'm fine. It certainly has been awhile." I said.

Then I noticed Johnny and two women sitting on the couch. Johnny smiled up at me and stood up.

"Hey Cody, how are you. I missed you. Oh and this is my fiancée Tanya." Johnny said giving me a hug.

One of the women stood up. Her long blonde hair was pulled into a ponytail. I thought she was pretty. She had green eyes that sort of sparkled in the light.

"Honey, this is Cody. She is part of our family." Johnny responded.

"Hi Cody, Johnny has spoken of you highly." Tanya said.

"Cody, I would like you to meet my fiancée Kyla. Kyla this is Cody." Dally said

The red head still sitting on the couch smiled. I smiled back and went into the kitchen. Kyle sat at the table coloring a picture.

"Aunt Cody, you're back. Did you find Uncle Soda?" he asked looking up from the picture.

"Yeah, in fact Uncle Steve, Uncle Dally, and Uncle Johnny are home." I said grabbing a Pepsi and sitting across from him at the table. Darry and Alex walked in just then.

"Hey Cody, are you ok? Where'd you go?" Darry asked.

"Oh I went to get Soda. I'm fine." I said

He smiled and grabbed the casserole from the stove. I grabbed Kyle and walked out to the dinning room. Everyone gathered and sat down including Two-Bit and Cathy. Darry said Grace and dinner began.

"Guys I have an announcement. Steve and Soda know about this already." I paused, "Well I took the athletic trainer job for the Dallas Cowboys."

"That's great half-pint. When do you leave?" Dally asked.

"I will be leaving at the end of the week." I responded.

"But, but you just got here." Pony said looking up from his plate.

"Yeah I know Pony, but this is the biggest job offer I got. Besides I'll be closer to home." I said.

The rest of dinner was pretty sober. Afterward we went to the living room and talked about the good old times.

"Aunt Cody, will you tuck me in." Kyle asked rubbing his eyes.

I got up and took his hand. Kyle led me to his room and climbed onto his bed. I tucked him in and kissed him goodnight.

"Good night Kyle. See you in the morning." I said before leaving.

I walked back to the living room where we spent a couple more hours talking. That night when I climbed into bed I thought about my "family." Closing my eyes and whispered "I'm home again."