Disclaimer: I do not own any Outsiders characters but I do own Texas and Dakota Winston, Chick Curtis, and Tyler.

Rating: PG13 for some cussing and abusive behavior.

Chapter Nine

Tex walked into Johnny's apartment with Dally right behind him. It was almost eleven and the house was dead silent. Tex didn't like the silence. The silence was scary. It was like the silence he and Dakota came home to that night that they found their mother dead. Silence was loud in so many ways to Tex.

"I'm gonna go make some coffee," Dally whispered as he wondered off into the kitchen.

Tex walked into the living room to see an empty area. Tex's heart began to pace…where was Dakota? What had they done with her? Running back into the kitchen where Dally stood blankly Tex cried, "Where is she?"

Dally turned to face his son, "Look Tex there's some more stuff we gotta talk 'bout."

"Where the hell is she?" Tex yelled, "Where'd those bastards take her?"

Dally sat down on the counter, "No one's taken D away, kid. Johnny took her over to Darry's place so she could play with some kids or somethin'."

Tex nodded calmly suddenly feeling a bit foolish for getting all worked up. But who could blame him? Dakota was like his own daughter in so many ways. If something had ever happened to her Tex wouldn't be able to go on living.

"Sorry," Tex sat down at the table.

Dally stood up from the counter and wandered over to him, "There's some stuff I gotta tell ya, Tex. Some stuff ya ain't gonna like, least I don't think you'll like it."

Tex sighed. It seemed like all he had been getting lately was bad news, his mother being murdered, his father's life story; his life crumbling apart…and now there's more, "Just be straight with me. Don't pull no shit and drag the whole story out…just tell me. Plain and simple."

Dally sat down next to him. He wished there was a plain and simple way to tell him what he had to tell him. But there wasn't. Dally was beginning to see that Tex wanted things straightforward and simple, not liking surprises or setbacks. Tex wanted everything to just be said. And Dally was realizing that he was the exact same way. As a teenager he just wanted the truth, nothing more, nothing less. He'd deal with the pain later (or really never, just hiding the pain did it) and that was what Tex did. He kept a straight face for the sake of his baby sister. Tex wasn't a fool. He knew what life was and how cold it could be. But he didn't know that people could help him out and be there for him. Tex didn't know that he didn't have to hide the pain. He could let it out.

But there was no way Dally could ever really explain that to him. Not yet at least. Sure, Dally was growing closer to him and beginning to get him to open up and trust him but he didn't want to ruin it by telling him the truth, even though that was what he wanted.

Dally decided to just tell him what he needed to tell him, like Tex wanted, "Randy wants custody of you two."

"What?" Tex stood up from his chair in anger, "That bastard, who killed our mother, wants custody of us? No way in hell am I ever gonna go with him! D ain't either!"

"I know, Tex," Dally replied trying to calm him down. He knew inside Tex was probably falling apart. He probable felt the need to cry. But there was no way that Tex would ever cry. After his mother died that was it. No more crying.

"How can they let us go with some man that killed our god damn mother? Huh?" Tex shook his head in anger.

Dally sighed, "They have no evidence that he killed your Mama. The police think it was suicide."

"Are ya gonna let that sick bastard take me and D?" Tex asked.

Dally shook his head, "No, Tex, I ain't. I can't make no promises but I can try to not let that man take ya away."

Tex nodded. He was worried now. Inside he felt as though his whole life was falling apart. And to think that just two days ago his worst problem was trying to get Dakota to start smoking. And now…it was too much. Tex needed someone. But he needed to be strong for Dakota. She was so vulnerable now. Tex didn't think that she'd ever go back to her tough stage. This shit had permanently changed her.

"Tex," Dally could see that his son was thinking really hard, "If ya need to talk or anythin' just let me know."

Tex nodded. He really wanted to take that offer. But he couldn't, not yet at least. He needed a few minutes to think about what he was going to do and how he was going to go on with life.

There was chapter nine! I hope it was good. The plot sure is thickening, huh?

Here are my thank-u's:

Hawaiichick14- thank you so much! It is so flattering to hear you say that. I hope you'll continue reading and reviewing…thanks!

Kate- wow I'm so happy that you like the story. Hopefully you'll continue to review and not leave me in the dark, lol. I like to hear my reviewers' thoughts and ideas. And to hear that you like my story too is just totally awesome. Thanks and I hope you enjoyed this chapter.

Mrs.BenjiMadden- you have a lot of needs, lol. Hopefully – and I think this will happen- Tex and Chick will get together, still not sure but I think they will. And for the Dally/Pony think all I can say is that Pony will come be in it more along with the gang. Sodapop will make an appearance soon. Thanks and I hope ya liked the chappie (and if there are any more needs please tell me).

Tensleep- yes that last one was a little more low-toned, as was this one. But I'm trying to create (or at least get into the picture) that there will be more problems and that just because Dally is here everything is not fine and dandy. But I'm thinking there will be a happy ending. Thank you so much for your review!

Ale Curtis-Carter- THANKS! I want an update from you though!

Miru Amai- I know it is sad that Tex has to deal with flashbacks but I think that it is only realistic, right? I mean wouldn't any kid that got beat up have a hard time going on. Yea. Anyway I'm so glad you like and hope you enjoyed this chapter!

Dreamer for lyf- HOLY SMOKES 33 messages, you're popular! I'm glad that this made you happy though. It makes me happy to see that you and more people enjoy this story. And yes I know I'm at like 80 reviews now (I wish reviews grew on trees, lol). Anyway I really hope ya liked this chappie.

Not-that-kinda-girl- ooo, new stories jumps up and down excitedly sounds cool and I can't wait to read 'em (so get 'em up soon). And yea I wish I could date Dally too sighs in sadness but to give ya a little info Tex looks just like Dally does when he was younger…Coolio. Anyway hope ya liked this chappie!