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

Rating: PG13 for cussing and abusive behavior.

Chapter Ten

Texas sat blankly in Johnny's living room. Today, July 3, 1978, was his birthday. Fourteen years ago today he was born. His mother was alive. His family was together. He had no worries or fears. He was just another baby born to another family.

"Tex!" Dakota cried. Tex looked up from the couch he was sitting on to see Dakota standing in front of the door. The two were home alone because Johnny had work and Dally had a social service meeting.

In fear that it was Randy at the door, Tex ran over to her, "What is it, baby?"

"A girl's here for you," she whispered in his ear. Tex looked over to see Chick standing outside waiting to be invited in. To Tex she looked gorgeous in her old hand-me-down shorts and tight t-shirt. Her old beat up white converse made her look more like a greaser.

"Get lost," Tex playfully pushed his sister into the living room and walked over to the door where Chick stood.

"What d'ya doin' here?" Tex asked as he leaned against the doorframe of the door.

"Just takin' a walk 'round this end a' town," she replied placing her fingers in the belt loops of the shorts…she looked just like Ponyboy.

"Really?" Tex asked, "How'd ya know I was here?"

"Got my ways," she replied slyly.

Tex rolled his eyes, "So what are ya up to today?"

"Nothin'," she replied in a bored tone.

"Bummer," Tex replied, "I was thinkin' we could go hang at the park…but since you're not doin' anything that-

"Dork!" Chick playfully hit Tex on the shoulder. Tex managed a small chuckle.

"So ya wanna come to the park with me and D?" Tex asked her in a more serious tone.

"Yea," Chick smiled off her bright white teeth.

"Cool. Give me a sec to get D and stuff," Tex said walking back into the living room. He knew it was slightly rude that he had just left his crush at the door but he was nervous.

"C'mon, D, we're goin' to the park!" Tex yelled at his little sister.

"We are?" Dakota asked in pure shock. He hadn't been to the park in a long time.

"Yea. Now let's go," Tex ushered her towards the door where Chick still stood patiently.

"Ready?" Tex asked Chick as he closed the door. Dakota had already run off around the corner.

"Yup," Chick replied.

While walking Tex kept a close eye on Dakota but wasn't in such a hurry to walk. He walked slowly with Chick. Her hands lightly brushed his sending waves of excitement through him.

"TEXAS WINSTON, HURRY!" Dakota screamed as she ran up to the huge spider by the water fountain. Tex used to love the spider. He used to climb up there and smoke when he was younger. He used to stare at the bloodstain by the fountain and try to guess why it was there. Tex had always guessed that someone had gotten murdered, shot through the head or something gory like that.

"Ya hang right there, D. Chick and me are goin' over here," Tex said as he and Chick walked over towards the swings. Dakota nodded in a distance for she noticed a few of her friends. Tex shook his head in a small laugh.

"That's the first time I've ever seen ya laugh," Chick said.

"Huh?" Tex asked.

"That's the first time I've ever seen you laugh," Chick replied.

"I don't really laugh," Tex, replied, "Ain't my thing."

"Oh," Chick replied, "I love to laugh."

Tex felt some sort of nervous energy from Chick. Was she afraid of him?

"Um…" Tex couldn't think of anything to say, "I…I sometimes laugh but I just don't all the time."

Chick nodded, "I see."

Tex could feel his heart pounding in his chest. All he wanted to do was tell Chick the way he felt about her.

"Tex," Chick stopped suddenly. Tex felt his face turn pale white…maybe she didn't like him. What if she didn't? "I-I like you."

YES! Tex felt a huge smile creep across his face. The girl he liked, liked him back, "I like you too, Chick."

"Ya do?" Chick seemed surprised.

"Yea," Tex replied.

"You're just sayin' that 'cause I told ya that I liked ya," Chick replied.

"No, I really like ya, swear to God," Tex replied.

A smile fell upon Chick's lips. All Tex wanted to do was kiss her. It was a compulsion in his mind to kiss her. Feel her soft moist lips against his slightly parched ones. Feel her smooth hands that felt like silk. Take in that sweet sent of vanilla. And so he did.

YES…I decided that Chick and Tex would be together. But don't get too excited y'all, there's going to be some drama in the next chapter. Anyway yea.

Here are my thank-u's:

Kate- I checked your bio and stuff and read one of your stories (which you hopefully got the review) and really liked what I read. You are a fantastic writer (WAY better than me). Words just seem to flow so well with your writing…you make it seem simple. I'd love to do a story with you sometime.

Mrs. Benji Madden- Yes I know Randy is not their father but I'm using the excuse that he practically raised them. See, right after Dally left Randy came into the picture. He was really the only father figure Tex had. So that's how he could get custody.

Two BitGortez- THANKS!

Margaret Ames- Yes I know it is getting thicker, lol. And I hope you liked the little romance chapter with Tex and Chick.

Watergurl67- oh thank you so much! I will continue updating quickly because I have this whole week off (woohoo!).

JamesDeanismygod- Good I'm glad you liked that chapter…hopefully you liked this one too.

Dreamer for lyf- OMG, you are so popular! Anyway I'm glad that it seems that D and Tex are still in their original character. I was a little worried that they weren't but I'm glad that you say they are. THANK YOU SO MUCH! You totally rock, lol!

Streetpanther1- okay, I'll have to check out that story. And yea I know I was waiting for ya to review but ya didn't (its okay though). Anyway I hope you liked this chapter.

Ale Curtis-Carter- good I'm glad that they'll have a lawyer that'll work for free (or barter, you could be their lawyer in exchange for a date with Dally), lol. Anyway I hope you liked this chapter…I'm trying to find a star that I think looks kinda like how I picture Tex to look.

Miru Amai- I know, they are bastards. And I know Randy can't really take them away but he was with Tex and Dakota for most of their lives and can use the 'I love these kids as if they were my own' line in court. Yea lol. Hope ya liked!

Tensleep- Good I'm glad you liked the curveball with Randy (I'm hoping he'll be interesting, lol). Anyway I hope you enjoyed the Tex/Chick thing. I'm praying that this isn't turning the story into a soppy love story. Thanks!