Dedication: Mah Scooby! ♥♥♥
Warning: OOC-ness. But this is A/U, so what did you expect?
Notes: This chapter kind of sucks. So don't flame me about Operation: Kidnap Pony. Okay? Its mah birthday. I don't need that.
As always, this is un-betaed.
Dallas Winston was often described as a boy would break a girl's heart and a boy's nose. He was like the wind, always up to no good. There one moment, gone the next. A man of mystery, one who no one could figure out. That didn't mean people didn't try. They did, but they often failed. Dally didn't let anyone close to him, and those that did manage to wiggle their way into his head he protected with his life.
He acted tough, but deep down he was a good guy. Although one had to look very deep. Dally had friends, of course, although he had more acquaintances. But the friends he did have, he would probably have for life. Darry and Sodapop Curtis, Two-Bit Matthews, Steve Randle, and Johnny Cade. And like all the others, he wasn't too sure what to think of Ponyboy. Were it anyone else, Dally would've hated the kid. But it was the Curtis' kid brother, so that was a bit of a problem. Should Dally see Pony again, he didn't know if he would beat the kid senseless or yell at him for worrying his brothers like that.
Pony was always on their minds, although more so now that they had actually found him. Ponyboy…such a quiet kid, who caused so much trouble. He was definitely a mystery to them. Missing for three years, and then all of a sudden appears. And from what they could tell, Pony had never left Tulsa.
So when Two-Bit told Darry that he had supposedly found Pony, and Darry in turn told Johnny, who had found Pony, Darry had came to him to bring Pony back. Darry had said in case Pony tried to run, Dally would be able to catch him. Dally knew the truth though - Darry and Soda could easily catch Ponyboy. They just wanted him to go get Pony so they didn't look like the bad guys.
The light changed colours and Dally crossed the street, walking a ways behind a certain red-haired boy. Pony seemed to know he was being followed, because once he crossed he began walking a little quicker. Which in turn made Dally move quicker. Their game of cat-and-mouse continued for a while, but as Pony reached the Greaser borders, Dally made his move. Sprinting, he half-tackled Pony, wrapping his arms around the boy. Pony struggled, although it was fruitless, since his arms were pinned to his sides. Manoeuvring so Dally was able to still pin down Ponyboy's arms and cover his mouth, Dally grunted a bit.
"You best keep your mouth shut, kid. I ain't letting go. Darry 'n' Soda are waitin' for you," Dally growled. Ponyboy stiffened, turning his head so he was able to look at Dally. His eyes were wide, pleading Dally to let him go, although they both knew it wasn't going to happen. Resigning to his fate, Pony bowed his head, glaring at his shoes. Dally momentarily let go of Ponyboy, holding the redhead's wrist instead. The walk back to the Curtis' home was in silence, both not wanting to say anything. Neither was the other's favourite person in the world, so what could one say to them?
And then, before they knew it, they were there. And it was so ironic that it was sunny out, when everyone felt so…not. Darry stood in the doorway, and through the window Dally could see Soda and Johnny. Judging from the sounds of yelling, it appeared as though Two-Bit and Steve were also over. Glancing over at Pony, Dally rose an eyebrow. The kid was…trembling? Yes…Pony's eyes were downcast, his hair hiding his face, making it so it was impossible to tell whether Pony was really ticked or really upset. Looking back at Darry, Dally let go of Ponyboy's wrist. Slowly Darry walked down the steps, his eyes never leaving Ponyboy's face.
"Ponyboy…?" Darry whispered, now standing in front of his brother. Pony gave a shuddering breath, his trembling increasing. A blur of movement, and Darry was hugging Pony. If it was anyone else, it would have been funny. A tall, muscled guy hugging a skinny kid three-fourths his height. Feeling a bit uncomfortable, Dally looked back up at the house, jumping aside when another blur appeared, attaching itself to Dally and Pony.
Of course Darry and Soda wouldn't have been able to catch Ponyboy, Dally thought dryly. Steve and Two-Bit now stood outside on the steps, Johnny standing in the doorway. Two-Bit cocked an eyebrow, silently asking if that was really Ponyboy. Dally nodded, and Two-Bit murmured something to Steve.
"Ponyboy…where've you been, buddy?" Soda asked, his voice shaking. Although Pony was barely visible, Dally could see he was still trembling. "Glory, Pon'! I missed you!"
That seemed to do it. Deep, heart-wrenching wails erupted from Ponyboy, and he clung onto his brothers for all he was worth. Feeling unsettled, Dally slowly walked to where the others were standing.
"Thought he was going to run when Dar' walked towards him," Two-Bit said softly, watching the brothers. Steve snorted, flicking a piece of hair away from his eyes.
"Stupid kid probably was going to."
"Pony wouldn't do that. He missed Darry and Soda," Johnny murmured quietly, and Dally turned to look at him. Johnny blushed a little, finding sudden interest in his shoes. "That's why he came with you, ya dig? He probably wanted to come back all along, but was too embarrassed."
"Well, he's back now. I doubt Darry is going to let Pony outta his sight," Two-Bit said, grinning. Steve snorted again, but remained silent.
Notes no one cares about: Whew! I did it! Chapter four is DONE! Ugh. That was way too hard to write. Anyone notice how short this is? Normally I aim for three pages on my WMP (I use size ten font), but…ugh. This is two-and-a-half. I am so ashamed. Forgive me!
But wow. Forty-one reviews for three chapters. I'm honoured, I seriously am. Thanks so much, guys!
So! Today (August 20th) is my birthday! I suppose I could have written it today (technically I did, since I started at twelve…), but. I can't write during the day. And I think Kirby was coming over. So.