Edited/rewritten in October 2006 due to me understanding that I need to step it up and because it's been nominated… Once again, this will eventually contain slash (boy hearts boy). You're warned. If it gets serious, I'll warn you so you can skip it, if it so behooves you.
Justin came around more often and Pony realized he didn't need to feel nervous about him being around the gang. The gang liked him and he was quiet. He fit in well even when he wasn't quiet but he always was. He grew quieter as a few weeks passed. His eyes were darker and he yawned more. He seemed more foggy and distant. It became obvious something was up when he passed out cold and spent the night on the couch. He never stayed the night and he'd never fallen asleep, especially so deep.
"Justin?" Darry shook him awake, touching his shoulders. Justin recoiled from his touch, groaning. Darry peered at the part of his shoulder he could see and noted dark bruises on the top of his shoulders, as if someone had shaken him. Darry sighed. He knew it. He could spot them a mile away, just like his mother could with Johnny. Someone was hurting Justin.
"Did I sleep here?" Justin pulled himself into a sitting position and rubbed his eyes.
"Yes. Is something going on Justin?" Darry asked. He didn't talk to the cold-eyed boy much. He just watched him. It didn't feel like they needed to talk to understand each other.
"No. I'm just tired. I should go." He met Darry's eyes and found a strange look of understanding there.
"It's Saturday. You'd just end up here anyway. And it doesn't look like you're in any hurry to go wherever you call home." Darry said.
"You have a point." Justin said, getting up and stretching.
"What are those bruises from?" Darry asked. Justin looked to Darry, eyebrow raised.
"It's nothing Darry."
"Are you sure? I don't want you to get hurt or anything like that." Darry said, wanting Justin to understand he wasn't just being overbearing because Justin was young and small; Darry was trying to protect him because he was Pony's friend and a member of what remained of his gang. He'd never let Ponyboy know that and it had caused trouble. Justin needed to trust Darry because Darry needed Justin to trust him.
"I'll be fine Superman. You don't need to protect me."
Justin lied.
Author: Ooooo, cliff hanger. I know where it's going but I don't know which gang member falls for the poor green eyed boy. Any suggestions? If you really want, I'll add other pairings too. Rating might go up in later chapters...
Ahh no suggestions really. It's written and I'm just editing…(Hides) I left the original author's notes in because they're cute. Sue me.