OVER PROTECTIVE

Jay Randle is just an average greaser, with an average life with his older brother Steve. Steve starts caring and being a little more protective of his little brother once he gets beaten by the Socs, just like Johnny had been that one day in the park. But what happens when he ends up being a little too over protective of Jay?

CHAPTER 1

"Jay? Jayson! Where are you?" I asked worriedly. I spun on my heel to turn around and saw Jay wasn't behind me. I waited with a worried expression settling on my face, and just when I thought I lost him a while back, he turned around the corner of the street and ran toward me.

"Yeah, Steve?" he asked. His grey eyes looked into mine with love and compassion, jet black hair ruffling in the wind.

I ruffled his hair and softened my expression. "I was just worried that I had lost you a while back." I answered with a grin. "Don't do that to me again, okay?"

Jay looked up at me and smile. "Okay," he said. "I was just talking to a friend that passed us. Are we going to Soda's again?"

"Yeah, we are kid."

Jay was silent for a minute as we walked down the street and toward the Curtis', and then asked, "Were you worried about me? I'm sorry if I worried you Steve."

I grinned at my fourteen-year-old brother. "I was worried a little," I lied. "It's just… I don't want you hurt again, like last time. I care about you." I saw him look at the ground as we walked. Putting my arm around his shoulder, I said, "Hey, don't worry about alright? It's okay."

Jay grinned and we silently walked the rest of the way to the Curtis' house.

"Well, here we are," I said as we walked up the driveway and to the front door.

Opening the door, Jay asked, "It's okay if we just walk in?"

"Of course, the door's always open." I answered and let my little brother in before me.

"Hey, if it isn't Steve and his 'Mini Me'!" Two-Bit laughed walking out of the kitchen. "How're you doing kid? Is Steve treating you okay?"

"Yes he is Two-Butt," Jay answered and walked to Ponyboy's bedroom.

"Good, wait! It's Two-Bit!" Two-Bit yelled out to him.

I laughed, "Two-Butt, I like that. Man, Jay's good." Walking past Two-Bit and toward the kitchen, I noticed Sodapop cooking lunch for Pony and himself.

"Hiya Steve!" he exclaimed as I walked through the door. "Is Jay here too?"

"Yeah, he is. Why?" I asked with a grin.

"Just wonderin'. He looks just like you, you know? He has your jet black hair and grey eyes. It's a wonder you two aren't twins," he commented. "But you know what else? He has Johnny's quietness and fear. It's kinda funny. No wonder those two communicate so well. Even in silent conversation." He grinned. "He's in Pony's room with him?"

I looked at him and grinned with pride. Jay did look like me, even I thought so. But I never imagined us being twins. "We got called twins once. We were getting groceries together and an old woman commented that we looked just like twins. I found it funny, and Jay grinned with pride."

"He really looks up to you, Steve. He loves you a lot," Soda said, wiping his hands on the cloth that hung off of the stove.

"Really? I love him too," I told Soda as I sat at the table. "And I don't know what I'd do if I lost him… I'd probably break and end up in jail for an eternity… either that or kill and blame myself for his loss." I put my head in my hands and felt a tear run down my cheek. Quickly brushing it off, I said, "I almost lost him once, I don't need to lose him again."

"Oh, Steve, don't think like that… nothing will happen to Jay. He has an awesome older brother and his wonderful gang to take care of him. That's not going to happen again," Soda said sitting beside me and draping an arm around my shoulders. "Don't worry, man. Nothing will happen to him as long as we're here."

Just then, the moment my brother was almost killed flashed through my mind. It was still clear in my mind, just like it had just happened yesterday. It was one of those nightmares that won't let you go. It clung to you like paper and glue.

FLASHBACK

Jay was walking down the sidewalk on his way home, and stopped to have a smoke in the park. Sitting there, minding his own business, Jay looked around and noticed four Socs walking his way. Frightened, he stubbed his cigarette under his heel and got up to leave. Turning on his heel, Jay quickened his pace to get away, but it was no use.

The Socs ran to catch up with him.

"Hey grease," one said in an overly friendly voice. "We want to help you out with something."

The Socs circled Jay and grinned dangerously.

"What might that be?" Jay asked, scared.

"We want to help there be one less greaser in the world." They answered and one of the Socs punched Jay in the cheek, making him fall backwards. Another pinned him, while the guy who punched him knelt down and started slugging him. The other two stood there cheering their companions on.

"Where's that damn knife? Hand it over!" the one pinning Jay screamed holding his hand out. When the Soc had the knife he slowly lowered it down so the tip was touching Jay's neck. Jay screamed, frantically trying to get loose of the Soc's grip only to fail and be slugged once again. Just then, the knife ran slowly along Jay's neck and cut him up some. Jay screamed in pain.

The fourteen year old knew he was too weak and gave up, letting the Socs beat on him. Suddenly, the sound of footfalls could be heard and people hollered. He noticed one voice above all the rest. It was Steve! He came to his rescue!

The Soc who pinned him got up, but did something he did not expect. He jabbed his knife through Jay's shoulder before dashing away.

Steve ran up to his little brother and held him tightly against his chest, tears running down his cheeks dripping onto Jay's head. That was the only time Jay had seen his older brother breakdown and bawl. Soda ran to join them and said in a low voice, "Come on, and let's get him home, alright?" Soda and Steve both helped Jay to his feet and were on their way back to the Curtis' house.

END OF FLASHBACK

Steve looked at Soda, a smile was growing on his face. "I sure hope that doesn't happen again…"

Soda grinned at his mechanic friend and got up to continue making his lunch.

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