Chapter 28: Helpless
A/N: I didn't say this in the story but to clarify, Two-Bit was unconscious for about a week and because it is a story, I didn't make his injuries too realistic as they should be but eh, use your imagination if ya wanna...
As Two-Bit slowly fluttered his eyes open, at first he couldn't really see anything, everything was all fuzzy.
Everything hurt and his body felt sore all over and it felt like he was being stabbed all over with needles.
As his vision tried to adjust, he saw eight blurry faces around him and they were…..crying?
Two-Bit blinked, confused, his vision adjusting to see the gang, plus Dermot and Riff, were all around his bed, heads lowered as their crying filled the room.
Two-Bit frowned and looked around to see he was in a hospital room. Over in a corner there were balloons everywhere and presents all stacked up in a large pile.
He cocked his head in confusion, eyebrows furrowing.
Sniffling through his tears, Ponyboy shakily lifted his head up, gasping softly. "H-He's awake!"
Several gasps filled the room and Two-Bit tensed as eight boys sat up and scooted closer, grabbing onto his hands to hold gently, everyone sniffling and talking to him all at once.
"Two-Bit, you're awake!"
"You okay, buddy?"
"Two-Bit, thank god!"
Two-Bit barely heard them, frowning, glancing down at his leg to see it was in a cast. So was his right arm. He could only faintly remember what had happened.
The boys were all still talking, sniffling, tears falling down their faces.
Two-Bit frowned deeply, looking over each of their faces. Even Steve and Dally looked red-eyed. They all looked like they had been crying for days.
"Wh-Why is everyone cryin'?" He suddenly asked, frowning, not wanting them to cry.
At his side, Soda gave his hand a squeeze. Darry was holding his other.
"O-Oh-Oh Two-Bit, we're cryin' because we was so worried 'bout you!"
"We-We thought you were never gonna wake up, buddy." Darry sniffled softly.
Two-Bit frowned at them with soft eyes. "D-Don't cry."
A few of them wiped at their eyes.
"O-Oh, oh Two-Bit, we're-we're so sorry, buddy, we're so sorry…." Soda's voice broke a little.
"Yeah, we're sorry," Steve wiped at his face.
"I-It-It'll never happen again….." Darry swallowed hard.
Two-Bit's eyes wandered the room and suddenly landed on his arms, seeing they were bare, him wearing one of those hospital gowns, and his cuts were exposed, in plain sight for everyone to see.
He stared at them a moment before he looked up at them calmly. "Please stop cryin'."
He heard a few of them still crying and he frowned, looking over at his friend. "Ponyboy?"
Ponyboy was crying hard, looking like he was trying to hide his face, sniffling as he looked up when he heard his name. "Y-Yeah?"
"Come here."
Ponyboy frowned but got up, furiously trying to wipe away his tears with his sleeves, kneeling down closest to Two-Bit as the others moved aside.
"Don't cry, Pony," Two-Bit frowned with a soft voice and gently wiped away some of Pony's tears with a thumb.
Ponyboy flinched a little but let him, choking on a sob. "I-I was so worried you had been killed, I-I-I-"
"Shhhh, come here, it's okay," Two-Bit spoke with a hushed voice and extended out his good arm, embracing Ponyboy in a hug.
Ponyboy practically sobbed into his shoulder, nuzzling close, hugging him tightly. "O-O-Oh Two-Bit! I'm so sorry, Two-Bit!"
"Hey, it's okay. You don't gotta cry over me….." Two-Bit rubbed his friend's back softly.
The gang was watching with soft eyes, frowning, looking sad.
"Two-Bit, we-we're so sorry buddy. You have every right to hate us." Darry frowned deeply. "We never meant for you to get hurt."
Two-Bit looked over, not saying anything a minute.
Beside him, Sodapop was crying just as hard as Ponyboy was.
"Why are you crying so much?" Two-Bit looked at him.
Soda looked up, tears cascading down his face. "You-You were gonna kill yourself, Two-Bit, you-you were actually gonna do it. I-I can't imagine what that must feel like, that feeling, I-I-I feel terrible! We-we were such horrible friends and we-and we never wanted you to….to-"
Soda choked on a sob and couldn't keep talking, crying too hard.
Two-Bit frowned and reached over, wiping some of his friends tears away with a thumb. "Don't cry, Soda. Don't cry."
Ponyboy slowly pulled away with a sniffle and got off the bed, wiping at his face with an arm.
Beside him, Darry gave Two-Bit's hand a squeeze. "Two-Bit? How-how do you feel, e-emotionally? Are you…..? Are-are you happy?"
Two-Bit glanced at him, frowning. "Am I happy? Am I happy?" He repeated. "I-I dunno. Why don't you tell me if i'm happy."
The gang glanced at each other. "We-well, we want you to be happy." Dermot frowned.
"You are happy, aren't you, Two-Bit?" Steve questioned.
Two-Bit swallowed. "No. No I ain't happy. I think it's time you should all go home."
"B-But-but Two-Bit, we all got you presents. And cards." Ponyboy sniffled softly. "We're your friends."
"Just go. Please." Two-Bit replied calmly.
The gang slowly and reluctantly got up, Darry giving Two's hand one last squeeze, the seven of them shuffling quietly out the door.
Dermot stayed behind, scooting closer to Two-Bit's side. "What's wrong, Two-Bit?"
"N-Nothin's wrong." Two-Bit frowned, shrugging as he looked away.
"Th-then why did you ask them all to leave?"
"Cause. They're not my friends."
"Two-Bit," Dermot frowned at him. "They are your friends, look at how much they were worried about you! They've all been cryin' for a week now! They've all been worried sick and just look at all the gifts and cards they bought you….."
Two-Bit slowly shook his head no, closing his eyes. "No…...That ain't true."
Dermot eyed him softly, frowning deeply. "Two-Bit, what is it going to take for you to believe them? They all love you so much. Why do you question your friendship with them?"
Two-Bit opened one eye. "You saw them, you know what they did to me. Why should I believe them? Trust me, it's over."
"So you're never going to be friends with them again, is that how you want it to be?"
Two-Bit was quiet a minute. "They didn't wanna be friends to begin with so…..I guess so."
"Two-Bit…" Dermot sighed, shaking his head, his collar jingling softly, trying to think. "Why don't you at least look at their cards? See how much they care 'bout you….."
"No thanks."
"Please?" Dermot got up, walking over to one of the counters, looking through all the cards, picking one up. "They'll make you feel better."
"Not really." Two-Bit frowned softly, keeping his eyes closed.
Dermot came back over with the card. "Come on, just read it, please."
Two-Bit opened his eyes, glancing at him, huffing. "No way."
Dermot started to open the envelope, taking out the card for him. "Come on, do it for me, okay?"
"Fine, fine!" Two-Bit huffed, taking it. "Jus' so you'll leave me alone. But it ain't gonna do me no good."
He looked over the front of the card, it reading 'Get Well Soon.' Two-Bit looked bored, opening it up.
"Whoa, that's a lot of words….." His eyes widened, seeing the card had writing on it from cover to cover, there not being one blank spot. "Jesus, can't imagine that this would be Soda's."
Squinting a little, Two-Bit started to read.
Dear Two-Bit,
I'm so sorry for what happened to you, we all feel awful. I feel like I should be the one taking all the blame. I am the one that started all this after all. I'm so sorry, Two-Bit, I never should've done this, I wish I could take it all back. I never wanted you to run away or get depressed or cut yourself or nearly jump off a cliff. I never wanted any of that, I guess I just wanted Sodapop and Pony to be okay. Clearly, I was wrong and i'm sorry for being such an awful friend. You have every right to hate me, I get it. I had no right to treat you the way I did. We've been friends since we was little and you've always been a buddy to all of us, 'specially Pony and Soda. Who was I to get in the way of your friendship and ruin it? I feel stupid, I take all the blame for it. I just want you to know, Two-Bit, that we all want you to come home, where you belong. None of us wants you here with this Riff guy. We'll do whatever it takes for you to come home, Two-Bit, we really will. We all want our friend back. I think Ponyboy does the most. He really misses his best friend. I miss you, Two-Bit. You've always been such a good friend, you're always there for us.
You're the most loyal guy outta all of us. We all want you back in the gang, so please, you gotta come home. I swear, we won't ever hurt you again, buddy, we're gonna treat you the way we shoulda been treatin' ya all along. We ain't the same without you here, we're all doin' awful. We really miss you; Soda still hasn't even opened his presents from his birthday because of you. Ponyboy won't stop talkin' 'bout you and Dally and Steve jus' grumble and swear all the time. It's too quiet without you here, and I gotta tell you, we all miss your laugh, Two-Bit, even Steve. Please buddy, I know we were terrible friends to ya but you jus' gotta come home. We'll find a way to make you happy again, I promise. Please, just come home where you belong. You belong with us, Two-Bit and you know it too. We'll all be friends again, the way it's supposed to be. Please, we all love you, even Dally, Steve and Tim too, even if they won't admit it. I hope you get better real soon, buddy. It'd be nice for us to see you smiling again.
Staying Hopeful, your truly sorry friend,
Darrel Curtis, Jr.
Two-Bit was quiet a minute, setting the card down, letting out a breath. He was frowning.
Dermot looked up from playing with his fingers. "Well?"
Two-Bit swallowed and closed his eyes a minute. "I-I still don't believe them."
Dermot's expression fell. "What? Why not?"
"Because, I can't just act like everything's okay now, gosh darn it," Two-Bit almost snapped with anger. "Like i'm just supposed to drop everything and go home with them?!"
"Well-well yeah. They truly are sorry. What don't you understand about that?" Dermot frowned softly.
"They're not my friends. I-If-If they really cared, they wouldn't have made me run away." Two-Bit frowned, hugging his chest tightly, looking away with sad eyes.
"But Two-Bit, they care now, they always have. Please buddy, I-I dunno what else to say, they just miss you so d*** much. They're so desperate and you just keep pushing them away. You need to accept their love, Two-Bit, not isolate yourself from it."
Two-Bit frowned at him. "I'm not going with them. Not now anyways. I don't care how much they want me back, I won't go home until I see how much they care about me myself."
"B-But they-"
"Please, Dermot, i've made up my mind." Two-Bit huffed.
Dermot frowned, not willing to give up, wanting to make things right. "What about your depression? What about back there on the cliff when you told them you were going to go home? You believed them then. Why not now?"
Two-Bit looked at him, a little crossly. "Dermot, I…." He stopped, trying to find what to say, suddenly unsure. "Look, I….it's not that simple okay?! You ain't the one crying your eyes out all the time….." He accused, huffing.
"No, but, I do know a few things about friends. And I can clearly see these guys are your real friends and y'all belong together. Please, they can help you, Two-Bit, they can help with your depression. God knows Riff and us can't help you. But they can. They want to, Two-Bit, they want to help you get better."
Two-Bit shook his head no, frustrated. "No, Dermot, no way. Just stop it, alright? I'm done talkin' about this, I wanna rest." He huffed, hoping Dermot would leave.
"Okay." Dermot got up, looking sympathetic. "We'll be back later then to talk to ya. Get your rest, buddy." He waved softly and quietly walked out, his collar jingling faintly.
Two-Bit sighed when he was gone, shaking his head, his emotions making his head hurt. Staring up at the ceiling, he was at a loss for what he thought he should do.
Go home with the gang or stay here with Riff?
Going home sounded way better but how could he be around the gang after all that's happened?
But being with Riff, that wasn't much better. But he did have Christian and Dermot, that was a plus.
Two-Bit shook his head again, almost growling with frustration from trying to decide.
"Why is this so hard…?" He murmured aloud.
He felt helpless and he just couldn't decide.
But Dermot's words did strike him…...how much longer would it be before he realised how much the gang cared about him, if they really did care like he said they do?
Three Weeks Later
"Well, we're here. Home sweet home."
Two-Bit walked in, looking around. Finally he was with who he belonged with. Or at least who he thought he belonged with.
"Would you like me to make ya somethin' to eat?" Riff asked as he walked inside, jerking a thumb at the kitchen.
Two-Bit shrugged. "Sure, I guess so." He had gained a little weight back while being cooped up in the hospital, the doctors and nurses pretty much forcing him to eat.
Two-Bit walked in and sat down, sighing as he looked down at the big boot he had to wear on his foot. He was just glad his arm had healed so quickly and was all better now.
He was quite glad to be out of the hospital. It wasn't fun being stuck in there and he had gotten so frustrated with the gang being there and constantly wanting to talk to him, he eventually told them he didn't want to talk to them anymore.
He only talked to Dermot and Riff. He did read some more of the gangs' cards though. And opened some presents.
The rest was now dropped off in his room. But he still hadn't changed his mind about going home.
He had felt bad because he missed Dermot's birthday party, having to stay in the hospital and he hadn't even gotten a chance to get Dermot a present. He felt guilty but Dermot told him it wasn't his fault and that it was fine.
Two-Bit still felt bad though, about everything.
He could still remember the conversations from the hospital:
"I don't think i'm ever going to be the same again, Dermot," He told his friend. "I know I won't be."
Dermot slowly nodded, frowning. "Well, that ain't necessarily a bad thing. Ha-having fought depression, that-that really makes you stronger, Two-Bit. I think you'll be just fine when this is all done."
Two-Bit stared at his arms. "You're making it sound like nothing. I mean, how-how am I gonna talk to people again? How am I gonna live my life? I'm already seeing everything differently 'cause I can't stop feeling so much."
"I think you're overthinking things. Trust me, Two-Bit. This ain't a bad thing. It'll feel awful now but once you've conquered your sadness, you'll be able to conquer anything." Dermot assured.
"Gosh I hope you're right…."
Two-Bit was surprised one day when he saw Ponyboy walk in. He sat up a little, putting his book down. "Ponyboy…..h-hey."
He wasn't sure what to say. This had been after he told the gang to stop coming to see him.
Ponyboy was making his way over, looking at the ground. "Hi Two-Bit…...may I talk to you?"
"S-S-Sure…..sure."
Ponyboy slowly knelt down beside the bed, looking like he was going to start crying.
"Why'd ya do it, Two-Bit? Why'd ya do it?" His voice was a whisper.
"Do what?" Two-Bit swallowed hard.
"Al-almost go and get yourself killed…! How-how-how could you almost do that? I-I don't understand how you could just….we-we all thought you was dead when you fell, we, I, I thought I lost you…" Pony sniffled.
Two-Bit straightened in his bed, pursing his lips together. "Pony, I…..you-you have to understand…..I-I'm not myself anymore."
"B-But-But why not? Y-You're still our friend, how could you just go out and give all that up? How-how will I know you won't try and do it again?" Pony was crying now.
Two-Bit swallowed at that. He hadn't thought about that. He hesitated.
"Pony, listen, you-you should stop worryin' about me….I-everythin's over…..I'm not the same and-and the way I am now, y'all prolly shouldn't even wanna be my friend no mores. I'm just a wreck." He frowned deeply.
"But we do wanna be your friend, we do! Dermot told us all about your cutting and crying and we want to help! We can help you get better! Please…..we're not just going to leave you."
Two-Bit frowned, letting out a quiet sniffle. "You guys can't help me now. I'm never gonna get better. Everythin's just ruined….." He looked off with sad eyes.
Ponyboy wiped at his tears, frowning as he watched him. "No, we can help you, we can. Darry says he can pay to get you professional help, if you want it. We-we all promised to stay with you all the time and we'll help you with anything you need, anything."
Two-Bit's eyes started to water. "Th-That sure does sound nice but…..I-I couldn't do it. Y'all should just give up on me."
"Give up on you?! No, we couldn't! How could we just forget you, you're our friend."
"Not anymore I ain't." Two-Bit began to cry. "Y'all couldn't live with me like this….R-Riff says he can….he can help me…..I-I'm sorry I jus….." Two-Bit whimpered softly, crying.
"You can't stay with Riff!" Ponyboy quickly objected, wide-eyed. "He's awful! He's mean and all he does is fight with us. You can't stay with him, Two-Bit, you can't! You gotta come home with us!"
Two-Bit shook his head no, crying. "N-No no I can't…..you don't understand, Pony, you-you can't be my friend anymore….."
"What?" Ponyboy froze. "Wh-Why not?"
"B-Because, i-i'm all sad now, I-I ain't no friend….." Two-Bit shook, whimpering.
Pony frowned at him. "No you ain't….you ain't no friend." He paused. "You're my best friend."
Two-Bit stiffened and looked at him.
"I couldn't care if you cry or see things differently now or-or if you have a hard time being happy, I-I'll still be your best friend. And I can help you with those things, I, I can help you, Two-Bit."
Two-Bit sucked in a shaky breath, wide-eyed. "You-you really mean all that?"
"Of course I do. You're my best friend." Ponyboy frowned at him and stood up, hugging his friend tightly.
Two-Bit tensed but hugged him back, crying into his friend's shoulder. "Oh Ponyboy…..i'm-i'm so sorry!"
Ponyboy sniffled, crying softly as they hugged. "Don't be. Friends don't have to be sorry in order to be friends with one another..."
Dermot took a seat next to his friend, lips pursed. "How you doing?"
Two-Bit stared at the floor. "Okay I guess." He shrugged.
"You ain't upset?"
"No."
"You don't miss the gang?"
"Course not." Two-Bit sighed. "I'm glad they ain't here. I'm staying with you guys now. Don't you feel good about me staying here?"
"Not when you should be with your friends. You're sure the cards and presents didn't change your mind?" Dermot frowned.
Two-Bit shook his head no. "If they had I wouldn't be sitting here now would I?"
Dermot frowned at him and didn't answer.
When Riff gave Two-Bit some macaroni-and-cheese, Two-Bit played with it, not bothering to eat any, staring at his food with dull eyes.
"Uh you uh, gonna eat any of that there, Two-Bit?" Riff chuckled a little, watching him.
"Eh. I dunno. Maybe." Two-Bit didn't look up.
Riff tried to think, clearing his throat. "So um, what-what will make you feel better buddy? How can we cheer you up?"
Two shrugged. "I'm fine."
"We could throw you a party." Dermot suggested.
"Yeah, or take you downtown to eat." Riff chimed in.
"Or buy you more gifts."
Two-Bit let out a slow breath. "No thanks, guys. I'm fine staying right here."
Dermot and Riff glanced at each other, still trying to think of a way to cheer up their friend.
"Ooh, I know," Riff's eyes lit up. "I could tie you up. That always makes me feel better."
"What? No, Riff." Dermot frowned at him, eyebrows furrowing. "No way."
"Well why not?" Riff just grinned. "Maybe it'll help. Whatta ya say, Two-Bit?"
Two-Bit shrugged his shoulders. "I-I dunno. I don't really care what you do."
Riff looked happy, smirking. "Great. Lemme get the rope." He got to his feet, excitedly walking off to his room.
Dermot quickly looked at Two-Bit. "Two-Bit, listen to me, wouldn't you rather go out into town to have some fun or-or why don't we swing by and talk to your gang? That'd be fun."
Two-Bit just barely glanced at him. "No thanks. I don't wanna see 'em."
"But-But-But wouldn't you rather-"
"Okay Two-Bit!" Riff practically bounded into the room, carrying some rope happily. "Ready to have some fun?"
"Riff, please, I really don't think-"
"Oh hush Dermot, don't be such a pill." Riff waved him off, coming over to Two-Bit.
Two-Bit glanced up, blinking expectantly.
Riff slowly came over, smirking at him as he stepped behind Two-Bit's chair. "Don't listen to him, Two-Bit. He doesn't know anythin'." Riff slowly started wrapping one of his arms around Two's chest, pulling at him gently for him to get up. "Come on now…"
Two-Bit shifted a little with a frown, not liking his touch, shifting uncomfortably. "Uh…..I-"
Riff's other arm wrapped around him, pulling. "Easy, let's go now….."
Dermot shook his head, getting to his feet. "Riff that's enough." He almost barked, looking cross.
Riff looked up, eyes narrowing a little, letting go of Two-Bit, very slowly coming over. "You wanna run that by me again?"
Dermot stood tall, swallowing, holding his ground. "I said, that's enough." He stated again.
Riff's arm lashed out and he grabbed Dermot by his collar, angrily shoving him up against the wall with a slam.
Two-Bit looked up with a gasp, eyes widening.
Riff held Dermot up against the wall, a dangerous look in his eyes, Dermot looking afraid.
"Do you remember what I talked to you about, you little sh**?" Riff's voice was a growl. "Because if I remember correctly you and I had a little talk and you better f****** listen to me when I talk to you!"
Dermot flinched at the yelling, looking like he was trembling.
"Now I suggest you shut your mouth, listen to me, go over there and sit down and shut up! Understood?!" Riff barked.
Dermot swallowed and shakingly nodded, wide-eyed.
"Good. Now Get!" Riff let go of him and gave him a rough shove, nearly pushing Dermot to the floor.
Dermot stumbled and frowned but slowly went over and sat down in a chair on the other side of the room, looking away with cloudy eyes.
Riff made his way back over to Two-Bit, his friendly grin returning. "Heh. Sorry about that. No worries. Now, let's just get back to what we were doing…."
Two-Bit watched as Riff came over to him, tensing a little. He flinched when Riff wrapped his arms around him, urging him to get up. "Come on, Two-Bit, get up now, let's go…"
Two-Bit frowned, slowly getting to his feet, unsure. He glanced once at Dermot, frowning, not liking Riff's touch.
"Riff, I-I dunno 'bout thi-" One of Riff's hands went over his mouth.
"Shhhhh, it's alright, don't fret now….." Riff whispered into his ear, holding onto him tightly with a smirk, starting to lead him over to an empty chair.
Two-Bit frowned under Riff's hand, remembering the times he had watched Dermot, as well as the other boys, get tied up and suddenly he didn't really want to do this. This was a time where he didn't trust Riff.
He murmured a little under Riff's hand but Riff didn't seem to notice as he sat Two-Bit down roughly into the chair, grabbing at his hands, bringing them back.
Two-Bit frowned when he felt his hands getting tied together. "R-Riff, are you sure about this?" Once again, he glanced at Dermot, uncomfortable.
Riff grinned as he gave a hard yank at the knots of the rope. "Of course….! Don't you trust me?"
Two-Bit shifted, not liking the feeling of the rope squeezing him as Riff tied rope over his chest to the chair, the auburn-haired boy moving to his feet next.
He was glad Riff didn't tie the ropes too tightly cause of his still-healing leg but he was still uncomfortable. Surprisingly, he was suddenly wishing for the gang, wanting them. He didn't really know why though.
Riff stepped back with a wide grin when he was finished, admiring his rope-work. "There! Perfect! Oh, you look so great!"
"What's that supposed to mean?" Two-Bit's eyebrows furrowed, flinching when Riff came up and gently grabbed his face.
Riff was chuckling. "Feel better yet? Do ya like it?" His eyes were bright with delight, sparkling.
Two-Bit swallowed, trying not to look directly into his eyes. "Not really…." He shrugged a little.
"Oh, that's jus' because you don't have your gag in yet," Riff laughed, reaching into his pocket.
Two-Bit flinched, shaking his head no. "Wait, I-I really don't want-" But Riff was already stuffing a cloth into his mouth, muffling his voice.
He frowned but bit down, flinching as Riff tied the cloth behind his head.
"Oh, Jus' look at you! Lemme see those teeth…." Riff smirked, stuffing more of the cloth between Two's teeth, admiring him. "Much better…...oh, you remind me of my little Dermot," Riff said in a more hushed voice, grabbing Two's face and pinching his cheeks hard.
Two-Bit frowned at him, eyes big, biting down tightly on the cloth, watching as Riff gently brushed his bangs out of his eyes.
"There. Better now?" Riff smiled at him, looking genuinely happy.
Two-Bit frowned and glanced around at Dermot and then the other boys, who didn't even seem to notice or pay him any mind, except for Dermot, who avoided Two's gaze with a frown.
Looking back at Riff, Two-Bit hung his head a little, slowly shaking his head no. He didn't know what he was feeling now but he certainly wasn't happy.
Riff just continued to smile. "Oh don't worry, you'll get used to it." He pinched Two's cheeks again and then stood, smoothly running his fingers through Two-Bit's hair. "Now you just sit here tight. You'll feel better after awhile."
Riff walked away and Two-Bit didn't think he was going to feel better, not like this. The ropes were tied too tight and he felt like he was being squeezed everywhere. He certainly didn't like being gagged either.
Two-Bit wondered how Riff could even enjoy such a thing like bondage. But maybe he only liked it when it was other people being tied up instead of him. Two-Bit realized he didn't really know.
He watched with a frown as Riff made his way over to Dermot, grabbing him by his collar, making him stand, pushing him up against a wall forcefully, keeping a firm grip on the collar.
Two-Bit frowned with big eyes, unable to hear what they were saying, but Riff didn't look too happy, his nose nearly touching with Dermot's. He watched as Riff spoke, seeing Dermot shaking his head no with big eyes and then Riff angrily clasping a firm hand over the boy's mouth.
Two-Bit flinched and watched with wide eyes, seeing Dermot wasn't struggling, remaining still against the wall, but Two-Bit could see him trembling with fear, the boy's brown eyes wide.
Riff was saying something with narrowed eyes as he kept his hand over Dermot's mouth, his other on the collar. Dermot shook his head no again.
"Do you want me to tie you up too?" He suddenly heard Riff's angry snarl, making him flinch from even across the room.
Dermot's eyes flashed with fear and he shook his head no a third time. Riff continued to talk to him in a hushed voice, his eyes narrowed like daggers. Dermot just looked afraid.
Riff's expression then softened and he eyed Dermot softly, slowly taking his hand away, sliding it slowly over Dermot's lips before he dropped it, talking softly. Two-Bit watched Dermot nod and then Riff let go of him.
"Good. Now go get me a coke." Riff told him, giving him a soft nudge. Dermot listened, slowly going over to the fridge with a frown.
Two-Bit swallowed. Why did Riff have to be so….unusual? If that's the right word. He didn't like the way he treated Dermot, he never did. It was really unsettling, watching the way Riff acted around him. Two-Bit sure did feel sorry for Dermot.
Two-Bit continued to sit there in the chair, tied up, for a long while, just sitting there, doing nothing. He was bored. Plus, he wanted this gag out, it hurting his jaw.
He tried a few times to pull his wrists free but the rope was tied so tightly it hurt. So he just sat, watching the others, bored and helpless.
Suddenly he heard the door opening and he looked over expectantly.
The gang was walking in, having come to see Two-Bit, bickering a little to each other as they walked in.
But when they saw Two-Bit tied up in the chair, they all panicked.
"Two-Bit!" They cried, thinking the worst, rushing over. Dally and Tim instead ran to Riff, knowing he must have been behind this, slamming him hard up against the wall, starting to swing at him.
"What did you do to Two-Bit?!" They accused.
Soda and Darry quickly started untying Two-Bit, who frowned at them with soft eyes, not saying anything.
"We got you Two-Bit, we got you….!"
Darry gently took out Two's gag, helping him stand when he was untied. Soda quickly embraced him in a soft hug.
"Two-Bit, you're okay!"
Two-Bit frowned but didn't answer, hugging him back gingerly, eyes big, looking over when he heard Riff yelp.
Dally punched Riff hard in the stomach, slamming him up hard against the wall, Tim punching him next, blood flowing out from Riff's nose and he was whimpering.
Two-Bit looked over at Dermot, who looked like he wanted to help, his eyes big, but he slowly stepped away, away from the two hoods.
"Ow!" Riff yelped as Tim slugged him again and Dally kept Riff pinned up against the wall, growling. "How dare you f****** tie up our friend!"
One of Tim's hands latched onto Riff's throat, squeezing him, his other hand pulling out a heater, pressing the tip hard against Riff's cheek.
Two-Bit watched, tense. He knew the gun wasn't loaded. But Riff let out a strangled squeak, squirming. He didn't know the gun wasn't loaded.
Dally held Riff still as he tried to squirm. "Why the hell did you tie him up?! Two-Bit's our friend!" Tim snarled.
"Yeah, Two-Bit's with us! You can't treat him like that!" Dally spat into his face.
Tim kept the gun pressed hard into Riff's cheek, holding Riff's chin up, keeping the gun steady.
Riff was breathing heavily, looking scared, coughing a little from Tim choking him. "T-Two-Bit's with us now…" His eyebrows furrowed. "He ain't with you."
"Yeah well, he ain't gonna be stayin' with you no longer after you tied him up." Dally snarled lowly into Riff's face.
"If-if y'all want him back so badly," Riff coughed. "Maybe we should have a fight for him."
Dally and Tim perked up and looked at each other but Tim squeezed Riff's neck tighter. "Like a rumble?"
Riff looked pained, coughing, trying to pry Tim's hand off his throat. "Y-Y-Yeah. Winner g-gets T-Two-Bit!" He wheezed.
Dally and Tim looked at each other and nodded.
"Fine, but that still don't mean we like you," Tim growled and stuck the end of the gun into Riff's mouth, keeping it there.
Riff flinched a little and coughed, holding his chin up from the gun in his mouth, nodding a little. "Mmm-mmmhmm…"
"Dally, Tim, let him go." Darry frowned at them, his hand on Two-Bit's shoulder.
"Why should we?" Dally snapped. Tim kept the gun in Riff's mouth.
"Come on, this ain't our place." Darry huffed. "Let's go."
"Fine." Dally huffed with a sneer, glaring at Riff. Tim took the gun out of Riff's mouth and let him go, Dally giving him a hard, rough shove to the floor.
Riff winced and laid there, coughing, slowly sitting up. "F-Fight's at noon. At Abbey's Alley…." He huffed at them.
The gang nodded and Darry started to lead Dally, Tim and the others out. Soda pulled away from hugging Two-Bit and started to lead him out too.
Two-Bit frowned and gently pulled back, staying behind.
Soda turned and frowned at him, looking hurt. "T-Two-Bit, come on…"
Two-Bit didn't answer, looking down at his feet. Soda frowned and Darry came and pulled on his sleeve. "Come on Soda." He hushed with a frown and they walked out, closing the door.
When they were gone, Riff sat up, wiping at the blood on his face. Dermot timidly came over. "Are you okay, Riff?"
Riff got to his feet, looking cross. "Boy do I love those friends of yours, Two-Bit….a******." He growled. "Least i'll get to have it out with them tomorrow at the fight."
Dermot came to stand beside Two-Bit, putting a hand on his shoulder. "Do we have to fight, Riff? A fight?"
"Yes, we have to fight." Riff huffed, sending him a mean look. "But we're gonna win. They ain't gonna take Two-Bit away from us."
Two-Bit swallowed, glancing at Riff with cloudy eyes, frowning.
"But Shouldn't Two-Bit have a say in this?" Dermot frowned deeply, voice soft.
Riff glared at him, looking angry. "Dermot, go get your violin. I wanna hear you play." He barked.
"What? Now?" Dermot frowned.
"Yes now, f****** now! Now go get it!" Riff snapped at him. Dermot flinched and left, going into Riff's room.
Two-Bit swallowed as Riff came over to him, putting an arm around him. "Don't worry buddy. We'll win that fight. I'll make sure of it that you don't get taken away, no matter what."
Two-Bit gulped and slowly nodded but he didn't know what to think.
A fight between gangs, determining who he gets to go with?
That didn't sound like the solution to this at all.
That evening after supper, Riff seemed especially eager as he dragged Dermot over to the couch by his collar. Two-Bit shifted uneasily, knowing what was coming.
He frowned, wanting to say something, not wanting to watch. "Hey Riff, I-I dunno if you should….you know."
"Nonsense," Riff chirped, happily pushing Dermot down onto the couch, lying him on his stomach. "It's gonna be just fine….." He grabbed Dermot's arms with a grin, starting to tie his wrists together.
Two-Bit frowned as Dermot closed his eyes with a frown, lying still, flinching as Riff yanked and tugged at the ropes.
Two-Bit swallowed, not liking this. He cussed out Riff in his head for being so gosh darn creepy.
He flinched when he heard Dermot cough, Riff tugging purposefully at the noose he had tied around the boy's neck, connecting the rope to his wrists.
Dermot looked pained, coughing. "R-Riff, th-that's too tight…!"
"They're supposed to be too tight, silly." Riff grinned at him. But he frowned as Dermot continued to cough, pursing his lips, reaching down, loosening the noose a little for him, patting Dermot's head when he stopped coughing, catching his breath. "There…"
Two-Bit watched, eyeing all the ropes with a frown, lips curled up a little, shaking his head in disapproval. He glanced at the others to see them playing some sort of card game, not paying them any mind except for maybe a few looks.
Two-Bit frowned at them, wishing they had the decency to say something too. 'Specially Christian.
Riff was smiling happily, bent down beside the arm of the couch, smoothly running his hands through Dermot's soft, brown hair, looking at him with shining eyes. "There. Nice and all tied up. Just the way I like it." His eyes looked over Dermot's body, admiring his rope work.
Dermot avoided his gaze and let out a soft sigh, frowning, looking pained as Riff softly stroked his hair, lying completely still.
Two-Bit watched, shaking his head with a frown, wondering what the gang was doing right now, almost wanting to rather be with them then having to watch this.
He eyed the ropes around his friend's wrists and he could tell they were tied too tight, the noose too, even after Riff had loosened it. Two shuddered; he could almost feel those ropes on him, imagining how painful it must be.
Riff stopped stroking Dermot's hair and gently grabbed the boy's chin, moving his face towards him. "Look at me."
Dermot's eyes opened and he looked up at him with a frown, keeping quiet.
Riff pulled a cloth out of his pocket and brought it to Dermot's mouth, expression calm. "Open." He hardly waited for Dermot to listen, already trying to force it into the boy's mouth, Dermot opening his mouth with a flinch, Riff stuffing the gag in. "Thatta boy."
He got out another cloth and pushed it into Dermot's mouth too, tying the ends tightly around his head into a double knot.
Riff was smiling softly. "Let's see those teeth….." He said quietly, gently pushing the cloth between Dermot's teeth with his fingers. "There. Beautiful…"
Dermot's eyes were cloudy, looking pained, frowning underneath the gags, avoiding Riff's gaze. Riff softly patted the boy's cheek with a smile. "Good boy, good boy…." His hand moved to Dermot's hair again, petting it with soft eyes.
Two-Bit frowned, shuddering again, disliking Riff when he was like this, wishing he'd just leave Dermot alone and stop being so weird around him.
Riff stood and slowly slid his hand across Dermot's body from his head to his feet, pausing at his rump to give it a few pats. "You're my good boy."
Dermot frowned and closed his eyes tightly, biting down tightly on the cloths, looking pained, continuing to lie still.
Two-Bit was surprised to see Riff step away from Dermot, raising a brow. Usually Riff never left Dermot's side.
"Okay, guess who's turn it is now." Riff smirked, walking towards Two-Bit, his eyes on him.
Two-Bit tensed, eyes widening, frowning. "Wh-what? N-No," He stood up as Riff got closer, starting to back away, freaked out.
Riff smirked, not stopping. "Aw, come here you….." He wrapped his arms around Two-Bit tightly, Two's back to him.
Two-Bit almost yelped, startled, beginning to squirm, Riff's grip tight. "H-Hey, let me go! Stop!"
Riff started pulling on him, smirking happily. "Come on, it's your turn, Two-Bit."
Two-Bit was wide-eyed, frightened, shaking his head no as he planted his feet down, squirming to pull away. "N-No, I-I don't wanna get tied up, lemme g-" Riff's hand went over his mouth and Riff stopped, holding him still.
"Shhh shhh shhh," Riff shushed into Two's ear, holding his chin up as his hand squeezed at his mouth. "You're okay, you're okay…...jus' relax now."
Two-Bit whimpered under Riff's hand, breathing heavily through his nose, trembling, wide-eyed, frightened.
"Easy, easy…..you're okay….now, let's just get you down onto the floor….." Riff grinned, starting to push Two-Bit down, taking his hand away from Two's mouth, bringing him to his knees.
Two-Bit whimpered, trying to squirm. "R-Riff, stop it….I-I don't want to do this!" He flinched as Riff forcefully pushed his stomach onto the floor, Riff snatching his hands. "R-Riff!" Two-Bit kicked and squirmed around, shaking.
Riff was just ignoring him with a smile, tying his hands together. "Shhhh…...you're okay. Jus' keep still." He gave a tight yank at the rope making Two-Bit wince.
"O-Ouch! Th-that's too tight Riff, stop!" Two-Bit whimpered, kicking, frowning when Riff started to tie his legs together. The rope squeezed his wrists and they were way too tight, scaring him.
"Ri-Riff! Why are you tying me up?" Two-Bit shook, breathing heavily, wanting him to stop, suddenly wanting the gang.
Riff yanked on the rope around Two's ankles with a smirk. "To make ya feel better! Jus' like earlier….you're jus' scared 'cause this is your first time gettin' tied up like this…" He started connecting the ropes together, making the noose.
Two-Bit was frowning, wide-eyed, uncomfortable, shaking. "R-Riff, let me go….I don't like this…..stop."
"You jus' ain't used to it buddy, that's all." Riff smirked at him. "You're okay. You're doing good."
Two-Bit frowned, not liking the feeling of the ropes on him, his feet in the air, whimpering as he shook, wanting the gang to come and rescue him again. "S-Stop it, stop Riff…."
"Shhhhh…" Riff just shushed him, sliding the noose over Two's head, tightening it around Two's throat.
Two-Bit sucked in a strangled gasp, whimpering, struggling weakly, not liking Riff's touch as he tightened all the rope, breathing heavily with fear.
Riff finished and he grinned, patting Two's head. "Relax, Two-Bit. It's not that scary. You're fine, you're fine. I didn't hurt you."
Two-Bit flinched at his patting. "L-Let me go…...untie me, please…..I don't like this."
Two-Bit kicked a little and pulled at his wrists but the noose choked him when he struggled, making him cough and whimper.
"Easy, easy," Riff frowned a little at him. "You struggle too much and that noose is gonna choke you…" He continued to pat Two's head, stroking his hair softly.
Two-Bit flinched, wide-eyed, rolling over to his side, trying to get more comfortable, breathing heavily. Riff laughed at him.
"You're doing fine, Two-Bit. Jus' relax, it's not that bad. Can't believe your old gang never tied you up before, you look great." Riff grinned, gently rolling Two-Bit back to his stomach.
Two-Bit flinched, whimpering, trying to lift his head up, not liking being on his stomach. "J-J-Jus' untie me…...please Riff."
He flinched when he felt Riff sliding his hand slowly over his body, making him squeak.
"Untie you already? What fun is that? Like I said, you look great."
Two-Bit gasped when he felt Riff's hand touching his bottom, whimpering as Riff patted his a** softly, flinching.
"R-Riff, st-stop it, quit touchin' me." He frowned, lying his face down on the floor, struggling weakly.
Riff happily came back over to his head, smoothly running his hand through Two-Bit's hair.
Two-Bit flinched, trying to move away. "Riff quit it!" Doesn't this guy ever listen?!
"Shhhhh, you're fine, Two-Bit." Riff spoke in a sly, happy voice, petting his hair. "You need to relax."
"N-No," Two-Bit trembled. "I want you to let me go. I-I-I want the gang….."
Riff's eyes narrowed. "You want the gang? Well they ain't here and besides you don't want to see them. They hurt you, remember? 'Sides, they don't even like tying you up."
Two-Bit was weakly squirming on his stomach, kicking faintly, trying to get away from Riff's hand with a frown, wide-eyed. "S-St-Stop it, stop…..l-lemme go…"
"Not gonna happen, Two-Bit." Riff said in a more firm voice, running his hands roughly through Two-Bit's hair now. "Now hush up and be quiet for me."
Two-Bit flinched, shaking his head no, hating Riff's awful touch. "N-No no, lemme go, Riff, lemme go…"
"Okay that's it now," Riff huffed with a soft, mean voice, reaching into his pocket. Glaring a little, he grabbed Two's chin and held him, starting to shove a cloth into Two's mouth.
Two-Bit flinched, whimpering, trying to shake his head no, wide-eyed. "N-No, no, stop- mmmph…..!" Riff forced the cloth into Two's mouth, shoving it in roughly, huffing at Two's muffled whimpers.
"Mmm mmmm! Mmmph!" Two-Bit squirmed, coughing from the noose.
Riff got another cloth, stuffing that into Two's mouth as well, tying it tightly behind Two's head.
Two continued to whimper, his voice muffled, wide-eyed.
"Shhhhhhhhh," Riff shushed him, pushing the cloth between Two's teeth with his fingers. "Relax Two."
Two-Bit frowned at him and bit his fingers hard, eyebrows furrowing.
"Ouch!" Riff yelped and pulled his fingers away, eyes narrowing angrily. He got up and went to Two's side, ignoring his muffled whimpers.
Angrily, he grabbed the rope connecting to the noose, tugging at it hard, Two-Bit coughing, getting choked, whimpering out with teary eyes.
"That wasn't a good thing to do, Two-Bit," Riff huffed, continuing to pull, listening to Two-Bit's muffled coughing.
Two-Bit weakly tried to squirm, coughing, whimpering out loudly, shaking, wishing the gang would come and save him, wanting to get outta these awful ropes.
Riff yanked at the rope again and Two-Bit coughed, choking, when the boys suddenly heard a thud and muffled whimpering.
Riff let go and looked over towards the couch, seeing Dermot was now on the floor, having rolled himself off.
"Dermot!" Riff hurried over, leaving Two-Bit, who caught his breath, looking up to watch, frowning.
"You silly boy, Dermot," Riff smiled at Dermot who now lay on the floor, kneeling down, patting his a** softly. "You know you're supposed to stay up on the couch, you silly thing."
Dermot frowned and breathed heavily through his nose, letting out a faint moan, squirming uncomfortably from Riff patting him.
"Come on, let's get you back up there," Riff grinned and heaved Dermot up, eventually getting him back up there, patting his a** a few times before coming back over near his face. "Thatta boy."
Two-Bit watched them with a frown, biting down tightly on his gags, pulling weakly at the ropes, wanting to be untied, sniffling softly, wanting the gang.
Riff stroked Dermot's brown hair softly, smiling at him, starting to talk to him in a very hushed voice so Two-Bit couldn't hear.
"You're being a very good boy, Dermot…...yeah, you're my very special boy. You're so good when you're tied up."
Dermot shifted uncomfortably, trying to move away from Riff's hand petting his hair, moaning faintly.
"Yeah, just look at you." Riff admired him with a smile, his back to Two-Bit so Two couldn't really see what was going on. "You want your gag out?" Riff asked gently.
Dermot slowly nodded, perking up a little.
Riff slowly and gently took out his gags with a soft smile, watching Dermot move his jaw around.
"You okay?" Riff whispered.
"Ropes are too tight….." Dermot frowned at him, talking lowly, avoiding his gaze.
Riff grinned, looking over his body again, eyeing Dermot's bound wrists that were slowly turning red from being tied too tightly. "I know buddy…...you're okay."
Riff turned back to him, happily stroking his hair smoothly. "I got Two-Bit all tied up." He smiled proudly.
Dermot frowned at him. "Untie him, Riff. He doesn't like it." Dermot tried to move his face away from Riff's hand, flinching as Riff continued to stroke his hair.
"Course he does," Riff just smirked. "Just like you do, buddy. You love being tied up."
Dermot frowned and weakly pulled at the ropes on his wrists, looking pained. "Riff, untie him, he said he wants to see his gang."
Riff snorted a little. "See his gang? He ain't gonna see them. He's with us now, you know that. He ain't gonna go back with them, no way. I hate them." Riff roughly ran his fingers through Dermot's hair now, being too rough, making Dermot flinch.
"Riff, he belongs with them. He has to go back with them, he needs to get better. You know tying him up isn't going to help with his depression." Dermot frowned uncomfortably, moving his face away from Riff.
"Hey, that's enough now." Riff huffed softly at him, grabbing his chin, pulling his face back towards him. "Two-Bit's fine, you need to quit fussin'. Now Be my good, special boy."
Dermot closed his eyes and sighed softly, weakly pulling at his wrists, frowning.
Riff noticed him. "Why you struggling, Dermot?" He grinned and ran his hands down Dermot's arms, grabbing onto Dermot's hands, holding them still, chuckling.
Dermot didn't answer, lying still with a frown, eyes closed, looking saddened and pained.
Riff grinned and gently grabbed ahold of the rope connected to the noose, gently tugging.
Dermot winced and coughed, whimpering faintly, squirming a little, lying his face down, looking hurt.
Riff's eyes flickered a little, watching him, bending back down beside his face, running a hand smoothly down Dermot's cheek. "Hey, what's wrong?" He whispered with a frown.
Dermot's eyes opened, frowning, eyes soft as he finally met Riff's gaze. "Please untie me, Riff…...please."
"Wh-What?" Riff frowned. "No way. You're fine. You're my beautiful, handsome slave." Riff ran his hand through Dermot's hair and then slid it down Dermot's cheek, grabbing onto the dog tag of the collar firmly, smirking.
Dermot flinched, frowning at him deeply, looking pained and tired. "Pl-Please Riff….untie me."
"Okay, that's enough," Riff frowned at him and grabbed Dermot's chin, getting the cloths back out of his pocket, forcing them into Dermot's mouth.
Dermot whimpered and flinched but bit down, letting Riff stuff them between his teeth.
"You be good now." Riff huffed, patting his cheek with a narrowed look, standing.
Dermot frowned and whimpered through the gags, letting out a faint moan, tired and hurting from the ropes.
Riff eyed him and gave his bottom a slap as he got up and walked away, listening to Dermot whimper again, making him smirk. He went over to Two-Bit, who still remained on the floor, looking tired as well, frowning.
He looked up as Riff came over, eyebrows furrowing, tensing, slightly afraid of Riff now, having no idea what he was said to Dermot and he didn't want Riff to keep touching him.
He squirmed a little with a whimper, looking up at Riff expectantly, hoping he'd untie him. He frowned when Riff only came over and started petting his hair.
"Hey buddy," Riff smiled, looking Two-Bit over. "How are you doing?"
Two-Bit slowly shook his head no, pulling weakly at the ropes, frowning. "Mmm mmm."
He was thinking of the gang, still wanting them to come and help him. He didn't like Riff one bit right now.
Riff chuckled. " I know. It takes some getting used to. It even took me awhile before I got used to being tied up."
Well that answered Two-Bit's earlier question…
Riff's eyes were glowing. "You're doing good though, Two-Bit. You look great. And 'sides, you'll get used to this. There will be enough times that you can get used to it."
Two-Bit frowned, eyes going big, swallowing hard, a bad feeling creeping up his chest.
Riff grinned as his hands began to slide down from Two-Bit's hair down his body, stopping at Two-Bit's bottom, patting it with a grin. Two-Bit squeaked, flinching, whimpering uncomfortably.
"You're being a good boy, Two-Bit. Yeah….almost as good as my good boy, Dermot." Riff smiled, continuing to pat Two-Bit's rump gently. "Hope you're feeling better now….."
Two-Bit frowned and softly growled, rolling to his side so Riff would stop it already. Riff laughed and got up, patting Two-Bit's head as he started walking away. "Thatta boy."
Two-Bit frowned and watched him go back over to Dermot, watching him gently stroke the boy's hair again and talk to him in a hushed voice with a smile.
Two-Bit shook his head, wanting this to stop.
He wanted Riff to stop.