I do not own the characters of The Outsiders, they rightfully belong to S.E. Hinton, now do I own this idea. I only own the characters that I have created for the purpose of this story. Reviews are appreciated. I love to know what you think.

"How long do you think they've been watching him, Two-Bit? Have they been watching any other members of the gang?" asked Darry as he sat across from the Greaser at the kitchen table, confusion and concern written on the features of his face.

"I don't know for how long exactly, they only got a bit bolder by making it known today. I don't know if they've been watching anybody else. If they've been watching the DX, Sodapop and Steve haven't said anything. Johnny has been with Ponyboy everyday this week, and Dally would have probably kicked their asses back to the South side if they followed after him. As far as I know, they haven't been watching me. The question is, have they been watching you?" asked Two-Bit as he raised both of his eyebrows in full seriousness at the oldest Greaser. Darry let out a soft sigh as he ran a hand through his hair, resting his elbows on the table top.

"Paul's driven by one of the developments a few times, I didn't think much of it because he never stopped. And I wasn't going to take the risk of face-to-face if there were more Socs around the corner, I can face Paul any day, but not if I'm outnumbered." explained the oldest Curtis as he muttered something else under his breath, the words so low and inaudible that the other Greaser could only recognize the word "Stupid".

"This is not on you, Dar. None of us could have see this coming, we just need to figure out what to do from now on." explained Two-Bit as he leaned back in his own chair, eyes locked on the other as he listened to the rest of the gang who were gathered in the living room.

"Dallas! Get in here." ordered Darry as he angled his head towards the entrance of the kitchen so his voice would carry into the living room. He knew that by using the blonde's full first name, it would get his attention and make the seriousness of his tone known. He could hear the soft 'thump' of the teen's shoes hitting the floor as he rose from the couch, his eyes following his movements as the teen walked into the kitchen. Dally spun a chair around and took a seat, his chest pressed against the front of the chair as he looked at the oldest in confusion.

"Full first name now? What's this about?" asked Dally as he looked between the two, his eyebrows now furrowed in confusion.

"I need you two to keep a close watch on Ponybody at school, meaning that you will actually have to go. If some of the Socs have taken an interest, lord only knows what they'll do if they actually get their hands on him. Steve can try and keep an eye on Sodapop, but to make sure that all our angles are covered I'll get in touch with Tim, keep him in the loop on what's going on. We can't take the chance of giving any of those Socs an opportunity. Think you two can do that for me?" explained and asked Darry as he looked between the two, his eyes moving from one to the other.

"Any who's going to keep an eye on you?" asked Two-Bit with a raised eyebrow.

"Don't worry about me,Two-Bit. Let's just say I'll be breaking my own rule of carrying a blade. Do we have a deal?" asked the oldest Greaser as he watched both sets of eyes widen for a second at the mention of him carrying a blade.

"We have a deal, but you're going to owe me for this. The kid is the only reason I'm stepping foot back in that school." replied Dally as he nodded his head slowly.

(Time Lapse)

"We don't have much time left, we need to make a move soon or we'll be losing our chance. They're bound to have their guard up by now, neither of them will be on their own." ground out Luke as he paced on the front porch of his house with Randy, Bob, Tony, and Paul leaning against the railing or the side of the house.

"You'll do as you're told, Lucas. Back off for a few days, a week at the most. Give them time to calm down and let them separate. If I remember Darrel the way that I used to, he'll have the others on both of his younger brothers. Randy, Bob, keep your distance and make sure he follows what he's told. Tony, you'll be with me at times, keeping an eye on Darrel." ordered Paul, his voice even but firm as he leveled his gaze with the four of them.

(Time Lapse)

"I thought it was Ponyboy's turn to do this dishes, Pepsi-Cola?" asked Darry from where he was shifting through the bills that were now spread out over the kitchen table, an eyebrow raised at the middle brother, who was up to his elbows in soap bubbles.

"He's working on the first draft of an English essay which, I think, is due in two weeks. He wanted to get it all done in one shot, so I'm covering his chores for tonight. He'll make it up to me when he finishes the essay." explained Soda as he pulled his arms from the water, flinging some of the suds towards his older brother, who chuckled softly and brushed them off of his arm.

"Watch it, kid-brother, or you'll end up in the sink with the dishes." playfully threatened the oldest Curtis as he flung the bubbles back at his brother.

"Wanna bet on that one, Superman?" asked Soda as his hand crept towards the spray nozzle of the sink, his eyes full of a sharp mischief, a smirk on his lips.

"I wouldn't if I were you.", warned Darry as his own smirk played on his lips, curling the corners upwards. It took only a few seconds for them both to spring into action, Soda turning the nozzle on Darry and catching him in the face with the cold spray, while the oldest Greaser cupped some of the cold water in his hands and tossed it at his brother, watching as it soaked through his shirt, earning him a slight startled shriek.

"Cold! Cold! Cold! You're gonna get it now, Superman! I'll soak you for that!" threatened Sodapop as he round on his older brother. Darry made an attempt to get out of the way of his brother, his feet slipping and sliding on the wet kitchen floor, only managing to fall on his butt on the floor, his legs tangling with Soda's,taking him down with him. Curses and grunts were the only thing that could be heard coming from the kitchen, soon followed by chuckling that didn't belong to either of them. Both of their heads snapped up to look in the direction of the entrance to the kitchen, where Ponyboy and the rest of the gang were standing, smirks and grins on their faces as they looked down at the pair on the floor, who were sporting the same 'innocent' look on their faces.