I do not own the outsiders(Violence, drugs, language, rape, rated MA- mature audience-)

Eleos: I'm Poppy's favorite!

Anai: That means nothing, the fans LOVE me, and I hold all the power *mwahaha*

I have cake though... if anybody-

Eleos: WHAT KIND? *sniff sniff*

Anai: PFFT, cake means nothing compared to my power. Cut me a big slice, servant.

Eleos: Sounds like you just want cake An.

I'm supposed to be the one in charge. I'm NOT a servant. I-no ANAI, don't give El so much... *Gives up*

Eleos: It's... so... Delicious. I WANT MORE. HAHAHAHA. MOREEEEEEEE

*silently leaves the room*

PONY

"Why are you getting down multiple plates?" I couldn't help but frown, eyes darting at the gang.

"Because we haven't eaten." Darry cleared his throat just as Pony's started burning. The gang was too much sometimes, especially when it came to each other. They didn't eat because I didn't. How messed up is that? Dal rubbed my hair, despite my attempt to duck away as he jumped at me from the corner of my eye.

"Count me in-" Two was cut off by Darry's disapproving glare, setting the plates on the table. Two-bit's outstretched arms hung loosely at his side. I, for one, was glad not to get started roughhousing with Dal. I only ever did once, both I and Dal ended up with a black eye. Regrettably, Dal's injury was caused by Darry himself.

"Pone, you should grease that hair of yours." Two raised an eyebrow as my hair drooped over my eyes. Though despite his words, Dal sighed and looked at me.

"Shoot, the kid doesn't need it. Probably hasn't washed his hair in days, greasy enough as is." Dally's big build straightened out a bit in a second, and the table shook. Dally almost grunted after something seemed to happen, Johnny was grinning at Darry. What happened? I wanted to ask but Dal seemed somewhat pissed.

"I'm leaving. Thanks for dinner, superman. Coming, Johnny?" Johnny nodded, casting a glance at me before Dal ducked his head out the door. Johnny swatted playfully back at him and then they were gone.

"BLECH!" Two put his fist to his chest, and his mouth opened as he belched. "Alright, Imma take my leave." We should've known by that he meant to the couch, watching mickey mouse, and falling asleep with one leg touching the ground and the other over the back of the couch. I remember wondering vaguely how he could sleep like that, but Darry's mind was elsewhere.

"Your... ah, nightmares." Darry shifted uncomfortably in his seat, nervous as a dear caught in headlights. I leaned back, closing my eyes.

"Getting worse Dar. You... you were there when I was found." I felt that that was all I needed to say since he sat back and choked out a cough. Hand running over his stubby beard that he'd irresponsibly let loose, he heaved a sigh.

"Dally pointed a gun at the bastards and shot a few rounds off too." He grinned roughishly at me, and I forced a grin of my own. I wouldn't leave him hanging, even if he could be a somewhat tough brother. I rubbed my temples. Shiver. Fear. Cold. Solid. Rough. Touch. More touch. Pain. His skin... My eyes clouded over for only a second before Darry was shaking my shoulder.

"You good Pone?" His brows furrowed, shoulders hunched over me. Yeah Dar, I'm fine. "Eh, tired."

Soda

Soda lost when playing Steve and Tim in snooker. A few other guys joined them, but Soda was too lost in his own world to really remember either of their names. He sat back, twitching. Pony has this real annoying habit where he stops eating when something bothers him. But... I honestly don't know if I can take asking him about that day. He was found naked for crying out loud!

"Pass it over," Tim held out his hand, grinning at Steve and Soda. Tim's buddy laughed as Steve let out a long groan, pulling a few dollars out of his pocket. We owed 20 dollars each, which I don't have. And, apparently, neither does Steve.

"Looky here boys, seems I'm shy 15 bucks. Ey, why not just call it a draw?" Steve raised his empty hands, shrugging like it was the only obvious solution. Tim's buddy situated himself differently on the bench, sliding closer to him and leaning across the table.

"You lost 3 frames in a row, We scored a maximum every time. You want a draw?" RIGHT. That was his name, Jawslack. And his brother was flirting with ladies... exactly where I wanted to be. Jawslack. The name sounded wrong somehow, like a warning. Familiar even. His face looked like the criminal accused of murder, though I couldn't be sure. Maybe Dally knows him?

"Look look," Steve haggled. "I'll trade you Soda if you let me leave here. He's pretty as a woman! Swear it on my father's life" Steve put a hand to his heart nodding. I, of course, copied him. "Yeppers, I'm a real looker, though I prefer women over men so if you don't mind-" I turned to leave the table, only to hear the last part and freeze.

"Steve, don't you hate your dad?" Tim was standing up now, a haughty grin on his face. Sighing, Soda shrugged and slugged him.

"Use your mom next time!" Soda growled at Steve as Jawslack elbowed him in the stomach. "I'll... keep that... in mind..." He breathed, standing up in a daze.

Darry

Darry decided to let Soda off the hook since it seemed he ended up with the raw of the deal. He pressed an icepack to his eye, and Steve had a pack of peas on his groin. Two-bit grinned like a Chessy cat, laughing as Steve practically waddled his way up the steps. Steve stayed the night, taking up the uninhibited room. Come morning, Pony was off to school. Steve was in no shape to leave, nor Soda for work. And Two-bit was asked to stay behind, which was no hardship in his eyes. Dallas had a weed in his mouth, legs propped up on the coffee table, and a hard look at me.

"Just say it." He sighed, voice malicious.

"We have to find the people who did that to Pony. He's suffering, I know it, and maybe I'll up in the cooler but..." He gulped. Darry wasn't the best with conversations like this, and his anger was somewhat replaced with worry. Normally he would yell, shout, and have them out the door in a moment. Yet the emotional scars on Pony had him at a crossroads.

"We're savvy, Dar. We'd go down with you." Two-bit grinned. Steve shrugged, playing it off like he didn't care, but a slight nod all the same. Dallas stood up, expression hard. "I don't mind a good fight, you in Soda?" Soda had tears in his eyes, which somehow none of them noticed.

"Shit, ..yeah, you know I'm in." His gentle features were scrunched up in agony, as though he were trying to figure something out.

Darry glared at the front door as if he could will the kids to come home. For Pony to spill his guts. For those socs to be put down like the cur they are...

"You ain't magic, Dar." Two-bit grinned. Darry had an odd urge to punch him, driven by the fact that he'd embarrassed him. That's exactly what he was thinking, and now he was called out about it.

Pony

I hadn't visited the church in some time, and I'd already been making plans to go to one. It was in Tulsa, but not the normal church I used to go too. Not after the public humiliation, my gang put us all through. After school, I had the half sense not to ask Darry about it after stepping into the tense atmosphere. Johnny stopped immediately like he too was hit by this invisible force.

"We plan to uh..." Soda clicked his tongue, looking up at Darry who only mirrored his expression.

"Beat the crap outta the socs who hurt you, or kill them." Dallas stood up, putting a hand on Johnny's head. I gulped, was that really such a good idea? What if the socs came back for me? Or taunted the gang with insults about what they did... then people would know.

"NO!" Dallas seemed to recoil from my shout. Gee Pony, think he heard you?