Heartbeat

By Shattered Aura

In collaboration with FrankElza

Review replies:

BunnyluvsU: I hope this satisfied your curiosity! :)

Pony'sgirlfriend: I didn't realise that I used both writing styles. Thank you for pointing it out, it's helpful! And thank you for the nice compliment :)

seems-pretty-legit: If it is, we'll end up in the same jail cell! :P

GreaserG1rl201: Thank you! We all love them ;)

theoutsider30: Thank you! :)

staygold-fandom: I think every chapter is unique in its own way, for every single story, but thank you for telling me that! :)

Seth Clearwater: Thank you! I hope youll be happy with it ;)

Obsessivebookdiva: Your reviews are always so fun to read! No, I don't have any panic attacks, though my friend once had one but I didn't ask her about it. I'm sure having the character's problems helps writing about them in a story, though! It has helped, thank you :)

FrankElza: I hope I surprise you with my part of this chapter. ;)

WatchRain4898: You know, reading a lot of well-written fanfiction throughout the year (because I honestly started writing last year) really helps with writing your own fanfic once you set your mind to it! Speaking of which, when am I gonna read your work? ;) Anyway, thank you :)

mycookiegirl: I chuckled while writing it too; I always try to think of good chapter endings, and this just came to mind! I thought I overreacted with the panic attacks but I'm glad to know I didn't! Thank you! :)

Sydney Castle: It's alright; at least you reviewed for this one! Thank you :)

alycurtis1965: BRING IN THE BROTHERLY FLUFF! I like it too! :P

BiggestJohnnyFanStayGold: Thank you! :)

Warning: Cursing! (A lot more than in the other chapters)

A/N: (I'll try to make it short and sweet) Hey guys! I'm sorry about my absence; I'm knee-deep in studies and exams right now, there hasn't been a day spent without an exam and I still have like four for tomorrow and Friday! I'm thankful that I could find a bit of time to write you a chapter. As an apology for the wait, I think I wrote my longest chapter in Fanfiction history yet, with over 3,000 words! I hope you like it! And thank you, FrankElza, for your amazing help and work! R & R, and enjoy! :)

P.-s.: Please check out my poll! I need more votes! Thank you!

XxX

As soon as Ponyboy heard his name, he whimpered. He could barely hear nor feel anything around him; not even as Sodapop pulled him closer against his chest; not even as Two-Bit cursed and turned around; and especially not even as Steve thundered over to Darry with hatred in his facial features.

"What are you even bothering to be here for," Steve hissed at them as soon as he was solidly planted next to the oldest Curtis brother. "That shit happened two weeks ago. You're too late. Get your asses in your cruiser and get the hell outta here."

Darry inwardly smiled—he couldn't have said it any better—while the younger cop, known as Dodge, raised an eyebrow. "If you would rather answer questions in an interrogation room..."

Steve growled in defeat. "I'd rather not."

"You're Steve Randle, am I correct?" When Steve didn't answer, Dodge turned to Darry. "And you're Darrel Curtis, Ponyboy and Sodapop's legal guardian, I presume?"

Darry nodded. "Right. However, I don't think they're in the mood to answer any question right now, so I would advise going back to the station and coming at a better time, thank you."

The other cop, Bruce, known as the chief of the bunch, scrunched the area until he saw the two brothers standing close to the truck. As if his stare unnerved them, they huddled closer, with Ponyboy wearing a fearful expression on his face, and Sodapop, a defiant one. Next to them stood another hood, who Dodge knew all too well.

"Say, chief," Dodge started, completely ignoring Darry's demand, "why don't you interrogate the brothers and Randle while I talk to Mathews and Darrel?"

Bruce smirked to himself. "It's a great idea. We shouldn't be in the same area, though. I suggest we bring them boys to the station."

"No," Ponyboy whimpered, hating himself for sounding so weak, but he was powerless. Darry joined his brothers in two long strides and stood in front of them, arms crossed on his chest.

"We will all stay here," he said firmly, "and if one of you can't understand that, then I suggest the other takes him back to the station and leave us alone. We're not forced to answer your questions and if you can't respect my brothers or my decision, then you should leave my property."

"Darry," Sodapop slowly said, "it's okay. We'll answer anything they want. I just...I just want this over with, y'know?"

"Yeah...me too," Ponyboy whispered, wiggling away from Sodapop's embrace but only slightly.

Darry caved in. "Alright." He glared at Dodge. "Tw-Keith and I will stay outside." He turned to Bruce. "You take my brothers and Steve in my living room. You'd better watch what you're asking them, or I'll make it my business. Is that understood?"

Bruce was not one to feel intimidated easily by someone he was going to interrogate, but Darrel Curtis was one tough man, and he didn't feel up to messing with him. From what he gathered, he was very caring and protective of his family, and he wouldn't let anyone—not even a cop, who is supposed to help people—hurt his brothers in any way. He simply nodded and guided the three younger boys inside.

Ponyboy sat in the middle between Sodapop, who had his arm wrapped around him, and Steve, who had his hand on Ponyboy's shoulder. "Ask away," he gruffly said.

"We'll cut the crap and get to the point right now," Bruce said. "When did he pull his gun on you boys, and who did he pull it on?"

Ponyboy stiffened, while Sodapop gulped. "Pony and I, we were just hanging out, I was gonna wait for Steve to get back so we could close, when this guy comes in, grabs a magazine and gives the right amount of change for it. He didn't really give the impression of a robber...He fooled me. He pointed his gun right at me when I asked him if there was anything else he wanted, and then, I told Pony to call the police and he pointed the gun at him."

Bruce nodded, urging Sodapop to tell more. "From then on, it's a blur, really; he slammed Pony on the counter and told me to give him all the money. When I gave it all, he got mad and slammed Pony on the counter again..."

"So, his main victim was Ponyboy, correct?"

Ponyboy quietly whimpered, not liking how it was leading. Sodapop noticed and glared. "The guy made us both his victims; he just hit on Ponyboy more than he did with me."

Bruce, feeling like he heard enough, nodded and turned to Steve. "Where were you all that time?"

"I was towing a truck a few blocks away. I came back to see the guy next to the door, holding Ponyboy close to him and threatening to shoot him."

"Did he carry his threat?"

Steve slowly nodded. "Twice. He shot at the kid, but Sodapop tackled him, and I tackled the guy. Then, he elbowed me and he shot at the kid again."

Ponyboy was looking at the cop, who was taking notes as both his brother and Steve were talking. "Any particular reason why he would only shoot at Ponyboy? Does he have a grudge against him?"

Sodapop groaned. "Look, I told you before. He didn't have any 'main victim', he just happened to shoot at Pony more than at us. We don't even know the guy, for Christ's sake!" He rubbed Ponyboy's back soothingly when he noticed that his younger brother was shaking.

"Has he hit any of you physically beside elbowing and shoving?"

Steve nodded. "He tried to choke me and he hit Ponyboy on the face with his gun. We managed to knock him out before he really hurt us."

Bruce nodded satisfyingly. "I have on last question for each of you." He looked at Sodapop first. "How haven't you noticed that he was armed?" Then he turned to Steve. "What did you use to knock the guy out?" And then, he turned to Ponyboy. "Why haven't you called the police when you could?"

Ponyboy's eyes widened and he started breathing faster, remembering the reason why he couldn't call. The loaded gun against his thigh, the barrel pointed at his head, the man's grip on his shirt..."

Steve banged his hand on the table, making Bruce get up and reach for his gun. It was the wrong move, as Ponyboy saw where the cop's hand was and started whimpering, trying to back away from Bruce. Bruce instantly moved his hand away from the gun, but kept his glare fixed on Steve, who was seething.

"He tried to!" Steve shouted angrily. "He had the gun on his leg, for fuck's sake! You had trouble taking it off of him yourself since it was seconds from blowing the kid's head off! How do you expect him to move in all this and then find the time and speed to grab the fucking phone, call your fucking number and scream for your fucking help?!"

Sodapop calmed his buddy down by putting his hand on his shoulder, momentarily releasing Ponyboy, who backed away from them and from the cop, shaking in fear. As soon as Steve was back on his rear, Sodapop turned to Ponyboy and wrapped his arms around him once more. "Sshhh, baby, it's going to be okay," he cooed.

"I don't wanna do this anymore," Ponyboy replied brokenly. "Please, Soda, get him away from here." He hardly managed to contain his sobs, but he couldn't contain his tears as they streamed down his face.

"I didn't see his gun because I was too busy taking his command, and Steve knocked him out with an aluminium container," Sodapop replied hastily but truthfully. "I think it'd be better if you didn't ask any more questions and left."

Bruce, noticing Ponyboy's state, nodded solemnly, not wanting to break him more. "Alright." He put a reassuring hand on Ponyboy's shoulder, though the boy stiffened. "We'll make sure you get the justice you deserve, kiddo." With that said, he left the house, calling for his partner before hastily heading to the station.

"For fucking once," Steve hissed just as Darry and Two-Bit barged in, Darry crushing Ponyboy in a comforting hug, "we get justice. For once."

XxX

Sodapop buttoned up his DX shirt and grabbed a piece of toast from the table, munching it loudly. Pony glanced up at his brother nervously; this was his brother's first day back at the gas station since the incident and in truth, Pony was worried for him.

"You sure you're up to going back, Soda?" Darry asked his younger brother, also concerned.

"Yeah, I think so," Sodapop honestly answered. "I mean, the guy's in jail and besides, Steve will be there too. I can't stop working Darry, we need the money."

"Well if you're sure, little buddy."

"Yeah, I'm sure," Sodapop said with a smile, making both his brothers smile back. "I gotta go, Steve is picking me up in a minute. I'll see you both later. Be good in school today, Pony."

Ponyboy glanced down at the untouched toast on his plate."Soda?" he called out as quiet as a mouse.

"Yeah, Pony? What's wrong?" Sodapop immediately rushed to Ponyboy's side.

"Be careful at work."

Sodapop ruffled Ponyboy's hair, understanding that his brother was still struggling to deal with the situation.

"I'll be okay Pony, don't you worry about me," he said, winking at his baby brother. "You be careful too, got it?"

Ponyboy nodded with a small smile. Sodapop affectionately punched Ponyboy's shoulder and raced out the door with a, "See yah later!"

"You best hurry up, Ponyboy," Darry told his youngest brother. "Two-Bit should be here soon to pick you up for school." At Ponyboy's tenseness, he smiled at him. "Hey, there's nothing to worry about. You'll be fine. If you have any trouble with homework, I'll help you, alright?"

Ponyboy smiled at him and hugged him before heading for Two-Bit's old truck, which was waiting for him outside with an impatient teenager on its driver's seat.

The school day went by slowly for Ponyboy; he just couldn't keep his mind off his worry about Sodapop, wondering if he was doing as alright as he was. So far, he had a lot of make-up work to do, and he didn't understand anything. At that point, he'd gladly take a detention and Darry's scolding if it meant asking help of a teacher and staying after school.

"Hey Ponykid, why the long face?" Two-Bit asked during the end of lunch.

"I'm just worried about Soda is all; he started back at the DX today." Ponyboy's voice was barely above a whisper and Two-Bit could see it in his eyes that the young boy was scared.

Two-Bit gently punched Ponyboy on the upper arm. "Soda will be fine, kid. There's nothing to worry about. I know you're still freaked out and all but things will look up." He grinned when he noticed that Ponyboy was smiling. "Hey, you wanna see Soda after school?"

Ponyboy looked up at his friend. "It'll do you good," Two-Bit continued, "and it'll make you see that he's okay."

"Okay," Ponyboy happily replied and walked back toward his class.

XxX

Pony hesitantly stepped out of Two-Bit's car as they pulled up at the DX after school.

"Come on Pony, you'll see," Two-Bit encouraged as cheerfully as possible and slapped Pony's shoulder.

"I don't know, Two-Bit. I just...don't think I'm ready."

"Relax, Pony, nothing is gonna happen. Besides, I'll be with you, and Steve and Soda are there too. I'm sure they're fine."

Ponyboy caved in with a sigh. "If you say so."

"Hey, look who it is!" Steve shouted from outside the garage. He was taking a drag out of his smoke when he spotted the two fellow greasers, easily noticing how hesitant Ponyboy seemed to be. He walked half-way over to his two friends.

"Hey Steve, how's it going?" Two-Bit questioned Steve as Ponyboy stayed behind.

"I'm just dandy," Steve replied, shifting his gaze to the younger boy. "Hey, kid, c'mon!"

Ponyboy reluctantly followed Two-Bit towards the door of the DX, where Steve had already gone back inside. Fear washed over the younger greaser and he stood still in front of the door.

"Two-Bit, I-I can't," he stuttered, slightly shaking. "I just can't go inside."

"Ponyboy, listen to me," Two-Bit soothed in his best, reassuring voice. "Just step inside, and see Soda; then we can leave, okay?"

"O-Okay," Ponyboy finally agreed and let Two-Bit lead the way, with his hand pulling on Ponyboy's jacket.

As they reached the doorway, Ponyboy couldn't put his foot inside; every time he tried something inside him was telling him to pull back, to get out of there and fast.

"Remember what I said, kiddo. Look there's Soda behind the counter." Two-Bit tried to lighten the mood and make it easier for Ponyboy to enter the gas station. Even though he was getting a bit annoyed at Ponyboy's hesitation, he understood why the boy was so hesitant. Hell, he couldn't expect his first time back to be smooth and swell!

Ponyboy looked around him, feeling nervous and scared; he only saw a few people in the store but none of them was the guy. Feeling a wave of relief wash over him, he finally stepped inside and Two-Bit proudly slapped him on the back.

"See, kid, nothing to it! Entered it like a champ!"

Ponyboy rolled his eyes at Two-Bit's dirty joke but then his mood lightened when he saw Sodapop staring at him with a grin.

"Ponyboy!" Sodapop exclaimed and came running out from behind the counter. He trapped Ponyboy in a bone-crushing hug, making the younger brother laugh and hug him back. "I can't believe you came after all. I'm so proud of you Pone." Sodapop let go of his embrace and led him further inside.

"So, how was your school day?" Sodapop eagerly asked as Two-Bit left to join Steve in the garage.

"It wasn't so bad." After a while, he lowered his gaze to the floor. "Soda, I'm still scared," Ponyboy confessed.

"Hey, look at me," Sodapop said, cupping Ponyboy's chin in his hand to make him look at him. "You're safe now, I'm here, Steve's here and Two-Bit's here. You got nothing to worry about." He grinned. "Except maybe about Two-Bit."

"Hey!" the older greaser yelped from inside the garage, making the two brothers laugh.

"Everything's fine, okay Pony?"

"Alright," he reluctantly agreed.

Sodapop grabbed a Pepsi from the fridge and handed it to Ponyboy, knowing it would cheer his baby brother up. Two-Bit, Steve and Sodapop stood around talking, while Steve and Sodapop each took turns serving customers. Ponyboy just listened and sipped his drink nervously, scanning the DX for evidence of the guy returning, never finding any.

Steve wanted to show Two-Bit some part he could use for his car, so he left the two brothers at the counter, in the same spots they were when...it happened.

"Hey, can I get some service around here?" a customer yelled from inside the garage, beginning to be pissed off that Steve wasn't helping him since he was working on another car, and thinking that Two-Bit also worked there.

"Be right there, sir!" Sodapop yelled back, then apologetically stared at Ponyboy. "Sorry, Pone, you gonna be okay for a few minutes while I help this guy?"

Pony nodded and watched his brother leave, rendering him now on his own. His stomach was fluttering inside of him, as he tried to assure himself everything was fine; he was safe and his brother was safe.

Pony got so lost in his own hyped up thoughts that he didn't hear someone walk up behind him, until he felt a heavy hand grasp his shoulder, making him freeze in fear. "What do we have here?" The voice was loud and deep; the guy was back and he had a hold of Ponyboy.

Ponyboy felt himself being shoved around, coming face to face with the loud voice's owner, whom was familiar."Got a message for you, kid. Been looking for you everywhere."

Ponyboy's knees became weak and his Pepsi fell out of his hand, crashing to the floor and spilling. "No! No please, I'll do anything! Help!" he screamed hysterically.

The hand holding his shoulder released him and he fell to the floor, trying to scramble away from the guy, eyes closed.

"Get away! Get away!" Ponyboy screamed in absolute terror.

The guy stepped back in shock, putting his hands up as the three boys came rushing over. "I didn't do nothing! What's with the kid?"

Sodapop collapsed on his knees next to his baby brother and held him in his arms. Ponyboy immediately started struggling.

"Let me go, please let me go! I won't say anything!" Ponyboy was sobbing heavily now and Sodapop kept a tight hold on him.

"Pony, Ponyboy; it's Soda! I'm right here, you're safe! Calm down, baby," Sodapop rocked Ponyboy back and forth and glanced up at the three shocked faces when Ponyboy finally called down and threw himself in Sodapop's arms.

"Tim, what the hell happened?!"

Tim Shepard shook his head. "He was just daydreaming at the counter and I grabbed his shoulder. He went all crazy on me."

"My brother isn't crazy," Sodapop snapped, glaring at the older hood. "He's just struggling after we got attacked a few weeks ago."

"Fuck, I didn't know the kid was involved," Tim truthfully replied, though he didn't apologize. Ponyboy's reaction still left him shocked but most of all, surprised.

"Is he alright, Soda?" Steve asked in concern.

"Two-Bit why did you bring him here?" Sodapop angrily asked, ignoring Steve's question.

Ponyboy's pain and fear was only making Sodapop's come back; all day he had tried to forget and move on with his job but it was difficult to do so when something like this happened, again.

"I thought it would help him, sorry Soda," Two-Bit sheepishly answered, eyes downcast. He felt guilty at seeing Ponyboy in that state.

"Well, it didn't!" Sodapop yelled, annoyed. At the moment, he didn't feel bad for yelling at his friend, but deep down, he knew that Two-Bit's guilt was enough punishment.

Steve slapped Two-Bit's chest with the back of his hand. "Shoot, it's not your fault. The kid's not the only one who had trouble staying here." Sodapop sharply looked up at him, while Ponyboy choked on his sobs.

"Is that true?" he asked his older brother. "Is it true that you're not okay here?"

Sodapop rested his chin on Ponyboy's head and stroked Ponyboy's hair lovingly. "I'll be honest, kiddo. I was real scared coming back today. I tried to think it didn't happen, but it kept at me, ya dig? But now I have to be strong for you. You were so brave even coming here today, baby. It's going to take some time for the both of us, but as long as I'm by your side and you're by mine, we'll be just fine. Okay?"

Ponyboy nodded and smiled fondly at his brother and nodded. Sodapop helped him up and wrapped an arm around his shoulders. "Can we go home now?" Ponyboy asked.

Sodapop smiled. "Let's go home, kiddo." Right where you belong.