Disclaimer: I do not own The Outsiders by S.E. Hinton, or "She Loves You" by The Gaslight Anthem.

CHAPTER NINETEEN
Saturday, February 11th, 1967

And if all was well then your heart could find the words,
Would we be for better, babe, would we be for worse?

Watching Mary-Louise try and climb into Danny's lap was gross. So was the smirk on his face when his fingers disappeared beneath the hem of his girl's skirt. And when they kissed, Anna thought she might gag.

"What's your problem?" Danny asked.

She looked at him, raising an eyebrow. "Hey, you ever heard of that thing with four walls and a door? It has a bed, a dresser, sometimes a desk? What's that called … oh yeah!" She snapped her fingers. "A bedroom."

"You ever heard of giving ya brother some privacy?"

"In the kitchen?" Her brother sure was a dirty bastard at times.

Mary-Louise giggled. "I don't mind if we go to the bedroom."

Danny's smirk grew and Anna grimaced. She supposed seeing them make out at the kitchen table wasn't so bad - they were only making out, after all - but she knew what they would do in the bedroom. She might have suggested it, and them being in there would be better than seeing them kissing in the kitchen, but she didn't need to know about it.

She was thankful when the front door opened and Kathy came rushing in.

"You ready to go?"

Anna nodded. "Definitely."

"Where ya goin'?" Danny asked.

She paused on her way around past the table, unsure how to reply. "Er … we're just gonna drive around a bit. You know, take in the scenery."

"Liar."

She said nothing, unable to think up any good lies. She looked at Kathy who was staring at her with wide eyes.

"Whatever." Danny shrugged. "Just make sure you're home for dinner. Dad wants us to meet his new lady friend. Oh, and stay the hell outta trouble."

"What kind of trouble would I get into?"

Danny didn't even bother answering as Mary-Louise began whispering in his ear. Anna gladly turned away, grabbing Kathy's hand, and leaving the house.

Kathy looked sad as they made their way to her car. "You know, that's what bugs me." She pointed a finger in the direction they had just come. "Things have been over with me and Danny for nearly a year - he's moved on, I've moved … well, back, but that's not the point. The point is that Two-Bit's being a jerk about someone I'm completely done with."

Anna knew that was true; Kathy and Danny hadn't been into each other for a long time. She had suspected Danny still liked Kathy for a while after they stopped seeing each other, but he'd gotten over that pretty quick. A little awkwardness had hung around, but even that was long gone.

In fact, if it weren't for Two-Bit and his stupid words to Kathy last week, it was almost as though Kathy and Danny had never dated. It was just unfortunate that Two-Bit had said what he'd said, and not a word to her since.

"Any idea where we might find him?" Anna asked.

"Passed out in a gutter somewhere?" Kathy sighed. "I can't believe I have to do this."

"He's just gonna keep avoiding you otherwise."

"Is that really a bad thing?"

"Well, do you really want things to go on like this? I know driving around searching for him isn't great, but once it's done it'll be done."

"You're right. And when I stopped in at his house, his mom said he was at Steve's."

Of course he was at Steve's. Anna's heart sank at the thought, but she said nothing. This was Kathy's thing, and she had promised to be there for her.

The ride to Steve's was silent, and they arrived only minutes later. As they climbed out of the car, Anna looked at Kathy, pleased to see her friend look angry rather than upset. She didn't want Two-Bit to know how hurt Kathy was.

She heard Two-Bit's voice as soon as the car doors closed.

"Here she comes!" He smirked at Steve. "S'pose I oughtta get up and face the music, huh, Stevie?"

Anna glanced at Steve; they'd made small talk over the last week, but not much else. He hadn't given up on her, and definitely wasn't letting her forget he wanted her, but he was giving her some space. She wasn't sure how much she liked that.

Two-Bit stood when they reached them, hands in his jeans pockets, a shit-eating grin on his face. "Ladies."

"Where've you been?" Kathy asked.

"Around."

"I ain't seen you in a week."

"Huh. Ya know, I thought I was forgetting somethin'."

Anna looked at Steve again, and could tell even he knew Two-Bit was being an asshole on purpose. He was frowning at his friend, looking completely unimpressed. She wondered if Two-Bit had told him what was going on.

"That's all you've got to say to me?" Kathy asked, voice higher than usual. "You've been avoiding me all week - missin' school, not comin' around, not bein' anywhere I might see you - and you have nothin' to say?"

"What did ya expect me to say?"

Kathy opened her mouth, closed it, and opened it again. "You know, now that I think about it, this is exactly what I expected from you."

"Look, Kathy." He stepped down from the porch steps to stand in front of her. "Whaddya want?"

Anna didn't miss the hurt on Kathy's face, but she took a deep breath and continued. "I thought you might wanna know that it was a false alarm. I'm not pregnant."

Two-Bit smirked, not looking relieved, just arrogant. "Hope ya let Harris know. He's already been through this once; he'll be glad to know this was a false alarm, too."

Anna sucked in a breath, and Kathy's eyes widened. It wasn't the mention of Danny and the problems Ruth Goodall had caused him last year, it was Two-Bit once again throwing Kathy's one night with Danny back in her face.

"Two-Bit, c'mon, man …" Steve tried, but Two-Bit ignored him.

Kathy licked her lips. "At least when Danny thought he'd knocked his girl up, he was plannin' on doin' the right thing by her and taking some damn responsibility."

"Yeah, right after he was done havin' his way with you."

"Christ, why are you bein' so awful?" Kathy asked, voice rising. "Seriously, Two-Bit, I get that you're cut up about losing Dally and Johnny, but you -"

"Don't you fucking bring them into this."

"You turned into an asshole and I can barely stand to be around you," Kathy continued. "People deal with grief in different ways, but none of your buddies have started this kind of shit. Steve's actually become nicer since it happened and you're just …" She trailed off, shaking her head while Steve looked at her in surprise.

"I'm just what?" Two-Bit's voice was all venom.

"Not the person I fell in love with. I hate to go getting all dramatic, but you've changed and I don't want you no more."

"Right back at ya."

Despite her words, Kathy's lip trembled. She nodded. "Well, you could've told me that weeks ago. It would've saved me an awful lot of time."

"Why would I do that? You think I give a shit about wastin' your time?"

"Obviously not; you've been doing it for nearly two years."

Two-Bit's eyes narrowed. "You're such a bitch."

"And I'm done. Shit, Two-Bit, I tell you I might be pregnant and you accuse me of sleeping around? You threw my one night with Danny back in my face instead of taking any responsibility!"

"You shouldn't have let him fuck you then!" Two-Bit yelled. "And on your first fucking date at that."

A hand grabbed Anna's wrist, pulling her away from where she was standing next to Kathy. She looked up, finding Steve walking past her and closer to Two-Bit.

"It's okay," Kathy said, glancing at Steve. Tears had filled her eyes, but she looked calm enough as she stared at Two-Bit. "Sometimes, Two-Bit, I really think I might hate you."

For the first time since arriving, Anna saw something other than anger in Two-Bit's eyes. He looked hurt.

Kathy continued. "Then I end up realising how pathetic I am because, as much as I try to hate you, I just continue lovin' you. It don't matter now, though. This - you and me - we're done. For good."

"Fine."

"I don't know if you believe me - I do have a habit of constantly taking you back, after all - but I don't care. After all of this … you can go to hell for all I care." As if to prove her words, she turned and headed back toward her car.

Anna ran after her, not wanting Kathy to be alone, but was stopped by Kathy claiming she needed exactly that.

She nodded. "Okay, if that's what you want."

Kathy climbed into her car and left without another word. Walking back to Steve and Two-Bit, Anna just looked at them. She didn't know what to do or say or think. A part of her was desperate to continue the fight on Kathy's behalf, but another part knew better. For once, Kathy had meant it when she said she was done; she didn't need Anna dragging it out for her.

She felt shocked and useless. Kathy and Two-Bit had broken up countless times, but it had never been like this. It had never been so final, so angry, so mean. She'd never seen Kathy like that before. And there wasn't a thing she could do - for Kathy or Two-Bit.

"I'm gettin' outta here," Two-Bit mumbled. He walked past Anna, avoiding her gaze.

She wanted to shake him - to make him go after Kathy and apologise, take it back, tell her he loved her. But she did nothing, just watched him go.

"D'you think it'll last?" Steve asked.

He was standing right behind her, and she wasn't stupid enough to think this would just be more small talk. Not after what they had just witnessed. Question was whether or not she was willing to stick around for whatever it was he wanted to say.

She turned to look at him. "I think it might."

"Yeah, I think so, too. Two-Bit went too far this time."

Painfully aware of how that one statement made her heart thud, Anna stared at him. He wasn't taking Kathy's side, but he knew his buddy was in the wrong. He stepped toward her.

"You wanna come in for a while?"

Her eyes widened, and she looked past him to the house. "I'm not sure that's such a good idea."

He sighed, looking away and saying nothing. She continued.

"In fact, I should probably go."

His gaze shot back up to meet hers. "Don't go."

Surprisingly enough, she stayed. Shuffling on her feet, she looked up at him, waiting. She didn't know why she was staying, or what would come of it, but she couldn't leave yet.

"You can't keep pretending nothing's changed," he said, voice soft.

"I'm not pretending anything."

"You're pretending you don't want me, you're pretending you don't need me, and you're pretending you don't want to be with me."

"You shouldn't be so damn sure of yourself. You ever think that maybe I ain't pretending?"

"You wouldn't've come to me after Danny got shot if you didn't want me."

She blushed. He had a point there, but she wouldn't admit it. She had wanted him - so damn much.

"I don't want to be with you."

"That's bullshit!" he said, ending their calm conversation. "You know we're meant to be together, Anna. You fucking know it."

"No, I don't. I don't know anything anymore!" She sighed, running her fingers through her hair. "You've pushed your way back into my life, when all I wanted was to forget you."

"What about now? What d'you want now?"

"I don't know." She paused to stare at him, and the source of the whole problem spilled from her lips. "You … you slept with Evie! I know what you want from me, but how I'm I supposed to give it to you after you did that?"

"Christ, Anna. You fucking know how I feel about you, but you're willin' to throw it away because I made a mistake? One I can swear will never happen again!" Stepping closer, he slipped his hands around her waist. "You know how I feel about you, you know I make you happy, but you gotta give me something. Anything."

"Let me go."

"I can't." And there was such a raw honesty to his voice that she knew he was talking about more than just her body.

"Steve …"

"I want you, Anna, more than anything. I'll do anything to get you back, but if you really don't want me - if you really and truly want me to give up on you again, then I will. If it's what you really want."

A car pulled into the driveway before she could answer. He let her go, and they both watched his dad climb out. She didn't miss the way Steve tensed.

"You have to leave."

She glanced at his dad, frowning at the way he was glaring at Steve. "Why?"

"Please. Just go."

Looking back at him, she understood, and her heart jumped to her throat. She took a step back, but didn't leave - couldn't leave. She knew what his dad was capable of, and she couldn't leave. She was ready to grab his hand, beg him to leave with her, but wasn't fast enough. His dad pushed his way between them, and grabbed Steve by the front of his jacket.

"When were you gonna tell me, huh? Didja think I wouldn't find out?"

Steve struggled. "I don't know what you're fuckin' talkin' about."

"Liar! You fucking piece of shit." His dad swung his arm back, barely missing Anna, but hitting Steve squarely on the jaw. "You think I wouldn't find out? It's my fucking kid!"

"Stop!" she cried.

He didn't stop. He shook Steve hard enough to rattle his teeth, before punching him in the mouth, making him bleed. Not knowing what else to do, Anna grabbed his arm as he pulled back again.

"No! Leave him alone!"

Her tugging was useless. John barely glanced at her as he shoved her away, pushing her to the ground before punching Steve in the stomach. She landed on her behind with a heavy thud, looking up in time to see Steve, doubled over in pain, charge at his dad.

"Don't fucking touch her," he growled.

It was pointless, she could tell right away. Even as Steve tried to hit and punch his dad, John was getting in harder hits and heavier punches. She climbed back to her feet as Steve landed on his knees, and ran to the edge of the property.

"Two-Bit? Two-Bit!"

She looked wildly up and down the street, but he was gone; probably had been for a good while. Fighting back the sob making its way up her throat, she forced herself to look back at Steve. She was just in time see his dad throw a few kicks to his ribs, before heading inside.

"Oh, God," she whimpered, running back to him.

She dropped to her knees next to him. Steve was bloody and dirty and not moving. She felt sick as she looked at him, and it sure as hell wasn't because of the blood on his face and neck. Pushing his hair back from his forehead, she leaned close.

"Steve? Steve, please -" She broke off in a sob when he opened his eyes.

"I told you to leave."

"I couldn't. I just couldn't."

Pushing himself up, he wouldn't meet her gaze. "Go, Anna. Just fuck off."

She froze at his words, and it took her a moment to realise his anger had nothing to do with wanting her gone. He was embarrassed. Lip trembling, she scooted closer.

"I ain't leavin'."

He still wouldn't look at her, but didn't push her away when she placed a cool hand on the back of his neck.

"Where're your keys?" she asked, not sure why she was whispering.

"Why?"

"'Cause I gotta get you to Soda's, and I can't exactly carry you. I gotta drive you."

He scoffed, but it turned into the kind of cough that made her cringe. "Not gonna happen."

"Steve, please." She placed a hand on his torso, worried. Her worries were confirmed when he hissed in a breath. "This ain't the time to go getting protective of that damn car. Just give me your keys."

He finally looked at her, and the look in his eyes broke her heart. She hated his dad more than she'd ever hated anyone in her life.

"They're in my pocket," he said. She reached into his jacket pocket, but he smirked. "Na, jeans pocket. The front one."

She rolled her eyes, too happy to see him smirk to worry about his dirty mind. Grabbing the keys - and ignoring the way he was watching her - she helped him to his feet.

"C'mon. Let's get you outta here."

XXXXX

"Wait here. I'll go get Soda and Darry to help you out."

Even in the state he was in, Steve glared. "I don't need no goddamn help."

Anna ignored him, and climbed out of the car. He didn't need any help, and she was being silly. Caring, which was nice, but silly. He could get out of the car and inside the house perfectly fine on his own. A few punches was nothing. At least that was what he thought until Darry and Soda turned up and he had only just opened the car door.

"Hey, buddy," Soda said, and his voice was just like it had been after they found Johnny that time.

"I'm fine," he muttered.

"You're hardly fine," Darry said. "I ain't seen you this hurt in a long time. Not even after the River Kings got ya."

Accepting the help - but only because he didn't have a choice - Steve found himself sitting on the Curtis couch a few minutes later. Anna was next to him - watching him far too closely - and Pony and Darry were standing over him, asking questions.

"Who the hell did this to you?"

"No one."

Anna tensed next to him, but he kept her quiet with a sharp a look.

"Was it the River Kings again?" Ponyboy asked.

"It was no one."

Soda came back in then, carrying a bowl of water and a washcloth. "It was your old man, wasn't it?"

Steve said nothing, but he didn't have to. If it had been the River Kings, or any other guy, he would tell them. But his old man beating the shit out of him wasn't something everyone needed to know.

"It was," Anna said. Ignoring his scowl, she continued. "They need to know. You can't go back there for at least a few days. You wouldn't go back there ever if I had my way."

He couldn't be angry at her when she said things like that. She wouldn't meet his gaze as he stared at her, but she inched that little bit closer.

Soda wrung out the cloth, and leaned forward.

"Give me that," Anna snapped. She snatched the cloth out of Soda's hands, and climbed to her knees.

Next thing Steve knew, one soft hand was holding his face while the other cleaned the blood off of him. He watched her, reminded of the night he'd had to clean her face the same way, but she still wouldn't look him in the eyes. That was okay. She was there; that's what mattered.

"I'm gonna get you some painkillers," Soda said, grinning like a fool.

Darry and Ponyboy both left, too, and Steve couldn't help himself. Lifting one hand, he tucked a strand of hair behind Anna's ear. She paused, letting out a low breath before looking at him.

"Don't go doin' that."

"Why not?"

She washed the cloth out, before bringing it up to his neck. "'Cause I'm tryin' to clean you up."

That was a terrible excuse, but he let it slide. Soda came back, handing him a glass of water and a couple of pills. Once he'd swallowed the pills back, Soda started in on him.

"What happened?"

Anna tensed again, but Steve shrugged.

"I dunno. But if I had to guess, I'd say he found out about Millie."

"Aw, shit, Stevie." Soda leaned forward again. "Look, I didn't even need to talk to him about it, but Darry said you can stay as long as you need to -"

"I don't need to."

"- and then he said he ain't takin' no for an answer."

Anna set the cloth back in the bowl. "How're your ribs?"

"Fine." They hurt like a bitch.

"Are they broken?"

"Cracked, maybe."

She said nothing else, but glanced around the living room. "I have to go."

He wanted to tell her not to leave, but couldn't bring himself to do it this time. Instead, he slid his fingers onto her thigh, spreading them over the material of her skirt, and stared at her.

"I have to," she said. "My dad's got this girlfriend, and he wants us to meet her tonight. I promised I'd be home for dinner."

Steve nodded. "It's cool."

"I'll come see you again soon, okay?"

"Sure."

"I mean it," she said, lowering her voice. "You know where to find me if you need me, but I'll be back once I've … thought about things."

"Okay."

She stared at him, and he stared right back. Darry was in the kitchen, Pony was in his room, and Soda was getting up to leave right then. It was just the two of them, and he felt like he should say something - anything - to make her stay.

But then she leaned forward, one soft hand on either side of his face, and gave him a soft, lingering kiss. It wasn't enough, but it was everything. Pulling back slightly, she looked into his eyes.

"Don't give up, okay?"

He smirked, though he felt like dancing. Lifting his hand again, he pushed her hair behind her ear again. "Was never planning on it."

She roll her eyes at him, squeezed his hand, and climbed to her feet. "I'll see you soon."

He watched her leave, and Soda came back.

"Well, looks like you got your girl back," he said.

Steve sighed, lips tingling, but refusing to get his hopes up. "I sure hope so."

And if there was a way to navigate your seas,
If tonight my true love dared belong to me.

A/N: Beta'd by RileysMomma. Posted for Good Fic Day.

As I said last time, this is my favourite chapter. Not sure why, but I really like it. Hope you guys do, too.

I also want to take a moment to once again pimp out K. Nefertiti's fic. I've read it all - it's amazing. You can find the link in my profile.