Disclaimer; I don't own The Outsiders.

Thud.

"Oops."

Happy Saturday, I thought sarcastically as I opened my eyes, blinking blearily against the morning sun. I turned to look at my worn out alarm clock that was on my desk; eight twenty-seven am, still too early to be up, in my opinion. I rolled over on my back and snuggled deeper into my bed. Just as I started dozing off, I heard my door creak open slightly, and a second later I felt someone climb onto my bed and sit on my stomach. I sighed as I opened my eyes. Nicky was looking back at me with a grin. I gave him a glare which he laughed at.

"You have five seconds to get off before I make you get off."

"And what if I don't?" Nicky challenged as he raised his eyebrow.

"You'll end up on the floor." Nicky looked like he was considering it. After a couple seconds, he looked over at me and smiled mischievously.

"Pone, it's already been 10 seconds."

This was gonna be a long day.

I pushed Nicky off of me, and he landed on the ground with an oomph. It was no use trying to go back to sleep, so I got up, and stepped over Nicky who was glaring at me while rubbing his head. Before opening the door, I turned to him and smirked.

"You might wanna ice that." He scowled at me while I went into the kitchen. No one was in the house. They must've already went to work I thought as I made my way over to the table, and sat down sleepily.

I didn't get much sleep last night. Shoot, I don't think anyone did. Nicky had a nightmare again about our parents. I guess that's something we have in common; our nightmares. Except I don't remember my nightmares. He does. Thankfully, my nightmares have subsided to having one, once a week, but Nicky wakes up screaming bloody murder almost every night.

And it doesn't help that we share a room.

I sighed as I put my head on the table. Just as I started dozing off, I felt someone pull my hair. I looked up just as Nicky was making his way over to the other side of the table. We locked eyes and he gave me an innocent smile.

Too innocent.

I gave him an annoyed look. I heard my stomach growl, and with a sigh, I got up and went over to the cupboard to get some cereal. Johnny was coming over around 9 to help me babysit the brat. I hate getting stuck with these jobs, but since money's real tight right now, I shouldn't complain.

"Did you eat somethin' yet?" I asked as I got the milk out of the fridge. My job today was to feed him, and make sure he doesn't burn the house down. He shook his head and I got out another bowl, pouring cereal and milk into it. Handing it to him, I made my way to the chair and starting eating. After a couple spoonfuls, I noticed Nicky staring at me intently. I raised my eyebrow.

"What?"

"You eat funny." he said as he gave me a grin.

"I eat funny?" I repeated, giving him a confused look.

"Yeah," he started. "Like a horse." Then all of a sudden, some kind of realization had dawned on him. His eyes widened and he opened his mouth. I watched him curiously, wondering what in the hell was going on in his head.

"That's why your name is Ponyboy! It's because you're a boy who eats like a Pony!" he shouted. Yes, I think my brother has finally lost it.

I shook my head, amused. "You're a weird kid."

After a couple more spoonfuls, I got up to put my bowl in the sink. I left the kid in the kitchen as I walked to the living room, settling myself down on the couch. I didn't need to shower since I took one last night and I didn't bother changing since I slept in my sweats and t-shirt. I turned on the tv to some Gunsmoke marathon, and just as I got comfortable, the door opened, revealing Johnny. He gave me a small smile and shut the door gently, unlike the rest of the gang who lets it slam shut.

He was making his way over to the couch when all of a sudden I heard a, "JOHNNY!" and a figure rushing up to Johnny and tackling him into a hug. I sighed heavily.

"Nicky, get off of Johnny, before you squeeze him to death." He immediately unwrapped his arms from Johnny's waist. Johnny smiled and patted his back affectionately. I looked over at Johnny apologetically.

"Sorry Johnny. Nicky's just being… Nicky today."

"Nah, it's okay," he said as he ruffled his hair. "I don't mind."

I smiled at him before I turned my attention back to my brother.

"Go finish up your cereal."

He sighed dramatically as he trudged back into the kitchen. Well at least he didn't put up a fight, I thought as Johnny sat next to me.

I noticed a new bruise on his cheek. I still couldn't believe Johnny's own parents could hurt him like that. Poor Johnny doesn't even do anything wrong! All he does is love them, when they in return punch him 'til he was black and blue. It was just not fair.

I shook out of my thoughts as I heard an all too familiar yell from the kitchen.

"PONY!"

"What?" I yelled back.

"I'm done eating!"

"Well then put it in the sink." This kid is going far places in life, I can already tell.

"Okay!" Johnny chuckled and I sighed exasperated. After hearing the bowl clatter in the sink, Nicky rushed back to the living room and sat by Johnny. I gave him a warning look that I practiced from Darry. I've noticed that I've been using it a lot lately.

"Don't bother him."

He gasped dramatically. "I would never!" Johnny laughed a little and ruffled his hair again. I turned my attention to Johnny.

"You just tell me if he's annoying you, and I'll take care of it, okay?" I said seriously. I knew my brother was a restless child, just like Soda. He could never sit still, so he had a habit of bothering people without even noticing. It was just in his personality.

"I really don't mind Pone, he's like a little brother to me." I snorted.

"Well you can have him, for free." Johnny playfully rolled his eyes at me. Nicky took this opportunity to hug Johnny as he looked at me.

"I like Johnny better anyways!" he said, thinking that it'd offend me. "He'd be a better big brother than you."

"Oh my, you hurt my feelings." I sarcastically replied. He obviously didn't notice the sarcastic tone of my voice, because he replied with, "Good!" He looked up at Johnny with his hazel eyes.

"Johnny, do you wanna be my new big brother," he then motioned over to me while making a disgusted face. "Because Pony's doing a lousy job." That made Johnny laugh.

"Sure, why not?" Nicky flashed him a smile and hugged him. Nicky really loves Johnny. I mean, he rarely hugs anyone, even us, but when Johnny's in the room, he'll hug him in a second. He knows that Johnny's parents hurt him, so I think that's part of the reason he really likes Johnny and hugs him a lot, is to make him feel better.

"Johnny, I wish you good luck man, you'll need it." I teased as I headed into the kitchen to get two Pepsi's. When I returned, I handed one to Johnny, and I sat back to where I was previously and took a sip of the cold liquid. Nicky was looking at me expectantly. I raised my eyebrow at him.

"What?"

"Why didn't you get me one?"

"You can't have one."

"Why not?" He crossed his tiny arms across his chest.

"Remember what happened last time when you drank a Pepsi?" He sighed heavily, and nodded.

About a month ago, when we had the gang over for a BBQ, Nicky had gotten ahold of a Pepsi can, and drank all of it within minutes. He became so hyper, that he was literally bouncing with every step he took. Darry got concerned because his heart rate had gone up tremendously, so we almost drove him to the hospital. It was a nightmare to get him to sleep. We tried everything to calm him down, like drinking hot milk, taking a hot bath, you name it. Eventually, after three in the morning, he finally crashed, under the kitchen table.

Darry had made it perfectly clear to not give him any soda whatsoever, because dealing with an extra hyped up Nicky is hell, and that's the last thing I needed today.

Nicky got up from the couch and went into our room. Thank God, he finally left us alone.

"I'm sorry about him, he's just really obnoxious." Johnny laughed.

"He doesn't bother me none."

"Try living with him." Johnny rolled his eyes at me.

We continued watching Gunsmoke in silence until Nicky came out of out room, minutes later.

"Pony… I'm bored!" he whined. I looked at him exasperated.

"Go play with one of your toys or somethin'. He gave me an incredulous look.

"Ponyboy, I don't play with toys." He emphasized the toys part. I raised my eyebrow. He shouldn't have said that.

"Oh yeah? Then how come I caught you talking to your bear the other day?" I smirked as Johnny started to snicker. Nicky's cheeks reddened and he hardened his glare.

"I wasn't talking to it! I-I, just really liked how my voice sounded that day." Wow little brother, you need to step up your lying game. I rolled my eyes and returned my eyes to the screen. Seconds later Nicky got in front of the tv, blocking us from watching it.

"Nicky, move." My patience was running out.

"Not until you play with me." He crossed his arms in front of his chest.

"I don't want to play right now," I said, annoyance taking over me. "So move."

"No."

"Nicholas!" I said, my voice rising. "Stop being a brat and move."

"Don't call me Nicholas!" he half screamed at me. I was taken aback for a second, but now my anger was boiling. I was in no mood for a temper tantrum from a six year old.

"Then move!" I yelled at him.

"NO!" In an instant he advanced towards me, trying to tackle me. He was pretty strong for a 6 year old, but he still couldn't take me down. He started punching at me, and kicking out of pure anger.

Ever since mom and dad died, he'd get these random angry mood swings, which would result in a temper tantrum. And today was one of those days where I would not put up with it. I immediately grabbed his wrists with one hand and used my other hand to pick him up by the waist. I easily threw him over my shoulder as I headed into our room. He was still kicking and hollerin' at me, but I didn't care. I dropped him on his bed.

"What the hell is wrong with you today, throwing tantrums like a baby."

"I'M NOT A BABY!"

"Then quit actin' like one!" I said sharply.

"You can't tell me what to do!" He flung his pillow at me, which hit the door instead.

"Yes, I can, because I'm in charge of you!"

"NO, ONLY MOM AND DAD CAN!" he screamed at me as he flung himself facedown on his bed.

That statement hit me like a ton of bricks. Even though they died five months ago, the hurt was still there. It was like a never ending wound, that keeps opening up.

I probably stayed in our room for a good couple minutes, in a daze. I finally snapped out of it, and headed towards the door.

Fighting the lump in my throat, I made my way towards the door, glancing at my brother who was still facedown on his bed, clutching his teddy bear. I sighed as I closed the door, and made my way back into the living room.

"I guess you heard that huh?" I asked Johnny quietly. He nodded his head.

I rubbed my eyes tiredly and groaned. I should know better than to fight with my brother. Johnny has it way worse, and he doesn't say anything about it.

"I'm sorry."

"It's okay man." He left it at that, which I was grateful for. We continued watching Gunsmoke.

After watching two episodes, it was only 11 o'clock. I haven't heard from Nicky since the tantrum, but I figured he was sleeping. I looked over at Johnny who was dozing off.

Man, he looked way younger than sixteen, in his sleep. I got up to get a blanket from the hall closet, to cover him with. While I was there, I also went into my room to check on Nicky, to make sure he was still there. He had a habit of running away ,using the window as an escape. I smiled slightly, I wonder where he gets it from, I thought to myself sarcastically.

Opening the door slowly, I peeked my head in to see that he was still facedown on his bed, snoring softly. I closed it gently, and went into the living room where Johnny was out like a light.

I put the blanket over him, and I sat on the other side of the couch, putting my feet on the coffee table. It was unusually quiet in the house, since none of the gang was here, except Johnny. It was actually pretty relaxing. I started dozing off, and before I knew it, I fell asleep.

Sneak Peek to Chapter 3:

I was awakened, what felt like seconds later to someone shaking my shoulder. I groaned and opened my eyes, to see a worried looking Johnny. I immediately sat up.

"What's going on?" I asked, a little groggy.

"Nicky's gone!" Johnny said frantically.

"What do you mean he's gone?" I yelled.

"The window's open in y'alls room!"

Shit.

A/N: Thanks so much for the positive feedback! I'm trying really hard to update this story every Sunday. I was going to update it last Sunday, but I had a terrible cold, so it was delayed. Same with Trapped. I'm going to try to update Trapped, but I might just put it on hiatus for now, *sniff sniff.* Anyways, hope y'all like this chapter! It will be in two parts. I really tried to get the personalities just right. And excuse me for my grammar mistakes. Thanks for reading! PS: Also, I know the transition from Nicky being angry was a little too fast, but don't forget that he has Darry's genes. ;) Also, do you guys like chapter sneak peeks? I think they're kinda fun. J