A/N: Thanks to BringMeBelugas, MarMarBinks and Pidia for the reviews :D Here's Chapter Two with All Shook Up, by Elvis Presley. Things are moving by quickly. Thanks for reading!

Cassidy woke up a few hours later with a pounding headache. She tasted blood on her lips and felt an allover ache consume her body. Slowly, her eyes fluttered open to an unknown room, an unknown house and a lumpy, unknown couch she'd been sleeping on. No one seemed to be around, but she could hear a conversation being held outside on the porch. Cassidy recognized Ryder's voice, but the other was surreal and new to her.

"We came here hoping it wouldn't happen again," Ryder said quietly, "I can't believe this."

"Damn Soc's are getting braver and braver these days," The opposing man said, "They've really branched out lately."

"I want your boys to watch over Cass," Ryder replied with burden, "Soda and Ponyboy could really change her. I want her to trust people again, and I think they could help."

Soda and Ponyboy? Were those types of drinks or something? Cassidy wondered where Dally was instead of pondering on the variety of possible flavors a "Ponyboy" could be. She'd probably never see him again anyways, but why was she so concerned? He had saved her life, but he was just another hood off the streets. He probably did stunts like that every week.

The door opened and Ryder stepped inside with another man behind him. When Cassidy saw her brother she burst into tears and he rushed forward to hug her carefully. He reassured her that everything was okay until she'd quieted down, and turned to the man standing stilly behind them.

"This is Darrel. You can call him Darry, though. He's like family-"

"Where's Dally?" Cassidy asked. Ryder and Darry exchanged an uneasy look.

"Dallas left when you fell asleep," Darry answered, folding his hands in his pockets, "He was especially worried about you. That's not his nature, so if I were you, I'd take it as a compliment."

"How about we get you home?" Ryder suggested, "You need some rest and something to eat."

Cassidy nodded calmly and grabbed onto his forearms as he helped her to her feet. She was luckily able to walk, although half her body weight was spent leaning against Ryder's side. Darry kept a hand on her shoulder just to make sure she wouldn't fall. His actions reminded her of the Soc in the alleyway, but she kept quiet.

"Where's Chief?" Cassidy questioned. Ryder paused, glancing at Darry, who replied with a mere solemn look.

"One of the Soc's got ahold of him while they were running. I'm sorry, Cassie." Ryder muttered, swallowing heavily. Cassidy felt the familiar lump rising in her throat but managed to keep from crying again. With one last pledged thanks to Darry, Ryder drove Cass home. She was able to take a much needed shower, but as soon as she stepped into her room after she'd gotten dressed, she collapsed onto her bed and was fast asleep before Ryder could ever offer her anything to eat.

She woke up the next morning to more voices in the kitchen. Cassidy managed to brush her strewn hair into a reasonable wavy do, and headed for the kitchen. The boy talking to her brother almost gave her a heart attack.

Dally.

"Dally," Cassidy said quickly, fumbling over her words, "Hey, uh, it's nice to see you."

"Yeah, you too, Cassidy," He said and smiled coyly, "I came here to see if you were doing any better… You are, right?"

"Of course," She insisted, twirling a strand of her hair around her ring finger, "I know words can't truly express my gratitude, but… thank you. I don't know what would have-"

"Don't worry, don't worry. Those Soc's won't mess with you now that know you've got greasers protecting you," He said and turned to Ryder, "Mind if we take a walk to the park? I promise I'll watch after her."

"Sure," Ryder countered. Cassidy looked collected on the outside, but on the inside her stomach had to be tying itself in knots, "But come straight back. And don't let her out of your sight. Hear me, Winston?"

"Loud and clear, Mr. MacTavish." Dally responded with a slight sarcastic tone. He turned to Cassidy and his features softened just barely; like kids watching a snail drag on slowly. She grinned, and he led her outside and they began walking to the park.

"I'm damn glad I left the movie house early last night," Dally said, breaking the silence that had been forming between them, "Darry's talked about you and your brother before. Says Ryder's a real hoot if you get to know him, and that you two moved here because he wanted you to feel safe or something."

"It's a long story." Cassidy answered. She wasn't in the mood to explain her life story, anyways. Dally just shrugged and whipped his head around when someone called his name.

"Soda!" Dally exclaimed, throwing his hands into the air. The boy approaching them wore a pair of jeans, a stained white shirt and an oily blue work jacket. He held a hat in his hand and was smiling brightly at them, "You're supposed to be working, kid."

Soda? Like what Ryder had said when he was talking to Darry? Cassidy had never met anyone by the name of Soda. She'd have to mark that on her calendar.

"Sorry about what happened, Cassidy," Soda said, but held out his hand, "I'm Sodapop, Darry's younger brother. Ponyboy is our brother too. He and Johnny are probably sitting at the lot."

Cassidy shook his hand and introduced herself, even though it was obvious that he already knew who she was. They continued to walk to the park with an added member to their group. Dally was puffing on a cigarette the whole time.

"You really shouldn't smoke," Cassidy stated, "You're lungs will suffocate."

"Have you ever even tried a weed?" Dally asked instead, changing the subject, "They aren't that bad, princess."

"Princess, huh?" Cassidy pressed, smirking. Dally returned the gesture with a crooked grin, and replied, "We all got pet names, sweetheart. Hell, we don't call Keith Two-bit for no reason. Its cause' he's always got to opinionate himself. He's got to get his two bits into the conversation."

"I'm not like a princess, though," She said, "Why don't you just call me by my real name until we find something more suitable."

"Sure thing," Dally nodded, but murmured under his breath, "Princess"

Cassidy rolled her eyes, but found herself admiring him. They sat on one of the park benches and talked about daily life; how Cassidy looked better, and how business at the gas station had been at its highest in the past week or two.

"What happened in Adamsville?" Dally suddenly asked, "Darry once said something about it, but he didn't give away too much."

Cassidy coughed; feeling the urge to bend forward and vomit. She remained content, though, and hugged her knees to her chest.

"Remind me later, and I'll tell you then." She answered simply.

Dally watched her closely, but decided not to question her any further. When Soda had to leave for work, Cassidy and Dally started back home. At her front door, Dally muttered an apology.

"What are you apologizing for?" Cassidy asked, shifting her weight onto one leg.

"I shouldn't have asked you what I did," He grumbled, leaning and propping his foot against the door, "I'm just a nosy, loud-mouthed greaser is all."

"No you're not," Cassidy said, narrowing her eyes in distaste, "Dally, you saved my life. What else could someone expect from you?"

She could tell Ryder was probably watching them from the kitchen window. Dally didn't seem likely to answer, so Cassidy launched her arms around his neck and embracing him tightly. He tensed up at first but soon relaxed into the hug and wound his own arms around her waist.

"I'll see you around, then." Dally said huskily as they pulled apart. He hesitated before descending down the porch stairs and walking off. Cassidy wasn't positive of where he was going, but she was sure he felt like a million bucks by the way he swung his shoulders back with each proud and oh-so-greaser-like step he took.

A/N: Like it, review it!