.::I do not own The Outsiders::.

23. I'll be you're scarecrow

Twobit Mathews threw crumpled up ball of paper at Steve who ducked just in time. While Twobit was laughing Steve grabbed a magazine and flung it to his face. Twobit grumbled some words as he went to pump some gas for a costumer a red mark over his cheek. Steve rolled his eyes, I can't believe this grease monkey is actually working here. The entrance door opened making the bells jingle signaling that someone has entered. Steve, without looking who it was, rested on top of the counter waiting for the person to say what he wanted.

"Hey."

Steve snapped his head up, "Soda?" He asked bewildered.

Nodding his head, Sodapop made his way over the counter ignoring his expression, "I'm working here now."

Randle's mouth was slightly opened totally pissed, No fucking way! Then Twobit appeared whistling a tune then stopped when he saw Soda. He apparently was okay with Soda's return. Well, at least now he was sure how to act around him, before he was pretty uncomfortable. His jokes had no humor in them and beer was his only option. Now he was fine, although he tried to ease the tension every time Soda was in the same room with Pony or Steve. Twobit saw Steve's face and quickly paced towards the middle of them. Sodapop smiled softly at him. At least Twobit's the sane one here. Which is pretty weird.

"Howdy there Soda. What brings you're graceful presence here at the DX?"

"Shane gave me my old job back. He told me some curious stuff. Said I had left with a guy..." Sodapop frowned hearing Steve snicker behind.

Twobit bit the inside of his cheek remembering him giving that idea to Steve jokingly, "Er-Well whatever. Um-Any who, Boss says there nice Stang in the back, somethin wrong with its motor thingy ma-bob."

"Leave it to Twobit to make work sound like a child's play, moron." Steve muttered.

Sodapop went to the garage, he was pretty excited to show his new skills he was taught with his past experiences in his long journey. I bet Steve will be impressed. I hope so. Steve followed him his eyes holding in the anger of Curtis having the guts to show up and actually work with him. Checking over the red mustang he tightly held on to the tools he needed getting into action. Soda rubbed his chin as he opened the hood inspecting furthermore.

"You checked the fuel pump?"

"Uh-huh."

"Leaks?"

"Yes."

"Was there smoke coming outta the mufflers?"

"I don't know, I think so."

"Didn't you attend the costumer?" Sodapop crossed his arms .

Steve glared at him irritated, "What? Now you're gonna boss me around? You think you have the right to do it? I know what I'm doing Sodapop. You ain't even doing nothing so I suggest you hurry your ass up checking that motor."

"Gee, I was only asking. Lighten up will ya?"

"Lighten up? Heck, I'd lighten up if you weren't here!"

Sodapop looked fiercely at him, "Christ Steve! Calm the fuck down! I know you're still mad at me with the whole thing of me coming back but c'mon! I'm just trying to be nice here! Actually trying to get along. Can't you do the same thing? At least at work?!"

The Greaser stood up his hands into fists, "You think it's easy? Easy to-to just pretend nothing happened? Don't be stupid!"

"Look I said I was so-"

"Shut up. Soda, just shut your mouth! Sorry means shit to me. It's not enough! I mean Jesus, Soda. You fucking left like a ghost! And the only contact you ever made was Christmas two years ago! Damn it...Just damn it..."

Soda's eyes softened, "I'm really sorry. If I could do...Do something to show it I would. Just tell me."

Steve shook his head going back to what he was doing, "You shoulda told me in the beginning... I would have understood... Followed you. I thought I was your best friend."

"You are my best friend. I mean, to me you are..."

Taking a deep breath Steve rubbed his neck as if tired, averting his eyes from Soda's he cursed himself for letting out his deep thoughts so easily. Pursing his lips he knew why. Of course he did, after all, back then they talked about everything, intimate stuff. Steve was his shoulder to lean on and vise versa. Those two shared their adventures, they attened the drag races, even double dated. Best of friends. But now it all changed. Steve concentrated on his poker face, that similar sensation of an emotion he would rather hide. Sadness.

Soda laid a hand on his shoulder, "Maybe one day everything will get better."

Steve shrugged as he muttered, "Just get to work..."

Curtis turned around, he smiled knowing it was progress. One small step at a time. At least now Steve had somewhat let go of his anger, only a little. Steve groaned inwardly, Why am I such a god damned softy. Soda closed his eyes for a moment, Hopefully now things will get in order. Peace. Maybe things will get well again. Just maybe...

Dear Ponyboy,

Gosh Pone. Sodapop returned? That's a real eye popper right there. I wish I could be there to see him. I know your probably very angry. Reading your letter I know you are. You even said you hated him but you gotta understand Pone that he came back for a reason. I bet that reason was you. Sure, Darry to, us the gang but you.

Soda had to do what he had to do, a poor lame choice. But Im thinking he's regretting it. You did say Steve punched him, you ignore him and the rest well. They arent happy either. I wouldnt be too happy too but it would all have worked out. It has too Pony.

Don't give yourselves a hard time. God, how I wish I were there too. But no Pony, don't say that it would be better if I was there instead of Soda. It ain't fair you know. Just accept it man.

I gotta go Ponyboy, today I have a mission. I dont know what will happen. I just want you to know that your the best bud I could ever ask or hope for. Oh, and Im almost done with Gone with the wind, thanks again for that buddy. Really. Take care. Bye.

~Johnny

Ponyboy re-read the letter three times cherishing every word. He finally heard from his friend after almost three weeks. Although he wasn't really glad to hear that he was going in a mission where dangerous things could happen. Even his stomach grumbled in anguish. Folding it neatly and putting it in the box he turned off his lamp. It was almost eight at night, nobody was home. Darry was working until midnight and Sodapop was working at the DX, Twobit and Dally decided to head off to Buck's leaving Pony alone.

He wasn't too fond of the idea of going outside. Something just didn't feel right so he simply stayed. His window was open, fresh air blowing in the room. Ponyboy looked around his semi messy place, books scattered on his small desk, some dirty shirts on the floor, posters of Elvis and Paul Newman on his wall. It felt wrong, something was missing. He felt strange.

Laying on his bed he concentrated on falling asleep thinking it could distract him from his unknown anguish, One sheep. Two sheep. Three sheep. Four- what the hell am I doing? Groaning in frustration he turned to his side furrowing his eyebrows. That nervousness in his stomach wouldn't go away, he could feel something was going to happen. Angrily grabbing his sheets he covered himself with them up to his head. Ponyboy began to think about his childhood. The day he first met Johnny. When he was in the park, he saw a little boy on the swings all by himself. Pony was too young to care if the little boy in the swings wanted to be bothered all he wanted was somebody to play with. Then the day when Pony learned to ride a bicycle, how he almost got ran over a car since his father had let him go. Then his mother hugging him tightly scared out of her wits. Mom...Dad...

Without noticing Ponyboy was imagining himself in town walking in between his parents. His mother was chattering away about wanting to go to the park for a nice picnic while his father smiled listening to everything she was saying. Pony was just amazed to actually see them. Alive! The sun that was shining so brightly was covered by clouds. Big black ones. The air was chillier. Darkness was beginning to cover town.

Pony looked up at the sky wondering how the weather changed so quickly. Noticing his parents weren't at his side anymore he spun around searching for them desperately. Mom?! Dad?! Stopping, he caught sight of someone at the end of the street he was in but being too dark he had to squint his eyes to see who it was. Ponyboy started walking towards the dark figure thinking it was his mother or father. He stopped when he saw that the figure was holding something shiny in its hands. A blade. Young Curtis froze, Oh shit!

The dark figure was getting closer, Pony started screaming for help but nothing came out of his mouth. Only silence. Just as the blade came in contact with his body-

Ponyboy let out a scream of terror as he fell from bed hitting his forehead with his desk. His bedroom door was opened as somebody barged inside. Pony felt hands on his shoulder shaking him lightly as soft words left their mouth. His eyes fluttered open and saw his brother staring at him, concern showing all over his face. Sodapop.

"You all right, Pone?" Soda asked gently.

Ponyboy nodded gasping for some air, "Y-yeah."

Sodapop smoothed his little brother's wet hair trying to keep him calm. He could feel Pony shake in his grip. Ponyboy's chin quivered. He was at the verge of crying but he didn't want to. He was trying so hard to stay mad at Soda. He didn't want Soda's comfort or his words. Being stubborn Pony wanted to get away. Although deep down he didn't. He longed for his console. Ever since he was gone. Pony looked away clenching his jaw, tears were in his eyes. Sodapop pursed his lips thinking if it was a good idea to stay there or just leave. He wasn't Pony's favorite person right now. And maybe never.

He stared at Pony, who was looking away still shaking, his hands were into fists wrapped around his knees that were up to his chin. Behind the tough act he could see the vulnerable Ponyboy. The boy who needed comfort. But his stubbornness was not going to allow it. Sodapop narrowed his eyes, The hell with it! With a swift motion his arms were around Ponyboy pulling him to his chest. Pony's eyes widened in surprise. S-Soda...He stayed still as he felt Soda's warm arms hugging him as if there was no tomorrow. He could feel Sodapop's chin rest upon his head. A small warm feeling emerged in his chest. Ponyboy was now confused, he was angry with Soda he didn't even want to be anywhere near him but right now all he wanted was his presence. He wanted that brotherly love again. I want Sodapop.

Finally, those tears slid down his face. Pony began sobbing clutching on to Sodapop's DX shirt. He cried hard his face against Soda's upper body. Middle Curtis held on to him, a small tender smile on Soda's face. Oh Ponyboy. Soda rubbed his back in a circular motion like when he was younger, it always made him relax. Pony's sobs eased up. His eyes were shut closed breathing hard now the feeling of being scared gone. Vanished. Looking up at his brother he wiped his eyes with his arm embarrassed for the whole crying fest.

"I-I'm sorry." He sobbed in a low voice.

Soda shook his head, "You don't have to be sorry for anything Pony."

"You didn't have to do that."

"But I did. I wanted to. As long as you stopped crying, honey. I love you Pony, I'd do anything for you..." Soda paused, "I'll be your scarecrow."

Ponyboy sniffed, "M-My scarecrow?"

Soda nodded holding him again, Ponyboy welcomed it, "That's right Pone. Imagine that you're bad dreams are like those birds that eat corn in those big fields... Am, crows!" Kissing him softly on his forehead Sodapop continued, "So I'll be your scarecrow... I'll scare away your nightmares."

His little brother swallowed the knot forming in his throat yet it stayed there, "Thank you." He choked out.

Maybe there was still some resentment towards Sodapop. It wasn't going to be easy to forgive him or forget. His wound was still open. But right there at that moment it healed some. Like someone putting a stitch over it. It was starting to mend. Soda was managing to dig his way into Pony's heart again. Sodapop still needed some work but he was getting there. He was so close.

Ponyboy let out a deep breath, Guess I don't hate you that much after all.

oOoOoOo

(Sorry for any grammar mistakes)

So I updated sooner than I expected. Which is nice for me and hopefully for you too.

I want to thank everyone for their ideas! I used sarahlacksanity idea for this chapter so thank you again! Everyone else, I read your ideas too and I will use them. I just need to fit them in. I appreciate the help and reviews you guys! Hope you enjoyed this chapter!(: