A/N

So its been, like, years since I've updated... What makes it worse, is that this chapter is short. Like, hobbit short. Only 854 words short.

But this chapter is a turning point in the story. As in, turn back now if you need constant trigger warnings about domestic abuse, alcohol abuse, drug abuse, etc. Nothing like self-harm, however, will be a trait in this story. But still, this is where we jump into the conflict between the Socs and greasers, Two-Bit's shell-shock/PTSD, elements like Johnny's home life, druggies, racism (this is the 60s), and drunkards. So, you know, warning. Turn back now and shiz.

So, yeah: This is where things start to get deep, even with the hobbity shortness of it. Enjoy the entire 854 words of this!

He laid flat on his back, staring at the ceiling, counting the cracks. He was stretched out on his back, stiff as a rod. He was stressed beyond stress-something Two-Bit didn't think possible.

But it was, it seemed, because right now he was so worried that he was too tired to worry.

It made him feel sick, but he ignored it. His sister might come home while he's wasting time in the bathroom, emptying his stomach. Or at least trying to.

Anyway, that was the thing: His sister wasn't home yet. It was well past midnight, and Keith wouldn't get home till six in the morning because he was acting as the bartender that day for once over in Bartlesville-that town that was a little over an hour away. So that idiot who calls himself a father couldn't do anything about it, but Two-Bit could. Even if it was merely staying up all night to make sure Karen got home safe.

After that, he'd scold her senseless. And then maybe coddle her in the morning. And the next few days or so.

After a while, he finished counting the cracks, so he just let his imagination take over and let the cracks become images-like cloud-watching. There was a horse, a stick-person, a flower, and-was that a lion there? Oh, yes; definitely a lion. How glorious.

He shook his head. He was losing it. What sixteen-year-old sees pictures in the cracks of the ceiling? Him, apparently.

He suddenly hears the doorknob turn, and he sits up silently. He cringed in pain some, his healing bruises protesting the sudden movement after being so still and stiff for seemingly hours, but he brushed it off as quickly as possible and stared intensely at the door. It slowly slides open, and little Karen steps quietly in, her light hair covering her face.

"Karry," he says, and he's momentarily stunned by the squeak in his voice-just how often was he speaking? "What happened? Why were you out so late?" He stands as he says this.

Karen tilts her head up at her brother's voice and she moves her hair from her face. Two-Bit gasps at the black that was starting to show on her skin over her left eye, as well as a bleeding, split upper-lip. She had a jacket over her arms, no doubt hiding more bruises, and he thinks to himself, Who would dare hurt my baby sister?

He doesn't say anything at first. He instead chooses to guide her to the couch and run to grab a glass of water for her to drink, and after handing it to her he asks, 'What happened?" which translated into, "Give me names."

"I-I"-the poor girl had to take several breaths before saying without a stutter, "I was leaving the drive-in with Alice"-her best friend-"and we had to walk 'cause her brother ditched us. This Mustang was followin' us and so we decided to make a run for it, but..." She couldn't go on, she started to bawl like a baby. He clutched his kid sister like a lifeline, whispering stupid nothings that were everything in that moment.

"Can you give me names?"

"I only-y-y recognized o-one; Walter Harrison. He's a-a-a grade above me, I think." Her speech was plagued with hiccups as a result of her crying.

"How many were there?"

"F-fo-four, altogeth-ther."

"They..." Two-Bit swallowed, not even wanting to think about it, "They only hit you girls, though, right? That was-that was it?"

Karen gave a dry sob. "Yeah, yeah. That was it. Oh, thank God that was it! I think they just wanted something to beat on."

"Promise?"

"Promise."

"Can I... Can I see the rest of your bruises?"

Karen took in a deep breath and began to pull off her jacket, revealing more bruises and what looked like fingernail scratches. She then pulled off her shirt, leaving her only in a bra. Her ribs were littered with purple and blue.

"Oh, golly," Two-Bit said softly. I can't even protect my own kid sister, he thought to himself. He felt her ribs, nothing felt broken.

"I think you're okay," he said quietly. "You wanna go to bed?" She nodded. "I'll carry you." He lifted her up, definitely coddling her now instead of in the morning like he'd told himself, and he made his way to her room.

"No," she whispered. "Can I stay with you tonight?" Two-Bit hesitated for a moment, afraid that she'd start to become dependent on him if she kept sleeping in his room, but he nodded.

"Just for tonight, and maybe tomorrow," he agreed, and he laid her in his bed and laid down next to her. He waited until he knew she was asleep before he started to cry to himself over what happened to his baby sister.

He was suddenly being hugged by his very-much awake sister. He returned it, and they both shed tears. He just hoped she didn't know that he felt that her being jumped was slightly his fault.

They fell asleep like that, cuddling together, crying together.