(A/N: Thank you guys for your feedback. I really appreciate it. I really hope you like part IV. Please review and let me know what you think. Love, Ellivia22)

Disclaimer: Still don't own The Outsiders

Broken Bond

Part IV

Darry

The five Socs surrounding Two-Bit advance a step closer, each one of them smirking. "You think we're scared of a dirty greaser with a tiny blade," a Soc with dark hair taunts as Dally and I come closer. He looks to be no older than Ponyboy wearing a dark blue collared shirt. "There are five of us and one of you. You don't stand a chance."

The blade in our friend's hand twitches, but Two-Bit keeps his cool, as always. "You should be scared after what our Johnny did to your leader." His voice rises in building anger. "Just try me. I'm ready for a fight!"

The Socs take another step closer. "You're dead."

The fatigue and low emotions I had been feeling the past couple of hours disappear in a second. I suddenly am wide awake. Now all I feel is utter rage and a literal burning hatred for every Soc. My protective instinct takes over. Adrenaline flows through me fast as I pull the closest Soc away from Two-Bit and land a hard punch into his face. Dally follows my lead, pulling another Soc away from our friend. I feel a Soc grab me from behind. This doesn't phase me in the slightest. I pull him off me easily and with a hard punch I send him to the ground, next to his buddy.

"I know you," the first Soc I hit says. It's the Soc who was taunting Two-Bit just seconds ago. Now that I'm closer I notice he has the same color eyes as Ponyboy too. He gets to his feet, wiping dirt off his khaki pants. A smirk is on his face. "Aren't you the big brother of that dirty greaser that killed our leader?" I stop and stare at him, my heart thudding hard against my chest. Was he there? Was he responsible for almost causing the death of my little brother? His smirk grows. "Too bad we didn't kill him when we had the chance. After all, the only good greaser is a dead one."

I see red. The next thing I know I land hard on top of him and pummel him with my fists like there's no tomorrow. My knuckles sting and I can feel the blood running down my knuckles the harder I hit his flesh. I can't seem to stop, nor do I want to. I hit him harder and harder. He deserves to suffer for what he did to my little brother.

Suddenly my vision blurs and I have a hard time seeing the Soc that I'm pummeling. I blink several times to make sense of the scene in front of me. Wait….

"YOU DON'T YELL AT HIM!"

SMACK!

BAM!

I stop suddenly, breathing heavily. My eyes grow huge and my already pounding heart increases in beats. I start to feel physically sick as the sudden panic sets in. I can't stop staring at the figure I beat to a bloody pulp. It wasn't a Soc…it was Ponyboy, dark blue sleeveless sweatshirt and all. His dark hair was no longer slick back, and his brown eyes were terrified. What have I done? What have I done?!

I stagger back, my eyes wide. I'm vaguely aware of someone grabbing my arm. I'm not sure if it's to keep me from attacking again or to keep me steady on my feet. It takes me several seconds to realize that it really is a Soc lying on the ground, not Ponyboy. I can't stop staring at the kid, the blood pouring down his face from a bloody nose. His lips are swollen and his mouth is also full of blood. I also notice his face is swelling and turning purple. Even though my frenzied attack lasted less than a minute I did considerable damage.

After a moment, the Soc staggers to his feet and moves beside his buddies, who are staring at me, wide-eyed and fearful. He attempts to wipe the blood off his face and pulls out a switchblade from his back pocket. Dally and I do the same. "Let's finish this once and for all!"

SCREECH!

Suddenly a baby blue Sting Ray screeches into the vacant lot. A pretty redheaded Soc with a nice yellow sweater and flowery skirt gets out, followed by a dark-haired Soc girl, wearing a simple pink dress. "STOP!" the redhead yells. She runs into the middle, her arms outstretched.

"Move out of the way, Cherry," a blonde Soc next to the kid I hit says. He glares daggers at me with ice-blue eyes. "Bob would want us to avenge his death. You of all people should understand!"

"Bob was asking for it, David," Cherry shrieks, tears streaming down her face. "Randy told me everything! He told me how you guys started it. You guys tried to-." She chokes on a sob before she can finish the sentence. "Stop this fighting before I call the police!"

David glares daggers at me, which I return. "This isn't over. It's time we settle this one and for all!"

"Fine by me," I manage fiercely.

"Friday night. Right here. 9 o'clock. No weapons, no cops!"

"We'll be there," I respond cooly.

One by one the Socs get in their fancy cars and leave the vacant lot. I release the breath I didn't realize that I was holding. My heart is still pummeling hard in my chest, and I can't stop shaking from the adrenaline rush.

"Let's go," I tell Dally and Two-Bit. Then I make my way home, not caring if they are following me.

"What in the hell were you doing walkin' by yourself," I scold Two-Bit as we make our way back to my house. I try to sound authoritative, but it comes out as weary. "You know better!"

"Lookin' for you! Soda freaked out when you disappeared like that," Two-Bit answers in a tone I don't recognize from him. It's a mixture of anger and worry. "You scared all of us."

His voice sounds so far away. Now that all the adrenaline has drained out of me, I'm feeling even more exhausted-if that's possible. If it weren't for Dally and Two-Bit on either side of me, I'm not sure I'd be able to make it home on my own. It's a struggle to see where I'm going, and not just because the sun is almost down. The fight with the Socs took more energy out of me than I thought. I need to get home before I pass out.

I stop walking once we reach the gate, almost losing my footing. I sway, but Dally grabs my arm firmly. I've never seen either of them so serious before-especially Two-Bit. I don't understand why everyone is so worried. I'm fine. I just need some sleep is all. "I'm fine. I just went for a walk. Besides. I can take care of myself."

I fumble for the doorknob once I open the screen door. My hands don't seem to want to work. Or maybe it's because of the blood still running from my knuckles. After two failed attempts, Dally opens the door for me.

As soon as I enter the house a blurry Sodapop collides hard into me, almost knocking the breath out of me. He squeezes me tightly across the chest as if he hasn't seen me in years, instead of just a few hours. "Where in the hell were you?" He asks in a high-pitched tone, almost hurting my ears. "You scared me half to death!"

"I'm fine, Soda," I try to reassure him, hugging him back. "I just went for a walk, that's all."

Sodapop lets go of me a few minutes later and steps back. His eyes grow wide seeing my bloody knuckles. "You're bleedin'." Then he looks at Dally's bruised face and Two-Bit's bleeding cheek. "What in the hell happened?!"

"Two-Bit ran into a bunch of Socs in the vacant lot. He was doing very well. You should've seen Darry though, Soda." Dally says proudly, slapping me hard on the back affectionately. The sudden impact almost makes me topple over. "Our Superman showed those dirty Socs who's boss!"

Two-Bit starts saying something about the rumble, but I can barely hear him. My eyes feel heavy and it's a struggle to stay standing. I'm vaguely aware of Sodapop leading me to the couch. As soon as my body hits the soft cushion darkness envelops me as sleep takes over.

The courtroom was jammed-packed. Not only was practically the entire town here, but multiple reporters to cover the story of the rich kid killed by teenagers from the wrong side of the tracks. I sat next to my brother, Sodapop in the front row, right behind the defense table. I had never felt so scared in my entire life-not even when Ponyboy ran away. My heart pounded so hard in my chest that I felt like I had just run ten miles and my palms were sweating. Today could turn out to be the best day of my life or the worst. It was verdict day.

Ponyboy sat on the witness stand. He was wearing the same tan suit he wore at Mom and Dad's funeral. He looked really nervous too. I wanted to tell him that everything was going to be okay, but he was too far away. He wouldn't look at me or Soda anyway. Instead, he stared straight ahead.

"…and that's what happened," Ponyboy said steadily. "The Socs tried to drown me, and Johnny killed Bob to save me."

After a long, painful silence the judge spoke. She was an elderly woman with dark curly hair and white wrinkly skin. She reminded me strongly of my grandmother. "After listening to all the witness testimony and reviewing all the evidence, I find you, Ponyboy Michael Curtis, not guilty of murder." It was as if a huge weight was being lifted off my chest. I could finally breathe properly again. Ponyboy was acquitted. Everything was going to be all right. "I release you into the custody of your older brother, Darrel."

"No!" Ponyboy burst out suddenly. Absolute fear is on his face. "Please, Judge Kunich. Don't send me home with him! I beg of you!" It was as if my stomach took a fifty-foot drop. I must've heard him wrong. The sheer terror on his face told me otherwise. "M-my older brother Darry is so mean! He yells at me and hits me! I-I'm not safe with him!"

I stood up shakily, despite the judge's objections. I didn't care if the entire courtroom was staring at me. Whispers broke out through the courtroom, but I ignored them. All I cared about was making Ponyboy realize how much I loved him. "P-ponyboy it was an accident! I promise it'll n-never happen again!"

Ponyboy only gave me a cold stare. "I don't believe you. You've never been kind to me. I'd rather live in a Boys' home than spend another night under your roof!"

I forced the pain down. It was difficult to do. I hurt so much that it was like a thousand blades were being thrust into my chest. I wasn't going to give up. I couldn't give up. Ponyboy was my baby brother, and it was my job to take care of him. He had to know how much he meant to me. "Pony, please. I l-love you so much! Come home. I-I promise you things will be different. I swear I will n-never hurt you again!"

"I hate you," Ponyboy said coldly. "I'll never forgive you for what you did to me."

"Darrel Curtis," the judge said suddenly. The person speaking directly to me didn't sound like an elderly woman. The voice was deeper, more masculine. When I turned my attention to the judge, I let out a horrified gasp.

"D-Dad?"

My father gave me a very stern look, making me feel very small. "Darrel I'm very disappointed in you. You were supposed to take care of your brothers. You were supposed to love and protect them. You failed and because you failed a kid is dead." I swallowed the large lump in my throat and hung my head. It was becoming difficult to breathe. I wasn't sure how much more pain I could take. "It's with a heavy heart that I must remove Sodapop Patrick Curtis and Ponyboy Michael Curtis from your care and transfer to the Tulsa Boys' Home effective immediately."

"NO!" I cried in anguish. I attempted to pull Sodapop in a hug, but he pushed me away roughly and followed the police officer beckoning him.

Tears fell rapidly down my face, sobs coming so fast from my throat I almost choked. I was too devastated to care. My vision blurred and I couldn't see my brothers being led out of the courtroom by the police. My chest hurt so bad it was becoming impossible to breathe. I had lost my entire family because I was so stupid. I had nothing to live for.

Sodapop

My darling,

I can't put into words how much I need you rite now. My life is fallin' apart, and you are the only lite in my life left. I no that you said that you don't love me or that the baby ain't mine. I want you to no that I don' care. I love you with all my hart, mind and soul, Sandy. I always will. You are everything too me and I can't live witout you.

If this letter finds you, please, I beg you, give me another chance. Give me the chance too prove too you that I can give you the life you deserve.

I love you!

Sodapop Curtis

A silent tear falls onto the paper, smudging my name, another on the word 'love. I know I misspelled several words, but I'm past the point of caring. All that matters is that despite everything, Sandy knows how much I still love her. Quickly I fold the letter and put it aside on the kitchen table next to the bandages and rubbing alcohol that I used to patch up Darry's knuckles and Steve used to clean up Two-Bit's face. I'm still a little freaked about what happened at the vacant lot, but I'm glad that Two-Bit is okay and Darry is home safe.

The house is quiet. It's nearly midnight and I'm still awake. I should be in bed by now, especially since I have work in the morning, but I force myself to stay awake. Darry may have been sleeping on the couch for several hours now, but I'm keeping my eye on him. I'm not giving him the chance to sneak out again. I smirk to myself. It's almost like I'm the older brother instead of him.

My smile fades as soon as it crosses my face. My thoughts once again go from Sandy to Ponyboy. I miss him so much it hurts, almost more than my breakup with Sandy. I miss seeing his dark brown eyes light up in excitement and the sound of his boyish laugh. I miss taking care of him like an older brother is supposed to; the talks we have before going to sleep. I miss feeling his warmth next to me in the bed we share.

Tears start falling even faster. Another day is gone and there is still no news about him or Johnny. As much as I don't want to, I might have to accept the idea that I will never see him again. I cover my wet face with my hands to hide the sobs from that one thought.

CLINK!

I pull my hands away from my face a few minutes later because of a high-pitched sound. It's like silverware clinking together or something. That's strange. In front of me is a plate of chocolate cake and a glass of milk. What the-.

Darry sits down in the chair beside me, his own plate of cake and milk in front of him. He's taken off his gray button shirt but is still wearing his white undershirt and jeans. Despite finally getting some sleep, my older brother still looks utterly exhausted. I notice his face is still pale and faint tear stains on his cheeks. His expression is serious-like the Darry I've known since Mom and Dad died. What stands out the most is how sad his eyes are.

"Shouldn't you be asleep?" I ask, taking a bite of cake. I close my eyes briefly, enjoying the taste of the chocolate melting in my mouth. I feel the tension in my shoulders ease up and I instantly start to relax.

"I had a nightmare." He gives me a strained smile when he notices my shocked expression. "Even big brothers get nightmares."

I gulp down some milk. "What was it about?"

Darry is silent for a full minute, his expression pained. He focuses his attention on his cake. "We were in court. I was deemed unfit to take care of you and Ponyboy. I had lost you both to the boys' home." He swallows hard, wiping his face. "I have that nightmare a lot-except this time Ponyboy told me he hated me. S-sometimes I wonder which nightmare is worse- you and Pony hating me or begging to not be taken away."

A tense silence passes between us for several minutes. I want to say something reassuring but can't find the words. I don't think Ponyboy hates Darry for what he did, but I know how easily Darry's nightmare could become a reality. Now I understand why he was so angry at Ponyboy that night-he was so afraid of losing us.

"Soda?"

"Yeah?" I ask, taking another bite of cake.

"I'm sorry I ran off this morning. I needed to get out and clear my head. I'm sorry that I worried you."

"Where did you go?" I ask curiously. "We looked all over town for you."

"To see Mom and Dad." I stare at him. He's been so busy trying to take care of us that he hasn't been to the cemetery since they passed away. I didn't even think to look there. Darry fiddles with the fork on his now empty plate. "I was hoping I could get some guidance. I-I know that I don't show it, but I worry all the time. Will I make enough to pay the bills? Am I doing enough to take care of you and Ponyboy? Am I doing everything I can to make sure you both are safe and happy?" He looks away, but I see the tear fall down his cheek anyway. "A-am I making Mom and Dad proud?"

"Even after everything that happened with Ponyboy, I believe they would be proud," I tell him honestly, pushing my empty plate aside. "You do more than enough to take care of us. You've given up everythin' just to make sure that Pony and I are okay. That is how you show your love. I see it and I know that someday Pony will see it too."

He sighs. "I hope so." He notices the letter I had moved to the end of the table. "Who's the letter for?"

It's my turn to sigh. My eyes burn as the tears threaten to fall again. "Sandy. Her parents sent her away to Florida." I swallow the large lump in my throat. "The reason I was so late coming home last night is because I went to see her. I love her so much, Darry, and to tell you the truth, I thought she was carryin' my child." I continue looking down not wanting to see his reaction. "It wasn't until I saw her last night that I learned that she had been cheatin' on me all this time. T-the baby ain't mine." I choke on a sob as the sharp pain hits me all over again.

"I still love her and want to marry her, even though she told me she didn't love me and never would." I sniffle, tears running down my cheeks. I don't bother stopping them now. "I was such a fool to think that she ever loved me. I-I'm sorry I took out my pain on you."

Strong arms wrap around me as Darry envelops me in a tight hug. This time it's my turn to break down. I clutch onto him tightly and sob hard. Already I can feel the pain lessen and not from shedding tears, but because I can feel my brother's love. I feel safe and protected as if I was a little kid again waking up from a nightmare. Darry hasn't been affectionate like this in a long time. I've missed it.

"I'm sorry, Pepsi Cola," he says gently. I hold onto him tighter. The last person who called me that nickname was Dad. Darry strokes my hair soothingly. "I know it isn't the same thing, but don't forget that I love you. So does Ponyboy."

I smile against his shoulder. "I love you guys too. I just hope he comes home soon."

"Me too."

"Darry?" I whisper once my emotions calm down.

"Yeah?"

"I forgive you."

He hugs me even tighter if that's possible. "Thanks, kid."

When we both run out of tears, we head to bed. Darry resumes his spot on the couch, and I go to my bedroom. Now that we've made up, I'm confident that he's not going to run off this time. The only thing I need now to have a decent night's sleep is to know that Ponyboy is all right. I close my eyes as my head rests on my pillow, thinking about Ponyboy's dark blue sweatshirt still at Buck's. I know exactly who I'm going to ask.

To be continued...