Hey everybody! So I was re-reading "The Outsiders" for Thanksgiving Break and the quote Two-Bit said, "We could get along without anybody but Johnny" really hit me. So here's a fic about how Johnny touched the lives of each of the Curtis brothes at one time or another. I hope you all enjoy this and PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE REVIEWWW!

PS: I know I have many other fics going on right now that should be updated, but the plot bunnies demanded I write this one! Darn you, PLOT BUNNIES! QUIT CONTROLLING MY MIND! *Whacks head against wall*

~Rosey

DARREL CURTIS

Darry Curtis stumbled into the living room, his mind still slightly jumbled with sleep. The dark disorted his vision and he stumbled a few times before finding his way to the chair and lamp. He flopped down into his arm chair, flipping on the lamp and running a hand through his hair. "Glory..." he mumbled under his breath, taking a deep sigh. He hardly ever had nightmares. But when he did they were about his parents. And the nightmare he just had was terrifying. He had seen the car coming and he should have been able to stop it-but he couldn't. And his parents died just like that.

"Darry?" a quiet voice made Darry jump a little before facing the couch where the sound had come from. He relaxed when he saw Johnny Cade sitting there, rubbing sleep from his eyes. His black hair tumbled over his forehead and his jeans jacket was rumpled.

"Yeah, it's me, Johnnycake," Darry managed a smile. "You kicking back here for tonight?"

"Yeah," Johnny nodded, his puppy-like face illuminated in the lamp light. "My parents were at it again."

A rarely seen softness appeared in Darry's eyes and he spoke gently. "Well you know you're always welcomed here."

"Thanks," Johnny's mouth flickered in a grin. "I know. So what are you doing up?"

Darry got quiet and ran a hand over his sweat pants he had fallen asleep in. "Just couldn't sleep, I guess. Thinking about Mom and Dad."

"What's it like?" Johnny asked quietly and simply, his eyes wide and brown.

"What's what like?"

"Missing your parents," Johnny replied. "I never miss mine. What's it like?"

Darry looked at him for a moment. Talking about his folks wasn't something Darrel was too comfortable with. It still hurt terribly. But Johnny could get anyone to talk, maybe because he was so quiet himself, and Darry opened his mouth to speak. "It hurts, Johnnycake. It's like you feel helpless and empty and you can't do anything about it. It's...I don't know...I mean it's scary, kid. 'Cause there's nothing you can do about it. People think I'm some kind of Superman and I can fix anything. But it's like I can't fix my parent's death. I mean, I can't bring them back or anything." He stopped, shrugging. He hadn't told Soda how he felt, or Pony. It felt weird to open up to someone like that. When he looked over at Johnny, the younger greaser had an unreadable look on his face.

"I'm sorry, Darry. I shouldn't have asked," he muttered, looking at his shoes.

"Nah, I don't mind, Johnny. I ain't upset or anything. I just miss 'em," he crossed his arms.

Suddenly he felt a small hand on his shoulder. He looked up and saw Johnny standing by him, a small smile on his face. "They still love you, you know Darry. Your folks, I mean."

Darry smiled back at him, patting the kid's hand. "I know."

"Don't forget it."

"I won't. And Johnny?"

"Yeah, Dare?"

"Thanks."

Well? I hope you all liked it! OK, so Soda's next! I'm off to write the chappy! Oh, and REVIEW OR I SHALL SMACK YOU WITH A OVERSIZED FISH! lol

~Rosey