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

"Maybe in another life
I could find you there
Pulled away before your time
I can't deal it's so unfair"

"Soda? Dawy?"

No response...

"Soda...Dawy..."

Still no response...

His eyes watered seeing that none of his two brothers came to him at his cries. Light thunder began to rumble in the cloudy dark sky. It was midnight, little Ponyboy whimpered not being the child to cry hysterically when he was scared. In his own small room he hugged tightly to his stuffed light brown Beagle toy. Then loud thunder stroke making his dark room light up instantly. Pony's eyes widened already trying to get out of his crib. His tiny hands got a hold of the crib's edge eagerly trying to climb out. Another loud boom stroke this time making Pony cry.

"Mama! Daddeee!"

That's when Sodapop came barging in looking at his three year old brother desperately trying to get out, he sighed in relief carrying him to his own room. Darry rubbed is eyes walking behind Soda with Pony sobbing. Soda rubbed his back in circles knowing that would calm him down.

"I-I want Mama..." Ponyboy sobbed.

Soda cooed him brushing some hair away from Pony's face, "Shh little buddy. It's all right, it's only thunder."

Darry went to the kitchen while Soda stayed with Pony setting him on his bed, "I w-want Mama ..."

Darry came back with a bottle of warm milk, "Mama ain't here 'lil colt. You know where she is."

Pony grabbed the bottle sucking on it with small sobs still coming, "I-I know but," he sniffed, "Can't M-mama come and visit?"

"All right Mr. Curtis I see the house is fine in my opinion. I know your friends tend to smoke but I will assume that they don't do it near Ponyboy. My only concern is your schedule. This past month you have been doing quite well, but as I said before. Your schedule..."

Darry licked his lips nervously responding, "I'm working afternoon shifts until Sodapop gets back from school which is around 3. He stays with Pony afterwards."

She adjusted her glasses turning to Sodapop who was playing with his little brother on the couch with toy cars and plastic soldiers. Mrs. Jones smiled knowing the youngest family member was going to be fine but there was always going to be worry until he turned 18. Small children were of much concern. Darry opened the door for the Social Worker to leave, Mrs. Jones left their house saying it was an adequate home for Pony.

Soda along with Darry sighed in relief when she left. Pony looked at them curiously, "Was she a bad lady?"

Soda chuckled, "Naah, hey Pony wanna make dinner with me?"

He nodded excitedly, "Yeah! But no blue chicken. It wooks funny."

Darry laughed, "And tastes funny, just make spaghetti tonight."

The oldest brother sat in the recliner closing his eyes for a bit relaxing after so much stress on his shoulders. Their parents death was such a bombshell on them. So many things changed in the past month, he had to give up his dreams of going to college to take care of his brothers but he would never regret that decision. Yeah, he hesitated but only because it was such a slap to the face sucking in all the sudden big responsibilities, it was very scary. In the end he chose his brothers, he was terrified of the idea of them being put in a boys home or a family who could treat them badly. Especially his little brother who was so young. So innocent... Ponyboy still had problems getting the idea that their parents weren't going to come back. After their deaths Pony recently began developing nightmares so bad he screamed still sleeping.

The door slammed open with the gang coming in, Twobit plopped himself on the couch, Steve next to him. Johnny on the floor looking for his smallest friend Pony and Dally leaning on the door edge. Pony ran out of the kitchen into Johnny's arms.

"Hi Johnny! Wanna see me and Soda make espageti?"

Darry corrected him, "It's Soda and I."

Pony shook his head, "Nu-uh, it's me and Soda! You're not doing anything."

Twobit laughed, "Hey kid I got ya something." He got out a small lollipop from his jacket handing it to Pony who took it thanking him. Johnny unwrapped it for him, "So you comin Johnny?"

Johnny nodded getting up towards the kitchen with Pony tugging at his hand. Dally got out a smoke lighting it up, Darry said sternly, "Ya'll better get the idea of smoking only outside. From now on all right?"

Everybody nodded, Dally went outside the porch. Steve took a magazine from the coffee table while Twobit turned on the television. Sodapop announced that dinner was ready. Everybody went to the table, even Dally who hardly had dinner with the gang. It was maybe one of the few times the gang was together chatting, laughing trading stories at dinner time. Ponyboy being young was very smart, he realized this smiling widely in his special chair made by Darry, now Pony could reach the table easily. This was the first time Pony felt complete, happy without his parents. It felt like family again. Sodapop smiled at him messing with his hair.

"Hey Soda." Pony said cheerfully.

"Yeah sweetie?"

"I'm real happy."

Soda's grinned, "As long as your happy, I'm happy."

(Sorry for any grammar mistakes)