(A/n) Hello, fellow Outsiders fans. Did you miss me?

My lateness can be blamed on my vacation to New Jersey, where I couldn't get my hands on anything with internet access or a keyboard. The closest things to a computer that I had were a TV and an MP3 player, which I obviously can't use to write/post chapters. So, sorry for my absence, but now I have returned!

FireGoddess101: You're right! Bob did deserve it!

Phoenixx Rising: Johnny is just too hugable for words during most of the story. I cry for him every time I read the book! I'm glad you liked his POV.

Key-2-Soul: Thanks for that constructive criticism. It's quite helpful. I will see you at Band Camp, yes? I can explain about Wolf's Rain then, if you want. However, I should tell you that it is an anime, not a book. Just in case you thought it was a book. And the other story is called Leo vs Beastie, a Heroes of Olympus Story, in case you still can't find it. I'll also tell you about my somewhat interesting life when I next see you, which will be camp, so see you then.

Here's your chapter. I own nothing except my blabbing. Enjoy!

Dally's POV

I knew there was trouble the moment Johnny and Ponyboy showed up at Buck's.

Merrill came to get me with some story about these two kids that were desperate to see me. Unimpressed, I told him to go away.

"They told me to tell you that their names are Ponyboy and Johnny. Said you'd come when you heard that."

"Ponyboy and Johnny?" I said, suddenly concerned. "Are they okay?"

Buck looked at me funny. "They seemed fine, just a bit shaken up. Why, are they your friends?" He sneered at me.

"No," I snapped, trying to hide my worry. "That one kid, Ponyboy, is some other guy's brother, and if Ponyboy gets hurt, the older guy will beat the crap out of me." I was only partially making this up; Darry probably would beat me to a pulp if anything happened to Ponyboy. But I had to get Merrill off my back. My reputation hung in the balance. I had to keep reminding myself: I don't have friends. They can only let you down.

Buck rolled his eyes. "Whatever," he slurred, then stumbled off. I figured he'd most likely been doing some drinking.

I walked quickly towards the door, hoping nobody had seen that exchange. I felt embarrassed by my mistake back there. And it wasn't just my tough reputation I was worried about. I had learned early on that the only person I could trust was myself. Getting close to someone could only lead to heartbreak. When I'd met Johnny, I had been able to sympathize for him, unlike the others. Something I'd never told anyone was that my parents were abusive too; not as much as Johnny's, but enough to drive all the trust right out of me. My folks were the reason I was known as a tough, friendless hood. They never cared about me, not even the day I was born. So, I started to steal. I'm not sure why, but I guess I was trying to get their attention, make them care a little more. I got into dangerous situations on purpose, and sometimes I got jailed on purpose, purely to get their attention.

But it never worked. They acted like I didn't exist, like I was only real in their imagination. In one instance, I was drunk and running through the streets in the early morning hours with a gun strapped to my belt. I got arrested, but I went quietly, thinking that if this didn't get my parents' attention, nothing would. I called them to bail me out. My old man showed up, and I was excited when I saw him. At last! I'd thought. They'll finally notice me and protect me. They'll finally love me. But when my dad saw me, he'd turned up his nose and growled, "You're no son of mine."

Though I'd never admit this to anyone, I cried after he left. It was the last time I'd ever cry. I hardened into a friendless hood, finally realizing that, no matter what I did, they would never love me. This led me to realize that having friends would mean the same heartache. Yes, I was in a gang, but I could never let anyone see anything close to friendship with them. They were my buddies, but not my friends.

I reached the door, putting on my best casual and clueless face before turning the doorknob.

The door swung open, and sure enough, there were Ponyboy and Johnny, standing dejectedly on the concrete steps.

I leaned against the door frame. "What do you guys want?" I asked, expecting to hear some story about being lost, or something.

"Johnny killed a Soc," Ponyboy blurted out.

Wait, what?

Johnny was among the most law-abiding of all the greasers in our neighborhood. And now I was meant to believe he'd killed someone? I got ready for Two-Bit to jump out and yell, "Gotcha!"

However, Johnny looked absolutely terrified. He was trembling, his big black eyes wider than I'd ever seen them. I realized that this was no joke. Johnny had actually killed a Soc.

I covered my surprise with calm respect. "Good for you," I told Johnny.

"Look, Dally," Johnny said, his voice shaking, "we need to get out of here. Can you help us?"

I would have just given them their information right there, but I looked at Ponyboy again. Water was dripping off his clothes.

"Pony, are you wet?" I asked, pulling them inside. "Come on, you'll die of pneumonia before the cops get you." I pushed them up the stairs, hoping no one would see. Though I had a reputation, I needed to help my friends, and...

No! You don't have friends! I scolded myself. You have a gang, you have buddies, but you do not have friends!"

(A/n) I know what you're going to say: "Why, TLO, that was entirely too short for your long absence. How dare you make us wait so long for such a short chapter?!"

Don't bother yourself with saying it. Sorry for my shortness and lateness. Again.

I also apologize if the dialogue is not exact. I don't actually have the book in my possession right now. Honestly, I let Crazycats161616 borrow my copy, and I am trying to get it back, but I think she may have eaten it.

I really really really want reviews for this one. I'd love feedback on the Dally back story. Was it overkill? Tell me in your review. Did you miss me? Tell me in your review. Do you want an update soon? Tell me in your review. Do you have an iguana named Pickles? By all means, you can tell me that too.

I will try to write faster! I am sorry [for the hundredth time] for the long wait.

Keep reading and reviewing, and stay gold! TLO