A/N: I can't believe it's been almost a year since I've update this story and I'm SO sorry for that. Hopefully you guys care enough to continue reading this story because it's my second favorite. Enjoy!

Chapter Four: Something More then Uncomfortable

Jace's POV

It seemed to me like Ponyboy was willing to give up everything for me or he was just being a nice guy. After he had convinced Sodapop to share rooms with Darry, Brandy and I got comfortable in Ponyboy's room. It was no surprise that when he offered to sleep on the floor, Brandy jumped at the chance.

Rolling my eyes at her, we all laid down for an early night and Brandy was out like a light, though I couldn't fall asleep. Propping myself on my elbows, I silently looked around as the moonlight shone through the window. Pony's room wasn't much, but I didn't mind. He had a square size room that was meant for one person, but we could probably fit another person in here with us. Pony and Sodapop had a full size bed that lay in the right corner of the room, while on the opposite side was a small closet, that was next to the window. There was a rough looking carpet on the floor, where I saw Ponyboy sleeping, and a dresser not too far from his feet, next to the closet.

Laying back down next to Brandy I felt her move over to me looking for comfort as she slept and I hugged her silently. I wanted to sleep so badly because I was just plain out exhausted but I couldn't get today out of my head. I couldn't get last night out of my head or the way I felt about Ponyboy. He was great kid that I didn't regret being with last night. He was sweet, and kind to me and Brandy. Maybe that was what I needed in my life; someone good. With that in my head, I finally found something to let me fall asleep, as it continued to rain outside.

It's been a few weeks since Pony and I met and things were still tight between Darry and Pony. He wouldn't let up about Darry hitting him and I understood where he was coming from, but I knew sooner or later I would've had enough. Our injuries were pretty much healed, except for Pony's arm, that was now in a cast, and the stitches on his forehead.

We went to school together everyday, only to have to drop Brandy off before school started. Darry normally was at work before we woke and home after we went to bed, because of working overtime. I think he did it because of me and Brandy but I never found the appropriate time to ask him, if there even was one.

It was Friday when Ponyboy and I got into school late with Johnnycakes and Two-Bit. We all had overslept for some strange reason and our homeroom teachers weren't too happy about us missing the first half hour of our lessons. Pony and I had different classes which was no surprise since we hadn't seen each other before the Nightly Double. Though we did have lunch with the boys and I was glad that I wouldn't have to eat by myself anymore. I didn't really have friends at school since I was always afraid that I'd have to bring them home, letting out my secret about my dad; but the gang was different. I felt comfortable around them now.

School was nothing big and since it was the weekend Darry was home early enough for dinner. After everyone ate, Dally and the rest of the gang decided that they wanted to go to the movies. "Hey, Jace, Pony, you two want to come?" Sodapop asked. Pony and I shared a look like we just wanted to stay in since the last time we were at the drive-in the nightdidn't end so well.

"How about you munkin?" Dally said, turning to Brandy who was intently watching a Goofy cartoon on TV. She glared at Dally for calling her munkin but shook her head 'no'. I was kind of surprised that she didn't want to go since she and the guys got along pretty well, with the exception of Dally and Steve of course. Looking at her again, I could see that she was tired, probably from school today. I had heard she almost got into a fight with a Soc, but thankfully nothing happened. The last things we needed was a lawsuit.

Pretty soon the guys were gone leaving us behind. Getting up from the couch, I saw the place was a mess. Picking up various cans and bottles, I walked around Brandy so she could continue watching. "Aw, Jace you don't have clean. We'll just do it later," Ponyboy said, wanting me to just sit down and relax. For some reason I felt like I couldn't, but I didn't know why.

"Like that'll happen," I said jokingly, giving Ponyboy a smile. It was around eight o'clock now, and Brandy was already yawning. Putting the empty bottles and cans outside in the trash bin, I headed into the kitchen where plates and cups littered the dinner table. Collecting them quickly, I felt like I was obligated to help out around the house since Darry was letting us stay here. As I cleared the table, Brandy walked past me and said she was going to bed, though now I noticed she looked a little pale. Ignoring it as she headed upstairs to bed, I sighed slightly as I put the dirty dishes in a sink full of warm soapy water.

Letting those soak up the cleanliness of the soap, I washed down the table as Darry walk into the kitchen. He looked surprised that I was already cleaning, but I smiled at him anyway. "Hey Dar," I said casually as I finished the table.

"Hey Jace," he said, awkwardly. "You don't have to clean. I was just about—."

"Its okay, Darry, I got it. You can just go relax if you want." I said, as Darry looked hesitant. He had been working so much since Brandy and I had moved in so it was the least I could do. "Really Darry, I got it." He nodded before saying 'thank you' and went to go lay down. I finished quickly before the dishes were stacked back into the cabinets and I saw Ponyboy still watching TV. Sitting down next to him, I gave him a kiss and snuggled close as he put his arm around my shoulder.

"Thanks," he said, making me confused. When I asked him for what, Pony just kinda smiled. "For everything," he said, before kissing me deeply. I didn't hesitate to kiss back as the clock read nine thirty. I didn't know I had been cleaning that long but it felt good to feel Pony's lips against mine again. As we kissed a comedy was playing on the TV with fake laughter in the background so we didn't even hear the rest of the gang charging up the outside steps. Clueless of what was going on the door opened as Pony and I were close enough to get a toothpick between us.

"Well, well, well!" I heard Dally voice, as Steve and Two-Bit made cat whistles. Johnnycakes looked wide-eyed, while Sodapop was sniggering. Pony and I pulled apart so fast you would've thought we'd burned each other. Feeling heat rush to my cheeks, I thought we had done just that.

"I thought ya'll were at the movies!" Ponyboy said quickly, as I bit my lips trying to push down the embarrassment of getting caught.

"I bet that's where you would like us to be!" Steve said, making the gang laugh. Johnny even cracked a smile. "Ponyboy and Jace sitting in a tree…!" he sang.

"Alright Steve, enough; leave 'em alone," Sodapop said, seeing that Pony was bright red too, though that smile wouldn't leave his face. "Pony, can I talk to you for a minute?" Pony and I shared a glance as he nodded and followed Sodapop and Dally into the kitchen. That left me now sitting between Steve and Two-Bit, with Johnny in Darry's chair.

"Wipe those grins off your faces," I said bitterly as I tried to get up. Steve and Two-Bit grinned at each and pulled me back onto the couch. I had no issue with Two-Bit because he was always nice to me, but Steve was always an asshole that treated Brandy like she was a toy. "Knock it off!" Two-Bit saw that I was serious, and being the nice guy that he was stopped. Steve on the other hand didn't let up.

"Ah, come on Jay-Jay," he said, making me shudder. I hated that name to no end. It was what my dad used to call me. "You were giving Ponyboy a little action, why can't I get some?" he questioned, finally making me realize that he was more then a little bit drunk. Scrunching my nose at him, I pushed Steve away as he inched closer, bringing back unwanted memories of my father's 'needs'.

"Seriously, Steve. Leave me alone!" I yelled at him, making Two-Bit finally realize what was going on, though Steve was still close to me. I heard Two-Bit telling him to knock it off and I swear I heard Johnny bravely say something too but Steve wouldn't back down.

"Don't be like that, girl. You know I'm just messin'," he slurred as he moved into kiss me and I landed a hard smack across his face. Hearing the yell travel pretty far, I quickly decided to make a run for it while Steve was still feeling the pain. Hearing him mumble under his breathe, I glanced between Two-Bit and Johnny to see them sitting there wide-eyed. I was already heading for the kitchen when Steve got up after me. As I walked into the room where Pony seemed to be getting a talking to, and the conversation stopped as if I had done something wrong.

"I'm going to bed," I said quickly as I noticed Steve not to far behind. "Nite y'all." Ponyboy called my name as I raced up the stairs, Steve finally entering the kitchen. I heard Sodapop asking what happened by the time I made it to Ponyboy's room where Brandy was sound asleep. Boy, he was gonna hate me tomorrow.

Ponyboy's POV

I followed Sodapop and Dally into the kitchen knowing this wasn't going to be a pleasent conversation. When we finally got away, I stood next to the kitchen table and leaned against it. Sodapop still had that goofy grin on his face but Dally crossed his hands with a bored expression. Soon Sodapop's grin lessened and I knew this was going to be a serious thing for him. "What's going on with you Pony?" He said, and I gave him a confused look.

"What are you talking about?" I said. "There ain't nothing going on with me."

"Really?" He said, quirking an eyebrow. "Then why did we just walk in on a full make-out session between you and Jace? This ain't nothin' like you Pone," I looked at him as if he were insane. This was coming from the guy that picked up girls all the time, until he found Sandy that is.

"We were just kissing," I said seriously and Dally chuckled.

"Yeah, and like that doesn't lead to other things," he said, giving me that look like he knew from experience. "But, of course you two already knew that." I couldn't help but glare at him as I felt my cheeks heat up. Basically everyone knew that we had slept together but we didn't talk about it because it didn't seem like something that should be brought up again. I mean, Jace and I hadn't talked about sleeping together again since Brandy was with us. And I hadn't really been thinking about that direction until now. We both knew weren't ready for anything else for a while.

"Shut up, Dal. I was drunk," I said, my voice sounding a lot more serious then I had thought it would be. Sodapop nodded his head.

"And that was you're first mistake," he sighed, making me stand there quiet for a moment. "Look Pony, all I'm saying is that you gotta be careful."

"Or what I'll end up like you?" I blurted out, and i shut my mouth as Sodapop looked at me like I had actually slapped him in the face. "Pepsi Cola-."

I tried to say that I was sorry when Jace walked in some sort of rush, and she looked scared too as she said goodnight to us and headed upstairs, Steve who was not too far behind was angry looking.

"What happened?" Soda said quickly, as Dally caught a hold of Steve's arm who was trying to go up after her. That was when I grew scared. What the hell was going on? Dally repeated Sodapop's question before I could get a word out and Steve glared at me.

"You're stupid girlfriend slapped me, that's what," he growled before wrenching his arm from Dally's grip. I had never liked Steve in all the years that I had known him and I knew Jace didn't either, but I put up with him for Soda.

"Well, what did you do to her?" I said defensively. Jace wasn't the type to just go smackin' people for no reason; she wasn't like that. When Steve didn't anwser I knew he had been up to something. "Are you gonna tell me or I do I have to go Johnny and Two-Bit?" I said.

"I ain't done nothin'," he slurred, before leaving out the back door as it sprinkle outside. Seeing his head covered with his hood outside the window, I turned to Dally and Sodapop.

"I don't trust him, Soda," I said seriously. All my brother could do was watch me make my way to the stairs.

"We ain't done, Little Colt," he called after me and I stopped half way up to look at him.

"I need to find out what he did," I said, quickly making my way up the stairs again only to see Darry's door open. Ignoring it, I walked past to see Darry reading a book and headed to my room where the door was shut. Knocking on it quietly, I opened it to see Jace adjusting the pajamas that she had quickly changed into and she paused to look at me.

"Hey," She whispered, and I realized that Brandy was sleeping soundly in my bed.

"What's wrong?" I asked softly, not wanting to wake the 'little' one. Though she had the mouth of a twenty year old, Brandy was only thirteen and needed her sleep. Glancing at her I looked back at Jace to see her not keeping eye-contact with me and I was concerned. "Jace?"

"Nothing," she said almost too casually, though I could hear the hesitation in her voice. I gave her a look as if to say I didn't believe her and I saw her shoulders sag. "Nothing Ponyboy, really," she whispered, walking over to me. Kissing me on the lips she gave me a gentle smile. "I'm gonna get some sleep." She said, and I knew she was trying to block out whatever it was that Steve had done to her. She had been hurt many times in her life, that I knew, and he was just adding to it. I didn't want her to go through anymore pain. As she began to walk away I grabbed her wrist gently and pulled her back to me in a deep kiss. I had caught her off guard when I did this but she seemed to melt into her comfort zone when she kissed me back.

Pulling apart we gave each other small smiles and Jace headed back to the direction of the bed. I watched her lay down next to Brandy who was still out cold, and Jace whispered 'Good Night'. Saying the same, I made my way out of the room and shut the door quietly behind me. Standing outside my door for a second I gave a small sigh, as the things Steve could've done to her began to make my skin crawl. Then hearing a click of a light shut off down the hall I knew Darry was going to get some sleep too as I headed back downstairs to listen to Sodapop give me the sex talk. Oh joy.

Jace's POV

After Ponyboy left I sighed quietly to myself as Brandy slept in my arms. It was strange how different we were but got along so well. I think it was because we needed each other so much. She was all I ever had after Mom died and Aden left. Holding my baby sister close to me I was glad she was my little knuckle head, though I would probably never admit it to her. "I love you, Dee," I whispered in her ear, and she shifted quietly so that her face was buried in my warmth.

Pretty soon I feel asleep too but it wasn't too long before Ponyboy came back bringing me to semi-conciousness. After my injuries were healed, I told Ponyboy that he needed the bed to rest his arm correctly and I could feel him get in next to me. Looking over my shoulder, Brandy still curled up in my arms, I smiled tiredly at Pony who did the same and kissed me on the cheek before we decided to go to sleep again.

I can remember when everything used to be alright. When Brandy was around five Momma and me were giving Dee, as my momma called her, a warm bath when Daddy and Aden came home. They were laughing about something that I didn't know when I rushed out of the bathroom to greet them. I was only six.

"Daddy!" I shouted happily as I jumped into my father's arms. He groaned at how heavy I was but he still had that smile I used to love on his face. He wouldn't let anything hurt me at that time and I felt safe in his arms. Kissing my forehead he greeted me and carried me out of the front hallway and into the kitchen where Aden was looking for something to eat. Daddy told Aden to sit down and watch me while he started to make dinner and Momma was still upstairs with Brandy. He was actually cooking us something to eat. I can't remember the last time he did that for us now.

As Aden and I played at the kitchen, Momma and Dee came rumbling down the stairs big smiles on their faces. Aden and I had decided that pattycake was an appropriate game to play and Dee wanted in. While we continued to play hand games, Momma and Daddy greeted each other with smiles as my mom glance at us out of the corner her eye. Daddy put a pot of water to boil for pasta and the two left into the living room as me and Dee laughed a Aden's horrible hand game skills. It wasn't long before we heard yelling and Aden stopped playing to listen. "Aden!" Brandy whined, obviously not noticing how thick the tension was in the room. He shushed her and she pouted becoming quiet.

The yelling was muffled so we couldn't really heard much, and that was when Aden left to go upstairs, leaving me and Dee to listen to the rest. He had a sad look on his face and I didn't know what to do. Then the ells seemed to grow louder and came closer as my mom moved into the kitchen, my father right behind her as he let a blow of his hand connect with her head.

That woke me up with a start. Breathing heavily I couldn't believe what I had just seen. I didn't remember that happening and that scared me too much for me to sleep. Dad had always been abusive? Why hadn't I known that? Why hadn't I remembered that? It was like as a little kid you forget all the bad things that have happened to you. Or maybe I was just like that.

A/N: I know I know, what the hell is wrong with me? lol. I decided that this chapter was getting really way for me and hopefully you guys like. Now here's the deal, I'm not gonna be able to update that often so if I get more 3 reviews THEN I will start with Chapter Five. If you readers like my story enough then it shouldn't be that long I promise. Thanks so much for following me this far.

PissedBeyondRecognition13

aka

Jasmine