Chapter Text
Make a new excuse, another stupid reason
Good luck, babe, well, good luck, babe
You'd have to stop the world just to stop the feeling
The moment of peace didn’t last a full day. Really, not even a full two hours. Apparently, that night, Darry and Ponyboy got into it bad and Pony ran off with Johnny. None of them heard from either of the two boys since then (though, Dally was acting very off and Ace suspected he knew more than he was sharing with the class).
On top of all that, Bob was dead. Which somehow played into their disappearance because the next day, all of the gang, plus a ton of Socs, got called down to the station about Pony and Johnny’s whereabouts.
If they were gonna give out an award for best actor in that precinct, it should go to Ace because if anyone had asked her if Bob deserved to die, she would’ve given a resounding “yes he did.” However, she wasn’t about to give the fuzz more reasons to suspect her and her gang so she had to act like she cared the idiot was dead. And it was a convincing act, if she did say so herself.
Ace planned to spend the day at DX with Sodapop and Steve because, frankly, she was worried about him. Steve asked that morning if she could keep an eye on him when they all went down because he wasn’t looking too good and the moment he got to the police station, she knew Steve was right. Both him and Darry looked like they hadn’t slept the whole night before and Soda had a red ring around his eyes. The only thing keeping him from collapsing might just be his older brother’s arm around his shoulders and she had a feeling the only keeping Darry from letting himself fall apart was knowing he had to be there for Soda.
Steve didn’t even want him going into work after the interrogation. He’d said Soda should just be at home with Darry. But the Curtis’ weren’t known for sitting on their hands all day. Soda said if he didn’t go into work, he might go stir crazy thinking about Pony.
Ace had finished up with the cops before any of the rest of the gang, so she headed outside to wait. That’s where she ran into Cherry and Marcia… and Beverly. Cherry had a hollow look on her face and what she figured was Bob’s jacket was wrapped around Cherry’s shoulders. Marcia was trying to comfort her. But it was clear any words she said were going in one ear and out the other.
It did throw Ace for a loop seeing how sympathetic and human Beverly seemed in that moment. She had a cigarette in one hand, the other on Cherry’s shoulder. She lacked the usual wild look in her eyes. Instead, there was grief and sympathy for the redhead who she was focused on. Maybe that was what convinced Ace to approach the trio.
Beverly immediately hardened when she saw the Greaser walking over. But Marcia gave her a kind wave, which she took as permission. “Hey.” Ace’s voice was soft and unsure. She never knew what to say for this kind of thing. When Sodapop’s parent’s died, she felt like everything she said was the wrong thing. She was scared to make the same mistake.
“Hi,” Cherry responded as she wiped a tear off her cheek. Even so broken, Cherry still found it in herself to smile at Ace. “Were they hard on y’all with the questions?”
“Nothing I’m not used to.” This wasn’t the first time Ace had been questioned for one crime or another.
Marcia shook her head. “It’s not right that they just assume it’s completely y’all’s fault when none of you were even there.”
Beverly scoffed and flicked her cigarette in Ace’s general direction. Anything that made the blonde feel approachable was gone with the daggers she was now glaring. “Those two Greaser brats were there, though. That’s what Brill said.”
“You know that isn’t the full story, Bev. They were just kids.”
“Whatever.” Beverly tossed the cigarette to the ground and put it out with the sole of her foot. She did not stop glaring at Ace as she did. What was her problem? “Come on, we should get going. We told the boys we’d meet them at the park.”
“We’ll see you around, Ace,” Marcia said.
“Alright.” Against better judgment, as they started to walk away, Ace reached out to grab Cherry’s arm. “I am really sorry about Bob, Cherry.”
“Thank you.”
As the girls walked away, Ace noticed Marcia look back in her direction, over her shoulder, and give a small smile. The smile was definitely meant for her. It made her heart swell, just a little. She said the right things this time. Ace was proud of herself.
The rest of their day more or less dragged on, unfortunately uneventful. Soda jumped every time the phone rang. There’s no way he didn’t notice how her and Steve walked around him on eggshells. Or maybe he actually didn’t. He was only mentally present about 30% of the time he was at work.
Steve took the keys to Darry’s truck at the end of the shift, declaring that he was driving Soda straight home. Ace was grateful for that. Soda was in no position to drive himself. “Where are you headin’?” Sodapop asked when she informed them she’d see them tomorrow.
“I think I’m gonna go find Two-Bit and hang for a while.” Ace wanted to get drunk. It’s been a rough day. She needed it. “You’ll get him home safe?” she asked, looking over at Steve.
“No, I’m dumping him on the side of the road first chance I get,” Steve sarcastically replied and got a whack to the arm in response from Ace. “Can I at least give you a ride to Two-Bit’s? I don’t like the idea of you bein’ out there alone. Them Socs aren’t happy about Bob.”
“I’m not going anywhere near the East side. I’ll be fine.”
“Do you got a blade?” Sodapop asked, which shocked both Ace and Steve and the two shared a concerned gaze. Sodapop was pretty adamant about not carrying blades. Blades only gave people more of a reason to fight meaner. But that was more about Shepard’s gang. Odds are, if Ace ran into any Soc now, they were gonna pull out all the stops.
Flicking out the silver metal, she looked up at Soda. “Yeah, yeah. I got one.” Ace has never had to use it before. A majority of the rumbles she’s been part of were skin to skin. But she’s carried it around since Dally had given it to her. He hadn’t been in Tulsa for that long. But long enough to secure his place as a Greaser. He taught her how to use it. Told her if she had to, she can’t hesitate because whoever she was against wouldn’t.
Soda simply nodded. “Good.” And then he switched back to that distantness that told Ace he’s getting lost in his mind, again. Probably thinking about Ponyboy.
Steve seemed to recognize that he’s checked out as well, as Steve just sighed and placed a hand on Soda’s lower back. “Come on.”
Ponyboy and Johnny Cade had to come home safe and sound and they had to do it soon. Ace was worried Soda would shut down for good if anything were to happen to his little brother. The Curtis brothers couldn’t handle another loss.
Two-Bit wasn’t home when Ace got to his place. That’s what his little sister said. She had no idea where he went either, or what time he’d be back. But if he didn’t tell the kid, that led Ace to believe he was at Buck’s, probably getting drunk off his ass. That sounded like a great idea, so long as they didn’t accidentally make out. Then again, how do you accidentally make out with your best friend for a second time?
There was yelling that Ace could hear as she approached Buck’s, which wasn’t all that surprising. People were always fighting at Buck’s. But the voices were familiar and as she drew closer, she realized she did recognize the voices. Dally and Darry had gotten into a screaming match a few feet away from the front porch. She could vaguely make out Ponyboy’s name being mentioned and figured he was at the center of the argument.
Next thing she knew, Darry had Dally pinned against the car. Ace started into a sprint to intervene. But Sodapop darted past her at an even faster pace, having just parked Darry’s truck nearby. He managed to pull Darry off the other man when Ace reached the group and was now standing toe to toe with Dally, holding him back. Dally pushed him back, fire in his eyes.
“Yeah, we Greasers are just one big happy family!” was the last thing Dally yelled before slamming the door shut. Ace exchanged silent words with Soda, agreeing that he’d take care of his brother and get Darry home while she went after Dally and made sure he cooled off. Dally tended to make his worst decisions when he was riled up and from the looks of the screaming match, he definitely was.
When Ace got inside, Dally was already pacing around the room, tearing at the hair on his head. The yellow light of the house made the black eye he’d received from those damn police more obvious. She knew they’d be the worst to him out of their group. But she still hated to see his face all busted up. “Dally-” she began. But the moment he saw her, he started ranting.
“Who does he think he is? Tellin’ me to get a job like a real man. I’m more of a man then he’ll ever be. Those damn kids are my brothers! They’re my family! I got them out of town to keep them safe-” He swung his arm across the fireplace and knocked everything on it to the ground.
“Dally!” Ace interrupted and grabbed Dally’s arm because he looked ready to take a swing at the wall and if he did, he’d probably succeed in punching a hole. Buck would definitely throw his ass to the street. “You gotta calm down, man.”
“Why? Why do I gotta be calm? He’s the one comin’ here and gettin’ in my face.”
“Because if someone hears the commotion coming from this house and calls the fuzz, you’ll be back in that police station with more than a black eye to boot this time. They don’t like you one bit down there. Probably waiting for a good excuse to lock you right back up. You just got out. You can’t go back.” He tried to turn away from her. But Ace wasn’t gonna let him. She sidestepped to be back right in his face. “How’s that gonna help Ponyboy and Johnny Cade?”
Dally just grunted and yanked his arm out of her grasp. But the fact that he’d stopped pacing meant he knew she was right. After taking a long deep breath in an attempt to sooth his rage, Dally dropped himself on the couch. Ace took a seat on the cushion next to him. “Darry’s scared, man. He blames himself for what happened with Ponyboy and now he’s lashin’ out. He don’t mean any of what he said.”
Dally scoffed. “You think I don’t know that?”
“Then what was all this?”
Ace knew she asked the right question by the way Dally leaned back with his arms crossed. Dallas Winston wasn’t one to let his guard down around just anyone. He put up a tough front as a survival tactic. But since living in Tulsa, she’s gotten the chance to see glimpses of what’s behind the walls. “I’ve seen what they do to kids like Johnny in the cooler. Even if he survives it, he won't be the same Johnny Cade no more.”
Silence. Ace had no good response. She’d been worried, too. But she’d spent the day focused on Sodapop, which kept her mind from drifting too far to the worst case scenarios. Unfortunately, Dally was right. He knew more about what it was like than she did and he knew Johnny better than he knew anyone else. He wasn’t someone who coddled or fretted about things. If he was worried, there was reason to be. “That’s why I told them to run. And once I finish gathering everything I need, I’m skipping town with them.”
Ace had figured Dally where the boys were. It just seemed so unlikely for Dally to not be the first person they went to when they got into the mess. “Why didn’t you tell Darry that?”
“Because he’d try to stop us. Or even worse, come with. He doesn’t know what it’s like outside of Tulsa. He’d get us caught instantly. I cannot risk their lives because big brother wanted to play hero.”
Ace crossed her arms. “He’s Ponyboy’s family, Dal.”
“Family don’t always mean shit.” Getting through to Dally about this might be impossible, Ace feared. He had a really bad relationship with his father. That’s why he left New York and never looked back. The Greasers were the closest thing he’d ever known to an actual family, especially the two youngest. She knew he only wanted what was best. But one thing about Dally is that it’s his way or the wrong way. He was too dense to listen to reason when he got a plan in his head. Ace might have to go behind his back and tell Darry, or at least Sodapop, what she knew. But that was guaranteed to break Dally’s trust in her forever.
She didn’t have time to think of a solution. Their conversation was interrupted by a series of frantic knocks on the door. “We’re not finished,” Ace warned with a pointed finger. There was no way she was letting this conversation go just yet. Simply tabling it briefly.
Of all the people to be standing there when Dally opened the door, Marcia was not one of the people she would have expected. Normally, seeing Marcia filled her with immediate excitement. But there was a traumatized look on the girl’s face that crushed Ace. Her eyes were swollen and red, and tear tracks, both new and old, littered her cheeks.
Dally was gobsmacked in a way Ace so rarely saw. “Marcia? Is everything okay?” she asked, taking the lead of the conversation. She pushed her way past Dally and pulled Marcia inside.
“You’re friend, Two-Bit. He told me to come. Said- said to get Dallas. A bunch of them jumped him. Trip and three of his friends and Bev. She was joinin’ in and- and he wasn’t even on our side and they-”
“Is it bad?” Marcia didn’t have to answer. The way she immediately began to ball said it all. Ace pulled her close, cradling the back of her head. She could feel Marcia shaking her head into her shoulder, even if she wasn’t speaking.
When Ace looked over at Dally, he was already throwing on his leather jacket. “You staying here?”
She regretfully pulled away from Marcia and shook her head. “No way. It’s Two-Bit.” That was her best friend and they didn’t know what they’d be walking into. She’d rather Dally not go in alone, especially if the Socs were no longer sticking to their territory. Dally could defend himself. But one against four or five was hardly a fair fight. At least with Ace someone could watch his back.
She was knocked out of thought when Dally slammed his fist on the doorframe, probably sending a quake throughout the house. The action caused Marcia to jump, too, and move closer to Ace. “Buck took the T-Bird.”
Damnit. That was fine. They had other options. “We’ll grab the Curtis’ truck,” Ace suggested. It didn’t matter that Dally and Darry were at odds or even that they were screaming at each other moments ago. Greasers were family. She knew Darry would toss them the keys without hesitation since one of their own was in trouble.
“Good idea.” Dally tossed Ace one of the spare jackets hanging on the coat rack. It was a little big on her. But not big enough to be Buck Merrill’s or Dally’s. Probably one of the girls Buck brought around from time to time. Even if the coat didn’t fit properly, it was still better than nothing covering her arms in case they did have to fight and the Socs were carrying blades. She was really hoping it wouldn’t come to that.
Dally was about to throw another jacket at the Soc standing next to Ace when he hesitated, probably remembering she wasn’t one of them. “Marcia, you should-”
“I’m coming with.” In contrast to how fragile Marcia had seemed when she walked through the door, she now stood firm on what she said. There was no wavering or hesitancy. It reminded Ace of how she was when she stood up to Bob.
That was the kind of strength Ace admired. However, she was still not a fighter and Ace didn’t like the idea of her getting hurt. “That’s not a good idea,” Ace tried.
“Do either of you know where he is?” Marcia crossed her arms with eyes darting between the two, waiting for an answer she knew she wouldn't get. “That’s what I thought.”
Dally looked ready to snap her neck with his bare hands and Ace thought he might just pick her up and lock her in his bedroom while they went after Two-Bit. But, ultimately, he grunted, said “Fine. We don’t have time,” and stormed out, taking the time to ensure the door slammed real loud.
Ace was expecting to have to run to the Curtis’ house. But when they got outside, the two brothers were on the curb, side by side. Darry had his head on Sodapop’s shoulder and Soda’s arms were wrapped around, holding the man tight.
Soda looked over when he heard the footsteps approaching, which caused Darry to, as well. But Dally spoke before anyone else could. “We need your truck. Two-Bit’s been jumped.”
Darry was up in an instant. He probably would’ve knocked Sodapop over if Soda wasn’t also quick to stand. The moment they knew one of them was in trouble, nothing else mattered. That’s the thing about all the Greasers. For better or for worse, they were all experts in compartmentalizing their issues. Probably why Dally was so quick to explode all the time.
Darry went straight for the driver's side of the truck, causing Dally to ask if he’s coming with. Darry scoffed at the other Greaser. “You’re outta your mind if you think I’d let either of you drive my truck.”
Fair enough. Dally knew how to drive. Or more, he decided he can for himself. She’s pretty sure he doesn’t have a license because the state of Oklahoma wasn’t crazy enough to give him one. New York might’ve. She heard they let anyone with two hands on the road. But he hadn’t been old enough while he was still there.
The other two boys piled in, Soda taking shotgun while Dally climbed in the back seat. Marcia went to follow. But Ace grabbed her elbow and held her back. “You stay real close. I don’t want you farther than an arm's reach from me or one of the boys at all times, savvy? The Socs might have declared the war. But neither side will take it lightly.”
“Of course.” Marcia nodded along. But Ace wondered how much the girl really understood.
“I’m serious. I don’t want you getting hurt.”
Marcia took her hand and wrapped them in her own. The way she was looking at Ace made the Greaser wonder if the air around her was getting thicker or if maybe her lungs just decided they were going on vacation. “They wouldn’t hurt me. It’s you I’m worried about.”
Could Marcia hear her heart beating? Because it was rattling Ace’s brain with how loud it was. “I can handle myself,” she managed to spit out without too much shakiness in her voice.
“I know you can. I just-” Marcia abruptly stopped speaking and darted her eyes away. She took a trembling breath. “They already hurt that friend of yours. If they hurt you, too, I’ll never forgive myself.”
“It wasn’t your fault.”
“But I was there.”
“Marcia-” Ace started. But the horn of the Curtis’ truck interrupted their moment.
“Ace, get in if you’re comin’!” Dally shouted, impatiently. Ace gave Marcia’s hand a squeeze that she hoped sent some sort of comfort to the girl before the two climbed into the back, piling next to Dally.
Darry started the truck and glanced at the back row through the rear view mirror. “We’re gonna drop Soda off real fast. I don't want Ponyboy coming home to an empty house.” The if he comes home hung heavy in the air. But no one would dare say that part out loud.
The drive to the Curtis’ house was fast, probably faster than any speed limits would allow for. But they didn’t have the time to be concerned with obeying traffic laws. Dally hopped out when Soda exited to move up to the passenger seat.
Soda was waiting for him outside the truck and shoved a small, white envelope at him. Ace managed to make out Ponyboy’s name written sloppily across as it was being passed. “Look man, I was serious when I said I-”
“Don’t give me that shit.” Soda wasn’t one to raise his voice often so when he did, it was quite effective. Effective enough to silence Dallas Winston. “Please. Just make sure it gets to him.”
Dally wanted to argue. But the moment he caught Ace’s eyes, he changed his mind and shoved the letter into his jacket pocket. She was giving him the best death stare she could muster up and it worked. She’d never seen the man shrink the way he did in that moment.
“Alright, Miss Soc. Where we goin’?” Ace really wished Dally could keep the bite out of his voice when talking to Marcia. She didn’t know him like the rest of them did and she already didn’t have too high of an opinion on him. But he was wired and worried about Two-Bit. She can understand the tension.
Marcia, much to her credit, didn’t waver from the way Dally spoke to her. She’d been able to compose herself enough on the drive to the Curtis’ that she could give the directions in a clear tone. But she also held onto Ace’s hand like it was the tether, keeping her from drifting. This was probably Marcia’s first time alone with a bunch of Greasers, in a Greaser’s car for that matter. What a weird sight they must be. Three Greasers and Marcia, who’s dressed like a character straight out of Bye Bye Birdie , traveling in a truck one rock away from completely falling apart.
Ace kept her eyes fixed on the scenery passing outside the moving vehicle. Two-Bit was never the kind of person who could stay in one place. If his legs weren’t broken, it wouldn’t be all that surprising if they saw him stumbling down the road, trying to get home. But they never saw him, which only made her more concerned.
She realized why Marcia was so scared for Two-Bit as they pulled into the park (which was on the East side, matter of fact). A crumbled figure sat, curled into a ball and leaning against a tree. She might not have even noticed him if she weren’t watching for anything that moved, even slightly. Ace banged on the headrest of the driver’s seat. “I think that’s him! Pull over.”
Dally had the door thrown open and bolted out of the truck before Darry had even parked the damn thing, not that Ace was very far behind him. Marcia stuck true to her word and kept up with Ace for the most part, though her shoes didn’t make running quite as easy.
Two-Bit heard them coming, but probably couldn’t make out who was running towards him in the dark, because he began to pull himself up with the assistance of the tree trunk behind him. But he was scarily weak in the attempt, squirming around like a newborn deer.
In a last ditch attempt for survival, Two-Bit pushed out his hand, the blade reflecting the moonlight towards the group. “Come back for more, eh?”
Glory, he looked bad. His face had been beaten black and blue. He was gonna have a nice shiner for days. His lip was split in the corner, as well. Ace couldn’t see what the rest of his body looked like underneath the clothes, but from the way he was struggling to stand fully upright and holding his stomach, she could only imagine something was broken.
“Woah, woah— it’s just us, Two-Bit,” Dally said as he skidded to a stop, causing Darry to bump into his back. Dally held his hands up in a surrender motion and Ace could see the fear wash away the moment Dally’s voice registered in Two-Bit’s brain.
“Oh hey, Dal. What brings you here?” Two-Bit asked after letting out a sigh of relief.
“Your ugly mug-” Dally began. But as Two-Bit relaxed, it seemed the adrenaline that had been holding him upright dissipated and he stumbled forwards. Luckily, Darry reacted quick enough to grab him before the boy hit the ground with a painful thud. With his current state, Ace would’ve been worried he’d shatter if he’d fell.
“Jesus,” Darry muttered. He shifted to Two-Bit’s side to take a majority of the boy’s weight. His head bobbed up and down a few times, like he was trying hard to stay awake. “Truck is parked just around the corner. Think you can make it?” He paused, waiting for an answer. “Two-Bit?”
“Hmm?” Two-Bit tilted his head to the side, looking in Darry’s general direction. But unable to focus specifically on one person. The cloudiness in his eyes worried her to no end. Ace rushed over and, with a gentle hand, cupped his chin to search his head for any sort of cut or bruise to indicate a concussion. Sure enough, he had blood on his scalp. The sight hurt her heart badly. Here was the closest thing she had to a brother beaten so bad he couldn’t even focus.
“What’d they do to him?” Dally asked, his voice overlapping with Ace’s own as she asked Marcia “Did they hit his head?”
The Soc nodded, nervously. “They slammed him on the hood of Paul’s mustang and then threw him to the ground. They- they held him down and roughed him up real good after that.”
“Paul was there?” Darry’s eyes turned dark. Ace couldn’t imagine what he felt at that moment. Knowing someone he once gave everything to did something so horrible to a boy who was practically his family. She could see his hands begin to shake as he tried to keep his composure.
“He- he was the one calling the shots. He was real upset about Bob and- and Two-Bit was just walkin’ by.”
Ace gasped as she turned to see the left side of his head. Little angry, red welts dotted his cheek. “These are burn marks.”
“Bev.” Marcia’s voice began to waver again. Retelling it all was too much. Just listening was killing Ace. If it didn’t concern how they would care for Two-Bit’s injuries, she would rather not know the horrific things he went through. But Marcia continued to speak. “She got him with a cigarette. I- I looked away while she was doin’ it to him. But I know it was her. I heard him screamin’ bloody murder.”
Ace looked over with soft eyes. “There was nothing you could’ve done-”
“Like hell there wasn't,” Dally yelled and stomped towards her on a warpath.
Ace quickly intervened and inserted herself between the two so Dally was in her face and not Marcia’s. “What was she gonna do against four of them football players? She is one person!”
“Enough!” Darry interrupted with a tone resembling a strict father he usually only reserved for Ponyboy. “The blame is on the Socs’ who did this to him and trying to point fingers anywhere else ain’t helping no one, especially not Two-Bit. Someone grab his other side and help me get him to the truck.” Thank god for Darry being able to keep a level head during all this, even with the revelation about Paul’s involvement. Ace had too many thoughts running through her mind to be able to take control of the situation effectively, given how she almost just then started a fight with Dally.
Dally, after giving Marcia one last threatening glare, grabbed Two-Bit’s other side. Two-Bit had been running on nothing but fumes before the group got to him. His feet dragged on the ground, leaving Dally and Darry to support his entire weight. Ace stuck behind them. If a Soc were gonna sneak up, Ace would be able to turn around faster. But it seemed the Socs that did this had enough of beating on a kid for one day because they didn’t come back to finish the job.
“Lay him across me and Marcia in the back seat. He’ll be more comfortable that way.” Two-Bit could barely keep his head upright.
“You gotta keep him awake, though. He’s probably got a concussion.” Ace nodded and held the door opened for Marcia, who climbed in first, with Ace following in next. Ace inserted her hands under his shoulders to help pull Two-Bit in. She knew he was in more pain than he was showing. Despite all his slurred “I‘m fine's," his face crinkled from even the slightest touches.
Two-Bit’s head rested on Ace’s lap. She ran a hand through his sweaty curls and sighed. The darkness of night meant Ace couldn’t fully see all the damage done to his face. That made keeping an eye on him a little easier on her. She hated seeing her best friend in so much pain.
He tried to close his eyes almost immediately after Darry started the truck. Ace felt bad about waking him. But if Darry was right about the concussion, she had to for his sake. “Two-Bit, you can’t go to sleep yet.”
“Why not,” Two-Bit grumbled, reminding Ace of how she sounded whenever her mom would wake her up for school. Even as a young child, she was not a morning person.
“Because I ain’t no pillow. You start drooling on me, I’ll toss you out of the truck while it’s still movin’,” Ace joked in an attempt to keep conversation light. But she knew there was no hiding how stressed she was. “You managed to get quite the audience here. Darry and Dally were about to kill each other before we came to get you.”
Two-Bit glanced up and to the side, fixing his hazy eyes on Marcia. “You know, I wasn’t sure if you was gonna come back. You was pretty freaked.” He gripped his chest as he exhaled sharply. His ribs must be damaged. It seemed like breathing was hurting him. “I’m normally prettier than this.”
Even in pain, Two-Bit still had his wits. Ace supposed that was a good sign.
“I wasn’t going to leave you there. Not after I just stood by.” Marcia’s voice was timid, like she was afraid of what he would say to her.
“Your buddies left me to rot. But you didn't. That makes you alright in my book.” Two-Bit let out a raspy cough and flinched. “That hurt. Are we there yet?”
“Almost. Just hang in there.”
“Not like I’m goin’ anywhere else right now.”
The truck couldn’t go fast enough, even with Darry no doubt going double the speeding limit. By the time they’d pulled in, Two-Bit was really struggling to stay awake— or more like, Ace was struggling to keep him awake. The poor guy just wanted to take a nap and so every minute, she resorted to pinching him awake.
“Alright. We’re here,” Ace said as she pushed some of the dark curls out of his eyes.
Dally yanked the door open and held his arms out to help move Two-Bit. “Rise and shine, cupcake.”
“I thought my prince was supposed to be handsome,” Two-Bit whined as he draped his arm across Dally’s shoulders and rather ungracefully allowed himself to be pulled from the truck. Darry was already standing there to catch his other side and Ace supported his back.
“I’ll come back tomorrow and kiss ya if that’s what you want,” Dally sarcastically replied.
After Two-Bit was out, Ace jumped down and held a hand to help Marcia climb out. The lights were on in the Curtis’ living room. They were shining through the window. Sodapop must’ve left them on for the group to come home to. Ace held the door open for Darry and Dally to carry Two-Bit through. She was careful not to let the screen door slam behind her. Even if Pony wasn’t home, she still instinctively did it because she knew how the younger boy hated when the others weren’t careful.
She paused, looking at Marcia. Marcia was fixated on Two-Bit, probably for the first time really seeing the damage her friends had done clearly. “I wanna make sure he’s settled and then I can walk you home. It’s way too late for you to be out and about on this side of Tulsa.”
“I can give her a ride,” Darry offered, glancing over his shoulder. He helped settle Two-bit on the couch, horizontal. Once the boy was comfortable, Darry turned to the two girls and stuck out a hand. “Darrel.”
“Marcia. I remember you. You were on the football team with Paul and some of the others before y’all graduated.” Darry gave a tight lipped smile and nodded. “Bev had the biggest crush on you. Still mentions you any chance she gets, despite having a boyfriend.”
“That the blonde broad you and Cherry hang around with? Damn. She kinda smokin’. Darry always gets the best lookin’ ones,” Two-Bit supplied from where he laid on the couch.
Ace just stared at him like he had two heads because there was no way that was what he was focusing on. “She burned you with a cigarette.”
Two-Bit just shrugged. “I said kinda.” This guy. Sometimes, Ace truly did not know what to do with him.
“I’m gonna grab bandages from the bathroom and check in on Soda. Don’t fall asleep, Two-Bit,” Darry said, pointing a threatening finger at him.
“No promises.”
Darry rolled his eyes and moved towards the bathroom, calling over his shoulder that he’d dump a bucket of cold water on Two-Bit if he did. Ace believed him.
“I’m getting outta here before Darry remembers he wanted to skin me. Catch you later, Ace.” Dally slapped her on the back, causing her to stumble forwards. Not that she wasn’t used to it. He then paused his attention on Marcia and Ace held her breath. But, surprisingly, he just nods. “Thanks, kid.” And with that, he’s gone, letting the screen door slam behind him.
Marcia seemed just as surprised as Ace. Just stared at the closed screen door with her mouth hung open. “Dallas Winston is human.”
“That’s what I’ve been trying to tell you.”
“I think there’s so much I seem to not notice about people.” Marcia sighed, taking a seat on the recliner. Except, she didn’t slump back like the guys would. She kept her posture poised, hands on her knees as she picked at her nails. “I should’ve walked away with Cherry. She left before everything went down ‘cause she got into it with Paul over Bob’s death. She was sticking up for Ponyboy and Johnny Cade and Paul didn’t like that. I don’t know why I didn’t go.”
Marcia tapped her knees twice before looking up at Ace with new found determination. “I’m done with them. I never wanna see any of them again in my life. Especially not Trip. God, I can’t believe I ever thought he was a nice boy.”
Two-Bit’s ears perked up at this. And, for some reason, he was grinning like a mad man at Ace. “You and Trip are broken up? How interesting.” He wiggled his eyebrows at Ace and then winked when he got her attention. It made her uncomfortable. He could be so strange sometimes.
Darry reemerged from the bathroom and entered the living room. He had with him the supplies he’d need to treat Two-Bit; bandages, a bowl of warm water, and a washcloth. “Sodapop’s asleep.” That made Ace feel better. The lack of sleep was incredibly obvious on Soda’s face. He didn’t look good at DX. “He passed out with one of Ponyboy’s books open. 1984.”
“How far did he make it through?” Ace asked with an amused smirk. She doesn’t know the last time she saw the boy open a book.
“His thumb is between page five and six.” Two-Bit laughed, which caused him to grip his waist and wince. Darry kneed on the ground by the teen’s head and dipped a washcloth into the water. “Alright, let’s get you cleaned up.”
“Is this gonna hurt?” Darry made a face that said it definitely would. “Could I get a beer, then? Or maybe a shot of rubbing alcohol?”
Darry looked at him with a deadpan expression. “You probably have a concussion.”
“Ibuprofen then?” Darry just shook his head. Two-Bet let out an exasperated sigh. “Let’s get this over with.”
Ace watched as Darry carefully cleaned the dirt and dried blood off his face, taking extra care to make sure he didn’t accidentally touch the burn marks with the dirtied rag. He was an expert at caring for roughed up Greasers by now with how often one of them would stumble in all black and blue. He was much gentler than Dally. But also asked more questions. Ace only went to Dally to get patched up when she didn’t feel like explaining what she fought about. She knew he’d just ask how the other guy was and give her a “good for you”.
Darry dropped the rag into the bowl of water and put a hand on the bottom of Two-Bit’s tattered shirt. “I gotta see what we’re dealin’ with on your chest. Your breathing’s worryin’ me.”
He looked over at Ace and nodded in Marcia’s direction. Ace saw why the moment she turned her attention. She’d been so focused on Two-Bit, she hadn’t noticed how pale the Soc was becoming, nor how deep her breaths were getting.
Marcia jumped when she felt Ace’s hand graze her back, but tried to relax. “Why don’t we give them some privacy?” Ace offered. It’s not like Two-Bit was a real modest fella. She’d seen him without a shirt numerous times, usually after rumbles when he was all sweaty and ramped up. But Marcia needed an excuse to get some air. She looked like she may pass out if she stayed in the room any longer.
“Yeah, alright,” Marcia quietly agreed and allowed herself to be led to the front porch. Ace sat down on the steps first and she couldn’t help but notice how close Marcia was sitting when she joined.
Silence settled between the two, disturbed by only the crickets, while Marcia worked to calm herself down. Once she was sounding a little calmer, Ace asked “better?”
Marcia gave a shy smile. “Yeah. Thanks. Sorry you have to babysit me.” Her cheeks had a faint red tint to them. But that was probably just from getting so worked up before. “I know you said it ain’t my fault. But if I wasn’t so weak, I could’ve done something more.”
“You aren’t weak. It’s okay to be scared.” Ace wrapped an arm around Marcia’s shoulders and Marcia rested her head.
Marcia scoffed. “You wouldn’t have hesitated to jump in.”
“That’s because I know how to fight. I’ve been in enough of them to trust my own strength.”
“How’d you learn?” Marcia’s hand found her own and began fiddling with her fingers.
“Well, growin’ up with Sodapop, Steve, and Two-Bit taught me how to take a punch. But it was Dallas who taught me how to throw one. Like really throw one.”
“Really?”
Ace hummed. “He wanted to make sure I could hold my own if anyone ever tried to mess with me. He grew up in New York City. He knew just how far people can take things.” Fishing through her pocket, she pulled out the switchblade she never left home without and flicked it open. The moonlight reflected off with a metallic glow. She held the handle out and let Marcia get a good look. Might be the first time the girl’s ever held one. Ace figured she should be more comfortable around them. This was a good first step.
Marcia was hesitant. But eventually took the wooden handle from the Greaser and held it in her palm. “It’s not as heavy as I expected.”
Ace nodded. She remembered thinking the same thing. But that was because Dally had gone out of his way to find a lighter one for her. She was more agile in fights then a heavy hitter like the other boys were. The lighter blade gave her more flexibility and better reaction times. He wanted something that would best suit her.
“Was a gift from Dally.” Ace fixed Marcia’s hold and wrapped her hands around Marcia’s, the same way Dallas had first done for her when he taught her how to use it. “Told me that if I’m gonna use it, I can’t hesitate. A blade like this ain’t nothing if you hesitate.” She thrusted Marcia’s arm forwards, mimicking a stabbing motion.
Mesmerized eyes looked from her hand to Ace. She wondered if anyone ever offered to teach Marcia to defend herself. Growing up the way Ace did, it was common sense. But even in a safer neighborhood like the one Marcia probably lived in, a woman should still know how to protect herself. “I can teach you, if ya want. Like some basic things.”
“You’d teach me to fight?”
Did Ace sprout three heads without realizing? Because from the way Marcia was staring at her made her feel like she did. “Why not?”
“Ace, I’m not like y’all. I’m not a Greaser and I’m not on no football team. I can’t fight.”
“You are so much braver than you give yourself credit for.”
The blade was now shoved back into Ace’s hand, like it was gonna burn Marcia if she held it any longer. “You’re wrong.”
“No, I’m not. I saw how you stood up to Bob, yesterday. You are tough.”
Marcia pushed away and Ace immediately missed the warmth she felt from their contact. “I’m not. I- I panic and I run or I- I just freeze. I froze when Two-Bit was gettin’ jumped and I couldn’t even face what they’d done to him. You had to take me outside so I didn’t hyperventilate. That’s just pathetic.”
“You are not pathetic. Fear isn’t a bad thing, you know.”
“You weren’t scared.”
“Are you kiddin’? I was terrified,” Ace admitted, which was wild. She’d never normally admit to being scared. Being tough was something she concerned herself with greatly. Otherwise, she’d be underestimated. But with Marcia, she found herself craving to be vulnerable.
“You were?”
Ace shook her head and leaned her shoulders closer to Marcia’s. “Of course. You don’t think I’m kickin’ myself for not helping Darry clean him up?” That was some guilt that lingered in the back of Ace’s brain she didn’t even know was there until she said it out loud. Seeing Two-Bit in the bright light allowed her to process how truly bad he looked and she just froze. “I’ve seen him after a rumble and he’s not one to walk away from a fight. But this was probably the worst he’s ever gotten it. I was really scared for him.”
“You must really care about him.” Marcia’s words felt distant all the sudden and she put space between the two, again. Ace didn’t know what caused the sudden shift.
“Two-bit’s like my older brother. Annoys the hell outta me. But there are very few people in the world I love nearly as much as him.”
Marcia opened her mouth, like a thought was begging to be spoken, and then closed it, as if rethinking. Ace decided to be patient and let her get the words out. “Do you love him?” she finally asked.
“Well, yeah. He’s my family.”
When she looked over, Marcia was staring at her with big, nervous eyes. “But are you in love with him?”
“I…” Ace was taken aback. There was so much vulnerability in Marcia, like Ace’s next response could break her into pieces.
Marcia visibly deflated from Ace’s lack of response and fixed her gaze on the brown buckle of her shoes. “I’m sorry. That was a silly question to ask.”
“No, wait,” Ace begged, finally managing to gather her wits. “Are you asking if we’re together? Because we aren’t. I meant it when I said he’s my brother. I’d never- I could never- We would never be together.”
“Not even if he asked?” There was a hopeful glimmer in Marcia’s eyes and Ace just laughed.
“Absolutely not.”
“So why did you kiss him? At the drive-in yesterday?” Ace groaned and dropped her head into her hands. If the ground would swallow her up whole now, and save her from this embarrassment, that would be great.
“Way too many shots and it was probably one of the worst experiences of my life.”
“Really?”
“I reckon if I had a brother and I kissed him, it would feel as wrong as it was with Two-Bit.” Marcia was now laughing and, okay, maybe she didn’t want to fall into a black hole anymore, if only so she could continue to hear Marcia’s laughter. “I was kinda hoping you guys wouldn’t have noticed us.”
“We were literally right on top of you two. How would we not have?”
Ace shoved her shoulder, playfully. “Like I said, I was drunk. My logic wasn’t perfect.” She paused. Something just hit her. “Wait, if you two knew we were there, why did you choose to sit on that bench?”
Marcia bit her lip. “I wanted you to know I was there.”
“You did?” Marcia didn’t verbalize a reply this time. She just nodded. “Why?”
“I don’t know.” Marcia looked away and began twirling a few strands of her perfectly curled hair. Ace could’ve sworn the red of Marcia’s cheeks were getting more intense. “I like when you notice me and I was hoping to run into you at the drive-in. But you were with him already.”
“You were jealous,” Ace observed. Glory, she’d dreamed of a conversation like this where Marcia confessed to thinking about her the same way she always thought about Marcia. She subtly pinched herself, just to check. She was definitely awake. “But you were with Trip.”
“I thought he’d take my mind off you,” Marcia admitted, nervously.
“Then why’d you give Two-Bit your number?” Ace’s brain was moving a million miles per second in that moment, rapidly firing every single interaction her and Marcia ever had for her to quickly overanalyze.
“Oh, he told you about that?”
“He tells me everything.”
Marcia lifted her face up to the sky and closed her eyes, as if accepting where the conversation was going. “I figured if I couldn’t have you, I could at least be close to you. I go on a date or two with him, he brings me around to your guys’ gatherings. I could get closer to you. It’s silly. I know. And if you hate me after telling you all this, then fine.”
Ace slipped her thumb under Marcia’s chin and gently turned her head towards her, forcing eye contact. Their faces were so close in that moment, closer than they’d ever been. “I could never hate you,” Ace whispered and leaned in, slowly to allow Marcia the chance to back out at the last minute, in case she suddenly changed her mind about everything. But Marcia didn’t. Instead, she leaned in, as well, and their lips connected.
Ace’s entire perspective on the world just exploded in that moment.
Marcia’s lips tasted sweet from whatever gloss she had on her lips and Ace was a big fan of it. And her lips were so much more gentle than Two-Bit’s had been. Also, much less sloppy. The lack of beer breath made the experience more pleasant, too. Basically, Ace loved every second of what was happening and never wanted it to end.
This was what a kiss was supposed to feel like, Ace’s brain helpfully supplied. Marcia’s hand found the back of her head and laced her fingers throughout Ace’s curls. Ace felt the fabric of her expensive, green dress, on her palms as they wrapped around Marcia’s waist.
Finally, Marcia leaned back just enough that she could breathe out of her mouth without inhaling Ace’s breath. But still close enough that their foreheads stayed touching. Marcia’s eyelashes fluttered as she looked up at Ace through them.
“That was pretty brave if you ask me.” It came out soft— Ace’s words. The Greaser wasn’t particularly known to be described as such. But Marcia brought out a side of her she wasn’t too familiar with. It was a welcomed change.
“It was?” Was Ace the first person to ever call Marcia brave? Because if that was the case, she’d simply have to remind the girl every day afterwards.
And because the universe had something against Ace, the screen door disturbs them goofily gazing into each other’s eyes. They jump apart, leaving enough room for a third person to squeeze themself between the two girls.
Darry taps against the door behind him, as if he didn’t already interrupt their moment. “Sorry to-... uh-... I finished patching up Two-Bit. I could drive Marcia home now, if Ace, you could keep an eye on him. I wanna let Soda sleep.”
“Yeah, no problem.” Ace could not make eye contact with him. Why was it always with Darry these things happened? Was that guy cursed or something? Marcia stood and smoothed out her dress with her palms. She held out her hand to pull Ace up, which Ace gladly took because she wasn’t about to pass up any form of touch with Marcia.
“I’ll see you around, Ace. For that self defense lesson.” There was a new found confidence in Marcia’s smile and it may be the most attractive she’s ever looked in Ace’s eyes.
“Any time or place. I’m all yours,” Ace promised. She didn't mean for it to come out as suggestive as it did. But it was kind of adorable the way Marcia blushed.
Darry hovered by the door, as if waiting for Ace to walk by. She knew he was, because once she was close, he spoke in a low tone. “I hope you know what you’re doing, kid.”
Ace tensed up. Who was he to judge her? He already ruined a moment she’d been waiting for since she was little. Greasers deserved happy endings, too. “It’s fine.”
“Ace, I’m serious. You can’t be stupid. Not about something like this.”
If looks could kill, the stony glare she was giving the older man would’ve sliced him in half. “You, of all people, don’t get to say something.”
“I’m speaking from experience. You have to be careful.”
“She’s not Paul, Darry. And I’m not you.” It was a low blow. Ace saw how he winced at just the mention of the Soc’s name.
“I know that. And I know you’re smart. But we’re not in New York City. This is Tulsa.” Ace tried to push past him, ending the conversation. But he grabbed her elbow with a strong enough grip she couldn’t break out of.
She was about to open her mouth and go on the defensive until she realized what the look on his face really was. Everything was coming from a place of caring, even if Ace found it bothersome. She couldn't be angry at that. Not when he’s already going through so much. “Don’t worry, Superman. I can take care of myself.”
Darry sighed and ruffled her hair before letting her go. She paused by the door to watch the truck drive away. Leaning her head against the door frame, she reflected on Darry’s words. He was right. She wanted to act like he was butting in where his opinion wasn’t wanted. But he had a point. This was Tulsa. A level of danger already just followed her on the simple fact that she was a Greaser. But this new thing she might have with Marcia, that’s unfamiliar territory that a switchblade would not be able to fix. But Ace was stubborn. If Marcia would fight for them, then so would she. That’s all she knew.
“So I get beaten and you get kissed?” Two-Bit’s voice made Ace jump as she broke from her thoughts. He was grinning from the couch at her like the Shepard boys after a successful liquor store heist.
Her eyes shot wide open. “Were you watching us from the window?” Much to Ace’s dismay, Two-Bit nodded. Glory, he was never going to let her live this down.
Two-Bet let out a painful laugh. Despite his misery, the obnoxious, smug smirk he got going would not leave. “It was either that or focus on how much everything hurts.”
Ace took a seat in the recliner. They’d had that chair for years. She was certain that one day, someone was bound to lean back and it completely fell apart. “Man, them Socs gotcha good, didn’t they?” The bruises were no longer covered in blood and dirt and the faint yellow tint was now more obvious. While the injuries were no longer as angry, they still didn’t look particularly pleasant. Probably felt worse.
“I’ll live. Help me sit up? My shoulder’s crampin’.” Two-Bit reached his arm out and waved Ace over. She moved her shoulder under his and moved him into an upright position. Ace took a seat on the cushion adjacent and watched as he, painstakingly so, stretched out his shoulder by rolling his arm around. “So, a Soc girl, huh?”
“Do you think it's weird? Or I’m a freak?”
“Yeah, I think you're a freak. But that’s got nothin’ to do with you likin’ a girl,” Two-Bit teased. Ace slapped his arm with the back of her hand and immediately felt some regret when he cringed at the touch. But that didn’t seem to throw Two-bit. “You know I’d help you bury a body if we had to. There ain’t a thing in this world that could change that, savvy? Plus, I had a feelin’.”
Ace just stared at him. He knew? And then she started to laugh because of course he knew. There wasn’t a single thing about Ace he didn’t know. She could read him like an open book and she knew it was the same way for him. That must be why he ripped up Marcia’s number.
Two-Bit held his arms open and ushered her in. “C’mere.” Ace leaned in and, while she tried to be as gentle as possible, she must’ve pushed on the wrong spot. Two-Bit grunted in pain and she immediately pulled away.
“Sorry,” Ace said with a wince.
Two-Bit waved her concerns off. “You’re fine.” He paused and got a look in his eye that meant he was about to ask a question he already knew the answer to. “Can we watch Mickey?”
“Two-Bit, you have a concussion.” Two-Bit slumped down further than he already was and pouted like a small child.
“You’re so mean to me.”