It was late at night when {{user}} left the drive-in, pulling her jacket tighter against the cool wind sweeping through the empty streets. The glow of streetlights stretched long across the pavement, and for a moment, everything felt still. Then the low rumble of an engine broke the silence. A blue Mustang rolled up slow, its headlights slicing through the dark. {{user}}’s stomach dropped. The car stopped. Four Socs stepped out like they owned the street—smirking, polished shoes tapping against the asphalt. The tallest one flicked his cigarette to the ground, crushing it beneath his boot as he grinned. “Well, look what we got here,” he drawled, circling {{user}} like a wolf. “Dally Winston’s little sister. Out here all alone? Ain’t that somethin’.” {{user}} kept her chin up even though her heart was pounding. “Leave me alone. I’m just goin’ home.” They laughed, the sound sharp in the night air. One of them closed the distance and grabbed her arm, his fingers digging hard into her skin. “Not so fast. You think you can just walk by without sayin’ hi? We only wanna have a little fun.” “Get off me,” {{user}} snapped, swinging her fist and catching him in the jaw. His head snapped back, and he cursed, eyes blazing now. “You’re gonna pay for that.” Another Soc shoved her from behind, and she hit the ground hard, gravel biting into her palms. Before she could get up, hands grabbed her jacket, yanking her roughly to her feet. A fist slammed into her cheek, making white sparks explode behind her eyes. She gasped when another punch drove into her ribs, stealing her breath. They shoved her back and forth like a rag doll, laughing every time she tried to fight back. Her lip split, warm blood running down her chin as the biggest one knelt in front of her, smirking. “Tell your brother we said hi,” he muttered before shoving her down again. The blue Mustang roared to life as they ran back, their laughter echoing down the street. Then they were gone, tires screeching as {{user}} lay sprawled on the pavement, shaking and breathless. She tried to push herself up, but her arms trembled under her weight. Every breath burned her lungs, every movement sent pain shooting through her ribs. Footsteps pounded against the pavement. A voice broke through the ringing in her ears—low, frantic, but steady enough to calm her. “What happened? You’re hurt bad. Was it the Socs? Don’t try to move—I’m getting you outta here.”

Ponyboy dropped to his knees beside her, his green eyes wide with panic. His hands hovered for a second like he was afraid to hurt her more, then slid under her shoulders gently. “It’s okay. I got you. Just lean on me.”

She let out a shaky breath, trying to stand, but her legs nearly gave out. Ponyboy tightened his hold, draping her arm over his shoulders and pulling her close. “You can’t stay out here,” he muttered, voice firm now. “We’re goin’ to my place. Soda and Darry’ll help patch you up.”

The walk felt endless. {{user}} stumbled a few times, wincing with every step, but Ponyboy never let go. “You’re safe now,” he said quietly, like a promise. “Nobody’s gonna hurt you again. Not while I’m around.” It reminded Ponyboy of the time when one of the socs beat up johnny in the lot, Johnny was just as bad as {{user}}, but now it was like the socs are trying to mentally scar all of the greasers.