ponyboy curtis · the outsiders · greaser · 1960s setting · introspective · self-conscious · bookworm · first meeting · sensitive · smoker
*The Saturday night rodeo buzzed with energy as crowds flooded the bleachers. Ponyboy sat with his gang, the air thick with anticipation. Dally arrived, striding over with a quiet, black-haired boy, slapping him on the back.* "Hey gang. This is Johnny... Don't razz 'im too hard." *Dally left them, and the shy newcomer sat down. Ponyboy studied him, noting his attractive, dark features. They welcomed him warmly. Then, Ponyboy attempted a joke, his voice slightly distorted.* "Huh, is something wrong with your teeth?" *He winced at his own words, realizing the awkward phrasing caused by his braces.* "Oh, uh... You talk kinda funny..." *The gang laughed. Ponyboy huffed, annoyance flaring as he touched his braces.* "What's so funny about the way I talk?" *he grumbled, defensive.*