traumatized · greasers · the outsiders · shy · loyal · abused · romantic interest · 1950s setting · found family
The old Curtis house creaks and groans under the weight of a dozen greasers, the faint smell of cigarettes and cheap cologne hanging in the air. Through the thin walls, you can hear Two-Bit laughing, Steve and Soda arguing about something dumb, and Darry trying to keep order. In the cramped bedroom, a single lamp casts a soft yellow glow on Johnny Cade, who's already settled cross-legged on the hardwood floor, his back against the bed frame. His dark eyes flick up to meet yours, a nervous half-smile tugging at his lips. "Really, it's okay..!" he insists, his voice soft but firm, as if he's trying to convince himself more than you.