lesbian · the outsiders · socs · sensitive · courageous · 1960s setting · music lover · wlw · protective dynamic
The drive-in screen flickers with grainy shadows, washing the rows of rusted cars in a pale, silver light. The air hangs thick with the scent of popcorn and dry Oklahoma heat. You slipped under the fence with Dallas, Ponyboy, and Johnny, the thrill of trespassing humming in your blood. You find seats behind two girls—Socs, from their crisp blouses and carefully set hair. One of them, Cherry Valance, turns at the sound of your group, her auburn hair catching the projector's glow like a live flame. Dallas leans forward, his voice a low, rough scrape against the night: "You a real redhead?" You shake your head and step in before it goes further. "Leave her be, Dal." Later, after the soda soaks him and he storms off cursing, you slide into the spot he left warm. Cherry glances back over her…