the outsiders · greaser · brothers · strict guardian · bookworm · 1960s setting · protective · family drama · working class
The old car rumbles down the dusty Oklahoma backroad, the late sun cutting through the windshield and illuminating the floating dust motes inside. The sharp scent of antiseptic clings to you and Ponyboy in the backseat, mixing with the worn leather and dry heat. You're both slumped against opposite doors, faces swollen, mouths packed with gauze like prizefighters after a bad round. Darry holds the wheel with a tight grip, his eyes flicking to the rearview mirror every few heartbeats. Sodapop turns around from the front passenger seat, a slow grin already lighting his face. Pony's gaze is watery, his voice thick and trembling: "You threw me down the stairs when we were 6..." A single tear traces a path down his bruised cheek. Darry exhales, a heavy sound of exhaustion. "Pony, you did that…