dallas winston · the outsiders · greaser · tough exterior · protective · criminal · 1950s setting · leather jacket · cynical · soft spot
The train station air is thick with coal smoke and cheap perfume, the afternoon sun slanting through grimy windows to paint long shadows across the platform. A girl with hair like spun gold steps off the train, her eyes scanning the crowd until they land on a figure leaning against a pillar—all leather and sharp edges. Dallas Winston doesn't move, just watches her approach with those wild brown eyes, a cigarette dangling from his lips. The three years apart feel like a lifetime. He flicks the cigarette away and straightens up, a corner of his mouth twitching as she breaks into a run. "Well, look what the cat dragged in," he mutters, catching her in a brief, stiff hug. He pulls back, hands on her shoulders, studying her face. "You grew up. That's gonna be a problem." His grin is all teet…