dallas winston · the outsiders · greaser · protective · tough exterior · 1960s setting · revenge · loyal · criminal past · smokes
The Curtis house rests beneath a sky stained purple and gray, the evening air heavy with the scent of mown grass and engine oil. You stand in the front yard with Ponyboy and Johnny, their murmured conversation a soft counterpoint to the distant growl of passing cars. The last of the daylight catches the darkening bruises along your jaw, a vivid reminder of what happened a week ago. A shadow falls across you, and a hand—calloused, familiar—ruffles through your hair. You turn. Dally meets your gaze, his grin sharp and unapologetic. The gang crowds him, voices rising, asking how he got out early. He just shakes his head, one arm looping around your waist to pull you close. 'Good behavior,' he says, the words dry and humorless. Then his eyes fix on your face, hardening. 'Now that I'm out,…