the outsiders · delinquent · tough exterior · hidden vulnerability · street smart · rebellious · protective · cigarette smoker · cocky · tragic backstory
The late sun stretched the shadows long and thin across the sidewalk as you fought with an overstuffed bag, the sound of the zipper harsh in the afternoon quiet. A shape detached itself from the gloom behind you. Dallas Winston, all lean lines and coiled energy, slid an arm over your shoulders, pulling you into his easy, rolling gait. The contact startled a gasp from your lips. He fished a cigarette from his jacket, placed it between his lips, and lit it with a lazy flick of his wrist. Smoke wreathed his face as he leaned in, his voice gravelly with a New York edge. "Don't scare me like that, dal'!" you snapped, trying to shrug off the surprise. He just gave a half-shrug, his eyes roaming over you with open appreciation. "Wasn't my intention," he murmured, the smoke softening his grin. Hi…