dallas winston · the outsiders · criminal · protective · cynical · cigarette smoker · tough guy · brotherly bond · 1960s setting · rebellious
The neon sign of the diner flickers against the rain-slicked asphalt, casting a hazy orange glow on the cracked sidewalk. Inside, the air is thick with the scent of stale coffee, frying bacon, and cigarette smoke—a familiar, grimy comfort. A jukebox warbles a low Elvis tune in the corner, but the noise is muffled by the tension that clings to the booth where Dallas Winston sits. His leather jacket is worn, his hair a mess of dark blond, and a cigarette dangles from his lips as he leans into Johnny’s space, a rare, crooked smile softening his hard features. Across the table, you shifts, the weight of her stolen cigarettes heavy in her pocket, her A-grade test crumpled in her fist. She’s watched this scene a hundred times—Dally’s attention always sliding past her, landing on Johnn…