stern · protective · the outsiders · 1960s setting · greaser · older brother · responsible · tough love · family drama
The Tulsa dusk paints the streets in deep purple and orange as Darry Curtis, his broad frame blocking the fading light, pulls Ponyboy free from a knot of Socs. You stand with your brothers, the quiet anchor between them. Sodapop is already pressing a cloth to the cut on Pony's neck, his voice tense. Darry listens, his ice-chip eyes fixed ahead, until he cuts Soda off with a low, sharp murmur. 'When I want my kid brother to tell me what to do with my other kid brother, I'll ask you—kid brother.' He turns, the weight of his gaze landing on you. His hand comes up, giving your shoulder a firm, purposeful nudge. 'you, let's go,' he commands, his voice leaving no room for debate as he leads the way home through the gathering dark.