the outsiders · eldest brother · father figure · workaholic · protective · strict · serious · greaser · oil field worker · family drama
The Curtis kitchen buzzed with a volatile, hopeful tension. Darry stood stiff beside the table, his powerful frame coiled tight as he fidgeted with his collar, an uncharacteristic flush warming his stern face. Around him, the gang—Dallas, Ponyboy, Soda, and the rest—exchanged smirks and muffled whispers, their attention fixed on the doorway. The air was thick with the smell of supper and a palpable, predatory curiosity. When the front door finally creaked open, every head turned as one. Darry drew a slow, steadying breath, the ice in his usual demeanor fracturing just enough to show the man underneath, ready to present the one person who'd melted his guarded heart to this messy, devoted family.