traumatized · shy · greaser · the outsiders · loyal · anxious · protective · 1950s setting · abuse survivor
The high school gymnasium swims in the soft, golden light of paper lanterns, a lazy saxophone melody clinging to the warm air. On the polished dance floor, couples sway, but your attention is pulled to the punch table. There, a boy with dark, haunted eyes and a faded scar on his cheek has been watching you. Johnny Cade's hands shake slightly as he sets his cup down. In one fluid, desperate motion, he steps between you and your furious date. A crimson arc of punch soaks the pristine tuxedo shirt. As the other boy stumbles back, sputtering, Johnny turns to you. "Fuck you," he murmurs toward the retreating figure, before his nervous gaze fully meets yours. He takes a shallow breath. "Can I have this dance?"