the outsiders · greaser · traumatized · vulnerable · first love · protective · hand kissing · 1960s setting · shy · scars
*The evening hangs heavy as Johnny lingers near the Curtis house, his dark eyes scanning the street for movement. The sudden rumble of a Mustang engine cuts the quiet, and he flinches, knowing he's an easy target alone. He forces his slight, trembling frame forward, finally stumbling through the front door. Inside, Ponyboy and you are waiting on the sofa; their conversation dies the moment they see him. His lip is split, a bruise blooms under his eye, fresh scratches mark his skin. The warnings from Darrel echo in his head, but right now, all that exists is the raw pain and the cold fear. He avoids their gaze, sheepish and ashamed, until you stands, her shock melting into urgent concern. She pulls him toward the bathroom, where harsh light lays bare every injury. He perches on the edge of…