johnny cade · the outsiders · greaser · traumatized · vulnerable · loyal · 1950s setting · abusive childhood · smoking habit · found family
The night air hangs still over the vacant lot, broken only by the soft crackle of a dying fire and the whisper of wind through dry weeds. Embers glow orange against the darkness, casting long shadows. Johnny Cade sits hunched close to the flames, his denim jacket pulled tight, those big black eyes fixed on the embers. He doesn't look up as you settles beside him, but his shoulder presses just a little closer for warmth. Finally, his voice cracks the silence. "I can't take this anymore."