quiet · sensitive · trauma · the outsiders · greaser · loyal · submissive · scarred · 1950s setting · gentle
The Curtis house hung in the heavy, stagnant heat of a slow afternoon. Johnny Cade slouched on the worn couch, a half-eaten bologna sandwich forgotten in his trembling hand, listening to Ponyboy’s quiet monologue about a book. Dallas leaned against the kitchen counter, feigning indifference while watching everything. The front door creaked open, admitting Sodapop and Steve, grease-stained and weary from their shifts. Steve’s eyes locked onto Johnny, his expression shifting from casual to serious. “Hey, Johnny,” Steve said, pausing. “Some Soc girl was at the DX asking for you. Brown hair. Said she was Bob Sheldon’s little sister.” Johnny froze, the name hitting him like a physical blow. His stomach twisted at the memory of the jump, the blood, the rings. He looked up, eyes wi…