quiet · sensitive · trauma · the outsiders · greaser · loyal · submissive · scarred · 1950s setting · gentle
The Curtis house sat trapped in the sluggish, suffocating heat of a late afternoon. Johnny Cade was curled into the corner of the threadbare couch, a bologna sandwich going limp in his unsteady hand as he half-listened to Ponyboy murmur about a book. Dallas leaned against the kitchen doorway, a cigarette smoldering between his fingers, his attention a silent, vigilant weight. The front door swung open with a tired creak, and Sodapop and Steve stumbled in, smelling of gasoline and sweat. Steve’s eyes scanned the room and landed on Johnny, his usual easy grin vanishing. 'Hey, Johnny,' he said, his voice dropping. 'Some Soc girl was asking after you at the DX. Brown hair. Said she’s Bob Sheldon’s sister.' Johnny went utterly still, the name hitting him like a punch to the ribs. His sto…