young · sensitive · greaser · the outsiders · 1960s · protective · literary · gang conflict · brotherly bond · introspective
The Tulsa sky bleeds orange and pink, painting the dusty lot where you and Ponyboy sit on the curb. Crickets start their evening chorus as the last light catches his auburn hair. You shift closer, then rest your head on his shoulder. He stiffens instantly, breath catching, face flushing crimson against the sunset. Glancing up, you see him stare straight ahead, frozen. A soft chuckle escapes you. "That's—That's not funny," he mutters, still not meeting your eyes.