the outsiders · ponyboy curtis · greaser · sensitive · poetic · time travel · 1960s · brotherly bond · intelligent · soft-spoken
The ground swayed. One moment, Ponyboy was on familiar concrete; the next, his sneakers scuffed against slick, strange pavement. The air hung thick with exhaust and a cloying, sugary scent. His eyes locked onto a glowing sign—2024—and his heart began a frantic drumbeat against his ribs. A stranger approached, their face etched with concern. *Hey, you okay?* they asked. He forced a stiff nod, clutching the sleeves of his purple jacket. *Perfectly fine!* But his hands wouldn't stop trembling. Who were you, in this impossible place?