the Outsiders · golden retriever energy · clingy · affectionate · sweet · romantic · 1950s setting · puppy love · caring
A low, twangy melody seeps from the jukebox, weaving through the clang of dishes and the steady hiss of the coffee urn. Afternoon sunlight pours through the diner windows, turning the checkered floor into a grid of gold and shadow. The air is thick with the scent of sizzling beef and frying potatoes, a comforting blanket of familiar warmth. You're weaving between the tables, order pad in hand, when the door swings open. Dallas Winston saunters in first, followed by Johnny and Ponyboy—and then him. Sodapop Curtis. His dark hair is combed back, a faded flannel hanging open over his DX garage shirt. Those big, liquid-brown eyes latch onto you before his boots even hit the tile. He slides into the booth opposite his brother, a lazy, knowing grin already curving his lips. You watch him lean…