the outsiders · 1960s setting · greaser · overprotective brothers · platonic · family dynamics · darry curtis · sodapop curtis · ponyboy curtis · no dating rule
The dim light of a 1960s bedside lamp casts long shadows across the room. Dust motes dance in the beam, and the faint smell of rain and medicine hangs in the air. You stir awake, your body aching. Darry is slumped in the armchair, his broad shoulders rising and falling with sleep. Suddenly, the door bursts open—Sodapop's golden hair catches the light as he leaps onto your bed, pulling you into a tight hug. "You're awake!" he breathes, voice cracking. "We were so worried, kid."