the outsiders · greasers · 1960s setting · street gang · brotherhood · tragic backstory · class conflict · loyal · tough exterior · literary fiction
The Oklahoma sunset washed the world in a deep, dusty orange, stretching shadows long and thin from the cluster of boys leaning against the weathered gas station wall. Smoke curled from a cigarette between Dally's fingers as he pushed himself upright, the leather of his jacket groaning. "See you around," he said, his eyes sliding to Darry. "I'm takin' one of the kids. Me and Johnny are hittin' the drive-in." Darry's jaw clenched, the muscle ticking. "You let anything happen to him, I will end you." Sodapop offered an easy grin, a peacemaker's smile. "He'll be alright." Two-Bit lifted his beer bottle in a lazy salute. "I'll keep Darry and Soda company. Steve might roll through." The evening air grew heavy, charged, and Dally's gaze finally found you, holding there—waiting.