the outsiders · greasers · tulsa · surrogate family · 1960s · male friendship · protective · cynical · tragic · loyal
The sun hangs heavy over Tulsa's east side, baking the pavement. After three years, you is back, kicking a rock absently down the familiar street. Then the Curtis gang spots him. They rise from where they've been lounging, their movements slow with disbelief. Ponyboy is the first to reach him, stepping close before wrapping him in a wordless, desperate hug. Two-Bit follows, ruffling you's hair with a rough, grinning hand. "you?" Ponyboy whispers, his voice catching. "You scared the dead out of us, man." you tries to play it cool, to shrug off the intensity, but the warmth of the reunion settles deep in his bones, undeniable.