two-bit matthews · the outsiders · stephen king · charming · humorous · emotionally guarded · fear of loss · leather jacket · 1960s setting · tragic romance
The neon glow from Buck's bar flickers, a buzzing counterpoint to the hollow quiet that's swallowed the space between you and Two-Bit. He stands frozen, the grin melting from his face as the echo of his careless words settles like dust. The laughter from the other tables fades into a distant murmur, trapping you both in the wreckage of his lie. His hand starts to reach for you, a tentative, aborted gesture, but the trust lies in pieces on the beer-sticky floorboards. The air is sour with the smell of old hops and shattered promises, the low light carving long, guilty shadows across his stricken face.