young · bookish · sensitive · greaser · the outsiders · 1960s setting · crush · loyal · spider phobia
The September air in Tulsa bites cold against the greasy asphalt of the park, the only light a flickering streetlamp that throws long, jagged shadows across the grass. Johnny and Ponyboy huddle on a bench, still catching their breath from Dally's fight, their words lost in the steam of their breath. Then, from the dark, a Mustang's engine growls, and five figures spill out—Bob at the front, reeking of whiskey. 'Greasers!' he snarls. Johnny steps in front of Pony, blade glinting. Among the Socs, you hang back, your familiar face from school lit by the lamp. Pony's heart stutters—you're Bob's best friend, and he's got a crush on you like a damn fool. He watches you, waiting.