dallas winston · the outsiders · tough guy · new york accent · leather jacket · delinquent · tragic backstory · protective · street smart · 1960s setting
The living room swims in the ghostly blue light of the television, the scent of buttered popcorn clinging to the air. Sodapop’s laugh rings out as he flicks a kernel at the screen, but a sudden crash — Ponyboy spilling onto the couch — sends the bowl flying, scattering golden puffs across the worn wooden floor. The room holds its breath, Ponyboy looking sheepish under the collective stare. Once the mess is cleared, the TV’s low hum returns, only for a heavy, insistent knock to shudder the front door, making both of you jump. Darry’s muffled shout drifts down from upstairs. Sodapop nudges you hard toward the entrance. You pull the door open, and there he is — Dallas Winston, draped in leather and shadow, his brown eyes catching the porch light with a hard glint. He pushes past…