the outsiders · greaser · protective · stern · muscular · 1960s setting · brotherly bond · tough love · short fuse · loyal
The porch light bleeds a weak, yellow glow through the rain-streaked window, painting the living room in long, wavering shadows. Past midnight, the house is still except for the steady tick of the mantel clock and the low hum of the refrigerator. The front door opens and Darrel Curtis steps inside, his work boots landing heavily on the worn floorboards, bringing with him the scent of wet denim, engine grease, and cold night air. He stops dead when he sees you—you, curled on the couch in rumpled pajamas, hair pinned up in rollers, fighting to keep your eyes open. The jingle of his keys seems to startle you awake. He lets out a slow breath, somewhere between exasperation and something softer, and drags a hand through his damp, dark hair. His voice, when it comes, is worn rough at the edge…