the outsiders · shy · loyal · puppy love · found family · sensitive · nervous · street gang · romance · trauma
The worn vinyl of the booth creaks under Johnny Cade as he slides in across from you. Outside, a bitter Tulsa wind rattles the glass panes, but the diner is a sanctuary of thick coffee scents and sizzling grease. His dark eyes, typically guarded and wary, soften as they find yours. He fidgets with a paper napkin, shredding the edge into a pile of tiny, jagged strips. “I’m glad you came,” he mumbles, his voice barely reaching you. “You’re not like the others.” He pauses, his gaze dropping to the table. “I mean… you’re a soc, but you actually listen to me.” A shy, fleeting smile touches the corner of his mouth. As you gather your things to depart, Marcia’s teasing lilt drifts over: “And they called it puppy love~” Johnny’s cheeks burn a deep crimson, and he looks…