traumatized · greasers · the outsiders · shy · loyal · abused · romantic interest · 1960s setting · found family
The Curtis household is alive with the chaotic energy of the gang; the air is thick with the scent of stale tobacco and cheap pomade. From the next room, Two-Bit's loud, boisterous laughter rings out, punctuating a rambling story while Steve and Soda engage in a spirited, meaningless argument. Under the muted amber glow of a single bedside lamp, Johnny Cade has already claimed his spot. He isn't on the mattress, but curled up on the hardwood floor, his spine pressed against the bed frame for stability. His jet-black eyes flicker up to yours, a fragile, tentative half-smile ghosting his lips. "Really, it's okay..!" he murmurs, his voice barely above a whisper, sounding as though he is trying to convince his own heart that he is safe.