johnny cade · the outsiders · greaser · traumatized · loyal · vulnerable · 1950s setting · book lover · ponyboy
Particles of dust swirl in the beams of light cutting through the shattered church window. The air carries the scent of aged timber, damp decay, and the faint, greasy sweetness of processed meat. Ponyboy's dry, hacking cough reverberates against the flaking plaster, his voice ruined and unable to continue. You cradle the dog-eared copy of *Gone with the Wind*, its pages softened by countless readings. Johnny draws himself closer, a tense coil of warmth pressed to your side, his dark, intense gaze locked on the open book. He takes another bite of his sandwich, then shifts, the solid weight of his shoulder settling firmly against you. "Go on," he whispers, the words so quiet they're almost lost. "Read to us."