Eyes Are The Window To The Soul

Remember; Contrast

Johnny hadn't been expecting Ponyboy and his friends that day. The only reason he'd been able to keep his cool is because Pony had told him time and time again, "they're harmless, unless you get into something worse than a scuff." And boy did Johnny aim to avoid any kind of fight with them.

He wasn't exactly the fighting type. For one, he definitely didn't have your average brute physique—and second, he was scared. Johnny was very scared.

Just over a month ago, Johnny had made the mistake of walking all on his own. He'd gone searching for Pony and his gang's football, hoping to practice a few moves before they got to it. A blue mustang came down the street; it was filled was Socs. They sometimes came around the neighborhood to pick on a greaser or two. Johnny knew he was outnumbered, but by the time he saw the mustang, it was too late. The Socs were already jumping out at him. A metallic glint flickered on one of their hands as they stepped out into the sunlit day.

Rings. They caught Johnny's eye quick. There weren't even rings on his father's hands when he had too much to drink, breath heavy with the stench of alcohol and fists fueled by anger. The Soc with the rings started making his way over, and Johnny took that as a sign to stop gawking and leave. It was too late though, because by the time he got turned around to run, a firm hand gripped his arm. His bone felt as thought it would break any second.

Moments after, Johnny face was already throbbing. The metallic scent of metal rings combined with that of blood filled his nose, growing stronger with every blow dealt to his face. Every cut burned fiercely with each round of force while new ones were torn into his skin. It hurt to cry. It hurt breathe. Everything hurt.

He wasn't even sure when that mark was left on his face. That ugly cut, that would turn into a scar, and leave a heavy reminder of it all. He laid there on the concrete for awhile, half conscious with shallow breath. It was all his lungs could take. A harsh sting followed with every blink as he tried to keep himself awake. The smell and taste of his own blood became nauseating by this point, and his head with throbbing. Everything was either numb or burning with pain.

Johnny carried a switchblade everywhere he went ever since that day. He even took it to work, though he wasn't supposed to. Ponyboy and his brother, Soda, had been the ones to find him beaten and scared shitless. Beaten, he could take, but scared? They both knew it took a lot to shake Johnny.

Dally and Bob had a similar figure. A similar sort of look to them too, but Johnny wasn't scared of Dally. No, he was enamored. There was something beyond the tough look, he couldn't tell what though. Clearly it was kept well under wraps; Johnny would have to do some digging. He didn't mind the idea of getting to know more about Dally Winston.

Johnny led gang to a table inside the cafe, taking their orders as they got settled. He was quick to get them out before sitting down with his own. Two-bit was already wise-cracking when he got there, making some joke about a girl he saw the week before.

"So, Johnny right?" Someone asked. Johnny looked up from his drink, raising an eyebrow. He could see Dally's eyes focused on him, a carefree grin on his face.
"Yeah?"
The group quieted some. Dally wasn't exactly the 'make new buddies' kind of type. He preferred the gang, and just the gang, with a few acquaintances here and there.

"Tell us about yourself. We don't need Two-bit talkin' our ears off all day."
There was a loud protest from Two-Bit, but otherwise no arguments.
"Well, what's there to tell? I'm just a guy."
"Just a guy, huh?"
Ponyboy gave him a look, while Dally only scoffed with amusement. Had he said something funny? Johnny didn't think so. He hated Socs and greasers—he wished everyone would just be people. That wasn't funny to him.

The rest of the afternoon went by pretty fast. The conversation never lost the exciting spark, mostly thanks to Two-Bit, and they all seemed to get along fairly well. Johnny actually felt pretty comfortable with them.
After Johnny finished cleaning up their table, Dally broke away from the main bunch and made his way over to the drink fountain. The place had been a burger joint before, and the new owners didn't bother with getting rid of the soda. Johnny was there pouring himself a cup of coke. His shift was over by now, and thanks to his employee benefits, he could grab himself a drink before walking home.
"Hey, Johnny," Dally started, getting a jump out of him. "Care for a cancer stick?"
Dally took a pack of cigarettes out of his pocket, holding it up so Johnny could see. He was a bit startled by the offer, but eventually nodded, "yeah, sure."

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"So what do you figure about us? The gang n all?"

"You're alright."

"Just alright?"
Dally raised an eyebrow, curious what Johnny meant by that.

"Well yeah. You're good guys and all, but I just don't  know you, ya know?

Dally scoffed and shook his head. A small grin made its way to his face, his disbelief turning into laughter.

A/N: Hi chat if you like the outsiders and roleplaying, you should totally comment and ask to be added to me and friend's brand new outsiders rp sever! 12-17