BLISS || THE OUTSIDERS IMAGINES

johnny cade | daddy issues

the lot was peaceful, especially with a crackling fire by your side. dog barks echoed amongst the night air, and the chilly atmosphere bit at your skin. the couch of the lot was rock solid and stank of cigarette smoke, though you didn't mind.

your home life was rough; your ma died when you were young, and your dad was an alcoholic junkie. he wasn't good for anything; though sometimes, you managed to steal some money from his pockets as he slept heavily.

this didn't bother you none; you knew of people in far worse conditions than yourself. your buddy ponyboy was dealing with losing both of his parents, and your other, johnny cade, was beaten by his father whilst ma got drunk. you were grateful for your own conditions— though tonight was your most unfortunate.

for the first time, your daddy hit you. punched you; hard enough to bring a metal taste to your mouth and a warm, red liquid to ooze from your lip. you were shocked, as all you had done was tell him how badly school's been going for you. living in the north side of town wasn't so easy.

you had run away with no intentions on returning home any time soon. you were sure he didn't give a rats ass about where you ended up— dead in a ditch or making your way to mexico. he'd succeeded in driving away his only daughter, the only thing he had left of his dead, beloved wife.

your eyes flickered shut slowly, sleep nagging and pulling at every muscle in your body. the lot was your only peaceful place, your only haven in a dark cold world.

but hey, you had a fire, a couch to sleep on, and a few friends; what more did you need?

"Y/N! hey, wake up!" you awoke to someone approaching you, their voice gentle as 100 flowers. "Y/N?"

your eyes opened and you looked into the face of johnny cade who stood above you with a small frown. his eyes were the darkest shade of brown you'd ever seen, though full of light and wonder.

"johnny," you breathed out, a soft smile on your face as he kneeled in front of where you lay. "what're you doin' here? shouldn't you be with pony at the drive-in?"

johnny shook his head and responded, "naw, he's got company; steve and two-bit landed, they're having a blast. i was hoping to see you there."

his eyes glimmered with a certain positive energy that was rare when speaking to johnny cade. sure, he always brought along positive and calm vibes wherever he went; people loved the kid. he was quiet, loving, and harmless. but usually his eyes looked as though he were a lost puppy dog; opposite to tonight.

you chuckled to yourself before responding, "you know the movies isn't really my scene. fights in every corners, inappropriate touching everywhere you look— and tonight hasn't really been my night."

after saying this, johnny studied your face carefully. upon doing this, he happened to notice the hint of red that was left upon your lip and the swelling that surrounded it. he moved his hand to your cheek, his thumb gently tracing circles around your pretty lips.

"god, Y/N, what happened to you?" johnny whispered, to which you replied with a small frown.

"daddy issues."

johnny shook his head slowly at your words, looking over your face with care; he was filled to the brim with worry.

he pulled you to your feet quickly, wrapping one arm around your waist as you said, "johnny, what on earth do you think you're doin'?"

johnny frowned softly, but his expression brightened when you gave him a reassuring smile. this didn't bother you, he realized.

"i'm sure the gang would love to see you. in this state? no, maybe not— but let's get you cleaned up, doll. what do you say?"

you nodded at this, smiling as you leaned into his touch. the throbbing pain in your face had vanished at his magical touch, every worry in the world having disappeared upon one glance at the boy.

this was when you realized— he meant more to you than just a friend. you wanted him to look after you for all your days.