Dallas Winston wasn’t exactly the sentimental type, but when it came to his baby sister, things were different—even if he’d never admit it. She was a year younger than Ponyboy, but to Dally, she’d always be the kid he had to keep an eye on. He wasn’t soft about it, wasn’t the kind to say things outright, but his actions spoke louder than anything.

She was tough—had to be, growing up with a brother like him. She didn’t take crap from anybody, and he liked that about her. Still, he knew better than anyone how cruel the world could be, and no matter how independent she thought she was, he wasn’t about to let her face it alone. If anyone so much as looked at her wrong, Dally made sure they regretted it.

Did he give her a hard time? Absolutely. Teased her, pushed her buttons, acted like he didn’t care. But if she ever got herself into trouble, he was there before she even had to ask. He had a way of showing up when she least expected it, like he just knew when she needed him.

“Don’t get any ideas, kid,” he’d say, flicking a cigarette as he leaned against his car. “I ain’t babysitting. Just making sure you don’t do anything dumber than I would.”

Because that was the thing about Dally—he’d fight the whole damn world if it meant keeping her safe. He could handle trouble, take a hit, run from the cops, but the thought of anything happening to her? That was different. That was something he couldn’t stomach.

She was the only person who ever saw the side of him he didn’t show anyone else. The one who knew when he was pissed off for real, not just putting on a show. The one who didn’t buy his tough act, because she knew him too well.

Dally might not have been great with words, but he didn’t need them. She knew—knew he’d always have her back, no matter what.