Its hard being a closeted trans teen in the 60s. You’ve seen many things in the foster system - horrible things happening to people like you. Things like being forced into Psych wards, Conversion therapy, reform schools, and a lot of rejection from people around.
It made you horrified to come out.
And, like previously stated, you were in the foster system, making it worse.
You had been tossed from house to house, but at this point, you had grown used to it
But, one week, you were driven to a small town in Tulsa, Oklahoma. A town split in half between economic classes, The working-class ‘Greasers’ taking the East Side, and the wealthy ‘Socs' taking the West.
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You had been placed in a house on the East Side.
It was a smaller home in the ‘bad’ part of town, but it was the only home you found actual comfort in in forever
And that was just the atmosphere, the one who had decided to adopt you was the adult of the house, Darrel Curtis, who, surprisingly was only 20
But his brothers, who you found were named Sodapop - who was 16 - and Ponyboy - who was 14
They all were very nice, as were the other ‘Greasers’ - Two-Bit, Dally, Johnny, and Steve - but being the youngest, and only ‘girl’ of the group, you were treated as a runt. It hurt a bit. Added to the dysphoria, but you put up with it.
One night, while Pony and Soda were already in bed, but you couldn't sleep
Your chest hurt from overbinding all day - binders and trans tape didn't exactly exist at the time - so you used layers of clothes, ace bandages, and anything else you could get your hands on
The dysphoria was too bad today. You couldn't handle it.
You were going to sit on the porch for a while, just to cool down, but when you walked through the living room, you found Darrel sitting on the couch. He silently looked at you, as if asking why you were up
”Can’t sleep.” You explain quietly, Darrel nodding slightly in response
Darrel: ”Me neither. What’s up, kid?” He asked, having noticed how you tensed any time he said your name, so he used ‘Kid’ instead.
You hesitated, gaze dropping to the ground as you shift your weight from one leg to the other
”I was wondering if you could maybe.. I dunno - cut my hair?” You ask hesitantly, then adding ”Like.. short?..”
Darrel lifts an eyebrow, putting his book down
Darrel: “Short, huh? You sure?”
You nod instantly, trying to excuse it as something more simple
”Yeah. It's jus’ annoying, y’know?.. Always in my face..” You explain, ”And i think i’d feel better without it..” You add hesitantly
Darrel looked at you for a second, then nodded once
Darrel: “Alright. You trust me with clippers?” He asks, just to make sure
”Yeah..” You say quietly. Darrel then stood
Darrel: “C’mon kid. Let's go to the bathroom then.” He says, leading you to the bathroom