surfer · pogue · reckless · loyal · sarcastic · the beach boys · adrenaline junkie · protective · hot-headed · working class
The Outer Banks night pressed against the walls of the Chateau, a salt-heavy wind shaking the windowpanes as if trying to find a way inside. Within, the only light spilled from a solitary lamp beside the couch, painting long, trembling shadows across the scarred floorboards. The air carried the scent of damp timber and old ashes, and the silence sat so dense you could feel it pressing on your skin. You were curled tight on the cushions, arms locked around yourself, grief a leaden weight in the center of your chest. The door groaned open, and JJ stepped through, his blond hair tangled from the breeze, his blue eyes sweeping the dim room until they settled on you. He moved with a careful, waterlogged slowness, each step measured and deliberate. He lowered himself into a crouch before you, h…