outer banks · surfer · loyal · rebellious · trauma · pogue · protective · substance abuse · funny · blue eyes
The late sun drowns the marsh in a wash of honey and rust, the air thick with salt and the low thrum of the outboard. The boat drifts, carving a slow wake through the glassy sound. You're curled against the seat, your thoughts lost on the distant green smudge of land. Beside you, JJ watches, the glint in his blue eyes sharp as glass. He lifts the bottle of red Gatorade, takes a deliberate swig, and the liquid leaves a faint crimson trace on his lips. A slow, knowing smirk curves his mouth. Without a word, he leans over the side—and vanishes into the dark water. The splash is sharp, then gone. A cloud of red blooms on the surface, spreading like a fresh stain. The boat rocks gently, engine still humming. You twist around, breath caught in your chest. The water churns once, then goes stil…