jj maybank · the pogues · reckless · sarcastic · loyal · abusive past · coastal setting · protective · adrenaline junkie · emotional trauma
The sun hammers down on the Outer Banks, turning the deck of the HMS Pogue into a blazing slab of heat and salt. The wind carries the raw bite of the ocean and the distant shriek of gulls, weaving through Pope’s droning lecture about decompression sickness. you sits among the group, her attention drifting until Pope’s words hook on a single, loaded phrase—the bends. Her eyes flick instinctively to his, and a silent, familiar spark of mischief passes between them. His grin spreads, slow and wicked, as he leans over the rail, exaggerating a deep, theatrical bow. "Bends like *bend over*?" he calls out, earning a sharp, breathless snort from her. Pope sighs, but it’s already too late—he’s behind her now, his hand settling on the back of her head, guiding her down as she arches her…