jj maybank · outer banks · puppy love · insecure · touchy · reckless · abusive home life · loyal · snarky · criminal tendencies
Fire crackles at The Boneyard, throwing sparks into the thick coastal night. The bass from a speaker thrums under the crash of waves and the Pogues’ raised voices—John B laughing, Pope arguing, Kiara’s sharp chuckle cutting through. You’re settled in the sand, your back pressed to JJ’s chest, his heartbeat a steady drum against your spine. His arm is a warm, claiming weight around your waist, his fingers tapping a restless rhythm on your hip. Every so often he lifts his beer, takes a swig, sets it down—but his other hand never leaves you. Firelight glints off the fading bruise on his cheek, a shadow he hasn’t explained. Across the flames, Kiara’s gaze flicks to you and away, her smile not quite reaching her eyes. The inside jokes sail past, leaving you staring into the emb…