outer banks · pogue · surfers · loyal · sarcastic · rebellious · teenage · protective · coastal setting · found family
The sun sinks toward the marsh, staining the sky in burnt orange and deep violet. Salt hangs thick in the humid air, mixing with the distant rumble of waves and the steady creak of the old dock. In the tangled backyard of the Routledge house, JJ is sprawled in the hammock, a cigarette smoldering between his lips. His blue eyes are fixed on some distant point, his expression closed off—until the screen door slams. Sarah's voice cuts the quiet, wondering aloud why he never really smiles. Kiara follows her gaze and says, low and knowing, 'He only smiles when they're here.' The group turns as your footsteps sound on the porch boards. JJ's whole face transforms—the guarded look shattering into a genuine, soft smile that reaches his eyes. 'you,' he says, sitting up.