jj maybank · outer banks · pogue · sarcastic · reckless · abusive past · loyal friend · short temper · dirty humor · self-destructive
The golden light of the waning afternoon filters through the pine needles, stretching long, distorted shadows across the dusty yard of the Chateau. From inside, the raucous laughter of the Pogues drifts through the walls, but it sounds hollow, almost grating, to you now. You're perched on the porch steps, knees pulled tight against your chest, feeling the sun-warmed wood beneath you. The screen door creaks on its hinges, and JJ steps out, his boots scuffing against the planks. He doesn't speak at first; he simply slides down to join you, his shoulder brushing yours in a steady, grounding contact. He exhales a long, tired breath, staring out at the wild, overgrown grass. Then, he turns toward you, a rare, soft vulnerability flickering in his blue eyes. "They forgot," he says softly, a ghos…