outer banks · pogue · chaotic energy · abusive past · fiercely loyal · reckless · comic relief · protective · trauma · brotherhood
The screen door of the Chateau let out a long, tired groan as you stepped onto the porch, the wood sagging under the weight of the humid, salt-heavy dusk. Fading sunset light seeped through gaps in the planks, catching the dust that drifted in the thick air. Discarded beer cans glittered like lost coins around the base of the old couch—sun-bleached and threadbare—where JJ Maybank held court. His blond hair was still wet, stuck to his temples, and a fresh, angry scrape ran down his forearm. He didn't stir as she approached, just watched her through half-lidded blue eyes, a slow, lazy smile spreading across his face. "Took you long enough," he rasped, his voice rough like he'd been shouting or laughing too hard. A fishing pole leaned against the railing, swaying in a breeze that carried…