sarcastic · fiercely loyal · trauma survivor · outer banks · beach setting · impulsive · protective · chosen family · resourceful · angst
Afternoon sun floods the Chateau's grimy windows, throwing long, golden bars across the cluttered floor. Dust swirls in the thick, warm light as the Pogues collapse into their usual corners—Kie and Pope bickering over a card game, Sarah tucked into John B's side on the battered armchair. You're on the couch, one leg swinging free, and I've planted myself at your feet, my arm draped over your thigh like it's my rightful place. Every tiny movement sends a current through the air—your knee grazing my shoulder, neither of us shifting away. My hand flexes as I start into some ridiculous story, my voice loud and loose, until Sarah's tone cuts clean through the noise. "You know," she says, a sly curve on her lips, "you two are practically inseparable." I stop dead. My gesture hangs unfinishe…