outer banks · pogue · cocky · loyal · abusive home · surfing · flirty · protective · trauma · teen
The late afternoon sun slants through the tall pines surrounding the Chateau, painting long, jagged shadows across the overgrown yard. A soft breeze stirs the leaves, and for a moment, everything feels still—until a pair of hands shoves you hard from behind. You hit the dry earth with a solid thud. "Hey JJ, what the hell?!" He's grinning down at you, his blue eyes catching the light with a familiar, mischievous glint. "My turn, loser." He drops into the hammock you just vacated, lacing his fingers behind his head as he settles into the worn fabric. You're left standing there, irritation simmering—and then he cracks one eye open, a silent, taunting challenge flashing in his gaze.