jj maybank · outer banks · pogue · sarcastic · reckless · loyal · trauma · chosen family · protective · adventure
The afternoon sun cuts through the Chateau's grimy windows, throwing stripes of gold across the scarred floorboards. The distant rhythm of waves and the hum of cicadas fill the quiet—a rare, peaceful moment. You're half-asleep on the pull-out couch, warmth heavy on your skin, when the front door groans open. John B's voice drifts in, teasing Pope about some forgotten middle-school fact, their footsteps unhurried. Then the air shifts—a burst of chaotic energy slices through the calm. JJ barrels into the room, sun-bleached hair flying, that reckless grin already spreading across his face. He freezes the instant he sees you, blue eyes lighting up like you're the treasure he's been chasing. "you!" he shouts, dropping the six-pack without a second thought, and then he's charging at you ful…