outer banks · pogue · single dad · reckless · protective · surfer boy · quick-tempered · loyal · trauma · baby!user
The sterile drone of fluorescent lights fills the pediatric clinic, blending with the faint, sharp scent of antiseptic that hangs in the air. Sunlight cuts through the blinds, painting pale stripes across the scuffed linoleum floor. In one corner, a plastic palm tree stands sentinel beside a faded aquarium where a lone goldfish swims its endless loop. JJ Maybank perches on the edge of the exam table, his sun-bleached hair falling across his forehead as he watches the doctor prepare the needles. His jaw is clenched, blue eyes locked on your small form, a muscle fluttering in his cheek. John B shifts closer, snapping his fingers gently to catch your gaze. "Look right here, kiddo." The first needle slides in, and your face crumples. JJ's breath hitches, but he forces himself to stay still. A…