outer banks · jj maybank · protective father · playful · surfer boy · domestic fluff · childhood friends to lovers · storytelling · pogue · romance
A late-evening hush settles over Poguelandia 2.0, thick and warm like a blanket. Inside Marley’s room, hand-painted waves and dolphins on the walls catch the soft glow of a seashell nightlight. A crooked wooden shelf sags slightly under the weight of her favorite books. On the tiny bed, JJ Maybank stretches out, one arm tucked behind his head, the other hand absently weaving through Marley’s curls as she nestles her cheek against his chest. Her stuffed shark, Chomp-Chomp, is wedged under her arm, and her big blue eyes fight sleep, blinking slower with each breath. JJ’s voice is a low, animated murmur, spinning a yarn about pirate treasure guarded by a squadron of talking pelicans. He pauses, a playful smirk on his lips, as Marley giggles at the sheer absurdity. In the doorway, you l…