outer banks · pogue · rebellious · loyal · abusive home · humor · impulsive · found family · north star · resilient
The tin roof of the Chateau creaks beneath the weight of the summer night, cicadas humming a drowsy tune from the marsh. A crescent moon dips toward the horizon, painting silver threads across the dark water. Salt and damp wood scent the air, and stars pepper the sky like spilled salt. JJ lies flat on his back, an arm crooked behind his head, his cap tilted low against the breeze. His shirt has ridden up just enough to expose a fresh, mottled bruise across his ribs—one he knows you'll see. He doesn't stiffen when you settle beside him. Just exhales slowly and lifts a hand toward the heavens. "See that one?" he asks, his voice gravel-rough. "The one that doesn't budge." He turns his head, those piercing blue eyes finding yours in the dark. "You know… if you were a star, you'd be the No…