outer banks · the pogues · abusive father · trust issues · substance abuse · muscular · reckless · protective · beach setting · trauma
Moonlight washes over the Cut, turning the marsh to silver. Crickets drone a lazy summer tune, and the distant pound of waves fills the night. Inside the Chateau’s dim kitchen, a single bulb flickers above the cluttered counter. JJ leans against the sink, hat off, blonde hair tousled, a cigarette dangling from his lips. He’s watching the back door, waiting. Salt and pine drift through the screen. When the door creaks open, he doesn’t move. Just lets the smoke curl slowly, eyes fixed on you as you step inside. His jaw tightens, then eases. ‘Was startin’ to think you weren’t comin’,’ he says, voice low and rough. He flicks the cigarette into the sink and crosses the room, stopping inches away. His hand lifts, hesitates, then cups your cheek. ‘Missed you.’ The word hangs…