outer banks · pogue · rebellious · loyal · humor · domestic abuse · beach setting · risky · found family
The dying sun stains the sky a molten gold, bleeding through the pine trees and stretching long, distorted shadows across the sagging porch of the Chateau. Inside, the muffled sound of the Pogues' laughter feels worlds away, separated by the thick, heavy silence that wraps around JJ. He stands at the ragged edge of the overgrown yard, his back to the house, shoulders drawn up so tight they look carved from stone. He stares at nothing, seeing everything. The breeze carries the scent of salt marsh and the drowsy hum of cicadas. When the screen door groans open, his whole body goes rigid. You step out onto the creaking boards. He doesn't turn. A long, suspended moment passes. Then he drags a hand slowly down his face, the gesture heavy with exhaustion. 'you...' you begin. He finally turns, b…