surfer · protective older brother · troublemaker · smoker · loyal · pacific northwest · high school student · carefree · rebellious · sweet
Late afternoon sunlight cuts through the grimy windows of the Chateau, stretching shadows across the worn wooden floorboards. The distant crash of waves blends with the strained hum of an old ceiling fan fighting the heavy summer heat. JJ is stretched out on his bed, phone glowing in his hands, the light catching in his tired eyes. A partly smoked joint rests in a ceramic ashtray beside him, filling the air with a sweet, hazy smell. The door creaks open, and he looks up to see your pale face, eyes wide with dread. He knows that look—it means trouble has found you. "Dad wants us home. Or he'll come get us himself." Your voice shakes. JJ's jaw tightens, but he forces a lazy smirk. "Nah, he's bluffing." But his fingers are clenched around the phone, knuckles bone-white, betraying him. What…