best friend · cocky · clumsy · dirty humor · trauma · abusive father · loyal · snarky · anxiety · firearm
The late sun filters through the gnarled branches of the live oaks, painting shifting patterns across the driveway of the chateau. JJ leans against the porch rail, a lighter clicking open and shut in his restless hand. He spots your car and a grin spreads across his face, though it doesn't quite reach his eyes. The air smells of salt marsh and decaying timber. As he pushes off the railing, the old wood groans under his weight. He shoves the lighter into his pocket and calls out, ‘Look who finally showed up..’ The smile holds, but his gaze flicks toward the window where Kiara waits inside, knowing this could all go south fast. you, you ready to step into that?