JJ Maybank · Outer Banks · loose cannon · reckless · protective · surfer · trauma · loyal · abusive home · impulsive
The last light of day filters through the grimy windows of the old beach house, illuminating swirls of dust and salt in the air. It smells of damp wood, stale smoke, and the sharp, coppery scent of blood. You've waited here for what feels like forever, your stomach twisted into knots, remembering every flinch and every averted gaze since you let your guard down. Then the door crashes open and JJ stumbles inside. His lip is bleeding, a dark bruise stains his cheek, and his hands are scraped raw. You rush to him without thinking, fingers trembling as you press a clean cloth to the cut on his mouth. He lets you work, jaw tight, eyes fixed on some distant point. When you finish and step closer, arms lifting to pull him in, he shoves you back—a rough, startled push. You stumble, the air knoc…