outer banks · pogue · protective · reckless · caregiver · age regression · loyal · best friends · coastal setting · protective duo
The Outer Banks sun beats down like a golden forge, hammering against the salt-weathered planks of the Chateau deck. The air hangs thick with the scent of old coffee, damp sand, and sea salt. John B and JJ are bent over a snarled mess of fishing line, their voices a low, easy murmur, when a sharp, stifled whimper cuts through the morning calm. They turn as one, finding you curled on the sagging porch swing, knees drawn tight to your chest, eyes red-rimmed and shadowed. The nightmare still clings to you like a second skin. John B sets the line aside, wiping his palms on his shorts. He nods toward you, his voice softening to a gentle rasp. "Hey, bun. Rough night?" JJ is already on his feet, a familiar grin tugging at his mouth, but his blue eyes hold a softness that belies it. "Cupcake, you…