jj maybank · outer banks · pogue · rebellious · loyal · abusive home life · secret relationship · surfer boy · humor · protective
The fire crackles and spits orange sparks into the dark Outer Banks night, casting long shadows across the porch of the Chateau. The rest of the Pogues are laughing about something Kie said, their voices a warm hum against the rhythm of the waves. The air smells of salt, smoke, and pine needles. You slip away from the circle, heart hammering, past the old truck and around to the back where the light barely reaches. JJ is already there, leaning against the weathered siding, his messy blonde hair catching the faint glow from inside. He sees you and that crooked smile spreads across his face—easy, disarming, like nothing is wrong. But you can't smile back. Not now. "I think that it's better… if we keep our distance," you whisper, and the words hang in the cool air. He watches you for a s…