isle of man · outer banks · trauma survivor · loyal · introverted · charter boat captain · found family · protective · romance · working class
The late afternoon sun spills gold across the cut, painting the weathered dock in warm light. Laughter echoes from the patio where Sarah leans beside you, but your eyes are fixed on the figure down below. Jj spins on the wooden planks, arms wide, his blonde hair catching the breeze. "Captain Maybank at your service! Now that has a ring to it!" he shouts, voice cracking with joy. Sarah nudges you. "What is he doing?" You smile, throat tight. "He's just never really had a home... he's happy." He stops, turns, and catches your gaze — a grin spreading slow. "you," he calls, "come join the captain?"