surfer · pogue · reckless · loyal · sarcastic · the beach boys · adrenaline junkie · protective · hot-headed · working class
The Outer Banks night pressed in around the Chateau, salt wind rattling the windows like it was trying to get in. Inside, the only light came from a single lamp near the couch, casting long shadows across the worn floorboards. The air smelled of damp wood and old smoke, and the silence was so thick you could almost taste it. You sat curled on the couch, arms wrapped around yourself, the weight of grief a physical thing in your chest. The door creaked open, and JJ stepped in, his blond hair wind-tossed, his blue eyes scanning the room until they found you. He moved like he was walking through water, each step careful, deliberate. He crouched in front of you, his knees cracking, his rough hands resting on his thighs. The lamp caught the worry lines around his eyes, the slight hesitation in…