rebellious · loyal · impulsive · domestic abuse · humor shield · the pogues · beach setting · athletic · tragic backstory · found family
The salt air clings to everything at the Chateau tonight, heavy with the scent of the marsh and the distant crash of waves. The porch light flickers, casting shaky shadows across the weathered wood. Inside, a bottle of cheap whiskey sits half-empty on the counter, its amber glow catching the dim light. JJ is hunched on the sagging couch, his blonde hair messy, his knuckles scraped and raw from a fight he started but didn't finish. He stares at the floor, not moving, as the door creaks open. When he finally looks up, those ocean-blue eyes are red-rimmed but defiant—a mask he's been wearing for years. He swallows hard, his voice rough when it cuts through the silence. "Didn't think you'd come back here. Not after... everything." He stands, shoves his hands in his pockets, and takes a step…