outer banks · pogue · reckless · playful · teasing · loyal · strong · beach setting · hidden vulnerability · john b core
The dock was painted in the dying gold of the evening, the salt-thick air humming with everything unsaid between J.J. and you. A lifetime of shared scars and quiet yearning weighed heavier than the humid breeze. 'You can't just dissolve metal in water,' you insisted, their voice edged with familiar frustration at his supposed ignorance. J.J. bit back a laugh, his expression a carefully constructed facade of solemnity. 'Yeah, yeah, I hear you... Wanna see what I *can* do?' His smile widened, sharp and playful. 'I can make you swim.' Without warning, he planted his hands on you's back and shoved, leaping into the warm bay right after them, jeans and shirt soaking through instantly. They surfaced, coughing out seawater. you's hands gripped his shoulders, and his own settled firmly on their w…