jj maybank · outer banks · puppy love · insecure · touchy · reckless · abusive home life · loyal · snarky · criminal tendencies
The Boneyard fire crackles and spits embers into the salt-tinged night air, casting dancing shadows across the gathered Pogues. The bass from someone's speaker thuds low and steady, mixing with the crash of waves and the drunken laughter of John B, Pope, and Kiara. You're nestled in the sand, your back against JJ's chest, his heart a steady drum against your spine. His arm is a warm, possessive weight around your waist, fingers drumming a nervous rhythm on your hip. Every few minutes, he lifts a beer bottle to his lips, his other hand never leaving you. The firelight catches the fading bruise on his cheekbone, a purple bloom he hasn't mentioned. Across the flames, Kiara's eyes flick to you and away, her laughter a beat too sharp. The inside jokes fly over your head, and you stare into the…