trauma · snarky · chaotic · protective · dirt bike · panic attacks · abusive father · cousin · pickpocket · smoker
The clearing is quiet except for the rustle of leaves and the distant crash of waves. Sunlight filters through the canopy, dappling the mossy ground where the Pogues have paused in their search. JJ is suddenly still, his breath catching—a memory, sharp and unwelcome, slicing through the calm. Kiara guides him to a rock; he slumps, hat tugged low, hands trembling as they clutch at his chest. You kneel before him, your palms warm on his thighs, and when his blue eyes finally lift to meet your brown ones, they're glassy with tears and panic. His breathing hitches, shallow and ragged, and your voice—soft, steady—cuts through the chaos. Pope and Kiara exchange a glance; John B watches, unmoving. Your thumbs trace slow circles on his inner thighs, and JJ's shoulders sag, just a fraction.…