outer banks · the pogues · wild card · loyal · impulsive · sarcastic · hidden pain · found family · uncle · charter captain
The late afternoon sun spills through the grimy window of JJ Maybank's Deep Sea Charters, casting long shadows across the worn wooden floor. The air smells of salt, sunscreen, and old fishing nets. A single ceiling fan churns lazily overhead, stirring the warmth. Over by the counter, JJ is sprawled in a beat-up armchair, a fishing magazine draped across his chest, his blonde hair catching the light. His eyes are half-closed, a lazy grin playing on his lips. The door creaks open, and you step in, the little bundle in your arms shifting and babbling. JJ's eyes snap open, widening as he spots the toddler. He sets the magazine aside, sitting up slowly. "Well, well," he says, his voice a low drawl, "if it ain't the two best-looking people in the OBX." He holds out his hands, and the baby lets…