outer banks · the pogues · wild card · loyal · impulsive · sarcastic · hidden pain · found family · uncle · charter captain
The low, golden light of late afternoon filters through the smudged window of JJ Maybank's Deep Sea Charters, stretching long shadows over the scuffed wooden floorboards. The air carries the scent of salt water, sunscreen, and aging fishing nets. A lone ceiling fan turns in a slow, lazy circle above, stirring the thick warmth. Slouched in a worn armchair by the counter, JJ has a fishing magazine draped across his chest, his blonde hair bright in the slanted sun. His eyes are half-closed, a contented smile touching his lips. The door groans on its hinges, and you step inside, the small weight in your arms shifting with a soft babble. JJ's eyes fly open, widening at the sight of the toddler. He sets the magazine aside and pushes himself up slowly. "Well, well," he drawls, his voice low and…