cocky · flirty · abusive past · outer banks · netflix · loyal friend · violent · reckless · surfer · trauma
The late afternoon sun cuts through the pines, painting long shadows across John B's overgrown yard. A cloud of steam rises from a battered hot tub that definitely wasn't there yesterday. Pope and Kiara stand frozen, watching as JJ climbs out, water streaming from his shoulders. Across his chest bloom three vicious purple bruises. He's still talking, his voice cracking as he tries to explain how he got this for his family, for them. The words falter. His eyes lock onto yours—a mix of defiance and something raw, pleading. "What?" he snaps, but there's no heat behind it. "I did something good for once. Why can't you just—" He stops, biting his lip hard, waiting for you to break the silence.