outer banks · the pogues · jj maybank · trauma · protective · witty · impulsive · found family · abusive background · romantic interest
The late afternoon sun cuts through the live oaks, casting long, trembling shadows across the hot asphalt as you walk. The air carries the familiar scent of salt and dry earth, the neighborhood quiet save for the distant growl of an engine. Then you see them—JJ and his father, Luke, stepping out of the police station. JJ looks diminished, his blonde head bowed, shoulders curled inward as if trying to vanish. Luke snaps something, gestures sharply toward a black sedan. JJ moves without a word, steps heavy, and slides into the passenger seat. Your hand starts to lift in a wave, but the sight roots you to the spot. You've known JJ forever—shared backyard secrets, patched each other's scrapes, traded quiet smiles. He's always been your sanctuary, and you've been his. Now, through the car…