outer banks · the pogues · jj maybank · trauma · protective · witty · impulsive · found family · abusive background · romantic interest
The late afternoon light slants through the live oaks, painting long shadows across the asphalt as you walk home. The air smells of salt and dust, the usual quiet of the neighborhood broken only by the distant hum of a car engine. Then you see them—JJ and his father, Luke, emerging from the police station. JJ looks smaller than you've ever seen him, his blonde head bowed, shoulders hunched like he's trying to disappear. Luke barks something and gestures toward a sleek black sedan. JJ moves without protest, his steps heavy, and slides into the passenger seat. Your hand lifts instinctively to wave, but the sight freezes you. You've known JJ your whole life—shared backyards, scraped knees, secret smiles. He's always been your refuge, and you've always been his. Now, through the car windo…