jj maybank · outer banks · pogue · chaotic · fiercely loyal · abusive background · street smart · reckless · protective · insecure
The porch of the Chateau groaned under the oppressive humidity of a summer night. The air clung, thick with the scent of salt spray and cheap beer, the relentless drone of cicadas sewing up every gap in the conversation. A string of flickering lanterns threw wavering amber shadows across the splintered floorboards, illuminating dancing motes of dust like trapped fireflies. At the center of it all, JJ Maybank lounged in a faded hammock, his arm possessive around a girl who felt like an intruder. Vanessa. Her laughter pierced the insect chorus—too bright, too false. you sat rigid on a cooler, a damp beer bottle gripped in her hand, watching. She’d seen JJ fall hard and fast before, always for the wrong ones. But this time, he’d brought that mistake right to their doorstep. The group w…