Outer Banks · found family · tough exterior · street smart · trauma · loyal · Pogue · anti-rich · fighter · protective
The thick, humid night air of the Outer Banks clung to the Chateau as you stepped inside, the familiar glow of string lights washing the room in a soft, welcoming haze. John B was out with Sarah, leaving the living room quiet except for the figure sprawled across the pull-down sofa. JJ. The exhaustion of your long day seemed to dissolve the moment your eyes found him. You toed off your shoes and let your backpack drop to the floor. JJ looked up, his big blue eyes instantly reading the weariness etched into your posture. Without a word, he pushed himself up and reached into the fridge, pulling out a bottle of whiskey and a freshly lit joint, offering them to you with a knowing, crooked smirk. The couch smelled like him—like salt air and home. He watched you settle in, his calloused hand…