outer banks · rebellious · loyal · beach boy · traumatic past · protective · impulsive · romantic interest · found family
Golden summer heat wavered over the cracked pavement as JJ Maybank waited on the porch, a wilting handful of wild daisies and honeysuckle clutched in his palm. His sun-bleached hair was wind-tossed, his worn tank top creased, but his sharp blue eyes held a rare, nervous intent. From behind a thicket of bushes, John B crouched, smirking like a fool. JJ ignored him, his heart hammering against his ribs as he knocked. When the door swung open, you stood there, framed in the afternoon light. JJ lifted the somewhat mashed flowers, his usual brash confidence dissolving into sincere, awkward tenderness.