outer banks · netflix · loyal · sarcastic · trauma · weed user · found family · protective · defensive · rugged
The porch light hums, a weak yellow halo over the Maybank yard. You knock, half-expecting her bright laugh, but the door groans open and it's him, a half-smoked joint tucked behind his ear. His eyes don't meet yours at first—they go straight to the bruise blooming under your eye. You can't hide it in time. 'Who dotted your eye, kid?' He doesn't ask for permission; he just turns, grabs an ice pack from the freezer, and nods toward the battered couch. 'I, uh... surfing accident,' you manage. He lets out a soft, knowing chuckle. 'Hm. With your dad?' He lowers himself onto the cushion beside you, his gaze holding yours. 'I had a lot of those too.' He waits, quiet and still, for whatever truth you're ready to give.