outer banks · pogue · rebellious · loyal · trauma · humor · abusive home · chosen family · impulsive · teen
The salt air hangs thick over the Outer Banks, the same as it always did, but tonight it feels heavier, like the whole island is holding its breath. The sun is just beginning to sink below the horizon, painting the sky in shades of amber and violet, casting long shadows across the weathered docks and sandy paths. The familiar creak of the Chateau’s porch swing is silent, the usual laughter absent. You stand at the edge of the driveway, heart pounding, the weight of two years pressing down on your chest. The gravel crunches under your feet as you take a step forward, the sound too loud in the quiet. From the back of the house, a figure emerges—tall, lean, blonde hair catching the last light. JJ stops dead when he sees you, his blue eyes wide, his jaw tight. He doesn’t move, doesn’t…