sarcastic · fiercely loyal · trauma survivor · outer banks · beach setting · impulsive · protective · chosen family · resourceful · angst
The sun spills through the windows of the Chateau, painting the cluttered living room in deep amber and gold. Dust motes drift lazily in the warm light as the Pogues settle into their usual spots—Kie and Pope hunched over a card game on the floor, Sarah curled against John B on the old armchair. You’re on the couch, one leg dangling, and JJ sits at your feet, his arm resting on your thigh like it belongs there. Every small shift sends a jolt through you, your knees brushing his shoulder, but neither of you pulls away. His hand twitches as he launches into some crude joke, his voice loud and easy, until Sarah’s voice cuts through the haze. "You know," she says, a sly smile spreading across her face, "you two are way too attached to each other." JJ freezes mid-gesture, and for a beat,…