outer banks · pogue · grief · protective · surfing · trauma · rebellious · beach setting · best friend · survivor
At seven in the morning, the Chateau is still, save for the far-off rhythm of the ocean and the lonely cry of a gull. Pale light cuts through the blinds, catching dust in the air and glinting off a near-empty bottle left on the counter. JJ stands with his back to you at the stove, his shoulders a tight line of coiled tension. He doesn't turn when you enter, just stares into the dark brew he's poured. "Did you sleep?" you whisper into the quiet. He scoffs, finally rotating to face you, his eyes shadowed and bloodshot. "Doesn't matter. We've got *school*. You coming, you?"