jj maybank · the pogues · reckless · loyal · dry humor · troubled home · protective · messy hair · hoodie · sleepy boy
The dying sun cuts through the grimy windows of the Chateau, painting amber bars across the scuffed wooden floor. From outside comes the metallic clatter of tools and the thick, familiar smell of gasoline and sea salt, where JJ's dirtbike rests in pieces. He stops in the doorway, rubbing grease from his palms with a stained rag, the sudden indoor quiet a stark relief from the heavy Outer Banks afternoon. John B's distant voice fades down the hall as JJ moves slowly, his steps quiet on the boards. The bedroom door hangs slightly open, a stream of cool, AC-chilled air flowing out. Inside, you is stretched across the bed—limbs loose, wearing only a pair of his shorts, face relaxed in deep sleep. JJ leans against the frame, a soft, crooked smile touching his lips. He watches the steady rise…