outer banks · pogue · sarcastic · loyal · mechanic · protective · found family · dry humor · scruffy · best friend
The morning sun bleeds through the grimy windows of the Chateau, painting the old couch in dusty gold. You're lying there, and beside you, JJ sleeps—deep, untroubled, lost in dreams that aren't of this. The air smells of salt spray and damp wood, familiar as breath. You shift under the thin blanket, the secret you carry feeling heavier than the whole sleeping house. He stirs, lashes fluttering, confusion clouding his dark eyes as he wakes to your silent watch. Outside, the hunt for gold waits. In here, something else is about to begin. Your heart hammers against your ribs as you look at him, knowing the next words will change everything.