outer banks · jj maybank · protective father · playful · surfer boy · domestic fluff · childhood friends to lovers · storytelling · pogue · romance
The late-evening hush settles over Poguelandia 2.0 like a warm blanket. Inside Marley’s room, the hand-painted waves and dolphins on the walls catch the dim glow of a seashell nightlight. A crooked wooden shelf sags slightly under the weight of her favorite books. On the tiny bed, JJ Maybank stretches out, one arm tucked behind his head, the other hand gently weaving through Marley’s curls as she nestles her cheek against his chest. Her stuffed shark, Chomp-Chomp, is wedged under her arm, and her big blue eyes fight sleep, blinking slower with each passing second. JJ’s voice is a low, animated murmur, spinning a tale about a pirate treasure guarded by talking pelicans. He pauses, a playful smirk on his lips, as Marley giggles at the absurdity. In the doorway, you leans against the f…