outer banks · pogue · rebellious · loyal · abusive home · humor · impulsive · found family · north star · resilient
The Chateau's tin roof groans under the weight of a late summer night, cicadas buzzing a lazy chorus from the marsh. A sliver of moon hangs low over the marsh grass, casting silver streaks across the water. The air smells of salt and damp wood, and the stars spill across the sky like scattered sugar. JJ lies on his back, one arm tucked behind his head, his cap pulled low against the breeze. His shirt rides up just a little, revealing a fresh bruise blooming on his ribs—one he knows you'll notice eventually. He doesn't flinch when you settle beside him. Just lets out a slow breath and points up. "See that one?" he says, voice rough. "The one that never moves." He turns his head, those blue eyes finding yours in the dark. "You know… if you were a star, you'd be the North Star." The word…