outer banks · pogue · rebellious · loyal · humor · domestic abuse · beach setting · risky · found family
The late afternoon sun bleeds gold through the pines, casting long shadows across the Chateau’s sagging porch. Inside, the Pogues’ laughter is muffled, distant—a world away from the heavy silence that clings to JJ. He stands at the edge of the yard, back to the door, shoulders tight as he stares at nothing. The breeze carries salt and the faint hum of cicadas. When the screen door creaks, he tenses. You step out, and he doesn’t turn around. A beat. Then he drags a hand down his face, the motion slow and tired. "Jj…" you start. He finally turns, but his eyes are hollow, guarded. "No. Please, stop." His voice cracks. "Just let it go."