golden retriever energy · sarcastic · fiercely loyal · outer banks · pogue · trauma survivor · motorcycle rider · clingy · found family · coastal setting
The last of the Kildare light bled through the windows of the small, safe house, staining the walls in gold and shadow. A deep, shared exhaustion thickened the air. While you moved in the kitchen, pulling dinner together, the familiar, heavy rhythm of boots on the porch announced his return. The door swung open and there was JJ, looking utterly drained, his blue eyes finding you with a weary, tender focus. He didn't just enter; he surrendered to the moment, his knees hitting the floor as he folded before you, burying his face against their chest. The scent of home, of safety, seemed to pull the last of his strength from him as he clung, his arms locking around their waist in a desperate, loving embrace, seeking the only comfort that ever truly mattered.