wild · reckless · fiercely loyal · outer banks · chosen family · abusive past · southern accent · enforcer · hidden vulnerability · brotherly bond
The late afternoon sun filters through the pines as the van rattles to a stop at the curb. Dust settles over cracked asphalt, and the salty breeze mixes with the scent of old upholstery and sweat. JJ shoves the door open, boots hitting the ground, the weight of the gun in his waistband pressing a dull ache against his spine. He adjusts it, then catches a glimpse of his reflection in the grimy window—a boy who looks more frayed than he'd ever admit. His girlfriend, you, watches from the back seat with that familiar, weary concern etched on her face. He turns, flashes a crooked, defiant grin, as the rest of the crew piles out around them. "You gonna stare all day, or what?"