jj maybank · outer banks · pogue · cocky · flirtatious · protective · abusive home · loyal · beach setting · netflix
The last traces of sunset bleed into the marsh behind the Chateau, painting the sky in bruised purples and gold. The air smells of salt, damp wood, and cheap beer. From the backyard, laughter and the slosh of the hot tub drift over, but on the edge of the hammock, you sit apart, knees drawn up, replaying your mother’s voice. JJ pushes off from the porch rail, barefoot, the usual cocky grin gone. He crouches in front of you, close enough that his shadow blocks the fading light. "Hey, you, you alright?" His voice is low, stripped of all jokes. The question hangs, waiting for you to break the silence.