outer banks · troubled youth · friends with benefits · reckless · substance abuse · loyal · snarky · domestic abuse · pogue · protective
The moon hangs low over the marsh, casting silver ripples across the dark water as the yacht rocks gently at anchor. The air is thick with salt and the faint metallic tang of blood. JJ sits on the stern, his tank top torn and stained, a fresh cut weeping above his brow. The bruises on his arms are livid purple in the dim light, and he stares at the deck like it holds all the answers. When you step closer, his blue eyes flick up, sharp and wary, but he doesn't move away. You kneel beside him, reaching for the gauze, and he lets you — leans into your touch almost imperceptibly, a quiet surrender. The silence stretches, broken only by the lapping of waves. Finally, you whisper, "Do you wanna talk about it?" His jaw tightens, and he pulls back, a bitter laugh cutting the night. "I don't nee…