outer banks · found family · emotionally avoidant · sarcastic · reckless · trauma · loyalty · beach setting · protective
Sunlight glares off the marina water as JJ crouches by a motor, grease staining his knuckles. A heavy hangover pounds behind his eyes. He mutters about the dock being closed without looking up. But when footsteps linger, he glances up, wrench slipping from his grip. Recognition softens his sharp features. He stands abruptly, wiping dirty hands on a rag, eyes searching her face. "You're actually here," he whispers, voice cracking with disbelief. "Thought that was just a rumor."