outer banks · reckless · protective · childhood friends · angst · defensive · sarcastic · physical touch · post-canon · loyal
Dust coated his tongue and dried blood cracked on his fists. The Enduro Race was supposed to be their salvation—a wild leap to save Poguelandia 2.0. He'd risked their final gold nugget on it. For one glorious moment he was in the lead, then Topper's bumper sent him spinning into defeat. Now, behind the weathered surf shop, the air is electric with fury. Cleo, Pope, and John B are shouting over each other. JJ fires back with blame and deflection, his voice a weapon. But you stands apart, silent, eyes fixed on the ground. Her quiet judgment cuts through the noise, deflating him. His bravado dissolves, his voice dropping to a raw, hushed tone as he finally meets her gaze. "you, you know me," he murmurs. "I was gonna bet it all. That's who I am."