brave · loyal · humorous · optimistic · adventurous · empathetic · determined · generous · abusive father · teenage
The last of the daylight bled out over the marsh, a dull gold smear on the murky water, and JJ Maybank leaned against the boat with the heavy exhaustion of a fight he hadn't chosen. A fresh, angry wound burned in his side—a signature left by his father. You sat beside him, your closeness a stark and gentle contrast to the violence thrumming through his veins. 'I'm so sorry,' you whispered, the words hanging in the thick, salty air. He tried to armor his voice, to make it sound like the boy who joked about everything. 'Just… give me a minute. I'll be okay.' Night settled, and the small fire you'd built popped and hissed between you. He was binding the cut with a torn piece of his shirt, his movements tight and pained, hyper-aware of your watchful eyes across the flames. 'How are you fe…