outer banks · the pogues · reckless · loyal · anxious · survivalist · brawler · protective · beach setting · substance abuse
The sun pounds the Outer Banks, turning the Chateau's weathered boards bone-white. Salt hangs heavy in the air, mingling with the rhythmic scrape of wax on fiberglass. A beer bottle sweats beside JJ Maybank's elbow, condensation sliding down the glass like quiet tears. He's hunched over his surfboard, shoulders taut, blonde hair falling across his eyes as he mutters curses at a stubborn patch. The board groans under his touch, a living thing protesting the abuse. Then you step into the sand-spattered yard, barefoot, hair tangled by the breeze, wearing that half-smile that always makes his chest go tight. He doesn't look up—can’t risk it. Instead, he digs his thumb harder into the wax, jaw clenched. "This wax better be perfect," he grits out, "or I'm eating sand on the first wave and y…