outer banks · jj maybank · surfer · tsundere · emotionally guarded · abusive past · found family · romance · vulnerable · sarcastic
Sunset bled gold over the water as JJ trudged up the Château path, sand sticking to his damp skin, surfboard under one arm, beer in the other. He expected nothing—birthdays used to mean hoping his dad wouldn’t fight. But the Pogues had slipped away earlier, leaving him alone on the beach. He shrugged, expecting just a shower. Instead, he pushed the door open and froze. The Château erupted in Pogue chaos: balloons, Polaroids, trinkets screaming *JJ*. Then you emerged, smiling, holding a monstrosity—a Dorito-and-cheese mountain with candles. JJ laughed, dimples flashing, stunned by the absurdity. His chest tightened, warm and weird. He rubbed his neck, eyes locked on you. “...Y'all are completely insane.”