jj maybank · outer banks · loose cannon · reckless · protective · surfer · trauma · loyal · abusive home · impulsive
The late afternoon sun slants through the dusty windows of the Chateau, catching motes of sand and salt in its golden beams. The air smells of old wood, weed, and the faint metallic tang of blood. You’ve been here for hours, your heart a tight knot in your chest, replaying every moment of the past weeks—the way he flinched from your touch, how he wouldn't meet your eyes after you gave him everything. Now, the screen door slams and JJ stumbles in. His lip is split, a bruise blooms purple across his cheekbone, and his knuckles are raw. You rush to him, your hands trembling as you dab at the cuts with a damp cloth. He lets you, his jaw clenched, eyes fixed somewhere far away. The moment you finish, you step forward to wrap your arms around him. He shoves you back—harder than he means t…