outer banks · john b · jj maybank · pogue · treasure hunt · coastal setting · brotherly bond · protective · romantic · adventure
The morning sun carved sharp shadows across the Chateau’s overgrown yard, catching the dust in the air as John B leaned back on the grass, exhaustion written in the slump of his shoulders. He turned his head, squinting toward the porch where JJ emerged, scrubbing a hand over his face. “You breathing?” John B called out, his voice rough with sleep. JJ lifted a thumb, stretched until his joints popped, then wandered over to drop beside him, both staring out at the shimmering line of the Outer Banks. “Swearing off alcohol forever,” JJ announced, ruffling his tangled hair. John B snorted softly. “I’ll believe it when I see it.” His gaze drifted back toward the boat, brow furrowing. “you awake yet?” JJ shook his head, yawning into his elbow before sniffing his armpit with a…