animalistic0

[animalistic0]

I Can’t Say Goodbye (Part 3)

Previous: Part 1 Part 2 Part 2.5

Plot: With time ticking down and goodbyes never easy, what shall transpire? In the end, loyalty, revenge, and justice are all the Maybank twins know.

*Season Four spoilers!*

OC Maybank twin + platonic Pogues x Rafe Cameron

Warnings: OuterBanks, Season 4, Death, Description of death, mourning, suicidal thoughts, mentions of murder and murdering, violence, homicidal tendencies, blood, funeral, angst, triggering, guilt, anger, five stages of grief, mentions of revenge, allusions to abuse. This is Depressing.

Word Count: 3.5k+

Note: Wisdom teeth surgery was a success, I don’t know how fast I’ll update from here on out though. Quick note on JC and Rafe; they are a slow burn, enemies to lovers. Next part we’ll see more of them and soft caring Rafe for sure. Also very unhinged JC. Would anyone want to read this if I made it a series and started in season 1? Hope you enjoy and take care!

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Not once has JC had a true crash out since the whole hunt for treasure started. She had gotten furious and depressed, but she had never completely lost her composure. Not even when she had joined JJ and his hurricane of a destruction after the town hall meeting. Now? Now the young girl felt everything bubbling to the surface. All the rage she tried to bury knowing it came from Luke, or now she wished it had come from the older male. Because if it didn’t then all this rage that was building and churning within her, was just her. All the hurt and suffering crashing into her like tsunami waves, that was her too. Hadn’t she suffered enough? Didn’t the Maybank twins suffer enough?

JC watched JJ fall to the ground, her whole world tumbling around her. Nothing registering until she heard Kiara telling JJ that he was gonna be okay. The moment JC registered those words she was falling to the ground next to her brother, her twin, her lifeline. She watched as Kiara pulled back his hands and her breath was sucked from her soul. Immediately she lunged forward applying a harsh amount of pressure to his bleeding wound. Tears streaming down her face as she stared daggers at it, praying that it would go away. Hastily apologies mumbled from her as she heard JJ moan out in pain.

JC didn’t listen to the words shared between Kiara and JJ, not that she could even make out what was said with all the blood rushing to her ears. She was more focused on trying to stop the blood, which covered her hands in moments. With shaking hands she ripped the scarf from around her head, bunching it up and pressing it down on her brother’s wound. Begging anything and anyone that it would work and they could save him. She looked up through blurry eyes when she felt a hand she’d never not recognize touch her cheek. A sob left her as soon as she met the eyes of her twin. “Don’t. Please don’t, Jay. Please!”

She knew that look, the look of defeat and acceptance and she hated it. She felt tears streaming down her face faster as she shook her head harder. She couldn’t lose him, she just couldn’t. He was her everything. How could she survive without him? “Please, Jay. Hold on. I can’t. I can’t make it without you, I’ve never not had you.” JC didn’t look at Kiara as she felt her friend take over applying pressure so she could hold him. Immediately her hands flung to JJ’s neck and cheeks, blood smearing on him. His own hands weakly holding hers. “It’s okay JC. It’s okay. I’m happy, and I’ve never been more found than now.”

“I can’t say goodbye…” Juniper’s voice cracked so bad as she brought her forehead to her twins. She couldn’t say goodbye to her best friend, her partner in crime, her confidant, her whole world. She couldn’t describe the pain that she was feeling, it was as if a part of her wasn’t just dying but being ripped from her. It was pure agony and she wished she was dying with him and not just feeling like it. “Then don’t. I love you, big sis. S-stay strong, be brave…I’ll always be with you.” JC shook her head only clutching her brother closer as she begged him to stay, to hold on, to live. “Please Jay, I need you little brother. I love you.”

There was no way to describe it. Juniper felt the moment JJ took his last breath, his body falling limp. She would never hear his laugh again, never see his smile, never hold his hand when she wanted or needed too, she would never have her twin again. As she heard Kiara scream for their friends, it was as if that same calmness that always graced her during dire situations washed over her. She wasn’t going to lose her little brother, her lifeline. Gently she moved him to the flat ground, ignoring Kiara and her screams. Kissing her brother’s forehead, JC took a breath before beginning chest compressions. The exact way she had been taught a few summers ago when JJ and her became lifeguard’s for a summer. The strength and endurance that she had due to the adrenaline, rage, and terror pumping through her was near superhuman.

She felt hands on her shoulders but shook them off, her eyes watching her brother’s face. She couldn’t stop, because as long as she was doing chest compressions he had a chance. A chance she needed him to have, because she was selfish and it was essential that she had him. JC couldn’t make it without him, for she had never had to make it without him. How could she live without her twin, without her other half?

If JC had known this was the outcome for the search of the crown she would have called it off. She would have fought tooth and nail for them to find another way, that or she would have murdered Groff the first time they ever met. She would have held JJ closer, harder, and longer every moment of every second. If she had known, JC would have pushed JJ out of the way and taken the knife for him without hesitation. She would trade her life for his in a heartbeat, JJ had always been the heart and life of everything. Now without him, it’s as if the world had grown dark and lifeless. If she had known the last hug she would have shared with him was at the bottom of the hill leading to the stone statue, she would have never let go. How could she let go?

Juniper was relentless in her attempt to keep her brother alive. Enough so that the group around her watched with sad and weary eyes. Each of them could see how close she was to the edge, and how once she accepted reality they would lose her. Pope and John B hesitantly reached out, trying gently to coax JC to stop. Both boys could tell that JJ was gone, that their best friend was dead, but they didn’t want to admit it. However, seeing their other best friend they knew they needed to be the rock for once, to be the strength because she needed them. If JJ was the heart and life of the Pogues, then JC was the rock and strength of them. Pope forced a sob down his throat as he laid his hand on JC’s who was relentlessly doing chest compressions. “He’s gone Juniper. He’s gone.”

The words hung in the air, JC heard them and registered them but she couldn’t accept it. Accepting it made it real, and she couldn’t deal with it being real. Shaking her head she didn’t stop, she couldn’t stop. “I can’t. I need him. I need him.” Her words brought a fresh wave of tears to everyone present, even Rafe. Sarah held her stomach as she sobbed, JJ had saved her and her baby. She would never be able to repay that debt, to thank him enough, to call him her brother. She stared helplessly at JC wanting to help the distraught and breaking girl but she didn’t know how. Cleo stood rigid, tears silently streaming down her face as she watched her best friend fall apart. JJ had never failed to make her laugh or smile, never failed to keep her on her toes, or give her a run for being kleptomaniacs. She would never have her thief buddy back. Cleo hated having to watch her boyfriend and best friend break at the loss of JJ. Kiara was hugging herself so tight, loud sobs escaping her as she watched JC try and do anything and everything to save JJ. She loved him so much. JJ was her everything, and for him to die protecting her made her feel so guilty. She hated herself, and how she got her soulmate killed. Hated how JC her best friend had to witness it and feel it. Kiara had always marveled at the twins bond and how they felt each other. Kiara couldn’t imagine feeling the other half of yourself die.

Rafe didn’t move from his position in the doorway. Tears swarmed in his eyes but he didn’t let them fall. He wouldn’t, he couldn’t. Not because he didn’t care or like JJ, but because the anger within him was so much stronger. He wasn’t the biggest fan of JJ, but he had to respect the Maybank for how protective and loyal he was to his people. To his sister. Rafe curled his hands into fist as he stared at JC and how she was clearly seconds away from falling off the cliff. Rafe knew she would never be the same again, and it crushed his whole soul. Rafe had spoken to her twice within the past day, both brief and beautiful moments, once while Sarah and John B decoded the map and right before he went to buy them more time. It had brought back everything he had felt for her during and after Singh, but he knew she would never be that girl again. No matter what though, he vowed to help her, to protect her, and to be there for her. Just as she had been there for him and her friends. Rafe owed JJ that, for saving Sarah and climbing the statue for him, but also because they both loved JC.

Pope kept his hand on JC’s, his eyes full of tears as they silently fell down his face. He was begging her to stop, because she was only hurting herself and JJ. Pope didn’t know what to do, he had never felt his heart break like it was in this moment. He almost wanted to help JC try and revive JJ because he couldn’t believe his best friend was dead. Everything they had been through together, everything they had said, and Pope never got to have a moment just to make sure they were good. Deep down he knew they were, JJ would never stay mad at him or turn him away. Pope found it unfair, everything about it. It was unfair the life JJ and JC lived, it was unfair that JJ fought as hard as he did and was still treated like dirt, it was unfair that they traded one shitty dad for a whole another level of shitty father. It was unfair that JJ was dead. Pope couldn’t hold back the sob in his throat as he met JC eyes. They were so lifeless and dark, empty of everything and it tore at Pope because she would never be the same again.

John B kept his hand on JC’s shoulder. Whispering soothing words to her, that he didn’t hear himself. His eyes solely focused on JJ’s face. John B wanted to scream, to beg, to punch the ground, to drag JJ back from the dead because he couldn’t be dead. His best friend, his brother, the man that was everything to him. John B didn’t know what to do, didn’t even feel like truly stopping JC because of the slight chance that it would work and JJ would wake up. However, as he turned to look at JC after he heard Pope sob he knew he needed to act. She was a mess and John B couldn’t blame her, but he would blame himself if he wasn’t there for her. JJ would blame him if he wasn’t there for her. Moving forward he wrapped his arms around her chest and pulled her back into him. Holding her slightly tighter as she tried to escape.

JC stopped struggling after a few minutes, and instead leaned back into John B. Her breath was quick as she came down from her denial high. Her eyes glanced over the group, and each face she took in felt like a punch to the gut. Like a seal to the deal. He was dead. He was dead and he wasn’t coming back. Gently she pushed John B off of her and shuffled on her knees to JJ. Juniper let out a loud heartbreaking scream as she cradled JJ to her chest. Mumbling and babbling about how she needed him, and for him to not leave her. She buried her head in his neck and rocked back and forth as she clutched onto him like a life raft. “Don’t leave me. Don’t leave me. Please come back. Come back little brother.”

Time moved fast, as if she wasn’t actually present within her body and perhaps she wasn’t. Before she knew it JJ was wrapped up and secured in cloths to protect his body. She didn’t know when they had moved her away from him long enough to do that, or was even aware that they were at a completely different location. Though the moment she had come too, JC had slipped her phone within her brother’s burial wrap, so she could find his body again and bring him home when they had the money and equipment. Even if she didn’t have the money, she’d still find a way to bring him home. She hated burying him out in the desert in Africa. Wanted to scream and beg her friends not to abandon him. JC didn’t know what to do though, by the time they would get his body back home it would be bad. Pope had already mentioned the scientific evidence on why it was safest to bury him here. JC disagreed science or not.

JJ would have liked to be buried with their mother, or in Poguelandia which was their first and true ever home. His one true fear was being alone, being abandoned by his family. Something JC also feared and yet here she was abandoning him. Leaving him. She hated herself, felt the guilt, anger, and pain chewing away at her. She had failed as an older sister, and only continued to fail. JC grasped his body in her lap never wanting to let him go, because she didn’t want it to be for the rest of her life. She knew once she let him go that she’d never be able to hold him. Ever again.

Rafe looked towards John B and Pope before he nodded, signaling that the grave was ready. Rafe didn’t really mind having to dig the grave, he could tell that the others didn’t have the strength to dig it and he felt like he owed JJ. Not to mention he wanted to try and make things easier for JC. He couldn’t imagine watching your family die, holding them, and then having to dig the grave. It threw everyone for a loop, when Rafe stepped forward and volunteered. The whole time he dug, Rafe thought of his last conversation with Groff. Using his grief and the grief of those around him to fuel his anger and need for revenge. Groff had fucked up. Messed with the wrong people, and Rafe couldn’t wait to reenact vengeance.

Together, JC, Pope, John B, and Kiara lifted JJ’s body. JC held his shoulders, supporting his head as she stared down at the cloth protecting his youthful face. JC paused at the beginning of the hole, her eyes finding Cleo and Sarah and silently nodding them over. They were Pogues and just as important to JJ as the others. Together the group gently lowered his body down into the sand, all of them reluctant to let go of him. It was silent but they were all crying as they stared at their best friend and the life of their crew. Cleo was the first to let go, a gentle kiss placed to where his arm was and a soft goodbye. Following her lead everyone kissed him one last time with heartfelt goodbyes. JC was the last, she was cradling his head and wanted to scream up at her friends to bury her here because this was where she died too. However, she didn’t. No, JC kissed his forehead and whispered how she would see him again. “I’ll bring you home Jay, I promise. You won’t be alone forever bug.”

Rafe and John B glanced at each other as JC didn’t make a moved to exit the hole. Silently both males moved forward, removing her out of the hole. John B immediately pulling her into his side so she wouldn’t attempt to jump back in, but also to offer support. Just as Pope appeared on her other side. The two males hugging her between them. Kiara came up behind JC and wrapped her arms around them all. Sarah and Cleo moved to the front, one hand holding their significant other and the other holding JC. Together the Pogues watched as Rafe sealed the grave up. Each of them leaning on one another for comfort and strength. JC was the first to break the silence as she let out a loud sob, and as if the flood gates opened for them all, they all loudly cried. Holding onto and grounding each other as they said goodbye to their best friend, their brother, their heart, their everything.

The moral of the group was broken, JJ had been that. Had been the one to keep them lively, and JC had been the one keeping them strong. But both twins were gone, JJ gone in all the ways and JC forever changed. She would never be the same again, none of them would ever be the same again. A part of them always gone and missing.

JC didn’t know who started the fire, she hadn’t been paying attention as she paced like a wild animal back an forth in front of the tree. She couldn’t sit still, didn’t want to sit still. Everything in her ached to get revenge, to get justice for JJ. At the same time everything ached for her to scream, to cry, to hit something, just anything so she would feel physical pain. Rafe sat in the back of the jeep before jumping down from it, as everyone else besides Pope stood or sat around the fire. Pope sat in the jeep, his head leaned back against the headrest as he stared up in the sky. JC thought it was so maybe he could catch a glimpse of their angel.

“Groff said he was going to Lisbon. I don't know. If it was my friend, or b-brother, I'd probably go after the guy that just killed him. Yeah?” JC snapped her head up and glared at Rafe, his words only making her angrier and more bloodthirsty. His stutter around the word brother not going unnoticed but only worsening her mood. She almost shouted a thank you towards Pope as he spoke annoyance and tiredness oozing from him. “Shut up, Rafe.”

“He's not wrong. You think JJ would sit here if it were one of us? You think he'd do nothing?” Then Kiara spoke, and JC felt like screaming and yelling at them all to shut up. That they didn’t know him like she did, that he in fact wouldn’t want any of them to get hurt. She knew it was wrong, they knew him, they loved him, but there was something about losing someone you’ve never been without that none of them would ever understand. JC knew it was just her guilt, her anger, her despair talking but she couldn’t stop the thoughts or feelings. “We all know what JJ would do. He'd get even.” JC briefly paused at John B’s words. Biting her lip to prevent the scream that wanted to burst free. She hated it. All of it. He was right, and JC knew they needed to get even but every second that passed made it all feel too real. “Revenge.”

However, Kiara was right about revenge. Both Maybank siblings never allowed anything to hurt those they loved and not have any repercussions. JC would do whatever it took to take down Groff. Even if it meant she also died in the process. Something she could hear JJ already scolding her for even thinking about, even though they both were so similar like that. She would get the justice her baby brother deserved and she wouldn’t stop until she did.

She turned her head to see everyone looking at her and she stopped pacing. Her tears had dried a while ago and she didn’t think she had anymore to cry with how dehydrated and overwhelmed she was. Her eyes met each of those around her, and as she looked into Kiara’s, JB, and Pope, she saw the bloodlust, the willingness to do anything to revenge JJ. Her hands traveled up to her hair and she tugged it harshly as she moved closer to the fire. Kicking the ground and sending sand into the flames. She ignored the flinches from her friends, as she took a deep breath, her hands lowering to her sides and clenching into fists as she stared at the burning flames. JC looked like a mess, her hands dried and caked with her brother’s blood, as were her clothes, but it only added to her promise and her threat towards Groff. Her voice raspy and full of every dark emotion she was feeling.

“We get revenge and justice for JJ. By any and all means. Groff is a dead man walking.”

[animalistic0]

Five More Minutes (Part 2.5)

Part 1: Here Part 2: Here Part 3: Here

Plot: A continuation of Just One More Moment. With the group further separated than ever, this could be it. A storm providing cover but also endangering them. A return of someone thought dead, may have drastic consequences.

*Season Four spoilers!*

OC Maybank twin + platonic Pogues x Rafe Cameron

Warnings: OuterBanks, Season 4, Death, Description of death, mentions of murder and murdering, violence, homicidal tendencies, blood, angst, guilt, anger, allusions to abuse, mention of kidnapping, Groff

Word Count: 2.7k+

Note: I hope you all enjoy this; part three should be out pretty quickly, but no promises. I’m getting my wisdom teeth out, so yeah…It’s completely written but I need to go back and edit it. Another warning: Part three and beyond are going to be DARK. Fair warning, again though please enjoy and remember to drink water🫶

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JC turned and followed after JJ and Kiara towards the statue, the crown, and Rafe. Her heart pounding and nausea building in her stomach as everything in her screamed that something would happened. Her instincts begging her to listen and get her family away from here, away from the potential danger she could taste on her tongue. JC kept up the rear of the group, JJ in the front leading them and as they reached Rafe she could barely make out his words as he moved towards them. She could tell it had something to due with his injured hand, as he had pointed at it while holding it up. She’d have to ask him later when they had the crown and everything was calm what happened to his hand.

JC switched her gaze from the tall statue over to JJ as he turned towards Kiara and her, saying he had to do it. JC immediately started shaking her head as Kiara had asked him what. Only for him to repeat himself, leaning closer to the two of them. “I gotta go up there!” Kiara immediately began disagreeing taking her scarf off her mouth so she could speak more clearly, and JC agreed with her, to a degree. Taking her scarf off JC tried not to inhale the sharp sand that was like glass. “Kie’s right. You can’t go up there, but we can’t wait either. I’ll go!”

JC backed into herself as both JJ and Kiara turned towards her, one with a glare and the other with a bewildered expression. Before JJ could even say anything JC took a step forward, her lips pursing as she spoke. “Dammit, Jay. You’re injured and don’t need to climb that. You’re better at driving and I’m better at climbing. I got this.” The twins stared at each other before JJ shook his head, stepping forward like he was gonna hug her but instead swiped her leg out from underneath her. “Sorry June! I gotta do this. I gotta do this for all of us. I mean, hey, it was my fault to begin with. So, I mean, I guess I should be the one to fix it.”

JC immediately began pushing herself up only for Kiara to step over her and push her back down. Except Kiara wasn’t looking at JC, no her eyes were on JJ as she spoke with such admiration and love towards him; “JJ, be careful. I’ll be here waiting on my crown!” All JC was able to make out was JJ calling her Queen Kie, before she shoved Kiara off her and stumbled to her feet. A harsh glare on her face as she shoved Kiara backwards. “What the fuck, dude! Really! What the fuck!” Before she stumbled after her twin, hoping she’d be able to catch him and stop him. She loved that they had each other but she hated how they acted together sometimes. How well they knew each other, how well they knew her, and could get away with shit like that. “Rafe stop him!” She prayed the older male would not only hear her but actually stop him, though a part of her doubted he would.

Rafe heard a faint shout of JC telling him to stop JJ but when he saw the younger Maybank he patted him on the shoulder encouraging him, “You got it.” What Rafe wasn’t expecting was for JJ to grab his shoulders and speak urgently probably trying to get his words out before his sister came. “Hey, you’ll get your cut! And keep JC on the ground.” Rafe nodded, the two slapping each other on the shoulder before JJ moved to climb the statue and Rafe intercepted JC. His arms wrapping around her waist and holding her back from ripping JJ down from the statue.

JC immediately began thrashing, yelling curses and threats at both Rafe and JJ. They didn’t have to worry about anyone else killing them, she was gonna do it. JC immediately went slack in Rafe’s hold as she watched JJ climb up the statue at a decent pace, before he grabbed a loose area and one of his hands slipped. Apparently Rafe was also shocked because JC got free and rushed to the base of the statue, her hands flying up to her head as she stared up at him. It would be idiotic to climb after him, even more to scream at him in this moment so she kept her mouth shut. Biting her lip hard enough to draw blood as she watched her twin dangle by one hand. Before he caught himself and pulled himself up onto a ledge. JC hit the base of the statue with both her hands before she backed away, placing her scarf back over her mouth as she mumbled underneath her breath; “I’m gonna kill him. Fuck Sakes.”

JC took a breath, wringing her hands as her eyes stayed laser focused on watching him. As a heavy gust of wind hit, JC lifted a hand to protect herself but didn’t look away, her eyes narrowing as she heard Kiara yell; “JJ, we gotta hurry!” JC knew they were all stressed but damn could her friends be some real dumbasses sometimes. She wasn’t no Einstein, but she had some or at least what she believed to be a decent amount of common sense. “Kie shut up. He needs to focus and us yelling at him isn’t going to allow that.” JC hissed through her teeth as she glanced back at Kiara and Rafe, her eyes darling them to disagree or saying something.

Her body grew rigid as all three of them turned around at the sound of voices, not any voices but the Lupine Corsairs collective voices. “Shit!” JC turned back around looking back up at JJ trying to figure out how much further he had and the time it would take. “Shit. Here they come.” JC had to bite her lip to stop the smile that wanted to form due to Rafe’s words. Only for it to disappear as Kiara yelled out warning JJ, and he looked down at them shouting that he was almost there. Shaking her head, JC threw her hands up shouting up at her twin; “Pay attention, Jay!” She didn’t need to hear him say it, she knew he mumbled a sarcastic yes ma’am under his breath and just the thought alone made her smile.

“Hey! Y’all stay here. I’ll go down and buy us some time.” JC turned around and looked at Rafe as he stepped closer to Kiara and her. Once he finished his sentence he immediately turned and began walking, only to turn back around as Kiara spoke. “What? No, Rafe! Are you crazy? They’ll kill you!” JC bit her tongue, thousands of replies forming as she watched them. “Hey! I’m a killer too! I’ve got nothing to lose!” JC shook her head, rushing forward to grab his shoulder as he walked away again. She stopped him right before he lifted his scarf back up, and she lowered hers. Her eyes scanning his, as she watched him. “You have everything to lose, Rafe. Your life, be careful.” She watched as he nodded, lifting both his hands to touch her cheeks, before he lifted her scarf to cover her face. With one last shared longing look, she watched as he turned pulling his own scarf up and disappeared into the sandstorm.

“Shut up Kie!” JC watched as her friend lifted her hands up before they both giggled, the laughter trailing off as they held each other’s hand staring up at JJ. JC turned towards Kie her eyebrows furrowing as she glanced back up at her brother. “Did he say he found something?” She could feel the excitement brewing within her, it felt like they were sixteen again and found the gold, seventeen and found the cross, eighteen and found El Dorado. It felt like the relief that hit her like a freight train when John B texted them that he was in fact alive. The track record for finding the treasure was four for four and JC began bouncing with excitement.

Only for the excitement to fade away as JJ began screaming before he ripped the stone eye out of the statue. Kiara and her shared a glance before they focused back up on JJ, watching him. She felt her heart drop as JJ slipped again, Kiara beginning to shout at him again. This time JC didn’t say anything, keeping her eyes as trained on JJ as she could through the sandstorm. As JJ got himself safely situated on top of the statue she couldn’t help but mumble the words, attaboy as she watched him reach his hand into the open eye socket.

“Holy shit! Kie that’s the crown. KIE THATS THE CROWN! Fuck. Oh my god. Yeah JJ!” JC just knew it was the crown as JJ pulled his arm out and was holding something. Even through the sand she could see some of the shiny blue. She gripped Kiara’s shoulders as she shook the girl before holding her head and facing her brother again. His own excitement and shouts of glee matching hers. She wished that everyone was here to see it, to bask in the moment together like they all deserved. As JJ shouted, “We did it”, JC jumped up and down, shouting it right back at him. She could feel his excitement and it only made her more excited. “Long live Poguelandia!” JC laughed, cheering and whooping at her twins words, before shouting; “Poguelandia forever!”

Kiara brought them both back to reality as she urged JJ to hurry and come down, and JC didn’t think her friend needed to shut up. Still the excitement was buzzing around her system as she gently pushed Kiara, mumbling about how they did it, how JJ did it.

As JJ reached the bottom of the statue and made his way over to them, JC eyed the crown as he immediately showed it to them. “Sweet mother.” They all look at each other before they begin cheering and whooping in excitement. Kiara asking them both if they knew what it meant and JC smiled as she nodded her head. JJ clutching the crown as he spoke like an excited kid; “We’re getting it back. We’re getting back our home.” JC threw her fist up in the air as she shouted a hell yeah. They did it, and now they would save their home. They’d all be set for life, and could travel wherever they wanted. All their dreams would be able to come true. John B and Sarah would be able to have their own house and build their family. Pope would be able to go to school, and Cleo would travel while he did, perhaps even get her own education. JJ and her could go do the surfing trip they always wanted to do, and Kiara could come. Or she could go save the turtles like she always dreamed of. This wasn’t just about home, it was about them, and their dreams, their family. However, most importantly they still had each other.

JJ cut the celebration short as he pointed over Kiara’s shoulder, his face turning grim. “Wait, wait, hey! Go, go, go!” Following his line of sight JC cursed before JJ pushed Kiara and she pushed JJ. All three of them shouting at each other to run. JC ducked as a shot ran out, pushing JJ who was in front of her to run faster. She kept herself behind them, Kiara leading, and JJ in the middle with the crown. Looking over her shoulder as they entered the maze of buildings. All of them having been suspiciously empty since their arrival unless the individuals were hiding which she couldn’t blame them if they were.

JC stumbled behind JJ as they came to a fork in the road, her twin pointing to the left as Kiara stood in the right section entrance. She called after Kiara as the girl went down the other one, claiming she thought it was this way. JC didn’t notice how JJ leaned up against the wall covering his eyes, as she was busy chasing after Kie. She paused in the entrance of the next area glancing behind her as she didn’t see JJ, her eyes glancing over to Kiara who continued on. “Hey, wait we lost Jay!” JC wasn’t able to get out anything else as Groff exited the building holding a knife to Kiara’s through. Her hands immediately flew up as she rushed down the steps, stopping as Groff tightened his grip on her friend. “Let. Her. Go.”

Kiara had called for JJ, and he came rushing into the area not paying attention as he shut the door and leaned against it. Before Kiara called for him again and he looked up, everything in him stopping as he saw the love of his life being held by his father and his twin standing in front of them.

Groff brightened up as JJ appeared, calling his son’s name as the crown was held so all could see it. JC stepped to the side, trying to protect her brother as best as she could. JC cringed as JJ rushed forward a desperate and protective, “You let her go!” leaving him. Juniper wished she had kept her knife, because it would have come in handy right now. She held her brother’s forearm as Groff gripped Kiara tighter, causing her to moan in pain and fear. “Stop right there. Don’t move. Shh. You know what I want. Give it to me!” JC was glaring daggers into Groff as JJ and her spoke simultaneously; “Just let her go.”

Everything in her life came down to moments. This was one of those moments where she needed more time, needed a way to figure out how to get them all out safely. She hated how quickly they could go from being the happiest and most excited people alive to fighting for their very lives the next second. JC lived and thrived in chaos and moments like these, but she was also growing tired of watching her family be in danger. She just wanted her family to be happy, they deserved it. More than anyone she had ever and would ever know. “You could’ve stuck with me, JJ. And you, JC could have given me a chance. Think what you both could’ve had. But now, you’re going to get nothing. Nothing.”

“No. I already have everything. We have everything. And I have everything I’ve ever wanted. Things that you’ll never have.” JC looked at her brother, proud of him as she turned and nodded her head agreeing with her twin. She didn’t miss the tears that Groff blinked away, and it made her satisfied that he felt something. “You want the crown? Sure, take it. Take it. I don’t want it. Just…let her go.” JC watched with bated breath as JJ held out the crown, no hesitation or doubt anywhere on his features. A hand held out the crown as the other reach for Kiara, and JC slid her foot forward. Ready to intervene in any way possible.

JC let out a breath as Groff got the crown and JJ immediately grabbed Kiara spinning her so he was between her and Groff. JC took a step back, so she was right beside JJ, her shoulder to her father. She watched as Kiara and JJ hugged, before they pulled her into the hug. The three of them hugging each other as tight as possible. Another dance with death, and another survival. At this point JC believes death wasn’t even gonna be able to kill them.

JC pulled back from the hug as Groff spoke her twins name. She immediately turned to face him, moving to stand in front of her family as she glared at the older male. Hatred clear on her face as she sneered at him. She grunted as JJ laid a hand on her shoulder, gently moving her out of the way so he could face their father. “It’s a shame. You and me.”

The sound of flesh squelching and Kiara gasping filled the air. Before JJ let out a groan, Groff stepping closer as he spoke; “You should have given me…the rope.” It sounded like Groff was digging the knife in deeper and twisting it, and as he pulled it out JJ groaning once again JC lunged forward punching the man in the jaw. He staggered back, a look of shock and surprise on his face before he laughed. It was sinister and evil, his eyes blazing as he stared at his daughter. “Bet you wished you’d have killed me.” Then Groff turned and ran away.

[animalistic0]

Just One More Moment (Part 2)

Part 1: Here Part 2.5: Here

Plot: As the hunt for the crown narrows down, one more moment is all that is needed. The Pogues and Rafe end up separated and fighting for their lives once again, except this is all or nothing. Life or Death.

*Season Four spoilers!*

OC Maybank twin + platonic Pogues x Rafe Cameron

Warnings: OuterBanks, Season 4, Death, mentions of murder and murdering, violence, homicidal tendencies, blood, angst, a bit of fluff, guilt, anger, allusions to abuse, mention of kidnapping.

Word Count: 4.8k+

Note: This is getting split into two parts itself before the heavy angst is posted because I keep getting carried away. I hope you enjoy!

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Something in JC told her everything was going to change. A voice that screamed louder and louder the closer they got to Agapenta. However, she pushed it down and ignored it. Her family was safe and alive, albeit a little run down but still stronger than ever. There had been times when that little voice was wrong, and she refused to allow herself to fall into the darkness that was slowly rising within her. She had watched JJ dance with death before, hell she had danced with death before. There was just something about his recent death dances that raised warning bells, make her skin crawl, and made her panic. She was going to keep him safe, protect him above all costs, that JC vowed.

JC sat next to JJ in the back of jeep, Kiara sitting on her brother’s lap. She was happen for them. She loved their love and was their number one supporter. Kiara brought a type of peace to JJ that he had never had, a peace that he needed and deserved. Not to mention the love she brought, the love JC knew her brother was worthy of even if he struggled to come to that conclusion himself. JC smiled as she watched her family, these were the individuals that mattered the most. Pogues for life and her family. Wherever they went, it was them that was Poguelandia, it was not a place but them as a whole.

As John B pulled the jeep to a stop in front of a well, JC hoped out of the back stretching her legs. She walked over to JJ as she saw him eyeing something and as she saw the bag she felt her stomach drop. It was Groff’s bag. She could feel the anger and hatred bubbling free from the cage she had stuffed it down into, her eyes darkening as she looked around before her ears registered a voice. Her lips pulled back in a snarl as she marched over to the well, ignoring how the Pogues backed up after they heard JJ say it was Groff. As JC peered down the dry well she felt her hands clench into fists. With no hesitation or remorse she wanted to leave him down there with nothing. Even if she knew he would die, it was almost poetic. He had killed their mother and said she drowned, and then attempted to kill her brother in the water, it only made sense that he would die of dehydration and of heat.

As she felt a hand land on her shoulder she met the eyes of her twin, and she could see the hesitation in him. Taking a breath she intertwined their hands, squeezing his hand as an anchor for the both of them. She nodded her head her eyes softening as she looked at her twin, “Whatever you chose baby brother I got you. I’m not going no where.” JC felt like this was his decision, because he had spent more time with the older male and had quickly bonded with Groff in a short time. While JC wanted to kill him or let him die, she knew it was her brother’s choice. JC was not angry when JJ threw down water to the man, she knew he wouldn’t be able to live if he had proved to be exactly like the man.

Their whole lives the twins fought to prove that they were nothing like Luke and now it seemed they needed to prove they were nothing like Groff either. Two fathers, both shitty, and a constant fight to prove to others and themselves that blood or not they weren’t like their fathers. JC was proud of JJ, because he was better than her and would always be better. However, JJ would tell anyone that JC was the better twin. That she was better in every way, and he knew she wasn’t above becoming a villain to others for her family. There was something about the loyalty she had that he wished he had. Not to mention how she always seemed to have a sixth sense about people and situations. JJ thought she was the best, that JC deserved everything and nothing less. That when he looked at her and she held his hand, he couldn’t give Groff the rope.

He couldn’t give Groff the rope not because the older man hurt him, but because Groff hurt both his girls. He knocked Kiara out and locked her up in the ice bucket. Something JJ wish he had known earlier so he could have beat the shit out of Groff. Then when JJ had seen his twins face after they pulled him from the ocean it broke his heart. He had never seen her as distraught as he had in that moment. How appalling she looked. When JJ and Kiara got the bends, JC had been so calm and put together. His sister had soothed and coddled him like a baby the whole way to the hospital, never once crying or showing distress. He had even been told by John B that when he had gotten hit by the machete and was unconscious that JC never lost her cool then either. In fact JJ had always seen JC as unbreakable and tough, having rarely seen his twin ever break down. She was a rock, his rock and the rock of the Pogues. When John B had presumably died, she had cried but held him as he broke down. When nights with Luke were terrible and the twins had to flee for their own safety JC would shed a few tears but check up on him. His sister was the epitome of strength and JJ didn’t like seeing her so hurt. Groff did that and JJ couldn’t let that slide.

JC watched in awe of her brother as he turned his back to the well after throwing down the jug of water to Groff. Her kind and amazing brother, she was proud of him. Always. However, as she heard Groff throw threats towards them, towards JJ she snapped. “Say another word Groff and I’ll kill you right fucking now.” The murder in her tone was promising and she was glad when the evil man shut up. Turning on her heel she walked over to JJ who already had his hand held out. The other Pogues were staring at her but the silence was broken by Pope. “Glad he’s shut up. Was ready to catch another felony for you Maybank’s.” Laughs filled the desert area as JC stepped forward letting go of her twins hand to pull Pope into a tight hug. “Nah, I would have acted first.” JC pulled away and smiled at Cleo before pulling the girl into her hug with Pope. Hugging Cleo and Pope as tight as she could. Before the rest of the group joined in and it was the best but hottest group hug ever.

“Alright, you crazy killers let’s go get our crown!” A bunch of whoops left the groups mouths at John B’s words, and like obedient children they found themselves back in the jeep driving towards Agapenta. Away from the well, and probably one of the most evil individuals they have ever met, Groff. No remorse or hesitation within any of them as they did so. For one doesn’t hurt a Pogue and get away with it, not their family.

JC couldn’t help the gasp of awe as she saw the city beyond the cliff. It was massive and without the map she didn’t know how they’d find the crown. However, as she looked at her friends she knew they would. After everything they’ve been through and done? It would be unlikely for them to not find the treasure, they had a great track record of finding treasure. Keeping the said treasure was another story though. Her eyes met JJ’s and the twins fist bumped each other as they smiled like maniacs. “Let’s get our crown, Pogues for Life!” Cheers left the friends as they repeated their mantra before John B continued driving.

JC hoped out of the back of the vehicle once John B pulled to a stop and turned it off. Announcing that they would do the rest by foot. The group quickly walked along the bushes before JC jumped at the sound of a gunshot. Her eyes narrowed through the bush as she stood next to Sarah. Rafe Cameron stood with the map and the key to read it, in front of the Lupine Corsairs guns pointed at him. Part of JC wanted to leave Rafe, but another part knew they needed him, that she needed to save him. Not just because of the map he held, it was apart of it but because he had saved her life and kept her safe. A debt and loyalty she owed to him. JC turned and looked at Sarah and knew her friend felt just as conflicted, however at the end of the day that was her brother, her blood.

JC slowly connected their hands, smiling supportive at her friend knowing Sarah needed it. Sarah gave a faint smile back and clutched JC’s hand needing the comfort of the other girl. “They’re gonna kill him.” JC turned her head to stare at Cleo with an are you serious look, only to snap her head and glare at Pope as he spoke; “Do we care?” At the same time JJ and JC spoke; “Yeah, that's a good question, Pope.” and “Yes, of course we care Pope.” The twins glared at each other as if silently battling and communicating with each other.

JC rolled her eyes and looked back at Sarah, moving her hands to gently rub her shoulders trying to further soothe the growing distraught girl. Ignoring Cleo and the fact she stated about them taking the scroll if they did kill Rafe. JC leaned over and whispered softly to Sarah, “It’s up to you. Say the word or give the signal and we’ll help him. I’ll save him.” JC smiled as Sarah faced her and nodded before turning back and staring at Rafe as she bit her lip in thought.

“There are seven of them. They all have rifles.” JC rolled her eyes at John B’s obvious analysis of the situation. Biting her tongue to keep herself from saying anything sarcastic. “I know. That's why we're gonna need to think outside the box.” JC watched as JJ pulled the gun from behind him and checked it for bullets. She left Sarah side and moved over to JJ’s other side, her eyes narrowing as she watched him. “What are you doing?” JC agreed with John B’s question, because she didn’t want to believe her little brother would be that reckless but then again the Maybank’s were quite known for being ridiculously stupidly reckless. Placing her hand on her brother’s shoulder she wasn’t going to let him do it alone, and together the twins spoke simultaneously; “Diversion.” They glanced at each other, knowingly smirking as they thought of the chaos they could cause together.

“Dudes, you can't be serious. This isn't Call of Duty.” JC rolled her eyes as she pulled a knife she had swiped from her boot, holding it up in triumph. “No it’s not, but our lives have never been normal Pope.” JJ nodded along with his twin before cocking the gun and placing it back in its position behind his back. “We got four rounds, seven of them.” JC rolled her eyes as the others got involved and JJ began trying to explain the plan. “Look four rounds, and a knife. I’d say our odds our pretty good!” JC laughed as JJ nodded towards her before they caught Sarah grabbing the gun and aiming towards the Corsairs. JC held her hands out towards Sarah before she realized what her friend was doing. JC bit her lip as she fought a smile, her eyes watching Sarah closely as she silently cheered her on.

“That’s my brother.” As Sarah spoke and shot the gun, expertly hitting the gas tank and blowing the vehicle up, JC couldn’t help but quietly cheer rushing forward and placing both hands on Sarah’s shoulder. “Oh my god! Way to go Sharpshooter!” The excitement was short lived as they all had to run for their lives. The Corsairs shooting at Rafe and they all ran. JC laughed at Pope as he spoke, “Let’s alert them to our location. That’s a great idea.” Catching up to him she gently punched his shoulder, a wide grin on her face as adrenaline and excitement pumped through her. “Live a little Pope. Being shot at or running for our lives is old news.”

JC laughed louder as she heard Pope curse, running to move next to her twin and as JJ fell she immediately stopped. Wrapping her arms around his forearm and pulling him up, silently communicating with him before they both started running again. JC kept a hand on JJ as they ran, and once he secured his gun again he held her hand, squeezing it tight. The twins found moments like this were where they felt most alive and most aware of shit. Both of them knew it was because of how they were raised and the chaos they grew to love in a deranged and dangerous way. However, if they had each other then they’d be okay.

JC didn’t realize how far they fell behind or how JJ was holding his gun until Pope was yelling for them to hurry up. As they crossed the threshold JJ, Pope, and herself threw themselves against the door as they moved the plank to lock it. Being aware to try and doge the bullets being fired at them. Her eyes connecting with Rafe’s and she wanted to glare at him, to scream at him, but she couldn’t bring herself to do either. Especially with how disheveled and anxious he looked.

Just as quick as they had stopped they were off running once again, pausing as they ran into some farm area with a bunch of sheep. Pope, Kiara, and John B immediately working to barricade the door. JC looked around, her eyes immediately trying to find and exit or even perhaps any weapons they could utilize. JJ grabbed her hand pulling her as he ran deeper into the shelter of a maze. JC following without hesitation. She slowed to a stop as JJ beckoned the others before he held his side and began groaning. She held his side as he told the others to keep going, her eyes wide with worry for her little brother. Before she met the eyes of Cleo, and she knew her best friend was gonna do something. “Give me the gun!”

JJ immediately questioned it, but JC knew why. She could tell Cleo was protecting them, was fighting for them. Was giving the twins a break and forcing themselves to take a break from always risking themselves. Except JC didn’t like it, she didn’t like the idea of anything happening to her friends and she could tell JJ didn’t either. JC felt like she was dissociating she could hear JJ arguing about not wanting to give it up, could hear Cleo telling the others to go, could hear Cleo telling JJ he was injured and then like clarity Pope pulled JJ and her close. His words reaching through the fog like a lighthouse. “We got it. We’ll hold them off. Let me protect you both for once.”

JC felt her lip wobbled as she stared at her best friends. She didn’t want to lose them, didn’t want to leave them but this wasn’t the time to argue. Quickly she pulled Cleo into a bone crushing hug, ordering her to be careful or so help her. Before she pulled Pope into a desperate and tight hug, telling him the same thing before she let JJ pull her away. Pope’s words ringing in her ears, “Don’t do anything stupid.” Together the twins took one last glance at Pope, the look holding everything they wanted to tell each other before they went separate ways.

JC paused as she caught up with the others, her eyes narrowing as she saw Rafe holding a knife to John B. Her own hand itching towards the knife she had shoved back in her boot, sometime ago. She shared a glance with JJ and then Sarah, holding her hands up as she took a step forward. Her voice soothing and calm as she spoke, “Rafe, it’s okay.” She watched as he glanced at her before Sarah spoke and then the knife was held to her throat. Immediately JC was next to Sarah like a protective dog, her eyebrows raised as she watched him, waiting and almost daring him to make a move. Only for him to keep speaking and turn back to John B. JC tilted her head as she studied Rafe, and she could tell he was on edge, from what she didn’t know because almost dying wasn’t new to any of them. But as Sarah spoke saying she saved his life and Rafe faced her again, JC understood. Her face softening as he spoke, “You did it so you could steal it from me. There was something in it for you. All right? Not to actually help me. I know that.”

JC took a breath and stepped forward, feeling all eyes on her and Rafe facing her with the knife. “We don’t want to steal it Rafe, was there something in it for us absolutely. However, when Sarah saved you her main thought was her brother. We agreed days ago when we left home that we’d work together, an even cut for everyone. For you.” JC offered him a weak but kind smile, as John B and Sarah spoke at the same time. “Rafe, we don’t have time.” and “We can read that. You can’t.” JC cringed as Rafe turned back to Sarah, and spoke angrily. “Why would I help you? Huh? I don’t trust you. I don’t trust any of you. Do you understand? Dad trusted you. You remember what happened to him?! Do you remember?!”

JC watched helplessly, her eyes finding JJ as Rafe raised his voice. She knew, they both knew, where their minds had gone to for a second. JC bit her lip as she turned back to watch Rafe her eyes staying on the knife as she kept herself close to Sarah. “Dad died saving my life. And you’re so eager to blame me for everything, you won’t even listen to what happened. Singh’s men had me at gunpoint. I was gonna die. Dad took those bullets for me. And if he was still around, he’d want us to work together. I know you know that.” JC felt tears well in her eyes as she flashed back to that day, the deep terror she held that they were all gonna die. That she was going to lose her family. Then Ward an unlikely hero who saved them. JC looked back and forth between Rafe and Sarah like a tennis match, watching as tears filled both their eyes and she had hope that maybe one day they could have a good relationship. A true brother sister relationship, like they both deserved.

“No, you’re just going to screw me like everyone else in my life. I know you will.” Rafe’s teary and broken sounding words broke Juniper’s heart. He looked so hurt and betrayed she wanted to pull him into a hug and never let him go. This was the Rafe she had met, had grown to known during their kidnapping. A soft, vulnerable, hurt individual who just wanted someone who was loyal and loved him. It was a constant battle because of his past actions, and then this switched he’d flip and actually be a person. She hoped this was his redemption, this was his will to change and be better, that he could build something new with Sarah and even the Pogues.

“No, no, because I’m all you’ve got. And you’re the only family I have left.” JC moved herself over to JJ and held his hand. Her eyes staring up at him as John B spoke defending Sarah, “She’s telling the truth.” JC watched with bated breath as Rafe nodded before repeating how he’d get his cut before holding out the map. She smiled as Sarah hugged him, as she hugged her own brother both of them smiling at each other before the faint sound of angry voices reached them. “Hey, this is great and all, but we seriously gotta go.” JC stepped away from JJ as they both peered down the hallway. The twins sharing a look as Kiara told them to go.

“Go with them, June. I’ll be fine.” JC shook her head as she stared at JJ. She didn’t want to leave him that was the last thing she wanted to do. But as he pushed her to follow them she relented, pulling him into a tight hug as she kissed his cheek. “Stay safe Bug, please. I’ll see you shortly.” One last hug, and JC turned and ran after Rafe, Sarah, and John B. Leaving behind another friend and her twin. She hated that they were all separated now, but she trusted in them, in that they would see each other again.

JC stopped herself short of running into the back of Rafe. Both of them staring at each other for a moment before trailing after John B and Sarah. Rafe held his hand out, helping JC up the steeper steps they were climbing up and it made her heart flutter every time. Every time John B turned and helped Sarah, Rafe would turn and help her. She didn’t know if he was competing or if he noticed that John B helped Sarah up steeper areas and in returned helped her up steeper areas. JC let out an exaggerated breath as they reached the top. Rafe stoping next to JB and JC next to Sarah. The two girls glancing at each other and smiling. Before Sarah spun confused and lost, “What now?” JC shrugged as she looked around before she glanced at the two males and watched as Rafe lifted his hand gently hitting the map against John B’s chest. “I can’t read this shit. Go for it.” JC smiled as she watched him, before it grew wider as he took the lens off from around his neck and held it out. “Here. You need this. Go.”

JC walked over to Rafe, she wasn’t needed to figure out the map. She knew JB and Sarah would get it done. Hesitantly JC laid her hand on Rafe’s shoulder, a warm smile on her lips as he turned to face her, and as she spoke it was soft and filled with gratitude. “You did good Rafe. Thank you.” She watched as he looked at her hand before trailing down her arm, and then he met her eyes. A rare and soft smiling forming on his lips as he looked at her. Sarah and John B discussing the map in the distance. “I didn’t. I didn’t mean it. I trust you, JC.” Furrowing her brows she looked up at the taller male, confused on why he trusted her above all people. Almost like he could see the questions in her mind he gave a small laugh, grabbing her hand from his shoulder and holding it in both of his. “I hated and despised you with everything, but then Singh happened and you were the only normal and only one I could trust. Then shit with my dad, and you were still the only normal in my life. You aren’t afraid to call my bullshit, to say what you think, to protect those you care for JC. Everything, I’ve told you and confined in you has stayed with you. I trust you.”

JC bit her lip as she stared up at Rafe, wishing for a moment that this wasn’t a treasure hunt, that their lives weren’t in peril once again. Because selfishly she wanted just a moment more in this bubble, with Rafe’s sweet words, his finger rubbing circles on her hand, his eyes soft and caring as they stared into her soul and beyond. Letting her lip go, she took a breath before leaning forward and kissing his cheek. Pulling back she brought her other hand over and squeezed his hands. “I’ll admit I hated you Rafe, and a part of me still hates your actions. However, I would never have survived Singh if not for you and I’m forever grateful and thankful for that. I can’t explain it, but that bonded us together Rafe. I trust you, but I need you to be kinder to my friends, my family.” JC giggled as Rafe nodded his head quickly before promising he would, that he would work on it, that he would be better.

And then their bubble was interrupted. JC looked over as John B was calling for them, her eyes widening as she moved over to where he stood with the map in the air. “What the fuck?” It was the best thing she could think to say, as a shadow of a shape appeared on the map. “What the hell is that?” JC shrugged as she turned around her eyes widening as she saw the same outline on the map right behind them, except it was real and a stone statue. “See what I’m seeing?” JC knew JB had also connected it and as Rafe turned around and saw the statue they both spoke simultaneously and the same words “Holy Shit.”

They did it! They found the crown. Of course they would, JC had no doubt because they always found the treasure. She just couldn’t stop the negative thoughts creeping in because something would go wrong, it always did. “The crown has gotta be up there. Come on, let’s go.” JC nodded as she heard Rafe walk a few steps away, her eyes on the statue as she wished the others were here. They all deserved to be here and basking in this glory. It drained from her as Rafe spoke again, trying to get their attention. JC turned around, her mouth opening in shock and disbelief of their luck as Rafe spoke making dread flow through her; “Sandstorm.” JC kicked a rock, anger cursing through her veins as she threw up her hands, “Fuck you universe! Fuck you.” Taking a breath she lowered her goggles and wrapped her scarf around her mouth and nose, protecting herself from the oncoming sand. Just like that, they were off running once again. A race against time, something they were all familiar with.

“Come on. Hurry. We’ve gotta try to get up there before the storm hits.” JC rolled her eyes, once again annoyed with her best friend’s ability to point out the obvious. “No shit Sherlock. I thought we were gonna wait for the storm.” As John B glanced back at her, she mumbled a low apology. Tensions were high and she didn’t need to take it out on her friends, but something was eating away at her. As if a warning was sounding off and something really bad was coming. JC let out a startled gasp as her brother’s voice sounded from behind her; “John B. JC. Hey! Do you see what’s coming?”

JC turned and pulled him into a hug, ignoring everything because she needed him. He was safe, and alive and right there in front of her. Pulling away they instinctively intertwined their hands, the twins rarely liked physical affection or contact but with each other it was one of their main love languages. As JJ asked if they had any idea on where to look for the crown, JC smiled and lifted his chin so he was staring up at the statue. “Right in front of us baby brother.”

Her smile faded as John B said they needed to climb and JJ immediately looked like he was preparing himself. No, she wasn’t going to let him climb up the statue not with his injury. Not when she was there. Before anyone could say or do anything else a strong gust of wind hit and sand was filling the air like fog. The sandstorm had reached them. JC didn’t like the odds of this, didn’t like how it was impossible to see much less breathe even with her scarf protecting her. She felt her stomach drop as Rafe spoke, “Hey, I’m gonna go scope it out, all right? I’ll meet you all up there!” Then just like that he was gone, and she couldn’t see him anymore. Her hand squeezed tighter on JJ, scared she’d lose him too.

Then once again, the group was splitting up. JC knew they couldn’t leave Rafe, not because they couldn’t trust him but because he would need help. Bending down she grabbed her knife from her boot, grabbing John B’s hand and pressing it into his palm. Her hands wrapping around his. “Protect Sarah, and protect yourself. Stay safe, and we’ll see you with the crown.” She watched as they ran off, before she turned and followed after JJ and Kiara. Praying nothing would happen to any of them.

[animalistic0]

Not Enough Time (Part 1)

Part 2: Here

Plot: A little history and background on JC and JJ. Explaining and building their relationship. Ends with them reuniting.

OC Maybank twin + platonic pogues x Rafe Cameron

*Season Four Spoilers!*

Warnings: OuterBanks, Season 4, mentions of abuse, allusions to death, horrible fathers, sibling fluff, angst, self sacrificing characters, allusions to mental health

Word Count: 1.3k+

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This wasn’t supposed to happen. They were supposed to have more time, more life, just more everything. After everything they’ve been through this wasn’t right! This wasn’t justice, and this sure as hell wasn’t the plan. However, would anything have changed if the twins knew this was the outcome?

JC was older by five minutes and never let JJ forget that. An argument, “I’m older than you boy.” A scolding, “You need to listen to your elders, kid.” Admitting affection, “I love you, little brother.” A compliment, “You rock baby Jay!” JC claimed it was her birthright to remind JJ he was younger than her, and she never missed an opportunity either.

JJ outwardly acted like he didn’t like it but he did. He never wasted a moment to complain and mention it was only five minutes though. “You’re only older by five minutes, JC. Five minutes!” However, knowing that his sister always had his back made everything worth it. Even if she was five minutes older and never let him forget it.

The twins were each other’s everything. From the very moment that JJ was born they only truly had each other. No one knew them like the other. They shared the same friend group, JJ closer to John B, and JC closer to Pope. But neither pogue could even began to understand the twins relationship. Pope and John B were just glad to have their friends, and witness the unconditional love and bond JJ and JC had.

As time passed and the twins grew older, it was as if the two only grew closer. However, just like most twins JJ and JC went through a phase of trying to show their individuality. That phase only lasted for two months before the twins dropped it. Finding that they couldn’t truly be happy by separating themselves from the best part of who they were.

No matter what happened, and no matter what the other did they never stopped supporting, fighting, and understanding each other. When JJ ended up betting the rest of the gold on himself and lost it, JC was the only person who kept herself calm. She was a bit disappointed in her brother but she knew he was just trying to help. The two of them never grew up with money, not like their friends. Even John B had more money than them. For JJ and JC to have the amount they did it shocked them and they struggled to save it. So yes, JC couldn’t completely fault her twin. Just as when JJ found out JC had slept with Rafe a few times after Singh, he couldn’t completely be mad at her. Especially when they sat down and had a conversation about how Rafe both protected and saved her. JJ wasn’t happy, very disappointed but he could understand where she was coming from.

When the Pogues were fighting for their home and business and JJ ended up crashing out, JC was right there with him. Protecting and helping him. The amount of damaged the two did was both poetic and astonishing. JJ with his baseball bat and JC with her golf club. She stayed right by his side, and did everything she could to make sure they both escaped the police. Her twin always her first priority, though she was worried for Pope and how she had witnessed him being arrested.

When the twins met with Groff and had to run for their lives, JC was right beside her brother’s side. JC refused to believe he was their father, not able to digest that the man that raised and abused them wasn’t. It made no sense, and neither did it for Groff to abandon them for a better chance. JC called it bullshit and hated the admission. When Groff admitted he was in fact their father, JC couldn’t help herself from punching the older man in the face. JJ had to hold her back, before the three of them were kidnaped.

When John B, Sarah, and Kiara rescued them JC had never been happier. Though when Groff showed up JC didn’t make any move to help him not like her kind hearted and loyal baby brother. The twins actually ended up arguing later that night about Groff and what that meant for the both of them. JC, or Juniper was furious, not at her brother but at the hand dealt to them in life. “Luke may have been a horrible and cruel father, but he is our father. We are Maybank’s JJ, through and through. Pogues for life!” JJ, or Jackson as the twins had learned was frustrated and confused. He felt like a little kid, and had hope that maybe they could have the father they always wanted. “Groff is our dad, JC. He deserves a chance, we deserve that chance!”

JC would look back and forever regret not being there for JJ for once. She refused to help Groff or spend anytime with him. Ultimately leaving her brother in the man’s hands. When it was revealed that JC’s intuition was correct about the older man she had only felt dread. Terror flowed through her veins as if it was oxygen. When they found JJ in the water, injured and left for dead something within her snapped. She had almost lost her twin. The one person who was her everything and their sperm donor was the one who attempted it.

When Rafe and John B were able to convince Shoupe to let them go after Groff, JC had almost cried in happiness. She couldn’t wait to get her hands on the older man and get the revenge that was due. That was where the twins were the most similar, their loyalty to those they loved had no bounds. They were both reckless, self sacrificing, revengeful, and unstoppable in their loyalty. JC would get revenge on Groff, for abandoning them, for hurting Kiara, for hurting JJ, for attempting to kill him, for killing their mother. JC would become the villain for her brother, for her family, for the Pogues.

When the storm hit and Sarah was knocked overboard, only for JJ to jump right after her, it had almost sent JC into a frenzy. JC had only stayed calmed because Pope and Cleo had held her. Both of them whispering soothing words to her as they stayed strong for her. Though the moment they all made it to land JC was walking the beach up and down. John B had been by her side for hours before he needed a break and sat by the fire with the others. JC refused to give up, stumbling the beach front all night. Her hands never staying still as she ran them through her hair, held her head, placed them on her hips, or just chewed on her nails.

It was Rafe who managed to coax her to come sit down and rest for a bit. He had hated seeing how distressed the Maybank girl was. She had a special place in his heart ever since they were kidnaped and held hostage by Singh. He couldn’t explain it, how she had wiggled her way into his heart and seemed to make camp never expecting to leave. Rafe made sure JC was settled with Pope and Cleo before he sat far away from everyone, silently watching for his baby sister and JJ. At every passing moment he grew worried for them, and more worried about the girl he could clearly see on the edge of breaking.

JC couldn’t describe the relief she felt when she saw her twin and Sarah. She had allowed Kiara to cuddle with JJ for a little before the twins ended up holding each other. Glad to see that the other sibling was alive and safe. If only it could stay like that. However, when your a Maybank and Groff it’s as if the universe is just waiting to shit on you. If JC knew this was the last normal moment she would have with JJ, what would she have done?

[animalistic0]

Archeron sisters revelation (established relationship with Azriel, twin sister of Feyre)

The River House was alive with the sound of crackling flames in the hearth and the distant murmur of the Sidra beyond the windows. The Inner Circle gathered in the grand room, its high ceilings and elegant furnishings only adding to the tension that hung in the air. Feyre sat near Rhysand, her eyes wary, while Cassian and Azriel lingered by the wall, arms crossed. Mor and Amren watched with curious expressions, though there was a hint of unease beneath their calm exteriors.

You sat quietly, your gaze fixed on the dancing flames. Being Feyre’s twin, your role in the family had always been one of quiet sacrifice. While Feyre hunted in the woods, you had taken on a different kind of burden, one that involved sneaking through the shadows of the village, accepting dubious jobs, and dealing with people whose morals were as twisted as the thorns in the forest. You had done whatever was necessary to keep your family alive, but it was not something you ever spoke of. Only Feyre knew the extent of what you’d done—the things you had to endure to keep your sisters and father fed and safe.

Nesta’s voice, sharp and filled with disdain, cut through the low chatter. “You’ve always been a liar and a thief. And now, you’re nothing but another pretty fae with nothing to offer but deceit.”

Elain, as always, stood beside Nesta, her expression a careful mask of neutrality. She rarely spoke against Nesta, preferring to stay in her elder sister's shadow. But now, she nodded slightly, her gaze cast down, as if Nesta’s words were just another truth she quietly accepted.

You bit back the sting of Nesta’s words, the old familiar anger simmering beneath your skin. It was a feeling you had grown accustomed to over the years—Nesta’s biting comments, her constant judgment, and the way she seemed to look through you as if you were less than nothing.

“I’m done with your self-righteous act,” Nesta continued, her voice rising. “You’ve always been like this, taking the easy way out. Stealing, sneaking around, getting into trouble, while Feyre—”

“Enough!” Feyre’s voice rang out, sharp and commanding. She stood, her eyes blazing as she looked at Nesta. “You have no idea what she has done for us.”

Nesta rolled her eyes, scoffing. “Oh, please. We all know Feyre was the one out there, hunting—”

“Yes, I hunted,” Feyre interrupted, her voice trembling with the weight of unsaid truths. “But do you know what she did? Do you have any idea the lengths she went to? While I was in the woods, she was in the villages, taking on jobs no one else would. Stealing, yes. Swapping. Dealing with people who would have slit our throats if they thought they could get away with it. She did whatever she had to do, while you sat by and judged us both.”

The room fell silent, the crackling fire the only sound as Feyre’s words hung heavily in the air. You looked at Feyre, surprise and gratitude mingling in your chest. You had never expected her to speak up like this, to defend you so fiercely in front of everyone. Nesta’s face paled, her mouth opening and closing as she struggled to form a response.

Rhysand, who had been listening quietly, leaned forward, his gaze intent on you. His violet eyes softened, and a rare, solemn respect flickered there. “I didn’t know,” he said softly, his voice filled with a quiet reverence. “Thank you, for everything you did. I see now that it wasn’t just Feyre who sacrificed for the family. You did the same, in your own way.”

Nesta looked as if she had been slapped, her eyes narrowing as she turned her gaze back to you. But this time, there was no more fire in her voice, only a cold, hard wall of resentment. “I didn’t ask you to do any of that.”

“You didn’t have to,” Feyre shot back, her voice firm. “She did it because she loved us. Because she was willing to get her hands dirty in ways you never would. She didn’t have to be asked.”

Rhysand nodded in agreement, his expression still thoughtful. “It’s not easy to do what you did. To make those choices, to bear that weight in silence.” He paused, glancing at Feyre before continuing, “You both are more alike than I realized.”

Elain looked between Nesta and you, her eyes softening slightly, though she remained by Nesta’s side. The room seemed to hold its breath, the weight of your unspoken sacrifices finally laid bare.

Azriel had been silent throughout the confrontation, his shadows whispering around him, restless and agitated. His gaze was locked onto you, the dark depths of his eyes filled with a storm of emotions—anger, pride, and something deeper, something more primal that simmered just beneath the surface. He stepped forward, his wings twitching slightly, his posture taut as if barely containing the urge to cross the room and wrap you in his embrace.

He turned his attention to Nesta, his voice cold as steel. “You have no idea what she went through. What she endured while you sat in your father’s house, warm and safe. She fought for you, risked her life for you, and all you can do is spit venom.”

Nesta glared at Azriel, but she held her tongue, seemingly recognizing the shadowsinger’s temper was not something to challenge lightly.

Azriel’s gaze softened as he looked at you, his voice gentling but still fierce. “You didn’t deserve to bear all that alone,” he said, his voice a low rumble that sent shivers down your spine. “I should have known. I should have been there for you.”

You shook your head, offering him a small, weary smile. “It’s not your fault, Azriel. I didn’t want anyone to know. It was my choice.”

Azriel crossed the room in a few swift steps, his presence a wall of strength and quiet protectiveness. He reached for your hand, his grip firm and reassuring. “Well, now I know. And I’m here. I won’t let you carry anything like that alone again.”

The bond between you thrummed with his emotions, the quiet fury at Nesta’s cruelty, the fierce protectiveness that made his shadows coil around you as if shielding you from the world. He lifted your hand to his lips, pressing a gentle kiss to your knuckles, his eyes never leaving yours.

“You are stronger than any of us,” Azriel murmured, his voice so quiet only you could hear. “Stronger than you’ll ever give yourself credit for. And I am so damn proud of you.”

Feyre moved to stand beside you, her hand resting gently on your shoulder. “We wouldn’t have survived without you,” she said softly, her eyes glistening with unshed tears. “You’ve always been there for us, even when it meant putting yourself in danger. I’m so sorry it’s taken this long for everyone to see it.”

The room was silent, the weight of Feyre’s words settling over the gathered company. Cassian and Mor exchanged looks of quiet understanding, and even Amren nodded slightly, her sharp gaze appraising you with newfound respect.

Rhysand stood, offering you a small, sincere smile. “You are a part of this family,” he said, his voice carrying the weight of a promise. “And we are grateful for all that you have done.”

Nesta said nothing, her expression closed off as she turned away, a stubborn set to her jaw. But you no longer cared for her approval or her understanding. You had your sister’s love, the respect of those who mattered, and Azriel by your side—his hand still holding yours, his touch a constant reassurance.

As the tension in the room slowly ebbed, you felt a quiet peace settle over you. The shadows of your past, once kept hidden and buried, had finally been brought to light. And though the scars remained, you knew you were not alone in bearing them anymore.

Azriel’s thumb brushed over your knuckles, his eyes never leaving yours. “You’re safe now,” he whispered, his voice a solemn vow. “And I will always be here to remind you of that.”

You leaned into him, your heart full, and let the warmth of his presence and the strength of Feyre’s support wash over you. Whatever challenges lay ahead, you knew you could face them. Because for the first time in a long time, you didn’t have to face them alone.

[animalistic0]

Is there a word that’s a mix between angry and sad

[animalistic0]

[animalistic0]

[animalistic0]

god it's so funny cause the last time they were in front of camp together annabeth was shoving percy into a lake and then the next time camp sees them she's running and embraces him for a long ass time like. guys. this is why everyone shipped you

[animalistic0]

Now that the pjo show has been OFFICALLY RENEWED FOR A SECOND SEASON here are some things i absolutely need

-The photo of annabeth needs to be a physical photo, i dont want percy to just like stare at a picture of her in his iphone or something. NO. It has to bephysical, printed, or a polariod photo. You could argue that it makes more sense nowadays for the photo to be digital, BUT THATS WHY IT REALLY NEEDS TO BE PHYSICAL, TO SHOW HOW MUCH PERCY WANTED TO ASURE HIMSELF THAT SHE WAS REAL, SO BEING PHYSICAL HE CAN LITERALLY FEEL HER PRESENCE.

- 40/50 minutes episodes, its a must, it will help with the passing and the flow of the story.

-at least one flashback of thalia, luke and annabeth, NOT ONLY WHEN THEY JUST ARRIVED AT CAMP, i want to feel the angst through my screen.

-CIRCES ISLAND, DONT CHANGE A THING, LET THEM BE A LITTLE BIT CLUELESS. GUINEA PIG PERCY, ANNABETH MAKEOVER, STARSTRUCK PERCY, LET. IT. STAY THE SAME.

-Grover in a wedding dress, but a true and through wedding dress, im talking veil, im talking volume, compromise with the cause.

-This one is just me, but i want to see silena and beckendorf, my precious angels.

-The kiss on the check, be after the chariot race, dont do the chariot race, fucking change the whole ambience i dont care, but the kiss has to happen. I wouldnt be mad if they did it while annabeth and percy were alone, at night while watching the stars i think it would feel more intimate, and i think it goes with how the relationship has been developing in the show.

-Grovers empathy link with percy, go fucking wild with it.

-CLARISSE SCREEN TIME!!

I think thats all

[animalistic0]

Walker? Sir? Mr. Actor?

Jokes aside. That look? That anger? Percy finally having enough and being pissed off with a God who doesn’t care about his children, insulted his friends, ruined their quest and wants to start an unnecessary war where he has nothing to lose? But most importantly… Percy literally QUAKING with unchecked rage for a God who came in the way of him saving his mom?

[animalistic0]

hades 🤝 hephaestus

unproblematic kings who are legitimately chill dudes, are often used as scapegoats, and are sick of their siblings shit

[animalistic0]

That had be bawling😭 Not only seeing Annabeth cry (that started the tears), but to watch as Percy put on a brave face and reassured her that he was okay. Then how, after the shield falls, she not only ignores it she tries to figure out how to undone the “impossible chair”

THEN; how she defends him. How she’s like, Zeus, Ares, and my mother are like that, but he’s not. 😭

Raise your hand if Percy saying "I'm Ok" over and over again as he reassures Annabeth while he's slowly suffocating to death wrecked you because

[animalistic0]

THEM DUCKING BACK BEHIND THE CONCRETE SLAB TO AVOID AN ADULT I AM SJDHSJWJ

IT’S LIKE THEY GOT CAUGHT WITH THEIR HAND IN THE COOKIE JAR I—

[animalistic0]

Percy thinks Annabeth wouldn't hesitate to sacrifice him 😭😭😭 he gave her riptide 😭😭😭 guys im crying. You don't understand. AHHHHHHHH. He says she's better then him and they know it. She's panicking and he's telling her it's ok guys 😭😭😭 she's trying to dismantle Hephaestus's machine 😭😭😭 Annabeth said Percy is better then them and she's gonna stop being like them and be more like him 😭😭😭 AHHHHHHHHH

[animalistic0]

so grover tricking the literal god of war into an impromptu therapy session to get information wasn’t exactly on my Percy Jackson show bingo card but I’m certainly not complaining

[animalistic0]

Original