#Golf Towel Beer

[sunraies]

Broken Glass

Rafe Cameron x Pogue!Reader

Warnings - blood, mentions of feeling sick, fluff, moodswinging Rafe.

You have a hard shift at the country club, and it gets worse when you have to clean up Rafe Cameron's mess.

A scene from season 2 is used.

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Working at the country club meant dealing with obnoxious, rich people. Demanding everything to be done for them, right there and then with a smile on your face.

Most days, you could do it. Providing excellent service with a smile, but as the day dragged on, it became harder and harder to do. Saturday shifts were always a nightmare.

The members who had been enjoying the club during the day loved to spend the evening drinking at the club's main bar. A lot of the younger Kooks enjoyed the atmosphere on a Saturday night.

With champagne practically on tap and beer flowing more freely than water as black cards and 100 dollar bills were placed on the tables, it was a busy night.

You could see Rafe getting more and more energetic in whatever he was explaining to Kelce and Topper. You sighed as Topper stopped serving as soon as his friends arrived, leaving you to cover for him managing drinks and inpatient, drunk people.

As he put his beer down on the bar, he leant back, making fake gun noises with a grin.

Rafe looked more relaxed than usual, most likely from the alcohol and whatever drugs he'd done that day running through his veins.

He kept moving backwards, nudging into another member behind him. They were getting more and more annoyed by the second.

"Do you mind?" Bob had enough after the third time of being bumped into.

"I'm sorry?" Rafe span around to him, his smile suddenly gone.

"Do you mind?"

Rafe stared at him for a moment before leaning in closer. "Yeah, I do mind, Bob."

Bob blinked and nodded, looking deeply offended as he turned away for a second.

"Take a shot with me, pussy" Rafe picked up, the nearest shot glass and began pouring it over Bob's hand "Come on. Take a shot."

"Hey, come on, man." Topper tried to defuse the situation, but it escalated quickly as Bob jumped to his feet.

"Hey! What the hell are you doing?" He snapped and pushed Rafe's shoulder back, making Rafe stumble and knock over glasses on the bar. Smashing multiple in the process.

"Take a seat. That's what you need to do!" Rafe pushed him back harder, causing him to fall back into his chair in complete shock.

Bob was one of the nicest members, always polite and tipping well. He even got on with Rafe when he golfed with Ward. You'd seen Rafe angry before but to snap at Bob like that was a new level.

"Whoa! Whoa! Whoa!" Kelce jumped up and pulled Rafe back as he squared up to Bob. Topper tried to get between them, but he wasn't much use, with the bar in the way.

Everyone around had gone silent, watching the exchange unfold. You hurried over from your side of the bar to Topper's, throwing a towel down over the broken glass and spilt drinks.

Kelce desperately tried to get Rafe to move away, repeating his name softly as Bob called for the manager.

"Eat shit!" Rafe pointed at him over Kelce's shoulder.

"Look at me. Look at me." Kelce sounded calm but clearly worried about Rafe.

"What?" He snapped, looking from Bob to Kelce as he breathed heavily.

"Calm down, alright?

"No one will drink with us, man,"

"I swear to god - Hey!" Kelce slapped his cheek lightly as Rafe looked around in a dazed.

Whatever he was telling Rafe, you didn't hear as you focused on cleaning up the mess of broken glass. Kelce seemed to have him under control as Bob was taken care of by another co-worker.

"Careful," Topper said as you used the towel to wipe the broken glass into the bin.

"I got it, Top"

"Just watch the big -"

"I said I fuckin' got it, Top" you snapped.

Normally, you got on with him. You could easily call him a friend. He was actually a sweetheart, and once you got to know him, you felt bad for the guy who had his heartbroken by Sarah Cameron.

But you were already stressed as it had been a day of cleaning up messes from having no lunch break on a 12 hour shift due to the lunch rush and the trash bags breaking on trash duty, leaving a disgusting stain of bin juice on your white sneakers. This was the icing on the shitty work cake. Cleaning up Rafe Cameron's fucking mess.

"Go check on your boy," you nodded towards Rafe and Kelce.

Topper looked from you to them and back again. He nodded before checking on Bob first. Seeing if he could win him over with his charm, free whisky, and the best hours for the golf course tomorrow.

You shook your head as it seemed to work. Good job Steve, the main manager wasn't in that night as Rafe would be out on his ass and Topper's job with it.

"Hey Topper! Come on, " Rafe called over to him with a smile back on his face. "Let's go, man."

He waved him over as he headed towards the door. Topper looked at you, and you sighed

"Go, I'll cover."

"You're the best." Topper smiled and quickly kissed your temple before throwing off his apron.

Rafe pointed at you as he walked backwards. "Put it on, Cameron! Add a round for everyone"

You had to laugh. One minute, he was ready to fight sweet Bob, and the next, he was offering to buy everyone drinks. He even had the cheek to wink at you. Luckily, it was towards the end of the night, so it wasn't a massive round.

As you shook your head at his wink, with a small smile, you felt a sudden sharp pain across your palm. Looking down, a large piece of glass had pierced through the towel and cut across your skin.

You stared at it for a moment before looking away and swallowing. You hated the sight of your own blood. It always made you queasy.

"Shit, shit, shit," you muttered, blinding grabbing napkins beside you and covering your hand before hurrying out to the kitchens.

It was dark, but you managed to make it over to the sink and winced as you ran your hand under the water. You tried to be brave and look at the damage before you just couldn't.

As you felt the tears welling in the cover of your eyes, the lights came on. Every little stress of the day had finally gotten too much.

"I'm fine, Top," You called, not looking over. You knew he had seen it happen. He'd been smiling goodbye, trying to push Rafe out the door as he walked backwards.

"He's says you don't like blood," Rafe's voice appeared instead, "and he's shit with it too"

You quickly wiped your eyes with your clean hand and glanced over your shoulder at him. "I'm ok, Rafe." You sighed. "You're not meant to be back here"

You really didn't have the energy to deal with him. Since working with Topper, you'd grown a civil relationship with his friends. But Rafe was still the Pogue hating Kook King. You tolerated each other when you were working or invited to one of Topper's parties.

"Says who?" He smirked, moving closer.

"The sign on the door. Or can't you read?"

"I can read perfectly well, sweetheart"

"You don't own the country club, you know that, right?"

He shrugged. "Close to it." He seemed uninterested as he started looking in cupboards.

"Whatever you are looking for. Stop." You took a glance at your hand again and winced as the water was still a little red.

"Any. Anything goes missing, and it's my job on the line." You stumbled on your words a little as you closed your eyes tight. Taking deep breaths, you tried not to break in front of him.

"You know where the first aid kit is?" He was still slamming doors, but he sounded sober.

"Uh, under the sink." You moved to get it, but he suddenly had his hands on your hips, gently moving you to the side.

"Keep rinsing it, no pressure in case there's still glass in there." He bent down beside you and rummaged through the cupboard.

All you could do was nod, grateful in your haze that you'd remember some of your first aid training. Being the only first aider on shift and unable to handle your own blood wasn't ideal.

Once he found it, he quickly checked the supplies in the small box. You watched him, welcoming the distraction from staring at the wall. He nodded to himself as he seemed satisfied that it would do before pulling out the necessary items.

"Can I look at your hand?" He sounded so gentle as he turned off the water. You glanced down to see how bad it was, but with no water, all you saw was a bloody palm.

"It's ok, you don't have to look at it," He said softly, ever so carefully taking your hand in his. His hand was warm and soft, his touch delicate as he wiped the blood away.

You hissed in a pain as he muttered an apology. "How bad is it?"

"Well, I think we may have to stitch it"

"Oh, fuck no!" You tried to pull your hand away as he laughed.

"I'm joking, baby," Rafe chuckled, "butterfly strips will do. A bit of gauze and bandage, you'll be good to go"

You hit his shoulder. "Not funny"

"Your face was a little." He had been calling you all sorts of nicknames for a while, so the 'baby' didn't faze you.

You sat on the workside after he made you while he gently put the butterfly stripes on. Once the gauze was over it you could finally look.

"Where did you learn all this?

"I was a life guard for a summer. My dad thought it would make me more responsible."

"Seemed to have worked." You smiled as you watched him place your hand on your lap while he grabbed the bandages.

"Not really." He shrugged, taking your hand in his again. "I spent most of the summer smoking behind the pool house and hooking up with any hot chick who looked my way."

You hummed. "Sounds like a fun summer"

He nodded and gave you a wicked smile. "Oh, it was."

"What happened out there with Bob?" You dared to ask. He seemed like a completely different Rafe.

"Shit with my dad," He muttered, but that was all he was going to give you.

You watched as he was so gentle in wrapping your hand. Who knew Rafe Cameron could be so delicate?

"To tight?" He asked, looking up at you. His blue eyes gave you a look as gentle as his hands.

You couldn't help the way your cheeks burned a little as you shook your head. Nope, you couldn't have a crush on Rafe. Nope, Nope, Shit.

"Perfect," you breathed as you found your words.

"Right." He nodded, still holding your hand in his warm one, his thumb absentmindedly brushing over your wrist "Perfect"

Your eyes moved from his, to his lips and back again, you caught him as his eyes copied. He leaned it a fraction more as you seemed to be drawn forward.

"How is the patient?" Topper burst through the doors, pushing them wide open as he made his wonderfully timed entrance.

"Fine, Fine," you said at the same time as Rafe had quickly moved away, rubbing the back of his head while you swung your legs.

Topper looked between the pair of you before clapping his hands together. "Well, our shifts are over. Alan is on lock up duty. Kelce heard that Cassey is throwing a party. What do you say?"

"I should probably head home." You still felt a little queasy. But you were unsure if it was from the blood or the realisation of your feelings.

"Booze are the best medicine!" Kelce appeared behind Topper

"I'm sure they are, Kel," you hopped down, "but I really just want to lay down"

You did look a little unwell, Topper realised once you headed towards him. He held your arms gently and looked over your face. "Alright, let's get you home"

"I'll take her home," Rafe offered, his eyes moving from staring at Topper's hands on you.

"You've been drinking," You pointed out, looking over your shoulder at him

"Fair point." He thought for a moment. "Top will take you home." He slung an arm over your shoulders, "and we'll come with. Right, Kelce?"

"I actually didn't have that man -" Kelce started before Rafe cut him off with a look. "Oh, no, right. Yeah. I had too many. We'll take you home in Top's Jeep"

[rafecameronsslxt]

Hooked

Warnings: Smut, fingering, dirty talk, and toxic themes.

Synopsis: After last night's ending Adriana picks up the mess and Rafe quickly goes to sex for an apology. Then go for golf which leads to something bigger than expected.

Rafe Cameron x OC

Minors DO NOT INTERACT, you will be BLOCKED.

Part TWO of series. (Can be read as stand alone)

Part ONE- Part THREE- Part FOUR- Part FIVE- Part SIX- Part SEVEN

Masterlist

   I woke up to the bright sun shining through the window, waiting on no one. I rubbed my eyes to see Rafe next to me. I look at him for a second, his messy, dirty blonde hair that feels good when you run your hands through it and the sun directly on his face, but then I remember last night and get up from the bed. I throw some shorts on and walk downstairs to the kitchen, which is trashed.

   I pick up the empty beer cans and glass bottles, throwing them away in the trash as it makes a lot of noise. Then, since I’m hungry, I make breakfast for myself and the others. Eggs and bacon were all I was going to cook; it was nine, which was way too early for me to be up. 

    Wheezie was the first to come down. “Mhm, you cook?” Wheezie asks me tiredly. “Yep, and it’s done. Want some?” I smile sweetly at her so that she won't say no. She nods her head, and I make her a plate. She picks the bacon up like a bomb and then smells it. “It’s not poisoned, Wheezie,” I say, offended, but then she eats it. Her face turns surprised. “Ok, for simple bacon from you, that’s amazing.” I’m not sure if I should take it as a compliment or not, but I do. I squeal, hugging her. “Ok, ok.” She giggles.

   Then another pair of footsteps came down the stairs. “Why are we happy at nine in the morning?” Sarah asks us, rubbing her face exhausted. “Wheezie finally liked what I cooked.” Sarah smiled at me, almost letting a laugh slip, making me cross my arms. Sarah then makes herself a plate and starts eating. “Pretty good,” Sarah says to herself while watching me run upstairs. “Where are you going?” She questions me, covering her mouth since she’s eating. “Rafe.” I cough and look at her before going back up. 

   Before I woke Rafe up, I went into the guest bathroom to look at myself. My jaw drops when 

my face is tear-stained and smeared with mascara. It was supposed to be water proof what the hell! I run my hands over my face with water, wiping off the mascara with my fingers. I look back up and see Rafe standing beside me in the mirror. 

   “Jesus, you scared me.” I let out a sigh of relief after jumping out of my body. I pat a hand towel over my face and watch his arms go around my waist, leaning his head on the back of mine. “I’m sorry. Last night was my fault. I shouldn’t have convinced you to do that, baby.” He whispers in my ear softly, and I stop patting my face and put the hand towel down. 

  Rafe’s hand goes under my shirt, and his fingers run up and down my torso, barely touching my skin. Shivers roll down my spine. His fingers run under my shorts' hem but leave, returning to my torso. My breathing becomes out of place. “Babe, your sisters are waiting. We can’t be long.” 

   When I look into the mirror, he’s looking back at me. I looked into his eyes, finding nothing. Rafe had never intimidated me like this before. He looked at me, infuriated, maybe almost controlling. Finally, he stopped rubbing my side and gripped my torso tightly. “I know, baby. This is for you. Everything. Just let me please you, hm.” He said it too calmly, almost in a threatening manner.

   “Are you mad at me? Rafe, this better not be some sick game because I swear to god-” His hand slid down into my shorts. His fingers are cold as he runs a finger up and down me. “I didn’t think you’d be this wet.” His cold fingers feel good against my hot flesh. He uses my cum as lubrication and slowly rubs in circles with two fingers. “Fuck. Rafe, baby, please. I need you.” I cry out but then bite my lip. I lean my head against his shoulder for support. 

   Adriana lays her head on me. I watch, not taking my eyes off her as she falls to pieces in front of me. Had this been another sick game of mine? Yes, but I could quickly shut my baby up. We’ve always been co-dependent on each other since fifth grade. It wouldn’t stop now or ever. Neither of us could live without each other, even if I started to fuck things up. 

   I’d still been a little mad despite my sincere apology about last night, and sooner or later, she’ll figure out this was about control. Not just sex. She’s smart. “You’re smart, baby,” I tell her, whispering. I push two fingers into her. She gasps in pleasure. Her grip tightens on my arm. “You’re my pretty girl. Only my baby.” 

   “Only for you, Rafe- god, I fucking love you.” She gave me an open mouth kiss that consisted of more spit than kissing, but I wasn’t opposed. 

   Something we don’t usually talk about is how I’m her first boyfriend. I got the honor of doing everything first. She’d never be able to date someone else because I’ll always be with her at the end of the day. But she’s my first girlfriend too, though I didn’t lose my virginity to her first. Besides that, everything we’ve done has been our first together, and no one will take it away.

   “Mhm, I love you too.” I curl my fingers and thrust my fingers into her cunt hard. She was so tight that it was hard to fit two fingers in. 

   My legs started feeling weak as the minutes passed. He fingered me roughly. It had been three months since having sex, and it felt like he was splitting me open. Then, He took his fingers out of me.   

   “Rafe!” I cried at the loss of his fingers. I just needed to be full of him- of Rafe. His fingers vigorously circled my clit. I couldn’t get a word out because of all the overwhelming bliss I had missed from him. “Fuck Rafe faster, baby.” I moaned out. He’d already been going fucking fast- Oh. My. God. “Cum on my fingers, baby, come on.” I locked eyes with him in the mirror, but my eyes started rolling back, and my legs started staggering to stand. I almost fall to the tiled floor before Rafe picks me up. 

   Rafe takes me to his room and throws me on the bed. “Shit, we’re not done?” I pant, propping myself up on my forearms. He reaches over to the bedside table and checks my phone.

“Ten O’clock, we have time.” Rafe’s face changes into disgust. “Why did JJ text you?” He puts my phone back on the table. “They're my friends Rafe.” I cross my arms in disbelief that he’s trying to start a fight right now.

   “They're not friends, Ad. Their low lives.” Rafe realizes that I’m getting mad and changes the subject. He gets on top of me, pressing his lower half onto me. I feel his erect cock exactly pressing into my vagina. “Can I fuck you without a condom? Also, I want to cum into you this time.” I start biting my lip. “I’m not taking birth control, Rafe.” I run my hands through his hair. “Come on, baby. I just want to feel you and make it worth it.” He pleads to me. I take my shorts along with my panties off. 

   He smirks at me, chuckling. “You’re so fucking dirty, baby.” Rafe shakes his head, laughing. I watch him throw off his shorts and underwear. “I learned from the best.” Rafe starts unbuttoning his button-up that I stole. I wrap my hands around his cock and slowly slide it up and down my slit. “Did you cum in your underwear?” I question because he had more than a little ‘pre-cum.’ Rafe’s tough facade fades, and his face changes to bright red. 

   “How could I not? You were pressing on me and moaning, baby.” He smiles down at me. It felt great to have that kind of power over a guy, especially Rafe. He removes my hand from his cock. Rafe pushes my hands above my head and holds both of my hands together with one of his hands. He lets go of my hands and connects his mouth to my tits. I feel his tip push into me. I gasped in surprise, thinking he’d warn me. 

   Rafe looks up at me and licks my nipple while his free hand, away from his cock, gropes and kneads my boob. “Rafe fuck me already. Please!” I beg my boyfriend, who is not giving in. I feel his tip come out and lay against my soft flesh. Rafe flashes a pretty smile at me, one that would melt my heart if we hadn’t been in his bedroom fucking. 

   I bring Rafe back up to my level and kiss him. Brutal and intense like he does to me. I feel an extra amount of spit in my mouth that wasn’t there before. “Did you just spit in my mouth!?” I laugh, swallowing his saliva. 

   He nods his head leaning for another kiss. I take this as an advantage to push his tip back into me, and then I wrap my legs around his torso, forcing his dick into me. I let out a throaty moan. He starts thrusting his cock into me at an unholy pace. “Shit baby, you are so- fucking tight around me.” My body willingly does anything he asks. 

   Rafe puts his forehead onto mine as we do an unholy sin. “You don’t realize how much- ah- I love you.” His hips start hitting my cervix. I wrap my arms around his neck, holding onto Rafe. “I love you so much- more,” I whine out in ecstasy, and then I feel his balls slapping against me. 

   The only thing to be heard throughout his room are obscene noises from our skin, moans, and the sweet nothings Rafe is telling me while fucking me senseless. The rawness of him has never felt so extraordinary. 

   I bring one of my hands down to my clit, rubbing it quickly. I feel Rafe’s thrusts get sloppier by the second. “Rafe. I’m about to cum.” My hand movements sped up on my clit until I felt Rafe’s hands remove mine. His calloused fingers feel good against me. “Come on baby cum on me. I want you to be all over me!” I start pinching my nipples roughly. My legs start shaking again, and my pussy clenches around Rafe’s dick more times than I can count. 

   After another second, I cum. “Baby! You just fucking squirted on me.” Rafe says enthusiastically while thrusting into me and rubbing my clit to the point where it burns. One more heartless thrust into me, and he comes, and then I squirt again. I start panting, looking at the mess I’ve made on Rafe. “Mhm, I didn’t know you could do that. You’re a fucking slut for me.” He whispers sinisterly into my ear while thrusting his cock in me. I feel his cum dripping down my thighs. “I love being your slut. I want you to fuck me every day, whenever and where ever.” In reality, I’d never let him fuck me where ever, but he already knows this.

   “Mhm, as much as I would like to stay with you, I can’t. I’m meeting my friends later on.” I smile while leaning over him. “Baby, I told Topper we’d play golf with him.” I flop back down on the bed with a grumble. I hated golf. Top knows that, and so does Rafe. It was such a kook thing, but all you did was hit a ball into the air and say, ‘OMG! It went so far,’ but it actually hit someone not even five feet away. “So you didn’t e- never mind. I’m heading back to my house to change, and I expect you to pick me up.” Of course, don’t ask what I’m doing for the rest of the day—inconsiderate asshole.

   I walk into my house, annoyed, and see my parents in the dining room. “Don’t think you’re sneaking past. Get in here!” My mom said in a stern voice. “Mom, I can’t right now. I have to play golf with Rafe and Top. Can you guys just give me a break?” I rub my temples in aggravation; surprisingly, she lets me go, and no warnings. I run up to my bedroom, rush in the shower, do my makeup and everything else and now for clothes. 

   A white button tank top that I didn’t button up, basically putting my cleavage on display for anyone to see. I took a pink pleated skirt out of my closet and put it on along with white golf gloves. I put my hair into a pretty ponytail and walked downstairs to see Rafe chatting with my parents. Rafe starts choking up his water. “Sweetheart, you look beautiful. Now go, or your dad will have a heart attack.” My mom whispers in my ear, giggling. I grab Rafe’s hand, quickly dragging him behind me. “Bye, daddy. Love you.” I yell to him, shutting the front door and not waiting for a response.

   “Why are you wearing this to golf? Button it up, baby, seriously.”

   Rafe squints at me, trying to cover his eyes from the sun, but button up my top. “Get off of me. Let’s go before my parents question why you’re touching my chest.” I sigh loudly, removing Rafe’s greedy hands from me.

   Rafe throws his arm over my shoulder. “Did you bring mine?” I look around at the palm trees and then at Rafe. The sun streaks across his face while we walk in and out of the shade. He looks like he’s radiating an ego today. He nods his head. “You look gorgeous today.” I smile at him, showing him my flawless shiny teeth. 

   “I feel like a real kook; get me out of here.” I pretend to fake cry leaning my head on Rafe’s shoulder. Rafe playfully pushes me off his shoulder, laughing. 

   We finally get to the golf course seeing Top already there. They do their little bro handshake, and they take out their clubs. “Rafe, baby, can you get mine out.” I grin at him. “You came.” Top smiles at me. I put my arm around him and pinch his ear brutally hard. “Don’t ever invite me again. I politely ask you.” I put my hand on his head and messed his hair up. “Ok, you did not need to hurt me.” He rubs his ear in pain but then gets a look in his eye. I start backing away. I shake my head, but before I can run, he grabs my waist and starts tickling me. 

   Topper and me had been like brother and sister. He was the brother I never had and was sure as hell the best brother I could ask for besides JJ. “Ok, ok.” Rafe puts my golf club in between Top and me. I grab my gold club and point it at Topper. “Watch your back.” He puts his hands up, surrendering. 

   I feel Rafe kiss my temple while Top hits the golf ball. After a couple more rounds, we decide to take a break. “You know I love when you wear your hats backwards.” I throw my arms around his neck and smile as he kisses me. It was quite a turn-on. “Ok, we should go get your ball,” I propose, but something catches Rafe’s eye. 

   I look behind me, and I see Pope. Shit. I form a distance between Rafe and me as Topper steps in the middle of us. “Wow- wow, I don’t think he’s a member, do you?” Rafe holds his golf club up to his chin and watches Pope.

He has bags of groceries and beer in his hands, most likely for someone who paid for it. “It’s fine- it’s fine. Let’s just go get your ball.” Topper tries. “He put a gun to your head, bro.” Rafe looks at me for a second, and he gets a very well-known look in his eye that I’ve seen more than once. He wants to start something.

    “It’s fine- Rafe, Rafe. Let’s get your ball, man.” 

   Rafe is already walking down to Pope. You hit Toppers back, but knowing Top, he won’t do anything to help. I cross my arms feeling uncomfortable. I watch Rafe walk up to Pope, stopping him with the golf club. I decide not to step in but watch because what am I going to do? Hit my own boyfriend in the head with my golf club. 

   I want to do something because Pope will get angry at me, and I don’t want that right now. Things were not supposed to be like this today.

[mortmere]

Ray Kowalski's pub decor! Ray has these two bar towels on his kitchen/bar counter, and I was lucky to identify them both as items made by Pub World, a company that specialized in this kind of "breweriana". The light colored one says "Dirty Dick's", and the red one says "The Happy Drinker" (I only figured that one out after checking if it could be another Pub World bar towel - bingo!).

But oh, the lost opportunities here! As I was searching for red bar towels, one that kept coming up said "Stella Artois" (a Belgian beer brand), another "Relax with an Otter" (this one was newer as it had an url for the brewery). But even with Pub World's English themes, I wish they'd used the ones with Sherlock Holmes or Jack the Ripper, or the golf themed one that says "The 19th Hole" (CKR is an avid golfer). Or, lol, why not the one that's all about "Big Ben"...

[trivialbob]

I am back home from vacation in Isla Mujeres. Sheila is staying a few more days. We know other visitors on the island. Sheila is hanging out with them this week.

The Island is a 25 minute ferry ride from Cancun. It is about tourism, but not at all like being inside an all-inclusive resort. Many folks we ran into visit Isla for several weeks at a time and stay in small condos or rooms.

(A bit long, with pictures, below the cut)

We rented a two-bedroom place in a small, four-unit building. It was at the north end of the island. That's where many of the American and Canadian visitors stay. But locals live there too. From our roof we could see the family next door, cooking and putting out their laundry to dry. Our door is the blue one in the bottom left picture.

Some US hotels I've been at lately don't offer daily changes of sheets and towels. "For the sake of the environment," ya know. Our modest place in Isla included fresh sheets and towels every day in addition to full room cleaning. It felt luxurious.

More local people live mid-island and to the south end. However, visitors rent places all over the narrow island. A couple we know has the equivalent of a studio apartment mid-island for two months at $600/month. A realtor would call it "Very cozy." I liked it.

That couple has bicycles they store there for when they come back each winter. They also rent a golf cart from time to time to drive around the island, as many visitors do. Some Americans and Canadians purchase places instead of renting. Some beautiful, modern houses dot the island.

One of the first things I did upon arrival was slather myself in SPF 50 sunscreen. My pasty white head and back made the soft, white beach sand look like black pepper in comparison. The sunscreen worked well. I have only one small patch of burned skin where I missed covering a spot on one ankle.

You won't find chain restaurants here. The few banks and gas stations have familiar names, but that's about it for big brands.

Warning signs are few and far between. Servers bring cold beer to the beach, in glass bottles. This was my fourth or fifth visit and Sheila's 12th. We've never seen or heard someone break a bottle. There are no lifeguards at beaches or pools.

When crossing roads, cars, golf carts, and scooters seem to have the right-of-way over pedestrians. Sidewalks are rough and uneven. You learn to be careful and pay attention. At times soldiers and police patrolled the streets with rifles. We felt secure the whole time, even while walking in dimly lit local neighborhoods.

One resort-like place where we hung out at for a few hours has a pool with concrete seats and tables in the water. A server, seeing me cooling off in the water, asked if I'd deliver a glass ashtray to four women sitting at table in the pool.

Smoking isn't allowed inside bars and restaurants, thank God. Unlike the US where that's just understood, there are some No Fumar signs posted in Isla businesses. I bet I didn't see more than a dozen people smoking the whole time I was there.

Touristy stuff is there if you want that. Two streets have vendors hawking t-shirts, magnets, and such. Scuba and fishing trips are available if that's your thing. Golf carts and scooters can be rented. Mainly I eat good food, drink relatively inexpensive drinks and cheap beer, read, and relax. Surprisingly though, I recorded 10,000 or more steps every day.

Many of the older buildings would make an American code inspector twitch with anxiety. Few stairs, even very steep ones, have railings. Nor do all the rooftops. Our place had a railing on top but the buildings next to us did not. A realtor might call those "Unencumbered terraces." I easily could have done one of those cop TV show stunts, jumping from building to building while chasing a perp down the block.

Try tracing these wires. Or finding the source of the water lines. A realtor might say "Plentiful utilities." We did have excellent water pressure, hot and cold. Just don't drink it.

Bathrooms in some bars and restaurants... oh my. An Applebee's is more sanitary, but then you are eating at Applebee's. About ten years ago one of Sheila's friends purchased a toilet seat with her own money and installed it herself in one of the island's bars she liked to frequent. She had developed some nice leg muscles from so much hovering. Life's trade-offs, right?

One bar's women's room has a lot of comments in Sharpie about Mark. Some female out there somewhere DOES NOT LIKE MARK. Apparently a frequent visitor to the island, she documents when bad thoughts of Mark cross her mind. The men's room offered some scribbles both for and against Mark. At our table a group of us sat around trying to come up with the story. It could have a chance at being a Netflix/Hulu movie.

We didn't cook. There are too many local places that are fun and tasty. In some parts of the island you can actually order a meal at someone's house and eat on their patio. I'll have a separate post later about how we hired local guy bring us to seven different places for food one night.

Several times we shared restaurant tables with other visitors, some we knew from previous visits, some total strangers. A couple from New Jersey wanted to sit on the patio at a restaurant Sheila and I like. All three outside tables were occupied. We had empty chairs at ours, so we invited them to join us and had a wonderful evening talking with them. The wife did sound a bit like Carmela Soprano. Her husband, however, did not make me remove my cap. Another restaurant had a cat you could pet during dinner at another place.

In addition to the restaurant cat there were sidewalk dogs. They putter around or relax on the warm pavement. People walk and drive around the dogs. I assure you that white dog in the right picture is just sleeping contentedly. I didn't use a flash, so I wouldn't disturb him. The little one on the left greeted me as I walked along the malecón on my way to a massage.

We played pickle ball while there. The courts were in the middle of an area with few tourists. All the players were Americans. I wonder what the local residents think of the game with the bright, plastic balls that go clink, clink, clink. That's me in the yellow hat (top left picture). The bottom two pictures are what was behind the courts.

I could get used to scooter life. Sheila has one at home, but it's engine is literally six times the size of what these ones here have.

Carnival celebrations began on Friday. Our place overlooked the town square, by the Catholic Church. It was fun to watch the celebration with the loud music and lots of people.

That got long! Enough for now.

[delayed-affection]

Chapter one

Description   Next

"We’re the Pogues, and our mission this summer is to have a good time, all the time." A boy narrates

•

The boy stands at the top of a house, dangling his foot off.

"That's what, a three story fall to the deck?" Boy 2 theorizes from below, "I give you about a one in three chance of survival."

He hums sticking his finger in the air, "Should I do it?"

"Yeah, you should jump. I'll shoot you on the way down." He says pointing a power drill at him.

"You'll shoot me?" He asks making a gun with his hand, "Pew!"

A girl walks out from the unfinished house, "They're gonna have Japanese toilets with towel warmers."

"Of course they are. Why wouldn't they?" Boy 3 asks

"This used to be a turtle habitat, but who cares about the turtles, I guess?" She complains

"I can't have cold towels." Boy 3 replies

She looks up to wear he sits, "Can you please not kill yourself?"

"Don't spill that beer. I'm not giving you another one." Girl 2 pipes up as she watches boy 1.

Boy 1 continues to mess around, "Whoa! Oh, shit."

His can falls from his hand and onto the floor.

"Of course you did, right after I told you I wasn't going to give you a new one." Girl 2 quips

"Smooth." Girl 1 says

Boy 1 groans, looking down at his now empty can.

"A plus." Boy 3 tells him

"Dumbass." Girl 1 insults

Boy 2 looks over to the driveway, right where an officer stands.

"Hey!" The officer shouts

Boy 2 turns back to his friends, "Hey, uh, security's here. Let's wrap it up."

"Boys are here early today." Boy 1 states

"Humpty Dumpty, let's roll!" Boy 2 exclaims

Boy 3 rolls over from his spot while Boy 1 climbs down from his. Girl 2 follows Boy 2 to the back door.

Girl 1 smiles, "Let's go, boys."

"Gary is that you?" Boy 3 shouts

"Come on quite it." Boy 2 says

"Hey, what are you doing?" The officer questions

"Gary, good to see you, man!" Boy 3 yells

"JJ!" The officer screams

"You're asking for it." Girl 1 laughs

The group of teens laugh and holler as they run through the house, weaving through the construction equipment.

JJ slips in front of the officer but is quick to get up, running the other way with the others.

"Get 'em! They're comin' your way!" The officer calls out

JJ gets caught up with another officer who grabs him, "I got him!"

He slips from his grasps and takes off, "Not much of a hugger man!"

"Go, Pope! Go! Go, go, go, go, go, go!" He tells him as they hop the fence.

Pope drops the floor face first and groans.

JJ laughs, "Get up, Pope, fatso's coming."

On queue the officers face pops up over the fence, "Hey! Come here, you little pricks!"

Pope jumps up and races towards the honking van.

Boy 1 continues to honk, "Bus is leaving!"

Girl 1 sticks her head out the passenger window, "Come on, boys! Whoo!"

Girl 2 holds open the sliding door, "Jeez! Could you be any slower?"

Pope is the last to jump in and Boy 1 drives off.

Officer Gary chases after them on foot, "Hey, hey! Hey! Hey!"

Pope laughs at him, "Check out Gary, gunnin' for a raise."

JJ switches places with Girl 2 by the door, "Come on, Gary! Wait. Slow down."

"Hey! You little pricks!" Gary yells

"Stop guys. You're gonna give him a heart attack." Girl 1 scolds

JJ hangs out the door with a beer in his hand, extending it him, "You're so close! You can do it. There you go."

He toss the can at him making him stop in his tracks.

JJ groans, "They don't pay you enough, bro."

Girl 2 pulls him back into the van, "JJ, stop."

He giggles, "Oh, come on. That sort of stuff is just begging to be punished."

•

Boy 1 continues his narration, "The Outer Banks, Paradise on Earth. It's the sort of place where you either have two jobs or two houses. Two tribes, one island."

•

The teens are quick to move on from their situation, now laughing and talking about whatever comes to mind.

Boy 1 watches as they pass well kept houses, expensive boats, and an opened field that is only used for golfing.

•

"All right. This is Figure Eight, the rich side of the island. Home of the Kooks. So, guess where we don't live."

•

Turning onto a different part of the island, the scenery changes. The houses aren't as big and well kept. No golf courses or yachts are seen.

•

"And then, this is the south side or the cut. Home of the working class who make a living busing tables, washing yachts, running charters. The natural habitat of... drumroll, please... the Pogues. That's us."

"Pogues, pogies, the throw away fish. Lowest member of the food chain. Okay. So, the down side of the Pogue life is we're ignored and neglected. But the upside of Pogue life? We're ignored and neglected, which means we do whatever we want, whenever we want."

•

They all sit on a boat doing their own thing, Boy 1 pulls up a net and drops the fish inside onto the deck.

"Nice haul, dude. Look at that." JJ compliments

Girl 1 scoots back from the fish in front of her, "Ugh, John B."

"Been all bait for, like, three weeks." JJ informs

John B picks up a fish and throws it at him.

"Gross." He laughs

•

"Well I guess it's time for introductions."

•

JJ stands inside the wheelhouse steering the boat.

•

"That's JJ, my best friend since the third grade. He's about as local as the come. Latest in a long line of fishing, drinking, smuggling, vendetta holding salt lifers who made their living off the water. Best surfer I know. Just don't tell him I said that. Mild kleptomaniac and future tax cheat."

•

Girl 1 sits by a bonfire talking to someone about micro plastics.

•

"And that's Kiara, or Kie, as we call her. When not saving turtles or listening to Marley, or getting a dolphin tattoo, she hangs out with us. I'm not really sure why, though. So, she's a rich kid, actually. Foot in both world. Her family owns The Wreck, this Outer Banks institution. Total cash cow with the tourist. You know, I'm not really sure how her parent feel about us. I guess we all sort of have a thing for her."

•

Pope sits on the boat smiling at his friends.

•

"That's Pope, the brains of the operation... finalist for the Lucas T. Vanderhorst Merit Scholarship. And the smartest person I know. Little bit of a weirdo. His father is this legend charter, Heyward. Anything you wanted on the island, Heyward could get for you. Now, I'm not sure Heyward knew what to make of his oddball son, but it didn't matter. He was a Pogue, just like the rest of us."

•

Girl 2 sits at the edge of the boat, letting her feet sit in the water.

•

"That one right there is Y/n, the living definition of an angel, way too pretty and nice for her own good.  She spends most of her time helping Pope and his dad with work or shredding waves with JJ. She, like Kie, is a Kook, well half a Kook. Her mom is a Pogue and her dad is a Kook, she is a baby of an affair. Her parents love her more than anything, never seen such good coparenting."

•

The group stands together watching the sunset on the water.

•

"That's my crew."

•

John B flushes the toilet and wonders around his house.

•

"And that's me, John Booker Routledge. And this is where I live. An old fish shack on the marsh. The Château, as my dad used to call it."

•

He hangs up a picture of him and his dad.

•

"There's Dad. He disappeared at sea nine months ago, looking for a shipwreck. Who disappears at sea these days? I miss him. And then there's Mom. She split when I was three. Last I heard, she was in Colorado. I think it was Colorado."

•

He taps a picture with the top of his bottle, "Uncle T!"

•

"That's Uncle T. Since Dad's vanished, he's supposedly my legal guardian. At the moment, he's in Mississippi, building houses...which means it's just me right now, hanging out with my friends. Three months after my dad was missing, he was officially presumed dead. I refused to sign the papers. Until I see a body, I'm not giving up."

•

"John it has come to our attention that you are an unemancipated minor living on your own." A woman sighs sitting across from him.

He scoffs, "No... No. No."

"John, I need honesty to help you. That's what we want, right?" She asks

"Yeah. I'm being honest." He answers

"Okay, then when is the last time you spoke to your uncle?" She questions

He looks down at his wrist, "Uh... 34 minutes ago."

"Last time you saw him?" She asks

"Two hours and... 43 minutes ago?" He claims

She looks up from her papers, "John, we're gonna come out there tomorrow to talk to your uncle. If he's not there, we're gonna move forward with foster care. I want to assure you, we're gonna find you a safe and loving home."

•

"They actually thought I was gonna be happy to hear that. And that's we're this story starts. My dad missing, my uncle MIA, and the Bride of Frankenstein threatening foster care. But then I caught a break."

•

A reporter's commentary fills the crowded shop, "Hurricane Agatha continues its steady march towards Kildare island on the Outer Banks of North Carolina..."

•

"Hurricane Agatha, coming in the same day DCS was supposed to do my assessment."

•

He leaves the shop and stands out on a dock, alarms blaring, alerting people that the hurricane is close and coming head on.

Pulling out his phone he calls child services, "Yeah, uh... I think we're gonna have to reschedule."

•

Him, Y/n, and Pope race out in the storm, boards in hand, hoping to catch some killer waves.

"It's a double overhead out there, bro." Pope tells them

John B stops and looks out to the water, "Double overhead?"

Pope looks at them, "Those aren't surf-able waves, bro."

John B laughs, "Says who?"

Y/n runs ahead, "Only one way to find out!"

Soon they're all in the water, thunder clapping around them. The waves they don't ride take them under, other than that it's a fun time.

John B sits on the surf and something catches his eye, "What the hell?

It's a boat and it's getting thrashed around by the deeper waves. The storm gets stronger, making them go back home, only for the power to go out.

•

John B wakes up in his bed to the sound of chickens clucking and a rooster crowing. He sighs sitting up, grabbing his phone.

He turns off his phone "No service."

Getting up he tries the light switch, "No power. Great."

He walks into the living room, smacking his friend, "Yo, JJ, you been outside?"

JJ keeps his head in the cushions, "I have polio, bro. I can’t walk."

He pushes open the back door and takes in the damage.

He yawns, "Oh, man. That's no good. That's not good."

He walks around to the boat, "Oh, man."

JJ steps outside, "Agatha did some work, huh?"

"Yeah, she did." He replies

"Whatcha thinkin'?" He asks

He climbs in the boat, "I'm thinkin' that storm surge pushed all the crabs out in the marsh maze. All those drums are gonna chase the crab."

"What about the DCS? Wasn't that today?" He questions

"Nah, they're not gettin' on a ferry." He says cleaning out the boat, "Come on, think about it. It's god tellin' us to fish."

•

The boys set sail on the boat, dolphins trailing behind. They wave to other Pogues checking on what they have left.

"Hi, Miss Amy! You guys get through it?" John B asks a women in the dock.

"Still here." She answers

"She totally looked at me." JJ states as they drive away.

"I saw it." He confirms, "Dude look at this place."

He whistles, "Agatha, what did you do?"

"She is a crazy lady." He comments

"Hardcore dude." He replies, "Hurricane surge. We'll be cleaning this all summer."

"That is my nightmare." He claims

Pope stands at the end of a dock, "Well, look who we have here."

JJ whoops and hollers at him.

John B cups his hands around his mouth, "We have a safety meeting. Attendance mandatory."

"I can't. My pops got me on lockdown." Pope tells them

"Come on, man." He mimics static, "Your dad's a pussy. Over."

Mr. Heyward walks over, "Oh, I heard that, you little bastard."

"We need your son." John B confesses

"Yeah, and island rules. Day after a hurricane's a free day." JJ adds

"Who the hell made that up?" Mr. Heyward asks

"Uh... Pentagon, I think. We have security clearance. I have a card." He proclaims

"Y'all think I'm stupid?" He questions

"I'll do it tomorrow. I promise. Tomorrow." Pope says

"You think- No, no. Hell no. You doin' it right now." He demands

"Get in the boat." John B whispers to him as he slowly sails by.

"Make a run for it." JJ says not as quietly.

He father begins to threaten him, "Boy, if you get in that boat-"

Pope drops what's in his hands and jumps into the boat.

"Go, go, go." He tells John B

"Bring your ass back up here." He demands

"I promise I'll do it tomorrow, Dad." He swears as they pull off.

"When you get back you gonna clean shrimp. You gonna clean fish. You'll clean your dirty ass room!" He yells at him

"Sorry, Mr. Heyward!" John b shouts, "We'll bring him back in one piece."

"I don't like your friends!" He voices

•

Pulling up to another dock they meet Kie and Y/n.

JJ puts on an Irish accent, "Oh, top o' the mornin' ya."

"Good morning boys." Kie greets

"Morning." John B replies

"Pope was able to bless us with his presence today?" Y/n teases smiling down at the boy.

JJ smacks his shoulder, "Yeah but he's stuck cleaning for the rest of his life."

Pope rolls his eyes, "Whatcha got? You got some juice boxes?"

"You know, just some yogurts and carrot sticks." Kie answers

JJ helps them into the boat, "How about my kind of juice box?"

"Yeah." She assures

John B lowers his voice an octave, "Brace for impact."

•

A few drinks in a JJ is ready to have some fun, "Bet you can't do this. Let me show you a party trick."

"Terrifying." Kie states as he climbs past her to the bowsprit.

"Hey, Pope. Can you go a little faster?" He requests

"Oh, here we go. I'm movin'." John B announces moving behind pope.

Y/n follows him and joins him for a back row seat of the show.

"We've tried this like six thousand times." Pope says

"I got this. It's gonna work." JJ assures

Pope picks up the speed, JJ tilts the beer bottle towards his mouth. Hoping that the beer will fly out of the bottle and into his mouth.

Kie gets splashed with the liquid, "Oh, my god. You're getting beer in my hair!"

Pope holds his hand out for cover, "All right. All right!"

"All right, you're done." John b tells him

"All right, stop!" Pope shouts

The motor rattles and sends JJ flying off the boat into the water. Everyone else is sent tumbling forward in the boat.

"Jesus, Pope!" Kie scolds

JJ breaches the tops of the water and groans.

"You okay, JJ?" John b asks

"I think my heels touched the back of my head." He groans

"Kie, Y/n, you okay?" He asks

"I'm alright." Kie assures sitting up

"Same here." Y/n replies picking herself up

JJ swims back to the boat, "Pope, what did you do?"

"Sand bar. The channel changed." He answers

"No Shit." He spits

John B grunts, "Ugh, this is probably gonna mess this whole place up."

Pope stands where JJ once was, looking out at the water.

"Hey, I saved the beer, though." JJ gushes

"Congrats, JJ." He says

Pope squints his eyes at something, "Guys... I think there's a boat down there."

"Shut up. What?" John B replies

"No way." Kie dismisses

Y/n walks over to him, knowing the boy wouldn't lie about such a thing.

He points to the water, "No, no, guys. I'm serious. There's a boat down there. For real."

"What the fuck." Y/n marvels

"It's a boat!" He exclaims

"Holy shit, he's right. Let's go." Kie jabbers

She tugs y/n's arm and they both take off their shorts, leaving them in their bathing suits. The boys do the same with their shirts.

"You think there's a dead body down there?" Pope asks

No bothers to answer as the all jump into the water.

Pope sets down his shirt, "Guys, wait up!"

"Get your ass in here, Pope!" JJ yells

He cannon balls into the water, they all take a deep breath before swimming down. They take a quick look around before coming back up.

"Did you guys see that? You guys saw that right?" JJ gasps

"Yeah." They all answer

"That's a Grady White." He informs, "A new one of those is like 500 Gs, easy. That's a primo rig."

They all climb back into the boat.

"Yeah. That's the boat I saw when I surfed the surge." He confesses, "Maybe it hit the jetty or something."

"You surfed the surge?" Kie asks

"Yeah." He answers

JJ laughs, "That's my boy. Pogue style."

"What the heck?" She says

"Wait, wait. Do we know whose boat that is?" Pope questions

John B opens a hatch, "No, but we're about to find out."

"Dude, it's too deep."JJ states

"Oh, for the weak and feeble, JJ." He replies

"Well, I'm not resuscitating you." He tells him, "I'm just making that clear up front."

John B picks up the anchor, "That's fine."

"John B." Kie voices

"What?" He chuckles

"Diver down, fool." Pope salutes

He salutes him back, "Diver down."

JJ pushes him into the water, "Yeah he is."

He lets the anchor carry him down, swimming over to the boat when he's low enough. He looks quickly, finding a key. Running out of air he makes his way back up.

His friends watch the water for any sign of him.

"Should we go get him?" Y/n worries

John B answers her question himself, popping back up to the surface.

"Oh, my god. That took forever!" Kie complains

"Any dead bodies?" Pope wonders

"Looting potential?" JJ asks

"No. No. I found this motel key." He answers dangling it from his finger.

"A key." Pope says

"Yes, a key, Pope." He confirms pulling himself back into the boat.

"Great! We salvaged a motel key." JJ quips

"Guys, we should report the wreck to the coast guard. Maybe we'll get a finders fee." Kie suggests on their way back.

"Yeah, and not work all summer. Thanks, Agatha, ya batch." JJ comments

•

"So you haven't seen him since?" A man asks

"Not since before the storm." A woman answers

"What did the police say?" He questions

"Well, they said I have to wait 24 hours before I can report anything but I know somethings up." She claims

"Nothing is wrong. You know, it's Scooter. He knows how to handle himself in a storm." He assures

"Well, when was the last time that you saw him?" She asks

"Uh, last time I saw him, he was prepping the Druthers with Sarah." He says walking into the house, "Sarah! You seen the princess?"

A woman on the staircase answers, "She's out back."

He watches as a light flickers, "Let there be generators."

"Thank god. It's like living in Nicaragua." The woman on the stairs nags.

The man leads the other woman out back, "Iy didn't fall near the house. It completely up rooted it. Oh look at this. Storm blew it right into the pool. Be careful with that. Rose is gonna kill me."

The pool cleaner freezes, "Yes, sir, Mr. Cameron."

He looks back at the woman, "I don't wanna know how much it cost."

A young girl pops up from the other side of the pool, "Dad, the Wi-Fi's not working. I can't post anything."

"Wheezie, there was a hurricane, sweetheart." He states "What is your sister doing?"

She looks over her shoulder, "Saving mice."

"I'm sorry. Sarah!" He calls

She continues to swat at seagulls, "I'm busy."

"What are you doing?" He asks walking over, the woman following.

"The burrows filled with water from the surge. The birds are having a field day." She replies chasing after the birds.

"The birds have to eat too, Sarah." He reminds

"No, it's a mouse genocide out here. No!" She groans

He sighs, "It's the cycle of life is what it is, sweetheart. Now, come on."

"I can't be apart of it. First they came for the mice, Daddy." She tells him

"Yeah, well, I have an actual human being that you might help." He says

The woman reaches her hand out, "Hi."

She rushes to take her hand, "I'm Sarah. I'm so sorry."

"This is Lana, Scooter's wife." He introduces, "Now, you were storm prepping with him, right?"

"Yeah. He helped me latch the cabin on the Druthers." She answers

"Last night?" He asks

"Yeah." She confirms

"Did he go out after that?" He questions

"From here?" She asks

"Yeah.” he replies

"No. Are you crazy? There was a hurricane." She reminds

"Well, did he say where he was going? Get a phone call or mention anything?" Lana wonders

"He didn't say anything to me." She affirms, "I'm so sorry. Is he okay?"

Mr. Cameron puts an arm around Lana, "He's absolutely okay. He's hunkered down somewhere, all right? We're gonna find him."

•

John B pushes his way through the crowded office, "Hey. Excuse me."

JJ squeezes through the other side, "Hey, man, we- we found a boat."

The officer ignores them, continuing his very loud conversation with the others.

John B tries again, "You're gonna wanna hear this."

The officer puts his hand in his face, "Hey! Calm down."

He gives up and pushes his way back out, JJ hot on his heel.

"Well that went well." Pope says, "So what's the plan?"

John B holds out the key, "I think I know how we're gonna find the guy who owns the boat."

"No, no. We don't know whose room that is. It could be anyone." Pope stammers

"I'm in." JJ chimes

"Come on. We'll be lookout." Kie says throwing her arm around y/n.

"It'll be better if you're there." Y/n tells him as they follow JJ.

John B pats his chest as he walks by, "Finders fee. Just sayin'. And, hey, at least you'll only be an accomplice."

"Man." He mumbles before following.

"Come on, bubba." John B beckons.

•

JJ whistles at the motel, "I thought the Château looked bad."

"This place is a shit show." John b comments

"Motel or meth lab?" Kie asks

"You be the judge." Pope replies

"This doesn't look like the type of place somebody with a Grady white would stay." Y/n voices

"No. It looks like a place someone with a Grady white would get killed." Pope says

JJ mimics a pilot, "This is your captain speaking. HMS Pogue comin' in for landing."

He whoops jumping off the boat onto land, trying it down.

"Is it good?" John B asks

He tightens the rope, "Yep."

John B huffs, "All right. Here goes nothin'."

"Hey." Pope calls, "Don't let him do anything stupid."

"Oh, we will." JJ replies

John B looks back at him before turning, "I'm not making promises."

"Yeah, I know." He grumbles

"Uh, be careful." Kie says handing him the key, "I mean it."

He chuckles with a sly smile, "Yeah. Let's go."

Y/n daps up JJ, "Don't have too much fun."

He puts his hand on his chest, "Me? Having fun? Never."

John B claps his shoulder and they walk off, "What are all these mattresses doing out here?"

"After a hurricane, they ditch 'em cause they're moldy." JJ answers

Up the stairs they draw closer to the room.

JJ grabs John Bs shoulders, "Just be so careful, John."

He pushes him off, "God, you're so weird."

"What was that about?" He asks

"I don't know." He shrugs, "Maybe she wants us to be careful."

"Since she heard you're being threatened with exile, she's just been, like, 'Oh! Be so careful, John B'." He mimics her voices and rubs his shoulders.

He pulls away, "Get off."

He continues to tease, " 'Oh, give me that John D already.' When are you gonna swoop on that, man?"

"Bro, you know the rule. No Pogue on Pogue macking. Besides you're the one always hitting on her." He argues

"Of course, I'm always hitting on her. She's a super hot, rich, hippie chick slumming with us. The same goes for Y/n. Why they hang us? I can't figure it out either, but who cares, bro? I know that doors locked because I've tried it. Have you?" He explains

"You need help. Not a little help, you need a lot of help." He tells him, "It's like every girl who just has a heartbeat, you're like... 'Uhh'!"

"What? It's not a big deal." He states

John B stops, "This is it."

JJ does a rhythmic knock on the door, "Housekeeping." No answer, "No power. No security cameras. No one's gonna know."

John B huffs open the door, "Huh, okay. Check the bag. See if there's a name on there or something."

Closing the door behind them, they begin to raid the room.

"No name on the jacket." JJ informs, "It's a nice jacket, though."

John B picks up a shoe, "Definitely over 50. He's got New Balances."

JJ finds bunch of papers, "Yo, dude, come here. Maybe this is where they were fishing."

He rushes over, "Let me see."

He points to the map, "Right there."

"No, that's off the continental shelf. That's Big Swell. Nobody fishes there." He replies pulling out a note.

They move on, JJ flashes his light around and puts on a posh accent, "Coffee? Standard. Tissues for when you get lonely... Ooh!"

"Did you find anything?" He asks

"Really awesome Dopp kit you won't let me steal." He answers rummaging through the bag and putting something in his pocket.

"Yeah, cause we're not stealing shit." He replies pushing numbers into the safe.

•

Down in the boat the three are playing 21 questions.

"Biggest pet peeve? Easy. Giving one percent to the environment." Kie tells them

"What's wrong with that?" Pope asks

"We only have one Earth, Pope." She reminds, "We should be giving it 100% bare minimum."

"Right. That's not fiscally sound." He says

"Neither is destroying the planet we have to live on." She argues

Y/n suddenly sits up straight, alerting the others, "Shit, cops are here."

They quietly move off of the boat.

"Call them." Pope commands

"We can't. The towers are down." Kie replies

"If I lose my merit scholarship, I'm gonna kill someone." He complains

They hide behind the fallen motel sign, watching the officers.

"Maybe they're not going up." He suggests

"He's pointing. He's pointing." Kie says

"They're going up." Y/n whispers

•

Back upstairs John B is still trying to get into the safe.

"Punching shit at random. That will... definitely work." JJ nags

John B walks over to the papers, "Wait a second. Here." He picks up the note.

"I don't know." JJ mutters looking at the map, "I don't know about the second one. These coordinates, they... Wait. My cousin said you could catch swordfish here."

John B ignores him, going back to the safe and putting in the numbers he reads off the paper. It's the code, he opens it to find stacks of cash and a gun.

He picks up a stack, "Uh... JJ? You're gonna want to see this."

•

The officers make their way up the stairs and the friends run to the side of the building.

"Okay, do something. Do something." Kie orders

Pope picks up a rock and confidently tells them, "Stand back."

Kie and Y/n move to the side, "Okay. You got it."

He tosses the rock and it probably goes ten feet in air before falling in front of them.

"Didn't you ever play baseball?" Kie asks, "Dude!"

Y/n stifles a laugh and picks up some rocks.

Pope sighs, "I was on the math team."

•

JJ snags the gun from the safe, "Dude, dude, dude. This is a SIG Sauer."

"Put the gun back, JJ!" John B orders trying to take it from him.

He jumps back, "This is a fucking spendy gatt, man. Just... Bam! Bam!"

John B puts his foot down, "We are not stealing anything.

•

"A mathlete?" Kie huffs, "Wait, Y/n weren't you on the softball team?"

Y/n steps back ready to throw a rock, "Already on it, K."

Throwing the rock straight at the window.

•

JJ turns and poses, "Just take a pic of me. Right here."

"You want me to take a picture of you?" John B questions, "Make our own incriminating evidence? Is that what you're talking about?"

They hear a tap from the window, "Wait, what was that?"

John B sticks his head under the blinds and sees the three friends mouthing cops and pointing to the door. He quickly moves to the other window and peaks through, they're right there.

The cops knock on the door and the boys quietly freak out, picking up their belongings and trying to make it look like they were never there.

"Kildare County Sheriff's Department!" The man voices

The three others race back to the boat, "Should we peel?"

"You never leave a Pogue behind." Pope answers

The cop unlocks the door and the room seems to be empty.

"No seriously, should we peel?" Kie repeats

Y/n shrugs, "Maybe."

•

One cop closes the door and the other checks the bathroom.

She pulls back the shower curtain and finds nothing, "Clear."

•

The two boys stand on the ledge outside of the window.

Pope whispers, "What are you guys doing?"

"Oh, my god." Kie says

•

The cop opens the safe, "I said it. Didn't I say it?"

John B watches as they go through the items.

The male cop pulls out a stack of cash, "Everybody's gotta dip their beak."

"What the fuck." JJ whispers as the Female cop takes the cash.

JJ moves his hand to his side and something falls from his pocket, it goes crashing to the ground, hitting everything it can.

The man walks to the window opening the blinds, the boys stick closer to the wall and the others try their best to act natural.

He pulls back from the window, "All right, let's go. No one's here."

•

Back on the water, they go over the prior events.

"Well that was fun." JJ chuckles, "Could have warned us sooner."

"We would have, except pope was on the math team." Kie admits

"You were on the math team?" John B questions

"The cops took everything like it was a crime scene." Pope says changing to subject, "Did you find anything?"

JJ sits up and pulls out a stack of cash and a gun, "Did we find anything? No, I don't think so. Oh, yeah, we did."

"What the hell?" Pope gasps

Y/n looks at him like he's gone mad, "What the fuck, dude?"

"Dude, what?" Kie marvels

JJ walks over to Pope, "Dude, chill. Come on."

"Why would you take that from a crime scene?" Pope asks

"Better than the cops having it." He argues

"I'm gonna lose my merit scholarship." He worries

JJ puts his arm around him, "Hey, hey, hey. Sh, sh, sh, sh, sh. At least you have us, right?"

"He's definitely running on two braincells." Y/n whispers to Kie.

In return she gets a knowing look of agreement.

Pope pulls away, "I'm living a nightmare."

•

The medical examiner's take a dead body from a docked boat.

"So what happened?" A cop asks a man

"Well, I was up at the Mason outlet, and, uh, I seen this lump, and the crabs was just goin' to town on it, you know? So, I figured the best thing to do was, uh... throw him over in the ice chest and call y'all. I never saw anything like that before." The man answers

They wheel him through the port and Lana comes rushing over, "Scooter? Scooter? Oh, god!"

She cries looking down at his lifeless body.

"Who's that?" John B asks

"It's Scooter Grubbs. He was out during the storm." A girl answers, "Check out this pic I got. Dead body."

She pushes her phone towards the group.

"What kind of boat did he have?" JJ questions

"Somehow, that dirty bag copped a brand new Grady white. Everyone's out looking for it." She informs

They all share a look, knowing exactly where it lays.

•

Pope runs into the back porch of the Château, "Okay. So, um... we didn't see anything. We don't know anything. We need to have total and complete amnesia."

JJ stops flicking his lighter around, "Actually, Popes right for once. See, I agree with you sometimes. Deny, deny, deny."

"Guys, we can't keep that money." Kie chimes

"Okay. Not all of us can afford unlimited data plans, Kiara." He argues

"We have to pass that off to Lana Grubbs." She says

"Yeah, she just lost her husband. She probably needs it more than any of us." Y/n comments

"It's also bad Karma." Kie adds

"Bad karma to be implicated in a felony, too." Pope says, "We gotta go dark."

"If that means we get to keep the money, then I agree." JJ replies

John B taps his shoulder, "I don't agree."

"What? Why?" He wonders

"Just think about it." He tells him, "This is Scooter Grubbs we're talking about. Right? Same dude that's buying individual cigarettes at the porthole. Shit, one time I saw this dude begging for change in the Save-a-Lot parking lot because he needed gas. We're talking about a dirtbag marina rat who's never had more than 40 bucks in his pocket, and all of a sudden, he's got a Grady white? Just sayin'."

They all move out to the deck.

John B continues on with his rant, "All right, so think about it, Pope. How does a marina rat get a Grady white?"

Pope inhales sharply, "Prostitution."

"Square groupers, bro." He replies, "Okay, flying under the radar, no aerial surveillance. They don't do that stuff during a hurricane. What does that mean? JJ?"

"They were straight smugglin'." He answers

"Smugglin'." He repeats, "And I guarantee there's a serious amount of contraband in the wreck."

Ditching the fishing seen they pile into John bs room.

"For the record, if that is a smuggling ship with illegal contraband on the inside of it..." he pauses, "It probably belongs to someone else."

"Minor details." Kie chimes

Pope waves around the cash, "They could come looking for it. Taking it would be catastrophically stupid."

JJ snatches the money, "Right. Well, stupid things have good outcomes all the time."

"I don't think that's true." Y/n comments

JJ gently slaps her face with the money, "I beg to differ. Look, all we need to do is figure out a way to get into the cargo hold of the wreck. Until then, we just lay low. Just act normal."

Pope sighs, "Right. And how exactly do we do that?"

"Kegger?" Kie suggests

•

Climbing over fallen trees, they find the perfect spot. They mess around with the kegger and the hose, splashing their faces while trying to spray it into their mouths.

Calming down, they fill the plastic solo cup. All of them drinking besides Pope, y/n settles for just one, not wanting Pope to feel like the only sober one.

Soon their little get together grows into a group.

•

“All right. You can’t understand the Outer-Banks without understanding the boneyard. It’s kinda like a three layer burrito. There’s us and our friends, the working class derelicts, from the cut. Then, there are the kooks, the rich second homers. They’re mostly from pouncey ass boarding schools, just rich trustafarian posers. Our natural enemies. And then, there are the tourons. Totally clueless. Here for a week on vacation with their families. Chum for the sharks.”

•

The teens disperse, talking to anyone that would hold a conversation. Pope being the one to struggle in this atmosphere.

A boy yells up to a girl on a broken tower, “Sarah! Sarah, be careful, okay?”

The sight of Sarah ruins Kie’s mood, “What is she doing here?”

John B follows her gaze.

•

“That’s Sarah Cameron, kook princess. Kiara’s best friend in the ninth grade, worst enemy in the tenth grade. I work on her dad’s boats, so, you know, I’ve seen her around.”

•

Kie can’t bother to look at her any longer and walks away, John B on the other hand keeps watching.

The boy continues to yell at her, “What are you doing?”

•

“Then that’s Topper, her not so pleasant boyfriend. Topper actually thinks Pogues were bred to mow lawns.”

•

He watches as he helps her down, her giggles can be heard over the music.

•

A man walks through a set of door, the chime alerts a worker, “Sorry, museum’s closed.”

“Yeah, sure, chief. I’ll only be just a minute.” He tells him walking further in the museum.

He stops in front a small replica of the Royal Merchant. He slides a picture out of an envelope and compares it to the ship.

“The Royal Merchant sunk in the great storm of 1829 with 400 million dollars of British government gold on board.” The worker informs, “The dream of generations of islanders. Lovely work, don’t you think?”

He hums, “mm-hm. Yeah. Lovely.”

•

Night falls and the bonfires light up the beach.

JJ offers John B a drink, “You want this one?”

“For me? Yeah, I’ll take a sip.” He replies

Just then Sarah and Topper pass by them.

JJ gets a bright idea, “Hey, Sarah! Sarah, can I interest you in a tasty Milwaukee beverage?”

She stops with Topper by her side, “No thanks.”

“Come on? Is it not fancy enough for you?” He asks

“No. We were just leaving.” She answers

Topper is already fed up with him, “Hey, you know what? I’ll take it. I’ll- Thank you, man. I appreciate it.”

JJ pulls back the cup, “That’s nice, but I didn’t ask you. Now if you said pretty please, maybe, but you didn’t.”

“Oh, pretty please.” He says, “Pretty please?”

JJ holds the cup out to Sarah, “You have it.”

Topper smacks the cup, “She doesn’t want it, you-“

JJ wastes no time trying to get at him, John B and Sarah pulling them apart.

“You’re so funny, man.” JJ spits

“Dirty Pogues!” He yells back

John B didn’t like what Topper had to say and shoved him. Everyone’s eyes are now on the bickering bunch.

Pope, Kie, and Y/n are quick to their friends side.

“John b!” Pope shouts, “We’re supposed to be incognito, remember?”

Sarah tries to stop Topper, “Babe, babe, babe, babe-“

The sound of Toppers solid right hook on John Bs face fills the night. The crowd of spectators ‘ooh’ watching John B hit the floor.

Topper kicks him into shoreline, “Hey, John B, don’t make me drown you like your old man, all right?”

The crowd chants, “Fight! Fight! Fight! Fight!”

The now soaked John B stands up and tackles him into the water.

“Give it to him!” JJ encourages

“John B, let it go!” Pope pleads

“Stop, you guys!” Kie shouts

John B gets the upper hand and nails punches into his side.

“Topper! Stop!” Sarah begs

“John B! Come on!” Y/n exclaims

They push apart a circle each other, John B decks Topper in the face. He eggs him on, he’s been waiting for this moment.

They wrestle a little more, John B drops him into the water, “Come on, Topper! Let’s go!”

A few more sloppy swings and John B is back in the water with Topper on top of him.

He’s drowning him.

Sarah is quick to notice, “Topper! Topper, stop! No!”

Y/n looks at Pope and JJ, “Do something! He’s drowning him.”

Next thing they know, the cocking of a gun clicks above Toppers head, he freezes. John B gasping for air under him.

JJ presses it down on him, “Yeah, you know what that is. Your move, broski.”

The other party goers run off on the sight in the gun.

“JJ!” Kie and Y/n yell

“Chill!” Pope urges him

“Stop! JJ!” Sarah screams, “Put the gun down.”

He keeps the gun to his head, “Did you say somethin’, princess?”

“We’re good. We’re good.” Topper tells him, “All right? Come on.”

“Kie! Can you check your psycho friend, please?” Sarah shouts

That comment does not fall onto deaf ears, if anything it sets JJ off.

He lets go of Topper and makes his way back up the sand.

“Okay, everyone, listen up!” He screams, “Get the hell off our side of the island!”

He raises the gun to the sky and fires off two shots.

Pope shoves him, “Are you crazy? You idiot! Why would you do that?”

“It’s not worth it!” Kie shouts

JJ pushes Pope back, “I’m saving his life, okay?”

Pope throws his hands around, “Stupid! You’re jeopardizing everything!”

Y/n is the only one by John Bs side trying to keep him up but his body becomes dead weight, “Holy shit! Guys!”

•

“There’s something about my father I haven’t mentioned. The week before he went missing, he says to me, ‘Bird, I think I found something. Your Uncle T’s gonna come stay for a while. I might have to vanish for a bit.’ So, he talks about vanishing, and he vanishes. Everyone says he was lost a sea but he’s still out there. I know it.”

•

John B jerks awake in his bed and footsteps are heading his way.

In walks the sheriff, “Get decent, sweetie. We need to talk.”

She leaves his room and waits by the back door, “Sorry to break in like this, but DCS called. They wanted me to check on you. See how you’re doing. So, how are you, besides the-“

“Oh, no, I’m- I’m great.” He says, “Yeah, fantastic. Uh… Thanks for comin’ by.”

“I’m so glad to hear you say that, John B, but I heard a few things that worried me.” She tells him, “Let me see if I can remember. Oh, yeah. One of the things I heard was that your Uncle Teddy, your guardian, hasn’t been in the state for three months.”

He looks up from what he’s cleaning, “Yeah, that’s false.”

“You don’t have to say anything. I know it’s true. I called the school.” She argues, “They said you used to be a good student, but now you’re failing all your classes.”

“No. No. I’m only failing one, and it’s history.” He corrects, “The dudes a dick. He’s out for me-“

She cuts him off, “I heard, there was a fight in the beach yesterday, and a gun was involved.”

He pats her shoulder, “Okay. Gun? No. Did I get in a dustup? Yes, but was there a gun? No. No way.”

“That’s okay. I know who it was. I’ll get to him.” She replies, “All I’m worried about right now is makin’ sure you’re in a safe home.”

He scoffs, “Yeah, super safe. Super sound, sturdy. You know what I mean? And Uncle T’s coming, so…”

“That what he told you?” She asks, “Well if he’s really coming home I think you should be allowed to stay.”

He sweeps off the table, “Thank you.”

“But if I stick my neck out for you, you have to help me. Tit for tat.” She says

This peaks his interest, “What is tat?”

She walks up to him, “Let me see, how can you help me? Oh, I know. So, a body was found in the March yesterday. Were you in the marsh yesterday?”

“Yeah, we were fishin’ for some drum.” He answers

“You catch anything?” She asks

“Nah, we were skunked.” He claims

“Strange. Fishing’s usually good after a storm. All sorts of things get stirred up. You come across a wreck yesterday?” She questions

He’s quick to answer, “No.”

She sighs, “You’re skimmin’ just above the surface, John B. Now, down here is foster care, juvie. Pretty big drop for a smart kid like you. Up here is you and your little friends doing whatever you want. Outer Banks… or foster care on the main land. If I was you, I’d start flappin’ my wings. Now, you sure you didn’t come across a wreck yesterday?”

He sits down and shakes his head, “Yeah. Yeah, I’m sure.”

She leans down to him, “It’s better if you didn’t, you understand? Now, I’m gonna look the other way, as long as you stay out of the marsh.”

She goes to leave out the back, “I got dogs livin’ better than this, John B. You might wanna think about cleaning up.”

•

The group sits in silence in his backyard.

“Look, I’m calling it off. All right?” He announces, “Peterkin said, if I stay out of the marsh, she’ll help me with DCS.”

“And you believed her?” JJ asks

“Yes, I believe her, JJ.” He answers

“An actual cop, John B. You believed a cop.” He says

“All I gotta do is stay out of the marsh for a couple days, and she’ll help my out.” He explains, “It doesn’t help that your ass was the one shooting the gun.”

“You know what I should have done? Just let Topper drown your ass.” He fums

“Topper was gonna drown me?” He questions

“Sure looked like it.” He tells him, “I mean have you looked in a mirror, recently?”

He eggs him on, “Tell me some more. Come on.”

“They always win, don’t they, man? Kooks versus Pogues. They always, always win!” He explains

“Look, it’s okay!” Kie chimes

“No, it’s not okay!” He whines, “It is not! They don’t want us to go down into the marsh. That means there’s something valuable down there, and you know it.”

“And it’s totally not because of Scooters dead body washing up or the fact that they can’t find his boat.” Y/n comments

He scoffs and looks at Pope, “I understand why you don’t wanna go. You’re the golden boy. You got way too much to risk.”

He looks at Kie and Y/n, “And you two- I mean you’re already rich as fuck anyway. Why would you bother?”

He turns back to John B, “But you and me, man, we got nothing to lose! We really don’t, all right? And I know it didn’t use to be that way for you.”

“I don’t want to talk about this. I don’t want to talk about it.” John B mumbles

“So that’s it?” He asks

He pushes JJ out his way, “Just get out my way, bro.”

“John B, listen to me. I have a plan.” He voices, “You got the key to Cameron’s big boat, right? There’s scuba gear inside. We just borrow that, and then we go down to the wreck this afternoon, and that is what’s going to save you, man. You don’t see rich kids going into foster care, do you?”

•

“You know, I should have learned a long time ago to never listen to JJ. He’s full of bad ideas like stealing from my rich boss. But this time, he was right. I had nothing to lose. My dad said the island was America on steroids. The haves and have nots like anyplace, but magnified and multiplied. The way I see it, they games rigged. Maybe it always has been. With no parents, no money… and no one looking out for me, I got no chance. Unless I make it on my own.”

•

John B is quick to grab the scuba gear, loading it into a bag. He goes to slip out and runs into Sarah.

“Oh! Hey.” She greets, “Are you stalking us? Plotting your revenge?”

“Yeah. Why don’t you just tell your daddy I blew the bilge on Druthers? Everything is good to go. Just toppin’ off these tanks.” He tells her loading up his boat.

“Hey. Are you okay?” She asks, “Cause that eye of yours looks really gnarly.”

He slides into his boat, “Yeah, you know what? You can tell Topper he won the first round. I’ll get him next time.”

“So there’s just gonna be a reign of terror on this island now?” She questions

He unhooks his boat, “You know, wars have been started for less, Sarah Cameron.”

“Okay. Can we drop the whole Pogues versus Kooks thing? It is really stupid.” She confesses

He sighs, “Oh… You know, it’s easy to say when you’re a Kook.”

Her salute to him turns into the bird, he steers off to the Château.

•

A deputy speaks through a megaphone, “Are y’all ready for a water party today? All right. Now, all kiddin’ aside, your job is to keep privates off the marsh so we can do our job and find this wreck. That’s straight from Sheriff Peterkin. Do not forget your sunscreen, ladies. Bring a lot of liquids.”

“Does that include Natty Light?” A woman shouts

“I don’t care what swill you bring. That’s on your own recognizance.” He answers, “All right? What else do you got to worry about? Let’s go!”

Two men approach the deputy, “Excuse me, officer? We’re here about the missing boat.”

He shakes their hands, “What can I do for you fellas?”

“Associates of the owner.” They inform, “Here to help however we can. We’re devastated about Scooter. We just feel sick about it. You mind if we join your armada? Take a look for ourselves?”

“Yeah, why not? Extra set of eyes.” He replies

The two men hop in a boat, “We’ll let you know if we find anything, officer.”

•

It’s peak golden hour as the friends go along with JJs plan.

Kie checks the gear, “These are empty. You took empty tanks?”

She checks the other, “Okay, this one’s a quarter full. It’s enough for one of us.”

“Love it when a plan comes together.” Pope chides

“Does anyone know how to dive?” She asks, “Anybody?”

They all stay quiet.

“It’s kind of a Kook sport.” JJ comments

“I… read about it.” Pope says

“Great, Pope read about it, so someone’s gonna die.” She nags

Y/n rubs her face, “No one’s gonna die.”

“Look, you put the thing in your mouth and breathe.” JJ states, “How hard could it be?”

“Well, if you come up too fast, nitrogen gets into your blood, and you get the bends.” Pope informs

JJ bends over, “Bends like, bend over and…”

“The bends kill you.” He clarifies

“Look, if none of you want to go, I’ll go.” Y/n offers

John B waves his hand at her, “No, no. I can- I can dive.”

JJ doesn’t even try to stop him, “You can dive. I’m cool with that.”

“Since when can you dive?” Kie asks

“I’ll do it. It’s fine.” He assures

Pope sits up straight, “Let me do some calculations real quick. That boats about 30 feet down. So it’ll take 25 minutes at that depth. Which means you need to make your safety stop at about… ten feet. All right? For two minutes.”

“Yeah, yeah. Ten feet, two minutes. Got it.” He says

Kie strips off her shirt and jumps into the water, everyone shares a look of confusion. Wondering, why on earth she decided to jump in the water.

“What was that all about?” Pope asks

“I don’t know, but I liked it. A lot.” JJ answers

“Of course you did.” Y/n comments walking over to where she just jumped.

“I mean if you want, you could do the same thing.” He replies

She looks down at the water for her, “Keep dreaming, Maybank.”

“I will.” He mutters and then clears his throat, “Uh, so… Yeah. Uh, when you- when you’re done there, you look for the cargo hold. You stick this thing inside and twist and pull, okay?”

“Stick in, twist, pull.” John b repeat to him

Kie comes back to the surface and brushes the hair from her face, “Hey! I tied my T-shirt to the anchor chain about ten feet down. It’s where you need to do your safety stop.”

Pope helps him gear up, “Keep an eye on this. You need to make sure you have enough air to decompress.”

“Okay, how much do I need?” He asks

“Unclear. Breathe as little as possible.” He tells him

“Zen. Think Zen, you know?” JJ chimes

“Hey, if we get caught in the marsh, we’re basically screwed, so… better get a move on.” Pope worries

Kie is quick to get back on the boat, she makes her way to John B. She gives him a quick kiss on the cheek.

“Diver down.” He says

“Diver down.” She replies

Pope and JJ share a look and Y/n has a smug look on her face, honestly quite impressed that she made a move.

He jumps into the water, giving them a salute before diving down. Making his way to the sunken boat.

A police siren chirps at them on the boat.

“Shit.” Pope curses

“Guys, that’s the police.” JJ points out

“Oh, you gotta be kidding me.” He mumbles

“Just act normal.” Y/n tells them sitting next Kie.

“Evening officers.” Pope greets

They pull they boat up right next to them, “Evening.”

They tie the two boat together unaware of what’s happening beneath them.

The cop lowers his glasses, “What are you kids doing? You know the marsh is closed?”

He receives a series of no’s.

“Why is it closed?” Pope asks

“Well, we’re conducting a search out here. Boat went down.” He explains, “Seen anything?”

He once again gets a bunch on no’s.

“Where’s your friend you always hang with? He here?” He asks

“He’s working.” Kie answers

The deputy hums and steps onto the boat, “I’m gonna check your little boat out.”

Y/n puts on her sunglasses, “Be our guest.”

Pope backs up, “Yeah, hop aboard. You wanna- check- uh, check her out.”

John B stops at Kie’s tied t-shirt, looking up he can see that his friends are no longer alone, and he only has a minute of air left.

The deputy picks up a life jacket, “Uh… you got another one of these?”

“Yeah. Of course. It’s, uh… it’s in the hold.” JJ says

Kie and Y/n stand up, “Show ‘em.”

JJ opens the hold and pulls one out.

He nods, “All right.”

He then walks to the edge of the boat.

“Be careful you don’t wanna slip.” Pope warns

Putting on his glasses, he looks into the water but sees nothing, “All right. Beautiful day innit?”

He walks back and climbs into his boat, untying it from theirs, “Let us know if you see anything on your way out.”

Y/n gives him a half assed salute, “Yes sir.”

“Will do.” Pope replies

“We’ll be gone soon sir.” JJ assures

He starts up his boat, “Yes, you will.”

The two officers drive off and the teens are quick to the side of the boat.

“He’s definitely out of air.” Pope states

John Bs head pokes through the water, they all let out a sigh of relief.

“How’d it go down there?” JJ asks “Did you find anything?”

John B pants, “Did I find anything?”

He tosses up a drenched bag.

“Yeah, there we go! That’s my boy!” He cheers

“You okay?” Kie worries

“Yeah, I ran out of air.” He answers

“You scared the shit out of me.” She complains as he climbs back in.

“Yeah, the cops were up here, but, uh… took care of ‘em.” Pope says

“Yeah, you kinda missed the show brother.” JJ claims

“Yo, guys? We got a bogey at two o’clock.” Y/n alerts

They all turn their heads and sure enough there was a boat coming their way.

“Do you recognize that boat?” Pope wonders

“Never seen it.” She answers

“What are they doing back there?” Kie asks, “The marsh is closed.”

“I don’t know. Let’s not stick around and find out.” JJ voices

John B strips off the gear, “JJ, get the bowline.”

“Should we wait on ‘em?” Pope asks

“No, we’re not gonna wait on them.” Y/n answers

“Go get the stern. Go!” John B orders

Kie looks at Pope, “Are you joking?”

“Guys, don’t wait for me. Go.” JJ urges

They slowly start to move.

“I don’t like the look of this.” John B admits

“Are they coming for us?” JJ questions

“Maybe they’re fishing.” Pope suggests

John B steers them into the marsh, the other boat not far behind.

“Hey, guys, they’re following us.” Kie voices

“Dude you gotta go faster!” JJ exclaims, “Gun it!”

A gun fires and misses the teens by mere inches.

“Get down!” Y/n shouts making them all hit the floor.

Another shot flies by.

“Oh, my god. We’re gonna die.” Pope cries

Kie gets up, “Shit, Pope, move.”

She starts to grab the fishing gear, unaware of the rifle being aimed at her. It only misses her by a couple inches.

“Get down, Kie!” John B commands

She tosses out the net and their chasers run right into it. It’s wraps around their motor, leaving them stuck.

They all stand back up.

“Holy shit, Kie.” Y/n marvels giving her a high five.

They all hoot and holler, glad that they are all alive.

•

Making it back to the Château’s dock they drop the bag, unable to keep waiting.

“What do you think it is?” Kie asks

“Gotta be money, seeing how bad those fuckers wanted it.” Y/n answers

“That or a couple of keys with street value to the low to mid mils.” JJ smiles

“Can we please just open the bag?” Pope loudly pleads

John B looks up at him, “Wow, Pope. That’s a rare outburst of emotion.”

“Okay. You guys are literally killing me with anticipation. Just open the bag. We almost died over this.” He complains

John B opens the bag to reveal a capsule of some sort. Twisting off the top he dumps the contents into his hand.

It’s a compass.

“Oh, wow. Yep. That’s about right.” Pope nags, “Good job, everybody. We found a compass.”

JJ notices that John B has yet to move, “Dude, what? It’s not worth anything?”

“This was my father’s.” He replies

[forkfulofflavor]

Sauerkraut Balls Ingredients: 3 links (about ½ lb) uncooked bratwurst, casings removed 1 medium-sized onion, diced 1 ½ cup sauerkraut, drained 2 tbsp breadcrumbs 1 tbsp parsley, finely chopped 3 tbsp cream cheese 1 tsp salt ½ tsp pepper 1 tsp garlic powder 4 tbsp flour 2 eggs ¼ cup beer (substitute with water or milk) 1 cup Panko breadcrumbs (might need extra) Cooking oil for deep frying Directions: In a skillet over medium heat, brown the bratwurst, breaking it up with a wooden spatula. Add the diced onion and cook until softened. Once fully cooked, set the mixture aside to cool. In a mixing bowl, combine the sauerkraut, breadcrumbs, parsley, cream cheese, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and the cooled bratwurst and onion mixture. Mix thoroughly until well combined. Form the mixture into golf ball-sized balls. Place on a baking sheet and refrigerate for 30 minutes to firm up. Set up a breading station with one bowl of flour, one bowl of beaten eggs mixed with beer (or water/milk), and one bowl of Panko breadcrumbs. To deep fry: In a deep frying pan, heat oil to 350°F. Dredge each sauerkraut ball in flour, then egg wash, and finally roll in breadcrumbs. Fry a few at a time until golden brown. Drain on paper towels. Serve immediately. To bake: Preheat oven to 375°F. Dredge each sauerkraut ball as described above. Arrange on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 20 minutes. Serve immediately. Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cooking Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes Kcal: 290 kcal | Servings: 6 servings -sizedgoodness These Sauerkraut Balls combine the classic flavors of German bratwurst, sauerkraut, and a creamy cheesy filling, encased in a golden crispy exterior. Whether deep-fried or baked, they’re a bite-sized delight perfect for parties, game days, or cozy nights in. With a balance of tangy sauerkraut, seasoned bratwurst, and rich cream cheese, these little treats are sure to satisfy. Serve them with your favorite dipping sauce for an extra layer of flavor. The best part? They pair perfectly with a cold beer, making them a must-try for your next gathering.

[circusgoth-dotcom]

Jack's Body

Ship: Jack Torrance x Keaton Torrance

Word Count: 737

Summary: Jack experiences a spell of insecurity about his aging body. Keaton insists he loves him as he is and even prefers his body type to the idealized standards of the magazines and the TV shows. CWs for body image issues, allusions to alcoholism, arguing kind of, angst, angst, and more angst, but with a hopeful and lightly suggestive ending. Is this a little bit of projection/my subconscious coming through in my writing? Perhaps. That's between my braincells and psychology to know. (light-hearted)

Tag List: @canongf

Jack sighed as he looked at himself in the bedroom mirror. He wore only his briefs, a sight usually reserved for the moments just before a shower and the irresistible rise before all clothes fell to the floor in a passionate frenzy. He had what most would consider a “dad bod;” an everlasting beer gut and greying body hair. He pinched his love handles and grimaced as his husband came out of the master bathroom, draped in a complimentary Overlook Hotel bathrobe and a towel twisted high atop his head, despite his short hair.

“You know, I was skinny before I started drinking… and you’d think between quitting cold turkey three years ago and me busting my ass all over the hotel as of late, I’d lose some of this… flab.” He complained, attempting to sound lighthearted. Keaton frowned, stepping beside him and looking at his reflection in the mirror.

“What’s it matter? It’s not hurting you… is it?” Keaton immediately gave his husband a concerned look as Jack’s hands fell away from his body.

“Not physically… I don’t know… I guess I’m just wondering where all the time went. Shit, you should’ve seen me in high school and college… track, football, rugby… and a year of golf, before the old man decided he didn’t want to pay for it anymore.”

“But I like the way you look now.” Keaton took Jack’s hand in his own and let his eyes sweep over every part of him. Jack chuckled and turned fully toward him, caressing his cheek.

“I surely don’t know why when you’re all hip and young and pretty.”

Keaton scoffed. “Pretty? Most guys my age won’t even give me a second glance, much less the ones who are actually gay. Besides, I don’t want washboard abs and blonde hair and tanned skin… I want who I married, who’s standing right in front of me and looking gorgeous because he’s really lived and isn’t some airbrushed model in a Playgirl magazine. I fell in love with Jack Torrance, not Arnold Schwarzenegger.”

“But you’re not denying Arnie’s got a pretty sweet bod, are ya?” Jack grimaced, sucking air through his teeth and arching his pointed eyebrows. Keaton’s brow furrowed and his hold on Jack’s hand became tighter.

“I hate to bust out the full name but John Daniel Edward Torrance, otherwise known as just plain Jack, don’t give me that horseshit! Please, accept genuineness when it’s boxing you around the ears because all you’re doing by comparing yourself to others is sabotaging yourself and hurting me!” His voice broke, lip trembling and eyes shining. He lifted his hands and took Jack’s own face in his palms. “Jack, I know life’s been hard on you, but I would never ever intentionally steer you wrong. I married you because I love you. I accepted working with you that first winter at The Overlook because I genuinely like you. You intrigue me. I’ve spent these past few winters with you in this godforsaken hotel because you deserve to feel safe. You deserve companionship, and I mean real companionship, with depth. I wish you could see what I see.”

Gripped by emotional exhaustion, Keaton leaned forward and rested his forehead on Jack’s, sighing deeply. Jack’s expression became less one of contempt and more soft and saddened.

“I wish my head wasn’t so fucked,” he murmured as he stroked the back of Keaton’s neck.

“It doesn’t make me love you any less.”

“I’m sorry.”

“You don’t have to apologize. But I’d like a little time to self-regulate, if you don’t mind.”

Jack cleared his throat and let Keaton step away, opening the drawers and taking out his clothes for the day.

“Yeah, yeah… go ahead. You’ll find me when you’re ready to, right?”

“Uh-huh. A-and when I do, I’m going to make sure you know just how much I love you…” Keaton turned and ghosted his hand over Jack’s torso, centimetres away from touching him. “Warts and all.”

Jack rubbed his hand over his mouth. “Mmh. How’re you going to do that?”

His husband flushed slightly and a small smile replaced his worn-out look. “Oh, you’ll see.”

After a pause, Jack’s eyes lit up. “I see.” Feeling a little lighter, he began to fish for his own clothes. Keaton nodded and exited the room, leaving Jack with his silence and his thoughts once more. How lucky he was to be loved at all.

[jenniedesignblog]

Visual Presents – part 3

I chose the Riviera Country Club as the venue for this event. The reason is that this venue offers a private, luxurious, yet relaxed environment for the event. The date I selected is Saturday, June 7, 2025, because it marks the start of summer—it won’t be too cold or too hot, and the grass and trees will be green.

The initial event names I considered were: Summer on the Green with Lululemon, Chill & Swing: Lululemon Golf Launch Event, and Summer Fun Golf Games with Lululemon. But I didn't end up using any of them, haha. The final name I chose is Lululemon Golf Launch Event—I think it's more straightforward, clearly indicating that it’s a Lululemon product launch focused on golf, and it keeps things clean.

I also planned to create merchandise for attendees as giveaways, including golf balls with the Lululemon logo, hats, gloves, water bottles, towels, and tote bags. However, there isn’t quite enough time to make all of these (laugh-cry emoji), I used one week – 11 hours (Oct 21, 23) to research on golf, lululemon and product launch event, decide colors, remake the logo and narrow down what I should design for the event, and used two weeks – 32 hours (Oct 28, 30, Nov 01, 04, 06, 07, 08) to do the actual design, find mockups and do the mockups.

I wasn’t initially planning to redesign the logo, but I saw that other classmates had redesigned theirs, so I started with a spontaneous idea—to add a golf ball and golf tee, since I decided to make this a golf launch event, and it needed some golf elements. I tried replacing the upside-down water drop in the current Lululemon logo with a golf ball and tee. I experimented with a couple of different designs; please see the picture below. For the text in the logo, I kept Lululemon’s bold sans-serif font and added "GOLF" in uppercase with a serif font behind it (I actually got this idea from NIKEGOLF). I then played with different text compositions, but lululemonGOLF looked best.

For the colors, I chose hues from the mood board I made. The overall color scheme in the mood board is blue, green, and cream yellow, so these three became the main colors I used for this project.

For this launch event, I created:

Two golf balls

Two billboards

A couple of invitation cards

Two guest passes

One activities overview map: The map is in 2.5D. I’ve always wanted to try 2.5D, as it’s quite popular in design trends right now but haven’t had the time until now. I thought this was a good opportunity to try it, especially since Lululemon made a 2.5D activities overview map for an event they held in China.

I still have other items to create, like smoother ephemera, stickers, and beer cans, etc. I actually began by looking at mockups first and then used those files to develop the designs. I feel that working this way gives me guidance on what to design and makes it easier for me to maintain a consistent visual style (I have too many ideas and not enough time, haha!).

[noisycowboyglitter]

Any Hole Is My Goal: Embrace American Spirit with Funny Golf Gear

The phrase "Any Hole Is My Goal – Patriotic – America" combines humor, golf terminology, and patriotic sentiment in a way that may appeal to a certain audience, though it's important to note that some might find it crude or offensive.

Buy now:19.95$

This slogan likely appears on novelty items aimed at golfers who enjoy edgy humor and want to display their patriotism. It plays on the double entendre of "hole," referring both to golf holes and to a crude sexual innuendo. The patriotic aspect suggests it's meant to be a lighthearted celebration of American values like freedom of expression, including the freedom to make risqué jokes.

Such items might feature red, white, and blue color schemes, along with golf-related imagery like tees, clubs, or balls. The American flag or other national symbols could be incorporated into the design to emphasize the patriotic angle.

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These products could include t-shirts, hats, golf towels, or novelty golf balls. They're likely marketed towards adults who appreciate bold humor and don't mind pushing boundaries with their apparel or accessories on the golf course.

It's worth noting that this type of humor isn't universally appreciated. While some may find it amusing, others might view it as inappropriate or disrespectful, especially in the context of patriotic themes.

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This phrase encapsulates a particular brand of American humor that blends national pride with audacious wordplay, appealing to those who enjoy mixing their patriotism with a dash of irreverence.

The Beer Pong Tank Top is the ultimate apparel for party enthusiasts and competitive players alike. Made from high-quality, breathable fabric, this tank top ensures comfort during those intense games and lively gatherings. Featuring bold graphics and catchy slogans, it showcases your love for the classic drinking game while making a stylish statement. Perfect for summer barbecues, beach trips, or college parties, this tank top is designed for both men and women,

Buy now

providing a relaxed fit that allows for easy movement. Whether you're practicing your aim or celebrating a victory with friends, the Beer Pong Tank Top is a must-have addition to your wardrobe. Get ready to serve up some fun and show off your playful side with this eye-catching piece that captures the spirit of camaraderie and competition. Cheers to good times and great memories!

[ledenews]

Oglebay Celebrating Independence Day with Annual Extravaganza Presented by Community Bank

Oglebay is gearing up to celebrate Independence Day with its eagerly awaited annual event, Salute to Patriotism, presented by Community Bank, July 3-6, 2024. The festivities kick off on July 3 at 3:00 p.m. at Schenk Lake with an inflatable fun zone for kids. Access to the inflatables is included with an activity wristband or can be purchased for $2 per session or $5 for unlimited access. At 6:00 p.m., don’t miss the family-friendly foam party – remember to bring your towels and bathing suits! Enjoy live music at Schenk Lake with performances by Eli & the Mojo Kings and Daniel Welsh on the Lakeview Patio. The evening concludes with Oglebay’s signature July 3 Firework Display over Schenk Lake at dusk, courtesy of the Schenk Charitable Trust. But the celebration doesn’t stop there! Oglebay keeps the excitement going with more live entertainment, pool parties, and games from July 4 to 6. On Friday, July 5, head to Crispin Center’s Outdoor Pool Party beginning at 4:00 p.m. for pool games, a DJ, contests for kids, face painting, balloon artists, and bounce houses. Enjoy a delicious All-American Cookout with barbeque and other treats, while adults can unwind with specialty cocktails from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. The evening caps off with live music by Tumbleweed from 7:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. On Saturday, July 6, embark on a new adventure with Brews & Bites: A Wild Zoo Walk! From 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., explore the zoo after hours, savoring craft beer and delicious snacks while visiting some of the amazing animals. Admission is $30 ($25 for children and non-alcohol guests) and includes a scenic train ride, live music, a jump on the jumbo jumper, and four stops featuring beer and snacks. Then head over to Schenk Lake for more live music, a mesmerizing magic show and another dazzling firework display at dusk. Throughout the celebration days, guests can enjoy swimming, mini golf, swan boats, an aerial challenge course, a rock-climbing wall, and the Good Zoo with an activity wristband. Enjoy a 10% discount from July 3-6 at the Good Zoo Nature Express Shop, Wilson Lodge Resort Shop, Farmhouse Sweets & Treats, and The Carriage House at The Hilltop. Grab a rewards card at any of these locations, visit all four shops, get your card punched, and enter to win a special treat! Visit oglebay.com/independence-day-celebration/ to view the full schedule of events.  About Oglebay - Located in Wheeling, WV, Oglebay is a 2,000-acre public park, offering year-round recreational activities and overnight accommodations. Studied by planners worldwide as the only self-supporting public municipal park in operation in the United States, Oglebay stands as a successful tribute to Earl W. Oglebay, a notable achievement of the Wheeling Park Commission, and a credit to the many benefactors and organizations involved in its growth. www.oglebay.com and follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram. About Community Bank -Community Bank is a community-oriented financial institution offering residential and commercial real estate loans, commercial and industrial loans, and consumer loans, as well as a variety of deposit products for individuals and businesses. The Bank also offers wealth management services through an affiliation with the Bishop Group of Janney, Montgomery Scott. CB’s common stock is traded on the NASDAQ Global Market ® under the symbol “CBFV”. Visit our website at www.cb.bank for more information.   Read the full article

[mygainyear2024]

Day 29 I'm going on a flamingo hunt, I'm gonna catch a big one!

Today's plan was slightly altered as Rosie woke up feeling unwell, potentially an issue of being too cold at Sagres yesterday and/or a continuing battle to get sleep because of all the partying at Praia da Rocha. I am so relieved Eva (Upwork) found me a place in the middle of Praia da Rocha, Portimão Marina and Portimão, and it's quiet.

After some quick research about what might be my options I headed off to see if I'd feel safe on my own on the Ludo Trail at Rio Formosa Natural Park, Faro. I was going to go via Igreja de São de Matos (a church with amazing tiles, apparently) however after I thought I was about to have a misstep with google maps I pulled over to get directions to my second stop instead, feeling the need to breathe over a decent latte, The Showroom Coffeehouse. And that's what it was, a little coffee shop inside a very plush kitchen showroom. The bathroom even had proper towels to dry your hands and Molten Brown soap and hand cream! I add this as mostIy the public toilets are pretty horrid! I didn't really care where I was, the coffee was great and so was the homemade cinnamon scroll, at Australia prices.

Ok, ditch the church and head to the natural park, but google maps (avoid tolls) took me on the same route that I was uncertain about. I considered that google may have got it right as parts of the major toll road might not attract tolls (but this wasn't the case, and the problem was I hadn't asked for the toll tag to be turned on, now I'm incurring a fine, damn it).

After missing the location for the Trail, finding it, peeing in the bushes, noticing others were on the trail, I more confidently headed off. Eyes peeled for a flamingo. There were loads of crabs, a few guys shellfishing, birds (big and little), but no damn flamingos. Early on I asked a young British couple if they had seen flamingos (they only wandered if there might be flamingos, but they said they hadn't seen any, but plenty of storks). At the end I asked two older dudes with big cameras if they'd seen any flamingos and there answer was the same.

Despite my disappointment it was a pleasant and unusual 90+ minute walk. The natural park is surrounded by beaches, golf courses and under the Faro Airport flight path! If I was not alone I would have taken another track I saw, but it was deserted.

At this point I'm getting quite hungry and I google what might be opened on a Monday after 2pm. I head to Esther's recommended Rei do Churrasco in Quarteira for grilled food with high expectations. Finding out the fish wasn't fresh I ordered the 1/2 chicken and chips!! Yes, you read correctly. It was ok, could have been better with a Super Boch beer, but by this time I was quite over driving (my shoulder and hips were giving me grief). Everyone here loves the churrasqueira.

I then headed to Boliqueime (another recommendation of Esther's, a quaint village) and despite putting exactly that into google maps twice, I ended up first time in the middle of nowhere and second time up some hill near houses! I stumbled across a church, but the remainder of the village seemed pretty quiet (it was siesta time after all). I then decided to head back via petrol to return the car and breathe a little easier for the next few days until I collect another car!

On the trail I was thinking about whether in hindsight I would change where I had stayed, or for how long. I may miss Old Town Faro (I saw bits of the waterfront when I ended up there on the train by mistake), and I'll definitely miss Tavira, further towards the Spanish border (which I hadn't heard about prior, but from what I've read it seems like a great place to visit).

[bodycountgame]

fun cool asks you say? What are the ROs like at the beach? :)

Adegoke

Likes getting to the beach nice and early to find the perfect spot. Loves to swim but generally takes quite a relaxed approach and just goes with the flow. Perfect place to listen to an audiobook.

Arthur

Actually really loves the beach. Loves getting fish and chips wrapped up in paper (with plenty of salt and vinegar) and dangling his feet off the end of the pier. Total sucker for those beach crazy golf places.

Atticus

Will throw on a pair of sunglasses, lie down on a beach towel and chill. Absolutely will not be drawn into any other activities – beaches are for relaxing. Very meticulous about sun cream because it’s an important part of tattoo care haha.

Avery

Big into sunbathing. Takes a big cooler of bevs and snacks and just hangs out on their towel with a nice light book. Throws her cellular device in the water (can you reach her? no! you can’t!)

Charlie

Tries to dig a Really Big Hole. Does that prank where you dig a hole under someone’s towel so they fall in it when they try to sit back down. Totally lets someone bury him so he can be just a head. Never let him fly a kite because it will just be absolute chaos (and he will love every second).

Ellis

Just kind of loves wandering up and down by the sea and wiggling their toes in the sand and letting their hair get all windswept and totally giving up trying to keep it even remotely tame. Loves exploring the rock pools and collecting shells and fun rocks and looking for fossils. Find a cave to explore and they'll be straight in there.

Florrie

Goes in the sea one time and screams when her foot touches seaweed and then won’t go in again. Will absolutely get a 99 Flake at every possible opportunity. Likes writing messages in the sand and wearing anklets and playing frisbee. Would absolutely have one of those big flamingo floaties.

Griffin

Honestly lives his whole life at the beach – it’s his favourite place. On an Official Beach Day he spends most of his time entertaining the kids – digging trenches and making sandcastles and boogie boarding and stuff. Ends up getting sunburned cause he spends so much time chasing them around with sun cream that he forgets to actually put any on himself. If his nieces and nephews aren’t there, he spends basically the whole time in the water surfing/swimming/boogie boarding.

Imogen

Loves the beach but if she isn’t careful then she’ll get sunburned in like 10 minutes. Has a very big, floppy hat that she wears for extra sun protection. Spends most of her time reading under a parasol or spending ages detailing a sand castle (she doesn’t really like doing the early building, but once someone has thrown down the main structure she’ll add shells and carvings to make it look rad).

Nyra

Likes sunbathing and people watching and just hanging out. Loves wrapping up when the sun goes down to watch the sunset.

Rowan

Wears an unbelievably skimpy bikini to snap as many necks as she can. Actually gets bored of sunbathing pretty quickly and makes whoever she’s with play dumb ‘would you rather’ type games while they lounge on towels. Loves browsing those unbelievably tacky beachside shops where she can get dumb fridge magnets and novelty t shirts.

Syd

Syd has always felt a bit uneasy at the beach because it brings out a lot of Gender Feelings for them – it’s something that they find uncharacteristically stressful. If they go (unlikely) they’ll definitely just be fully dressed same as normal and end up getting stuck in to a volleyball game or something. Their fave time is when the sun goes down and they can sit by a fire with a beer.

Vinh

Hates the feel of sand on their feet, so they insist on keeping shoes on the whole time. Would probably just spend quite a long time stood at the edge of the water looking out. Very mixed feelings about seagulls. Brings paints to paint on pebbles and leave them for people to find.

[maddiwrites]

Secrets of the Shore (Chapter 1)

Pairing: Pogues x reader, eventually JJ x reader.

Summary: This is just my rewrite of the show Outer Banks with my own twist by adding another main character which also happens to be John B’s twin sister. 

Note: Hey guys! Thank you so much for the support of my last couple of fics. All your messages have been so kind and so sweet! I’ve made a rewrite of the show with a new character that eventually falls in love with her best friend. I’m gonna be posting a new chapter three times a week. Let me know what you guys think!

Word Count: 4.3k

Warnings: None

Chapter 2 

"That's what, a three-story fall to the deck?" John B tip toes across the middle of the roof as he sips out of the can of beer in his hand.

I lean to my right, pressing against JJ's shoulder as we sit on a construction slack used to hold construction workers as they work on the siding of the home. Scaffolding, I think it's called. I narrow my eyes at my brother, counting down the seconds until he falls.

"I give you about a one-in-three chance of survival," Pope jokes from the deck below us.

John B shrugs. He licks his finger and holds it up in the air as if he's feeling which way the wind is blowing. "Hm. Should I do it?"

"Yeah, jump." Pope holds up a power drill and points it at John B like it's a gun. "I'll shoot you on the way down."

"You'll shoot me?"

"Yep." Pope closes one eye and pretends to shoot it. "Pow!"

I roll my eyes and look forward again, letting the beer slip down my throat like a refreshing glass of water. The warm North Carolina air presses soothingly against my freshly tan skin and I bask in the sunlight. Its days like these that I like the most. Days where none of my best friends have work, we're drinking causally, and joking with one another. Even if it's on a construction site in the middle of Figure Eight. But the idea of getting caught just gives me an adrenaline rush.

"They're gonna have Japanese toilets with towel warmers," Kie says as she walks out of the unfinished house.

"Of course. Why wouldn't they?" JJ says next to me with a shrug like it's not the craziest thing that a Kook would own.

"This used to be a turtle habitat, but who cares about the turtles, I guess."

"I can't have cold towels."

Kie looks up at John B, shielding her eyes with the back of her hand. "Can you please not kill yourself?"

"Don't spill the beer. I'm not giving you another one," JJ says.

As if on cue, John B's foot slips. Luckily he catches himself, but his beer, however, drops to it's death on the deck below. As John B steadies himself I release the breath I didn't even know I was holding. I take another greedy gulp of my warm beer to steady the nerves in my chest.

"Whoa! Oh, shit," John B curses.

"Of course you did," JJ rolls his eyes playfully. "Smooth."

"A plus, really." I glare up at my brother, feeling his mischievous smirk right back at me.

"Dumbass," Kie mutters under her breath. She looks up at me as if waiting for me to say something, but I only giggle to myself. John B can be clumsy but he's not going to accidentally kill himself.

"Hey!" I hear another voice shout behind us towards the street and front of the house. A voice that doesn't belong to any of my friends or my brother.

"Hey, uh, security's here," Pope says.

Immediately knowing what that means, I jump to my feet with the help of JJ right after he slugs the rest of his beer. A delirious grin dances along my lips as I hop down to the main deck.

"Let's wrap it up!"

"Boys are early today."

"Humpty Dumpty, let's roll!"

My legs take off after my friends through the house. Adrenaline rushes through my veins and straight to my head like a power high. I can't even feel my legs as they jump over wooden slacks and construction tools. The high from running from the police is better than any drug JJ can get his hands on, even the good stuff.

"Gary is that you?" JJ plays along before accidentally running into him, making him slip on his feet before running the other way. I grab his wrist and pull him closer to me to catch up. "Gary, good to see you man!"

I laugh as my feet land on the freshly cut grass in the front yard. "You're asking for it."

"JJ!" The obese cop chases after us, recognizing my best friend's face instantly. I'm not surprised, not even a little bit. JJ had his fair share of run-ins with the law.

"They're going out front!" I hear another cop shout. I can barley hear through the wind rushing through my ears.

We run into a tall white painted fence that blocks us from our car, better known as the Twinkie. Hopping fences is something I've learned to become better at after doing it so many times. However, I can't say the same about Pope. He's always struggled.

I swing my legs over the fence and land with a small 'oomf.' I look over my shoulder for my slow-poke friend and see him falling over the fence, landing on his side. I laugh as I pick him up by the shoulders.

JJ is waiting for us, clapping his hands like a coach on the sidelines at a football game because his players aren't running fast enough. But there's a smile on his face. "Get up, Pope, fatso's coming!"

"Hey!" The guard shouts behind me. He's halfway up the other side of the fence, but he doesn't have the strength to pull himself over completely. "Come here you little pricks!"

I hear the familiar honk coming from the van John B and I learned to drive in. My brother and Kie are waiting for us in the front seats of the Volkswagen van that would look better in the 70s than the 2020's but I love it. It fits our friend group perfectly. Plus I'd choose this car over any fancy Mercedes Tourons usually drive. The only time I've ever been in one of them is when I snuck off with a golf player from Georgia after a boneyard party. It was luxurious of course, but nothing like the Twinkie.

"Bus is leaving!" John B says as we get closer.

"Come on!" Kie yells at us from the passenger seat, banging the flat of her palm against the door.

I dive through the back first, landing on my elbows and rolling over. Pope and JJ follow less than a second later.

"Hey, hey, hey!" Gary calls after us as John B steps on the gas.

JJ leans out of the sliding side door that's still wide open. I lay on my back watching him as I try to catch my breath. His smile is contagious. For a boy who's been through hell and back, he smiles a lot, and I love every second of it.

He holds out his beer can as if he's offering it to the cop who's still trying to catch us...if he can catch up to it. "Check out Gary, gunnin' for a raise. Come on, Gary!"

"Wait. Slow down. Hey! You little pricks! Hey!"

"You're gonna give him a heart attack!" Kie tries to scold him but she can't fight the smile on her lips either as she watches from the side rearview mirror.

"You're so close! You can do it. There you go. They don't pay you enough bro."

"JJ, stop. Stop!" Kie says through her laughter.

I love Kie. She always tries to keep the peace between her friends and the world itself. Always the girl who raises money for charities that protect this Earth and save animals and solve world hunger. She's going to change the world someday. Her and Pope. Maybe if they can tolerate each other, they'll do it side by side.

JJ slumps back into the van with a toothy grin. He sits next to me and pulls me up so I'm sitting up straight. He dangles his arm around my shoulder and I lean further into his side. If I could choose one position to be in for the rest of my life it would be this one.

But I'd never admit that.

"Oh, come on. That sort of initiative is just begging to be punished," JJ says.

I hum in response and lean back into the seat behind me and stare out the window. A view of passing vibrant green leaves takes over the window as John B drives. The scene comforts me. Summer is my favorite season. No school. Just work and friends and the Outer Banks. Paradise on Earth, some may call it.

It's the sort of place where you either have two jobs or two houses. Two tribes, one island. We're currently driving through Figure Eight, the rich side of the island. Home of the Kooks. So, guess where we don't live.

As John B drives further South, the houses get smaller and smaller, feeling more like home. This is the South side. Or as we like to call it, the Cut. Home of the working class who make a living bussing tables, washing yachts, running charters. The natural habitat of...drumroll, please...the Pogues. That's us. Pogues, pogies, the throwaway fish. Lowest members of the food chain.

I know... a little harsh, don't you think?

So, the downside of the Pogue life is we're ignored and neglected. But the upside of the Pogue life? We're ignored and neglected, which means we do whatever we want, whenever we want.

The second John B parks the car, the boys are gathering all their fishing gear and we set off to our next destination. The marina.

"Nice haul, dude. Look at that!" JJ teases my brother when he reels in what I think is the smallest fish I've ever seen. If it was orange, I would have thought it was my old pet goldfish from when I was six. "Been all bait for, like, three weeks."

John B pulls the fish off his hook and tosses it in JJ's direction. JJ flinches back, knocking into me and almost throwing me into the water below. That was probably my fault, though. I shouldn't be sitting on an open ledge, dangling my legs twenty feet above the water.

"Watch it, idiot!" I smack JJ upside the head after letting go of the death grip I had on his bicep when I was about to fall to my death. Well...I'd probably survive, but it would hurt like hell.

"It's not my fault you chose the most dangerous seat!" JJ retaliates.

Yeah, that's JJ. John B's best friend since the third grade, which subsequently makes him my best friend since the third grade too. He's about as local as they come. Latest in a long line of fishing, drinking, smuggling, vendetta-holding salt-lifers who made their living off the water. Second best surfer I know. First being me of course. Mild kleptomaniac and a future tax cheat.

"Yeah, Mar, you should really get down from there," Kie says, walking over to me to help me down. I decide not to put up a fight. If I'm going to break my leg, I'm gonna do it in a surfing accident or something cool, not by falling off the dock.

Kiara. Or Kie as we call her. When not saving turtles or listening to Bob Marley, or getting a dolphin tattoo, she hangs out with us. I'm not really sure why though. She's a rich kid, actually. Her family owns the Wreck, this Outer Banks institution. Total cash down with the tourists and my current job. You know, I'm not really sure how her parents feel about us. But they like me enough to bring them money towards their restaurant. I bring in a lot of regulars. Advertising is kind of my thing. I'm pretty sure all my friends, even my brother, have a thing for her.

Kie hands me a water bottle and lays her legs across my lap. She lies down on the wooden bench and bathes in the sunlight the day still has to offer. Kie is my best friend. Best secret holder known to man, for the most part.

"I think she needs a leash," Pope adds, making me pass him a glare.

"The only thing useful about a leash is how I can strangle you with it," I say.

"Kinky," JJ says and winks at me. "That's my girl."

John B slaps JJ upside the back of his head.

I'm lucky my sunburnt skin is hiding the blush that creeps along my cheeks.

Pope glares at both JJ and I which only makes my growing smirk widen.

Pope...the brains of the operation...finalist for the Lucas T. Vanderhorst Merit Scholarship. And the smartest person I know. Little bit of a weirdo. His father's this legendary character, Heyward. Anything you wanted on the island, Heyward could get for you. Now, I'm not sure Heyward knew what to make of his oddball son, but it didn't matter. He was a Pogue, just like the rest of us.

"Trust me, if a leash was that easy, I would have tried a long time ago," John B mutters with a hint of a smile.

John Booker Routledge. My insufferable twin brother. Pain in my ass. Number one partner in crime. I hate him but I love him. Pretty much like any sibling relationship. We live in an old fish shack on the marsh. The Chateau as my dad use to call it. My dad disappeared at sea nine months ago looking for a shipwreck. I mean seriously, who disappears at sea these days? I miss him a lot. He may have been a little neglectful, but he took care of us the best that he could. My mom, however? She split when I was three. Last I heard she was in Colorado. At least I think it was Colorado. Honestly who knows and who cares.

Since my dad vanished, my Uncle T is supposedly my legal guardian. At the moment, he's in Mississippi, building houses which means it's just me right now, on my own, hangin' out with my brother and my friends.

Three months after my dad went missing, he was officially presumed dead. John B is more of an optimist than I am. He refuses to sign the paper and until he sees a dead body, he's not giving up. I back John B's decision, but I'm more realistic about what happened to my dad. The ocean, although my favorite place to be, is also one of the scariest.

My dad is probably dead and I will never get the closure that I want. So I'm dealing with it the best way I can, although I'm pretty sure everyone is a little worried about me, especially Kie now that John B is starting to follow in my footsteps by exhibiting reckless behavior.

But I'm getting better now. Day by Day. At least I wasn't acting like I did when my dad first left us.

                                                     ~ ~ ~

I woke up with a slap to my ankle and my head buried deep into my pillow. I groan from the abrupt living alarm clock that's now pacing my room and throwing clothes from my closet at me. It only makes me squeeze my eyes tighter in hopes for at least five more minutes of sleep.

"Seriously, Mar, we need to go. We're late." John B rips my blanket off my body, leaving me exposed in just my pajama boxer shorts and a tank top. The sudden chill sends goosebumps up my arms and legs.

"Go without me." I push myself up on my elbows and grab the clothes he threw at me. I knew meeting the social worker alone wasn't an option. Even if one of us goes to this stupid meeting, it will prove to the social worker that we're not being responsible enough to keep DCS off our backs. As far as they know, Uncle T is still living with us and keeping us safe.

"You have five minutes." John B ignores me and leaves my room, slamming my door shut.

I roll my eyes and tumble out of my soft bed. I slip on my jeans shorts and a white t shirt that I tie in a knot to make it a crop top. Underneath it I have on my plain black bikini, knowing that I will be surfing the second we get home. The News has been reporting a storm for weeks that's suppose to hit tonight. Vicious waves and crazy winds sends a thrill through my body.

We arrive to the social worker's office only two minutes late. I thought that was a sign of responsibility, but the social worker only looks at us with distaste as we sit in the two chairs in front of her desk.

"John, Marleigh, it's come to our attention that you two are unemancipated minors living on your own." Her hair is pulled back into a tight low bun and her glasses are perched on the tip of her nose. Her suit looks way too tight for comfort, like it's squeezing the life out of her.

John B scoffs and leans back into his seat as if we have nothing to worry about, but I know his heart is beating just as wildly as mine. "No....no." The social worker raises one brow in suspicion and glances in my direction to either confirm or deny what John B is saying. John B sees this and answers for me. "No."

I just shrug as a response, which only makes the social worker more weary. She leans into her desk and folds her hands on top of our folders that are piled in the middle. "I need honesty to help you. That's what we want, right?"

"Yeah. I'm being honest."

"Okay, then when is the last time you spoke to your uncle?"

John B looks down at his watch and purses his lips. "Uh...thirty-four minutes ago."

"When's the last time you saw him?"

"Two hours and...forty-three minutes ago?"

I hold myself back from rolling my eyes. It's clear on the social worker's face that she's not buying into any of John B's lies.

She sighs and turns to look at me. "We're gonna come out there tomorrow to talk to your uncle. If he's not there, we're gonna move forward with foster care." Foster care. The words make me dig my nails into the wood of the arms of the chair I'm in. The last place I ever wanna be is in foster care. I want to stay here on the island with my brother and our friends. Not with some random family who couldn't care less about us in a place I'm not familiar with. "I want to assure you, we're gonna find you a safe and loving home."

She says it like she's offering us a better life, one that we would want, one that sounds like the better option but it isn't. I ignore the worried look John B sends my way and watch the seconds go by on the clock above the door. We basically have twenty-four hours to find Uncle T or someone to be pretend to be him.

                                                  ~ ~ ~

The winds begin picking up early in the afternoon, the rain hitting by 5. On my way home from working at the Wreck, I watch people board up the windows of their stores and homes. All John B and I can do is hope that our little shack won't blow away by morning.

Unfortunately for Pope, he's at our house when John B catches me leaving the house with my board. When he tells me to stop, I'm prepared to put up a fight. I've been looking forward to surfing in this storm all day - something I can use to push the DCS lady out of my head and the promise she made that sounded more like a threat.

"You think you were gonna go out without me?" John B smirks and leads the way to the beach.

Pope follows behind us like a lost puppy, basically talking to himself as he tries to convince us that this is a bad idea. We stop at the edge of the beach. It's almost impossible to see the ocean through the wind and the rain.

"Those aren't surfable waves, bro," Pope says, squinting through the rain that splatters our faces wet.

"Says who?" I say, passing him a devious smirk and make a run for it towards the ocean.

I paddle past the choppy waves, letting the water knock me around like a feather in the wind. When I see a decent looking wave to ride, I prop myself up on my feet and stand. I lean into my board. The warmth that's taken over my body outruns the cold water I fall into when the waves crash over me. My body tumbles under the water and my board bumps against me. I try to swim back up to the surface but the current is strong. I don't know where I am and I can't see under the water. My nose burns when water rushes up my nostrils. I squeeze my eyes tight and just swim upwards in hope of reaching air. Maybe this was a bad idea, but the thrill is still keeping me excited.

I finally reach the surface after what feels like years. John B and Pope's screams are dull against the whistling wind. I hop back on my board and give the two guys a thumbs up and a wicked smile. Pope looks like he's about ready to have a heart attack and John B breathes out a sigh of relief as he paddles closer to me.

"You alright?" He asks me.

"Fine," I yell against the wind.

John B nods. He looks like he's about to say something else, but something over my shoulder catches his attention. I turn myself around, intrigued at what's he's seeing other than the water, clouds, and a bunch of rain. Then I see it. A boat that barely looks afloat, so far out that it looks like a speck against the rain.

"We should probably go," I say. I don't want John B's mind to run to what might have happened to Dad out there. Maybe he was caught by a storm like this, maybe his boat went overboard and his body is out there floating with the fishes. I don't know. The last thing I need him to do right now is speculate. Even if the same thoughts are running through my head, John B thinks he's still alive. These thoughts will keep him up all night. He doesn't move, however. "John B let's go."

                                                  ~ ~ ~

JJ is already laying on the pull out bed in my living room when I get out of the shower. JJ crashes here most days of the week. He'd much rather be here than with his drunk abusive dad. Our friends don't know the extent of how shitty his relationship really is with his dad. But I do. I found out when I was thirteen. JJ snuck through my bedroom window after a tough night with his dad. His face and torso were covered in bruises. It took everything in me not to burst out in tears right then and there. But for some reason, he trusted me of all people with his biggest secret. I cleaned him up and let him sleep in my bed with me. Every once in a while we repeat the process. Sometimes he's not even hurt, he just shows up. And I let him in because I like having him there.

I fall onto the mattress next to him and prop my head up on my hand, leaning on my elbow. I run my fingers through his hair, feeling satisfied and bubbly when he moans in response.

"When did you get here?" I ask him.

"You were in the shower. Don't worry I didn't peak, but I was tempted," He says into his pillow.

I use the same hand I had woven in his hair and punch his shoulder playfully, making him fall on his back. His lips turn up in a grin.

I lay there for a second, looking up at the ceiling. My eyes feel heavy, the events of the day officially taking over my body. I peek an eye over at JJ who's watching me carefully as if I might break under his fingertips.

"What?" I grin to myself, thankful for the darkness so he couldn't see the blush on my cheeks. Again.

"You all right?" He asks, pushing my hair out of my face so he can look straight into my eyes.

"Why wouldn't I be?"

JJ hesitates, like he's trying to pick the right words to say. I watch him closely, studying every mark and crevice on his face. Beautiful and clear like always. Even when it's covered in bruises and blemishes, he's handsome. I could look at him all day.

"You hate storms," He says.

"I can sleep through anything," I tell him. "And I don't hate storms. They make for...eventful surfing days."

His face drops to a more serious one. "You know what I mean."

I do. Storms have never really frightened me. Not really. But ever since my dad disappeared nine months ago, I worried that he would get caught in a storm like this, that by morning there would be a knock on my door from an officer who would tell me that a dead body has washed up on shore and they ID'd him as my father. The image leaves me with nightmares on nights like tonight.

JJ's the only one who knows this.

I don't like talking about it. Like JJ, we have this in common. So instead of telling him I'm fine and him not believing me, I pull the blanket at the edge of the mattress over our bodies and tuck myself into his side, laying my head on his shoulder. A position so intimate for just us "friends." I hope he can't feel my heart pounding beneath my skin, against his side. I let my body soften against his, feeling sleep take over me. I fall into a dreamless sleep next to JJ, hoping that the storm will be gone by the time we wake up.

[mindofharry]

can you write readers first time with dilf H please<3

The first time Harry saw you was with his daughter. It was a hot day, during summer vacation and everyone was out in their bikinis. Harry loved his daughter, did everything for Blair. Including inviting her friends over to use the new pool. And that’s when he saw you, long hair, doe eyes, tits soft and perky, nipples hard and just begging for harry to use them. You had all the right curves in all the right places and you had legs for fucking days.

Honestly, you were the most beautiful woman he’d ever seen.

Harry was sat out on a chair, his shirt off only in his swimming shorts. His tattoos were all on show and he could feel all of Blair’s friends stare at him — except for you. The only one he wanted staring was you. And you riled him, almost on purpose. Rubbing your hands over your tits accidentally, or bending down to pick up your towel slowly.

It was the time he had been anticipating all night, if Blair wanted to drink, she had to do it around Harry. So they girl were all sat in a little corner, while harry watched in the kitchen making sure no one was going over board with the beer. He got a free show of the angel beside his daughter.

“Mr Styles?” You asked and Harry snapped back into reality. Harry bit his lip and looked down at you, your cleavage even more obvious than before. You blushed and placed an empty beer can on the counter.

“Thanks so much for having me. I’m gonna head up to Blair’s room now.” You said and Harry narrowed his eyes. He liked that you were sleeping over, more time to digest your beauty. But you seemed teasing. Like you have something up your sleeve waiting for him.

Before you could say anything else the group of girls walked over to the counter, all of their boobs pushed up. But it was obvious that you were the only one with a real set of tits.

“Dad, Y/N and I are working at the golf course together! Isn’t that so fun?” Blair said and Harry smiled taking a sip out of his beer, looking straight at you.

“So fun.”

The girls had long gone to bed, but you were so thirsty and if you were being honest a little horny. Usually when you work on the golf course, you can just have an old man in a mid life crisis to fuck you, but right now with the golf course opening later and certain daddy on your mind — you need a proper fucking.

“You ok, kitten?” A voice asked as you walked into the kitchen, you placed a hand over your chest and giggled.

“Nearly scared me to death there! I’m fine, just getting a glass of water.” You said filling up the glass. You took a sip and then purposely spilled some on your white crop top. Your hard nipples peaked through and Harry couldn’t help but growl at the sight of you.

“Oops.” You pouted, putting your hands over your breasts. You knew exactly what you were doing. Harry’s erection grew harder and he just needed to fuck you, Blair’s friend or not.

“You’ve been teasing me all fucking day. I’m sick of it, so let daddy see that wet pussy, ok?” Harry whispered and you whimpered pulling down your shorts to show that you were bare all this time. Harry hummed in delight and placed his index finger over your slit.

“So fucking wet. And all for me? You dirty girl.” Harry tutted, his finger thrusting inside of you. You leaned against the counter and bit your lip to contain your moans. Harry placed his free hand on over your mouth and you looked up at him with those manipulating little eyes.

“Daddy, fuck me? Please, need it. Been wanting it all day.” You moaned, clawing at his bare chest. Harry groaned and crashed his lips into yours. You couldn’t keep your hands over each other. You immediately pulled down his boxers, gripping his hard length and let him thrust into your hand.

“Gonna fuck me, daddy?”

Without warning, Harry thrusted up into you making you squeal and Harry had to put your shorts in your mouth to keep your quiet. He continued to fuck you against the counter, bruises forming along your ass and hips.

“Good thing I own the golf course, right?”

[ana-benn]

This was requested 😘

Three's Company

Warnings: mfm poly relationship, it's filthy.... I don't know. Also I wrote it as snippets along the relationship timeline so that's a thing.

---------------------------------------------------------

There had always been drawbacks to 'dating' Tyler. You'd followed him from Toronto to Boston looking for a change of scenery, and eventually the two of you started hooking up. It was a completely casual, and you'd take little breaks here and there to see other people. Initially though it just made sense. You cooked together, hung out together, and occasionally slept together. You felt like amplified best friends, and it worked for where you were in life.

Of course his trade to the Stars was a little unexpected, but it brought you two a little bit closer. Another move, and the decision to get a dog settled you both down and made you start thinking about maybe making a serious go of your relationship. Then he'd brought Jamie over, and you were done. He was like the opposite of Tyler and you loved it. Shy, and sweet but the ability to be ferocious bordering on animalistic.

Tyler was more goofy and fun, with a passion that left you feeling weak, but overall he was way more high energy than Jamie. You'd gotten close to Jamie as he and Tyler built a relationship, and you didn't know how to broach the subject with either man. You wanted them both, and it was so obvious to you that if you could make it happen for the three of you that was ideal situation.

Of course being as, while you and Jamie both had a shy side, Tyler did not and he full on approached the subject over dinner one night. You'd nearly swallowed your chicken whole, and Jamie choked on his beer at Tyler's proclamation that the two of them should share you.

"Tyler," you hissed.

"What? Come on babe, we both know you'd be into it," he grinned. "I've seen you check Chubbs out."

You couldn't deny it, so you acted maturely and stuck your tongue out at him, while Jamie stared in between the two of you.

"I'd be willing to try it," Jamie offered after a moment. Tyler lit up like Christmas then.

"Yes! I knew this would work out," he beamed wrapping his arms around your shoulders.

That first night was awkward and it took a while to feel completely comfortable. It seemed no matter what you did someone was being left out, and you weren't used to splitting your focus in bed. It seemed as though when Tyler would thrust Jamie would pull, or vice versa, and you quickly felt overwhelmed by the amount of hands on your body. Finally though as you laid in-between the two men you realize just how perfect it all felt.

-------------------------------

After that first time it seemed like none of you could stay away. Jamie had tried to back off, not wanting to overstep, but you'd shown up at his door with Tyler in tow and the three of you had set up ground rules. You'd be free to sleep with either or both of them, whenever or however no hold barred. You threw out that they could sleep with one another if they wanted to, and then laughed as they both looked at you completely unamused. Of course as time went on you almost became convinced that the were, even if neither mentioned it to you. You had set up a limitation that if they wanted to sleep with other women you did prefer that they used protection. Both of them thought about and decided that they didn't want to do that. You knew it wasn't exactly fair, but you weren't going to argue either.

You'd gone back and forth on living arrangements for months after that. Transferring between Tyler's and Jamie's, before deciding that you should probably get a place all together. You'd make sure each of the boys had their own space, but you couldn't keep track of where any of your stuff was and it was driving you crazy.

As you moved in though you realized your one mistake, it seemed these two were completing constantly.

Who loaded more boxes? Tyler claimed it, but you'd noted Jamie taking a couple more than him. Not that you would tell anyone. You just laughed and shook your head.

Who brought in more boxes? Definitely Jamie, Tyler was outside showing the dogs their new yard.

Who put more boxes away? That was you, but then again you didn't really want them touching your clothes or trying to put dishes away.

Who set up more electronics? Tyler, hands down. Jamie had a hard time managing his own spotify account, and Tyler would be pissed if he missed any golf.

All day it went like that. You couldn't help but laugh at their pitiful faces when they lost one of their challenges either. You'd just pull them into a hug, and stroke their hair while high fiving the winner.

You'd thought through all the different options for bedrooms, and eventually decided that your room would be the common room. If the three of you decided to spend the night together, which you often did, you'd do that in your room. Jamie and Tyler each had their own rooms, so that they could decompress or be separated if the need arose.

That first night though, you felt completely relaxed. Both men had followed you up to bed and before you'd even finished your nighttime routine Tyler was behind you, lips on your neck. He walked to towards the bed with his hands guiding your hips. Once you were in-between Jamie' thighs he pulled you into himself, and pulled your chin up. He trapped your lips in a searing kiss, before his hands began to wander.

Tyler moved to cup your breasts, while Jamie palmed your ass, and they seemed to work in sync at trying to turn you into jello. They'd rotate between your lips and neck, and as soon as one broke for air the other was pulling your face back towards them. Teasing hands, gentle lips, co-mingled with the scratch of facial hair on your skin, and you'd never been so happy that most of the time all three of you slept in the nude. Jamie eventually moved back onto the bed pulling you with him, and resting you over his hardness. Instinctively you ground down on him, causing him to groan out.

Tyler walked around the bed, and Jamie flipped you over and started preparing to enter you from behind. Meanwhile Tyler nudged your lips with his cock, instinctively you opened up letting him enter your mouth. He and Jamie both groaned over you as they slid home, and you felt deliciously full. At this point the three of you knew your dance well, so as Jamie started moving so did Tyler. Jamie usually took the lead, so he would thrust and Tyler would follow, keeping you in a perfect rhythm. The ebb and flow of them worked your body into a state of utter bliss, and before you knew it you were spasming around Jamie. You vaguely heard him swear as you fell under the waves of your own orgasm.

"FUCK," Jamie yelled as he sent ropes of hot cum into your pussy. Before you could react, or even fully recover you felt Tyler (who'd pulled out of your mouth when you'd orgasmed) pull you onto his own cock. If Jamie was rough, and feral with his thrusts Tyler was meticulous and operated with precision. Jamie wanted to throw you into an orgasm, thriving off of the intensity. Tyler want to draw them out of you, wanting to be in control.

Tyler worked your clit as his slowly thrust towards his own completion, you felt yourself quivering within minutes. Jamie leaned forward catching your lips in his, as Tyler worked your neck again. Finally you cried out as you clenched around Tyler. Satisfied he allowed himself to release deep inside of you, he held your hips as you slumped forward into Jamie.

You were aware of Tyler whispering praise to you as Jamie grabbed a towel to clean you up. Tyler got the covers pulled back and after you were cleaned up Jamie slid in on the other side of you. Your head on Tyler's shoulder, as Jamie wrapped his tattooed arm around you. You fell asleep completely warm and comfortable.

-------------------------

The downside to your relationship was easily that you could only publicly lay claim to one of the guys at a time, and it had just been easier to stay Tyler's girlfriend. As you stood outside the locker room waiting for the guys to come out you noticed the crowd of girls gathered around by the barricade in their Benn jerseys and it made you see red. You tried really hard to hide your jealousy, but it wasn't always do-able. Tyler came out first wrapping you in his arms, excited after a win.

"Ugh, I wish they all went like that!" He exclaimed, spinning you around. It took him a moment to realize your excitement was a little faked. "What's wrong?"

"Nothing, it's stupid," you mumbled. Jamie probably would've left it alone, but Tyler liked to pick. He thought exposing where your weaknesses were made you stronger as a unit.

"Nope, gotta talk about it," he sing songed as you waited for Jamie.

"Ugh, fine," you huffed. "It's just hard knowing we're going to walk by those girls over there and there's nothing I can do. At least people know we're together. Jamie's like this free man, you know? I feel like I have no public claim and it sucks."

Tyler looked like he wanted to laugh, which caused you to roll your eyes, "It's not funny Ty."

"What's not funny?" Jamie asked as he walked out of the locker room. You couldn't help but appraise how good he looked too. You wanted to kiss him... But you knew that wouldn't happen until you were in the car. Meaning first you had to brave the throngs.

"Someone's jealous," Tyler answered, as you blushed.

"Oh, really?" Jamie laughed.

"You guys both suck," you said as you stomped away.

They laughed as the followed you, as Tyler shouted, "You're hot when you're mad,"Causing the girls you were passing to go crazy.

You turned around and flipped them both off, before resuming your march back to the car. Surprisingly Jamie showed up before Tyler, and you quirked an eyebrow.

"He's signing jerseys," Jamie explained.

"You know it's just as strange for me too," Jamie said after a long moment. You turned and looked at him, confused. "I have to give vague answers about who I'm seeing, or make sure if I post a picture of us together Tyler is there.... It's not any easier just because some girls think I'm single. I don't feel single. I'm so crazy in love with you it blows me away, I don't want to hide or pretend that this isn't real. It is, and I need to know that you know that."

You launched yourself at him then, fusing your lips to his as you leaned over the console, "I love you too, Jamie," you said. "I don't question your love. I just wish I could express it more publicly."

You settled back into your seat, and you noticed Tyler walking towards the car. He pouted as he got in the backseat.

"Just get my number tattooed on you," Jamie joked, winking at you as Tyler got settled.

"Well you are my favorite," you played along.

"Excuse me," Tyler interjected. "If you're getting anyone's number it should be mine! I like tattoos more," he proclaimed. "Besides I thought you were mad at Jamie, now you're ganging up on me!"

"What can we say Tyler, we're just emotionally healthy," Jamie joked. "You're the one who decided to hand out and flirt."

You laughed as Tyler grumbled in the backseat.

----------------------

Fifteen days. The words felt like an echo in your mind, resonating with self pity. Jamie and Tyler would be gone for fifteen miserable days, and someone had to stay home with the dogs. Gerry laid his head in your lap as you sat on the couch, and both boys were packing.

"I'm mad at you," you whispered to him. He looked at you, before deciding to kiss your cheek. "Yeah yeah, you're forgiven," you sighed getting up off the couch.

"Jamie!" You called out, walking up stairs.

"What?" He yelled from his closet, you went in search of him.

"What are you doing?" You whined.

"I'm packing baby," he said gently. Kind of confused.

"You're supposed to be the responsible one, why'd you wait until the last minute?" You groaned flopping on his bed. It had been almost a year in this house and you could count on one hand the number of times he'd slept in here. Tyler got banished more to his room than Jamie ever did.

"Because you insisted that it was more important that we play Mario last night," he reminded you.

Tyler came wandering down the hall just then, "Hey Jamie, do you have any..." He laughed when he saw you. "Someone's feeling whiny huh?"

"You have no idea," you pouted. "If I kneecap you can you stay home?" You asked sitting up.

"They'd sideline me, I'd still have to go," he reminded you.

"Jamie," you pouted. "You're the captain, can't you do anything?"

"Sure," he lied, wanting to antagonize you. "But I won't." He grinned.

"You're both awful," you grumped. "I'm going to spend so much money while you're gone."

That one got Jamie to laugh, "And that's different... how?"

You sighed dramatically, as you headed for the door, "I don't like either of you anymore."

You heard their laughter as you went in search of something to keep you distracted. You wound up just cleaning the kitchen, and when you did you found a business card for the tattoo artist that the guys used. You'd never gotten one, but you did want one. It gave you an idea, and you tucked the card into your back pocket as you heard the guys coming downstairs.

Tyler kissed you first, a playful nip on your lips followed by a slow dance with his tongue. Jamie was more forceful, crushing your body into his as he cupped your face. They really were two halves that made you feel whole, and you felt so overwhelmed by how much you simply just felt for them.

-------

When the guys got home, they were surprised you weren't at the door waiting like normal. Instead you were out in the pool with the dogs. You smiled brightly as they came out to greet you.

"The fearsome warriors return," you giggled.

"Ah, mi'lady twas a long journey. We have returned more victorious than not," Tyler played along, while Jamie shook his head chuckling.

"Well, I got you a present," you smiled, getting out and walking towards them.

"And here we just brought laundry," Jamie grinned catching you by the waist and kissing you deeply.

You moaned at the taste of his lips, trying to deepen it, before you heard Tyler clear his throat, "What about me." You laughed at his playful pout. Extracting yourself from Jamie and kissing Tyler. There was more playfulness there. Little nips and he drew your bottom lip between his teeth before releasing you.

"Now what about our present," Tyler wiggled his eyebrows.

"Not that you perv," you playfully slapped at him. Then appraising the two of them you added, "Well not yet anyway."

You undid the leather cuff on your left wrist and proudly showed off your new tattoo, "Look!"

You had a small heart inked on your skin with the numbers 914 in the center. You grinned broadly as they took it in, Tyler as usual reacted first. Kissing you deeply, while Jamie grabbed your wrist and kissed the mark on your flesh.

"Absolutely perfect," he grinned.

Tyler nodded his agreement, "Yep, I agree."

[lindsaywesker]

Good morning! I hope you slept well and feel rested? Currently sitting at my desk, in my study, attired only in my blue towelling robe, enjoying my first cuppa of the day. Welcome to Too Much Information Tuesday!

Romance novelist Barbara Cartland broke off her first engagement after she learned about sex and was horrified at the prospect.

One of the names originally proposed for Neanderthals was Homo Stupidus.

In 2006, actor Bill Murray accepted an invitation to a college party in the Scottish town of St. Andrews after a round of golf. He went to the students’ house, drank vodka from a coffee cup (since they didn’t have clean glasses), then washed their dishes before leaving.

In 1995, NASA astronomer Bob Williams wanted to point the Hubble telescope at the darkest part of the sky for 100 hours. Critics said it would be a waste of valuable time and he'd have to resign if he found nothing. Instead, he discovered more than 3,000 galaxies.

To prevent eye strain, you should look away from your computer every 20 minutes and gaze at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds. It's called the 20-20-20 Rule.

In 2016, a tired Uber driver asked his passenger to take over while on a 300-mile trip so he could take a nap. The driver woke up in the middle of a police chase.

The average person deletes four selfies for every one they're happy with.

In 2015, a Canadian man named Christopher Hiscock broke into a stranger's home. He did their laundry, cooked a meal, and wrote in the homeowner's diary. He was found sitting by a stoked fire, sipping a cup of tea before being arrested.

Prince Andrew and his ex-wife will take on The Queen's beloved corgis following the monarch's death. Is it because he's good at grooming?

After Disney released 'The Princess And The Frog', more than 50 children were hospitalised with salmonella after trying to kiss frogs.

“Smells fishy” is a metaphor for distrust in more than 20 languages.

The first pornographic film came out in 1895, just a few months after the first regular movie.

Sir Isaac Newton was just 22 years old when he discovered the universal law of gravity.

Ancient Egyptian tablets explain why people missed work 3,200 years ago. Common excuses for absence include “brewing beer” and “his wife was bleeding”.

People spend about 46.9% of their waking hours thinking about something other than what they're doing.

In 1990, the high school dropout rate in Sevierville (Dolly Parton's hometown) was above 30%. In 1991, she started The Buddy Program, offering 'buddies' in the 7th and 8th grades $500 if they graduated high school. The dropout rate for those classes dropped to 6%.

Drinking water can help you lose weight by increasing fullness and boosting your metabolic rate.

In 2013, a man in China was ordered to pay a fine to the equivalent of $1600 for a minor offence. In response, he paid up in coins. It took a total of 18 employees, each working a full day, to count it.

It's faster to say "World Wide Web" than it is to say "WWW".

Loud sounds can interfere with visual processing, which is why you might have to turn the music down while looking for an address or parallel parking.

If your parents are happily married, your risk of divorce decreases by 14%.

Under medieval Welsh law, women could divorce their husbands if they had bad breath.

When I was young, I was scared of the dark. Now, when I see my electricity bill, I am scared of the light.

Obdormition is when your arm falls asleep from lying on it.

Never forget that it was Tyler Perry who behaved like a father when Harry needed a father the most.

North Korea's entire internet has only 28 websites.

"I can't stand innuendo. If I see one in a script, I whip it out immediately." (Kenneth Williams)

Ben & Jerry’s, the first major US company to take a powerful stand in support of Palestinian freedom, is taking Unilever to court for selling its ice cream on land “Israel stole from Palestinians.”

More people work for the Chinese government monitoring the internet than serve in its armed forces.

There are 4 million songs on Spotify that have never been played.

In North Korea, the sentence for getting caught watching porn is death.

In 1900, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle caught fire during a cricket match at Lord's. The ball hit a box of matches in his pocket.

Without bats, we wouldn't have tequila. Tequila comes from the agave plant, which they pollinate.

Okay, that’s enough information for one day. Have a tremendous and tumultuous Tuesday! I love you all.