#Kiara carerra imagines

[obxsummer]

leave me again // jj maybank

pairing: ex!jj maybank x routledge!reader

request: Routledge reader and JJ broke up during the 18 months and now she watches him with Kie? 🫢👀

summary: based on the song by kelsea ballerini; after two years together, you return to outer banks only to lose jj to kiara in a blink of an eye.

warnings: minor szn 4 spoilers, angst hehehe

navigation

--

You didn’t understand. You really didn’t. 

How could you go from such a beautiful relationship and one of the happiest times of your life to watching your best friend get together with your ex-boyfriend? It seemed like such a cruel joke to watch people who had been with you your entire life turn against you in this way. 

It took less than a week for JJ to cut things off after everyone came back from El Dorado, claiming he needed to reevaluate everything and take time for himself. Apparently, that didn’t last long, because three days later, you caught Kiara sharing his bed in Sarah’s rental condo, looking like the happiest he’d ever been.

"I can explain, just-"

The scene in front of you was sick. You'd heard JJ yell out in his sleep, something that was more common than not with his nightmares. Instincts had you in front of his door before you knew it, wanting to comfort him in case he needed someone. You didn't expect to find this.

JJ, shirtless, next to Kiara, of all people, who was wearing the boy's shirt. In bed. Together.

Whatever JJ wanted to say, you didn't give him a chance to hear it. Lips tucked in a thin line, you gave a nod. "Sorry for interrupting, hope everything's okay."

And with a smile on your face and no room for explanations, you closed the door.

“Are you still avoiding them?” Sarah’s voice came from behind as you watched JJ and Kie prep the boat for the upcoming dive. 

You huffed, “Do you blame me?”

She stopped to stand beside you, her eyes watching the duo on the boat move together. “There’s no chemistry.”

“Not a bit.”

Sarah watched you carefully as if she was waiting for the dam to break. In the almost three weeks JJ and Kie had been ‘together’, you hadn’t cried and you hadn’t lashed out. You’d told her the second you found them in bed and they started spewing excuses, you just apologized for interrupting and dismissed yourself with a smile.

John B was concerned. As your older brother, it was his job to defend you and watch out for you, no matter the circumstance. When the two of you first got together, John B made JJ swear that he wouldn’t do anything to hurt you, swearing there would be consequences. While you’d kept your cool, he did not and JJ managed to catch himself a black eye and swollen cheek as a result. 

“Has John B talked to them?”

“Has John B what?” Your brother interrupted your question as he joined the two of you in the shop, hauling a hefty backpack. He reached out to grab your shoulder and squeezed it lightly. “You okay?”

You nodded in response, clamping your mouth shut and looking back at the water. Kiara was going down on the dive with JJ, something about not leaving him alone which made your eyes roll. Pope and John B were going on the boat, leaving you, Sarah, and Cleo on shore to be lookout. 

“Are you lying to me?”

You’d lost so many pieces of yourself in the moments shared with JJ, allowing the vulnerability you had believed he would never take advantage of.  It was no surprise John B could see through the cracks you’d inevitably let form. You sighed, head dropping between your shoulder blades as you let out a steady breath. “I’m fine, Bee. Promise.”

John B was unconvinced by your words but didn’t push. He heard your almost silent crying at night. It was obvious you were hurting by the way you closed yourself off and hid in your skin. He hated that his so-called best friend was the one to treat you this way and cause you to feel like this. 

“You can take a break,” He reassured as his backpack dropped to the ground as he pulled you into a full hug and placed a kiss on your head. “Nobody would blame you.”

You hugged him back and fought off the tears that burned your eyes. There would be a point and time to talk about all of this, but it wasn’t here and now. If you were being honest, there was nothing you’d rather do than run away from Kildare right now, but it wouldn’t be the best option by any means.

“You guys ready up there?” JJ’s voice echoed around the morning air as he called out to John B. 

You hugged your brother tighter before letting go, forcing a smile on your lips. “Be careful, please?”

He rubbed your head lovingly, smiling when you tried to shove him away. “Always.”

You stepped away to give him time with Sarah and started to head back toward the house when someone called your name. JJ’s shoes stomped against the new wooden deck, the sound getting louder as he got closer. You froze in your spot as he rounded to stop you from walking away. “Can we talk?”

You stared at him for a moment, wondering how someone you loved so incredibly much could make you feel this way. “There’s nothing to talk about.”

When you moved to pass him, he grabbed your elbow gently to prevent it. “Please, I just want to get this out before… in case I don’t-”

“You’ll be back.” It was hard to avoid the instinct of reassuring him. He swallowed thickly and met your gaze. He would be back, you just didn't know if you'd be here to see it. The two of you hadn’t been alone since everything went down and there was plenty of awkwardness to show. 

“I just… I’m sorry. About everything. I should’ve told you, but it all happened so fast and-”

“Did you ever love me?” The question came out of your mouth before you could think about it. You wanted to ask it for a while, to find out exactly what went through his head when he let Kiara climb in bed with him that night.

The opening and closing of his mouth was enough of a response to shatter you. Tears formed faster than you liked as you nodded.

“Figured," You breathed out, "Goodbye, JJ.”

You left him on the dock and didn’t look back as you walked away. From him, from Kie, from the friends you considered family until they made you feel like anything but. You swore then and there that you would never fall for someone in that way again. 

After all, staying only made you get real good at pretend.

--

Coming back from the dive had been a mess of chaos. Kie and JJ were at the hospital recovering from nitrogen in their blood while the remainder of the group came back to the house with the amulet, hoping to figure out what was inscribed inside. 

John B called your name as he entered the house, practically bouncing in excitement to tell you what they’d found. You’d opted to stay back after speaking to JJ on the dock, which they didn’t fault you for, knowing you needed time alone.

When silence followed JB’s call, he frowned. Something wasn’t right. The main floor was empty, not a sign of you or your relative presence in the area. Room empty too, leaving John B to question where the hell you went. They had the Twinkie and the dirt bikes were outside which meant if you went anywhere it would be on your own two feet.

“John B.”

The tone in Sarah’s voice told him his intuition was right. She met him in the doorway of your room with a piece of paper in hand, holding it in his direction. He didn’t even need to read it to know the answer to his question.

You were gone. And you weren’t coming back any time soon.

--

part two here :)

a/n: i hate this i'm so sorry

navigation

[insidekatmind]

A lovely chaos-Pope Heyward

Laughter bubbles uncontrollably in your throat as your hands grip the steering wheel of the Pogues’ beat-up van. Adrenaline rushes through your veins, and everything feels ridiculously funnier than usual. The wind blows through the rolled-down windows, mixing with the screams and hysterical laughter of your friends as they cling to anything they can to avoid being thrown around.

"BABE! PULL OVER!" Pope shouts, his voice full of panic as he clutches the passenger seat.

"AHHH!" Kiara, JJ, and John B scream in unison, swinging back and forth like rag dolls. JJ, who was laughing along with you just minutes ago, now has a shadow of concern in his eyes as he grips the headrest of the seat in front of him.

You, however, are too caught up in the moment to realize the chaos you're causing. Every turn feels like an adventure, every pothole an explosion of adrenaline. "I’m driving so well!" you exclaim through your laughter, your voice high-pitched and out of control.

"NO, YOU’RE NOT!" Kiara screams, her hair wild and covering half her face as she desperately tries to grab onto something stable.

You burst into laughter, your chest shaking uncontrollably, and without even realizing it, you press your foot harder on the gas pedal. The van lurches forward, speeding up as the road blurs around you. The laughter in your head drowns out everything else, and the chaos in the back feels like part of the thrill.

"BABE! SLOW DOWN!" Pope yells, his voice strained as he clings to the dashboard, wide-eyed.

"OH MY GOD!" Kiara shrieks, gripping the side of her seat as the van bounces over a bump. JJ’s laughter turns into nervous chuckles, and John B braces himself against the door, shouting something you can’t even hear over the wind and your own giggles.

The faster you go, the funnier everything seems. You don’t notice the van swerving slightly or the way your friends are being thrown around like loose luggage. For you, it’s just a ride, and in your current state, it’s the best one of your life.

"but it's funny" you say laughing like a little girl. All the Pogues seem to have a worried expression on their faces

"Hey, this might be fun for you but we're not. So please slow down," Kiara says

You giggle uncontrollably, your hands still gripping the steering wheel as the van zooms forward. The chaos in the back barely registers—Kiara screaming, Pope yelling, JJ and John B holding on for dear life. Everything feels like a game, like a scene out of a dream you’re not fully awake from.

But then, your eyes catch something in the distance. A dog. A fluffy, adorable dog trotting by the side of the road. Without thinking, you slam on the brakes. The tires screech, the van jerks violently, and your friends are thrown forward with a collective yell.

“WHAT THE HELL?!” Pope shouts, his hands still braced against the dashboard.

Ignoring their protests, you throw the door open and jump out, stumbling slightly as your feet hit the ground. “It’s a dog!” you squeal, your face lighting up as you make a beeline toward the unsuspecting animal.

Behind you, the Pogues groan and scramble to recover from the sudden stop. “SHE JUST LEFT US!” Kiara exclaims, throwing her hands in the air.

“Why am I not even surprised?” JJ mutters, shaking his head, though there’s a small grin on his face as he watches you chase after the dog.

Kiara, Pope, JJ, and John B get out of the van and look at you with a mix of concern and annoyance. You approach the dog, your eyes wide with excitement. The dog turns to look at you, its tongue hanging out of its mouth.

"Babe, what was that all about?" Pope asks, running a hand through his hair in frustration. "You almost gave us a heart attack."

You crouch down slowly, your knees wobbling a little as the world feels slightly off balance. The dog looks up at you, tail wagging cautiously, and you reach out to pet it with both hands, a goofy smile spreading across your face. The fur is soft under your fingertips, and you can’t help but giggle as the dog leans into your touch.

“Love,” you say softly, glancing over your shoulder at Pope with wide, adoring eyes. “Look how beautiful this dog is.”

Pope can't help but soften at your words. Even though he's still a bit frustrated from the sudden stop and the near-accident, seeing you so enamored with the dog makes his heart melt. He strolls up beside you and looks down at the dog with a smile.

"Yeah, it's a cute dog," he admits, his eyes flickering back to you. "But maybe next time, slow down a bit. You nearly gave me a heart attack."

You keep petting the dog, your fingers now scratching behind its ear. It seems to genuinely enjoy the attention, its tail wagging more enthusiastically."You have such a way with animals," Pope murmurs, a hint of admiration in his voice. "I guess that's just one of the things I love about you."

You look up at him, a happy smile on your face. The world around you seems to have slowed down a bit, the colors swirling together in a pleasantly dizzying way. You wonder if the weed is still making you feel giddy and carefree."Well, I think all animals love me," you reply, giggling. "Just like you do, right?"

Pope rolls his eyes playfully, a smirk on his lips. He reaches out and ruffles your hair."Yeah, I do love you. Even when you drive like a maniac and make us all almost get whiplash."

you smile sweetly and hug him. "love, I'm sleepy" you murmur softly into his chest. Pope wraps his arms around you, holding you close in an embrace. He can feel how loose and relaxed you are, thanks to the weed.

"Of course you are," he murmurs, a fond smile on his face. "You'll probably pass out any second now."

Kiara and JJ look at you and Pope with sweetly while John b smiles at you two. "let's get back in the van, this time I'll drive" says John b.

Pope nods in agreement, still holding you in a protective embrace. John B starts herding the group back to the van, while Kiara and JJ follow closely behind.”Yeah, maybe let's let someone else drive this time," Pope teases as he guides you back to the van.

you smile softly and Pope picks you up, and you cling to him like a Koala. Pope lets out a chuckle as you wrap your limbs around him, koala-style. He lifts you up effortlessly, making his way back to the van."You're like a little koala, clinging to me for dear life," he teases, a grin on his face.

You hum softly into Pope's chest as you and John b, JJ and Kiara walk into the van. Once in the van, everyone settles back into their seats. JJ and Kiara look on in amusement as you continue to cling onto Pope like a spider monkey."This is so cute it's almost nauseating," Kiara remarks with a grin, rolling her eyes.

Pope leans back in his seat, adjusting your weight on his lap. His arm draped around your waist, his fingers drawing small circles on your back."You're like a little koala that can't let go," he says again, his voice soft. Kiara and JJ give each other sly grins, watching the cutesy moment unfold.

You hold Pope closer and whisper "I love you" and then fall asleep. As you doze off, your head resting on Pope's chest, he can't help but smile. He looks down at you, admiring your peaceful expression as you sleep in his arms. Softly, he whispers back in your ear."I love you too, crazy koala-girl."

[drewsephrry]

I LOVE THIS HAHAHA

[luversgirl]

MY OBX REC LIST, part six

( ☾ = angst, ☆ = head-canon, ❀ = fluff, ✧ = smut )

rafe cameron

— his guardian angel ❀ ☾ ( part two )

— can’t remember anything before you ❀

— modern romeo and juliet ❀

— inside of me ( woah. )

— please forgive me ☾

— meant to be ❀ ☾ ( so cute im dying )

— maple syrup ☾

— bested ( love love love this series )

— too much ☾ ( sobbing )

— letters to you ( i got letters who want to be my rafe?? 💌 )

— anything for his love ☾ ( part two 🫶 )

— no other heart ❀ ☾

— baby’s day out ✧

— patch you up ❀

— so we won’t forget ✧ ❀ ☾

— watermelon ✧

— cross faded ❀

— you’re on your own kid (best rafe series hands down)

— in this life or the next ❀ ☾

— smile (favourite rafe series istg!!!!)

— all you need ❀

— under the influence ✧

— demonstration ✧

jj maybank

— a reflection of him ❀

— endgame ( this series is just 🤌 )

— sweet dreams ✧

— phantom fights ❀

— i got you ☾ ( don’t mind me i’m just SOBBING )

— overheated ✧

— pornstar ❀ ( jj pls 💀 )

— all for us ☾ ✧ ( OH. MY. GOD )

— loving you ❀

— pocket of sunshine ✧

— a little less lonely ☾

— burnt pancakes ❀

— bereal ✧ (that’s crazyyyy)

— three seconds ☾ (part two)

— the one where jj finds out about your ex ❀

sarah cameron

— fast friends ✧

— meeting sarah’s family ☆ ❀

— play time ✧

— best friend ✧ ☾

— love & hate ☾

— wish you were a boy ☾ (too retable queen 😞)

— optimism ❀

— feels like magic ❀ ☾

— just relax ✧

— girlfriend or girl thats a friend ❀ ☾

— ur my best friend ☾ ✧

— firsts ✧

— comfort ❀

pope heyward

— clingy pope ❀ (💥💳💥💳💥 )

— in love with my best friend ☾ ❀

— drive in ❀

— drabble ❀ (i wish 😩)

— lost my whole appetite ❀

— who’s in charge now? ☾

— pumpkin guts ❀ (so cute!!!!!)

— secret game ❀

barry

— headcanons ❀

— drabble ✧ (YES, tummy and thick thigh girlies stand up!!)

— lazy morning loving ✧ (love!!!!)

— forgot you not ☾

— rafebarry (live, love, laugh, rafebarry)

— drabble ✧

— nicknames ❀

john b routledge

— snow on the beach ❀

— distractions ✧

— beg for forgiveness ☾

— older ❀

— i wanted to do it first ☾ ( dang dawg )

kiara carrera

— shower time ✧

— detention ❀

— just the three of us ✧

— unspoken desires ❀ ☾

authors note ! happy valentines day lovies! here is a valentines day gift from me too all of you, enjoy! <3

[cosmopretty]

MY GIRL — Kiara Carerra

synopsis: coming home after hanging out with the Pouges and JJ’s relentless flirting Kiara can’t help but make you remember your her girl, and no one else’s

warnings: smut, nsfw

Walking into her house, both of you just in bikinis after being on the beach all day with everyone. Hanging out with the Pouges was amazing, the only problem Kiara had was JJ flirting with her girl. You met her friends a while ago when you first started dating, and ever since JJ would always make his little comments about you and it would piss Kiara off, that’s why he did it.

Looking back you watch at your girlfriend drops y’all’s stuff on the floor before grabbing your hand and dragging you upstairs into her room.

She lets go of your wrist and pushes you down on her bed before climbing on top of you. Her hips straddle your waist, keeping you under her “You my girlfriend not his JJ needs to keep his mouth shut” she groans, talking a deep breath.

“I’m yours Kie you know that, not JJ’s” You tell her your hands coming on hold her waist. She rolls her eyes and moves down her head going into your neck leaving wet opened mouth kisses down your jaw.

Jealousy ran through her, as she starts to bite and suck on your neck, she had to prove that you were hers, and no one else’s.

You suppressed a moan when she started sucking on the sweet spot below your ear. Her hands pulling at the strings of your bikini before sliding it off of you. She sits up licking her lips, admiring you for a moment before leaning down and sucking on your breasts.

Kiara bites down on one of your nipples holding it between her teeth as she looks up at your face morphing into pain. She smirks and lets go moving down your body, leaving kisses down your stomach. Stopping right above your bikini she kisses your hip and sucks down leaving a bright purple hickey.

Sitting up she looks down at your admiring your beauty and her work on you.

“Please Kie, don’t tease anymore please” You beg her your hips trying to move into hers. She smiles and rips your bikini bottoms off, throwing them somewhere in her room.

Leaning down she moves her body so she’s lying on her stomach. She licks a stripe through your folds watching as your moan “Your so wet baby, all for me huh? Not JJ all mine” she whispers possessively as you nod your head at her words.

Shaking her head she leans up and looks at your “Words baby come on” she encourages you, her hand playing your clit.

“M all yours Kie, only yours— please” You beg her wanting nothing more than to cum. She smirks at your words and plunges two of her long fingers into you.

Her fingers start pumping in and out of you hitting that sweet spot inside you that makes you see stars. Kiara moves up and kisses you as she speeds up her fingers inside you.

Your lips try and follow the pace of hers but she takes control of the kiss and bites down on the bottom of your lip. She pulls your lip between her teeth before letting go, she stares at your face as your jaw drops “Your so beautiful baby, and your all mine” she says smiling her free hand coming to caress your cheek.

“I’m all yours pretty girl” You tell Kiara your hand coming to hold her jaw pulling her into another kiss.

Her thumb comes to rub your clit in circles as your stomach tightens. She can feel you’re about to cum, by the way your gummy walls are squeezing around her fingers.

She pushes them deeper and harder inside of your hitting your sweet spot over and over causing your head to fall back a symphony of moans leaving your lips.

Pulling away from the kiss she rubs your cheek “Come on baby come for me” she tells you rubbing your clit faster.

The band in your stomach breaks as you cum all over her fingers. You whimper when she continues to rub your sore, red puffy clit. You shake your head “Too much Kie, too much” you tell her breathing heavily.

Kiara nods and pulls her fingers out of you slowly before bringing them to her mouth, she sucks your juices off of them. She moans at the taste of you before pulling them out of her mouth “Good girl, you taste so good” she praises you.

Moves closer to you she kisses your lips making you taste yourself. Your moan is muffled by her lips on yours as you taste yourself.

Pulling away from the kiss she smiles at you and pushes some hair behind your ear “Your all mine baby” she mumbles laying down next to you.

[cakesunflower]

lovelorn (and nobody knows) [rafe cameron au fic] chapter 22

Summary: Isla Carrera had planned for the summer before college to be focused on three things: helping out at her family’s restaurant (the helpful daughter), preparing for college (the good student), and having fun with the Pogues (the loyal friend). But one fateful night, where her car breaks down and her rescuer is none other than Rafe Cameron, seems to send her summer down a path she didn’t see coming–one teeming with a secret, illicit romance with the last person she expected. And if her friends and sister found out, Isla isn’t sure they’ll be so understanding, no matter what her feelings are.

Previous Chapters: Chapter 1 | Chapter 2 | Chapter 3 | Chapter 4 | Chapter 5 | Chapter 6 | Chapter 7 | Chapter 8 | Chapter 9 | Chapter 10 | Chapter 11 | Chapter 12 | Chapter 13 | Chapter 14 | Chapter 15 | Chapter 16 | Chapter 17 | Chapter 18 | Chapter 19 | Chapter 20 | Chapter 21

A/N: helloo peeps sorry for the long wait!! i got super slammed at work and then my grandma died and then i got slammed at work again kdjnfjsf but here's a 6k word chapter to make up for the wait yeehaw

Isla parks her car and kills the engine, huffing out a breath as she doesn’t readily make a move to get out of the car. Through the windshield, she can see into the open doorway of Heyward’s, catching a glimpse of the aisles full of supplies, though the front counter is obstructed by the wall. Nerves tangle up in the pit of her stomach at the idea of walking inside and seeing Pope and Cleo, whom she hasn’t seen or spoken to in over a week.

She taps her fingers against the steering wheel, hesitating on making a move. Her dad had asked her to pick up some supplies he ordered at Heyward’s, either forgetting or not particularly caring that Isla is currently on the outs with her friends. She isn’t a hundred percent sure if Pope is working today but odds are that he is, so Isla sits in her car for a few minutes to mentally prepare herself for the no doubt cold shoulder she’s going to receive.

Instead of further stalling like she wants to, Isla huffs out a breath and gets out of her car, the summer heat warm against the exposed skin of her arms and legs as she walks towards the store. Jazz music plays quietly from Heyward’s old radio behind the counter, a few people milling about the store, but Isla’s attention instantly goes to the two people working the counter.

Cleo, as always, sits atop it as she expertly plays with her switchblade, while Pope stands behind the counter as he checks a customer out. Cleo is the first to notice Isla, her shoulders straightening. Isla feels a pang of relief when Cleo offers her a small smile, noting the lack of animosity in her dark eyes, and it loosens some of the tightness in Isla’s chest.

“Hey, girl. You here for your dad’s pick up?” Cleo asks.

Her question has Pope glancing over, and the customer service friendly smile slips off his face the moment his gaze locks with Isla’s. The tightness returns, this time in Isla’s throat, at the instant hardness of Pope’s features. Tension rises as he looks away and hands the guy his change, not a word to Isla.

“Yeah, I am,” Isla answers Cleo with a strained smile.

Her friend hops off the counter, pocketing her knife as she rounds the counter to get behind it. Isla stiffly reaches into the back pocket of her shorts to pull out her wallet, since her dad said the things weren’t paid for yet, and pulls out her credit card and taps her finger against it as she waits for her turn. 

Her skin is heating up and it has nothing to do with the warm summer weather. When the guy in front of her leaves with his things, Isla steps up to the counter, lips pressed together as her and Pope’s gazes lock once again. 

“Hey,” she greets stiltedly.

Pope’s shoulders square as he regards her silently. Behind him in the backroom, Isla hears Cleo shuffling around as she grabs Isla’s dad’s order. But instead of responding to her, Pope merely taps on the screen of the register—Heyward recently upgraded from the old register to one with a screen—to pull up Mike’s order, Isla assumes.

Isla’s stomach tumbles in dismay when Pope doesn’t say a word to her, wishing she could channel some anger instead of hurt. But the coldness in Pope’s dark eyes stings more than anything else as he tightly tells her, “That’ll be sixty-eight eighty-five,” just as Cleo emerges from the back carrying two bags.

Isla hands over the credit card as Cleo puts the bags on the counter. “Here you go,” she says with a smile. Arching a brow, she asks, “You need help carrying these to your car?”

“She can handle it,” Pope cuts in, tone as sharp as his eyes as he hands the credit card back with the receipt.

Cleo shoots him a disapproving stare, but Pope ignores it, his gaze fixed on Isla. His expression all but screams for her to leave. God, when will they be okay with her? When will they forgive her? Pocketing the receipt and card, Isla reaches for the bags and Isla offers Cleo a smile she hopes isn’t wobbly. “I’ve got it. Thanks,” she says as she pulls the bags off the counter.

She doesn’t look towards Pope, the ache tight in her chest as she heads towards the door. But before she steps out of the store, his voice cuts through. “I can’t believe you’re picking him over us.”

Isla stills, her grip on the plastic straps of the bags tightening as she feels the weight of Pope’s stare on her back. Throat working, she slowly turns until she looks at them again, catching the way Cleo frowns at Pope. He stares right at Isla, his jaw tight. Isla wishes she could match that stare, show any of her anger. Instead, her shoulders just drop. “And I can’t believe you guys are forcing me to make a choice in the first place.”

Pope’s nose flares, incredulity flashing across his face. “It’s freaking Rafe, Isla!” he hisses, since there are a few people towards the back of the stores. “How is this even a choice that needs to be made?”

In the face of his anger, Isla’s own swells. “You guys don’t get to invalidate my feelings and punish me for them, too,” she snaps, heat spreading through her skin as she narrows her eyes at Pope, her breathing picking up slightly. “You won’t hear me out, you won’t give him a chance—people can fucking change, Pope. They evolve.” She scoffs, her tone turning a little mocking in the face of the anger and hurt that comes with every confrontation. “As a man of science, I figured you’d understand that.”

Isla lets out a breath, tightening her grip on the shopping bags. She glances between Pope and Cleo, the latter wearing an admiring gleam in her dark eyes that has Isla’s shoulders sinking a bit in relief. “I’m not going to beg for y’all’s forgiveness, because I’m not going to apologize for my relationship when I’m not sorry for it.” At that, she sees a tiny smile quirk at the corner of Cleo’s mouth. “He’s good to me. He cares about me. A person can change, Pope, no matter your opinion of them. Stop being so fucking small minded.” His eyes widen, ever so slightly, at that, and Isla knows her words have hit home. Hopefully. “And you can tell the others I said that.”

She walks out of Heyward’s with her head held high and zero regrets.

*****

“Isla?”

At the sound of her name, Isla turns around from the rack of dresses she’s sifting through, finding Sarah standing there as she lifts her sunglasses to set them on top of her blonde head. “Hi,” Isla returns slowly, offering a smile in return at the sight of Sarah’s.

She nods towards the rack. “Are you looking for a dress for the party?” she asks, taking a few steps towards her.

“Yeah,” Isla breathes out a chuckle. “I am.”

The party in question was one being thrown by Ward Cameron and his company, some charity gala for hurricane relief for the Outer Banks and the surrounding areas. Rafe had told her about it a few days ago and asked her to come as his date, which she readily accepted before realizing she didn’t really have a dress befitting a gala. She had her dress from Midsommers, but she didn’t want to wear it again, even if Rafe wouldn’t have cared if she did. Besides, Isla was always looking for an excuse to buy a pretty dress. Which is why she was going from boutique to boutique on Figure Eight trying to find the perfect one.

She asked Sarah, “You too?”

The blonde chuckled, nodding. “Yeah. Maybe we can help each other out?” she asks, and Isla can’t help but notice the hesitance in which Sarah asks, and the hope that dances in her brown eyes. As if she’s half afraid that Isla would say no to her. But how could she? She misses her friends badly.

“I’m so down,” Isla says with a grin, prompting Sarah to wear one as well.

Together, the two of them sifted through different racks, gathering a few different dresses in their sizes to try on—including some they picked out for each other. In the fitting room, they each tried on all of the dresses, stepping out to show each other each one, and Isla truly feels light with every giggle she and Sarah share and the compliments they throw at each other. Things with the rest of their friends and her sister may be tense and strained, but at least Isla still has Sarah. 

“Oh, my God—yes, Isla! That’s the one,” Sarah gasps as Isla steps through the curtain in yet another dress.

It’s a satin, emerald green gown with an A-line and spaghetti straps, and a slit going up the right leg. It’s also backless with straps criss-crossing at the back, and it fits Isla like a glove made specifically for her. And it’s doing wonders for her ass.

“You think?” Isla asks, turning to the side to look at herself in the mirror at the end of the fitting room hall. The green really did go nicely with her warm brown skin tone.

“Yes, holy shit,” Sarah says with a laugh, clapping her hands together once. “You need to get it. Rafe is going to lose his mind. He won’t be able to keep his hands off you.” She paused as Isla raised her eyebrows, and Sarah’s nose scrunched. “I just realized I’m talking about my brother. Ew.” Isla snorted out a laugh as Sarah shook her head. “But no, seriously. That’s the one.”

“Okay, okay, I’m gonna get it,” Isla says an excited grin, smoothing down the front before looking at Sarah. “Are you getting the red one?”

It was a gorgeous dress that tied at the back with a plunging neckline, cinched at the waist before it draped down her legs. It hugged Sarah perfectly. “I think so,” Sarah nods with a grin.

They return to their rooms and change back into their clothes and after returning the other dresses, the two of them head to the cashier. They pay at separate registers and while their cards are being rung up, Sarah asks, “You wanna get lunch?”

Isla smiled. “Yeah.”

Ten minutes later, they were seated in the outdoor patio section of a restaurant, the ice in their sodas crinkling as cars drove by on the street and people walked along the sidewalk—almost all of them familiar faces. The Outer Banks is a small island, afterall. The umbrella above their table shades them from the sun and a nice summer breeze cools them down as they look over the laminated menu.

And as much as she likes being with Sarah and hanging out with her, Isla can’t help but ask, “You sure you wanna risk being spotted with the enemy?”

She doesn’t look up from the menu as she asks this, cheeks flushing with heat in slight embarrassment for showing that kind of vulnerability. But Sarah is one of her best friends, and when has Isla ever been embarrassed about being open with them?

Probably since they all shunned her after finding out about her relationship with Rafe.

Sarah lowers the menu, her expression somber but eyes warm. “They’ll come around, Isla,” she says, her voice nothing but confident.

While Isla has been telling herself the same thing, the voice in the back of her head fills her with doubt. “Kie barely talks to me,” she says. “I’m pretty sure she avoids being at home as much as possible just so she doesn’t have to see me.”

Her throat tightens with hurt at the lengths her own sister is going to avoid her. It fucking sucks. “I’m sorry,” Sarah says genuinely, her shoulders slumping. “But they all miss you.” At the doubtful expression Isla wears, Sarah nods. “Trust me on that. It’s not the same without you. I have no doubt they’ll realize they’re being unfair and ridiculous. I think John B will come around—he’s getting tired of me yelling at him.”

That pulls a laugh out of Isla, once again grateful to have Sarah on her side. “Work your magic, Sarah Cameron,” Isla muses as she reaches for her glass of Coke.

Sarah chuckles before the sound fades, a breath escaping her. “Rafe’s different now,” she says after a moment of silence, catching Isla’s attention again. “He just seems. . .” Sarah waves her hand around as she searches for the right word, gaze wandering. “More at peace, I think. Relaxed. Happy,” she adds with a smile before letting out another laugh. “I don’t think I’ve seen him smile so much.”

Hearing that brings a smile to Isla’s face, the warmth spreading through her that pools in her cheeks. It feels so good to hear from Sarah that Isla makes Rafe as happy as he makes her. Sure, she didn’t have any doubt, but to hear it from his sister, who happens to notice a visible difference in him, brings a special kind of reassurance and giddiness that tickles Isla’s stomach.

“He’s. . .” Isla exhales slowly, lips tipped up. “He’s a really good guy. He cares about me a lot and I. . .” She looks away, shaking her head as she thoughtfully stares out at the street, watching cars drive by and people walk along. “I didn’t really plan on getting into anything with anyone the summer before college, you know? Rafe kind of just crept up on me.”

Sarah hums thoughtfully, still smiling. “Kind of like me and John B,” she comments with a tilt of her head. “Never saw that coming, either. Yet here we are.”

Isla nods along in agreement. “Is John B coming to the gala?”

“Yeah,” Sarah answers with a soft snort of a laugh. “He got a new suit and everything.”

Isla chuckles at that, kind of looking forward to seeing John B at an event like that. He would likely feel out of his element, a Kook’s event way out of his comfort zone, but Isla knows he will brave it for Sarah. She’s not sure how he’s going to be around her, especially given that they’ll be seated at the Camerons’ table, but Isla only foolishly hopes that it won’t be awkward. She hopes it’s not too much to ask for, but given how things have been, a small knot of dread has already formed in the pit of her stomach.

As if reading Isla’s thoughts—or, more likely, noticing her slightly queasy expression—Sarah offers her another gentle smile. “He’ll be on his best behavior. Don’t worry.”

Easier said than done. All she’s done is worry since her friends found out about her and Rafe. But putting on a brave face is becoming second nature at this point.

*****

Isla smooths down the front of her dress, turning right and left as she examines herself in the floor length mirror in the corner of her bedroom. The tips of her nude painted toenails peek out from the hem of her gown, thanks to the gold heels she’s wearing. Gold hoops dangle from her ears, along with smaller ones lining up both of her lobes. The earrings match her nose ring, along with the dainty gold necklace that sits around her neck and the few rings adorning her fingers.

Her dark hair, with several strands a lighter caramel color thanks to her time under the sun, is twisted into two thick braids that meet at the back of her head in a bun, a few strands escaping to frame her heart shaped face. Makeup done and her things in a gold formal purse to match her shoes, she’s ready just in time for Rafe to text her that he’s five minutes away.

After a final spritz of her perfume and making sure there’s no lipstick on her teeth, Isla exits her room and heads down the stairs, where she can hear the murmur of the TV while her parents chat idly. Her mom is the first to notice her and Anna instantly gasps, sitting up on the couch.

“Oh, honey!” she gushes with a grin, hands clasping as she gets up. “You look gorgeous! Wait, I need to take photos,” she adds hastily, snatching her phone up from the coffee table.

Mike crosses his arms, though fondness softens his gaze. “You’re looking a little too grown up for my liking.”

Isla lets out a laugh as her mom maneuvers her in front of a wall decorated with paintings and photos. “I’m eighteen, Dad,” Isla teases.

Mike sighs. “Don’t remind me.” He smiles, then. “You look beautiful, sweetheart.”

She thanks them with a smile before indulging her mom, posing this way and that as Anna snaps some pictures. When she finishes up, Isla’s gaze snags on some movement in the entryway of the living room from the side porch, and her smile falters a bit when Kie steps inside. Her sister takes out her AirPods as she looks at Isla, expression unreadable as she takes in Isla’s outfit.

Tension weighs the room upon Kie’s arrival, though their parents don’t seem to notice as they swipe through the photos on Anna’s phone. Isla does her best not to pick on her freshly manicured nails as Kie’s gaze meets hers, and Kie’s throat works for a moment before she says, “You look nice.”

The compliment is genuine, making Isla’s heart jump. An olive branch? She can’t be sure, but she smiles nonetheless, some of the tension easing out of her shoulders. “Thanks.”

Arching a brow, Kie asks, “He’s not going to pick you up on his motorcycle, is he?”

A quiet huff of a laugh escapes Isla. “No, he isn’t.”

As if summoning him, the doorbell rings and Kie’s gaze snaps in the direction of it. There’s a shift in her expression, but Isla tries not to linger on it too much as she shoots her family a smile. “I don’t know when I’ll be back, so don’t wait up.”

“Have fun, honey!” Anna calls as Isla heads towards the front door, catching sight of Rafe from the window.

She opens the door, catching him bathed under the golden glow of the porch light, and her heart stutters at the sight of him. He’s in a black suit with a crisp white button down underneath, shoes shining with the expensive watch on his wrist, and—oh, God, he’s also wearing the beaded bracelet Wheezie made for him, which makes Isla totally melt—the ring on his pinky, and Isla’s lips curl up in a surprised smile when she notices that his tie matches the exact shade of her dress.

Right when she lifts her gaze to ask him how he knew the color, all thoughts eddie out of Isla’s head as her lips part in shock when she finally sees his face. His hair, actually—or lack thereof.

“Oh, my God—you buzzed it!” she gasps by way of greeting, wide eyes taking in his new hairstyle. Gone are his longer locks with the side curtain bangs, and in place Rafe’s hair is buzzed close to his scalp and, holy fuck, does it look good on him.

“Surprise,” Rafe chuckles, almost a little shyly, as he ducks his head a bit while rubbing the back of it. When blue eyes meet her green, she sees some hesitancy in his gaze as he asks, “Do you hate it?”

“Are you kidding?” Isla laughs, hoping to shove away the heat that curls the bottom of her stomach, desire for the man in front of her coursing through her veins like lightning. She steps closer, her heels tapping against the wooden porch as she peers up at him. Even with these shoes, he towers over her as she rejoices in his familiar, delicious scent. Her grin is sly, inches separating them as she murmurs, “I didn’t think it was possible to be even more attracted to you.”

Heat flashes in his eyes as he looks down at her, looking like he’s desperately fighting the desire to take her against the wall with the way his jaw tics. Rafe’s gaze dips even lower, taking in the length of her, and Isla swears every inch of her body lights on fire wherever his gaze touches. When his eyes meet hers again, the desire mixes with something else on his face—something warmer, softer. “You look stunning, Isla.”

While the compliments from her family had been sweet and nice to hear, hearing the words from Rafe’s lips had an effect all on its own. Her cheeks flush in pleasure, stomach fluttering as her hand comes up to rest on his chest, reveling in the thump of his heart beneath her palm. “So do you, baby,” she murmurs, smiling as she runs a hand down his tie. “Matching, huh?”

She’s endeared by the pink that spots his cheeks. It takes a lot to get Rafe Cameron to blush, but Isla is quickly figuring out that she’s got it down. “Sarah took a picture of your dress. Just the fabric, to get the color. It was her idea and I—” He huffs out a laugh. “It’s not too prom-y for you?”

Isla shakes her head as she mentally blows a kiss to Sarah. “No. I love it. It’s sweet,” she assures him. She lightly grips his chin between her thumb and finger, rising up enough to brush a kiss across his lips. “You’re sweet.”

Rafe’s lips curl up. “No one’s ever accused me of that before.” He offers her an arm. “Shall we?”

Laughing, Isla hooks her arm around his and they walk down the porch to where a sleek black town car is parked at the end of the driveway, which Rafe tells her he borrowed from the company. The driver makes a move to get out and open the back door, but Rafe stops him and opens the door for Isla himself. 

As she moves to duck in, her eyes catch sight of Kie on the porch, leaning forward on the railing with her arms crossed on top. Isla pauses, looking to Kie with a pounding heart. Rafe glances at Isla before following her gaze, and she feels him tense up when he catches sight of Kie as well. They both wait for a beat or so, Isla’s heart beating in her damn throat.

And then, even with the distance, Isla still sees the small smile that upturns the corner of Kie’s mouth and, with great relief, Isla takes that as the olive branch that it is. Any remaining tightness completely eases out of her, at least for tonight, as she lets out a breath and dips her chin in a nod with a smile of her own for her sister.

She returns the smile before ducking into the car, Rafe shutting the door behind her before he rounds the car and slides in on the other side. There’s a partition that separates them from the driver, the car pulling away from her house. “Was that a truce?” Rafe asks her, his strong thigh pressing against hers.

“I don’t know,” Isla answers truthfully, shooting him a small uncertain smile. “Maybe? I hope so.”

Rafe reaches for her hand, interlacing their fingers together. Isla relaxes under the feel of his larger hand holding hers, the two of them fitting together perfectly. “Looked like a step in the right direction,” he says encouragingly, his thumb rubbing reassuringly against her skin. 

“Yeah,” Isla breathes out, leaning back comfortably in the seat. “Baby steps,” she adds before reaching out to brush a hand down his tie again, a smile tugging on her lips. “So did you just happen to have a tie that matches my dress, or did you actually buy a new one?”

His cheeks pinken again as he huffs out a chuckle. “I bought it. With Sarah’s help,” he confesses. “Wheezie said I was whipped.” Rafe flashes Isla a smirk. “I didn’t disagree.”

Isla laughs, even as she thinks of the two different times Rafe has been labeled as such: whipped. First by Topper, the other day at the beach that resulted in Rafe punching him. Now by Wheezie, that only makes Rafe blush. Two different reactions, and Isla knows it’s because Topper said it in a way to weaponize her and Rafe’s relationship. Isla doesn’t blame him for punching Topper for it. She kind of wanted to do it herself, too. But having a boyfriend has its perks, it seems.

*****

The hotel banquet hall is a picture of elegance, grand chandeliers casting a warm glow, the windows covered with heavy navy drapes with gold trims. The round tables spread around the room are decorated with similar tones; navy tablecloths and chair coverings with gold trims and details. The centerpieces are gorgeous flowers sitting in vases, glassware and utensils wrapped in napkins sit in front of each seat. A stage is set up towards the front, a podium in the center and a screen projected on the back that reads The Cameron Group 2025 Gala. 

There are plenty of people already in attendance as Rafe guides her to where his family is, a hand at the small of her back. His skin touches hers directly thanks to her backless dress, and Isla tries not to shiver as they walk across the room where his parents seem to be holding court with a group of people. Rafe is stopped multiple times in between their entrance and when they reach his family, his charming smile making Isla smile as he greets guests and introduces her.

My girlfriend, Isla. Every time he says those words, Isla swears her smile widens a bit more. Especially when she hears that gentle inflection of pride that makes her heart flutter crazily.

“There they are,” Ward beams when he catches their approach.

Isla is all friendly smiles at the Cameron family and the few others around, but as they come to a stop next to them, Isla’s gaze goes directly to John B standing next to Sarah. Isla finds herself tuning out the conversations, only smiling when she’s introduced, but tension lines her body when John B’s dark eyes meet hers.

He looks dressed for the part in a black suit of his own and the corners of Isla’s mouth twitch up when she sees his tie matches the deep red of Sarah’s dress as well. And judging by the impish grin on Sarah’s face when Isla looks at her, it was definitely on purpose.

“You guys look gorgeous,” Sarah whispers in Isla’s ear when they hug, stepping around Sarah’s parents so they weren’t interrupting whatever discussion was happening.

“So do you,” Isla replies with a quick squeeze before they pull apart. She shoots her friend a knowing smile. “Matching ties?”

Sarah’s grin widens, elegantly shrugging a shoulder. “They’re matching us and each other,” she says with a giggle. 

Isla laughs, realizing she’s right. But before she can praise her friend for her cunningness, John B steps over to where they’re standing. Surprisingly, he doesn’t look too out of place, or appear as stiff and awkward as Isla thought he would in this kind of setting. The guys—John B, Pope, and JJ—were Pogues through and through. And while Pope, and sometimes JJ, were used to being in these types of spaces with Kooks galore because they would be working—Pope with his dad and JJ picking up a waiting job—none of them had really been in these places as attendees.

But John B stood proudly next to Sarah, and while his suit was nice and shoes polished, his hair was in its usual tousled waves, emphasizing the devil-may-care way he carries himself in. When he steps up next to them, he smiles softly at Sarah before he looks back at Isla, and his smile shifts a bit—a bit awkward, but it’s a smile nonetheless.

“Hey, Isla,” he greets, only a little stiffly. It’s progress, hopefully. “You, uh—” His gaze darts over to Rafe, who has been sucked into a conversation with some investors, Isla thinks, as he listens to them attentively and brings on the charm that’s like second nature. She finds herself enjoying watching him work. “You look nice.”

Isla looks back at John B and even if the air is tense and awkward, she still appreciates the effort. It’s ten times better than if he just straight up ignored her. “Thanks. So do you.” She smiles, relaxing somewhat. “Didn’t know you could clean up so well.”

Fortunately, John B takes her words for the playful tease they are, glancing down at himself with a short laugh. “Neither did I,” he responds. His throat works, fiddling with the button of his suit jacket before he undoes it, glancing over at Sarah. She smiles at him encouragingly, which Isla doesn’t miss, before John B looks back at her. “Uh, how’ve you been?”

She smiles, nodding. “I’m alright,” she says honestly. “How’s work?”

John B chuckles, scratching his jaw. “Can’t complain. Work, surf, repeat,” he adds, which widens Isla’s smile. This is good. This feels normal. And the way Sarah’s brown eyes are dancing happily, she can feel the tension easing away, too. John B meets Isla’s gaze again and his eyes soften, his Adam’s apple bobbing before he clears his throat and starts, “We really miss—” Hope rises in Isla’s chest, only for it to halt when John B’s gaze just happens to go past her shoulder, and she sees his eyes darken, jaw clenching.

“What’s wrong—oh, of course,” Sarah groans right when she follows John B’s gaze.

Eyebrows furrowing, Isla tries to tamp down the disappointment she feels when John B didn’t finish his thought, because she really thought it was going in the direction hse hoped, and turns to see what they’re looking at. Her tongue presses against her teeth when she sees Topper walk in, looking annoyingly sharp in his suit and tie, as he enters with his mother and grandfather—with fucking Ruthie’s arm hooked around Topper’s.

Isla’s not surprised he’s here, though she had forgotten he would be. The Thorntons are almost as much of an influential family in Kildare as the Camerons are, not to mention family friends. So of course they’re here, too. Isla rolls her eyes as Topper grins charmingly at other people, Ruthie sticking to him in a midnight blue halter dress that looks gorgeous. Isla just hates the person wearing it. Her gaze zeros in on Topper for a moment before snorting quietly as she turns back to John B and Sarah.

“Wonder what brand of concealer he’s wearing to cover up his bruise,” she lightly comments—though quietly, aware of where she is. Her gaze darts to Rafe, who has a clear view of Topper because his back isn’t to him, and Isla sees the way Rafe’s jaw works as he tears his gaze away from Topper before meeting Isla’s. His eyes soften even as he gives a small shake of his head, a silent unbelievable conveyed in his expression. Isla just gives him a reassuring smile, which he returns, before they each turn back to their respective conversations.

John B and Sarah are looking at her in confusion. “What do you mean?” Sarah asks.

Isla bites the inside of her cheek, making sure no one is listening before taking a step towards John B and Sarah. They lean in and, keeping her voice low, Isla tells them, “Rafe and I were at the beach the other day and Topper showed up, started running his mouth about you and me.” She looks at Sarah when she says this. The blonde rolls her eyes, unsurprised, while John B’s glare sharpens. “But Rafe shut him up real quick with an effective punch.”

John B blinks, rearing back a bit no doubt in surprise that Rafe punched his best friend. Former best friend, as Isla knows. Both John B and Sarah stare at her in shock, gaze flickering between her and Rafe, who is oblivious to this conversation. “Wait, seriously?” Sarah whispers. 

Isla nods, pressing her smiling lips together as her gaze meets John B’s. She gives him a single shouldered shrug, her smile a little sly. “Told you he isn’t so bad.”

Sarah scoffs out a laugh while John B inhales sharply, looking a comical mix of disbelief and, if Isla isn’t mistaken, approval. It makes her chest lighten. His gaze flicks over and before Isla can look, she feels the familiar warmth of Rafe’s hand at the small of her exposed back. 

“Hey, guys,” he says, shooting her a smile before his gaze slides to Sarah and John B, and Isla loves that his smile doesn’t shift, even when John B’s is a little awkward. But he’s trying. She can see that. They both are. “Let’s go sit.”

He leads them towards the front, to a table right by the stage. Each table sits eight, the four of them settling down with Isla and Sarah in between the guys. As Isla relaxes back in her seat, Rafe turns so he’s facing her, his fingers lightly brushing up and down her leg that’s exposed thanks to the slit of her dress. It’s a gentle, teasing touch that raises goosebumps on her skin, his fingers dancing along her calf, and when she meets his gaze, he shoots her a wink that tells her he knows exactly what he’s doing to her.

“You guys want a drink?” he asks the three of them, arching an eyebrow.

Isla glances over her shoulder. It’s an open bar, but they’d still get carded. Seeing the expression on her face, Rafe widens his smile. “Champagne?” he asks, and when Isla nods, he looks towards Sarah and John B.

His sister nods easily, but John B seems taken aback, clearly not having expected Rafe to speak to him—much less offer to get him a drink. Voluntarily. Isla can’t blame John B for it, not when he’s mostly seen Rafe as, well, an asshole. And as much as Isla adores Rafe now, neither of them are blind to how he used to be. That’s why her friends have been icing her out, isn’t it? There’s no right or wrong here—which is what makes all of it so damn complicated.

“Um—yeah—thanks,” John B stammers out, blinking as his forehead creases, still utterly confused.

Sarah pats his leg with an amused smile. Rafe merely scoops up Isla’s hand, presses a kiss to the back of it, before getting up to get the drinks. As he goes, John B seems to snap out of it and shakes his head. “Uh—that was still Rafe, wasn’t it?”

Isla rolls her eyes while Sarah flicks John B’s ear. “Told you he’s changed since they started dating,” Sarah tells him haughtily, which only makes Isla’s lips curve up.

John B shoots both Sarah and Isla a flat look. “I’m sorry if it was a little hard to believe,” he counters. He glances over his shoulder in the direction Rafe had gone. “But he does seem. . . Like being in the same room as me doesn’t piss him off anymore.”

It’s Sarah’s turn to roll her eyes, even if John B has a point. “Of course he doesn’t,” Sarah says before shooting a sly grin in Isla’s direction. “Being in love tends to have a positive effect on people.”

John B’s eyebrows shoot up while Isla stills in place, her eyes widening as she gapes at Sarah. “Whoa, wait,” Isla starts, stumbling over her words with a nervous laugh. Her skin suddenly warms, stomach fluttering at the idea of Rafe being in love with her. It’s thrilling. It’s overwhelming. Right then and there, she hopes it’s true, and that is dizzying on its own. “He didn’t—I don’t know anything about love—”

“Oh, please,” Sarah cuts in with a scoff and another roll of her eyes. She brushes her hair over her shoulder, gaze fixing on a stunned Isla. “I told you—I’ve never seen Rafe like that. I mean, remember? He used to be moodier than a teenage girl going through puberty the first time. But he’s mellowed out over the last couple of months.”

Isla shakes her head. “We’ve only been dating a little while. Not months,” she counters.

Sarah’s smile remains. “Yeah, but I have a feeling the change happened when he realized his feelings for you. He probably knew you wouldn’t go for him if he didn’t make some kind of change, you know?” She shoots John B a pointed look. “Like keeping his distance from you and the guys.”

John B had the good sense to look chastised—and like he doesn’t quite want to believe Sarah. But the way he presses his lips together in resignation tells Isla that he does as Sarah looks back over at Isla. Her expression softens, her hand reaching out to grasp Isla’s. “I’m guessing you two haven’t said the L word to each other yet but, trust me, you don’t need to say it to know it’s true. I see the way you guys look at each other. It’s obvious.”

Isla rolls her lips, heart thundering as she mulls over Sarah’s words—and not finding any sort of lie in them. But is it too soon? Their relationship is still so new—can she be in love with him?

The thought alone seems plausible, a truth that she can feel deep in her heart. She’s happier than she’s ever been, despite her situation with her friends. Rafe makes her happy, makes her feel cared for—how can she not love him?

But how can she revel in the happiness of her relationship when things are still so up in the air with everyone else?

“I’ll be right back,” John B suddenly says, getting to his feet and catching both girls’ attention.

Isla and Sarah watch as he walks away from them and, with her heart launching to her throat, Isla realizes he’s headed straight for the bar. Right where Rafe is.

-

taglist: @jenniesbuttercup-blog @combatbabys-world @talkfastromance4 @you-got-me-starry-eyed @invisiblexcth @freshsturniolo346 @theafournier97 @danismyth04 @fl0werlver @perfectprettypisces @pameluuu @melsbels-zip @gabrielaperez11 @katieeeeb @cenzie811148

[outerhills]

me rewatching outer banks and my dislike growing for kiara even more 😭

im re-watching s1 ep9 right now and its killing me how jj and pope literally told them "fuck the police" and not to trust them.

but then kiara wanna scramble as soon as they see the police had prize money for whoever found john b and turned him in. then, her attitude is NOT tea at all.

not to mention, when jj told them his dad said to never trust the police and kiara was like "your dad is an abusive liar," it would have took everything in me not to slap tf outta her if i was there 💀🙏🏾

this is NOT safe space for kiara stans i swear

[aphrosephone119]

The mermaid girlfriend and her wolfblood boyfriend

a concept I thought of because I love obx, h2o and CBBC's Wolfblood 🤧

(if you've never watched Wolfblood, all the episodes are on YouTube. GO DO IT!!)

[islandheartprincess]

littlepogue!reader - cupcake chaos 🌱✨

˖⁺‧₊˚♡˚₊‧⁺˖

summary: little pogue vivianne keller thinks she could be a baking prodigy, but can her hands cause anything other than disaster?

c!w: none! pure fluff ۫ ꣑ৎ

pairing: littlepogue!reader x pogues (platonic)

read my little pogue oc, vivianne kellers moodboard & intro first

you were hard at work in the kitchen, covered in flour and batter, while the pogues lounged around the chateau deep in convo.

"guys, i promise this time, IT WILL BE LEGENDARY" you said, holding up a box of cupcake mix like it was a priceless artifact

"uh, y'know cupcakes are supposed to be like, sweet, right vee" John B teased sitting on the counter next to you

"shush! they're gonna be perfect" you shot back at him, slapping his arm harshly

pope stuck his head back out from the fridge "right... just as perfect as your pancake cookies from last week..."

JJ stopped his obnoxious crunching on some expired chips to comment "welp man! I'm down, if they're good we get good food, if they're not we get to make fun of vivi's baking skills! win-win." he chuckled at his own joke, popping another chip in his mouth.

kiara let out a loud groan as she walked into the kitchen, "is she doing this again?" eyeing you, preparing herself for disaster. "oh, its happening," JJ responded " and we are all estimated to die from a sugar overload in about an hour"

kiara giggled, turning back to you "vee, if these end up like your pancake cookies, im locking you out of the kitchen forever."

you side-eyed her, about to argue back, and then... ding! the oven timer went off.

"prepare to be amazed" you said, putting on oven mitts while everyone quickly surrounded you,carefully opening the oven door.

pulling out the tray, everyone collectively gasped. the cupcakes were.... well- creative! you still had hope though, setting them on the counter. JJ poked one with a fork, watching it deflate like a balloon. "whoops, think I just killed one, my bad."

everyone took a cupcake, suspiciously eyeing it, and you counted down to three so everyone could taste it at the same time.

"2....3." everyone bit into their cupcake, only letting a second pass before chaos erupted. John B quickly rushed to the trash can to spit it out, while JJ just spat his on the floor. you slowly continued to chew yours, trying to put up a fake front before you spat yours out in the sink.

"vivi ARE YOU TRYING TO KILL US?" kiara said frantically

"i followed the recipe exactly?! i have no idea how it could turn out like this!" you responded suspiciously

John B looked around confused, raising his eyebrow before looking at you, "vee... now that I think about it, we don't even have measuring tools" you blinked at him... maybe it could've been that... he continued "or SUGAR."

you shot him a confused look before pointing to a glass container containing tiny white crystallines. "then what the hell is that?"

pope walked over, and turned the container to its front, revealing a large label reading "SALT" you looked around in silence, before the group bursted out in laughter, you included.

"you're definitely making history with this one, as the worst cupcakes ever" JJ chuckled

"one day, you're all gonna regret doubting me" you said while pope wrapped his arm around you, patting your head. "are you gonna poison us?" he joked, getting a laugh out of everyone.

"fine! I admit defeat this time" you said, plopping yourself onto the couch next to Kiara.

kiara hugged you tightly, "i think it would be the safest to stick to store-bought cupcakes"

you didn't care about cupcakes though, for now, you were happy to be in the moment surrounded by laughter, bad cupcakes, and pure ridiculousness.

˖⋆࿐໋

vivianne kellers moodboard & intro (⁠♡⁠ω⁠♡⁠ ⁠)⁠ ⁠~⁠♪

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[obxsummer]

wave of you // ghost of you

pairing: jj maybank x routledge!reader

summary: more treasure hunting continues but your group takes time to enjoy the perfect surf day. it was perfect, that is until topper’s girlfriend becomes unhinged and you find yourself in the middle of an argument with… rafe cameron coming to your defense?

warnings: the usual obx angst, anxiety attacks, mentions of PTSD, cursing, crying. yeah.

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ask me anything

--

Sarah and John B had beat your half of the group back to the house, Kiara having been running the shop in the unexpected absences. After taking a shower to scrub the hospital off of you and changing into the comfiest clothes you could find, you joined everyone in the living area where everyone was sharing their half of the past few hours. 

John B and Sarah had taken the amulet to get an inscription translated into what you found out said Where the living and dead collide, the gatekeeper will guide the way, whatever that meant. They were kicked out shortly after revealing where the object was from, the individual telling them it was cursed. 

“Genrette was obsessed with Blackbeard, so maybe directions to his treasure?” John B theorized as he handed the amulet over to JJ.

“So, what is this treasure?” Cleo continued, “Gold?”

Pope shook his head. “No, I remember hearing something about like a… a crown, blue crown?”

His suggestion was immediately vetoed by Cleo and Kiara, neither girl believing a word he offered. You sighed and leaned back into the cushions of the couch, wrapping the blanket tighter around you as you listened to them bicker. 

“Apparently, it is the most sought out artifact in the ancient world,” John B read off a page of a book he’d grabbed from the shelf. You squinted at the object in his hand, quietly asking yourself when your brother of all people read a book. “The blue crown was created for Darius the Great of Persia over 3,000 years ago.”

“That’s worth more than 50k.”

John B ignored JJ’s comment and continued, “It was said to possess the blessing of the gods themselves, granting the wearer immense favor and rare invincibility. Holy shit, look at this. Xerxes, the son of Darius the Great, he was a badass. He’s wearing it. Uh, Alexander the Great, beat the shit out of everybody. He’s wearing it. Julius Caesar, also a badass, murdered a bunch of people.”

“Dad told you all of this?” You asked him as he read the names off the pages. Pushing yourself to your feet, you moved to stand behind JJ and rested your chin on his shoulder as you looked over at what they were reading. He moved you into his side, thumb brushing your hip bone as he tugged you close.

John B shook his head at your question, glancing up at you. “No, no. I don’t remember any of this, I just know it granted wishes.”

“Like a genie?”

“Hold on, it says right here the crown was lost sometime in the 1700s, but it was rumored to be hunted down by… Blackbeard.”

There was no argument that the direction of the treasure hunt had been changed when it came to a priceless item versus 50k. The whole night shifted, turning into a bonfire and celebration between the group that brought everyone’s spirits back up.

“Oh, come on!” You complained as Pope smacked your burnt marshmallow from his face, sending the treat into the grass a few feet away. “Pope, that was my fuckin’ marshmallow!”

“I’ll make you a different one! The burnt ones are ass!”

You groaned in response and fake pouted before shaking the can of beer in your hand to find it empty. The six of you had been out here since sundown, embracing the thrill of the evening and what lay ahead. Despite hating the danger your group always seemed to head into, you missed this feeling of nostalgia and anticipation. 

JJ’s hands grabbed your hips as you got up from your folding chair, bumping into him as you did so. You covered his hand in the one that didn’t have an empty can and smiled at him. “My knight in shining armor.”

“At your service, baby,” He replied instantly, trading your empty can for the fresh one he had next to him. Once it was securely in your hand, he tugged on your waist until you fell into his lap, a squeal escaping your lips before the two of you lost balance with the momentum and tumbled backward into the grass. 

You screamed in shock, your beer flying away in the chaos as you rolled off JJ who was high off his ass and giggling loudly at the fall. You couldn’t stop the laughter escaping your lips and dropped into the grass completely, overwhelmed with happiness for the first time in what felt like forever. “You dumbass!” 

“C’mere!” 

Another yelp escaped you as JJ swooped you off the lawn and over his shoulder, hauling your ass toward the house with no explanation. 

“Oh come on!” John B groaned and covered his eyes with his hand as JJ carried you out of view, various whistles from the ground following. “Fuckin’ hate you, JJ!”

JJ flipped your brother off with his free hand and walked into the house, closing the door with his shoe before he gently placed your feet on the ground. You grinned up at him, your hands wrapping around his neck to pull him impossibly closer. 

“Did you need something?” You teased and faked innocence as you fluttered your eyelashes to drive the effect home.

JJ tsked his tongue, his fingers cupping your neck before he kissed you roughly, moaning at the way your body fell into him without hesitation. You knew he wasn’t going to hold back very long and there was a 100% chance your friends could walk in at any moment.

“Upstairs,” You rushed out as his lips dropped to your neck, nipping softly at your skin to make your knees even weaker. “Jay.”

“Yeah, yeah,” He mumbled, his kisses stopping long enough for him to crouch and loop his arms around your ass and waist and pick you up, your ankles crossing behind his back, supported by his strong grip. “Lemme love on you.”

You hummed, kissing him again and biting gently on his bottom lip in response to his request. “You can love on me as much as you went when it’s not somewhere John B can see it.”

JJ groaned and shook his head. “Please stop bringing up your brother when we’re making out.”

You laughed loudly as he started walking up the stairs to your room, his kisses lingering on your collarbone and his grip tight as he did. The lack of light was welcomed as you landed on the bed with a laugh, barely having a second to pull your shirt off and drop your shoes before JJ was hovering over you with a hungry desire in his eyes and a whole night to make you his, again and again, just as he intended to.

--

The next morning was a haze of blissful kisses and a warm shower between you and JJ, the house still silent as everyone slept. Your boyfriend wrapped you in a soft towel, pressing a kiss to your forehead before telling you he was going to check on the shack. It hadn’t taken more than a few minutes before he was running through the house, waking everyone up and telling them about the swell.

The warm sunlight was shining through the window as you slipped on a swimsuit for the day, taking the time to brush your skin with sunscreen and grabbing one of John B’s lightweight shirts to slip on over your shoulders. The boys were already down prepping the boards with Kiara as you and Sarah took the time to make breakfast for everyone, knowing food would easily be forgotten in the excitement of the day.

“Oh come on, don’t tell me you guys are seriously surfing today?” Pope walked across the screened-in porch while shoving his backpack on his shoulders.

You frowned at the sight of him in everyday clothes and not swimwear, “And you aren’t?”

Ever since you were little, you’d spent every surf day with the boys and Kiara. It was like the second the news of a perfect swell hit town, all bets were off and the beach was calling your name. Pope was usually the one to drag you out of bed for it, so to see him walking away was a surprise.

“Well, I don’t want to sell the million dollars I have in my hand for 50k so, I’m gonna look into this.” He held up the amulet for emphasis.

JJ looked just as confused as you did. “Wait, Pope. Didn’t you hear me? It’s a perfect swell day.”

“Yeah, and there will be other swell days.”

Low whistles and ‘ooohs’ followed his statement, the group collectively disagreeing with his mindset. John B turned to Sarah from his spot where he was waxing your board. “You wanna maximize beach day?”

Sarah pursed her lips. “I wanna maximize this tan.”

You bit into your toast and pushed at her with your toes. “Sarah Cameron, I know you used to be a Kook but you’ll learn how to surf the Pogue way today.”

She rolled her eyes in fake annoyance before pushing at your foot, sending you off balance from your stool as you yelped before laughing. 

“Well, everyone have fun maximizing.” 

“Wait!” You called out to Pope as he turned on his heels to leave. “Where’s Cleo? I have to see her on a board. She’s gotta be insane with it.”

Pope shrugged, “She texted me, said she’s looking for bait in The Cut.”

“Lame, tell her we’re closed!” Kie argued back.

JJ continued to try and convince Pope to join you all on the beach, but the boy wasn’t having it, his mind stubborn on exploring more info on the amulet for the day. He informed you all he texted Cleo to meet up before hopping on his bike and disappearing from view. 

You weren’t sure how the boys managed to get all the boards on the Twinkie, or honestly, you didn’t want to know, but the second the sand was in between your toes, you didn’t have a care in the world. Surfing was always one of your favorite pastimes. The sunshine, the water, and the feeling of landing a good wave were so rewarding. 

John B had managed to find the group an open spot on the beach to set up chairs and the umbrella he almost took JJ’s eye out with. You took off in the sand and dove headfirst into the water, relishing in the refresh it gave you as the water crossed over. It had been so long since you had nothing to do besides lay in the salty water.

The peace didn’t last long, of course. Topper and his rowdy group pulled up in their newer vehicles, purposely parking close to your group as if it would make a point. You rolled your eyes at the sight of them, knowing this wouldn’t end well because it just never really did. 

JJ met you in the water with both of your boards in hand, but your focus wasn’t on him. It was on the group piling out of the cars which happened to include Rafe Cameron.  

“I won’t let anything happen,” JJ attempted to reassure you as he stopped to kiss your temple, sliding your board into your hands. You gave him a weak nod but didn’t move your gaze as you watched Topper move closer to your setup where he intercepted John B. 

Your hands moved to give JJ the board back as you walked out of the water to approach the two boys. You didn’t need John B doing anything irrational, especially if Topper pushed his buttons the way he normally did.

“Nice of you to join the party,” Topper acknowledged as you came to stand next to your brother with crossed arms. 

“Top.” You nodded in his direction, not backing down in your defensive approach.

Topper motioned toward John B, “I was just hashing things out, you know. Friendly banter to get things even.”

“Do you really think it’s even, Topper?” You asked him as the list began to run through your head. Every time you guys got the slight upper hand, the Kooks took you down two pegs.

Topper pursed his lips and looked away from you. “Uh, let’s go down the list. You guys sunk my boat.”

“Allegedly.”

“Then you cold-cocked me and put me in the ER, remember?” He looked at John B pointedly like it was the worst thing ever.

“You beat the shit out of Pope,” You reminded him. “Or, how about pushing John B off a two-story building, hmm?”

Topper rolled his eyes and pointed behind John B. “Look, I was with her first, bro. If your girl comes to me, if she can’t resist….” 

“Real mature of you, Topper. Oh, by the way, thanks for burning our house down,” John B replied, his fingers twitching to throw the first punch, but he wouldn’t with you standing next to him.

You sneered at Topper’s attitude and stepped forward to block John B in case the emotions got the best of either boy. “Just here to surf, Top. Unless you had more to say?”

Topper’s eyes glanced behind you before he cleared his throat and refocused with no further argument. “No, no. Just here to surf.”

You hummed in agreement as he turned to walk away, mumbling something about having a good chat. Waiting until he was far enough on his side, you shifted back around to see JJ standing a few feet behind you, glare sharp enough to kill the Kook. No wonder Topper about shit his pants.

“C’mon.” John B grabbed your hand, tugging you away from the scene. You didn’t miss the way Rafe stared at you the entire time despite the new brunette he seemed to have attached to his hip. It took one glance to know she wasn’t a Kook, especially with the obvious discomfort she held around the group. 

Pushing their presence to the back of your mind, you allowed John B and JJ to tug you out into the warm sea, Kiara and Sarah following behind the three of you as the waves started to kick up. It became a routine of swapping waves, dropping in amongst your friends’ cheers and applause. Even Sarah managed to grab a couple and remain on her feet for the course into shore, which had all of you celebrating.

Hours passed between the sun and waves before you flopped on a towel and treated yourself to a midday nap. Sarah had the right idea when she said she would maximize her tan, the warm rays lulling you to sleep before you knew it.

JJ pulled himself out of the water, brushing as much from his hair as possible so he didn’t look like a wet dog. He didn’t feel half bad dropping in on a wave that Topper supposedly thought he could claim. JJ laughed to himself; the damn Kook should know better than to try to out-surf a Pogue. 

His eyes caught sight of you sound asleep and cuddled up on the oversized towel you insisted on grabbing for yourself at the thrift store. It was rare nowadays for you to sleep without someone by your side, especially at night. There were too many times when you’d crash on the hammock before the group came in and you woke someone up with a heavy scream. 

In the years JJ had known you, he’d never considered you to be weak or broken. You’d always been an example of strength in his eyes, someone who could persevere even the toughest of challenges. He knew it took a little bit of support now and then, but you were healing, and he was so, so proud of you. You’d shared such vulnerable moments with him, and though he wished he could take the pain away, he knew it was a process. It took him longer than he’d like to admit to share about his dad with you, so he understood the hesitancy you had when it came to unpacking what occurred while John B was gone. 

Usually, when you caught sight of Rafe, you shut down completely. JJ didn’t pry to ask what all happened when you were stuck with him, trusting that in time you would open up and share when you were comfortable. He was grateful that you felt comfortable enough with them around to sleep even though the person who’d taken so much from you was so close by. 

“Guys, there’s a turtle hatch!”

Kiara’s excitement woke you up from the warmth of the sand, your eyes blinking in an attempt to adjust to the sunlight. You shifted to see where she was pointing, noticing the little movements of sand and the dark figures poking out. Pushing yourself to your feet, your friends scurried around to make a path in hopes of guiding the baby turtles safely toward the water.

You quickly tossed John B your towel to drag out the terrain evenly before taking a closer look at the small creatures, wishing you could pick one up but knowing better. “They’re so cute, what the fuck!”

“Make a turtle highway,” Sarah laughed beside you, the two of soaking up the once-in-a-lifetime event as Kie continued to build a path with the boys. Pulling out your phone, you snapped a few photos of the event, including one of Sarah pointing at the little turtles as they cruised by.

The sound of a revving engine pulled your attention away and toward where Topper’s supped-up Jeep was approaching. You frowned at the sight, not sure what his intentions were before you noticed Topper wasn’t even driving, Ruthie was.

“Hey!” Kiara stood up and waved her hands in the air, “Stop! There’s a hatch!”

“Topper, stop!” You yelled next, trying to point around the current path of the turtles who were moving as fast as their little bodies could take them. “Move!”

There was barely enough time for JJ and Kiara to throw themselves out of the way of the oncoming Jeep, thankfully missing the turtles and the near-death of the duo. You could hear Ruthie’s obnoxious laugh behind you as you faced the Kook group who apparently, found attempted murder funny.

“Hey!” You were shouting before you had a chance to think it through, feet stomping through the sand to carry you closer to where Kelce and his friends found it hysterical. “What the hell is wrong with you people?”

Kelce continued to laugh as Topper’s Jeep revved once more, coming to a stop next to you. “Maybe next time don’t drop in on our surf,” Kelce’s voice dropped deeper as he approached you, gaze darkening when he was eye to eye with you.

“Fuck you, Kelce. Whatever ego you all have that you think entitles you to run over baby turtles is sick,” You spat, pushing against his chest causing his friends to ‘ooh’ at your action. Not only did they almost ruin the hatch, but Kie and JJ were inches from getting run over because of their stupidity.

“Turtles?” A voice next to you stopped you from spitting another nasty curse at the group now that Topper and Ruthie had rejoined. You looked over to see the brunette girl looking back at you, her gaze familiar before you caught Rafe watching over her shoulder. “There were turtles?”

The heartbreak in her voice surprised you. You figured anyone following Rafe around would have the same cruel attitude he did, but the empathy you weren’t expecting. 

“Go back to The Cut,” Ruthie interrupted whatever explanation you were considering giving. 

You turned to glare at her, closing the distance between the two of you as you poked at her chest. “You have five seconds before JJ gets over here and loses his shit on all of you, so, I’d watch your words, Ruthie, before they bite you in the ass. You’re a pathetic excuse for a human, and I hope you’re fucking ashamed of your actions.”

The group clearly hadn’t expected you, of all people, to come mouth off about their actions. Silence filled the group, the girl in front of you at a loss of words that someone actually dared put her in her place. 

“Look, we didn’t mean to-“

“Shut the fuck up, Topper!” You snapped at him, sick of his attempts to appear innocent despite all the damage he caused. “What happened to just here to surf, huh? Or is attempted murder always in the back of your mind?”

“Hey watch it-“

“Fucking leave, Pogue!”

“Get the hell out of here!”

“Hey, hey! Enough!” It was Rafe who put himself between you and Ruthie’s incoming hands. You didn’t know whether to be grateful or terrified and took a step back, feet stumbling as you did so. You stared at him, horrified as his gaze met yours and stole all the air from your lungs. 

“Bitch can barely look him in the eye,” Ruthie laughed behind Rafe, but you made no move to correct her, terrified that even a breath in the wrong way would end your life. Rafe Cameron, of all people, to be the one to stop someone from harming you was a sick joke.

“Rafe?” The brunette girl next to him grabbed his arm, her eyes taking in your terrified expression. It was then that you recognized her. Sofia, the girl who you’d unfortunately come to know too well in the therapy sessions John B had forced you to attempt. The two of you had shared so much with each other but never once had you run into her since you stopped going months ago. She seemed to process who you were then too, a silent conversation running through her head as she mouthed your name. 

At that moment, someone ran up behind you, hands landing on your hips before you were moved into another set of arms. You caught sight of JJ stepping closer to Rafe, likely starting an argument that you could only hope didn’t end with a fight. 

“You’re okay, I’ve got ya.” John B turned you around to redirect your gaze, his arm wrapping around your shoulder as he started walking back toward the Twinkie. Everything turned to a haze, the adrenaline wearing off enough that you were heading into the inevitable anxiety attack. 

“If you come near her, or any one of us, ever again, I’ll come back and kill every single one of you.” JJ’s threat wasn’t a light one, and you were certain it would come back to bite him in the ass considering the Kooks would take it and run with it. 

Your heart was beating rapidly in your ears as John B pushed you into the passenger seat of the Twinkie, his hands grabbing both of your cheeks as you closed your eyes and tried to focus on your breath. Sarah’s grip on your hand was light as she climbed in the driver’s seat to sit on your other side. 

“What the hell was that?” Kiara’s shout echoed through the van, ringing in your ears and causing you to squeeze your eyes closed even harder. “What did you say to them?”

“Kie, shut up!” Sarah was yelling back at her, their voices blending together as you tucked your knees to your chest and curled into a ball. The shakiness was setting in and all you could do was beg your body to calm down and catch up to your actions.  

You forced your eyes to open, blinking as you managed to catch Sofia’s gaze across the sand. How you didn’t put the pieces together that’s who she was, you weren’t sure, but a pit grew in your stomach when you realized you’d spilled so much in those sessions that she was present for. Most, if not all of it, about Rafe. 

Air choked in your lungs, and aggressive coughs followed before JJ’s hand was against your chest to keep you upright. His fingers were gently against your jawline as he kept your head up in an attempt to help you breathe correctly.

“You’re alright, baby. Just keep breathing, yeah?”

John B had left your vision, same with Sarah, leaving you face to face with your boyfriend. He climbed over you to sit in the seat Sarah had once occupied and pulled your legs out to rest over his. The desire to curl up and cramp your muscles happened more than often and he’d picked up on that after a few anxiety attacks, recognizing your patterns and habits. 

JJ forced his hands in yours, keeping your fingers from stabbing your palms as you fought to take deep breaths, your body still on high alert even though your mind was coming back down. 

“There you go, good girl,” His encouragement made you smile slightly, knowing he was messing with you on purpose. Moving forward, you puddled into his lap without a word, and he welcomed you with open arms. Physical contact helped more in the recent moments, something you never expected considering you used to be so fearful of someone’s touch. 

JJ shuffled with you in his grasp, tugging the door closed to prevent unwelcome eyes from seeing you in such a vulnerable moment. John B was climbing in the driver seat shortly after, Sarah joining in the back before all doors were closed. Your breathing was slowing, muscles finding the forgiveness to loosen up on you but refused to move from JJ’s lap until your head was back in one piece.

“Kie?” You mumbled into his shoulder. The girl was clearly upset with you, but you didn’t have the capacity to question why.

“Walking,” John B replied simply as he started the old van. “Needs to clear her fuckin’ head.”

Sarah shushed him and you could hear her hand connect with his body gently, a grumbled protest coming from your brother in response. A comfortable silence filled the vehicle as John B drove away from the beach and started his course back home.

--

Exhaustion had set in on the drive, your body heavy in JJ’s hold as you listened to the occupants other than yourself share small chatter. Words weren’t enough to describe how grateful you were to your friends and brother for always supporting you no matter what. You knew it was a handful, hell, it wasn’t easy yourself, but the fact that they showed up time and time again said everything.

“Sorry about everything,” You apologized as John B parked the van in front of the house, ending your adventure for the day. “I’m trying to fix it and it just-”

“Hey,” Sarah interrupted your explanation as she popped her head over the seat. “No apologies. We’ve talked about that. Don’t apologize, ever.”

She left no room for argument and opened the back door to slide out. You looked at JJ and John B, both boys shrugged in agreement with her, making you roll your eyes. 

“Maybe we could rethink therapy?” John B suggested as he watched you rub your face to rid yourself of tear marks. You shook your head, giving no verbal answer.

Therapy had been shit for you. When you first came back from El Dorado, the hospital had taken one look at you, post-gunshot stitches, and deemed you unsound. You went with it for a while, going to the group sessions and spilling stories without any names. Then you realized how cruel people were when they started comparing trauma and you never went back again.

JJ’s grip loosened so you could climb out of the van, arm slinging over your shoulder to keep you close as he followed you. Sarah joined your side, pulling your hand in hers to swing back and forth as the four of you started heading toward the house where Pope had come out the side door.

“Yo!” JJ called in greeting. “What’d you find?”

Silence followed the question, shifting your attention to Pope instead of the ground. The shock on his face was evident and your gaze immediately dropped to the dark red smears on his shirt and hands. 

“Oh, shit.” Sarah was turning you into her instantly, both JJ and John B getting closer to Pope with an onslaught of questions. You kept your eyes on her, squeezing her hand tightly in attempt to keep your mind from getting involved.

“What happened?”

“Where’s Cleo?”

“She’s inside.” It was the only answer Pope had to give, and it sent JJ inside scrambling for the girl in question, fearing what he would find. John B grabbed ahold of Pope, steering him back to the house without any further questions before Sarah started to guide you along with the fresh blood out of view. 

Sarah looked at you expectantly as you made your way through the door into whatever chaos you’d subjected yourself to. The girl next to you stopped short and shifted your path into the kitchen, rerouting you from whatever she’d caught sight of before you could. JJ was already in there, pushing a water into your hand and lifting you onto the kitchen counter without another word.

To your relief, Cleo moved in shortly after, her expression stoic and unreadable before Sarah left your side and you could barely hear Kiara’s voice joining whatever conversation was happening a room over.

JJ placed his hands on each side of your body before kissing you softly, pulling your mind to him and only him. You hummed quietly, fingers tangling in his hair for a moment before he shifted away.

“Can you tell me?” You asked quietly, not wanted to push too far if Cleo was clearly so upset. 

He glanced at the girl behind you before answering, “Terrance’s body is in the other room.” 

JJ watched you as you processed the information, a million questions running through your mind that you couldn’t bring yourself to ask. Apparently, there was no time to, as JJ’s eyes caught on to something out the window behind you. A quick glance over your shoulder revealed the all too familiar Kildare County Sheriff’s Office truck, and your heart sank to your ass.

“J-“

“Upstairs,” He replied with no room for disagreement. “Our room or balcony, kay? I’ll send Sarah.”

You nodded, doing what he said without another question and bolted up the stairs with your heart pounding in your chest. Sarah’s footsteps were behind you moments later, the two of you finding sanctuary on the balcony outside your shared room with JJ. 

The sun was beginning to set and cast an orange lighting over the two of you as you piled into the hammock. Sarah leaned her head against yours just as another figure joined your group. Cleo fell on top of the two of you with a huff, both you and Sarah wrapping her up tightly into your cuddle puddle. 

And suddenly, all you could hear, was silence.

How the fuck did the cards fall this way every single time?

--

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ask me anything

[fitzells]

if you guys don’t start sending requests i’m going to write the filthiest shoupe smut you can possibly imagine and pay to boost it so none of you can escape

ignore tags as well you guys have really upset me

[drewsephrry]

HEYWARD BEING IN THIS IS ICONIC

[strangelysamantha]

girl that you love pt 2 ❀

sarah cameron x fem!reader. kiara carrera x fem!reader.

warnings: alcohol consumption

words: 1,967.

summary: after humiliating yourself after your confession to sarah, you find yourself comforted by kiara.

request? yes!! highly recommended:)

a/n: love this blog if you enjoy! thank you for reading my story! <3 ik it’s been literally multiple years since i started posting, but i'm back now. send in requests!

my masterlist

part one!

—————————————-————————

after being completely embarrassed by sarah, you humbly went home. your mind was racing, you felt so dumb. you didn't mean to start anything, but the replaying image of disgust on her face when you admitted your feelings was nauseating. you couldn't bring yourself to leave your house, riddled with humiliation. the interaction with rafe twisting your stomach. he seemed so genuine, but if he knew the full story would he had treated you any differently? you couldn't think of either cameron sibling.

you were loafed out on your living room couch; you consumed time by engulfing yourself with tv. your friends had never watched you get so low, and it was worrying them. they wanted to help you, but they knew it was a sensitive topic.

kiara was the first one to confront you, she gave you a reality check. one you so desperately needed. she firmly knocks three times, waiting for you to let her in. you hesitate but ultimately walk to the door to let her in. she's shocked by your state. "are you doing, okay?" she asked you. you frown, "not really." you decided being transparent was the best way to get yourself out of this rut. she shakes her head, "you're letting her win, yknow that right?" she questions you. "what are you talking about?" she sighs. "sarah doesn't realize what she's missing out on? okay? you're a great friend. you're funny, sweet, and she isn't worth wasting your energy." you grimace at her words. "you need to get out. shower, get ready. i'm taking you somewhere, okay? trust me." you groan at her insistence. you knew it wasn't worth putting up a fight over. at the bottom of your heart, you knew she was right. you quickly pick out an outfit before heading to the showers.

kiara waits patiently on the couch, interested in the show you had on. you quickly shower and change, joining her in the living room. "what exactly are we going to do?" she gets excited. "we're going to have pope pick us up. we're going to party, drink, and dance until we can't think about any of our problems." you laugh with her, "okay fine." she quickly texts pope, while you sit down on the couch again.

the idea of the party made you extremely nervous. there was a high probably of sarah being there, and you weren't sure you were ready for a confrontation. it's like kiara can read your mind, "if she's there we will ignore her, i won't let her say anything to you. she doesn't deserve any conversation with you." you nod at her reassurance, the nerves fluttering away. you felt better with the fact your friends would be tagging along; they would easily get you out of any uncomfortable situations.

pope texts you two, signaling he's outside waiting. you guys head outside, hopping into the twinkie. pope and jj are the only ones inside. "next stop, the party!!!" jj boasts trying to lighten the mood, he cranks up the radio and pope drives to the beach quickly. you are stuck in conversation with your friends, you felt normal, safe. this was the best feeling, and it was definitely needed.

the twinkie halts, indicating you had arrived at the beach. the nerves come back quickly, but you knew liquor would make you distracted. jj leads the group to the alcohol, you immediately down a cup. kiara watches you closely, she knew exactly how you felt. she's actually been in the exact situation. she was focused on you, wanting to comfort you in any way that she could.

the party was actually a great distraction, you hadn't felt this free in days. unfortunately, you spotted sarah with john b. your heart stung at the pair, jealousy and resentment bubbling in your chest. immediately you turn, making distance from them. you began to rush with thoughts again, the alcohol being a great temporary distraction, but that’s all it was. temporary.

the sight of them made your head pound. the loud music only heightening the strain. you glance around eagerly, in hope of running into kiara, pope, even jj. the search for them came up short, you figured they were all on the other side of where sarah and john b were dancing. you walk down the sandy beach. just your luck, you discover rafe and some girl making out in the exclusive hidden area. your eyes revolt at the image, and you immediately walk past them trying to get some fresh air.

rafe was about to confront the person who interrupted his make out sesh, however when he realized it was you, he asked the girl he was kissing to go them more beer. she drunkenly obliged to his request, making her way to the cooler of beer.

you didn’t want to talk to him. you knew he had enough time to talk to sarah about the whole situation. you sprint to the twinkie, however it’s john b and sarah that you run into. of course. it was john bs vehicle after all. rafe was still chasing after you. out of the corner of your eye you see kiara. you’ve never felt so much relief wash over you in your life. you ignore anything they say, running to kiara. you pull her into a hug, and she happily accepts. “so much just happened. i wanna get outta here. can we go to yours?” you question. the party was too much, and you didnt want to see them. kiara nods, reaching in her phone to see if her dad could come grab you two.

sarah cameron watched you and kiara from afar. a frown on her lips. your arm is still finding comfort in kiaras touch, you wrapped your guys arms together, finding safety. you stared at kiara with sparkling eyes. she looks down at you smiling. "thank you for helping me through this. i honestly feel better." you're intrigued so you question her. "how'd you know what i needed?" she bites back a smile, "well, i've kinda been in the same situation." you nod at her words, and she continues, "last semester, i had a friend. you know wendy?" you sigh, "yeah i do, why?" she rushes with embarrassment at the memory. "well. we were studying at the library. we had done it every thursday, for months. then she started coming over, well i thought maybe she felt the same way." you frown, "but, i tried to confess my feelings for her, and she let me down gentler than sarah did to you, but she said she wasn't into girls." you gasp, "kiara! are you gay too!?" she giggles with excitement, "yeah!" you grin at her words, "im glad you told me." you confess. she looks away, "well i was going to tell you sooner, but i knew how you felt about sarah, and i guess a part of me thought she liked you back." you wait, "why would it matter if i liked sarah?" you ask her.

she hesitates like it's obvious, "because then you would know that i like you." your heart races at her honesty. you are caught off guard, but you immediately pull her into a hug. "i like you too kiara. i just stuffed the feelings down because i thought you wouldn't like me." her heart sinks, "wanna rekindle them?" she asks. you bite your lip; you place your hands on her hips. you pull her closer to you, reaching in for a kiss. she happily kisses back, her hands wrapping around your neck. you two continue to kiss, but the cherishing moment unfortunately is interrupted by kiaras phone. she pulls it out and answers her dads call. "sorry, were close to the parking lot. we're walking there now." she listens to his response before saying thank you and hanging up. "my dad is here, let's get out of here." you laugh, "sounds good to me." the two of you head to the parking lot, meeting kiaras dad. you two hop into the back seat and start the drive.

sarah b watches your little romance spark. her heart sinks just by the sight of your clinginess with kiara. john b is talking to jj about kiara and you but sarah doesn't listen, her mind was racing with thoughts. rafe walked up to sarah, seeing the whole event unfold. "guess her crushes don't last long." she scoffs. rafe is confused by her frustration. "you were the one who let her down? remember? you told her no. why are you so pissed?" sarah rolls her eyes. "it's just the principle." rafe holds back his laugh, "oh i'm sure that's the reason." sarah storms off, walking back to the beaches shore. she sinks her feet into the sand, letting the water rush over her feet. the scenery helping her ease her mind. rafes words got to her. why was she so mad? she denied you, it's her fault you two don't talk anymore. sarah sighed, unable to dissect her true feelings.

john b, glanced around for sarah, rushing straight to the shore in search for her. unsurprisingly, she was there, sat on the sand, letting the waves crash over her legs. "what's wrong sarah?" john b looks around, seeing the party had dispersed. the sun had gone down almost completely, the black stars and moon shining. sarah sighs. "i'm not even sure." is all she can muster out. he's confused, "are you mad about kiara?" she groans at the sound of her name. "why would i care john b?" he shrugs, "well you won't tell me what the actual problem is, so i'm sorry for assuming." she shakes her head, "i need to get home. can you take me?" he nods, "of course." he reaches her his hand to help her get up, she ignored it and got up by herself. she sluggishly made it back to the twinkie. she frowns leaning her head on the car's headrest. john b drops sarah off at her house, she quickly gives him a thank you, hopping out of the car. heading inside her home, she jumps into bed. annoyance and confusion clouding her mind. she changed into pajamas, going straight to bed.

back at kiaras place, you and kiara had ate some snacks, and were now sitting on her bed cuddling. you two were talking about the first time you realized you had feelings for each other. you went first. "well it was when jj introduced us. you were wearing black shorts, and a crop top. your hair was perfect, and you had a huge smile on your face. you looked so pretty, and carefree. i thought you were so cool. after hearing about your passions, and interest, i was so entranced by you." kiara listens intently, blushing at your words. "i first liked you after the first time we hung out for the first time alone, without jj, or pope. we never really got to hang out like that." you laugh agreeing, "but we finally did it, and how i felt for you changed. i felt authentically myself. i didn't feel that around our other friends. i knew we'd be good friends, obviously. but then i started getting the urge to kiss you. and every time we were in public i wanted to reach for your hand." you grab her chin and lean in for a kiss. kiara kisses back, her hands reaching for yours. she pulls away. "will you be my girlfriend?" you kiss her again, "yes! i would love to be your girlfriend kiara." you guys' kiss once more. "wanna watch a movie?" you ask. she hands you the remote. "yes but don't get upset if i fall asleep, you make me feel cozy." she stands up to turn the lights off. "okay i promise, i wont."

[loveharlow]

I HATE JIARA🫢 there i said it.

[luversgirl]

MY OBX REC LIST, part five

( ☾ = angst, ☆ = head-canon, ❀ = fluff, ✧ = smut )

rafe cameron

— five minutes ✧ ( i- )

— need you ☾ ❀

— promises ✧ ( omfg 💀 )

— dating rafe cameron should include ☆ ❀

— silent love ( literally such a amazing series )

— don’t make a sound ✧

— the pogue and the kook ☾ ❀

— best friends little sister ✧

— midsummer’s ❀ ( this is disgusting GIVE IT TO ME NOW )

— frenemies ☾ ✧

— new light blurb: next to you ❀ ( this is so cuteeeee )

— love is a dangerous game ☾ ✧ ( THE ANGST OMFG )

— forbidden ( series )

— good luck charm ❀ ( awwww )

— naughty ✧ ( i want y/n the fawk me wtf )

— hard to love you ☾

— limousine ✧ ( the driver 👁👄👁 )

— and yet…❀

— love at sea ☾ ❀

— can’t sleep ❀

— glory and gore ✧ ( poor jj lmaooooo )

— ambivalence blurb: phases ☾ ❀ ( give me this in life rn )

— unexpected valentine ❀ ( SO MF CUTE )

— night swim ✧

— protecter ☾ ❀ (top tier work, like literally weekly reread)

jj maybank

— i will leave ☾ ( THIS!!! part 2, part 3… etc )

— strawberry ❀ ( living for this )

— scary love ☾ ❀

— mine ❀

— promise ☾ ( oh my fawking god )

— take it slow ✧

— messed up ☾ ❀

— pretty girl ❀ ☾

— for me ❀ ☾ ( someone gimme a jj rn )

— princess ❀

— sweet and salty ✧

— jumped ❀ ☾

— wrestle ✧ ☾ ( oh my lordddddddd )

— nightmares ❀ ☾

— can’t kill a pogue ☾

— underdressed ✧

— i got you ☾

— meet me at our spot ❀ ☾ ( absolutely love this )

— enough for you ☾ ( sobbing )

sarah cameron

— exposed ✧

— lifeguard ☾ ❀ ( why not meeeeeee )

— call rafe ❀

— watermelon sugar ✧ ❀

— welcome home ❀

— kook princess ✧ ( lawd, part two, LAWD )

— the little things ❀

— don’t make me over ❀

pope heyward

— rose water and bubbles ✧

— this ❀ ( idk the name but i LUV IT )

— charm bracelets ❀

— full kook ☾ ❀

— noisy neighbours ❀ ( GIVE ME THIS IN LIFE RN )

— stick shift ❀

— tutor ❀ ☾ ( this is so cuteeeeeee )

barry

— art of seduction ✧

— issues ( ik this is a rafe fic but my blueberry is there so here )

— watch you’re mouth country club ☾ ❀

— softie ❀ ( awwwwww )

— responsibility ❀

john b

— let it snow ❀

— truth or dare ✧

— sticky notes ❀ ( jarah )

— i love you ❀ ( awwww )

— you and me against the world ❀

— always ☾ ❀

— knuckle kiss ❀

— 3 am ❀ ( I CANT ITS SO 😩 )

— pogue bonfire ☾ ❀ ( why not me god? )

— lazy river ❀

— i love you ❀

kiara carrera

— fuck up the friendship ✧ ( it’s kiesarah but it’s so good )

— take care of my girl ❀

— this omfg ✧ ( the title is long for here lol )

— nsfw alphabet ✧

— facades ✧ ( LAWD )

— enough ☾ ❀

— this concept ✧ ( l- l- lord )

[outerhills]

no cause im back to complain again. 💀

(s2 ep3) kiara had the audacity to be like "boring pope," when he decided not smoke, WHEN THIS WAS THE SAME BITCH TALKING ABOUT, "you dont have to do that," when jj gave pope something to smoke and he did the first season.