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loveharlow · 4 months ago

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SEVEN [SEASON 2] - 006

PAIRING ‧₊˚ JJ Maybank x Fem!Reader

SYNOPSIS‧₊˚ [10.2k] Sarah shows up on the doorstep on The Chateau with a key piece of the puzzle, now it's up to the pogues to put them all together.

WARNING(S)‧₊˚ swearing, L*ke M*ybank, mentions of death, graphic depictions of injuries

NOW PLAYING‧₊˚

A/N‧₊˚ im sorry this chapter took wayyy too fucking long😭

˗ˏˋ series masterlist ˎˊ˗

“GOOD MORNING…” You mumbled, trotting out onto the patio, sock-clad feet padding across the hardwood as you joined your four friends outside, the morning air damp and humid. Kie was laid out on the sofa, Pope curled in the armchair with a blanket draped over him as JJ leaned against the railing and John B sat in the last remaining armchair.

JJ outstretched his arms for you to fall into them, you sleepily walking over to the boy and wrapping your arms around his torso as he returned the gesture, planting a small kiss on the top of your head. “Mornin’, princess.”

“Well, aren’t you two just adorable.” John B mocked, tossing pennies onto the coffee table.

“Don’t be salty because your girl went back to her roots, Bree.” JJ joked, JB flipping him off.

“It is far from a good morning.” Pope said firmly, shifting in his seat. “It’s a key-less morning is what it is...”

“We’ll get it back...” Kiara mumbled from the couch, her beanie pulled down over her eyes.

“And how do you suppose we’ll do that?” Pope sassed. The girl just shrugged, shifting herself on the furniture.

Just then, the screen door of the patio creaked — all eyes drifting to find a fully dressed Sarah Cameron walking in, fiddling with her fingers.

“Well, hello.” JJ was the first to speak.

“What’s up?” Kie greeted tiredly, looking up at the blonde girl.

“Shouldn’t you be on Figure Eight with your group of polo players?” John B jabbed, rolling his eyes and looking away from the girl. Sarah just pursed her lips, looking her ex-boyfriend dead in the eyes as his own drifted back to her when he was met with no response. “Or did you break up with Topper?” He drove the knife even further.

“We’re just friends.” Sarah shot back, squinting her eyes at the boy.

“Oh, he’s just a friend?” John B said unbelievably, watching as the girl walked across the floor to lean against the railing next to you and JJ. “You have a lot of friends, Sarah Cameron.”

“Yeah, and it seems like you’ve got some of your own, too.” Sarah retorted, pinching her eyebrows together.

You and JJ made silent ‘O’ faces, looking away from the lover’s quarrel happening on the patio.

“Alright, what’re you doing here?” JB pressed, sitting up straighter in his seat. “What do you want?”

Sarah sighed, hitting her fists together in contemplation. “I’m here for Pope.” She declared, all eyes on her once again as Pope’s face twisted. “...I think I found the island room.” She told him.

The tension in the room became palpable — If Sarah had truly found the island room, then you all had an advantage again. There was nothing Limbrey could do with the key if she didn’t know where the island room was. Now each team had a piece of the puzzle, if Sarah was right.

“GUYS, LISTEN TO THIS…” Pope silenced the crowd of you in the van. John B and Sarah were upfront while the rest of your rode in the back — everyone quieting down and allowing Pope to speak, photocopies of pages from Denmark’s journal clutched in his hands. “The diary says the cross holds the most holy relic in all of Christendom, The Garment of The Savior.”

“So wait,” Kiara interrupted from her place next to Pope, the two of them across from you and JJ. You were leaned against his shoulder, one of his arms slung over your shoulders. “He’s saying there’s a holy garment inside the cross?”

“Yeah.” Pope exasperated. “It says the garment is capable of healing the sick from any malady.”

“Maybe that’s why she wants it so bad?” You threw out tiredly, voice still raspy and weak from sleep.

“Who?” JJ probed, looking down at you.

“Limbrey.” You clarified. “Maybe she thinks it’ll heal her.”

“Mmm…” Your boyfriend hummed in thought, looking up at nothing. “Yeah. ‘If only I may touch His garment, I will be made well.’” He quoted with full confidence, the three of you surrounding him sharing looks. “What? I went to Sunday School.”

“Well, that would explain why Limbrey wants the cross so bad.” Pope agreed with your theory and JJ’s biblical evidence.

“What else does it say?” Kiara asked, Pope’s eyes darting back to the papers.

“...’Many feel that we have sinned to steal such a sacred thing, and God will strike his vengeance on us.’” Pope read directly from the printed journal pages.

“Thing is,” Kie started. “God did have His vengeance…” She trailed off, leaving everyone to think before Pope put the pieces together.

“...He sent a hurricane to sink the ship.” He said aloud, connecting the pieces for the rest of you. “And only Denmark survived.”

“THIS PLACE STILL FREAKS ME OUT.” John B proclaimed as the six of you walked through the hallways of Tannyhill, following Sarah’s lead.

“You’re telling me…” You added, eyes trailing the walls of the house you hadn’t been in in months. You could still remember everything that went down behind these walls — sleepovers, baking nights, Rafe…

Sarah stopped in front of a door to her right, opening it and guiding everyone in. “Pope, look.” She directed as the group of you piled into the room. What was once boring, plain wallpaper was torn down and shredded, revealing a much more intricate piece of art beneath — it was a map. A map that went around the entire room.

“You’ve got to be kidding me...” Pope said relieved, eyes trailing each of the walls.

“It’s been here this whole time.” Sarah smiled, stepping back to let you all examine what she’d found. You all dispersed and scattered, each evaluating a different part of the wall.

“This is a map of the whole island.” John B recorded, eyeing one of the walls closest to the windows.

“Yeah, John B, I think you’re right ‘cause this is Rixon’s right here.” JJ corroborated, standing in front of the wall directly across from his best friend.

“And then there’s the lighthouse.” You added, pointing to the lighthouse on the wall that matched the one right outside the window of Tannyhill.

“Guys,” Kiara spoke up. “Look, Parcel Nine and the well.” She said, trailing her fingers across the spot on the map, the five of you walking over to give it a glance.

“So, if that’s Parcel Nine,” John B began, his head on swivel as he connected the dots. “And that’s Rixon’s,” He pointed as he walked down the middle of the room, looking at the piece of the map that stood between two cabinets full of fine china. “Then that’s gotta be the surf break at Mase.” He realized, JJ right next to him as the remaining four of you watched from behind.

“Right. And look.” The blonde chipped in, holding a page of the diary up to the section of the wall. “Pope, c’mere. This is Denmark’s handwriting, for sure.” He smirked, Pope, standing behind his two friends.

The drawing was an exact replica of what was on the diary page.

“...These are all his drawings.” Pope examined, turning around to survey the walls around him once more, the diary pages clutched to his chest. “He painted this entire room.”

“Yeah, the question is why?” Kiara threw out, leaning against the table in the center.

“He did all of this for a reason.” You offered, trailing your fingers over the dried paint softly. “It has to lead to something. I mean, that’s what maps are for, right?”

“Something to do with the key?” JJ proposed, eyes pinching as he surveyed the walls himself. “That’s where the whole island room message came from.”

“How did you know to uncover this?” John B asked Sarah, standing right next to the girl as she smoothed over the painted walls with her palms.

“I didn’t.” She said. “It was like this when I got home.” Now all eyes were on her.

“What?” You sputtered, eyes wide.

“Then who did it?” Kie pressed as Sarah walked around the room, further from the five of you.

“I don’t know...” Sarah defended.

“The freaks.” Another, much smaller, voice added — startling all of you. The six of you jumped to find Wheezie standing by the door.

“Wheeze…” Sarah sighed in relief, walking closer to her sister.

“What freaks are we talkin’ about?” JJ asked the young girl.

“Uh, that sick lady and her attack dog.” She said like it was nothing. Wheezie always seemed relatively unphased by things that would and should phase someone of her age and circumstance. “They showed up last night, and they wanted to talk to Rafe.”

“Pale blonde lady with crutches?” JJ gave a description of Limbrey.

“With a creepy, dirty looking guy in leather?” You added on a description of her ‘attack dog’.

“Uh-huh.” The girl nodded, lips parted as you all fired off question after question.

“Okay, what happened?” John B asked, stepping forward and cutting off the influx of questions.

“Well, at first they searched the house looking for something, and then Rafe told me to go upstairs.” She explained as if she were telling a simple story from school, voice full of attitude. “But I didn’t wanna miss out so I listened through the grate. I could hear them tearing the wallpaper down and then the lady got excited about ‘finally finding something’.” She explained. “And then they started talking about…getting across the sand flamingo?”

“That’s code.” JJ immediately perked up, everyone’s faces twisting in confusion as your rolled your eyes, mumbles heard left and right as they tried to work out what Wheezie was saying.

“The cross.” You blurted, looking around at your friends all speaking to themselves. “The Cross of Santo Domingo.” You reminded as if it was the easiest thing to figure out. “Is that what you meant, Wheezie?”

“Yeah, that’s it.” Her eyes lit up before another thought seemed to ease its way into her mind. “Oh! And they were talking about, like, angels. A lot of angel talk, I don’t know…” She waved it off as a mere irrelevant detail.

“Angels?” Everyone mumbled to themselves when suddenly, Pope tensed.

“Guys,” He blurted, eyes wide and shoulders square. “Denmark’s famous last words. He buried the real treasure at the foot of the angel.”

“We have to find an angel.” You mumbled to yourself, head whipping to scan the tattered walls. “Look for an angel.” You prompted, the group of you hurriedly looking over the walls. Poor Wheezie probably thought you were all crazy.

Your eyes went wild across the painting, instinctively stopping over an illustration of a large tree with a prominent key hole in the middle. “Guys!” You cut off your friend's incessant and frantic rambling, everyone talking over one another. “I think I found something. Come here.” You instructed, eyes still on the illustration as the sound of them walking over echoed in your ears.

“This tree?” You pointed. “It’s still on Goat Island. And this is an Angel Oak tree. Do you see that?” You asked, tip of your index finger sliding over to the keyhole.

“The cross is buried at the foot of the angel…” Pope reiterated, his eyes drifting down in thought.

“It’s a reach but it’s worth a shot.” You shrugged, looking back at your friends with wide eyes. You hoped it meant something.

“But whose to say they didn’t get there first?” John B said solemnly, referring to Limbrey. “They found this last night.”

“But whose to say they did?” JJ countered.

“Regardless, that must be where they are right now.” Pope brushed off, basically shaking with anticipation. “We have to go. We have to go!” He jumped up, slapping JB’s shoulder and darting out of the room.

“You’re welcome, by the way!” You smiled, turning to follow Pope as JJ grabbed your head and pulled it into his chest, kissing the top of your head — the gesture making an audible sound.

“Let’s go, baby!” He cheered as the group of you scurried out of Tannyhill.

“GUYS, WE’RE COMIN’ UP ON FREEDMAN’S CHURCH.” Pope informed, you all looking out of the window as The Twinkie rode past the worn down cathedral, shrouded by overgrown bushes and vines. “The church Denmark built for all the slaves he freed.”

“Why have we never heard of Denmark before?” You pondered, watching the church disappear out of sight. “I mean, it seems like a big portion of the island has something to do with Denmark and his family and his story.”

“Probably because of the gold.” JJ said from his place behind you as you sat in between his legs. “The more people who know, the more chaos it causes.”

You hummed, accepting his answer as logical.

As the van continued its journey, you could see the tree coming into view. It was big and beautiful — completely visible over the tall field you were driving through.

“Ah, shit…” John B cursed from the driver’s seat, the vehicle slowing. “Tide’s coming in.” He sighed, the four of you in the back standing to look out of the windshield, spotting the ditch The Twinkie would have to drive through in order to make it to the other side.

“And they already came through here.” Pope pointed out. “Those have to be Limbrey’s tire tracks.” He pointed out the heavy duty tracks embedded into the mud.

“Mmmm…” JJ cringed. “What do you think, Chief?” He aimed the question at John B.

“I’m thinking it’s looking a little dicey.” John B evaluated, pinching his chin between his fingers.

“I’m inclined to agree.” You said sheepishly, eyeing Pope. “Sorry, Pope.”

“Okay, clearly they made it. No?” Kie stated the obvious in the name of optimism.

“In a two-wheel drive?” John B said incredulously. “I don’t think so, no.”

“Why are y’all are acting like you’re not gonna do it anyways?” Sarah chuckled from the passenger seat, looking at each of you individually. “Like when have y’all ever done the safe thing?”

…

“Alright.”

“She’s got a point.” John B agreed begrudgingly, drawing his lips into a thin line.

JJ sighed, positioning himself behind his friend in the driver’s seat. “Speed is your friend here, brother.” He advised as John B shifted gears and adjusted himself. “So, put her in second and hammer down.”

“And stick to the high ground in the middle, John B.” Pope added, the sound of the engine revving and the tires rolling against the wet mud greeting your ears.

“Alright, here we go.” John B said, pressing down on the gas pedal and guiding the Twinkie through the wet terrain. It actually made it farther than you thought, blazing through the sodden ground but it wasn’t fast enough.

“It’s gonna slide!”

“You’re fishtailing already!”

Even with the endless protests and doubts, the van managed to make it to the other side — the road evening out to make a less bumpy ride as it came to a stop on dry land. “Whoo! That’s my girl.” John B smiled, patting the dashboard and cutting the engine. “I told you we’d make it.” He sassed, opening the door to let himself out as Sarah did the same, the rest of you piling out of the back.

“Angel Oak is right through here.” Pope said, pointing through the trees. He didn’t wait for anyone before eagerly walking forward, making his way through thick trees, sharp branches, and wading dangerously close to potentially gator-infested water.

The five of you followed behind him, trying not to get hit in the face by tree branches and violent insects. The further you trekked, the more you could hear — the sound of machinery whirring and beeping drifting into your ears.

You stopped when Pope did, the crowd of you hiding behind the thickness of a family of bushes. Above the the greenery, you could see an entire team of workers. Limbrey was serious about this, huh?

They had expensive equipment and they looked exhausted. Your eyes scanned the scene in front of you when suddenly, a familiar face followed by a haunting voice came into view.

“I don’t see shit.” Rafe’s voice traveled, the boy carrying a shovel in his hand. The sight of him made your palms sweaty. “You sure this is the right spot?” He called out, looking behind him. Looking to your side, you could see JJ in your peripheral — his jaw clenched tightly as his eyes followed the boy’s every move from afar.

“It’s there.” Limbrey called back, your eyes roaming to land on her figure standing far away from the excavation, leaning against her car. “The garment will be in the cross and the cross will be at the foot of the tree.”

“Alright, well whatever we find, I get my cut.” Her bodyguard said from beside her, closing the trunk.

“Yes, Renfield, you will.” She said carelessly. At least now you knew his name. “The actual Garment…” She fawned, staring up at the tall tree. “You understand the significance.”

“I do, Carla.” He replied, but he didn’t seem like he meant it. Anyone but her could see that they were in this for two different things. She wanted to heal herself. Renfield wanted money.

“One touch of it, and I’ll be healed.” She said softly, never taking her sights off the tree. “And this long nightmare will be over.” She spoke so fondly of being healed, it almost made you feel bad for her. Almost.

“Your lips to God’s ears…” Her body guard spoke aimlessly.

“I know you don’t believe it.” She sighed, finally looking over at him. “But countless stories over millennia prove that miracles happen.”

He went silent, rolling his eyes at her words when a loud crunch sounded out through the forest — the excavation truck hitting something as it dug into the ground.

“Hey!” Carla shouted, putting her hand up and going over as quickly as possible to get a closer look. “Wait, stop!” She commanded, the workers halting in any further digging attempt with the machine. “Get in there, boys. Do it by hand.” She instructed the workers.

The small team of men hopping into the shallow ditch they’d dug, removing the dirt manually. “This has gotta be the cross…” She hoped — her, Rafe, and Renfield standing around as the men dug and dug.

Their conversation became hushed, mere whispers in the wind when suddenly they backed up as the men crawled out of the ditch, bringing a large, wooden object up with them. Rafe and Renfield helped to lift it as the six of you watched them remove it.

“They got the cross?” JJ was the first to speak, his voice small and hushed. “What do we do? What do we do?” He asked frantically, shaking Pope.

“What can we do?” John B countered.

“That’s not a cross.” You interrupted the two boys, eyes never leaving the object. It was old-fashioned, sure. But after your father’s funeral, you could spot it from a mile away. “That’s a casket.”

“...Are you sure?” Kiara asked, her face set into a heavy frown as you all watched the men grab tools to pry the box open.

You nodded mindlessly, watching these people possibly deface a grave. “I’m positive.”

“Maybe the cross is inside?” Sarah threw out, but you shook your head.

“Based off of Denmark’s descriptions and drawings? The cross would be too big to fit into something that small…” You informed, watching as the top of the box popped off, the men tossing it to the side. Even from feet away, you could see the way each and every one of their faces fell.

“...It’s just a corpse.” Renfield sighed, almost angrily.

“...We must’ve missed something.” Carla said, refusing to believe this was the end.

“Of course it’s just a dead body- Jesus!” Rafe exclaimed.

“We just got the wrong place.” Carla said, breathing heavily as she over-exerted herself to make it back to her vehicle. “We just need to go back to the island room- We’re going back!” She announced. “It’s not over!”

The men all shared looks, not believing her words but she was probably offering them enough money to want to stay on the job. So, they all piled into their trucks and cars, the group of them exiting the premises as the six of you crept closer to the tree, hearing the cars get further and further away.

Pope was the first one to reach the tree, almost sprinting out from the bushes.

You were right. It was a casket. And inside was nothing but a pile of bones.

“Cecilia…” Pope sighed, looking down at the name tag inside of the casket. “Cecilia Tanny. Denmark’s wife.” He said sadly, looking up at the tree. “He wasn’t talking about the cross.” He realized, voice wavering.

“The true treasure...” Kiara said, a solemn smile on her face.

“...He was talking about his wife.” You added, looking down into the casket. You realized they couldn’t have known it was a grave, but to discover something so sacred and then leave her bones so exposed in her final resting place…

It was unconsciously evil.

Pope sniffed, holding back his tears and crouching down over the casket, the rest of you following. “...Denmark was hung for burying his wife,” He said, voice cracking under his suppressed emotions. “And now they defiled her grave.” He said, his voice just above a whisper.

But his eyes seemed to find something within the box, not a care in the world as his fingers reached inside the woman’s casket, brushing dust and ash off a hidden object. It was circular and shining in some lights, Pope dusted it off with his fingers to reveal the gold underneath — a ring.

“...This must’ve been from Denmark.” He said. “Her wedding ring.” He examined the object, twirling it in his fingers. You didn’t miss the look of regret and longing shared between John B and Sarah at the mention of the ring.

Pope sighed and placed the ring back into the casket gently. “We can’t leave her like this.”

“We won’t.” You assured him, planting a hand on his shoulder and squeezing it for emphasis as you all stood — the three guys lifting the top of the casket and replacing it back in its respective position, sealing Cecilia’s grave.

Taking the tools left behind by the crew, JJ and John B hammered the casket back closed, making sure it was secure as Pope gathered a small bouquet of flowers, placing them softly on top of the wooden structure, putting the woman to rest for the second, and hopefully last, time.

THE BOYS HAD SPENT THE LAST HOUR REBURYING CECILIA, only just now reaching a point where the ground was once again leveled, no longer able to tell there was something buried underneath.

“I just don’t get it.” Pope pondered. “You guys saw the map. He hides his gold so nobodies finds it for one-hundred and seventy years.” He ranted, walking in circles. John B and JJ were laid on the ground, exhausted from the digging while you, Sarah, and Kie sat in a circle in front of the large Oak Tree. “And then he sends a message to his son Robert to come here to his mother’s grave, but the message never gets to him. And Denmark wanted him to find the cross.” Pope explained, throwing his hands in the air. “I know we’re in the right spot…It just feels like-”

“Like we missed somethin’?” JJ interrupted, all eyes going to the blonde who was staring absentmindedly up at that tree. “Guys…” He trailed off, walking swiftly towards the tree — climbing on top of the parked van for a boost. “Wasn’t there a keyhole in the painting in the island room, princess?” He asked, eyes darting to you for a second who was now crowded around the elevated boy with the rest of your friends, holding a hand out to bring you up on top of the vehicle with him.

“Yeah. Why?” You asked, face twisting in curiosity as your boyfriend helped you up. Balancing yourself, that’s when you saw it — a hole in the bark of the tree. “You think that’s…?”

The boy simply shrugged, a smug smile on his face as your four friend looked up at the two of you. “It’s worth a shot, right?” He asked, the rest of the group agreeing. JJ was quick to turn to you, motioning his head in the direction of the black hole. “Go for it.”

“What?” You asked, repulsed. “No way. I went in the storm drain. It’s your turn, blondie.”

“She did go in the storm drain.” Pope backed you up, Kiara humming in agreement.

“Okay, yeah. I’ll do it. I’m gonna do it, it’s just…” JJ rambled, stepping closer to the tree cautiously, shaking his hand in preparation.

“He’s scared.” You whispered, looking down at your friends.

“I’m not scared.”

“You seem scared.” You smiled behind the blonde’s back, watching his hand getting closer to the hole. Eventually, he stuck it in, the black hole managing to fit half of his arm as he fished around to see what, if anything, was inside.

“...There’s somethin’ in here.” JJ said after moments of silence.

“Can you grab it?” You asked, offering potential assistance.

“Nah, I got it.” He waved off, digging his arm deeper. “Wait…”

“Wha-”

“AAH!” JJ bellowed, his arm now shoulder deep into the tree as it looked like he struggled to pull it out. His screaming caused the rest of you to flinch and scream as well. Your four friends on the ground began to attempt to climb the van and render aid as you grabbed onto the arm that was lodged in the tree, tugging vehemently.

JJ continued to yell and shout as you attempted to pull him out of the tree, breaking a small sweat as you did so when the boy’s pleas for help turned into a small fit of laughter, your concern slowly dwindling along with your friends.

The blonde continued to breathlessly cackled as your expressions of concern morphed into annoyance. Pope was the first to scold him — slamming his palm against the roof of the van. “Oh, you asshole.” He scoffed as the four of them returned to the ground, you letting go of JJ’s arm and standing back with your arms crossed.

“That is so not funny.” You mumbled, the boy placing a peck on your cheek before removing his hand from the tree — a gold tube clutched in between his fingers.

“...Let me see.” Pope demanded, holding his hands up for JJ to hand him the object. He wasted no time in taking it and wiping away any dust and debris, revealing letters engraved onto it, reading ‘H.M.S Royal Merchant’.

You and JJ hopped down off the vehicle — him going first in order to help you down before standing next to Pope. “Wait, let me see.” He said, gently taking the item from Pope’s hands and into his own and pulling it apart, the object elongating by twice it’s size before he put it to his eye. “It’s a spyglass.” He joked, waving it around wildly before John B and Pope took it from him.

“There’s something on the ends…” Kiara added, standing in between John B and Sarah.

“An inscription, right there…”John B caught on, pointing for Pope to see. “Look at that shit.” He chuckled.

Pope smiled, huffing out a laugh before reading. “You’ve come this far. Do not falter. The cross is on the…Freedman’s alter?”

Freedman’s alter, you pondered. Why did it seem like you had just-

“The church.” You blurted, all eyes on you. “Freedman’s Church, we passed it at the entrance.” You explained, a smile on your face as you met each of their eyes. “The cross is at the church!”

“What are we still doing here?” JJ joined in, a smile on his face.

“We got it!” Pope celebrated, collapsing the telescope. “Come on!” He urged, being the first one to hop in The Twinkie, the rest of you following.

“AH CRAP. THE TIDE…” Pope exclaimed from the backseat, wedged in between the two seats up front as John B came up on the road you’d all just barely passed the first time.

“How deep is that?” Kiara asked peering out the window.

“Dunno.” John B replied simply. “The road’s gone.” He observed, the previous tire tracks no longer visible, hidden beneath the shallow pool of water.

“Uh, John B, how high are the spark plugs?” JJ asked.

“...They’re good. We’re fine.” The boy assured, not meeting any of your eyes and looking straight ahead, actively avoiding your gazes.

“How high are they?” You all asked in unison, pressing him further.

“Oh, um…” He cringed, ducking his head out of the driver’s side window. “Just above the tail light.” The van filled with silence, save for the running engine, until Pope spoke.

“So, that’s…what, three feet?”

“That’s three feet, yeah.” JJ said with disappointment lacing his tone.

“That…can’t be three feet deep.” Kiara doubted, throwing an arm out in the direction of the windshield.

“Then what’s the problem?” John B asked the collective.

“No problem. Not a problem at all.” JJ shook his shoulders, patting John B’s in assurance. “We’re good. She’ll make it.”

“Yeah…” The brunette boy said to mainly to himself, shifting gears and adjusting in his seat. “Fasten your seatbelts, hold onto something-”

“There are no seatbelts back here.” You mumbled, looking around along with everyone else crowded in the back. JJ stifled out a chuckle, wrapping an arm around your waist and pulling your body against his firmly.

“There’s your seatbelt.” He laughed lowly, the close proximity making your face heat up.

“We’re going into hyperdrive.” John B breathed out, the vehicle rumbling back to life underneath the six of you. He pressed himself into the driver’s seat and put his foot hard down on the pedal, the wheels of the van spinning on themselves before The Twinkie lurched forward, basically hydroplaning straight through the puddle of water.

You’d made it halfway through, almost to the otherside. The group of you began cheering when suddenly the vehicle nearly tipped over veering itself to the right, lodging itself deeper into the water as the engine died.

“No, no, no, no, no, no…” John B panicked, flipping switches and pressing buttons.

“I think we miscalculated…” Pope said.

“...Everyone out. We gotta take the weight off before she sinks…” JB sighed, killing the engine completely and removing the keys from the ignition, frustratedly pushing the driver’s side door open. “Gah!- Dammit…” He exclaimed, noticing the foot of water that he’d have to step in.

Sarah followed suit, getting out of the passenger seat while the rest of you unloaded the back, groaning in disgust as your sneakers filled with water going up mid-calf.

“Ew, ew, ew…” You mumbled to yourself, face twisting in disgust as you walked around to the back of the van with your friends. “Oh God, my socks are brown.” You heard a familiar chuckle behind you, shooting a mean glare at the blonde. “It’s not funny. This is disgusting. There’s probably flesh-eating fish and gators and shit in here…”

“Here, c’mon.” JJ said before a hand was reaching out to stop you from walking further, both of his hands going under your arms so he could quickly pick you up and swing you around to carry you on his back as your legs instinctively wrapped around his torso, your arms around his neck — the boy not seeming to care about the water that was now staining his upper half as well.

“That was sexy.” You said absentmindedly, silently cursing yourself when you realized that you had said it aloud. The blonde let out a hearty chuckle, lifting you higher on his back to sit more comfortably.

“If you thought that was sexy, just wait until I whip out my other tricks.” He laughed out, walking towards the group as an optimistic Pope spoke.

“Maybe we can walk from here?”

“What?” John B was quick to argue, throwing his hands out. “And leave The Twinkie? The tide’s coming in.”

“So, then what are we supposed to do?” Sarah questioned.

“Not stay here.” Kie said.

Silence filled the air for a few moments, everyone in their own heads trying to come up with solutions before your voice broke through the air.

“I can take my car.” You threw out, shrugging.

“What?” JJ asked, trying to look at you over his shoulder. “Absolutely not, I spent weeks fixing that thing-”

“And you fixed it for good reason.” You smiled, kissing his cheek as he grumbled under his breath. “It should be able to fit all of us, if need be, and JJ replaced the tires, so it should ride pretty smooth.”

“We’re gonna need somethin’ to pull her out.” JJ brought up, motioning towards the van stuck in the mud. “There’s a winch at The Chateau.”

“That doesn’t sound too bad.” Sarah backed up, eyes mainly on John B who was visibly distressed. Sometimes you all forgot how much the van meant to him.

“Okay, if you’re gonna do it, let’s go, okay?” John B breathed out, eyes wide and pleading. “Tide’s coming. Twinkie’s going underwater.

“Alright,” JJ said, hiking you up once again. “Let’s roll, princess.”

“I CAN’T BELIEVE YOU CARRIED ME ALL THE WAY HERE ON YOUR BACK.” You smiled, rolling your eyes playfully as JJ sat you down on the gravel on the grounds of The Chateau. “I could’ve walked.”

“I know but I like the feeling of you wrapped around me.” The boy flirted, stepping closer and planting a quick kiss on your lips.

“Go away, you flirt.” You joked, lightly pushing the blonde back as an equally bright smile broke out on his face.

“Alright, princess. You go start up the truck and I’ll grab the winch.” He said, hopping on his feet before turning around and walking backwards. “And you may wanna feed Marley really quick while we’re here!” He shouted quickly before disappearing into the Surf Shack.

You figured he was right — skipping up the steps to the front door and swinging it open, you walked inside, immediately spotting Marley curled up on the couch.

She hadn’t exactly been herself since you picked her up from Barry’s trailer. She seemed…gloomy. Different. She didn’t seem hurt when you got her back but you were starting to wonder what she’d gone through while she was there…

Quietly walking over, you placed a gentle kiss on the top of her head before heading towards the kitchen and filling her bowl to the brim with food and water for when she woke up.

One last glance over your shoulder and you were exiting the home, snatching your keys off of the kitchen counter and walking towards your car — the boxwood green Ford Bronco sitting perfectly parked and untouched.

Unlocking the vehicle you hopped in the driver’s seat, too busy putting the key in the ignition to see JJ walking towards the car…with his dad. The only thing that alerted you to the presence of a third person was the sound of the back door opening and slamming shut, almost in unison with the passenger side.

You perked up, eyes spotting the older man in the rearview before your eyebrows pinched together, whipping around to find Luke Maybank in the backseat of your car. “What the fuck?” You muttered, eyes shifting between JJ and his father. “...No.” You shook your head, killing the engine. “Absolutely fucking not.”

“Just start the car.” JJ said, voice flat. You scoffed, getting out of the driver’s seat and walking around the back of the vehicle. You heard JJ sigh before his own door was opening and closing, the blonde meeting you around at the back of the truck.

“He’s not coming.” You said firmly, trying to push past him.

“I know, okay?-” He said, hands on your shoulders.

“If you know then why is he in the backseat of my car?”

“Listen to me-”

“What the hell is this?” You pressed.

“Just listen.” JJ hissed, hands firmly on both of your arms, his jaw clenched in frustration. “I need to get into the marina at the Island Club. There’s a boat there that he can take. You still have the sticker on your truck.”

“There’s no telling if they’ll even let me into the parking lot with everything going on with my mom-”

“Twenty minutes.” JJ cut you off, eyes boring into yours. “That’s all I need.”

“All he needs, you mean.” You retorted. “The Twinkie is gonna be underwater in twenty minutes, JJ. Your dad-” You sassed, making direct eye contact with the older man before turning back to JJ. “Can handle whatever this is on his own. Leave him and we can come back! If we come back-” You raised your voice as JJ walked away and back around to passenger side.

“The cops are after him!” JJ replied, slamming his fist against the truck. “If I do this now, maybe I’ll never have to do it again.” He told you, voice softening.

“You’re putting a lot on that maybe.” You shot back, JJ getting into the passenger seat silently as you rounded the vehicle to get back into the driver’s seat, shooting Luke a mean, pointed look as you got in and slammed your door shut.

YOU’D BEEN DRIVING FOR TEN MINUTES, losing patience and getting further away from The Twinkie that was probably half-way underwater by now. If it were up to you, Luke Maybank would be camping out on the shore of The Marsh, but if you didn’t help JJ, he’d do it himself. And that wasn’t going to happen, whether you supported him helping his dad or not.

“Hey,” Luke’s raspy voice filled the void in the vehicle after a long period of no one speaking. “Pull up to the Home Foods here. I’m gonna need provisions.”

“Piss in a jar.” You spat, eyeing him in the rearview. “There’s your provision…” You mumbled.

“Y/N.” JJ called your name, eyeing you as warning to just not engage. You scoffed, sharply making the turn off the road into the parking lot of the Farmer’s Market. Pulling the car to a stop, you looked back at Luke, motioning for the man to get out and get what he needed.

“I can’t get out, darlin’. I’m a fugitive.” He said, a smug smile on his face.

"That's just not my problem." You shrugged, drawing your lips into a thin line before turning to JJ.

“Look, I’ll give you the cash. Can you go in and buy it?” The blonde requested to which you nearly choked on nothing.

“And leave you in here with him?” You asked, your mind flashing back to the day you and JJ got out of jail and what you saw when he got into the car with his father. “No way. No.”

JJ sighed. “Then we’ll both go.”

“And leave him here to jack my car? Yeah, no.” You denied firmly, looking ahead. JJ licked his lips, eyes fleeting between the two of you before he leaned over the console to whisper in your ear.

“I don’t want to leave you alone with him.” He said, you turning to the side to look your boyfriend in the eyes.

“I’ll be fine.” You assured as he sat down in his seat, unbuckling his seatbealt. “I promise.” You nodded, the boy sighing once more and quickly exiting the truck, his father calling out of the rolled down backseat window.

“Crackers and baked beans and tuna! Alright?” He shouted his request across the mostly empty parking lot. “And some salt ‘n pepper!”

“Yeah...” JJ replied back, annoyed.

“Five days worth!”

“I know.”

The car filled with silence following JJ’s absence, the only sound being the faint music flowing from inside the establishment. Not even a full minute after his son had gone inside, Luke Maybank made it his mission to become a nuisance for however long it would take for JJ to come back — playing the drums on the back of your seat like a child.

You ignored him for as long as you could, pretending like the incessant knocking sound and irritating vibrations against your back weren’t prompting your fists to curl in on themselves before you decided to let go.

“You’re a piece of shit.” You spat, not even looking at him as you said it. “You know that, right?”

“Yeah, gon ‘head. Preach it to me.” He chuckled, leaning back in his seat as his drumming ceased. “Set me straight.”

“Just because you’re a lowlife with nothing but a penny and a few beer cans to his name doesn’t mean you have to try and turn your son into the same monster you are.” You gave it to him, no sugar coating. “You have no idea how amazing he is...” You pondered. "...and how much better off he'd be without you."

Luke just scoffed. “He’s a thief, is what he is.”

“And what are you?” You scoffed back. “Some kind of model citizen?” You laughed. “You’re just another deadbeat, wasted local salt who never did shit with his life but hustle people and get doped up on…Ambien, was it?” You spat.

Luke just snickered in the backseat. “Yknow, you sound just like your daddy.” He threw out, the mention of your father falling from his lips boiling a whole new pot of anger. “He was just like you in high school. Always thought he was better than everybody else just ‘cause he was had a little heart to him and played by the rules. But I bet you? You're more like your mama…” He trailed off and you could hear him shift closer in the back seat. “Slumming with bad boys? Or the rich ones who just want a night with an easy, southside chick? I seen you with that Cameron boy all those months ago. Does my boy know about your little summer fling?” He laughed, having no idea the shit he was stirring.

“Nah, you wouldn’t tell him. Just like your mama, all about reputations. Little Miss Figure Eight…but not so much anymore, huh?” He carried on. “Mommy’s in jail while you ride around your dead daddy’s truck-” His rant was cut off when you turned around and punched him square in the nose, all within the same second — sending the man thumping against the back seat, holding his face.

“Don’t ever talk about my father.” You spat. “And don't act like you know shit about me. I am nothing like my mother.” You spat, face twisting in disgust as you turned back to face the windshield, watching JJ come out with bags in his hands. “And JJ’s nothing like you.”

The silence resumed as JJ got back to the car, tossing the bag in the back with his father and getting into the passenger seat. He must’ve felt that something was off because he paused in buckling his seatbelt to eye the both of you, but you spoke before he could say anything. Shifting the gears and adjusting your seat.

“Let’s get this over with.” You said, hands on the steering wheel as you practically whipped out of the parking lot.

PULLING IN FRONT OF THE PELICAN YACHT CLUB, JJ hopped out of the passenger seat as Luke handed him the bag of provisions. The older man was quick to lean in between the two seats in the front, voice next to your head.

“Hey, when you go and visit mommy in prison, why don’t you tell her I said hi-”

“Shut up.” JJ warned his father, pulling the backseat door open, motioning for him to get out of the car. “Come on.” JJ urged the man, Luke getting out of the car with that same smug grin as before as he slammed the door shut. “I won’t be long.” JJ assured you, leaning through the passenger side window.

“Five minutes.” You clarified. “That's it. Any longer and I’m coming to find you.” The boy simply nodded, turning around to walk with his father who shot you a victorious smile. “Yo, Luke.” You called out, the father and son both turning around to face you as you took both of your hands and flipped the older man off, a smile on your face.

There was a pause before he attempted to walk back to your truck, JJ standing in his way and nudging him forward. “Don’t. Go...” JJ pushed, his father still trying to walk back towards you. “Go.” JJ raised his voice slightly, pushing his father with more force this time — the man giving in and walking away.

You watched the two men disappear, your mental countdown immediately starting. You sat in your car, listening to the low sounds of the music from the stereo. When it hit four minutes, you got out of your car — leaning against the vehicle to prepare yourself for when it hit five. You considered pushing it to six, giving JJ time with his father, but your gut went against that idea. Once the fifth minute hit, you didn’t hesitate to follow after their footsteps, power walking through the grass and down the marina.

You immediately spotted a boat sailing away, a certain blonde standing at the edge of the dock watching it leave. You slowed in your steps the closer you got to him, hearing JJ sniffle as he stood there, unmoving.

It wasn’t long before he turned around, throwing what looked like two pill bottles into a wastebin on the dock and walking towards you. You opened your arms, offering a warm embrace to the boy — your boy, who accepted the gesture gratefully.

You two stood there, swaying in each other arms as he breathed what sounded like a sigh of relief into your hair.

“...I love you.” He said, voice watery and wavering but the statement remained loud and clear.

You sighed, hugging JJ tighter before pulling back and cradling his face in your hands, wiping his tears away and kissing his lips. Pulling away, you looked him in his eyes. “I love you.” You smiled, the boy returning it in full before the both of you turned around to leave the dock, a hand slung over each of your shoulder’s.

“OH, LOOK!” Pope’s voice traveled as you reversed the truck in the direction of the nearly fully submerged Twinkie. “The turtle and the tortoise.” He threw out. “Where the hell were you guys?!”

You looked to JJ, not saying a word. It was his choice.

“Luke was at The Chateau.” He sighed, grabbing the tools and the winch from the backseat.

“Oh, great!” Pope scoffed. “While you two were having family time with your pops, John B got bit by a gator.”

“Wait, for real?” JJ paused, standing with the tools swinging in his hands.

“I was just about to ask…” You trailed off, pointing at John B and Sarah, who was tending to his leg — The four of them sitting on top of the van.

“Does it look like we’re joking?” Kiara replied, pointing to the large gash on JB’s leg.

“How the hell did that even happen?” You asked, walking closer to the group with JJ trailing behind.

“How did it happen?” John B asked incredulously. “I got bit by a gator!” He repeated Pope’s words.

“I don’t know why I’m getting yelled at, no one told you to drive your van into a pond!” You defended – you, Pope, and John B’s voices merging into one.

“You’re being yelled at because it’s been twenty minutes-!”

“-Since when did two miles turn into two hours?!”

“We got here as fast as we could-”

It was voice on top of voice until one overtook everyone else’s. “Shut up!” JJ bellowed, the loudest you’d ever heard him yell. Everyone fell silent at his outburst, looking down at their shoes or at the blonde in shock. “Seriously, guys, I can’t take it anymore, alright?” He said. JJ was never the serious one of the group, so this was a bit nerve-wracking. “Everyone, just…cut it out for a second.” He sighed, setting the tools down and leaning against a tree.

“...Look, I just helped my dad leave this island for good.” He scoffed, a small smile on his face. “Like, he’s not ever comin’ back. He’s straight up like the Spanish. Just, “Bon voyage.” The five of you shared a look, noting his mistake but you shook your heads, choosing not to acknowledge it and let him speak. “All we got…I know for a fact, all I’ve got is you guys, okay?” He said, eyes drifting towards you. “You’re it. And I’ve come too close to losing you,” He said, eyes leaving you now to look at everyone else. “All of you.”

“I mean, shit,” He said, pointing to you. “You almost drowned. Plus…some other shit we won’t mention for sensitivity purposes.” He said, a small smile spreading across your face as he shifted his focus. “Pope, you were kidnapped. Sarah, you’ve been shot. And John B, you were just almost dinner for a fuckin’ gator, bro.” He listed. “So, this blaming each other is some Kook-ass bullshit, alright?” He said, walking over to you and throwing an arm over your shoulder. “We don’t do that. Okay? We’re Pogues.” He finished, silence clouding the air around you all. “Sorry. That was…a lot, right now…”

The five you eyed each other, smiling before clapping for JJ’s speech.

“Well done.” Pope smiled.

“I gotta be honest, that was the best freakin’ speech you have ever given.” John B laughed. “Also, you should think about, like, a Rosetta Stone because your Spanish and French are flip-flopped.” He said to which JJ flipped the boy off with both hands, the clapping dying down.

“We should Bon Voyage out of here.” Sarah joked, raising her hand in the air.

“Agreed.” Kie chuckled.

“Alright,” JJ waved off, picking up the abandoned tools. “Let’s get this damn Twinkie out of here.”

THE DOORS OF FREEDMAN’S CHURCH CREAKED AS YOU PUSHED THEM OPEN, dust kicking up from the small action as moth’s fluttered around you all.

“Okay, you’re tellin’ me Denmark Tanny decided to hide the cross here?” JJ asked, being the first to walk further into the church.

“Okay, everybody, just spread out.” Kiara suggested.

“If I was an old cross and wanted to be hidden in an old church, where would I hide?” John B spoke absentmindedly. Pope paid none of you any mind, on the prowl for anything. He was even on the floor, looking at the cracks in between the wooden planks.

“Are we sure that Denmark hid the cross here?” JJ questioned, hands on his hips as he looked around the nearly empty, worn down church. “Like, are we at the right church?”

“It’s gotta be here somewhere, guys…” Pope assured, standing to his full height. “It has to be.”

“I can’t see where they would hide a giant cross in here.” John B said, throwing his arms out as you stood in the middle of the small building, looking around at any and everything.

“No.” Pope shook his head, voice rising. “There’s no way he would set us up on a wild goose chase-”

“I get it, I get it-” John B tried to calm.

“-To a church that has nothing!”

“Yes, I get it!” John B defended, shoulders square as Pope paced. “I don’t know what to tell you, man…”

“The clues led us here.” Pope stood firm. “The cross is in this church.” He said, sitting down on one of the worn pews. You continued to look — if Pope said it was here, then you were inclined to believe so.

“Pope, it’ll be alright.” John B tried to soothe. “We’ve had setbacks in the past and we’ve figured it out. We’re gonna find it. We’ve just gotta think about this logically…” John B offered as you looked, walking slowly around but there was nothing. Nothing on the floor, on the walls, on the… “Where else would you hide a seven-foot-tall cross made of gold?”

Ceiling.

“Up there.” You and Pope said in unison, shooting each other a look.

“What?” JJ asked, neither of you responding as you just focused your sights on the structure above your heads — the beams holding up the roof of the church were shaped like three crosses. The rest of your friends followed your gazes, quickly catching on to the observation the two of you had made.

“Oh my God…” Kiara said softly.

Unlike you, however, Pope was quick to spring into action — your eyes catching him as the boy seemed to spot holes in the wall, perfect for climbing. “Pope.” You called once.

“Hey, Pope, no.” JJ called.

“Now, Pope’s climbing the wall…”

“Pope, this church is old.” Kiara warned, but he never stopped climbing, reaching the height he needed to climb onto the support beam. “Like, really old. This isn’t safe.”

Pope ignored all of your protests, the wood chipping and falling underneath his feet. He managed to stabilize himself on the beam, hugging the wood before knocking on it — a simple thudding sound ringing out. “Okay, this one’s solid wood.” He cleared, beginning to climb over to the next one. “I’m gonna try the other beam.”

At this point, your protests had died down, accepting the fact that he was already up there and he wasn't coming down. Once he made it to the other beam, he knocked again — the same thudding sound ringing out.

“I hate to break it to you but that’s solid wood.” JJ called out as Pope tried to manuever his way to the third cross.

“It has to be here.” Pope stuck by his statement. “I know it.”

“Okay, Pope, just please be careful of the giant wasp’s nest above your head, please.” You warned, the boy glancing above his head to spot the insects buzzing dangerously around their hive.

“Just move slow, alright?” John B added, Pope doing as he advised. Attempting to put his foot on the third beam had a sizeable chunk of wood chipping off and falling to the floor.

“Whoa, hey!” JJ protested, the five of you backing up and shielding your eyes from the dust and debris falling.

“...Look.” Pope said, looking down at the group of you and back at the beam. “It’s hollow.” He whispered to himself. “Go get me a crowbar!” He instructed. Sarah, being the closest to the exit, immediately ran to go get one.

“What’re you gonna do, Pope?” JJ asked, face twisting in uncertainty. “I don’t want this whole church to collapse on top of us. That’s all I’m sayin’...”

It wasn’t long before Sarah returned with the crowbar in hand, quickly tossing it up to Pope who caught it with ease — this is the most coordinated he’s ever been in all your years of knowing him.

“Okay, Pope, just go slow. Watch out for that nest, okay?” John B warned once more.

Pope nodded and began hacking away at the wood, small planks falling to the floor as you all shielded your eyes from the dust until it settled — watching your friend chip away at the beam.

“...Do you guys see that?” You were the first ask, noting how the small stream of sunlight coming through one of the windows illuminated something inside of the support post — making it gleam and glitter. Wood doesn’t do that. But gold does…

Pope continued to hit and beat the wood, eventually hooking onto a large, weak section — rendering him able to pull an entire section off, revealing the intersection of the cross. The Cross of Santo Domingo.

“Holy shit…”

“It’s here. Oh my God…”

Pope stared at the object in awe as you all got more excited with each passing second — smiles and laughter filling the emptiness of the church.

“Yeaaaah!” Pope basically roared, chipping away at more of the wood.

“I thought you were crazy!” Kiara laughed out, watching as Pope revealed the entirety of the cross.

“We did it!” The boy cheered from the ceiling, the five of you jumping into each other and cheering.

But all of the noise and commotion must’ve ticked off the wasp’s above Pope’s head. “Ah- okay, they’re stinging now.” He said, swatting his hands around his head. “Ow!” He exclaimed, dropping the crowbar to the floor and aimlessly swinging his hands around.

Trying to swat one away from his ear resulted in the boy knocking himself off balance and falling off the beam, now swinging by his hands.

“Pope!” You exclaimed along with the rest of your friends. “The pews! Move the pews and get the cushions!” You instructed, the five of you pushing the pews into the corners of the church and taking the dusty pillows and piling them under Pope’s feet. “Just hang on, Pope!”

“I can’t!” He said, one of his hands giving out, now leaving the boy hanging by one as he continued to get stung by a family of angry wasps. “I’m slipping guys!” Was the last warning he gave before he fell from the ceiling and onto the bed of cushions you all had made.

Crowding around him, he didn’t say anything as you all looked him over. It was only seconds before his eyes went wide and he rolled to the side — the five of you confused before looking up and seeing the cross tumbling down and ducking out of the way.

You all took a few breaths before going back over to Pope who was curled up in a ball on the floor.

“Pope? You okay?” Kie asked.

“Yeah, I’m good.” He exasperated, making no moves to sit up. “Just gimme a second to catch my breath.” He requested, all of you backing up a few feet.

You, Sarah, and Kiara sat in front of Pope, keeping an eye on him as JJ and John B examined the cross that lodged into the floor, sticking up.

“You did it, Pope…” JJ cooed, trailing the cross with his fingers.

“The details are insane…” John B noted. “And here’s why Limbrey wanted that key so bad.” He said, crouching down and rubbing his thumb over a keyhole just below the center of the cross.

“How much do you think she’s worth?” JJ discussed with John B as you three helped Pope sit up straight, noting the swelling on his face. “Like, if we melted her down? I’m thinkin’ high millions.”

“No, this belongs in a museum.” John B argued.

“What? So, no one sees her?” JJ countered, the boys going back and forth.

“In a museum where everyone sees it.”

“It’s not up to you.” You cut in, both of your friends turning to you. “Either of you. It’s Pope’s family. It’s his choice.”

“Right.” JJ backed down. “Okay, okay.”

“This is bigger than money.” Pope spoke, even though it seemed like he was struggling to. “The world’s gotta know the truth.”

“Yes,” John B agreed. “And if we don’t get this shit out of here before Limbrey gets here, nobody’s gonna know.” He reasoned.

The five of you agreed, crowding around the large, gold object and each grabbing an end. On the count of three, you all lifted the cross — the solid gold heirloom being even heavier than you could’ve ever anticipated. With the six of you lifting it at full strength, you could make it to the car. But that wasn’t the case, considering Pope could barely see.

“Guys, I can’t…” He breathed out, his end of the cross getting lower and lower as he lost the willpower to hold it up.

“Pope, just hang on.” JJ tried to coax, but it was no use. In the next few seconds, Pope would completely let go of the cross and collapse against one of the pews — the entire cross falling to the floor without the extra support as you all let go.

“Dammit, yo!” JJ exclaimed, throwing a hand out in Sarah’s direction. “You almost dropped it on my foot!”

“Because I’m the only one lifting it!” She argued.

“Guys!” Pope cut in, groaning. “Guys, I’m not okay…” He struggled out, the five of you slowly crowding around him. “I’m not okay, I can’t-” He cut himself off this time, taking a huge gasp of air in his lungs. Or at least attempting to.

“What’s wrong?” Kiara worried.

“How many times did he get stung?” You wondered aloud.

“His face is all puffy…” Sarah noted.

“I think I’m - *gasp* - having an allergic reaction.” He said, continuing to gasp for air.

“Okay, we need to get him help.” You urged, the first one to lift his body from the pew, slinging one of his arms over your shoulder as Kiara got the other. “He’s probably going into anaphylactic shock.”

“Okay, c’mon. JJ, hide the cross.” John B directed, the blonde throwing cushions and whatever over the cross in a pointless attempt to hide it as you escorted a wheezing Pope out of the church.

“JJ, come on!” You urged, getting Pope to the car as fast as you could.

“I didn’t hide it well enough!” He called out, closing the doors to the church since he was the last one out.

“It doesn’t matter!” You reprimanded. “We need to get Pope some help.” You reminded — you and Kie loading Pope into the back of you truck, Kie jumping in beside him as John B and Sarah jumped in The Twinkie, JJ hopping into the passenger seat.

“Just hang on, Pope! We’re goin’!” JJ tried as you went around to the driver’s seat. A branch breaking in the woods caught your attention for a brief second — pausing in your tracks, hand grasping the door handle as your eyes fleeted across the wooded area suspiciously. “What’re you doing?” JJ asked, voice full of panic as he pulled you from your thoughts.

Your head whipped to him, then to the woods as you squinted your eyes, then back to him. “I thought I heard something.” You said simply, shaking it off and jumping in the driver’s seat, turning on the ignition. “Sorry. Just hang on a little longer, Pope.” You said, pressing your foot against the pedal as your truck sped off. “Just a little longer…”

next chapter>

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nemesyaaa · 4 months ago

Text

pairing : nerd!bf!pope heyward x cute!gf!reader

warnings/infos : fluff and bittersweet angst, no smut actually but mentions of suggestive content.

highschool sweetheart trope. teenagers in love vibes.

╱╲❀╱╲╱╲❀╱╲╱╲❀╱╲╱╲❀╱╲╱╲❀╱╲╱╲❀╱╲

ˏˋ°•*⁀➷ sweetheart highschool boyfriend trope with pope heyward headcanons !

ღˊˎ your nerdy boyfriend pope was the one to always support you, more than your own parents and whole family. your academic weapon boy loved to covered your empty locker with full multi-colors post-it with motivation quotes.

ᰔᩚ “ i believe in you, pretty girl like you who never lose.”

ᰔᩚ “ the only thing so hard is the pressure you put on yourself when you think you can success this whole exam but i know how smart you are. and everytime in your late night session you show me how smarty you are, it make me more and more in love with you.”

ᰔᩚ “ if you want this ice cream so bad, you know what to do ;) “

ᰔᩚ “ you know what is bigger than your ass ? your fat thick brain. make me cum so bad everytime.“ (jj forced him to write this tho.)

ᰔᩚ “ but it's okay if you fail sweetheart, i'm here for you. but don't pout if i'm getting more strict in your study lesson. i just want to help you, how bad i will be to let my girl lose like that and don't win after ??”

ღˊˎ- every time you had a class, and he finished before you, he would wait against the wall. probably, playing video games on his console. jj keeping him company.

➸ btw if you're in an exam, that fucking smart brain is going to climb on jj's shoulders to reach the high window of the classroom and looked after you.

ღˊˎ- you and your genius boyfriend loved hanging out in the big library of the school. you helped him with his research, and you liked it when he taught you things. you loved the fact that he was so intelligent, and that he had passions to share with you.

meanwhile, you watched him speak, your eyes on his lips. and he will ended up kissing you. his soft mouth against yours. short’n lazily kisses.

ᰔᩚ pope was the type of boyfriend to kissed you while softly caressing your neck, getting his hands on your sensitive skin by his touch, his tongue pressed yours, light string of saliva covered your lips. such a fine loser boy.

➸ you were in love with his starry eyes. especially when they looked at you, and chased after you. you know, they cared.

"keep focus, sugar. we're not done yet.”

“ too bad, your smart brain actually turn me on.”

“ maybe i can help you with that ? “

“ oh yes, just continue to telling me some facts with this so serious face. don't stop using your brain but start to use your fingers, let them play with something better than your console.“

“ sorry ma’am but nothing is better than my conso…”

you rolled your eyes. and smiled. because you knew that he telling you the truth. you made him shut up by taking his console.

“ you need to make me cum, and i will give your console back. do you think you can do that, nerdy boy ? ”

“ be prepare to squirt, because is there is one thing here that nerdy boys are the most good at is clearly playing with their toys. so may i give you five orgasms ? “

ღˊˎ he walked you home, taking the bus with you. you were sitting next to each other. each of you had an earphones in your ear. you shared new playlists, and you loved going to a music store and collecting old vinyl with him.

he putted the music headphones on your small head, and you murmured a song that he tried to guess by the movement of your lips.

ღ ˊˎ pope was a pogue. he was not rich. but he will do his best to spoil you. but above all, he's a nerd, he's not obsessed with money. like everyone else he feels the desire to be rich but he is happy with what he has.

for him, it's more important to teach you new things, to spend time on the internet with you, or to play a game while you sit on his lap.

“ man, i can hear your boner.” say jj because pope and him were always together. sometimes, the blonde one came at your house without your consent, and his excuses was “ it's just for a game, i will not sleep here. “

"she's my girlfriend, she sits on my lap and plays like a goddess, of course i have a boner. but why my bestfriend have one?”

“ excuse me for getting a boner when my character is literally a woman with big tits jiggling all over the place, barely covered and in armor. and fights like a fucking soldier.”

“ you two are really….”

ღˊˎ you loved as much as you hated when pope helped you study. because he was so strict. he wasn't the type of boyfriend who was going to get distracted and fuck you because you couldn't think clearly and made him waste our time.

no he was the type of boyfriend to tell you "yes, we've been at this for hours but you can add three more hours since we're still at the beginning of the exercise.”

“ can we take a break ? “

“ i already gave you by let you procrastinate while i'm asking you these answers. “

“ ….pope ! “

“ no no, you can be dumb as you want with your idgaf teachers but not with me. if i'm asking for your answers, i will get it. you can take your time, i don't care. “

“ you're so mean. “

“ because i care of your results ? because i care about your future ? fine, i like being that mean so. “

you gave him a death stare.

“ you better change this look before i get far worse than you could have imagined. “

you pouted, even though it didn’t change anything.

“i don’t want to sound rude but if jj can do it, anyone can do it.”

“ the fact is i don't know who you insult the most jj or me….”

“ listen, i know how smart you are, like i know this brain is the most unique thing i've ever seen. use it, i'm already proud of you, but you just need to show me a little of your incredible intelligence. and not only me, to everyone. “

you started to think more and more, and ended up to work harder to gave him the answers.

ღˊˎ pope was the type of boyfriend to give you handmade jewelry. especially bracelets. and every time you wore them, he was so happy.

he was also the type to watch the sunset on the high school bleachers or on the beach sand for hours with you, his precious girlfriend.

when night fell and he didn't wanted to going home, he would teach you how to surf.

ღ ˊˎ pope loved it when you wore his clothes, mostly his summer shirts and especially when you wore nothing underneath. he was a shy nerd so he would never admit how much he loved watching your freely nipples, slapped by the fresh wind.

you appreciated taking a nap on his chest for hours and hours in the bed of your room, while he's playing with his console, and with his other hand, cuddle you a little. sometimes, he randomly talked, making your ears so soft to his calm asmr voice, while he told you about the games he actually played, geeking about the fantasy core that you were clearly not aware of.

ღˊˎ he was your first love and you had your first time with him. was the same for him, you were the first girl he loved, and it was crazy for him how you made him so dumb when he was so smart.

ღˊˎ he loved complimenting you, telling you how beautiful you were, but also how smart and brilliant you were. that you were more than what people saw or thought about you.

ღ ˊˎ he liked how precious your moments were, how time lasted so long with you.

ღˊˎ you had filled your bedroom wall with your first words sharing together, with things you loved about each other, with photos of our dates. you don't want to forget anything. him neither.

ღ ˊˎ you were so cute with him and always stuck together.

ღ ˊˎ you thought it was going to last a long time, forever and for life. you were teenagers in love, filled with hard feelings, young matters, academic pressure.

ღˊˎ but today, back in the present, you were wondering what happened to your high school sweetheart, was he married, was his wife as nice as you, did he have children, did they look like him, did he have a big house, did he have the one you dreamed of when you were teenagers, was he as happy as he was with you, was he still a pogue or had he changed his future? did he still think about you when you can't get him out of your mind ? did he hear your late night thoughts screaming his name ?

ღ ˊˎ you went back to high school. but he was no longer there. you were no longer young, nor in love. you were adults and married. in the same life that you thought you shared.

ღˊˎ when you tried to contact him by phone but another woman answered the phone to tell you that her husband wasn't there. you understood, understood that you had become a simple memory. and him, the hardest ghost to find.

ღ ˊˎ he was your high school sweetheart, such a smart nerd and such an interesting person. it was certain that he had succeeded in life.

ღ ˊˎ you tried to call him one last time. “you were wrong, i’m not that smart.”

and you burst into tears when you heard his breathing and alive voice.

“ congratulations, pope heyward. was the life you cherished for. “

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goldvenuslvrs · 1 year ago

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In Love With My Best Friend

Summary: You and Pope are in love. everyone can see it except you. will pope ever make a move?

Pairing: Pope Heyward x fem!plus sized!reader

Word Count: 2.9k

Warnings: kinda cheesy, childhood friends to lovers, love confessions, jj and john b being little shits, i have no idea how to write endings apparently so enjoy <3

Author’s Note: memories/flashbacks are in italics. can we talk about that gif bc holy shit i’m having thoughts

Pope Heyward was a highly logical person.

He had never understood the concept of ‘love at first sight’ because how could you love someone you didn’t even know yet? The idea of falling in love with someone in the split second after you met them was a ridiculous notion and yet, it was exactly how he felt when you first entered his English class.

He was well aware that it wasn’t possible for his heart to skip a beat but he was certain it happened that day in the third grade.

JJ liked to constantly tease him, claiming that he’s been a simp from day one and Pope can’t bring himself to disagree. He used to despise English classes with Mr. Flynn but from the second you joined, he found himself looking forward to them.

Pope was hunched over his notebook, scribbling and doodling on the back page when Mr. Flynn called for the class’s attention, “Everyone, we’ve got a new classmate joining us today, this is Y/N Y/L/N. After the first break, we’ll be doing some icebreaker activities so that we can get to know her a little better and she can get settled in.

For the first time, he was relieved that his friends weren’t in the same class as him because he knew, without a shadow of a doubt, that if they saw the way he was staring at you, he would never hear the end of it.

Pope could have sworn that you were the most beautiful girl had ever seen. Even the sight of your wild hair, slightly paint-stained shorts and worn-out trainers took his breath away.

Mr Flynn had finally wrapped up his welcoming speech and allowed you to introduce yourself but Pope couldn’t focus on anything but the way you were rocking on your heels and awkwardly smiling at people around the classroom. He watched you crack a small smile and crinkle your nose when you said something particularly funny (at least to you).

He was finally forced back into reality when he heard your backpack drop onto the floor beside him and he watched as you settled into the seat beside him. He felt as though he was paralyzed, unable to move his gaze from you. He tried to say something, anything but his extensive vocabulary seemed to have abandoned him.

“Hi,” You chuckled when you noticed that his attention was on you, “I’m Y/N but you already knew that because he just announced it.”

He blinked.

“This is the part where you tell me your name,” You said expectantly, awkwardly giggling to fill the silence.

“Pip, Po, I mean, Pope,” He stammered. It was in moments like this that he wished he was a little more like JJ or John B, they wouldn’t have had a problem coming up with something funny to say to the pretty, new girl. “That’s my name, I don’t just greet people like that, that would be really weird.”

You smiled and Pope knew that he would happily spend the rest of his life making you smile like that, “Hi, Pope.”

He was forced out of his reminiscing by the devil herself.

You were standing in front of him and he could instantly tell that you were a bit peeved, your arms were crossed and he was subjected to the harshest of glares. You were clearly trying your hardest to remain angry with him but both of you knew that it was a lost cause, it seemed as though you were never able to stick to it.

Pope could read you like a book so he found it hard to take you seriously in moments like this. He was the only one who could understand you so innately and deeply that it was almost terrifying.

“Hey Munchkin,” He grinned and leaned back against the door of Kiara’s car. He crossed his arms over his chest and failed to notice the way your eyes were drawn to his biceps for a split second before they returned to his face.

You frowned, trying your hardest to maintain your composure, “Don’t give me that, Pope! You were supposed to meet me in the library so we could go through your essay together, it’s worth half of your final grade.”

“I’ve got it in the bag, don’t worry about it, but it’s always nice to know how much you care,” He teased and opened his arms wide, “Come on, you haven’t hugged me all day.”

You rolled your eyes and ignored the butterflies that erupted in your stomach at the faux pout on his lips and made yourself at home in his arms.

“Where are the others? I figured they’d be here by now?” You wondered and tilted your head up to briefly meet Pope’s gaze and tightened your arms around his torso.

The ‘hug tax’ was something you had come up with as a joke one day. You made it compulsory that each pogue had to have at least one proper hug with you every day. You came up with it after you had gone three days without a single hug from any of them (it was the longest three days of your life).

Pope kept his arms wrapped tightly around your waist when you pulled back from the embrace and he reluctantly answered, “JJ roped John B into some scheme involving a fire extinguisher, a ladder, and a bunch of rotten apples to the less I know, the better. Kie had social studies last period so, knowing her, she’s most likely still berating the teaching assistant about the lack of intersectionality again.”

“But I’m hungry,” Your lips fell into the most adorable pout and Pope had to bite his lip at the sight.

He pondered for a moment and grudgingly removed his arms from around your waist and took a deep breath, “I’ll go track down the boys and make sure they haven’t gotten into too much trouble so why don’t you try and find Kie and we can get the hell out of here?”

“Fine,” You huffed and backed away, “But we will talk about this essay at some point!”

“Yes, Ma’am,” He saluted and watched as you strolled down the path that led up to the large doors at the entrance of the school. He couldn’t help but smile when he saw you pause and drop down to your knees and coo at the sight of a squirrel scurrying up the tree nearest to the front doors.

John B and JJ were already heading towards the parking lot when he finally managed to shake off his love-added thoughts of you long enough to contemplate the destruction that his friends may had caused.

“What is it?” JJ asked when he noticed the distracted and impatient look in Pope’s eyes.

Pope glanced between his friends in confusion, “Huh?”

John B clarified, “You’ve got your ‘Y/N’ face on.”

“My what?” Pope laughed awkwardly.

“Your ‘Y/N’ face,” JJ repeated John B’s words in a way that suggested that Pope should know precisely what that meant.

John B rolled his eyes, “Whenever you think about her, you get this weird, lovesick look on your face.”

“Like you’re high,” JJ chuckled.

He shook his head, “Whatever, it’s time to go.”

“Why?” John B asked and exchanged a smug smile with JJ.

Pope sighed loudly in defeat, “Y/N’s hungry.”

He turned on his heels and pointedly ignored the loud laughs coming from his best friends.

“Dude,” JJ had thrown his arm over Pope’s shoulder and grinned at him, “We’re just messing with you, it’s cute.”

“Thanks,” Pope replied, his tone was deadpan. He was already counting down the minutes until you returned with Kiara.

You and Kiara still weren’t back by the time they had gotten to the car so Pope figured that it was as good a time as any to bring up his plans, “I’m gonna do it,” He admitted, receiving confused looks in return, “I’m gonna ask her.”

The boys exchanged a series of sceptical glances before they burst into laughter, laughter that was so intense that JJ fell forward and clutched at his stomach.

“Wow,” He caught his breath, “That’s a good one, Pope. This must be the, I don’t know, the seventh or eighth time you’ve said that?”

“I have an idea and Kie has agreed to keep Y/N busy for a couple of hours while I sort it out.”

John B seemed to have gained some composure and realised how serious Pope was, “Alright,” He said hesitantly, elbowing JJ in the side, “What do you need us for?”

Pope heaved out a sigh and glanced at his blonde friend, clearly unimpressed with his overdramatic reaction, “I don’t know what to say. It’s Y/N so I don’t want it to be bad.”

“Alright,” JJ had finally pulled himself together and had leant back against the car door, “You’re really doing this?”

Pope nodded.

“You’re telling us that you can get A’s across the board but you can’t put pen to paper and find a way to tell a girl that you love her?” John B asked and raised an eyebrow.

He groaned and ran a hand over his face, “I’m sick and tired of pretending I don’t love her like that.”

“Well,” JJ shrugged, “It’s a good thing you came to me, we’ll have her falling at your feet in no time.”

John B scoffed, “Remind me, how many relationships have you held down?”

“There was Anna Mae in second grade-”

“A relationship that lasted more than a week?”

JJ was silent.

“Precisely,” John B smirked and turned to look at Pope, “We’ll figure it out, dude.”

“Yeah, I mean, it’s kind of inevitable that you two will end up together.”

“Ooh, baby’s using big boy words today,” John B taunted.

Kiara was indeed berating her social studies teaching assistant.

You had never seen a man that looked more scared for his life before.

It had taken a good amount of bargaining and distraction to get Kiara to leave the poor guy alone.

“Come on,” You said happily linking Kiara’s arm with yours and skipping down the hallway, “Time for food.”

“Hold your horses, babe.”

“Kie,” You pouted and the words came out in a whine, “I’m tired, bored and hungry. That’s a dangerous combination. Even more so than JJ and his gun.”

“Chill,” She chuckled, bumping your shoulder, “I just need to pick up a few things from my locker and we’ll go, we can even get your favourite.”

“Lobster Mac ‘N’ Cheese?”

“What else?”

Kiara rolled her eyes fondly at your antics and laughed under her breath when she realised the real reason you were desperate for her to hurry up, “Relax,” She teased, “We’ll get you back to Pope soon.”

“What’s that supposed to mean?”

She pinned you with an unimpressed stare, “Seriously?”

“You love him, dude.”

“Of course, I do, he’s my best friend, no offence.”

“None taken but babe, you know that’s not what I meant,” She closed her locker and linked her arms with yours again, “Think about it.”

“Fine,” You conceded, it was pointless to try and pretend that you didn’t know what she meant, “Now food?”

By the time you and Kiara had pulled up at the Chateau, you were absolutely ravenous. Kiara had insisted that you should make enough food for the others as well, already anticipating JJ’s dramatic outburst if you showed up late with no food.

She shook her head at you when you launched yourself out of the car and strode towards the house with determination. You didn’t look pleased when John B stopped you in your tracks. Kiara had been on the receiving end of your hangry glare more than once and she did not pity John B in the slightest.

“Hey?” Your eyes flickered from his face to the door and back again, clearly confused.

JJ came running out from behind John B and they exchanged a smug look. They walked past you towards Kiara and the three of them wandered towards the dock, waving back at you and teasingly telling you to “have fun.”

“But not too much fun,” Kiara laughed.

You opened the door hesitantly and scanned the room. It was never a good sign when JJ and John looked as smug and mischievous as they just did. You didn’t notice anything out of the ordinary so you shrugged.

Pope was sitting on the couch, playing on his phone. It didn’t make sense that something so mundane could make your heart skip but the sight of Pope with his arm resting on the back of the couch and his legs spread out caused your stomach to erupt in butterflies. Thankfully, you managed to calm yourself down before he looked at you.

When he noticed your presence, he jumped up and smiled at you.

“What’s up with them?” You said, “They’re being weirder than usual.”

Pope laughed weakly and reached a hand to scratch the back of his neck, “It’s JJ and John B, do you want to try applying logic to them?”

“I guess not,” You chuckled, shaking your head.

There was a moment of silence before Pope spoke. It was unnerving. The silence was awkward, which had never happened with you and Pope.

“Well,” He took a deep breath and slightly stumbled over his words. You couldn’t help but notice that he was pointedly avoiding eye contact with you, “I need to tell you something and it’s kind of terrifying but I just need to get it out so wait until I’m done before you say anything.”

“Okay,” You confirmed, feeling uncertain but trusting him nonetheless.

Pope moved you to sit down on the couch and sat beside you. He reached over and held your hands in his, “I love you,” He didn’t allow your shocked expression to slow him down, “I don’t mean like you’re my best friend and I love you but more like I’m in love with you. I’ve tried telling you so many times that I’ve genuinely lost count but every time I back out because I’m terrified that you won’t feel the same and it’ll get really weird between us but I need you to know.”

Your jaw had dropped throughout his speech. He noticed that you were about to speak and put his hand up before you could say anything, “Not finished, I’ve got over this in my head a million times, let me get through it,” He let out a shaky laugh and focused his gaze on your intertwined hands, “I can still remember the day we met and I think I loved you then but now that I know pretty much everything about you, I love you even more so that’s it, I guess.”

He looked up and met your eyes, and you were almost surprised at the pure love you could see in them, “Against my better judgement, I fell in love with my best friend and I’m really hoping that she loves me back or this is gonna end up being really awkward.”

“You love me?” You blinked a few times to make sure that you weren’t dreaming.

“Um, yeah,” His shoulders slumped. Pope saw your reaction as a clear rejection and was fully prepared to run home and hide from the world for the next 2-3 business days.

“Well,” You grinned and pushed a few stray pieces of hair behind your ears, “I guess you’d better ask me out now.”

“Ask you ou-” Pope trailed off before nodding rapidly, a smile similar to your own spread across his lips, “Yep, that’s definitely something I can do, absolutely-”

“Pope.”

“Right, will you go out with me, then?”

You took a moment to fully admire him, happiness seemed to radiate from his body, “Obviously,” You answered and used your intertwined hands to pull him closer to you, “I mean, who else am I supposed to date? Being in love with my best friend doesn’t sound too bad.”

“Not too bad, huh?” He teased and his arms wrapped around your waist until he seemed to relax into you.

“I mean, you did take your time.”

He chuckled and silenced you with a kiss.

“Can we come back in now?” JJ asked with a smirk on his face. Pulling away from each other, you turned to see him standing in the doorway, Kiara and John B stood behind him with matching grins on their faces, “...or do we need to evacuate the premises?”

“I guess so, but you’re paying for pizza tonight.”

“Yes, Ma’am,” He saluted, sat on the couch and pulled his phone from his pocket.

John B followed him and routinely leaned over his shoulder, pointing at the screen and picking out what he wanted whilst Kiara walked over to you and Pope.

“What the fuck, you guys,” She said and her gaze darted back and forth between you, “Who am I supposed to give the speech to?”

You tilted your head back and laughed at your friend’s faux outrage. You wrapped your arms around Pope again and laid your head in the crook of his neck, “Both of us?”

“I guess I’ll have to,” She sighed. “I need some garlic bread in me first.”

She wandered over to the couch, pushed John B out of the way.

You shook your head and looked up at your boyfriend, “They’re idiots, aren’t they?”

“Yeah, but I wouldn’t have said anything without them so I guess they’re alright.”

#pope heyward #pope heyward x reader #pope heyward imagine #pope heyward imagines #pope heyward fluff #outer banks x reader #outer banks imagine #outer banks imagines #jj maybank imagine #jj maybank #jj maybank x reader #jj maybank imagines #jjpope

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uncasualfangirl · 2 years ago

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DAMN IT PANKOW. HOW AM I SUPPOSED TO WORK NOW.

Also, I wanna wear his cowboy hat for reasons 😏😏

#how can one man be so fine #rudy pankow x reader #rudy pankow #rudy outer banks #jj x john b #jjpope #jjmaybank x reader #jj maybank x reader #jj x reader #jj maybank #jj maybank imagine #jj maybank imagines #this man will be the death of me

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annekelovesreading · 2 years ago

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Imagine getting into a nasty altercation with Rafe, when you're out on the cut one day. The next day you bump into Rafe super drunk and hurt on your way home from the Chateau that night. You get home and your Mom tells you let him sleep in the guest bedroom, he'll sober up and get himself home in the morning.

You end up getting a sleepy mumbled apology from him about the day before. When you go check on him the next morning he's gone.

The next evening you hear someone at your door late at night, your mom's fast asleep so you grab a knife and slowly open the door to find a crying Rafe, he has fresh cuts on his face.

"I didn't know where else to go."

You didn't ask any questions just leading him to the same room he slept in the night before. As you're leaving he grabs your wrists and begs you to stay. You put up a fight but eventually you give in.

You spend the whole night cuddling and you can feel him pulling you even closer.

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thewriterg · 2 years ago

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♡︎𝐠𝐮𝐦𝐝𝐫𝐨𝐩 𝐛𝐮𝐭𝐭𝐨𝐧𝐬♡︎

pairing(s): JJ Maybank x gn!reader, Pope Heyward x gn!reader, JJ Maybank x Pope Heyward

summary: You, Pope, and JJ stay the night in and have a gingerbread house contest even if you didn’t win being surrounded by the embrace of your lovers was enough to make your night

word count: 660+

warning(s): Gingerbread house making, pet names, kisses, fluff, Shrek references, Poly relationships, and language

A/n:—GIFS; @obxhub— “Denial is a River and Egypt your husband is gay.” 🤨

Your back pressed up against the leg rest of your couch while you sat on the floor a piping bag filled with uncolored white frosting sat in your hand as you used the piping tip as a glue for your last touches of candy

“No, no, no forget that. The real question is… is the Nightmare Before Christmas a Christmas movie or a Halloween movie?” JJ redirected the debate him and Pope were having for the fourth time in an hour

“It’s both!” You and Pope exclaimed in unison

“How can a movie be two completely different genres!?” JJ argued a pack of marshmallows in his hand as he munched on the sweets rather than using them to decorate

“J There’s so many examples like romance comedy’s, supernatural and action, or Sci-fi and fantasy” You listed as Pope nodded along with Your statement in agreement

You had all been laying around your house like this for a while four hours at most you had a pretty short day at work but it was first shift and you only worked six hours 9:00am to 2:00pm so it wasn’t that bad

Or so you thought.

You had one of the worst customer experience’s ever with a women yelling about not getting the right straw for her very plain hot coffee followed by a very well overage man who couldn’t take the hints that you had quite literally turned into down right telling him to fuck off and he was being a pedophile

Once you got off you shift you couldn’t bring yourself to go to chateau you were too overwhelmed to deal with social interaction with this unusual behavior and hour after your shift you had your two boyfriends on your doorstep with reassurance and open arms

So now here you all were sitting in your living room making gingerbread houses and you were quite sure of yourself that you wouldn’t rather be anywhere or be with anyone else

“I’m almost done” Pope stated into the open not taking his eyes off of his house adding a few more swipes of frosting along the border of the cookie home you hummed just then adding the last candy on the side of your roof your house making coming to an end

JJ not paying attention finished first abandoning the idea after twenty minutes and settled on eating the sweets rather than decorating them his house was… something for sure now he just played with the string of your his sweatpants that sat on your hips

“Anddd… done!” Pope finished with a smile on his face proud of his work while you clapped for his creativity and he playfully bowed putting a hand over his heart a whipping a tear from his eye while You giggled

“You guys suck” JJ mumbled rolling his eyes while you pouted at him before pinching his cheeks as is he were a toddler smiling bright at a candy store

JJ playfully glared at you before leaning towards your face thinking the blonde was going in for a kiss you didn’t think anything of it until he took a full you turn swiping his head down taking a bite out of one of the gummy candies

“Not my gumdrop buttons!” There was a moment of silence before you all burst Into laughter the type that made you haul back and cry tears

“W- what was that” Pope forced himself to speak which only lasted a few seconds before he was back to clutching his stomach doubled over

“Y-you just gave Gingy a run for his m-money” JJ laughed once more before finally sighing his heart beating and banging against his chest without remorse lying his head down on your shoulder

You followed behind him lying you head down on popes shoulder while he laid his head on top of yours the random Christmas movie playing as background noise you all Falling into a sleep to each it’s own.

#jj maybank #jj maybank x reader #jj maybank x you #jj maybank x y/n #jj maybank x pogue!reader #pope heyward #pope heyward x reader #pope heyward x you #pope heyward x y/n #jjpope #obx #obx x reader #obx x you #obx x y/n #fluff #romance #gn!reader #i love you #thewriterg

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enchantedstarfish · 1 month ago

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THE PARALLELS?!!? OH MY GOD 😭🫶

thank you pctrovasklaus for curb stomping me at 9am

#jj maybank #pope heyward #jjpope #john b routledge x reader #sarah cameron #sarah routledge #jarah #outer banks

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loveharlow · 5 months ago

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SEVEN [SEASON 2] - 004

PAIRING ‧₊˚ JJ Maybank x Fem!Reader

SYNOPSIS‧₊˚[8.1k] A certain pogue is out of jail which means a certain handful of Kooks should be going in, unless they found some way out of it...

WARNING(S)‧₊˚ death, strained friendship, tw! topper, mentions of drowning

NOW PLAYING‧₊˚

A/N‧₊˚ A lil TR x Sarah bonding until it all goes to shit of course, BUT A LOT OF GOOD THINGS HAPPEN NEXT CHAPTER! Sorry for the angst streak :/ also, the scene between TR and JJ is loosely based on this scene between Brooke and Lucas from One Tree Hill.

˗ˏˋ series masterlist ˎˊ˗

THE SOUND OF CHICKENS CLUCKING AND KIARA PLUCKING THE STRINGS ON HER UKELELE SOUNDED IN THE QUIET OF THE YARD. The four of you — you, JJ, Kiara, and Pope, were in the surf shack at The Chateau. It was early in the morning.

JJ was waxing his board as Kiara played her instrument, you and Pope standing idly by. You were starting to get worried. It’d been almost twelve hours since your confrontation with Shoupe and nothing seems to have changed. You hoped it wasn’t all for nothing.

But another question was on your tongue…

“...Has anyone seen Sarah?” You asked, eyes squinting from the sunlight. Everyone looked at each other for a brief moment until Kiara broke the silence.

“Last thing she said was that she was going to meet Wheezie.” You hummed at her words.

You and Kie hadn’t spoken nor looked one another in the eye since last night, so it was safe to assume you weren’t the best of friends right now. To be honest, you haven’t been for a while. It was just so weird. There was a time you considered her one of your best friends. But now you couldn’t even face each other without some kind of cat fight ensuing. And you feared these disputes might go from verbal to physical if the pressure reached that point…

“That’s a lot of wax on your board.” Pope spoke, interrupting JJ as he waxed his surfboard. The blonde paused in his movements, side eyeing his friend. “If you put too much, it’s gonna be slippery.”

“...Are you tellin’ me how to wax my board, Pope?” JJ asked, standing up straight.

“I’m just saying, that’s a lot of wax-”

“No no no, you’re tellin’ me how to wax my board. Are you kidding me?”

“I’m just saying that’s a colossal waste of wax.” Pope shrugged sassily, turning away from the blonde.

“Guys,” Kiara butted in, looking between the two. “Really? Can you go two minutes without-” A car horn cut off the tail end of her sentence. The sound making all of you freeze. That was a very distinct horn. A horn that only belonged to a certain vehicle. A certain vehicle that belonged to a certain boy.

None of you said anything else, almost all completely still and waiting to hear it again. When the sound came again, you were the first to turn and run towards it. You rounded the corner of the surf shack just in time to see the Twinkie kicking up dust in front of The Chateau, a dearly missed brunette behind the wheel.

“No fucking way!” You exclaimed breathlessly as you ran towards the vehicle, almost tripping over your own feet. “Jombee!”

“Guess who’s out of the clink?!” He smiled, hopping out of the passenger seat. You knocked the wind out of the boy when you threw yourself into him, squeezing him as tightly as you could. He returned the gesture in full, the both of you laughing into each other’s shoulders as the others approached.

“Are you kidding me?!”

“Am I dreaming?”

“My boy’s out of the can!” They all joined in on the hug when they got close enough, the five of you piled in on each other. You weren’t sure if what you said worked or it was by the grace of some other miracle that John B was here right now but you didn’t care.

“How’d you do it?” JJ asked as you all pulled back from the hug, forming a circle. “You bust out?”

“No, actually,” John B said matter of factly. “They dropped the charges.” Just then, three of them turned to you with knowing smiles on their faces, John B following their gazes like a lost child. “What?”

“It worked.” Pope told him simply.

“What? What worked?”

“Our little pogue princess here used her magic to get your ass out of jail, Bree.” JJ celebrated, nudging your shoulder playfully as a small smile grew on your face.

“How the hell did you manage that?” John B asked, scoffing gratefully.

“It was nothing…” You waved off. “I just put some pieces together, that’s all.”

“Uh, it was not nothing.” JJ assured. “She went straight up Criminal Minds on Shoupe and his league of badge-wielding sissies. Had a folder and everything-”

“...Wait,” John B cut in, the smile gone from his face. “Where’s Sarah?” The four of you looked to each other, shoulder's square and tense.

“...She went to go meet Wheezie last night.” Kiara told the boy, shoving her hands in her back pockets. “She didn’t come back.”

“SO, SARAH JUST DIPS AND DOESN’T CALL?” John B theoreticized, the only one standing on the boat. The five of you were lounging in the HMS Pogue that’d been stationery in the water behind The Chateau. John B was kind of dampening the mood with a Sarah question every five minutes but you all gave him the benefit of the doubt.

“I don’t think we should jump to conclusions. I mean, I don’t think she would just leave. No offense but, where would she even go?” Kiara threw out, leaning against the inside of the boat next to John B’s legs.

“But, I mean also, she left her bag.” Pope added, you weren’t sure how that helped the conversation.

John B just sighed, planting his hands atop his head. “I really think Ward got to her.” He offered a possible theory. “I mean, he tried to have me killed in jail.”

You turned around so fast, you feared you almost gave yourself whiplash. “He what?”

“Yeah. He sent somebody to the prison who...yoked me up and almost killed me.”

“Do we know who this dude was?” JJ asked. Judging by his tone, he had an idea in mind and he most likely could go through with it if he truly wanted. Between the inmates who didn’t approve of crimes against children and JJ’s connections in the jail from his dad, he could honestly probably set something up with just a name and a dirty cop.

“No, I have no idea.” John B shook his head. “Dude, I swear to God, one day I’m gonna kill that son of bitch.” He threatened mindlessly, finally taking a seat inside the boat.

“It’s okay.” Kiara tried to comfort.

“No, Kie, it’s not okay.” He snapped. “We gotta find Sarah.”

“No, literally, it’s okay.” Kiara said once more, pointing behind the distressed brunette. “She’s right there.”

The four of you turned to see Sarah…sitting in Topper’s boat.

As Topper drove.

At the sight of John B, the blonde girl stood up. “...John B?” Her small voice traveled across the water, Topper’s boat getting closer and closer. She shouted John B’s name happily, the boy simply looking away from her. Seeing your girlfriend on her ex’s boat the morning you get out of jail can’t be the best ‘Welcome Home’ surprise.

The four of you cringed, Sarah clearly not registering the picture that was being painted.

“Oh, poor Sarah.” You muttered under your breath, mainly to yourself. “Sometimes, I forget that you are indeed a blonde, teenage girl.”

“What the hell is she doing with Topper?” Kiara asked, loud enough for the four of you only to hear. Everyone shot small smiles at the blonde girl, confused about who she’d arrived with but glad that she was safe nonetheless. Topper slowed his boat next to The Pogue, allowing Sarah to cross over as he and John B exchanged awkward glances.

“My God, this is weird…” You mumbled, clearly not quietly enough considering Pope nudged your shoulder in warning. “Wh-Am I wrong?”

Sarah threw herself into John B, the boy returning the gesture wholeheartedly but you could tell he was still a little thrown off. “I though I’d never see you again.” Sarah told him, voice muffled into his shoulder before she pulled back to look him in his eyes. “What happened?”

“They dropped all the charges.” John B smiled at his girlfriend.

“What?” Sarah breathed out, a bright smile on her face.

“Yeah, I’m a free man.” John B said smugly, leaning one arm on the boat’s windshield.

“That’s amazing!” Sarah exclaimed, pulling the boy into her one more time. The look of heartbreak on Topper’s face was clear as day. Anyone could tell that he was still in love with her. You might’ve even felt bad if he wasn’t such an asshole.

“I know, it’s great, but listen, Sarah,” John B calmed her down, pushing her back by her arms to look at her. “They’re coming after Rafe.”

“...Good,” She said, surprising you all. Her eyes fleeted to you for a brief moment. “He’s completely unhinged. He jumped me last night.”

“What?” You all said simultaneously, eyes going wide as your attention went to Sarah.

“That’s why I didn’t come back.”

“Yeah, man. Rafe has lost his mind.” Topper butted in, leaning against the structure of his own boat. “Literally almost drowned his own sister.” You rolled your eyes. Topper has known how unhinged Rafe was all along. He and Kelce always stood by like bodyguards when Rafe would treat you like shit towards the end of your “relationship” with him — he’d grab you by your neck in front of them, pull your hair, call you a bitch, tell you to shut up. But they didn’t care. Or at least they didn’t care enough to say anything about the way Rafe manhandled you or the people around him. But now that Topper had a chance to be Sarah’s knight in shining armor, there was no way he was going to pass it up. “Thankfully I got there just in time.” He said, and you swore you saw the hint of a sly smile on his face.

John B turned away from the blonde on the other boat, tongue prodding against his cheek. “Well, I guess I owe you one, Topper, don’t I?” He asked, voice short.

He simply scoffed in response, shrugging nonchalantly. “...’s all good. I mean, somebody had to rescue your girlfriend, right?”

“Oookay,” You jumped in. “I think it’s time for you to go, Topper, don’t you agree?-” You tried before John B jumped in.

“That’s funny because she’s not actually my girlfriend, right?” He directed the question more at Sarah than Topper, the girl tucking her hair behind her ear and laughing nervously.

“What is she, then?” Topper asked, chuckling.

John B threw a hand out in Sarah’s direction. “Tell him.” He had a sure smile on his face, like he knew Sarah would say what he wanted her to. But it quickly dropped following her words.

“I…I’m with him.” She looked almost unsure of what she was saying. Like she didn't want to say it.

The four of you not involved in this love triangle cringed silently, all looking in different directions as your faces twisted while Topper basically wheezed. “Gotcha. You’re with him. Yeah, okay.” He taunted, looking to the four of you. “You guys clear on that?”

“I think it’s clear you gotta go now.” JJ warned, looking up at the preppy blonde.

“Yeah, I think it’s about that time.” He agreed simply as Sarah called out to him.

“Topper.” She said, leaving John B’s side to get closer to Topper’s boat. “Thank you.” She said gratefully, pulling the boy into a gentle hug.

Topper returned the gesture. “Yeah, of course.” He said softly, hand rubbing up and down her back gently. “I’m just glad you’re okay.” He assured, and none of you missed the glare he shot John B behind Sarah’s back before she pulled away, letting Topper speed off.

YOU WERE STRETCHED OUT ON THE COUCH IN THE CHATEAU, TOSSING A BALL UP INTO THE AIR. John B and Sarah were outside on the hammock, the conversation they were having didn't look too pleasant. Kiara and Pope were talking in the Surf Shack, no telling whether they were cuddling or Kie was pushing him away. You were deep into thought when the door swung open, a chipper blonde waltzing in, humming some random tune under his breath as he went over into the kitchen and opened the fridge.

You looked at his frame in your peripheral before rolling your eyes and sighing, resuming your train of thought.

“...Y’know, you are really just take the passive part out of being passive-aggressive, y’know that, right?” He spoke across the room, closing the fridge and leaning against it, a beer can in his hand.

“Sorry. I guess liars just bring out the worst in me.” You muttered, voice full of attitude.

“How can I lie about something I have no idea about? Kind of hard to understand why you're so mad at me if you don't say anything.” JJ scoffed, taking small steps towards you.

At this you scoffed and rolled your eyes once more, sitting up on the couch and leaning your weight one arm, the ball clutched in your other hand. “Are you really just never going to say anything about it?”

“Say anything about what?"

"I mean, at first, I was trying to give you the benefit of the doubt. Like maybe it wasn't what it seemed but it's been days-"

You’ve been talking in riddles for days-”

“You kissed Kie.”

“...What?” He recoiled at the statement, standing up straighter. “No, I didn’t-”

“Yes, you did.” You interrupted, swinging your legs off of the couch and leaning your arms on your thighs. “In Charleston. At the gas station.”

He seemed to ponder on it for a moment before he found it — his eyes going wide and his jaw going slack before he stuttered to find words. “Th- that is not what happened. Is that what she told you?”

“She didn’t tell me anything. Neither of you did because you’re both liars and shitty friends.” You spat, standing from your seat and walking out of the door, hearing his heavy boots follow behind you as the screen door hit the wall. “Maybe this is a sign. Because clearly, you’re both made for each other. Do all liars and backstabbers have a moral code? Birds of a feather, y'know-”

“Can you let me explain?” He breathed out, his footsteps barrelling down the wooden steps and you walked through the dirt and gravel. You didn’t know where you were going or if you were going anywhere at all. It just felt right to walk away.

“You could’ve explained days ago.”

“Look,” He tried, gently grasping your arm to stop you in your tracks and turn you around. “Just listen to me, please. I understand what it may have looked like and I’m sorry that I didn’t tell you but I meant everything I said to you. That kiss you saw? Didn’t mean anything.”

“A kiss always means something.” You rasped, snatching your arm away and looking him in his eyes. Really in his eyes, for probably the first time in days.

“Okay, maybe you’re right but it didn’t mean anything to me. I didn't initiate it or like it or anything. I can’t speak for Kie but I can speak for me and the kiss. meant. nothing. And you would know that if you had-”

“If I had what?” You cut him off. “If I had said something? As you so sweetly pointed out, I didn't say anything, did I? I’m so sorry if the sight of you and Kie playing tongue hockey while Pope and I are less than ten feet away caught me off guard so badly that I couldn't say anything when it happened.”

“And I get that, I do. But you aren’t listening-” He tried to calm you, planting both of his hands on your shoulders before being harshly shrugged off.

“Stop that.”

“...Look, Kie kissed me. We were talking and then she kissed me and I pushed her away. The kiss didn’t last more than five seconds and I didn’t kiss her back. I told her I didn’t like her that way, I don't like her that way, and that I wouldn’t do that to Pope or you, ever. I even told her about what me and you have going on. I promise you.” He reassured. “And to be completely honest with you, would it even matter if I did? I mean, we aren’t together. You said you needed time to figure out your feelings. You said that you didn’t want me to wait on you to figure out your feelings. You said that.”

At his comment, you stood in shock. A silent ‘wow’ leaving your lips as you looked around at nothing. “And you know what, JJ? I loved you for that. You were so patient and understand in that moment that I fell in love with you in a such a way that I couldn't just call you my friend anymore. And I can’t believe that you use what I said now and twist it into something else. You know that’s not what happened. I told you I didn’t want you to wait on me to figure out my feelings if that’s not what you want, that part is true. But what about when you told me that you would and that it was your choice? That you’d be there when I was ready?” You reprimanded, scolded. “And when I told you that if you did kiss someone else or hook up with someone else, I just wanted you to tell me and not let me find out from someone else. And you told me that there would be nothing to tell and nothing to find out because you were “all mine”. Or did all of that just coincidentally slip your mind?”

“It didn’t. I just…” JJ sighed, running a hand down his face. “I need you to trust me and believe me when I tell you that my heart is with you. It always has been and it always will be.” He told, eyes boring into yours, pleading. “...But a part of me feels like when all of your grief is gone and you feel better about everything. About your mom, your dad, everything. You won’t...need me anymore and you’ll try to push me away because maybe then you’ll realize that you don’t really feel that way about me. You just thought you did because…because I was there for you when you needed me to be.”

“Oh.” You scoffed, eyebrows raising. “You kiss someone else, one of our friends, and I’m the one who’s feelings are being doubted?”

JJ just sighed, stepping impossibly closer to you. One of his hands reached out to caress your face, this time you let him. “...I love you.” He said softly. “I don’t know how else to say it.”

“How about how you show it?” You whined, eyes getting teary and voice wavering. You gently grasped his hand, dragging it away from where it was cradling your face. “I am not using you to make myself feel better, JJ. What I feel for you is not a product of my grief or fucked up life or because you were there for me at just the right time. And maybe I needed the time to realize that before but I know it, now. I am sure that I love you but now I need you to be sure that you love me back. Okay, so why wouldn’t you just tell me about the kiss? If it didn’t mean anything, why didn’t you say anything?” You explained, two single tears running down your face.

Suddenly, JJ’s phone started to go off, notification after notification. You let go of his hand, using your own to wipe your tears, as he fished for his phone in his pocket.

“Shit.” He cursed under his breath, walking in the direction of the Surf Shack.

“What?” You asked, voice still off from crying and you followed behind him.

He rounded the corner to find Kie and Pope pulling apart from a hug, you could only wonder what they were talking about. You didn’t miss the way both of their eyes went between you and JJ. Between JJ’s red face and your tear stains, they probably had questions. You wouldn’t be surprised if they heard the heated conversation.

“Pope.” JJ started. “Just got a call from Guffy. Somethin’ happened to your pops.”

“LET ME KNOW IF I’M HURTING YOU, OKAY?” Sarah cooed, planting a bandage on Heyward’s hairline. By the time the six of you arrived, the older man was hunched over, beaten and bloodied. Not too badly but bad enough for someone like Heyward.

“You’re doin’ just fine.” Heyward told Sarah, wincing as she fully secured the bandage and walked away. “Thank you, darlin’.”

“Pop,” Pope started, walking closer to his father. “What happened?”

“Oh, I should’ve known better.” Heyward started, lightly touching the bandage on his head. “He came in just as I was about to lock up. Caught me by surprise. Once he had me down, he put his knee in my chest,” You cringed at the thought. “...and he asked me about that…about that key. From that drawing you showed me. And in case you’re wondering,” The older man gaining his sass back as he spoke. “I ain’t tell him nothin’.” He told the group of you, a hand on his hip with his lips pursed before his eyes went back to his son. “Now did you track it down?”

Pope fished around in his back pocket, pulling out a slim, gold key with a red string attached. The five you surrounding the father and son had sly smirks on your faces.

“I found it in Mee-maw’s old apartment above the pharmacy, just like you said.”

“...Shit, boy, you should’ve gave this to me. I wouldn’t have had to take a beatin’.” He spoke, shocked by the sight of the key as he twirled it between his fingers. “What’s the big deal? It ain’t worth anythin'. Why they want it so bad?”

“I don’t know.” Pope shrugged along with the rest of you. “First, I get this letter telling me that I need to go to Charleston. And then I meet this rich lady who wants me to give her a key that I didn’t even know was in my family.” Pope explained enthusiastically.

“Well, don’t y’all just sit here whinin’ about it.” Heyward scolded the group of you sporting long faces. “Figure it out.”

Pope’s face twisted at his father’s words as he shook his head. “No.” He said firmly. “I’m just gonna give the key to that lady. It’s not worth-”

“No, no, no, no, no, no…” Heyward interrupted. “Did I raise you to back down from a fight?”

Pope shook his head. “...No, sir.”

“Well, all right.” Heyward nodded, admiration is his eyes. “Now, I didn’t think ‘bout it before. I admit that. But now…” He trailed off, eyes on the key in his hand before pointing to the injury on his head. “Now? I’m interested.” He smiled smugly. “Did they say why they wanted it?”

Pope drew his lips into a thin line. “Somethin’ about an old cross. I think it might be some kind of lost treasure.”

“You know who you should talk to?” Heyward suggested, leaning forward. “Your great-grandmother.”

JOHN B STOPPED THE VAN IN FRONT OF SHADY ACRES NURSING HOME. It was the next day, the group of you agreeing to put it off until then considering it was a little drive away. Pope was the first out of the van, Kiara following as JJ got out of the passenger seat.

“Hey, um…” Pope started, looking up at the building. “I think I’m actually gonna do this one by myself.” It seemed like a general statement but his eyes kept zoning in on key.

“...You sure?” Kie asked, half-way out of the van doors.

“Yeah.” Pope shrugged. “I can handle it, I don’t really need you, so…” The clear attitude in his voice had you and Sarah, who were still seated, cringing in the van, looking anywhere but at the two. You figured whatever they talked about in the shed wasn't as good as it seemed. Maybe that wasn't a happy hug...

“Oh, we’re just all one big happy family today, aren’t we?” JJ joked, trying to lighten the mood. Now that he mentioned it, it did seem like all the “couples” in the group were off. Even John B and Sarah hadn’t talked since yesterday afternoon or all this morning.

Pope simply looked at the blonde before walking off, a gloomy expression on his face. John B restarted the van, ready to drive off while Pope did his task.

“OF COURSE I THANKED TOPPER.” Sarah whispered as you, her, and Kie walked back towards the van slowly. John B had made a pit-stop at a burger place where you, Sarah, and Kie went to get milkshakes. John B and JJ were inside the vehicle, it looked like they were having a hushed conversation of their own. “He saved my life, and I’d put him through so much already.” She added, sipping on her milkshake as you did the same, Kie nodding. “And you’d think that that is the crime of the century.”

“Tell me about it.” Kiara said. “All of this crazy shit’s happening, and Pope is giving me the silent treatment for not being in love with him.”

You gulped down the rest of you shake at her words. “I think it’s more so due to the fact that you led him on as if you were in love with him, but hey,” You butted in bluntly, sending a tight-lipped smile Kiara’s way. “What do I know?”

“People can’t control their feelings. You can’t force yourself to…love someone who you just don’t.”

“No,” You dragged out. “But people can control how they interact with those people. Kissing someone, sleeping with someone? That doesn’t exactly scream ‘I’m not in love with you’.”

“What the hell is your problem?” Kie stopped walking, turning to you. “You don’t speak to me for days and then when you do it’s the same passive-aggressive bullshit? I mean, seriously, what’s your deal?”

You stopped in your own tracks from where you had taken a few steps forward, turning to face the girl while still sipping your milkshake. “Does Pope know?”

Kie rolled her eyes and threw her hands out, Sarah watching intently. “Does Pope know what?”

“That you kissed JJ.” You said bluntly, eyes staring into hers.

"Wh-*cough*-What?!" Sarah's eyes went wide as she choked on her milkshake.

“‘Cause if he doesn’t and he’s already pushing you away like this? I can’t imagine how much he’ll hate you when he finds out.” You shrugged.

“...If.” Kiara corrected, shifting her. “If he finds out.”

You pursed your lips, looking up at the sky as you pretended to think while you shook your head. “When.” You corrected her correction before turning on your heel and walking towards the van.

“I STILL CAN’T BELIEVE THAT YOU’RE RELATED TO DENMARK TANNY.” John B exclaimed. You’d all returned to The Marina just as it had started to drizzle where Pope explained how his grandmother told him all about how Denmark Tanny and his wife, Cecilia, were Pope’s ancestors. “Are we in the presence of a royal?” John B teased, the six of you camped up under a roof of one of the shops.

“A king? We shall crown him.” JJ joked alongside JB, planting an imaginary crown on Pope’s head. “All hail the Lord of Tannyhill. We are not worthy!” He continued, the rest of you joining in on the chant before Pope stopped you all with a chuckle.

“Everybody relax. Can we relax, please?” He requested, the laughter fading lightly before his face faded into something more serious. “...I just keep thinking about the letter. The one Limbrey sent? It had the wheat symbol on it.” He pointed out. “That must mean it had something to do with the Royal Merchant.”

“Yeah. Somethin’ seems fishy…” JJ threw in.

“But if we find that cross, we can split it like we were gonna split the gold.” Pope continued, gleefully.

“And live happily ever after?” An uninvited voice rang out, the group of you turning to find none other than Carla Limbrey and her live-in bodyguard approaching. You all straightened, the expression on your faces going hard.

“You assaulted my father.” Pope was the first to speak, his lips curled in anger as he took steps towards the woman only to be pushed back by her accomplice.

“Oh, I didn’t assault anybody.”

“He can identify the psycho from a mile away.” Kie assured, Carla turning to her.

“Why would my employee…” She trailed off, turning back to Pope. “Assault your father? That's absurd.” She laughed, like the whole ordeal was humorous. “Listen,” She started, limping towards Pope. “We can keep on negotiating but the fact is, I want the key.” She explained, her employee pushing Pope up against a support beam causing you all to jump up.

“Hey!” JJ shouted, being the closest to Pope.

“And I won’t stop until I have it. I don’t have a choice, which means you don’t either.” She spoke solely to Pope. She stared at him intensely, her gaze never wavering.

“It’s Limbrey, right?” You piped up, her eyes turning to you as you leaned against the wooden railing of the dock, swinging the gold key around your finger. “Is this what you’re looking for?”

“...Yes, it is.” She said, her voice straining as she walked towards you slowly.

“Looking at the tide right, I’d say it’s about…” You taunted, dangling the object dangerously over the water as you peaked at the waves then back at her. “Twenty feet deep out there? So, if I just threw it in the channel, the probability of you finding it again is slim to none.” You explained, sitting up straighter and extending your arm completely over the rail. “Wanna give it a shot?” You taunted, letting the key slip from your fingers.

“No! Hey!” Limbrey lunged forward, nearly tripping over her feet. She let out a sigh of relief when you swiftly caught key in your hand again before it even had the chance to really fall. “...Please don’t do that.” She pleaded.

You could feel your eyes narrow as you relaxed against the rail again, the key fisted in your palm as you threw one arm out in the direction of her employee. “Get him to back the hell up.”

“...Back up.” She ordered, turning towards the man as he walked away from Pope, looking you up and down. Carla was quick to stand back in front of Pope once more, talking to him. “As I have told you from the beginning, I am willing to be reasonable.”

Pope eyes drifted towards you, probably catching on to the fact that the key you were torturing Limbrey with was fake, considering you were sure he had the real one on him. You nodded towards the boy, winking at him.

“...Okay.” He said, eyes back on Carla.

“Okay?” She seemed surprised at his cooperation.

“I’ll give you the key.” He told her, standing up straighter. “But I want the tape.”

“Of course-” Limbrey was quick to agree, but you felt like her employee was getting suspicious with the way he was eyeing you.

“Hey, Pope,” You stepped in, walking towards your friend. “You don’t have to do this, okay?” You told him, but your head was nodding slightly so he would catch your drift. Giving the key up to easily would only seem suspicious now. There had to be some kind of resistance on his end.

“No, it’s okay.”

“No, Pope, this is your family.”

“It’s fine. It’s okay…” Pope assured, putting his hand out for you to give him the key. “This is about your dads.” He added, eyes fleeting between you and John B. “That’s way more important.”

“Oh, you’re a good friend.” Limbrey sighed as you planted the key in Pope’s palm.

“The tape?” Pope turned back to her, eyes never leaving hers.

“Yes, give him the tape.” She ordered the man she brought with her, watching as he pulled a red tape recorder from inside of his jacket, handing it slowly to Pope. He didn’t hand Limbrey the key until the player was in his hand. “You know…” She started again, leaning into him. “I wish that you’d come to this decision earlier. We could’ve avoided all this unpleasantness.” She said before turning and walking off, her employee following behind but not before turning around with a smug smile on his face.

“It was nice seein’ ya, Pope.”

“Walk away before I beat your ass with her cane.” You told him bluntly, him offering the six of you one last grin before strutting off. You watched the pair leave, standing next to John B as a smile grew on your face. “How long do you think we have until she realizes she has your father’s old key?”

“Ten minutes.” He replied.

Just then, Pope turned around with both of his arms out, a small relieved smile on his face. “Whose idea was the fake key?”

You and John B turned your attention to JJ who was trying to conceal the smile on his face. “Hmm, I don’t know. Should we tell him?” John B teased, throwing an arm around JJ’s shoulders.

“Did hell freeze over?” Pope asked, astounded.

“I’m impressed.” Kiara said. “Maybe you are good for something.”

“Even a blind pig can find an acorn at times.” JJ joked as Pope and JB tickled him, poking his ribs and ruffling his hair.

“We gotta take this tape to Shoupe.” John B smiled, juggling the object in his hand as the released the blonde.

“Yes sir.” JJ jumped up. “Ward Cameron we’re comin’ for you, big boy!”

You didn’t miss the look of despondence on Sarah’s face. It was the visual epitome of being stuck between a rock and hard place. You knew what it was like to know someone’s a bad person but still feel obligated to love them. You seemed so easily detached from your mother that you never stopped to consider that maybe Sarah was having a hard time doing the same with her father.

“WHEN I GOT DOWN TO THE TARMAC, I SAW THE SHERIFF LYING DEAD ON THE GROUND.” Gavin’s voice came from the tape recorder planted on Shoupe’s desk. John B had requested that you go in with him to give the evidence to Shoupe while the others waited, considering you had cleared his name in the first place, he figured your help could do no harm. “And then Ward asked me to fly the gold to Nassau and dispose of the gun. He’s protecting his son.” The former pilot explained, Shoupe’s eyes drifting upwards to stare at you and John B. “It was Rafe Cameron who killed Sheriff Peterkin. I gotta be honest with you…I’m terrified. If anything happens to me, I’m telling you, it was Ward Cameron.”

John B looked up at Shoupe and the FBI Agent standing behind him, a deadpan look on his face. “I told you Shoupe…” He started, shaking his head slightly. “Ward killed both of our fathers and Gavin, and now you know Rafe killed Peterkin.”

Shoupe just licked his lips and nodded, taking a quick glance at the agent behind him. “...I know, kid. I know.”

Your brows furrowed at this. During your last conversation with Shoupe, right after you’d told him to drop the charges and right before you left his office, he left you with a few last words...

“I don’t know if I believe all of this, kid. And I can’t promise that this enough to get your friend out and put Ward behind bars. Maybe one or the other…but not both.”

Leaning forward in your seat, you gained Shoupe’s attention as his eyes turned to you. “What does that mean? ‘Cause last time I was here you said that the outcome we have right now was nearly impossible.”

The man just sighed, slowly rising from his chair as it rolled against the floor. He put both of his hands on his belt and cleared his throat. “We’ve issued arrest warrants for both Ward and Rafe…as well as your mother and any department employees involved. Rafe is currently in custody, the other warrants are being carried out as we speak. I can’t give ya anymore than that.”

“LLLLADIES AND GENTLEMEN, WARD CAMERON, KING OF THE KOOKS, IS GOING TO JAIL!” JJ’s voice boomed from the inside of The Chateau. The guys were inside celebrating Ward’s takedown as you rounded the corner of the porch, finding a solemn Sarah sitting criss-cross on the patio furniture with Kiara right across from her, giggling at the guys antics.

You sat the opposite side of the blonde girl just Kiara looked to her, the brown-haired girl’s face falling at Sarah’s expression.

“...Do you regret it?”

Sarah was quick to reply, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear. “No.” She stated firmly, biting the inside of her cheek. “He deserves all of it, and I know that. It’s just…” She cut herself off with a teary sigh, her voice returning with a quiver to it as her eyes filled with tears. “He’s still my dad. I can’t just pretend like he’s not.”

“No, I get it.” Kiara tried to comfort, scooting closer and planting a hand on Sarah’s shoulder. “I understand-”

“But you don’t, Kie.” Sarah blurted, a tear falling from her eye as her nose and cheeks took on a shade of red. “I know you’re trying to help but you just don’t get it...” She said, rising from her seat and swiftly walking off into the direction of the backyard and out into the rain.

You didn’t know if it was weird of you to go after her, considering Sarah and Kie were closer but you figured after Kiara sat there with no intention of getting up that it was okay to do so. Getting up from your seat and walking off to follow Sarah, you stepped out into the drizzling rain, going towards her figure that was stood at the edge of the tall grass on the shore of The Marsh, her arms hugging herself as she looked out at the water.

As you got closer and stood next to her, you could hear small sniffles leaving her nose. Maybe she didn’t regret helping turn her dad in but it was clear as day to anyone that she was upset.

“I know I’m probably not the person you want to talk to…” You spoke up after a few moments of silence, Sarah looking at you briefly. “But I think I’m the only person who can relate to how you’re feeling, right now.”

“You don’t have to come out here in the rain to make me feel better.” She sighed, fully turning to you now, damp strands of hair sticking to her cheeks. “Especially after everything I’ve put you through.”

“Sarah, I already told you that I forgive you-”

“But why?” She cried, swinging her arms out to her sides. “It would be one thing if I didn’t believe you but I made your life a living hell and I didn’t even like my brother then. How can you just forgive me so…so easily?”

“Because it wasn’t your fault.” You told her, moving your own pieces of damp hair out of your vision. “I know that right now you probably think you’re no better than them, your dad and brother. But you are not responsible for the bad things that they did to other people. Yes, you made my life hell and maybe I’ll always hold that small grudge against you. But you didn’t kill Peterkin, and you didn’t kill my dad, or Big John, or Gavin.” You explained. “And unlike them, Sarah, you owned up to your mistakes. You apologized to me and Kiara and you’ve become a better person for it.”

“..But why do I feel bad for still loving him?” She whined, tears falling faster now. “I tore myself away from Rafe after he tried to drown me but my dad…he’s still my dad. And I know he’s done bad things, really bad things, and I will never forgive him but for some reason, going against him puts this pit in my stomach that I can’t get rid of because ...he’s my dad.”

“But that’s the thing, Sarah,” You began, stepping closer to her. “He’s not your dad anymore.” You told her, putting a hand on her upper arm gently. “The way I think of it? He’s just a shell of the man you used to know. Like with my mom — I know it seems like I’m okay and that I hate her and that’s that, right? But that’s not true. I miss my mom. So much. But not the mom that being hunted down by the police right now.” You explained, your own voice wavering. “I miss the mom that would listen to my shitty guitar playing after my dad taught me chords and convinced me I was the greatest in the world. I miss the mom that would make cookies with me in the middle of the night when I couldn’t sleep. The mom I miss would never do the things that the woman I know now has done. Any of it. And I know it’s a hard thing, to separate who you grew up with and who you’ve come to know but Ward isn’t the father you knew, Sarah. He’s the monster you know now.”

Sarah just sniffled and nodded, processing your words as she wiped the tears and rainwater from her face.

“...And as for that grudge?” You started, a small smile on your face. “Maybe I’d be more inclined to let it go if you helped me out with something. Just a small little side quest…” You shrugged cutely as her brows pinched together. “Got any clue where Rafe would hide a stolen dog at Tannyhill?”

You managed to get a small chuckle out of the girl before her phone started to ring, Sarah fishing the device out of her back pocket — Topper’s contact card bright on display as her eyes darted to yours.

“We might have to postpone that heist…” She said, answering the call. “Hello?”

“Hey,” Topper’s voice came through, his voice faint and distorted through the phone. “Sorry to be the, uh, bearer of bad news here but…they’re coming for your dad.” He told her, Sarah letting out a deep breath. “My grandpa just signed the warrant.” He explained. You forgot his grandfather was a judge. “So, if you have anything you want to say to him, I would do it now. Just wanted you know.”

“Thanks.” Sarah replied, voice small and weak as she stared at her sneakers. She removed the phone from her ear and ended the call, sighing deeply.

You shot her a tight-lipped smile, a look of pity. “I’ll get everyone and we’ll go with you.”

THE TWINKIE WAS GOING AS FAST IT COULD DOWN THE NARROW STREET WHEN THREE COP CARS SPED BY, headed in the direction of Tannyhill.

“Shit…” Kie breathed, eyes trailing the speeding vehicle as she looked out of the window.

“Oh my God,” Sarh sighed, eyes wide as the severity of the situation set in. “Can we please hurry? I need to be there for Wheezie.”

“You think I wanna miss this?” John B said bluntly. Ouch. The statement and the way he said it even hurt you, so you weren’t surprised by the mean side-eye that Sarah gave him from the passenger seat.

The four of you in the back exchanged glances. There was a lot going on and it was difficult to know what each of your worried looks were for — Sarah, John B, or Sarah and John B’s relationship.

It wasn’t long before the van pulled up right behind one of the parked cop cars outside of Tannyhill, right outside the concrete wall. You all nearly tripped over one another scrambling to exit the van before it even came to a full stop — the sound of police chatter, footsteps, and sirens in the distance.

You all stood on your tiptoes, peering over the wall.

“Holy shit.”

“I can’t see, bro.”

None of you had a good view but you could see a small swarm of officers running towards the dock where Ward kept his boats while Rose stood helplessly by the door.

“Screw it.” John B said out of nowhere. “I’m going over.” He warned before hurling himself over the wall, the five of you watching as he landed on the other side. You looked at each other before following his lead, landing in the grass.

You all jogged through the freshly cut grass, approaching the doors where Rose stood just in time to see Wheezie rushing out as Rose tried to stop her.

“What’s going on?” The young girl asked, eyes on the huddle of officers by the water. “Why are the police here?”

“Wheezie…” Sarah called her sister’s name in relief, walking faster in order to reach the girl and pull her into a hug.

“Why are the police here again?” Wheezie asked, her voice soft and curious.

“Go inside,” Sarah told her, caressing the back of her head before pulling back to look her in the eyes. “Don’t come out.” Wheezie looked at her older sister with confusion and concern before nodding and turning to go back inside, a teary-eyed Rose guiding the girl back inside.

You couldn’t help but subconsciously notice that there was no sign of Marley — no paw prints, no food bowls, no leash, nothing. Not that he’d take that much care of her anyway. But it didn't look like a dog was being kept here. You felt bad for thinking about that at a time like this but if Rafe wasn’t holding her at Tannyhill, you could only think of one other place he’d take her, and if you were right then getting her back just became a whole lot more dangerous…

“Sarah,” Rose called before shutting the patio door, her voice scratchy. “Your father, he…he’s out on The Druther’s.” She told her, Sarah wasting no time in jogging in that direction before Rose could finish. “But I don’t think you should- Sarah!”

She tried to call her back but it was no use and the rest of you could do nothing more but follow Sarah out to the docks. Through the grass and over the wood, about six or so officers formed a line, effectively blocking the entrance as the group of you approached the scene.

“Dad!” Sarah cried, seeing her father’s figure on the third story of The Druther’s.

The officer’s attention turned to you all, holding their hands out to stop you all from going any further when Shoupe’s voice rang.

“That’s Sarah Cameron! Let her through!” He ordered, motioning you all through with one hand as the officers stepped to the side.

“What are you doing here, Sarah?!” Ward called tearfully from the top of his boat. He looked genuinely terrified.

“Dad, what’re you doing?!” She called from the docks as you all walked behind her, forming a sort of line on the wooden surface, officers on each side.

“Vic, you gotta get her out of here!” Ward’s attention went to Shoupe, pleading with the man. “She can’t be here right now!” He was straining his voice so much, you would think he was about to die, not be arrested.

“Just come on in, and you can talk to her!” Shoupe tried to reason, throwing his arms out in Sarah’s direction, trying to find anyway for Ward to turn himself in.

“Sarah, I’m so sorry, baby,” He continued to cry, going inside of the cockpit for a moment. It looked like he was flipping switches which made the officers weary. “I can’t!” Suddenly, the anchor started to reel itself out of the water.

If they didn’t get any units in the water by now or anytime soon, you feared Ward would get away. Once again.

“What’re you doing?!” Sarah called, stepping closer to the edge of the dock. “Dad, no, no, no!”

“Ward!” Shoupe stepped in, applying more pressure. “This ain’t gonna end the way you want it to!” Your prayers were answered and Shoupe’s warning was proven when four police water units came cruising towards The Druther’s, lights and sirens on display. “You don’t need her seeing this!”

Sarah’s jaw couldn’t close as she eyed each of the approaching boats, one after the other. Anyone within five feet of the girl could hear her labored, stuttering breaths. Just then, Ward started to climb down to the second level of the boat, causing Sarah to cry out once more.

“Dad, don’t leave!” Her voice cracked, at a pitch so high you’d question if it was even her voice. “Where are you going?!”

“I love you!” Ward assured, landing on his feet on the second level deck.

“Hey! Damn it, Ward!” Shoupe cursed. “Turn it around and get back in here!”

“Dad! No!” Sarah cried hysterically, watching as Ward closed himself off in the boat where no one could see him. The four units in the water were closing in on him —where did he plan to go? “Please don’t leave!” Sarah croaked one last time when suddenly the bottom of The Druther’s blew, sending a wave of silence over everyone.

Even the boats in the water slowed, not wanting to get to close to the wreckage as it blew again, each blast getting higher and higher, hitting each story of The Druther’s. Each boom sent each of you back a step, hearing Sarah’s breath hitch was what broke your heart.

You all threw your arms up, shielding yourselves from the debris and shrapnel that was now flying in the air as easily as dust. A thick cloud of dark grey filled the air, metal and other materials floating down into the water as everyone just stared.

It was silent until Sarah started to hyperventilate, a hand on her chest as you watched as her knees began to give out. “No, no.” She struggled to get out, a hand hovering over her throat as she cried. “Dad…dad!” You know someone should’ve helped her or comforted her but it was like none of you could. You were frozen in place, watching the boat go up in flames.

You couldn’t believe this. No, really. You couldn’t. Despite the fire and the smoke and the boat now in pieces, you couldn’t believe the sight in front of you.

Ward was dead?

You were supposed to believe that Ward was dead?

How could any kind of universe allow him the easy way out? How was that fair?

You didn’t even really notice Topper, who’d appeared out of nowhere but seemingly just on time, catch Sarah just as she fell. You saw it out of you peripheral, but your sights never left that burning boat.

Ward…was dead.

Ward Cameron was dead.

next chapter>

feedback is appreciated! thanks for reading.

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nemesyaaa · 5 months ago

Text

half return. momma's boy!pope x maneater!reader.

warnings : slight smut so minors DNI.

you were a maneater, and your favorite type was momma's boy. in particular, the pogues because they were different.

you were the kind of woman everyone saw from miles away but also knew so well. you had a bad reputation. people talked a lot behind your back to say bad things but you didn't have time, either to listen, care or to respond.

oh no, you were way above these people. the attention you were looking for was not from them, but from the other side, from those who were not really rich, who were struggling to live and who lived without worrying about the consequences.

you were a maneater, so obviously there was a hungry beast in your heart and today, like every other day, the beast was hungry. the monster wanted to eat some man.

you weren't really a momma's girl, and you were hated by your boyfriends' mothers..you weren't good enough for their son. you were too mean, too vulgar, too honest. you were nothing like a daughter-in-law and yet, men dreamed of marrying you.

it wasn't a question of dream bodies, you had marks on your body, a little belly, peculiarities but you knew how to hide your insecurities. you had the attitude and the reputation.

you were like a jaguar, magnificent, confident and glorious.

today, you had a crush on a guy. pope heyward according to one of your friends. he was part of a group of pogues who were pretty well known for being troublemakers.

but him. this man, you knew he never did anything wrong. you knew he was a good boy who wanted to please his mother, and who easily fell in love with girls stronger than him.

you knew in advance that pope heyward was too nice. and that you were going to eat him so easily.

the heat was so hot. you wore a white top that barely hid the bottom of your tits, but showed off your belly piercing quite well. the sun made your precious toy sparkle. you had jewelry everywhere, strass on your teeth, dozens of rings on your fingers, more than five necklaces around your neck, and twenty bracelets around your arms. you had the money for, well, your daddy's money.

your jeans came down to your hips, exposing your black thong. physically, you couldn't be pope heyward’s type. everyone would have bet on it.

when he looked up, you met his gaze. you could sense that he was shyer than his blond friend next to him. because he, well his friend had smiled directly at you.

you had kindly ignored him because he wasn’t the one you wanted. no, you wanted the shy guy, the one who would never assume what you would make him feel.

“ hi pope ! “ you smiled.

"so rude of you to ignore me but so kook of you." said jj.

“ start by not making trouble with my friends the kooks.”

“ okay, so you'll stop sleeping with all my pogue friends.”

“ is it jealousy, jj? did you want your blow job too or you just a crybaby that much?”

the tension had started to rise and pope had cleared his throat.

" can i help you ? " he talked with a friendly voice.

"i don't know what to choose for an ice cream flavor.”

“ i can make you a personal cream if you want.”

“i don’t understand why you hate me so much jj but okay, i will just ignore you. ”

“i’'m going to smoke, pope. be careful with her.” he had placed a hand on his friend's shoulder before disappearing as if to warn him.

“don't pay attention to him. he's not mean, just a little too protective.”

“you look like you've been broken many times.”

"not really. girls don't really hang out with me.”

“they’re missing something.”

you looked at each other through the mirror window for a moment, not knowing what to say.

“are you flirting with me?”

“yes, pope heyward. i'm flirting with you.”

“ you don’t know me. "

“that’s why i want to know you. i know, i'm not your type. ”

“i don’t mean to be rude but you have a reputation as a maneater.”

“don't be a sheep who follows others people, pope. especially when you are different from the others. you are a smart person.”

“what flavors of ice cream do you want?”

“i want your favorite.”

you smiled. when you handed him the money to get your ice cream back, he politely refused.

“it’s on the house.”

“ i really want to pay. i’m a customer like any other.”

“if you want to pay so much, you can pay differently.”

" how ?"

" you can ask me out on a date? it will give you the opportunity to get to know me better."

“so smart of my boy. oh and don't tell jj about that. “

“ i don't want to lie to him. “

“ just don't tell him, pope. it's about us, only, okay ? “

“ okay. you're too pretty, i can't resist. “

“ you're the only pretty thing here. “

and that was how you started dating pope heyward.

you were a maneater so obviously pope had fallen really hard in love.

you were so different from all the girls he knew. when he was with you, he had this vital need to make you happy, to buy for you, to cut checks, to possess you, to be your only boy.

you had a strong energy, the kind that made you feel like you had it all and had it all under control. you were convincing and confident. you hated losing control. and perhaps that was the reason for your attraction to soft and naive boys.

pope's mother didn't like you. she hated when you went to their house, when you kissed her son, when you slept with him. she hated the idea of you two being together.

sometimes pope felt bad about it. he didn't want to disappoint anyone. but he couldn't be both your boy and his mother's boy.

once on a summer evening, you invited him to your place so that it was just the two of you. you showed him your room, your favorite things, your jewelry, your family photos, everything that mattered to you. then you put on some music.

he was lying there in the bed, shirtless with only his pants on, a cigarette in his lips, his eyes hanging on your moving body. he only looked at you, you were the only thing that existed.

you were beautiful. the frightening and majestic beauty of the jaguar. you moved so elegantly. you were in control of your body, you knew how to make it beautiful, how to make it so attractive.

jazz was coming out of the record player. you were in your underwear, enjoying the air coming in through the open window. you spun and spun as if the world had stopped.

you almost fell, but pope caught you in his arms.

"perfect. let's dance together, all night, momma's boy."

“don’t call me that.”

“isn’t that what you are?”

you laughed and he captured your laugh with his lips, kissing your mouth gently.

“i want to stay here forever.”

" where ? "

"in your arms. here. in my room. i just want you, pope. ”

you had started kissing every part of his face, placing wet kisses on his soft skin.

“i want you. and you want me too.”

“you know, we will have to take responsibility for our relationship.”

"i know, i know but not now. it's fun being a secret isn't it?”

you started to bite him gently, and he started to flee your small bites. this little thing had turned into a playful fight.

he had the advantage because he was on top of you, him catching every one of your thrusts. you managed to get out of his grip and rolled onto your side before getting on the bed.

he followed you, and you threw the first punch. right in the chest. he had subdued you quickly, still gently, his face right above yours.

“ where is the maneater who always wins, where is the maneater who destroys men? because i am beatin her ass right now.”

“ no, you're not. “

“ what?” you flipped him over with a smile, placing yourself on top of him.

“ you enjoy the game a little too much, pope. i'm fucking sitting on your boner and if you make a move pope heyward I'll destroy you. “

“ real queens do not destroy the throne they sit on. and if you want some child princess, take care of it. “

you had started to move slowly, gently rubbing your pussy over his bulge. you moved efficiently, enough to feel your boyfriend’s cock getting even harder against you.

you could tell he was big by the way you silently rose as his dick awoke.

this room, this sensuality, this warmth, was nothing without the music of marvin gaye.

a wet spot had appeared on his pants, and you used it to rub faster, to press your pussy harder against his erection. the sound of his grunts in sync with your moans.

he held your hands, and kissed them at the same time. he could cum now if you asked him. because you had a way of moving that made him so weak.

“ boys can't play and win. “

“ i think you're late my girl, i win since ive got a girl like you. “

his hands grabbed your thighs while you slipped harder.

“ ‘not going to cum now" he said before taking his length out of his boxers.

he rubbed the tip against your dripping pussy, you were so wet it almost dropped between your lips. he had spit in his hand, and started moving up and down on his cock, jerking off quickly

" what are you doing ? "

“you’re going to ride me, but with my cock deep inside you this time, girl.”

he had smacked your ass, letting it bounce against his palm before you pushed his cock into your pussy. hands on his abs, you began to move, riding him. the problem with this position is that you quickly started to get tired. all the power you had relegated to pope now. he understood the signal, doing the job for you with a smirk. he yanked his dick deeper into your walls, letting you feel every inch of his size. he loved your moans every time his hips hit yours.

the sound of your two bodies slapping together in the atmosphere like the noise of your golden belly chain against your skin. his movements were hard, tearing loud cries from you. you had tears in your eyes, whimpers of pleasure. he took you so well. he was a good boy who knew how to make you cry.

he was taller than you. the size kink was easily noticeable even more when his cock widened your tight hole. and also, when he started touching you, his hand covering your clit.

he had pinched it gently, teasing the little piece with his fingers. he had fun with it, tugging on it while thrusting wilder inside your body, your legs shaking on the mattress.

your hole was squeezing him and he loved how tight it was. he squeezed your clit as he sped up his movements.

"not a maneater anymore ?" he said with a smile "just a girl who wanted to be eaten by her man.”

“ oh shut up, pope heyward. “

“you're the only one making noise here baby.”

you kissed him to shut his mouth. he was right and you knew it. you knew pope loved your strass on your teeths. at first he found it weird and thought you were giving yourself a style but now he was crazy about it.

you were still a maneater but you had a boyfriend so it was different. and then, you were in love. you had learned what it was like to have a man who truly wanted you and loved you.

you were supposed to run away but you didn't want to leave him behind. the problem with nice guys was that they weren't bad. they never held a grudge against anyone, and did not get angry. pope panicked more than he got angry, for example.

when he released his cum deep inside you, you came with him. you looked at him. there was more sweat on his body. he was breathing faster.

you could tell he was proud. and he could be.

you loved every single moment with pope. he was a good boyfriend. he was intelligent, studious, kind and friendly. he worked at school, after classes.

so what you loved was when he broke the rules for you. you used to go and throw stones at his window in the evening to get him to go out. you went surfing in the dark night, bathing in the midnight moon, in calm, cold water, or you went rollerblading at a club because it was fun and the perfect place for couples.

you also spent time in bookstores. it wasn’t your thing but you loved the moment when he told you about the book he was choosing. he would start talking for hours, navigating between the shelves. you followed him and listened to him.

"sometimes, i really feel dumb. " you said.

" you don't understand anything, right ? "

" yes. i'm sorry. but i like it actually. you're pope, the smart boy, the nerdy guy, the master brain and i just love being your girlfriend but it's so new to me. i can't fully understand."

" you're not bored ? "

" never. i can't be bored when my boyfriend is so intelligent. never. what was the book already ?"

" see ? you don't want to listen to that. "

"it's just new to me. be patient and you will be the only one to get bored. "

" deal ? "

" deal. "

and you also confessed your relationship to the pogues. jj pretended to be surprised but was nice to you.

"don't break his heart, okay? he forgive everything, but not me. "

" don’t worry, i will not hurt your boyfriend. "

he turned to Pope, ignoring your bullshit words.

“you know man, i always wondered what the strass felt like while she sucks your cock.”

" JJ. "

"What? I was just asking!”

the end bc i really want to kick my ass. this is not that good. at least, i tried something 💀💀 i will work harder. i just tag @rafecameroninterlude et @oceandriveab . i'm sorry for the expectations 🫠

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