#pogues x reader

[pogues4lifeee]

✧˖°. i’m not pretty - JJ ✧˖°.

Summary: y/n doesn’t feel pretty at all and when JJ finds out due to her passing out on the boat, he does everything he can to help her feel better. 

A/N (kind of): sorry if this sucks. I wanted to write about my own personal experience (except I don’t have anyone like JJ except maybe (tag mahrosh) and I haven’t passed out.) 

Warnings: talks of starving yourself, passing out, vomiting, please skip if this triggers you.

Word count: 4.28k

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I never thought I was pretty.

Not when I was little, not when I was in middle school, and especially not now, as a teenager in high school, where everyone was judging everything about you. 

I always thought I was too fat and I know everyone else does too. I always heard them in the hallways, whispering about me, giving me dirty looks as if I did something to them. I never understood why the pogues wanted to hang out with me, especially since Kie was in the friend group from the beginning and Sarah joined recently. Kiara has the absolute best body I’ve ever seen. I wish I could look like her. Same goes for Sarah. 

I guess I was added to the group only since I was John B’s little sister by 11 months, mainly out of pity that I had no other real friends. I don’t even have a fucking clue why JJ’s even dating me. A fat girl like me doesn’t deserve a guy who every single girl on this island wants.  The only person who somewhat knew about my insecurities even a little was my dad, but when he disappeared, the one shred of comfort I had did too. I loved John B, but I was scared to tell him. I knew he would just lie and say I wasn’t fat, but I didn’t need that. Instead, I started starving myself, only eating half a meal a day, and working out like crazy. I also developed an unhealthy addiction to the scale. 

I laid in bed, these thoughts running through my brain, until someone knocked at my door. I sat up in my bed. 

“Come in.” I said, wiping the tears off my cheek quickly, hoping my eyes weren’t red. 

The door opened gently to reveal my brother standing at the door.

“Hey, I’m heading out to the beach with the pogues in a bit, waves are supposed to be good today. Wanna come?” JB asks me from the door, not wanting to invade my space. 

“Uhm, sure.” I respond, not wanting to wear a bathing suit, but wanting to hang out with my friends and boyfriend, neither of which I actually deserve.

“Okay, we’re leaving in 30” John B says.

“Alright.” I replied. With that John B closes the door.

I pulled myself out of my bed and went over to my closet, staring at myself in the mirror doors. I lifted up my shirt and turned so that my side was facing the mirror. I immediately felt like not going, as I thought I looked too fat already. I decided to go, but skip breakfast and lunch, maybe even dinner. I pulled out a white and gold one piece bathing suit, not wanting to wear a bikini, even though everyone loved seeing me in them. Once I had it on, I stared at myself in the mirror again, the same thoughts as before running through my head. However this time, they were interrupted by my brother’s voice once again.

“Y/N, we’re leaving!” he shouts from the stairs.

“Coming!” I said, quickly throwing a long sweater and denim shorts over the bathing suit and grabbing my phone and beach bag from next to my bed and ran down the stairs. The pogues were waiting for me on the couch, laughing and eating and drinking something.

“Hey babe!” JJ said, getting up from the couch and walking over to you, wrapping his arms around your waist for a hug. I wrapped my hands around his neck.

“I decided to pick up some (insert your favourite breakfast food) and (your favourite drink) before we head out for our boat day! I know they’re your favourites!” he continued, letting go of the hug, but still holding your hands.

I looked down at the floor. How the fuck was I supposed to hide this? They all know I didn’t eat much dinner last night. JJ immediately noticed something was wrong before I could say anything. 

“Hey, everything ok?” he asks, trying to bring my eyes back up to look at him. 

“Yeah, I’m just not that hungry.” I said, looking up at him.

“But you barely ate anything last night.” Pope said, sounding concerned.

“Yeah, but I woke up in the middle of the night and grabbed a few slices of pizza.” I replied, looking at everyone now.

“You sure?” JJ asked me. 

“Yeah guys, don’t worry, I’m fine.” I said, but seeing the look of concern on my boyfriend’s face, I quickly added “Pogue Promise.”, which was the strongest promise a pogue could make. I technically wasn’t lying, because I was fine, I was just not eating in order to feel pretty in my own body one day. 

I could tell that as soon as I said that, JJ felt somewhat better about it.

“Won’t you be hot?” Pope asked me, pointing to my sweater.

“Eh, I’ll be fine.” I shrugged.

“Let’s roll boys and y/n!” Kie exclaims, grabbing her bag and picking up the keys to the HMS Pogue. Everyone got up to follow her out. 

“Wait, why do we need the keys to the boat?” I asked, confused.

“What are you talking about babe?” JJ asks, everyone stopping.

“John B told me we were having a beach day, not a boat day.” I say.

“Shit! I forgot to tell you. I completely forgot there was a beach clean up today, so we decided to have a boat day in the marsh instead.” John B said from behind JJ. 

Fuck. If we were on the beach, I could have just been on my phone and managed. But on the boat, we will be driving, and if I don’t eat, I’ll start to get nauseous and the bouncing boat won’t help. 

“That’s okay, right?” Sarah asked me. 

“Yeah of course, why wouldn’t it be?” I responded.

“Alright, let’s go then.” JB said. Everyone continued to follow Kie through the door. I started to follow but Sarah pulled me aside.

“Okay, spill.” Sarah said. I wanted to get past her, but she was standing in the doorway, not allowing me to get past whatsoever. 

“I don’t know what you’re talking about, Sar.” I say, using my nickname for her. 

“Why didn’t you eat any breakfast? You love that shit y/n.” Sarah quizzed.

I didn’t want anyone to find out, but I felt bad keeping secrets from her. I checked if the coast was clear before signaling for her to come closer. I didn’t want my brother or boyfriend to hear. 

“It’s one of those days.” I tell her, hoping she remembers what I told her when we were both drunk one night.

“I don’t follow.” she said.

“It’s one of those days where I’m not eating.” I whisper.

“What?! Why?!” she yelled at me in a whisper

“Jeez, do you not remember anything when you’re drunk?! I do it because I look at you and Kie and then look at myself. I look nothing like you guys. I need to lose weight. I love JJ and the pogues too much.” I explained.

“What does JJ have to do with this?” she asked.

“Every girl on this island wants him, it’s not going to be long until he leaves me for one of the prettier girls.” I say.

Before Sarah can respond, we hear Pope calling us.

“You guys ready to go?” he asked

“Yeah, one second I’m just grabbing my chapstick!” Sarah yelled back. 

“Please don’t tell anyone Sarah, I trust you.” I pleaded, putting a hand on her shoulder.

“FIne.” she hesitates, lifting her arm and placing her hand on the one I had on her shoulder.

“Thank you.” I said, and with that, we were on the boat and off to the marsh.

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“Anyone wanna jump in the lake with me?” JJ asked us, sipping the rest of his beer.

We had been in the marsh for an hour and we had finally stopped moving, but the boat was still rocking. I had put my phone away to try and keep the nausea from not eating and seasickness to a minimum. We were all laughing and talking when Sarah turned to me.

“Hey, you good?” she asked me quietly.

“Yeah, why?” I asked back.

“When was the last time you ate again?” she questioned back. 

“Last night, remember?” I answered back, but still not breaking the cycle of questions. 

“You weren’t lying about that?” she asked her third question. 

“No, I made a pogue promise, Sarah.” I said, finally stopping the chain of questions back and forth. 

“Okay, but please at least eat a full meal today.” Sarah pleaded.

“Sure.” I said, lying to her again.

She smiled, somewhat satisfied and got up to go talk with my brother.

“Want one?” JJ asked, coming up to me and holding out a beer.

I knew that if I said no, he would know something’s up, but I can’t handle alcohol on an empty stomach.

“The fact that you felt the need to ask that question makes me feel like you don’t even know me anymore Jay.” I said, taking the beer from his hand. 

Everyone kept talking and laughing about John B’s encounter with a drunk client at the Country Club. I kept dumping the beer over the side of the boat and into the water when no one was looking. After a couple hours, everyone started to get hungry.

“I’m starving!” John B says.

“I made some grilled sandwiches, they’re in that cooler.” Sarah said, pointing to a blue cooler next to me.

“Yes! Your sandwiches are the fucking best!” Kie said as JJ walked over and knelt down next to the cooler and flipped it open.

“Ladies, and gentlemen, lunch!” JJ announces, pulling the grilled sandwiches Sarah made out of the cooler. 

“There are some spicy chicken sandwiches and some BLTs in there. They’re labeled.” Sarah explained to JJ. 

He pulled a spicy chicken one out of the cooler and held it out for me to take.

“For you, princess.” he said, waiting for me to take it.

“Thanks, but I’m not really that hungry.” I say, trying not to sound suspicious. I need to lose at least 20 more pounds before I can eat again.

“But you love Sarah’s spicy chicken sandwiches.” he said, his brow furrowing.

“Yeah, but again, I ate super late last night.” I replied, trying not to let tears in my eyes. I hated not telling JJ about this, but if he knew it would break him and he didn’t need that right now. He just got away from his dad and deserves some peace of mind. Plus he would just lie and say I was perfect. 

“Okay…” he hesitated before turning to my brother and handing him the sandwich instead.

JJ gave everyone their sandwiches and came to sit down next to me with his food. He opened the foil keeping the sandwiches warm and picked up a half. He turned to me and looked at me.

“At least have this y/n/n.” JJ pleaded, holding the half sandwich in front of me. 

“Jayj I’m not hungry.” I replied. 

“But you haven’t eaten anything at all since last night.” JJ said, his voice laced with concern.

“JJ I told you I’m fine.” I said, getting slightly annoyed with my boyfriend.

“Please y/n/n, just eat something.” he pleaded. I felt awful, but I couldn’t eat. Not until I lose at least 20 more pounds. 

“JJ, stop please.” I say, getting up. 

The nausea and dizziness hit me all at once once I stood up. The boat rocked once again, causing me to stumble. JJ sprung into action, catching me before I fell to the floor.

“Woah hey, you good?” he asked me. 

Everyone else’s attention turned to me immediately after noticing the stumble. 

“Yeah,” I replied, feeling the dizziness and nausea getting stronger.

JJ sat me down in my seat and quickly ran to the coolers. He took out my sandwich and a bottle of water and walked back over to me.

“Drink this.” he said, handing me the bottle. I cracked it open and took a few sips while he unwrapped the sandwich. 

“You clearly aren’t fine right now y/n. Eat.” he said, putting a sandwich in front of me for the third time today.

“I’m fine Jayj, I’m just a little seasick is all.” I replied, pushing his hand away.

“Bullshit y/n, you’re never seasick.”  JJ said.

“JJ, leave me alone please.” I begged, trying to swallow the nausea down, but there was no use. I proceeded to vomit whatever was in my stomach back up onto the boat’s deck. JJ immediately ran to get cleaning supplies.

“Fuck, sorry.” I said once I was done puking.

“Why are you sorry?” my brother spoke up.

Before I had a chance to answer, the dizziness overtook me.

“I don’t feel good…” I said.

“Yeah, no shit.” Kie responded.

“No, like I srsly dnt…” I managed to get out before the world around me went black.

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JJ pov:

“No, like I srsly dnt…” I heard y/n say. 

There was a sudden silence. I looked back at y/n to see her suddenly shut her eyes and go limp. I ran over and caught her before she could hit the deck of the boat.

“Y/n! Wake up!” I said, shaking her slightly.

“Pope, take us back now.” John B said, also concerned about his sister.

“Already heading back.” Pope replied, speeding up slightly. 

I held y/n close to me, trying to stay close to her in case she woke up. Within 5 minutes, Pope had us back at the Chateau. I didn’t even wait for him to dock before leaping out of the boat, carrying y/n into the Chateau, right up to her room. I sat her down on her bed and removed her hoodie. I smiled slightly when I saw her in her white and gold bathing suit. I laid her down in bed and once she was okay and settled, I quickly ran to the kitchen and grabbed a glass of water and shoved a piece of bread in the toaster for her to eat when she woke up. While I was waiting, Sarah came up to me, eyes slightly red. 

“I should have told you earlier…” Sarah said, sniffling.

“Told me what Sarah?” I asked, getting concerned.

“I think I know why y/n passed out…” she said quietly.

“Why?” I asked. My heart started to beat faster by the second.

“She’s insecure JJ, very insecure.” she started.

“Insecure? About what?” I asked Sarah.

“Her body, her personality, everything.” she explains.

“What does that have to do with… wait, don’t tell me…” I started, trying not to cry.

“She’s starving herself, JJ.” Sarah finished my sentence, seeing I was struggling with it.

“Why?” I asked, almost speechless.

“Since she was little, she’s been bullied endlessly over her body. She’s been told she’s a fat fucking bitch, and called all these names. She’s become a people pleaser over the years, but still has an incredibly unhealthy relationship with food and a weighing scale.” She explained. “Please, talk to her.”

Tears formed in my eyes. y/n was perfect and it hurt that she didn’t think so. I nodded to Sarah and she left the kitchen. I knew I needed to pull it together and be there for her.

Once the toast was done, I ran back up to her room and set them down on a table next to her reading chair and sat down in it, bouncing my leg up and down and waited for her to wake up.

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Y/N pov:

My vision was dark and blurry as I started to wake up.

The first thing I saw was the off-white ceiling when my vision came back to me. I tried to sit up, but when I tried to get up, I couldn’t even move my arms. I was too weak, so I just laid there for a minute, staring at the ceiling. I tried to sit up, and I was a little more successful, being able to get myself half up before collapsing back on the bed. Before I did, I saw JJ tapping his leg rapidly in my reading chair. Me falling back on the bed made him realize I was awake, and I could hear him get up and run over to the side of the bed. 

“Y/N! Are you okay?” he asked, trying to adjust my pillows so that I was slightly sitting up.

“Yeah,” I said, trying to get out of bed. I got out, but my knees immediately gave in and I almost fell over again. JJ caught me and sat me down on the bed.

“What the fuck y/n? You’re not going anywhere!” he says, rushing over to the table next to the chair and picking up a glass of water and a plate. He handed me the glass first.

“Drink this.” he said, handing me the glass.

I took several small sips before he tried to hand me the plate.

“Now eat this,” he said.

I pushed his hand away once again.

“I’m not hungry Jayj.” I say, still feeling sick. 

“When was the last time you ate anything, y/n?” he asked me, still holding the plate in front of me.

“Last night, Jayj, I told you.” I said, getting annoyed. I didn’t want him to know.

“Look, Sarah told me about what’s going on.” he said, finally setting the plate down and sitting down next to me.

“What?” I asked him.

“She told me about your insecurities, the bullying, you starving yourself, everything.” he explained, trying to get me to look right into his eyes. 

“JJ…” I started. I knew I couldn’t hide it from him anymore.

“Why, y/n? Why are you doing this to yourself?” he asked, tears forming in his eyes.

“Because I’m not pretty JJ. I never have been and never will be! I wish I looked like Sarah and Kie, but I don’t! I don’t even know why you guys want to be friends with me, or why you want to date me when every single girl on this island wants you! I wish people loved me, but they don’t! Even dad left!” I yelled, starting to cry hysterically.

“Y/n, your dad didn’t leave because of that! We want to be friends with you because we love you. I want to date you because I love you. For everything! Your personality, and even though it shouldn’t be the most important factor to anyone, the way you look. You don’t have to look like Sarah or Kie, even though you look just as good if not better. Why didn’t you even tell me?” JJ rants, finally asking the question I knew would break him.

“Because you already have enough shit to deal with in life! You have your dad and the restitution for that goddamn boat hanging over your head, you didn’t need to worry about me. I’m not important compared to that, or anything really.” I explained.

I could see the tears start to well in his eyes. He pulled me in for a hug, burying my face in his chest. I cried into his shirt, making it soaking wet. 

“You are more important than anything in this world to me, y/n/n. You need to realize that. You are the best thing in my life and I wouldn’t trade you for the world.” he said.

“Thanks JJ, but there’s no need to lie.” I say, looking away from him.

“Y/N, I’m not lying. I genuinely believe every word and it hurts me so bad that you don’t think that. Fuck everyone who said otherwise.” JJ said, getting agitated. 

“Okay, okay, sorry Jayj.” I said, starting to cry. I was always a sensitive person and so when anyone raised their voice at me, I started to feel worse than I already was. 

“Hey hey, it’s ok, shit I didn’t mean to yell, I forgot you were sensitive.” he said, his eyes softening and pulling me back into a hug. 

“It’s okay Jayj, you shouldn’t have to deal with me.” I said, sniffling.

“Yeah, well even if you don’t think so, I absolutely should and absolutely will because you’re the most important person to me in the whole world. Now, be honest. When was the last time you ate?” he said and asked again.

“Anything, when you guys saw me eat. A full meal, 4 days…” I said, hesitant.

“4 days?” JJ asked, immediately sitting up straight.

I simply nodded in response. He got up and picked up the plate. 

“Eat this for now, you need something in your system. I’m going to go make you something.” he demanded. “Any preference?” he asked.

“Not really,” I said, taking the plate from him. 

“Okay, pasta it is,” he said. “But wait, let me watch you take a bite first.” he said, crossing his arms.

“Ugh, fine.” I said, picking up the now cold piece of toast and took a small bite, immediately feeling guilty.

“I can’t do this JJ. I can’t eat.” I said, putting it down, the bite I took barely visible.

“You just passed out from sea sickness because of this, you’re eating it y/n.” he replied.

“JJ, if I eat this, I won’t be able to eat for the next 2 days again.” I explained.

“Well then I’ll force you to. Point is, you’re not starving yourself again. Not on my watch.” he said, his voice softening, but still commanding me.

“But then I’ll have to work it all off and I don’t have time this week…” I started, but was cut off immediately.

“Eat.” he said, the one simple word making me pick up the piece of toast again and take another bite, bigger this time.

“Good, now another.” he said, sitting down on the bed.

I reluctantly took another bite, and with JJ next to me, rooting for me, I finished the toast.

“Good job y/n. Now let me go make you an actual meal.” JJ said, taking the plate from me and walking out of the room.

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“Alright m’lady, I present; dinner!” JJ says, entering my room, carrying a bowl of pasta with a creamy tomato sauce on a little tray and setting it in front of me.

“JJ. I can’t…” I start

“Yes you can and you need to. You’re not going to starve yourself.” JJ finishes my sentence and the conversation. 

 I picked up some pasta with the fork and put it in my mouth. I don’t know if it was the fact that I hadn’t eaten in days or that this was the first time JJ cooked for me or anyone in general, but it tasted amazing.

“Holy shit, this is good JJ!” I said, eating more.

“I thank google for the recipe.” he replied, crawling into bed next to me and watching me eat. 

“Recipe from google or not, I didn’t know you could cook like this!” I said, shoveling the pasta in my mouth, still feeling slightly guilty.

“I worked as a chef at the Wreck for a while, plus I wanted to make sure you would actually eat it all.” JJ replied, looking at me.

Within minutes, I had cleared the bowl of creamy pasta. JJ took the bowl downstairs and came back up with my water bottle, which he had filled. I got ready for bed, changing into one of JJ’s shirts. I hadn’t realized I was still in my bathing suit until I got up to brush my teeth. I saw that JJ wasn’t in my room for bed yet, so I started to look at myself in the mirror, the same nasty thoughts from before coming back. 

“Hey, what are you doing?” JJ asked. He had come back in the room and saw me staring at my stomach in the mirror.

“Nothing.” I said, immediately stopping.

“Y/n, I know you were checking your stomach in the mirror.” he said, walking up to me.

“Sorry, I just wanted to see how many calories I need to burn tomorrow at the gym.” I said.

“You don’t NEED to burn anything. You’re absolutely perfect. Nothing could make me or any of the other pogues think otherwise. Go to the gym if you enjoy working out, not if you feel insecure.” JJ said, cupping my face in his hands.

“It’s hard Jayj. I’ve spent my whole life being told that I’m ugly, no one wants to be my friend and all that kind of shit. I’ve spent my whole life believing that I’m worthless and ugly. I can’t just change in a day.” I explained, tears escaping my eyes.

“I know, but I’m always going to be right here next to you to help you. Any time you catch yourself not eating or staring at yourself in the mirror or stepping on a scale, come to me. Tell you what, how about we work out together tomorrow?” JJ rambled. 

“That would be nice Jayj. Thanks.” I said, wiping the tears.

“Like I said, I’m always here for you. Now, let’s sleep.” he said, pulling me into bed.

I shut off the light and cuddled close to JJ, burying my face in his chest.

“Hey Jayj?” I whispered.

“Yeah?” he replied, sounding tired

“I love you so much. Thank you.” I thanked him.

“I love you too y/n and no need to thank me, you needed me.” he said, pulling me closer and kissing my head. 

We slept through the night, cuddling close and at least for the night, all my insecurities disappeared. 

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A/N 2: I’m honestly kind of proud of this, It wasn’t easy trying to write what I feel into a story like this and I wish I had someone like JJ in my life. I’m sorry if it isn’t for you, I just needed to get this off my chest and my next one will probably be similar. I love you guys so much and thanks for reading. :)

[st4rgiirll]

secret

jj maybank x routledge!reader.

this is heavily inspired by that part in friends where everyone finds out about monica and chandler😭 this is also in little segments for each character finding out.

also, some of the events dont match up to the storyline of the show. i just thought of storylines for this fic and incorporated them into this.

synopsis: jj and reader have had a secret relationship for the past couple months, secret all thanks to the ‘no pogue on pogue macking’ rule. but what if the pogues find out on their own?

you loved jj. truly. the past couple months with him have been amazing, though you both yearned to be able to do this in public. but you wouldnt, not with john b around. sneaking around with jj was fun,

of course it was, but it got repetitive very quickly.

until you got found out.

pope:

hushed giggles and rapid footsteps invaded your bedroom as jj and you rushed inside for some very much needed alone time together, lips crashing together between laughs. your hands wandered his biceps, feeling them flex and twitch under your fingers.

it wasnt long before his hands were on the back of your head, tugging your head closer for another kiss. you resisted, thinking you heard footsteps. he grumbled, trying to pull you closer once more.

“c’mon princess, i havent been able to kiss you all day! let me make up for it now.” he mumbled, lowering his head toward your neck.

he sucked and bit at your neck, soothing the slight sting with a swipe of his tongue. he barely got to touch you today, let alone kiss you! he felt like he was going insane.

“jay- just- someone might be coming.” you mumble lowly, tilting your head up to allow him to kiss your neck.

yeah, so what? your resolve was weak when it came to jj, you couldnt help it.

“you’re paranoid, cupcake. jus’ give papa j some lovin’ yeah?” he grins goofily against the supple skin of your neck.

“y-yeah… you’re right.” you agree, allowing your hand that was previously itching to grip jj’s hair finally doing so.

you allowed jj’s kisses to travel up your neck and to your lips, your tongues immediately fighting for dominance. jj sucked your bottom lip into his mouth, fiddling with your crop top’s straps. he pushed the strap to the side, allowing it to fall off your shoulder.

pope, who’d watched jj walk in your room, had swung the door open to ask jj what he was doing in your room. his jaw had dropped, but jj just smirked. until his brain caught up with what was happening, in which his smirk melted off his face and grew into a more flustered look.

“uhm- jj- y/n-“ pope stumbles over his words, eyes wide in shock.

your own face was complimented by a light tint of pink, your hands now resting on jj’s shoulders rather than in his hair.

“well- w-we can explain.” you say, hopping away from jj’s body.

“we’re kind of, like, seeing eachother… in secret though, so please please please… dont tell anyone, especially not jb.” you explain, your eyebrows pulled together in concern.

“y-yeah, yeah.. okay… how- i mean, how are you two together? why?” pope asks, confused.

“well pope, when two people love eachother-“ jj starts before you smack his chest.

“we got together after the midsummers, to be fair jj was pretty tipsy. but we’re really happy together, and he’s great.” you smile.

“and the sex is just as great-“ jj guffaws before you give him a deadpanned look and his laugh dies into more of an awkward smile.

“im uh, im happy for y’all…” pope says, before shooting us a smile and quickly making a break out of the room.

”god, that was so awkward.” you mutter.

kiara:

the both of you were at an infamous boneyard party, maybe a little too tipsy. neither of you cared very much though, just dancing and having fun with your boyfriend, brother, and friends.

you’d excused yourself to go and grab another drink, jj offering to come with you. he followed behind you like a lost puppy, and once you were far enough away from the others he wrapped his arms around your waist.

“y’know why they call this ‘the boneyard’ baby?” he whispered seductively with an even more seductive laugh.

“no, why?” you bit your lip to supress a smile.

“well, obviously because people’d come here all the time for parties. and y’know what they’d do?” he paused for a moment before continuing.

“they’d bone, baby!” he laughed, pulling your hips closer to his own.

“‘nd i think we should do the same… y’know, continue a legacy or some shit.”

“hmm..” you hum.

“i guess… it wouldnt be a bad idea..” you giggle, turning around and holding his face in your hands and pecking a kiss on his lips.

“mm, good girl.” he grins, his head going straight to your neck to suck hickeys onto the skin there all while being too drunk to care about who would see it in the morning.

you let out an involuntary shiver, your arms wrapping around his neck while your fingers fiddled with the hair at the nape of his neck.

“jump.” he mumbles huskily, and of course you comply with that tone of voice.

he catches you in his arms, wrapped around your thighs. he quickly takes you away from prying eyes toward the twinkie, pushing you against the door.

“the things you do to me…” he groans, his hand caressing your thigh.

“y’so pretty baby, cant believe i landed you…” he says in a lovestruck tone, kissing up your neck and eliciting a couple of breathy moans from you.

he pulls you away from the door to pull it open, laying you on the floor of the twinkie. within seconds of shutting the door, his lips are back on you sucking and kissing. his hips rolled against yours as his wandering hands pulled the end of your dress up.

“oh baby, y’soaked through your panties… all this mess f’me?” he smirks, fingers playing with the edge of your panties.

“y-yeah, all f’you jay… please..” you whimper, and of course he cant deny you.

he’s completely pussy whipped, and he doesnt mind admitting it.

“i know baby..” he coos.

“i’ll help you baby, my good girl..” he grunts, unbuckling his belt.

you giggled in excitement as your legs instinctively spread further for him, until the door opened and kie stood there.

you were frozen in shock, this was the second time! jj closed your legs, giving you some sort of dignity.

“kie…” he starts.

“oh my god… john b’s actually going to end you.” the frizzy haired girl muttered.

“what? no he wont, im his best friend. he knows i’ll take good care of her.” he shrugs, though deep down he was worried john b would disapprove.

“please, kie.. dont tell anyone, not even sarah… we’re gonna tell everyone eventually, but just in our own time.” you plead, hoping she’d keep this a secret for our sake.

“okay, fine… but you keep being reckless and everyone will find out on their own.” she said, before grabbing what she needed and shutting the door.

and god, you knew she was right.

cleo:

jj was just working at the shop, stocking shelves and working behind the counter. you were supposed to be doing the same. key word: supposed.

see, you were too busy ogling at jj. i mean, how could you not?! he was a total dreamboat with his fluffy hair, his cargo shorts, those damn sleeveless shirts he always wore that made you want to jump his bones. dont even start with the rings.

you figured you must be ovulating because this never usually was an issue, and the dirty thoughts infiltrating your mind definitely didnt help.

“staring’s rude y’know?” he laughs slightly, not even looking up from whatever he was doing from behind the counter.

“i wasnt staring.” you reply, clearing your throat and starting to stock shelves again.

“right, and im not baked all the time. sweetheart, there’s no shame in drooling.” he snickers.

“i am not drooling.” you had to check your mouth to make sure you really werent drooling, the way you were so distracted with him you werent even sure what was happening around you.

“whatever you say.” he sighs, closing the cash register after counting the money. “c’mere darlin’.”

you didnt even fight it when your legs automatically started moving behind the counter, god you were so down bad. and you didnt even care.

you immediately gripped his shirt and pulled him into a passionate kiss, not able to resist him and his damn kissable lips. he let out a surprised grunt, but kissed you back.

this kiss lasted for a couple minutes, blocking every other thing in the world out. you guys were in your own little bubble.

“whatchu doin’?” cleo’s voice sounds out from infront of the counter.

you quickly jump away from eachother, jj scratching the back of his neck. god this was so embarrassing, you seriously needed to get better at this sneaking around bullshit.

“ah, i see… you guys been mackin’ eachother huh?” the girl grinned.

“glad to see y/n’s finally getting some though.” she winked at you.

“ha ha, funny.” you huff.

“please dont tell anyone..” you ask.

“or do, not like it’d make much of a difference. we’re always getting caught-“ jj gets cut off by a slap to the chest.

“shush jj, she should keep it quiet.” you hiss.

“right, yeah. cleo, keep it quiet.” he says.

“huh. rude boy’s pussy whipped.” she huffs out a laugh, walking out of the shop.

“well- wh- are you gonna keep it quiet?!” jj calls our after cleo but earns no response.

john b & sarah:

jj and you were just cuddling, that was all. nothing more, nothing less. there wasnt any sexual intentions behind it, just some romantic cuddles between lovers. and he’d just been beaten by his dad, again, so he needed some extra loving from his girl.

“he’s an asshole, jay… i hate what he does to you, i wish i could kill ‘im for you..” you say softly, carding your fingers through his soft hair.

“i wouldnt let you do that, cant have my pretty girl goin’ to jail for me.” he smiles, kissing your cheek lovingly.

“mm, you’re so perfect jay.. y’know that?” you ask.

“nah sweetheart, i think you’re the perfect one.. have you looked in the mirror lately? i mean, hot damn.” he grins.

you blush, you were never good at accepting compliments. “jay, stop…” you whine a little, covering your face.

“nuh uh… i wanna see that beautiful face of yours.” he pulls your hands away from your face and pecks the tip of your nose.

“much better.” he smiles.

the door swings open, the exhausted couple - john b and sarah - barging through with their small, 3 year old toddler in tow.

“yo jayj, can-“ john b’s voice dies out in shock.

“what the fuck man?!” his voice rings out, sarah placing a hand on his bicep to ground him and remind him of his son still in the room.

“you’re macking my sister?!” john b huffs, the vein in his neck popping out in anger.

“john b- i-it isnt what you think! we arent.. macking! okay?!” you get up to stand infront of john b, blocking his view of jj.

“john b.. we’re dating, jj’s my boyfriend-“

“wow! that’s supposed to make it better?! you’re supposed to tell me, y/n! and jj! my best friend man, what the hell?! could’ve atleast asked for my permission!” john b was so angry, he just wanted the best for his baby sister, wanted to protect her.

he really wasnt ready to see her getting into relationships, having to let her go and be protected by some other guy who wasnt him. a guy who could hurt his baby sister.

“he doesnt need your permission! im my own person okay?! if there’s anyone you can trust with protecting me, its jj! you know that! he’s as loyal as a damn golden retriever!” you defended jj.

it seemed to calm john b a little, sarah was outside the bedroom so the little guy didnt hear the ruckus.

“yeah… god, yeah you’re right… i just- i dont want you to stop being my baby sister, i wanna be able to be the one you always come to when something’s wrong.. i wanna protect you.” john b says softly, he was used to having to protect you since dad had gone to find the royal merchant, and was now dead.

“i know… and you still can okay? you and jj can be like- like guard dogs, huh?” you giggle.

“john b.. man, i love her.. i really do. she’s everything to me. you can trust me.” jj reassures.

sarah comes back into the room once she hears the calm talking between you all, little baby jesse john routledge, or jj as everyone called him, following with a smile.

“so… you two huh?” sarah wiggles her eyebrows, grinning.

“yeah…” you smile, blushing slightly.

“well, i guess… i approve, but if you hurt her maybank-“ john b starts.

“you’ll kill me, i know. i’d kick myself over and over if i ever hurt her, before you could even kill me.” he sincerely reassures.

“well, now that’s over… could you watch jesse for us? we gotta go help out around the store…” sarah asks.

“sure, we’ll look after him.” you smile, picking little jesse up.

jj looks at you with the utmost love in his eyes, and john b knew he’d made a good choice trusting jj with you. john b could see how in love the maybank boy was, it was a look unlike any he’d ever seen on the boys face, and if you knew jj, you knew he was a facially expressive person.

john b smiled, ushering sarah out the door and closing it behind him. all he heard as they left were giggles from the three of us.

[loonylupinblack3]

Powerless

Pairing: Rafe Cameron x Reader

Warnings: extremely toxic!rafe, violence, swearing, many threats issued

Summary: you hate being a Pogue. Hate how vulnerable and weak and powerless it makes you. Rafe reinforces this for you.

Word count: 2.1k

A/N: heavily based off of season 1 episode three of obx when pope is delivering groceries and Rafe jumps him. also the ferrari sf90 spider is actually my favourite car so i yapped about it a lil bit :)

You were helping Heyward load the grocery bags onto the boat alongside Pope and JJ, stacking the bags of food and other knick knacks in the middle of the vehicle. 

“You kids get these groceries over to Figure Eight,” Heyward instructed, grunting as he lifted a pair of heavy bags off the dock and moved over to the boat, Pope, waiting at the ready, taking them from his father. “Get straight back here when you’re done.” He gave you a pointed look. “No fishing.”

You grinned at him, saluting him as you grabbed a pair of bags from him and placed it on the boat. JJ was right next to you, with Pope behind, the three of you working in tandem.

“I promised delivery by this afternoon,” Heyward continued. “Rich folk don’t want to wait for you lazy sons-” Seeing JJ with his arms already outstretched waiting for another bag of groceries and a beaming smile on his face gave Heyward pause. “Oh, JJ, thank you.” As soon as JJ grabbed the groceries he continued. “-sons of bitches.”

He glanced at you. “Excusing you, of course, Y/n. You’re always a delight.”

You beamed at him and JJ gave a scoff. “How come you get all the praise and I get nothing?”

You sniffed, flipping your hair to the side. “‘Cause I’m better.”

“Are not.”

“Are too.”

“Are-”

Heyward interrupted the two of you. “Hey, alright enough. No bickering. Get your asses moving and deliver these groceries.”

You all gave the man a salute and entered the cabin part of the boat as Pope started it up. Heyward didn’t trust JJ enough to drive the boat and knew you’d end up going the wrong way with your poor sense of direction, so Pope was in charge of steering the vehicle.

You drove through the river, leaving the Pogue side behind and entering Figure Eight, the Kooks domain. You noted the large houses, clean and tidy, and the smooth way they all seemed to be running with enough electricity and clear running water to their heart's content.

“Doesn’t even look like the storm hit there,” Pope exclaimed in indignation. No doubt he was thinking about your own houses, all of them damaged in some way and not yet fixed.

JJ twirled a pocket knife in his hands. “That’s because they got generators, bro. Get used to it.”

You scowled, shaking your head. “And then they say the juice will be out all summer at the cut.”

Pope shook his head, jaw clenched. “Nice to be a Kook.”

You nodded your head in agreement as JJ said, “lucky bastards.”

“One day I’m gonna become a Kook,” you said. “Dunno how yet, but I’m gonna go full Kook, with a pool, mansion, Ferrari SF90 Spider.”

JJ and Pope both groaned as you mentioned your favourite car, again. Sometimes they found you just never shut up about it, going on about the horsepower, the V8 engine, the fact it was the very pinnacle of Ferrari technology, with the thrill and versatility of open top driving.

“Time for you to stop talking,” JJ said, commandeering the conversation. You didn’t mind, content to listen to him for the rest of the way to Figure Eight, where you docked the boat and divvied out the grocery bags between you.

You and Pope were gonna go together, with JJ taking the rest and heading in the other direction. You bid each other quick goodbyes and hurried with Pope, walking around the unfamiliar streets. Everything looked so much nicer here, from the pavement to the shops lining the streets, everything inside looking like it cost more than a week's worth of your pay.

You took a shortcut, walking through the golf course instead of around it. The employees let you through without a second glance. It was surprising what you could get away with as a Pogue working in Figure Eight. The two of you walked on the side of the golf course, talking under your breaths as you looked around cautiously.

“I’m also going to golf here every week,” you stated, watching a particularly fit woman swing a golf club, her muscles flexing with exertion. 

You could almost imagine it being you, the golf club, hat, skirt, everything. If you really thought about it, the girl almost looked like you, similar hair colour and figure.

Pope laughed. “You hate golfing.”

You shrugged, swinging the bags in your hands slightly as you walked. “Yeah, but it's what Kooks do isn’t it?”

“What is your obsession with being a Kook?” Pope asked. “I get being rich, everyone wants it, but you seem almost obsessed with it.”

You opened your mouth to defend yourself when movement caught your eye. You involuntarily recoiled when you recognised Topper and Rafe heading towards you. Pope noticed too, muttering swear words under his breath and advising you to just walk past and ignore them.

“Hey what’s up guys?” Rafe asked, putting up an innocent facade. He used his golf club to stop your walking, pressing it to the box of beers in Pope’s hand. “Hey how much for one of those beers?”

Pope turned to the side, trying to push past. “They’re not for sale.”

Rafe made a tutting sound. “Wait, wait, wait.” He stopped Pope as he tried to pass, forcing the two of you to stay there. Topper was standing directly in front of you, creating a barrier of sorts across the pathway. “You can just give us one, then, right?”

You wanted to snap at him. Wanted to ridicule him, ask him if he knew what not for sale meant. You were scared though, and you knew it wouldn’t help you or Pope standing up to him like that.

“Or you can order one like everybody else,” Pope replied, again trying to push past.

Rafe was rougher this time, ignoring Pope’s struggles and shoving him back. The coil of fear in your gut tightened. “Listen. Wait, wait, wait, you’re not listening to me. Um…” he gestured with his hands. “You’ve got so many bro, and we’ve got nothing.”

“Got nothing man,” Topper chimed in.

You scowled. “They’re not ours, they’re already paid for.”

Rafe looked at you, surprised you spoke, and then all of his attention was on you. You regretted even speaking, because his attention was like a guillotine, one wrong movement and the blade would fall.

“Oh, already paid for?” Rafe asked. “Knowing you Pogues, you probably stole them, right?”

Before you could stop him he was in front of you, his golf club snagging at the plastic bags in your hands as he pulled. Everything fell to the floor, and you heard the distinct sound of glass shattering.

“What the hell Rafe?!” You cried. “You owe us for that!”

He laughed, getting all up in your space. “Oh I owe you do I? I don’t owe you shit, Sweetheart.” He grabbed your chin, his fingers forcefully curling around your skin.

“Hey, get off her!” Pope yelled, grabbing Rafe’s shirt and yanking him back. You were grateful for the space, rubbing your jaw as the fear weighed you down, down, down.

Rafe spun around, “don’t fucking touch me you Pogue.”

“Come on man,” Topper said from his other side. They had him surrounded. “We just want a beer.” He made a lunge for it. “Just give us one of these.”

Topper and Pope were full on wrestling with the box now, and the fear was in your throat, especially when Rafe joined in, tripping Pope up and making him fall to the floor with a slam, rolling over a few times.

You gasped, going to him, but Rafe got there first. He had a bruise on his head, looking red and scratched. He scrambled upright, a hatred kindling in his eyes as he threw a punch. Rafe was ready though, avoiding it easily and using his golf club to slam into your friend's stomach. When he was bent over Rafe slammed it down again, Pope crumpling to the floor.

You couldn’t watch it anymore. As he raised his club again you moved forward, shoving him to the side. You only managed to move him because he wasn’t expecting it, and even Topper looked surprised, doing nothing to stop you because really, how much damage can a girl do?

You planted yourself in front of Pope, and when Rafe, laughing in disbelief, walked up to you, you were ready. You swung your fist but it was in poor form, Rafe catching your wrist mid-movement. His grip was tight enough to make you wince.

“Getting involved?” Rafe asked you, moving forward until you were chest to chest. “That’s cute.” His voice was low and mocking. “I thought you were smarter than that.”

You yanked your arm back. That was the second time he’d grabbed you and your skin felt dirty, his fingerprints crawling all over you. Rafe just seemed amused, a cruel delight in his eyes. There was no fear in his expression and why would there be? He was a Kook. He had his friend right behind him ready to defend him if needed. His real competitor was still on the floor, pain immobilising him. No, there was no fear in his expression, only a sick satisfaction of knowing exactly how much control he had over this situation.

Pope gave a groan, attempting to pull himself upright but Rafe didn’t even glance at him. His focus was zeroed on you, the intensity of his gaze making your stomach churn. “What’s it like, being a Pogue? Being powerless?”

You opened your mouth to snap at him, to say something humiliating and knock his ego down a few inches, anything to stand up against him. Rafe seemed to know you too well though, grabbing your jaw in a bruising grip, his fingers cold and rough. More threat than affection. “You’d be better off with me, y’know that?”

It wasn’t a flirtation he spoke to you – it was a threat. You could hear the danger in every word, the treacherous promise that he’d never leave you alone, that this sick game of his would only end on his terms. You could see the lines between desire and control blurring, and nauseatingly realised that Rafe’s affection for you might be even more dangerous than his fists. 

You tried to jerk away, revolution surfacing inside you but Rafe only tightened his grip. “Nah, don’t do that,” he warned almost lazily. “Don’t make me hurt you too.”

You wanted to cry. You could feel the tears welling up in your eyes, threatening to fall. You’d hate to give him the satisfaction of seeing them roll down your face. All of this was a game to him, a test to see how much fear he could wring out of you. The worst part was you knew he would do it, just because he could.

Your gaze darted to Pope, your friend just managing to sit upright. Topper was standing to the side, an uneasy expression on his face. You didn’t want Rafe to escalate things any further, because you knew he would, just to prove a point. He noticed your line of sight and forcibly pulled you closer to him so he could whisper in your ear.

“You’re lucky I like you,” his breath was hot against your ear, sending shivers down your spine. An edge of cruelty laced his tone, as did delight, the same one a kid would get from playing with their toys, which was what you were to Rafe. “Otherwise you’d be right there next to him.”

Before you could answer he shoved you back, hard enough to make you stumble. A sickeningly smug smirk was on his face as he picked up two cans of beer off the ground, chucking one to Topper.

“Catch you later Sweetheart,” he called to you, going as far as sending you a wink, acting like everything had just been harmless fun, which you guessed it was to him.

You watched him saunter away, leaving a mess in his wake that he seemed to do everywhere. Except this time it was worse, because with a sickening dread you realised the next thing he’d leave a mess would be you.

And you suddenly had an answer to Pope’s earlier question. Why did you want to be a Kook so badly? It was simple, really. This whole interaction had just reinforced the feeling that you were too vulnerable, too weak. And the answer appeared from the ashes of Rafe’s destruction, a truth you guarded with your heart.

You didn’t want to be powerless.

[bejewellery]

love next door

chapter one, guess who’s back?

next →

taglist: @imsiriuslyreal

[urmum-lovesme]

Thoughts on JJ Maybank x Kook! Sunshine! Reader...

Sunshine!reader is good friends with Kie (the two of them met at Kildare Academy when Kie's parents forced her to go there for a year)

Sunshine!reader stayed in touch with Kie even after she left and now they go to clean the beach together every Thursday!

Sunshine!reader loves the beach, its her favourite place to be, she loves surfing, swimming, tanning (lowkey pretending to be a mermaid with Kie but ssshhhhhh don't tell anyone)

Sunshine!reader who always has a pair of Adidas Gazelle's on her feet, she's a sucker for colourful things.

Sunshine!reader has an record player she got from her grandma, and she plays all of her dad's old records all the time, her house is never quiet unless her step dad is home.

Sunshine!reader has a vintage yellow bike, with cute white ribbons tied to the handles, and a small brown woven basket attached to the front, where she stores the seashells she's found at the beach when she cycles down to the shore.

Sunshine!reader who is no stranger to the Pogues as Kie is telling her about the gangs adventures all the time, and the brown haired girl invites her to join them all the time, but she's too busy with things at home.

Sunshine!reader's dad was a Pogue, but after he opened a florist in Figure 8, his business expanded and now she lives in a huge house, with a pool in the back yard, a small white picket fence, and her orange cat Cheeto (she was 6 when she named him and her parents tried to change it to Milo but Cheeto seemed to stick).

Sunshine!reader's never really fit in with with any of the kook's in her school, as they don't really see her as a 'real kook', but she could care less because they're all stuck up anyways.

Sunshine!reader who has a grudge against Rafe because he called her a 'prude' in front of everyone at a party when she refused to get with him (she threw her drink at him after he said it and they've been on bad terms ever since then).

Sunshine!reader is friends with Sarah though! but she's tried to convince her to dump Topper, the Cameron girl won't listen to her no matter how hard she tries.

Sunshine!reader volunteers at the sea life sanctuary on the island, and when there's a turtle hatch, she's always one of the first people there (besides Kie of course).

Sunshine!reader who cooks from the heart, and anyone who's ever had her food will praise her endlessly.

Sunshine!reader who drives a clapped up yellow ford cortina, which was her dad's first car, and now she's just too attached to it to get another car.

Sunshine!reader who finds herself regretting her decisions when on a really hot day her car breaks down on her in the middle of the cut on her way home.

Sunshine!reader who just happens to get lucky when a curious Pogue with a head of blonde hair is driving by on his dirt bike and sees her waving her hand around in the air holding her phone trying to get signal.

Sunshine!reader who is surprised at the sound of a revving engine and turns to see a handsome boy who's offering to help her out...

I may have already written the first chapter of this... should I post... ? 🤭

[smokingsoothesthesoul]

# RAFE CAMERON & POGUES — CHRISTMAS

ִֶཐི༏ཋྀ ────୨ৎ──── you spend christmas with your boyfriend, rafe cameron, your family, and your best friends, the pogues (jj, john b, sarah, pope, kie).

ִֶཐི༏ཋྀ — pairing: kook!reader or pogue!reader x rafe cameron

author’s note: soo... this is late asf but i hope y'all will love it because ik i did. enjoy!

word count : 1.9k

the kooks were known for their obnoxious celebration of christmas on the 25th, it was no debate to them. you were either there or you were cast off.

georgia, your mother always made sure, both you and your brother attended, occasionally your sister when she was in the obx.

it wasn’t a hassle to any of you, since you knew that it was tradition for your family to celebrate christmas, on the night of the 24th. this year you’d invited your boyfriend; rafe, his sister and the pogues, your closest friends. it had been a rocky road, but they could at least be cordial with each other, even friends at times.

you’d decided that secret santa would be done, just to make it somewhat more lively. your mom had spent the whole day cooking away in the kitchen, you tried to help but her only answer was for you to leave the kitchen. it wasn’t that you were bad at cooking, your mom just preferred it this way.

you took it upon yourself to decorate the room where the festivities would take place, and make it look christmasy, your brother helped as-well, deciding to make snowflakes. everything was ready.

so when the guests started to arrive, you didn’t bat an eye. you had all decided on wearing pajamas. and you had chosen some snoopy onesies, your favorite.

the first ones to arrive were, sarah wearing a wine the pooh onesie, and rafe wearing some loose red and black checkered pajama pants with a long sleeved red shirt.

jj came in wearing; sullivan from monster inc onesies, john b; a honey onesie, pope; a mike wazowski onesie, kiara; a elf onesie.

safe to say everyone was on some theme. you had bought rafe a onesie to match with you, but you knew it’d take you begging for him to actually put it on.

so you made your way upstairs and hoped he followed, and he did.

“rafe, i bought you something,” you said, handing him the bag.

rafe looked confused, presents weren’t being opened yet, but he still opened the bag and when he saw what was inside, he let out a sigh.

“i’m not putting this on,” he stated simply.

you let out a sheepish smile, before pouting and asking, “please?”

he shook his head, “no.”

you softly asked again, “please rafe?”

the same answer. you held in a sigh of annoyance before giving your best pout and pleading once more, “pretty please? for me?”

he looked reluctant to deny you again, so you took that as a win and clapped cheerily before he could once again refuse.

if you pretended he already agreed maybe he wouldn’t refuse again, so you did. you opened the package, leaving him dumbstruck but at this point he should’ve been used to it. if he even hesitated for a second when you wanted something, you knew you’d got it.

“here, change, and then come downstairs,” you said all giddy, clapping your hands in excitement, leaving the room.

you were all just waiting for rafe to come down now, sarah and john b were on a rocking couch, sarah sprawled over john bs lap. your mom and brother were on another couch, sitting side by side. and jj, pope, and kiara were on the last couch. which meant you and rafe got the lovesac which was a huge comfortable bean bag bed.

as he came downstairs, jj was in a playful mood so he wolf whistled at rafe to annoy him. which rafe returned with a middle finger and an eye roll.

you couldn’t help but laugh at their exchange and patted the spot next to you so rafe could sit next to you.

after he sat down you asked, “so who wants to go first?”

your little brother jumped out of his seat, and raised his hand excitedly, “me me me,” he pleaded.

you couldn’t help but let out a chuckle, “yes, you can go first.”

he went to grab the present from under the tree before making his way to the blondie, sarah cameron.

“here you go, i hope you like it,” he said with a hint of nervousness in his tone.

as sarah opened her gift she turned to look at him, surprised to see what he’d gotten her.

“how did you know?,” she asked genuinely, before pulling him into a hug. she had actually really wanted this, she’d been eyeing it but didn’t know if she should get it.

“i remember you were talking about it once with my sister, while you guys took me to get ice cream,” he replied softly.

he had gifted her a gold bracelet with charms on it, and a hand drawn card along with it.

“i love it, thank you,” she said, wanting to tear up. something about little kids and their adorableness always hit her right in the heart.

he smiled happily at the fact she actually liked his present. it was hard for him to actually get her something because he kept overthinking everything.

“and i got pope,” sarah said, handing him a bag. she’d gotten him two gifts not knowing if she would be able to secure the one she wanted.

as he took out the first one, he smiled, it was a candle, mahogany scented. he had a weird candle obsession. they always liked to make jokes about it, but it was the one thing that brought him comfort, in an odd way.

“thank you,” he said before pulling out a piece of paper.

“so i want to clarify that i technically might’ve committed identity fraud but nobody has to know,” sarah explained, even though it didn’t make much sense to the others.

pope wanted to cry on the spot, but somehow he held it in, barely though. in his hand was a certificate of 10,000 dollars from a scholarship.

“i- i don’t know,” he uttered, lost for words before sarah cut in, “no need to say anything.”

he grasped into his chest and let out a huff, trying to control his emotions, gratitude overcoming him.

“my present doesn’t seem that good,” he said playfully while his voice cracked, still filled with emotions.

he handed his gift to kiara, “hope you like it,” he said.

kiara unwrapped the gift, and smiled warmly, in it was a bracelet set, not a bead one no. a specific metal with charms kit. she’d be able to make anklets now. her favorite, better yet they were turtles, waves, seashells, etc charms in it.

“thank you pope,” she said leaning in to side hug him.

she then proceeded to hand her present over to john b, “i think this might help out,” she said.

as he unwrapped the box he couldn’t help but let out a chuckle it was all his clothes that’d been borrowed from the pogues, kiara had gone to everyone’s house and stolen them back.

but that wasn’t the only thing, on the bottom was a license plate, ‘P0GU3S’ it read.

“thank you kie,” he said, smiling at her as he planned when he’d be changing out the plate with the one he had now.

“i got georgia,” he said handing her a small envelope he origami’d out of red card stock paper.

unfolding it, she took out a paper that read, ‘spa day certificate.’

“ohh yess, thank you kiddo,” she exclaimed, in excitement, she'd been meaning to make her way into charleston for a massage soon, and this would be the perfect reason.

as she stood up, she grabbed her gift and handed it to jj. to which he received with a smile, he hoped it was something he wanted or needed.

she’d somehow got him the perfect thing, she’d gotten him an orbeez gun, a nerf gun and given him a monopoly get out of jail card to which he scrunched his nose in confusion.

“the guns, because apparently you’re a bullshiter who for some reason won’t let them go, and the monopoly card, is literal. you want out of jail, make a call,” she explained, knowing he always got himself into trouble and at least with that she hoped he’d call even if he didn’t want to.

jj smiled and got up from his seat and hugged her, she had always been somewhat of a mother figure to him and he really appreciated her.

“thank you,” he said, genuinely.

“i got mr. moody,” jj said, as he handed rafe his present.

rafe was curious as to what was in it, there wasn’t much he could actually want, but at the same time he knew that maybe it’d be meaningful, so far everyone’s was.

as he unwrapped it he found a classic maroon steel car model from the 80’s, he was surprised. jj collected these like his life depended on it. When he visited him, he always looked at this specific one, for some reason he had really taken a liking to it but he was never able to find it. and he always had too much pride to ask jj.

“thanks jj,” he muttered still in awe at his gift, he couldn’t believe jj would give him this.

“you better take care of it,” jj said, slightly threatening, but rafe understood why, so he nodded in understanding before grabbing his gift and handing it to his girlfriend.

you had just received a small box, you wondered what was in it. you knew rafe would give you something meaningful. it wasn’t even about money with you or him, both of you had it so there wasn’t any need. as you opened the box you wanted to cry.

“to be seen is to be loved,” you muttered softly, as you took out the locket from the box. it was a heart shaped silver locket.

inside it was a picture of you and rafe, but the kicker he had engraved the back with ‘kookies’ written across. something you often said you and him were. because you were both kooks but also kooky aka crazy at times. you couldn’t hold back and kissed him but before it went too far you pulled away, jj’s fake throat clearing didn’t help either.

“sorry,” you sheepishly said, before smiling at rafe.

standing up you walked towards a big present and looked at your brother, “this one’s yours,” you said before he ran to it and began tearing it apart excitedly.

“oh em gee, thank you!!!” he exclaimed in joy. he had just unwrapped a truck for him. you had charged it overnight so he could use it tomorrow.

“you can now drive,” she said playfully, knowing the car wouldn’t make it too far, but he was excited and that was enough for her.

“we’re not getting him out of that driver's seat for a while,” your mom commented before standing up, “i bought some gingerbread house kits, if you guys want to partake?” she finished off.

everybody nodded in excitement, this christmas would be one for the books. everyone got something meaningful. it really was the thought that counted. and they wouldn’t have had it any other way.

they were a family, a confused, fucked up family. but a family nonetheless.

[tanjamikaelson]

BEST FRIEND'S BROTHER - CHAPTER 33

MASTERLIST

CHAPTER 33: | POGUELANDIA |

warnings: miscarriage The boat gently bobbed as it arrived at the deserted island, its quiet shores welcoming you all in your exhausted state. Everyone piled out of the boat, feet sinking into the soft sand as you all searched for a place to sit and regroup.

“Come on, boys.” John B grunted as he and the others worked to pull the boat ashore. “That’s good.”

"Good job, guys," Sarah called out from where she perched on the rocks, watching everyone settle.

You took a seat, your mind still spinning from everything that had happened. You glanced at the unfamiliar girl, remembering the tension back in the Bahamas. "You’re that girl who held a knife to my throat in the Bahamas,” you blurted, looking at Cleo.

Cleo gave a small, apologetic smile. “Yeah, sorry about that.”

Before you could dwell on it, JJ piped up, “Okay, anybody know where we’re at?”

"Deserted beach. Unknown island," John B answered vaguely.

"All right, I’ll take that as a no." JJ sighed, letting out a huff of frustration. “Plan A, huh, Pope? That went well.”

"This is the lowest we can go,” Pope ranted, frustration seeping into every word. “We literally have nothing else to lose. The cross? Gone."

"The gold?" Sarah added, her voice full of defeat. “Gone.”

"Seriously, if we had a nickel for every time we got beat up, I’d say we’re at a dollar fifty," JJ joked, trying to cut through the gloom.

"That’s more than I got on me," Kiara muttered, her voice matching the weary mood.

"That somehow doesn’t make me feel better," Sarah commented, leaning her head against you. The weight of her touch was both comforting and heavy, a reminder that you were all in this together, whether you liked it or not.

"Yeah, you’re right," John B conceded, but he wasn’t willing to let the group sink into despair just yet. “But, I mean, we’ve had some good stuff happen, right?”

Pope wasn’t buying it. “Name something.”

John B paused, then with a shrug, said, “Um… uh, the boiler room. If the boiler didn’t explode, I wouldn’t have gotten away from Rafe. I couldn’t have grabbed the Zodiac and gotten us out of there.”

“That wasn’t luck,” Cleo interrupted, smiling a little. “That thing was gonna blow the second I stopped feeding it.”

John B muttered, “Stealing my thunder, Cleo.”

“Sorry,” Cleo smirked.

John B wasn't giving up. “Pope, you’re related to Denmark Tanny. That’s crazy.”

“And I lost all his inheritance,” Pope shot back, his voice tight with frustration.

John B tried again, his determination unwavering. “You know what? Guys, this is it. This is the Pogue life.”

He jumped up, facing all of you, the wind ruffling his hair. “We are in the Caribbean, our own little slice of paradise, with my best friends, my family. I don’t know, I wouldn’t wanna do it with anyone else.”

He was really trying, and despite everything, you couldn’t help but admire that.

“Look, and while you guys were complaining about every little thing… JJ?”

“Hm?” JJ looked up.

“I was checking out those burly lefts,” John B pointed toward the waves.

JJ’s face lit up. “There’s some slabs out there,” he nodded.

"Just a few," John B grinned.

“Too bad there aren’t any boards,” Kiara said, though her voice lacked the fight she usually had.

“We could bodysurf till we make some boards,” John B suggested.

“Lame,” Kiara smiled faintly.

“Pope? Come on, man,” John B pleaded.

Pope sighed. “They do look pretty tasty.”

“Oh yes, they do,” John B agreed.

You couldn’t help but chuckle at their back-and-forth. For a moment, it felt like you could breathe again.

“There’s nobody around,” Pope finally said, loosening up a bit. “We could squat here for a bit. Kind of belongs to us now, huh?”

"You got a point," John B said, doing the Pogue handshake with Pope.

“Six-way split?” Pope joked, trying to lighten the mood.

“Poguelandia,” JJ suddenly piped up in a posh accent. “I claim thee Poguelandia.”

“Oh boy,” John B muttered, smiling despite himself.

“I like the ring of it. I’m gonna make a flag,” JJ continued enthusiastically. “It’s gonna have a chicken on it, with a coconut bra, smoking a J… in Crocs.”

Laughter bubbled from you, Sarah, and the girls. For a brief moment, it felt like everything was okay again.

"I could use a J," Kiara commented, her voice playful.

"Me too," you added, your grin widening as Sarah leaned more into you.

"Can we vote on this flag?" Sarah questioned.

"Absolutely not," JJ declared, making you laugh even harder.

John B approached Sarah with a soft smile. “Till death do us part?”

“Till death do us part,” Sarah echoed, warmth returning to her eyes as she held his gaze.

“Welcome back to the Pogue life,” John B grinned, pulling her up.

“Full Pogue,” Sarah said, a genuine smile tugging at her lips.

John B repeated her words, his voice lighter than it had been in days. “Full Pogue.”

“Going full Pogue,” JJ added, grabbing Kiara’s hand.

“To going full Pogue,” Kiara smiled, looking up at JJ.

The two couples began walking down the beach, their voices mingling with the sound of the waves. You, Pope, and Cleo followed behind them, your heart lighter for the first time in what felt like forever. In moments like this, surrounded by the Pogues’ laughter and warmth, it was easy to forget the weight of everything else—the danger, Rafe, the uncertainty of your future, and the life growing inside you. But deep down, you knew the peace wouldn’t last long.

•°•°•°•°•°•

Over the course of a few weeks, life on the island began to settle into a rhythm. The days were filled with makeshift adventures—exploring, swimming, talking about anything but the pain that lingered just beneath the surface. You and Kiara had grown closer again, your friendship finding its footing after the chaos that had kept you apart. It felt good, the two of you laughing together like you used to. Cleo, too, had become a steady presence in your life, her straightforward attitude balancing out the emotional waves you sometimes felt crashing over you. She had this way of making you feel like everything could be handled, no matter how big or small.

But beneath the surface of it all, you were struggling. You hadn’t told anyone about your pregnancy at first—not about the confusion, the fear, the questions that had plagued you since the moment you suspected it. And then the reality of it came crashing down in the most heartbreaking way possible.

The miscarriage happened quietly, almost as if your body had been holding its breath for too long, waiting for everything to catch up. You were alone when it started, sitting by the water one afternoon, letting the sun warm your skin. At first, you didn’t even recognize the small cramps that started in your abdomen, dismissing them as nothing more than the stress of everything piling up. But then the pain intensified, waves of it crashing through you until you realized something was horribly wrong.

You managed to make your way back to the group, but by the time you reached the others, you knew deep down what was happening. The look in Sarah’s eyes when she saw you doubled over in pain told you that she knew, too.

“Oh my God, Y/N,” Sarah rushed to your side, grabbing hold of you, her voice filled with worry.

“I think—” you managed to say through the pain, your hand clutching your stomach.

The words barely left your lips before the world around you blurred. Sarah, Kie, and Cleo were instantly by your side, guiding you to a shaded spot under the trees. Their presence was a comfort, even though there wasn’t anything they could do to stop what was happening.

You hated that it had to happen here, on this deserted island, far from the help and care you might’ve gotten back home. But in a way, you were grateful for the girls who stayed with you. Sarah, more than anyone, understood the weight of what you were feeling. She never left your side for a second, her arm wrapped tightly around your shoulders as you curled up on the ground, trying to ride out the pain.

“I’m so sorry,” Sarah whispered, her voice thick with emotion. “I’m so, so sorry.”

Her words broke something inside you. She was always like a sister to you, always the one to be there when things fell apart. You leaned into her, letting her hold you as you cried, the tears falling silently at first, then turning into sobs that wracked your entire body. The pain wasn’t just physical—it was deeper than that, a loss that clawed at your heart, leaving you feeling hollow.

Kiara knelt beside you, her hand on your arm, offering quiet support. Cleo stayed nearby too, her presence a silent promise that you weren’t alone in this, that even though they couldn’t understand the depths of your pain, they were here for you. The girls surrounded you like a protective barrier, shielding you from the world for just a little while longer.

The days that followed were difficult, a mix of sadness, confusion, and a strange, hollow acceptance. At first, it was hard to wrap your mind around everything that had happened. You had never planned for this pregnancy, and deep down, you knew that if you had been able to reach a doctor in time, you would have chosen to end it. But now, that choice had been taken from you, and though the weight of that loss felt suffocating at times, you began to find a strange sense of peace.

Sarah stayed close, checking on you constantly, making sure you ate, that you drank enough water. She didn’t push you to talk, she just sat with you, her presence enough to keep you grounded when you felt like the world was slipping out from under your feet.

With Sarah, Kie, and Cleo by your side, you slowly started returning to some version of normality. It wasn’t like you woke up one day and everything was fine; it was a gradual process. The pain and grief lingered, but each day it became just a little bit easier to breathe.

In the following days, you allowed yourself to let go of the guilt that had been eating away at you. The miscarriage, while painful, wasn’t something you had wanted to prevent. You had made peace with the fact that had circumstances been different, you would have chosen to end the pregnancy anyway. That realization, while difficult to accept at first, became a source of strength for you.

You spent more time with Kie and Cleo, their laughter and lightheartedness helping you forget the heaviness of the past few weeks. Kie, always full of energy and optimism, pulled you back into the things that made you feel like yourself again—exploring the island, swimming in the crystal-clear waters, and talking late into the night about anything and everything. Cleo’s tough-love attitude was refreshing too, grounding you in the reality that life, no matter how difficult, always moves forward.

One evening, you sat with Kie and Cleo around a small fire you had made on the beach. The sky was a deep indigo, scattered with stars, and the sound of the ocean was a constant hum in the background.

“I’m sorry you had to go through all that,” Cleo said, her voice steady but full of empathy.

You looked at her and nodded, appreciating her directness. “Yeah, me too. But... I think I’m okay now. It was just... something I needed to accept.”

Kie leaned in, her eyes soft with understanding. “You’re stronger than you know. We’re proud of you, you know that, right?”

A small smile tugged at the corners of your lips. “Thanks. I don’t know what I would’ve done without you guys.”

“Hey, we’re family now,” Cleo said, a smirk on her face. “Pogues for life, right?”

You laughed softly, nodding. “Pogues for life.”

It wasn’t just words anymore; it was a reality. The bond you had with these girls, especially Sarah, had deepened in a way that would last forever. They had been there for you when you had needed them most, and you knew that no matter what happened next, you could face it.

That night, as you lay under the stars with Sarah beside you, you felt a sense of calm wash over you. The ache of loss was still there, but it no longer weighed you down. You had come to terms with it, accepting that some things were beyond your control, and that was okay.

The island had become a place of healing for you—a place where you could let go of the past and embrace whatever came next. And though the future was uncertain, you felt ready to face it. One day at a time, you were finding your way back to yourself.

TAGS: @wearemadeofstardust0 @hotch-meeeeeuppppp @thepopcultureaddict @deeznuggetsbebussin @wtfdudesblog @davinashifts333@pvyden

[abrunettefangirlnerd]

Apart From You

Request: Reader and JJ are in a relationship despite her father telling her to stay away from him. One day she gets a call from Sarah or Kiara that he’s in the hospital- his dad beat him within an inch of his life. Luckily her dad is somewhere on the mainland for the next two weeks so she can sneak out. She doesn’t leave his bedside for anything but using the bathroom until he can leave the hospital. Maybe he’s in surgery when she gets there, and/or has to have emergency surgery, maybe his heart stops a few times from like internal bleeding or something.

Pairing: JJ Maybank x reader

Warnings: some language, the beginning of spice that doesn’t lead anywhere, angst but has a fluff ending

Masterslist

“Dad please! Stop!” Your footsteps on the stairs echo along the walls as you storm to your room as your dad rants on and on about how bad of an influence JJ is. Quickly turning around your eyes find his as he starts his ascent up the stairs. “I love him please, try to understand.”

“Sweetheart, I know you think you love him but you’re both too young to understand what that means.”

His voice is softer and the hardness in his eyes melts away. He doesn’t understand. Mom left years ago and he refuses to even think about dating again. It doesn’t matter if you are dating JJ or someone else, he will never approve. You turn around with nothing more to say and plan to stay in your room the rest of the night.

“You are grounded starting now till an undetermined date.” His voice stops you in your tracks. “You can hang out at the country club or anyone else but the pogues and that includes JJ. Consider yourselves broken up.”

               The finality lingers in his voice. You’ve only heard this a handful of times in your life and you know better than to challenge it. There is no negotiating, no changing his mind. The door closes behind you, the sound deafening. You’ve never felt so alone.

You: Steer clear for a while, wait for him to cool down

JJ: Missing you already

               Tears blur the words on your screen. You tell yourself that your dad just needs to cool down. He is one of his moods and he heard about a gun firing off at a boneyard party. It was incredibly stupid of JJ to bring the gun and to actually fire it. But you understand why he did it. John B was drowning at the hands of Topper.

               A week passes and your dad hasn’t let up on the ban. Mostly you just stay at home in your room. You avoid seeing your dad. A day after the ban started, he took your phone so you couldn’t message JJ. He has eyes all over the island that could keep track of where you went, who you spent time with. Dinner time is the only instance you can’t avoid him.

“I have to go to the mainland for two weeks for work.” His eyes bore into yours like he already knows you’re getting an idea. “Ban is still on. Mrs. Sanchez will be checking in on you and you have to tell her if you’re going anywhere. I will still have my eyes on you. But you will get your phone back and I hope I can trust you.”

               You stay silent and continue to eat like you never heard anything. You want your phone back at least so you can contact JJ or any of the pogues. If you still can’t get out to see them, phone communication was the next best thing.

A scraping sound comes our way as your dad slides your phone to you. Your eyes stare at it like it might bite you. Can’t seem too eager for it but you have to be thankful at the same time. Slowly your hand wraps around the device and you slip in into your hoodie pocket.

“Thank you,” your eyes reach his for a respectable amount of eye contact to show your appreciation. “Have a safe trip.”

***

Voicemail #1 : Y/N it is Sarah please call me back! It’s about JJ, it’s an emergency!

Voicemail #2: it’s Kie, Y/N please answer your phone! JJ is in the hospital. It’s not good. Luke… he *sniffles* JJ is in really bad shape.

Voicemail #3: The fact you haven’t answered or showed up means your dad took your phone. Please whenever you get this get your ass over here!

               Your dad gave you your phone last night but didn’t allow a charger till he left the next morning. The girls’ words ring in your ears. The calls are from last night. If your dad gave you the charger you would have known and been there immediately.

               Not caring about the phone now, you leave it behind and grab your car keys. The truck roars to life for the first time in over a week. Tires squeal in a distance, your tires, but the only thing you can focus on is getting to the hospital. Kie mentioned Luke, JJ’s father, which means only one thing. Luke beat JJ, bad enough this time to need medical help.

“JJ Maybank please.” Your voice robotic, in shock.

“Room 0023” the nurse at the front desk informs you. “The ICU.”

               The ICU. That snaps you out of your trance and the next thing you know is you’re running. Passing through the unit doors your eyes skim all the number to find his room. The door is closed and you stop dead in your tracks. Taking moment deep breaths pass in your nose and out your mouth. The beating of your heart is still heard through your ears. Slowly you open the sliding doors to his room, preparing yourself for what you are about to see.

               The room is empty. No bed. No IV pumps. The monitor is set on standby, no one to hook it up to. Why wouldn’t he be in here? The lady at the desk said he was here! What if he is dead? You stop breathing with that last thought before hyperventilating. A nearby nurse notices you in distress and slowly directs you to a chair against the wall.

”Sweetie, he is in surgery.” Her calming voice is a balm in the panic storm of your mind. “Are you related to him?

               You’ve seen this part in movies before. If you don’t say you are in some compacity then they can’t share anything with you. It’s insane because you and the pogues are the family he has but they won’t accept that.

“I’m his cousin… more like siblings really. We grew up together.” The last part is at least the truth. JJ has been in my life since childhood. Were in the same class till your father’s rose up in the company that let you become a kook in middle school. No matter the social status, JJ never stopped being the most important person in your life.

“He was beaten up pretty bad, we suspect a possible hit and run along with a fight. Some facial fractures, a few broken ribs, left femur is broken. Nothing showing up on the scan of his head thankfully. He has some blood collecting in the space around his left lung, the trauma surgeon is placing a chest tube now and they are evacuating blood that is also pooling around his GI tract. But I don’t think they’ll need to wire his jaw shut and I think they’ll be able to take the breathing tube out after surgery as well.”

               The nurse’s words try to settle and make sense but the only thing you can focus on is the fact his own father tried to run him over. A chest tube sounds really serious. A breathing tube? Could he not breathe on his own at one point?

“You can stay in here till they bring him back if you want.”

“Thank you.” You breathed.

               The tears start flowing the second she steps out the door. All the tension and fear is crashing in on you at once. The tension between you and your dad the last week. The worry you always have for JJ getting into trouble without you there to help. The fear that iced your veins the second you saw the room was empty, scared he was dead and you never got to say goodbye. The fear you still have in seeing the full extent of his injuries.

               The sound of wheels and beeping of machines echoes down the hall. A bed pulls into the room with a team of people in blue scrubs. You watch them settle the bed, the pumps, and the monitor before leaving the room. One of the people on the team catches the nurse that spoke to you outside the room and gave what you could only assume was updates on how it all went.

               Your eyes gaze over towards the bed. Getting closer you see JJ laying there like he is asleep. He has a slight crease between his brows like he normally does when he is dreaming. You pray that he isn’t in any pain right now.

“JJ?” You gasp and rush to his side. Taking a seat on the side of the bed instantly your hand finds his while your other runs it’s fingers through his blood matted hair. A sob tightens in your throat as you try to speak. “It’s going to be okay, you’re okay. I’m here. I’m not going anywhere.”

               The nurse is telling you how the surgery went and that they are just waiting for him to wake up. He got a lot of pain medications before heading over but he is responsive so they aren’t worried about his airway. She is trying her best to explain what things mean and being assuring that they are doing everything to help him. By the look in her eyes you think she knows you’re not actually his cousin but she doesn’t’ say anything and neither do you.

“Do you know how we can get in touch with his father?” She asks you next. Yeah the end of a bottle somewhere, hopefully in the bottom of a ditch.

“I think he is working on the mainland. I forgot my phone so I don’t have the number on me.”

               She leaves you be after that. Occasionally coming in and out as she needs for various assessments and administering medications. You just stay where you are and continue to watch the rise and fall of his chest. Your eyes on occasion falling on the chest tube and following down to the drain.

“Hey princess.”

               Your eyes meet JJ’s. Despite the pain he must be in, he sends his signature smile your way. Instead of smiling a sob escape past your lips. Your free hand tries to shield your face so JJ doesn’t have to see you cry.

“No princess, don’t cry. I’m okay. Promise.” JJ squeezes your hand. “Your dad is going to be pissed you’re here.”

“I don’t care. He is on the mainland for two weeks but even if he wasn’t I’m not leaving here till you do.”

               JJ doesn’t argue with you and you stick to your word. You stay the night there and only leave to use the restroom. Occasionally taking a sponge bath in the sink. The girls bring extra clothes for you when they come visit.

“Careful, I think I’m being spoiled.” JJ groans in satisfaction as you poor some warm water over his head. The nurse gave you a basin with some shampoo so you could wash the blood out of his hair. It has been almost a week and the doctor took out the chest tube yesterday.

“I think you’re entitled to a little spoiling.” Your voice is lighter than it has been in days. Leaning over, you press your lips to his forehead.

“I only want to be spoiled by you.” JJ whispers, his eyes closed, enjoying the feeling of the warm water and your fingers running through his hair.

               Finishing up, you take a towel and massage his head, trying to wring out as much water as you can before combing it. JJ protests and begs for you to just run your fingers in his hair instead. A request you complete knowing that JJ’s hair has always looked a mess no matter what. Messy is its natural state of being, as is the beautiful boy laying in front of you.

“How did I get so lucky?” JJ’s eyes gaze into yours like his looking at a piece of art.

“I think you’re getting delirious from all the pain medicine.” You can’t help but giggle, letting your hair fall on your face to shield the blush betraying you.

“Don’t hide from me, please.” His words lock up in his throat and you notice a sheen over his eyes. “You’re beautiful, even when you’re embarrassed. I’m sorry about the gun. I will never admit this to anyone else but it was stupid… I’m stupid. It cost me you, anything that does is not worth it.”

               If JJ wanted to say more he couldn’t. Your lips find his with a tender kiss. JJ’s tongue dances across your lower lip, asking for more. Parting your lips you both begin to explore each other. Your body is on fire and JJ is the only thing that can be your salvation. JJ’s hands find your waist and guide you to straddle him. Careful, you maintain distance between your bodies, scared that any change in position could bring him pain.

“I wish I wasn’t in the hospital,” JJ gowls. “Or I’d have you on your back and naked in three seconds.”

“I think you’re overestimat- oh fuck!” JJ’s tongue trails down your neck, quickly finding your sweet spot.

“You were saying?”

               You can hear JJ’s smug smirk rolling off his tongue against your skin. One hand remains firmly on your hip while he trials his fingers so gently up your torso, shivers ignite in their wake. He takes his time, leaving incoherent shapes before reaching his desired destination. Fighting a whimper, you bite your lip as JJ’s hands play with your breast, his thumb ever so gently grazing your sensitive nipple, as his tongue continues at it third favorite spot.

“You’re right,” JJ pants out of breath. “I do like to play with my food before I eat.”

               JJ’s lips leave your neck, refocusing on a new territory. You notice the labor behind his breathing. Glancing up at the monitor you have a feeling that his elevated heart rate is in part for the excitement of being together like this again but also from pain. His warm wet tongue distracts you from your thoughts as it runs down the center of your chest, grazing the inside crevasse of each breast.

“Fuck, I want you so bad.” JJ breathes between every few words. “But I think I have to stop.”

“I’ll let the nurse know you’re ready for more pain medicine.” Your lips brush his forehead, not trusting either of you for another kiss. Carefully and quickly, you climb off of him and head for the door. “When I get back we are watching a trashy hospital cable movie and cuddling. Keep your hands to yourself this time.”

“Movie and cuddling, yes. But the last part is asking too much of me. I have to make up time being apart from you.” His signature wink flies toward you and you can’t wait for the day you get to take him out of this place. Not just the hospital but away from his dad, away from your dad, maybe from the outer banks all together. As long as you two are together and there is no one there to break you apart.

@stu-machers-girl

[becasworldsstuff]

THE POGUES`S FAVORITE GIRL

Her window was never locked and the light on her porch never turned off, her father knew damn well that their house had practically became the pogue`s but he did not entirely mind. Sure, his daughter`s friends weren`t so responsible but she was the best girl anyone, who had the pleasure to talk to her, could meet and with friends like that she was surely the most protected girl in the whole OBX.

The pogues rarely missed a bonfire so whoever went always knew that they will be there, and the best way to find them was searching for their princess, other also call her their queen bee, but truly anyone who was in search of one of them could find em in front, in the back or simply at her side. Since she is one of the most beautiful girl in the whole island and that is secret to no one, her relationship with the pogues members is purely platonic for what's known, but who had tried to talk to her never seemed to be enough interesting for her standards, which is plausible with that many people around her setting the bar so high.

Her laugh music to anyone near her and her smile brightened up anyone day`s but it was not enough, and when the whole entire world seemed to swallow her body when her only thought were her best friends who sided with her on everything, with whom she lived the craziest adventures and sleepless nights.

They had all been talking in front of the fire for a big part of the night, and while the others were fully awake, the tiredness behind her eyes was evident, and so, while her eyes began to close every single one of the pogues watched her in awe and looking at each other, they could clearly understand that having her in the group was the best thing that could’ve ever happened to all of them.

" I think she really is the glue between us, you know? I mean she is all for the safety of the planet" said Kiara " and she is the only girl I can bring myself to tolerate, but not only that, she has this infinite patience that keeps us from exploding and doing stupid things, but I don't think we give her enough credits"

" I think so too and her being a ray of sunshine always helped me" John B said " even my dad adored her, as all parents do, how couldn't you? It's impossible"

They all raised their plastic cups " cheer" "to sunshine?" "To sunshine!" They said whispering to not wake her up.

[alyswritings]

Fire

JJ Maybank x sister!reader

Summary: The chateau gets set on fire.

Warnings: fire, angst

a/n: this idea is from @reader-bookling123. hope y'all enjoy!

(gif not mine)

JJ sits on the couch next to Kie. Sarah and John B retreated to his bedroom a few minutes ago and JJ watches Pope and Cleo go into the other bedroom. He knows Y/N is outside, the girl having said she wanted to lay in the hammock and look out at the lake and stars, it usually helping her fall asleep.

As JJ starts to attempt to apologize to Kie, an orange light outside the kitchen window catches his attention instead.

"JJ?" Kie asks when he stands up. She follows his gaze as she stands up, eyebrows furrowing at the flames. "Is that--"

"Fire. Get them out. Fire." JJ rushes to the room Cleo and Pope are in.

"Guys! Fire!" Kie shouts, barging into John B's room, interrupting the make out session easily leading to something more. "Shit! Sorry. There's a fire!"

"What?" Sarah's eyes widen.

"What?" John B asks, the two getting up and rushing out.

The six friends try to get out, the door too hot to touch.

"Guys!" John B screams. "I got a way out! Come on!"

They all climb out through the window and JJ rushes to the hammock.

"Wha-- Y/N!" He shouts. "Y/N!" The others rush over. "Where the fuck is she? Y/N!"

The pogues yell out for the six year old. Sarah hears screaming, quickly racing to part of the house, finding the child in the window.

"Shit. JJ!" Sarah screams. "JJ! She's in the office!"

The others run over, JJ racing up to the window.

"Fuck!" He yells, trying to run up to the window, but the flames keep him from doing so. "No, no, no." He races to the door, touching the knob, but instantly pulls his hand back as it burns. "Fuck!"

"JJ! JJ!" Kie shouts, pulling him back from the rising flames.

"No, I need to get in there!" JJ yells.

"You can't! There's no way in! It's too late!" Kie yells, her voice cracking as tears well in her eyes.

"No. No, no." JJ mumbles, watching the flames engulf the house.

- - -

Pope walks around, inspecting the damages of the fire. The walls burnt down, only a few pieces of wood left standing. He sighs, frowning when he hears a noise. He looks around and gets a bit closer to the house. His eyes widen when he spots the young girl beneath the rubble.

"Holy, shit." He whispers. "Guys! Guys, I found Y/N!" He screams, getting closer to the girl, the others immediately rushing over.

"You found her?" Kie asks.

"She alive?"Cleo asks.

"She's breathing." Pope says. JJ lets out a deep breath, clutching at his chest as Pope lifts his little sister up.

"Does anybody have their phone? We-- we need the ambulance." Kie says.

"Let's just drive her. That's less time." John B says, the group rushing to the Twinkie. Pope lays Y/N down on the bench in the back of the Twinkie and JJ kneels next to it.

"John B, you gotta go faster, man!" JJ calls out.

"I'm going as fast as I can." John B says.

"Okay. Okay, baby, hey. Hey." JJ softly calls, brushing his sister's hair back. Y/N's eyes flutter open for a moment. "Hey. Yeah, there are those beautiful eyes." He mutters, stroking her hair. Y/N closes her eyes, coughing. "Yeah, cough it out, baby. Hey, I need you to stay awake for me, okay? Can you do that?"

He looks down at movement and sees Y/N's thumbs up. He lets out a watery chuckle and kisses her on the forehead.

"You're gonna be okay. You're gonna be okay." He quietly says, not sure if he's trying to reassure her or himself more.

The pogues get to the hospital and JJ rushes out, taking her inside. "Hey! Hey! I need help here!"

"What happened?" A nurse rushes over. "Gurney!" She yells out.

"She-- there was a fire. She was inside." JJ says, carefully putting Y/N on the gurney.

"When did you find her?" The nurse asks.

"Like, 20 minutes ago. We drove straight here." JJ says, following them as they wheel Y/N through the halls.

"Okay. You can't go past this point." A nurse holds him back while the others continue to wheel Y/N back.

"N-no. No, I'm her brother. I need to be with her." JJ states.

"Sir, you need to stay back and let us do our job. You need to be checked out, too." The nurse says.

"No. No, I'm fine. You need to focus on her! She's six!" JJ exclaims.

"Okay, sir, we will do our best with her--"

"No, she's not allowed to fucking die!"

"JJ. JJ, hey." John B rushes up. "I got him, ma'am. Sorry. Thanks." The nurse walks back. "Hey. Hey, man, hey. She's gonna be fine, all right? We're right here."

- - -

JJ immediately stands up when a doctor walks out.

"Y/N Maybank?" The doctor asks.

"Yeah." JJ raises his hand.

"She's a very, very lucky girl. It's a miracle she's alive." The doctor says. "We wanna keep her overnight for observation, but she should be able to go home tomorrow."

"Okay, can I see her?" JJ asks.

"Just family. She needs her rest." The doctor says.

"Go. Go." Sarah tells JJ when he glances back at the group. JJ quickly follows the doctor to Y/N's room. JJ goes inside, seeing the girl half asleep.

"Hey, munchkin." JJ softly calls, getting her attention.

"Jayje." Y/N gets a tired but excited smile.

"Hey. How you feeling?" JJ asks.

"Tired." Y/N mumbles.

"Yeah. Yeah, I get that. I'm kind of tired myself." JJ weakly smiles, brushing her hair out of her face. "Last night was scary, huh?" Y/N nods.

"I couldn't get out. The doorknob was too hot and... and the windowsill was painted shut." Y/N mumbles.

"I know. I know, sweetheart. I'm so sorry I couldn't get to you sooner. I should've tried harder." JJ says. "We thought you were outside."

"I went inside when I heard a car pull up." Y/N says.

"You heard a car? Did you see it?" JJ asks.

"It was a truck. Dark truck. I don't know who was driving it." Y/N says. "I just hid in the office in case it was scary men again. Like after you guys got home from that bonfire party you always go to."

"Okay. It's okay, honey. You don't have to remember anything." JJ says. "You just need to get some sleep and feel better. And I'll be right here." He promises, kissing her on the head.

"I love you." Y/N tells him, already feeling herself fall back asleep again.

"I love you, too, munchkin." JJ whispers, gently brushing her cheek with his knuckle, promising to never let her come so close to death again.

Taglist: @glxwingrxse @venomsvl @wildieflower @aliciacat20 @allyson15 @gabbylovesreading @itsmaneskinbitch @mrvlxgrl @star-wars-lover @champomiel @ironmaiden1313

[loonylupinblack3]

This Isn't Over

Pairing: Rafe Cameron x Reader

Warnings: toxic!rafe, swearing, physical alteration, hints to domestic violence

Summary: you accidently spend the night at your friends house and Rafe has something to say about it

Word count: 2.2k

A/N: more rafe 🤭🤭 this one has him being a little (😬) toxic so be warned!!

You’d fallen asleep at John B’s house. You knew that because it was barely 8am and your phone was ringing its head off, a sleuth of calls and messages lighting up your screen. You let out a groan, rolling over on the pull out mattress in John B’s living room, untangling yourself from Kiara whose limbs were spread out like an eagle on the bed, and picked up your phone.

Your eyes were bleary as you blinked at the screen, already knowing who was sending you all these messages. Like you’d expected, you saw Rafe’s name all over your phone, missed calls and countless messages lining up your home screen.

You’d made the mistake of telling Rafe of your plans to visit John B and his friends last night. You’d had a good relationship with them a couple months ago but had started to drift apart when you and Rafe started seeing each other. Wanting to remedy that, you’d all planned a bit of a party, just between friends, to catch up.

Rafe hadn’t been happy when he found out. At first he told you not to go, adamantly raving about how crazy John B and his sister were. When you informed him you would be going, because they were your friends and you’d known them way before Rafe started disliking them, he made you promise two things to him. One, that you wouldn’t drink, and two, that he’d be able to see you the next morning.

Looking around with groggy eyes and noting the many empty beer cans, you realised belatedly that you’d broken both your promises.

“Shit,” you mumbled, sitting upright and rubbing your eyes.

JJ gave a groan from the mattress a few steps away. “I will smash whoever’s phone that is if they don’t shut it up right now.”

You gave a sheepish smile even though he couldn’t see you, noticing the other’s restlessness too. “Sorry guys, my bad. Rafe’s just texting me.”

That caught their attention, JJ sitting upright immediately and the others stirring into separate states of awareness. You winced; you should have known better than to mention Rafe, because for all that your boyfriend didn’t like them, your friends disliked him more.

“What’s got him so riled up?” John B asked, a hint of suspicion in his voice.

You cleared your throat, trying to grab your bearings as you looked around for your shoes. “Oh, I was just supposed to meet him this morning and forgot so…”

Pope raised his eyebrows. “So he’s blowing up your phone? And why were you supposed to meet him at-” Pope checked his watch. “-8:07am?”

You hesitated. “Well, I didn’t set a time, it's just he wasn’t expecting me to sleep over so he probably came early to see me and found me missing.”

Sarah gave you a look, probably the most tired out of all of them but still in her right mind enough to tell you, “that’s like, a walking red flag.”

You laughed slightly, though it was forced. “He just cares. Speaking of, I should probably, y’know, answer his texts.”

There were mumbles and mutterings but no one spoke against you as you looked at your phone, reading the most recent texts from Rafe.

Where are you?

Why aren’t you home?

Did you stay at John B’s for the night? You better not have had anything

What the fuck Y/n. Where are you?

I’m coming to John B’s

Shit. Rafe couldn’t come here. There were so many ill feelings with him in the mix and you didn’t want anything to unfold between him and your friends. 

You texted him back hastily but he didn’t reply, telling you he was already on the way. Shit. 

“He’s coming here?!” Kiaria read, leaning over your shoulder. You were quick to hide your phone but the damage had already been done, all of your friends certainly wide awake now.

JJ let out a disbelieving shock. “Wait, wait, Rafe Cameron is coming here? Did I get that right?”

You cringed. “Um. Kind of? But I’ll meet him outside, you guys won’t have to see him at all-”

Rapid pounding on the door cut you off. You saw Sarah pale and couldn’t help but feel guilty. How fast had Rafe driven to get here?!

“John B,” Rafe called through the door. “John B open up.”

It was as if a switch had been flipped. Instead of your friend John B who teased you and begrudgingly accepted your choice in boyfriend, it was John B who hated Rafe, a dark look in his eyes as his hands curled into fists by his side. No one spoke. “I know you’re in there!” Rafe’s voice got louder; he was shouting by now. “Where’s Y/n? What’d you do, huh? You hurt her? Because I swear to God if you did-”

John B was up and striding to the front door before any of you could stop him. He was like a man possessed, his usual calm persona replaced with an indescribable anger that could only come from countless bad experiences.

He opened the door with a slam, barely avoiding hitting Rafe who didn’t look pleased with the fact. “You think I’d hurt Y/n? She’s my best friend.”

Rafe let out a low scoff, and you could tell he was pissed just by the tone of his voice. You loathed to see the anger on his face. “I wouldn’t put it past you. Where is she?”

John B seemed to still be stuck on the fact Rafe thought so low of him. “I’ve known her since we were four,” he argued. 

“You’re a Pogue,” was Rafe’s immediate response.

“She’s a Pogue!”

Rafe was silent for a moment. “Where is she?”

“No, let’s go back to the fact you think I’d be the one to hurt her-”

“Where is she?!”

You heard the sounds of a skirmish and immediately went for the door, as did the rest of your friends. You should have gone earlier but didn’t want to have to be in the middle of whatever had been going on with Rafe and John B.

When you turned the corner you saw Rafe and John B wrestling. Rafe must have tried to get in and John B forcefully stopped him, which led to John B pinned against the wall with Rafe’s arm pressing on his throat. They were both glaring at each other, wearing similar expressions of loathing on their faces. Rafe looked like an entirely different person, a hint of something wild and scary hidden in his eyes.

“Rafe, stop.”

At the sound of your voice Rafe paused, the pressure on John B’s throat lessening. He turned to look at you, his whole face softening at the sight. There was a look of relief on his face that had guilt eating at you as he took his arm away from John B’s throat, the boy coughing as fresh air entered his lungs.

“Y/n,” Rafe breathed, taking a few steps towards you.

Until your other friends took a step forward, crowding you behind them. The same hostility took over his face, the wild look you’d seen in his eyes increased, his pupils dilating slightly.

“I’m fine,” you whispered frantically to your friends. “Seriously. Let him through.”

You admired your friend's loyalty. It warmed your heart to see them caring about you that much, even when faced with this quite frankly terrifying version of Rafe you hadn’t experienced. It was misplaced though, because Rafe would never hurt you.

They reluctantly did as you said, JJ needing some hasling from Kiaria before moving away. And as soon as they did the softness was back in Rafe’s expression and he was in front of you, wrapping you in a tight hug, hands holding you as close as possible to him as he kissed the top of your head.

“You alright?” he murmured into your hair.

You nodded into his chest, his comfort sinking into your very bones. Rafe seemed to act the same, his tense posture relaxing as he held you in his arms, inhaling your scent and letting the comforting smell of you calm him down.

He pulled back suddenly, a hint of irritation on his face. “Why didn’t you answer my texts?”

You looked down guiltily, feeling like a child being reprimanded by a teacher. “I was asleep.”

“Here?”

You flinched at the stern tone of his voice. “Yeah…”

“Did you drink?” When you didn’t answer him he grabbed your chin, forcing you to look at him. “Did. You. Drink?”

“That’s enough man,” JJ spoke, stepping forward again.

Rafe shot him a dirty look. “Stay out of this Maybank.”

“No I’m serious, stop manhandling her,” he insisted, gesturing to Rafe’s fingers still curled around your chin.

“Don’t tell me what to do with my own girlfriend, you pathetic little Pogue,” Rafe hissed.

You let out a gasp, pulling away from your boyfriend. “What the fuck Rafe? Don’t call him that!”

Rafe turned his murderous expression on you, and for a second it stayed murderous, causing a sense of unease to start churning in your gut. It lessened to irritation but you couldn’t get the anger of his previous expression out of your mind, the feeling that in that moment he would have done anything to get his way.

“Y/n-” he started, a hint of frustration in his voice, but JJ didn’t even let him finish.

He moved forward, placing his hand on your stomach to gently guide you behind him. You only let him because of your sudden hesitance around your boyfriend, but this seemed to only make his mood worse.

“Get your hands off my fucking girlfriend.” Rafe surged forward and you let out a gasp, barely moving in time as the two men toppled to the ground, fists being thrown and legs kicking. You were screaming at them to stop but neither man listened to you. John B finally managed to pry Rafe away, only for your boyfriend to immediately turn to him.

You ran into the middle of it before he could, and you swear to God even after recognising you for a second there you were sure he was still going to go for the hit. He managed to restrain himself, however, and said through very gritted teeth, “Y/n, get out of the way.”

You stood your ground, refusing to budge. “Stop hurting my friends.”

He scoffed, looking at you like you were a naive child. “Friends? You consider them friends, Y/n? You can’t trust them. They don’t care about you like I do. No one does. The only person you can trust is me.”

“You sound fucking psycho man,” JJ sneered, blood running from his probably broken nose. He wiped it away as he spoke, smearing it over his face.

“Mind your damn business,” Rafe snapped. He turned to you, grabbing your arm almost desperately. “Let’s just go, yeah baby? We’ll leave, and forget this shit ever happened.”

He started leading you out of the house and you let him, until you were standing in the doorway with him out of the building, which was when you stopped, taking your arm away from him. Rafe looked at you questioningly. 

“I’m gonna stay here for a while longer, Rafe.”

You watched him still, hands flex before curling into tight fists, his jaw clenched. 

“What?” that one word, so quiet you could barely hear it, filled you with overwhelming dread. You’d never heard this tone before, this quiet, deadly tone. He was always explosively angry. This felt like the calm before the storm.

“I’m going to stay here,” you forced yourself to say, grateful your voice came out even.

Rafe took a deep breath, thoughts spinning in his head, before giving a yell and kicking the empty bottles on the steps of the porch, causing the glass to smash and shatter. “Are you serious right now? Are you fucking serious Y/n?! After everything I’ve done for you? You were a dirty fucking Pogue before me that no one wanted to touch. I made you into something and you repay me by doing this?!”

He was yelling. Screaming. Eyes full of rage focused solely on you as he moved forward to grab you. Your friends were quicker, John B, JJ, Pope all standing in front of you. Kiara and Sarah both grabbed each of your hands, giving you the support you so desperately needed.

“Time to go, Rafe,” John B said, voice low. “You can’t take on all of us.”

Rafe knew he was right. You could see him, the fight in him not so much deflating as it was changing, realising he wasn’t going to win by brute force alone. He looked at you behind your friends, a frightening anger in his eyes. What was worse was you could see through it, to the sickening desperation underneath, the knowledge that he needed you ringing in your head.

You dropped your gaze, guilt and fear warring inside you. Rafe let out a low scoff, hurt and disbelief coating it. You heard footsteps and risked looking up, finding Rafe leaving the porch. At the edge he turned back though, eyes finding you immediately, and spoke in a low, almost threatening tone before leaving without another glance:

“This isn’t over.”

[bejewellery]

love next door

obx!smau

rafe, y/n best friend’s brother comes back for summer after college, she has always known he was kinda hot— but since when he was this hot? maybe her stupid childhood crush is not just that, and when she realises that— troubles begin

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chapter 1

chapter 2

chapter 3

[animalistic0]

You Died and I Became A Corpse (Part 4)

Previous: Pt1 Pt2 Pt2.5 Pt3

Plot: Everything has changed. Nothing will ever be the same. They will never be the same. It’s time to hunt, not just for the stolen treasure but for Revenge and Justice. All the while a darkness looms over each and every one of them. How far will they go? Will it be enough? What will they risk?

*Season Four spoilers!*

OC Maybank twin + platonic Pogues x Rafe Cameron

Warnings: OuterBanks, Beyond Season 4, Death, Description of death, mentions of murder and murdering, violence, guns, shooting, homicidal tendencies, blood, angst, grief, guilt, anger, allusions to abuse, mention of kidnapping, self destructive behavior, negative thoughts, mental health, fluff? This is Dark.

Word Count: 7.3k+

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The quiet that clung to them was a stranger turning into a friend. It was as if no one wanted to speak because it would bring them all back to reality. It had only been hours since they buried JJ, and decided to hunt down Groff. John B was driving the jeep, Sarah in the passenger seat as they held each other’s hand. Pope and Cleo were cuddled in the middle seats, leaving enough room for Kiara to sit with them. While Rafe and JC sat in the very back. JC sitting in the seat that her brother had claimed since Cleo stole the jeep. Her knife held in her hands as she stared at it, twirling it along on her finger.

It was common knowledge that the twins were not only reckless but self destructive. However, they always had each other and perfectly balanced and matched each other. Now, JC didn’t have her twin to bring her back from her self destructive spiraling. Her face contorted in anger as she dug the knife a bit harder into her skin as she spun it. Watching in satisfaction as a small amount of blood trickled down. Merging with the dried blood of her brother’s. She wanted more, needed to feel more, she deserved to be punished for not saving her brother. How come she couldn’t save her brother?

A hand reached over and quickly snatched the knife from her hands. JC immediately followed the hand with her eyes before lifting her gaze and glaring at Rafe. His gaze was just as intense as he stared down at her, as if silently daring her to argue or fight back. Grumbling she flipped him off with the finger she had barely cut, before she turned away so he couldn’t see the tears that immediately began falling. It didn’t last long though, a sob escaped her as she curled up on herself. A feeling of panic and dread swirling through her like a tornado. She was leaving him. Abandoning him. “Stop! Stop the car!”

Without being able to focus on the knife or hurting herself, it felt like all she could do was spiral down and drown in everything. One moment more angry than anything, the next more broken than possible. JC didn’t wait for John B to stop the vehicle, she was already hoping out of it and running back down the path they had just come from. How could she leave him? This wasn’t home. Stumbling JC fell to her knees letting out a loud scream as she punched the ground. The pain that reverberated up her hand and through her arm felt grounding. Again and again she punched the ground screaming. She had never felt so lost, so out of control, and so overwhelmed. But the pain from hitting the ground seemed to ground her, seemed to make her think clearly. It was as if the physical pain brought her clarity, gave her the strength she needed to focus on getting justice for her baby brother. Pain was all she knew, was all she deserved. Pain.

JC continued punching the ground, ignoring the sand that flew into her face and eyes. Instead focusing on the pain, the pain each time she punched the ground. The pain of the sand burning her eyes. The way her throat burned from all her screaming. She could hear JJ’s voice, as if he was right beside her; “Breathe June, breathe. It’s okay, focus on me.” She was spiraling and she didn’t know how to stop, didn’t know if she could even stop. Grabbing her head with both hands she hunched over until her head touched the ground. “It’s okay June, it’s okay. It’s not your fault. It’s not your fault.” Shaking her head she gently hit it against the ground. She hated how she could hear him, could feel his hands on her shoulder. It had only been a few hours, how was she supposed to survive the rest of her life without him? “I’m sorry bug. I’m so sorry. Please. Please. I’m sorry.”

The moment JC had jumped from the vehicle John B slammed on the brakes, his arm held out protectively in front of Sarah. Pope was the first to get out of the jeep and was followed closely by Rafe. They had only been driving for less than thirty minutes, each minute dawning on them all. JC had been quiet since they started but they all knew another breakdown was imminent. Rafe passed the knife in his hands to Pope, the two of them sharing a look of understanding. By the time everyone else reached where Pope was standing, Rafe had reached JC. John B was about to rush over to where Juniper was, but was stopped by Pope. “Let him, John. Let him.” The two shared a look before John B nodded, pulling Sarah into his arms and hugging her like his anchor. Pope pulled Kiara into his arms as she was silently sobbing with her hand over her mouth. Cleo stood between them, her eyes watching JC as her heart continued to break. “We need a plan.”

Rafe slowly knelt down next to JC, his eyes softening as he noticed the cuts she now had on her knuckles. He placed his right hand on the ground, sliding it so it was underneath her forehead. Preventing her from hitting her head on the ground, and instead on his hand. He could hear how she was mumbling apologies, and knew that she was probably talking to JJ. Rafe honestly didn’t know what to do, he was scared to pull her into his arms and hold her. Worried that it would set her off and she’d get violent, or that she would break down even more. He just knew that he wasn’t going to let her be alone, or hurt herself. He had picked up on her self destructive tendencies while they were held hostage together, and ever since he had paid close attention. That night on the beach when she continued walking up and down, till the point she was stumbling he knew then that she was moments away from hurting herself.

This was different though, there was still hope that JJ and Sarah could have lived. They did too, but this was permanent. She saw him die, held him as he took his last breath, and buried him within the earth. There was no hope, nothing but the promise of revenge that she could hold onto. Even then Rafe didn’t think it would be enough to get her through. It was nothing but terrifying to see such a strong person just completely break apart. Rafe felt useless, and he hated feeling like that. He was supposed to be in control. To have all the control, but life never gave you what you wanted. His relationship with the Pogues was always pretty shitty, but he’d do anything to bring JJ Maybank back. To save these individuals from suffering, to save his sister, and the girl he couldn’t help but care for.

“Get up big sis. You gotta get up, June.” JC smashed her hand onto the ground again, as JJ’s voice sounded throughout her head. Lifting her head up she made eye contact with Rafe Cameron who was staring down at her with wide eyes. Juniper inhaled sharply as she sat back on her knees, wildly looking around as she attempted to ground herself. The pain reverberating from her fist up her arms, made it easy for her to shift through her thoughts. Though it was just full of JJ’s voice, and everything she could imagine him telling her. “It’s not your fault, JC. It’s not your fault.” JC couldn’t help the strangled sob that left her, she couldn’t do this. She couldn’t keep going with his voice dancing around her mind. “Make it stop. Please stop. I’m sorry Jay.”

Juniper flinched as arms wrapped around her and she was pulled into a chest. She didn’t fight it, as she turned and sobbed into the embrace. “Let it out, JC. Let it all out, it’s okay. I got you.” She cried harder as she heard Rafe whisper those words in her ear. It wasn’t okay, and it would never be okay again. JJ was dead. “I can’t do it. I just can’t Rafe.” She couldn’t live without her brother, how could she live without him? JC would do anything to go back and change what happened, she can’t believe she let him die. “You can JC. You’re strong, you’ve always been strong. You’ll make it, and you have us. You have always had us, and you’ll forever have us.”

The one upside of dealing with abuse your whole life? Perhaps it’s two upsides, but being able to compartmentalize and dissociate. JC could feel herself beginning to dissociate and she welcomed it. All the drowning emotions slowly faded away, and she felt nothing. Empty, as the world seemed to slow down. She could feel Rafe holding her, but it felt far away. Slowly blinking, she pulled away from Rafe, and she felt spacey staring at random things without blinking. Her mind empty, as she felt numb. It was probably going to be the only way she’d get through this, a lot of dissociating, and just focusing on her anger and the darkness within her.

Rafe gently held her face between his hands as he stared into her dead glossy looking eyes. He knew she was dissociating, he in fact had suffered from dissociation throughout his life, especially in the more darker parts of his actions. Rubbing his thumb in a soothing circle, he tried to gently coax JC back to him. “It’s okay, you’re okay.” Before it hit him that maybe it was the best to let her be. That she needed this after everything that had happened within the past few hours. Glancing over his shoulder he watched as the group huddled over the hood of the jeep, looking as if they were in a heated conversation. Before turning back towards JC and gently helping her up from the ground. Rafe held her hand, and wrapped an arm around her shoulders guiding her over to the jeep. “We don’t have money, that’s our first worry. Transportation.”

“We can take Terrance’s boat. We just have to beat the Corsairs to the boat.” JC spoke with no emotion, lifting her eyes to meet those around her. She could see the hesitation but also the realization that it was a decent plan. Pope nodded, staring right into her eyes and she knew he was trying to read her. Figure out what was going on, and where she was at. “It could work.” John B softly responded, staring at her just as deeply as Pope. “Duh, it’s a great plan.” Rolling her eyes, JC pulled herself free from Rafe’s hold moving forward to the drivers seat of the jeep and wasting no time getting in and starting the vehicle. Once everyone was in the vehicle she drove off, shoving the ache she felt in her chest down and away.

Pope sat in the passenger seat, Cleo sitting behind him, with John B and Sarah cuddled together beside Cleo and behind JC. Kiara sat in the very back, in JJ’s previous seat with Rafe sitting where he had been originally. JC tapped her thumbs on the wheel, as she stared ahead. “What kind of a lead do you think he has on us?” JC asked as they passed the well, where she wished she had killed him, where Groff should have fucking died. “At least five hours. Which means he could already be on a boat or plane.” JC nodded her head at Pope’s reply, before she pressed down harder on the gas. Her tapping stilling as she listened intently to the directions Pope was giving her.

“Aye kook did Groff say anything else?” JC glanced behind her as Cleo addressed Rafe, her eyes noting how everyone focused on Rafe at the question. Rafe rolled his eyes sitting up as he glanced at everyone, and JC could tell that he could feel the distress from them all. “Just that he has a buyer in Lisbon, that was it.” Silence filled the jeep as everyone began thinking, before Pope punched the dashboard of the vehicle screaming out; “Fuck!” JC nodded her head, biting her lip as she tighten her grip on the steering wheel. Before she could stop herself she quoted her brother, words he had spoken a few weeks ago when they were hired to find a necklace; “Are we really going to worry about the details right now?”

“Thinking never helps when you already have the idea.” Pope spoke softly, nodding his head as tears filled his eyes. For a second, just a second, it felt as if JJ was still with them. His impulsive but lovable self, still with them. Perhaps they were all loosing it, or already had, but soft laughs escaped them all. Even JC couldn’t fight the laugh bubbling within her, even though it wasn’t even funny. Which was probably why Rafe was staring at them all with a concerned expression. “We get Terrance’s boat, and then we get to Lisbon. The details get figured out in between.” JC nodded in agreement to John B’s declaration, right now for the sake of all of them they needed to focus on smaller tasks, achievable tasks.

They ditched the vehicle right outside the city limits of Essaouira. Before continuing on foot, towards the wharf where Terrance’s boat was moored. For the safety of the group, and quick escape, Pope, Cleo, and JC were to go ahead and secure the boat. Once the boat was secured they were to sail it out of the wharf, and meet the rest of the group at a further location. While John B, Sarah, Kiara, and Rafe were in charge of getting provisions and other necessities. Weapons included.

It was silent, Pope, Cleo, and JC focused on the task set upon them. JC kept her hands clenched in fists, as she watched Pope flinch at every little noise. As if a darkness was following him, and was seconds away from swallowing him whole. It was strange to see her best friend, who was so usually leveled, besides a few moments, acting like this. During the drive she had felt herself come back, not completely but she wasn’t completely gone either. Right now JC was trying solely to focus either on her anger or on her friends, it was the only way she could keep moving. She was walking behind Pope and Cleo, watching them like a hawk. “We’re Pogues, June. All we’ve got is them. And nothing to lose.” JC felt her breath hitch as she turned her head, her eyes connecting with those of her twin. He was there, right in front of her, as real as anything. She could feel his breath against her skin, against her ears as he spoke to her. JC blinked opening her mouth to speak, only to find that JJ was gone once again.

“JC? JC, you okay? What’s wrong?” Slowly JC turned her head to stare at Pope, who stared worriedly at her. His own fists clenched as if he was hesitant to reach out and touch her. “N-nothing.” She stuttered out. How could she look him in the eye and tell him that her twin was just right there. That JC had been seeing and hearing JJ since he died, which had only been hours in the long run but still. She didn’t need her friends worrying that she was going to have a physiological breakdown, when they needed to hunt down Groff and the crown. JC could keep herself in check until then, at least she hoped she could. “Common let’s go Pope! Are you okay?” JC forced herself to straighten up, to inhale like everything is okay before she paused noticing how flustered Pope was.

“I murdered a man. I killed Lightner, so Cleo didn’t have to.” JC pursed her lips, before nodding her head and grabbing Popes hand. She glanced around for a moment, spotting Cleo pausing and resting against a wall, allowing them a moment. Facing Pope, JC smiled softly trying to offer the best comfort she could. “Look at me Pope. You are not a murderer. He wouldn’t have hesitated to kill Cleo or you. You did what you had to do to survive. It was self defense. You protected yourself and you protected Cleo. It was either him, or one of you. Pope you’re an amazing person. You are my best friend. You are a survivor, and you’re a protector. You did what you had to do, Pope. You survived. There is no shame in that, and I don’t see you any differently. You’re still my nerdy, levelheaded, only crash out sometimes, sweet, lovable, caring, Wise Boy.” JC let out a weak laugh as she held his cheeks so he had no other choice but to look into her teary eyes. She remembered when they first sat down and read the Percy Jackson series together, both of them adopted the nicknames Percy and Annabeth had, for each other. “I just told you I killed a man, that I’m a murderer? How do you make that seem okay? How are you not panicking?”

“Pope. We’ve been walking the tightrope since we’ve been sixteen. It was only a matter of time before one of us directly killed someone. I know you, I know who you are and what you stand for. You could never scare me away, could never make me abandon you. I made it seem okay because it was self defense, I don’t even need to know the whole story to know that. He was a murderer and wouldn’t have hesitated to kill Cleo or you. Pope, you chose Cleo and you chose yourself. That’s why I’m not panicking, because you’re alive. You’re here.” The silence that followed spoke volumes. The heavy grief that settled within them like it was home making itself known at her words. She wasn’t panicking because she was relieved that they were alive. That she didn’t lose them. “Thank you, Seaweed Brain.” JC clutched Pope like he was her life raft in a storm as they hugged. The two of them needed this small moment more than ever. They had more they needed to talk about, but for right now this was enough. As they pulled away they weakly laughed at each other, before further shoving apart.

JC walked over to Cleo as the girl pushed herself off the wall. Slinging her arm over her friend’s shoulder they leaned on each other as they continued on. Pope walked behind them, a small sad smile on his face as he watched two of the most important women in his life leaning on each other during their moments of grief. Cleo had gotten her revenge and justice for Terrance, and now she wanted that for JJ but she knew JC was obligated to it. She knew JC required that revenge because Cleo had needed it just as bad. From the moment Terrance had been murdered, it was essential that Cleo got revenge. She needed it more than oxygen, or water, or any other substance that sustains life. Cleo knew JC was the same, no matter how many mental breakdowns the girl would have in between. JJ was her whole life, and Cleo had never seen individuals as close as the Maybank twins were. “How’s your shoulder Cleo?”

“It’s find. Stings but I’ll live.” JC nodded her head as she sucked in her left cheek in thought. She was trying to constantly keep her mind busy to find something to focus on whenever it became silent. “We’ll check it once we’re clear.” JC didn’t leave any room for argument as she dropped her arm from around Cleo. Her eyes checking around the area as she spotted the boat. There was no movement near, around, or on the boat which she took as a good sign. They had beaten the mercenaries back to the city. However, the trio ducked down behind some barrels and studied the boat. Before JC gestured towards the vessel with her hands; “Keep watch, I’m gonna go see if it’s clear.” She didn’t give them anytime to refuse before she was standing and bounding off.

JC kept herself low to the ground as she moved steadily towards the boat. Her heart was calm as she snuck over to the boat. This was what she craved, moments of high tension because it brought life to her. For it was all she had ever known, between Luke abusing JJ and her. His behavior always unpredictable and intense, to just them being Pogues and constantly on the run from Kooks or other people on the island. Running and high stakes had always been a normal for the Maybank’s, and the twins always thrived in those moments. Pulling at her fingers before rubbing at her chest, an anxious and overwhelmed trait she shared with JJ. Juniper took a breath she wasn’t anxious about sneaking onto the ship. She was worried about her friends, she was anxious about her brother, and she was furious about Groff. Slapping her chest, she winced in pain as it shot up her cut and bruised up hands.

Exhaling in relief she glanced around as she made it onto Terrance’s boat. Standing up JC bit her lip as she rubbed at her chest. Just less than a day ago they all had been here, JJ had been here. How fast everything can change…Rubbing harder at her chest JC forced herself to take a breath her mind wandering to her friends, to Pope and Cleo who were waiting for her. To John B and Sarah who were going to be parents. Sarah had asked JC to be the godmother, at the same time John B was asking JJ. It was the perfect gift that her best friends had given her during the hard time she was going through. Her mind flashed towards Kiara, the girl who was basically her sister-in-law, or just her sister. Kiara was the light in JJ’s life and he’d cherished her more than anything. Juniper knew he struggled to show it as some points but Kiara was his everything, she was his soulmate. JJ, her little brother who just hours ago was full of life. “The mission June. Focus on the mission.” Her eyes drifted over to her brother, who stood across from her. He looked alive and full of energy like he had before he died. She knew it wasn’t real, that he wasn’t real but JC couldn’t bring herself to let him go. If this was the only way she could have him now then she would take it. “Okay.”

Her whispered word hung in the air as she immediately began moving about. She hurried over to the spiral stairs. Peaking her head into the stairwell and glancing up. It was clear, of course it was the whole boat was probably clear but they couldn’t be too careful. Glancing behind her shoulder she found the spot JJ had been standing only it was empty now. She felt her shoulders sag in defeat, he seemed to appear when she needed him but she always needed him! “Common slow poke! I know your grandma knees can move.” Snapping her head forward she caught a glance of JJ running up the stairs. Shaking her head, JC couldn’t stop the snort that left her as she chased after him.

As she made it to the bridge of the boat, JJ was once again gone. Bitting her lip JC shook her head as she marched around the control room looking for the keys. She jumped as she heard commotion nearby, most noticeable Pope and Cleo screaming her name. Rushing over to the deck door she threw it open, her eyes immediately landing on Pope and Cleo as they were sprinting towards the two boats they needed to climb over to reach this one. Glancing behind them she immediately knew what the panic was about, stepping back inside she looked for the keys. Before letting out a yelp as she found them, shoving them into the ignition she turned them and smiled as the boat rumbled to life. Placing her hands on the wheel, she leaned back hoping her friends would hear her over the gun fire that just started. “Pope! Cleo! Hurry your asses up!”

JC clenched the wheel straining herself to hear the signal from her friends. A sharp three toned whistle sounded, and JC wasted no time in grabbing the throttle and shoving it down. The boat lurched forward with a groan before gaining speed, as JC manned it with precision. Her eyes shot back and forth like a pendulum as she maneuvered them out of the wharf and into the open ocean. Her heart clenching as every gunshot echoed out and occasionally metal against metal. As the sound faded she heard footsteps approaching. Her heart immediately calming as she recognized both sets as Cleo and Pope. “What the hell happened guys!?”

“You don’t want to know.” JC glanced over her shoulder at Cleo who slouched against the desk. Her friend looked flustered and exhausted as she breathed deeply. Glancing forward JC lowered their speed a bit before she turned her head to glance at Pope. He looked no better than Cleo, but instead of being flustered he looked angry. “I do wanna know that’s why I asked Cleo. Are you both okay?” JC wasn’t trying to be sarcastic but as soon as the words came out she could hear the sarcastic note to them. Though all sarcasm was lost to concern as she eyed her best friends looking for fresh injuries. “After you ran off Cleo and I kept an eye out for the mercenaries. Hell just anyone who might be out for us. It didn’t take long for us to spot the Corsairs. Rafe did a number on some of the guys, but they were armed to the teeth.” JC nodded her head as Pope took a breath and leaned forward to rest on his knees. “So we tried to sneak away.” JC shifted her focus over to Cleo as the girl spoke. Her friend shifted her posture to lean forward as she angrily gestured towards Pope. “This idiot had to hit a bucket holding a bunch of oars and they all went clambering down. I grabbed his arm and we began running for the boat. Screaming for you, only to have them mercenaries start shootin.”

“Okay. Well I’m glad you’re both alive. Let’s get your shoulder cleaned and bandaged. Hopefully the others are having better luck.” JC nibbled on her lip as she slowed the boat down some more, to a safe enough pace that she could walk away from it for a moment. She pulled the first aid kit off the wall, placing it on the table as she made Cleo sit down. Her gaze moving forward for a second before focusing on Pope. “Well wise boy, you wanna fix our girl or shall I?” Cleo snorted as JC offered a small smile as Pope lifted his head and rolled his eyes. “Yeah, yeah. Stop tryin’ steal my girl.” JC smirked as she patted Pope on the shoulder moving back towards the wheel, “Our Girl.” JC‘s mouth twitched as Pope huffed and she knew he was rolling his eyes again.

“You’re doing good, Big Sis. Don’t stop.” Juniper glanced out of her peripheral as JJ spoke to her. Her grip on the throttle tightened as she could feel his warmth and smell the scent of home coming off of him. As his hand reached out for hers she followed his movements with her eyes. The moment his hand rested atop her right hand she felt it, and her grip on the throttle loosened. Tears filled her eyes as she looked at JJ. “Shhh, don’t cry June.” JC bit her lip hard enough to draw blood to prevent the sob that was building from escaping. She watched with teary eyes as JJ brought his other hand over and wiped the escaping tears. JC leaned into his touch her eyes squeezing shut as she savored his comfort. “Jay…I need-”

“Juniper, you alright?” JC whimpered as she opened her eyes. She knew he was gone before she opened her eyes though, the feeling of him, of his touch, of his presence rapidly faded. Sniffling she turned back ahead as she nodded her head while simultaneously wiping her face with the back of her hand. The hand her brother had been holding seconds ago. She didn’t think Pope or Cleo heard her words, they had been spoken so softly but she didn’t doubt they had seen her. She didn’t know which was worse, or which looked worse. Probably her facing and leaning into the presence of something not there. Clearing her throat JC inhaled deeply, “I just miss him. But I think we’re here.” She didn’t want to have that conversation right now, to face that pain because it was too much, too fresh, and she knew she didn’t have the strength to face it. Running away and avoiding it was easier. Focusing on revenge, was easier than allowing the pain and guilt in.

“I miss him too, JC. Pull over there.” JC felt thankful for Pope, for her best friend. He knew what she meant, what the unsaid words that hung between them were. His hand rested on her shoulder as he offered her comfort and comradeship, before lifting his other hand and pointing in the area he wanted her to dock. Following his direction she began maneuvering the boat only to stop as she saw a figure in the distance waving their arms in haste. “Is that-”

Pope followed her line of sight and squinted cutting her off. “Kie?” JC pulled the throttle back further bringing the boat to a crawl speed of a sloth. “Holy hell I think that’s Kie. I think she’s saying stop.” Pope immediately began moving his hands flying around as he mumbled on about binoculars. Cleo also began helping Pope look for the tool as JC watched on with wide eyes. The boat slowly crawling forward. “Pope! Cleo! It’s them and they have company.”

Of course nothing could ever go smoothly. I mean it was them, it was the Pogues, and bad luck just clung to each of them like ticks. It didn’t take long for John B, Sarah, and Rafe to appear behind Kiara -seconds really- and they all looked panicked. The moment JC mentioned what she saw Pope and Cleo were by her side, both of them exasperated. JC couldn’t stop the light giggle that left her as Cleo and Pope spoke at the same time; “Cheese on Bread.” and “Can’t leave them unsupervised for a minute.” JC glanced around forming a plan in her mind quickly. “I mean we didn’t do much better Wise Boy. Now I need you to go down and meet them Pope, after I turn the boat around.”

“You do what!?” JC shook her head, planting her feet as she gripped the wheel. “Hold onto something.” With that as the warning JC gave the ship some speed before she began roughly turning the wheel. JC bit her lip ignoring the taste of iron as the turn went smoothly. “Go Pope! Go.” JC grabbed Cleo’s arm as she went to go run off with her boyfriend and held her back shaking her head at her friend. “Pope’s got ‘em. I need you to let me know when we’re clear m’kay?” JC let Cleo go when she nodded, and silently they both moved to their designated positions. Cleo standing in the doorway, just enough to see when all their friends made it aboard, but also close enough to communicate with JC. While Juniper stayed manning the controls, her left holding steady on the wheel as her right fiddled with the throttle. JC kept her gaze steady, while her breathing was another story. It felt as if taking a breath was hindered by a brick wall on her chest. Adrenaline pumping through her veins as her limbs twitched in anticipation. It was both vigorous and tiring.

“Clear, Crazy Girl. Go! Go! Go!” Immediately JC slammed the throttle down wincing as she heard groans from Cleo and some from down below. She would apologize to her family later, right now she was responsible for getting them to safety and she was going to achieve that. JC kept both hands on the wheel as she navigated the wild waves off the coast of Morocco. Cleo moving to her side as she started messing with the navigation system. “Setting a course for Lisbon.” JC turned her head to glance at Cleo, before leaning over and squeezing the girls hand. The squeeze was reciprocated before JC moved her hand back to the helm. “Are those gunshot holes? What the hell happened?”

“What happened with us? What happened with y’all?” JC glanced over her shoulder as she spoke, her eyes immediately analyzing her friends to make sure they were okay. JC jumped as Pope appeared on her other side and slowly lowered the throttle. “Hey! Don’t touch my controls.” JC slapped his hand as she glanced at him, only to slap his hand away again as he made a move to touch the throttle again. “We can slow down now, seaweed brain.” Narrowing her eyes JC slapped both of Pope’s hands as he made another move for the controls. “I’ll turn this ship-” JC was cut off as Cleo spoke with warning in her tone, “Aye!” JC moved her hand away from Pope just as he moved his hand away from the controls. Both of them glancing at Cleo with innocent eyes.

“Well unlike you guys, we didn’t get shot at. Just chased…After we got the supplies we needed!” JC turned her attention towards John B as he spoke, and out of the corner of her eyes she saw both Cleo and Pope turn at the same time. The couple crossing their arms in sync as they stared expectingly at their friend. Nodding her head JC did another check on her friends, this one more thorough and intense than the first one had been. John B had acquired a few new scratches and was missing his head piece. Other than that he looked alright for what he had been through. Sarah while still beautiful had slightly sunken in cheeks. Between only having an apple for the past day, and the stress she had been under was clearly hitting her and the life forming within. Sarah needed a proper nutritious meal and immediate bed rest. Kiara looked enervated. Her shoulders slumping as if keeping her posture good was too much. JJ’s necklace was around her neck, and JC felt her chest tighten as her own matching necklace seemed to weigh her down. Kiara’s hands were cleaned of blood, allowing JC to see the many scratches that covered them. All of them were new. Forcing her eyes to move on, because other wise she’d hyper fixate on her own hands. The dried blood that still stained her skin both from JJ and herself. JC glanced at Rafe who stood in the doorway of the bridge. She couldn’t blame him, last time he was in a confined space with them he was knocked unconscious. He didn’t look all that beat up, similar to John B he had gained a few new scratches.

“We got caught stealing again, and had to run from the officials. We had more supplies but had to drop a bag for distraction.” JC nodded as she met Sarah’s eyes. It didn’t matter, as long as they were all okay. “What did we get?” Juniper watched as the four individuals in front of her eyed each other at Pope’s question. It was Rafe who stepped forward clearing his throat as he stood next to Sarah. “We split up, thought it was the smart decision y’know. Kiara and I got weapons, knives, machetes, and two handguns.” JC lifted her hand to run over her face but paused as she saw the blood. Lowering her hand she took a breath as she nodded. She didn’t know what they’d do with machetes but the other weapons sounded good, and anything would work in actuality. “We j’got a bunch of fruit, and some clothes.”

“That’s perfect JB, we can fish for our dinner if needed. Though hopefully they’ll be some food left in the kitchen.” A collective hum sounded from the group, as everyone took a moment to reflect. Together Kiara and JC turned their attention to Sarah and spoke at the same time; “You need to sleep.” and “You need to eat.” Both girls turned towards each other and stared silently as if fighting a battle. The guilt the both of them felt was palpable, especially when looking at the other. They both knew JJ wouldn’t want them to avoid the other, but they couldn’t face each other yet. At least officially.

Kiara blamed herself for letting JJ die, for not doing enough to save her soulmate. She blamed herself for JC having to watch her other half die. She should have fought, because she could have saved both of them. Her best friends and she failed them both. Kiara blamed herself because she knew JC wouldn’t blame her and it wasn’t fair. JJ died saving her, which simply made it her fault.

JC blamed herself because she could have saved JJ. She immediately had a bad feeling about Groff and yet she let her baby brother push her out of the way. It should have been her. She was the older sister, it was her job, her duty, her choice to protect her brother and she failed. She didn’t blame Kiara, she never could because she knew how much her friend loved her brother. It was JC’s job as the older sister to protect her brother and she failed, which simply made it her fault.

John B nodded as he wrapped his arm around Sarah’s waist deciding to break the awkward tension. “I’ll make her something to eat, and then we’re gonna go lay down.” JC raised her eyebrows as she glanced at John B, he could make some livable dishes. Much better than Jay ever could but in this family the women simply outdid all the guys. Besides Pope, who could make some mean dishes. It seemed everyone agreed, even Rafe looked baffled at John B’s declaration. “No way I’m leaving you in charge of Sarah and the poguelet. Kiara why don’t you make Sarah a healthy meal, and then all three of you get some rest. Pope and I will man the ship.” JC turned towards Cleo bamboozled that she was getting booted from captaincy. “You need t’rest too.” JC rolled her eyes but nodded, patting Pope and Cleo on their arms as she passed them. Pulling John B and Sarah into a short group hug, before gently squeezing Kiara’s hand as she walked outside. Inhaling deeply JC climbed down to the lowest deck, and sat at the front of the ship.

“Why Rafe?” JC whispered as she gazed up at him as he approached her. It was a loaded question, but the main inquiry was why he kept coming back. Her eyes following him as he knelt down in front of her, holding his hands up in a peaceful manner. “Because you were the one to tell me my dad died. You went out of your way when y’all made it back to let me know what happened. Even when I went off, and screamed at you. When I told you horrible and terrible shit, you were there. You didn’t walk out. No. No.” Rafe shook his head as he pursed his lips, his gaze softening as he looked up at JC. He wanted her to know he meant everything he was saying, that he appreciated her more than anything. “No, you walked towards me and held me as I cried. Even after everything I had done, to Pope, to JJ, to you. You didn’t leave me when I was in pain, when I was mourning. And I won’t abandon you.”

“Rafe, we’ve hooked up a few times. I still don’t completely like you-or I don’t know. I owe you for saving my life, but you’ve done horrible things to my friends. You stole the cross from Pope, then melted it down!” JC was confused about his words it was too sweet, too kind, something she didn’t deserve. Not only that the guilt she held from hooking up with Rafe, for feeling anything other than hate had always eaten away at her. “And you stole three bars of gold and two diamonds from me. I would call that even, darling.” JC shook her head with a scoff, the audacity of him. “No! Not even close, you’ve attempted to kill all my friends, and myself-” JC was cut off as Rafe gently placed a finger against her lips. Effectively shutting her up. “I know, Juniper. Pope has tried to kill me…LOOK that’s not the point. I’m working on being better, on doing better. Since Singh everything with you has been different. There’s this connection that I can’t let go. Then with everything that has happened, it’s only grown stronger and I know for a fact that I won’t abandon you. I won’t let your fear of being alone come true.” The conviction in his voice made JC feel overwhelmed, and she couldn’t decide if it was the good or bad overwhelmed. “Rafe.” His name was a whispered plea from her lips as she stared at him. She didn’t know what she wanted him to do, or what she wanted to happen. “Stop. You don’t have to forgive me or say anything JC. Just let me be here, let me be here for you. Just for now, and later if you still feel the same. Still feel like you hate me and can’t stand me then I’ll go. I promise.”

“Okay.” It was all she could offer. All JC could think to say as she nodded her head. Rafe dropped his finger as he moved to her right side, scooting over to give her personal space. He laid down on his back, as he watched the sky, JC watched the ocean. It was silent between them, neither one wanting to break the comforting silence that lived between them. It was just enough to know that neither of them were alone, and that they had a companion when they faced their demons. It didn’t take long before JC heard soft snoring to her right, accepting the tiny smile that formed she glanced over at Rafe who was fast asleep. He looked so peaceful, as if the world had yet to harm him. It amazed her how he could go from such a tough macho man to a peaceful soft boy when he slept. JC stared at him for a moment longer before facing forward, her mind drifting to her brother.

“Nothing can stop a Pogue. Nothing!” JC smiled widely as she turned to stare at JJ who was sitting to her left. They had done it. They got the boat, got the supplies they needed, and now were on the way to Lisbon. She was at the front of the boat, as she had wanted some alone time after all the near death experiences during their escape. Though Rafe followed her, and refused to allow her to be alone. He now laid fast asleep to her right. Everyone was as okay and safe as expected. JC titled her head as she rested it on her knees, watching as JJ excitedly spoke about their wins. Reaching her hand out she watched as his figure disappeared like a ripple in water. “Nothing can stop a Pogue, little brother. You’re right. Absolutely Right.”

[xx-metanoia-xx]

I Hate It Here

Summary: Y/n has been stuck at her job at the library all summer, missing her friends. The Pogues come to cheer her up.

Pairing: Pogues x Reader

Warnings: mention of an adult man being a creepy

Word Count: 2.3k

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Separating fiction, nonfiction, and fantasy, etc: has been my summer. I had gotten the job at the library, around September of my junior year, hoping to get money to repair my car and well they suckered me in with ~Christmas bonuses~. So I’m here 2 years later, 17 years old, sitting in a nice air conditioned library while all of my friends are running around Kildaire. Basically locked in the public library without friends, but the upside was that I get paid 15 dollars an hour, so at least I’m making money.

Today, has just felt off since I woke up. Maybe it was from the hardcore partying from the night before, the atrocious hangover, or maybe because there was a guy who looked to be 40 just sitting in the library all morning and all afternoon, not even reading but scrolling on his phone and staring at me.

I avoided the man with dedication. He would move closer to my desk? I was now putting books on the shelf down the hall. I was at the printer, printing, and he would sit at the computer by it? I would go to the bathroom. He was like the plague, and I tried my best to avoid him. Until, he had walked up to my desk.

“Can you help me find a book?” the man said, peering down at my sitting figure.

“Yuh, yes! I can look it up on here! What author, genre, title, or anything, would you like me to look up?” I say with a smile, trying so hard to be nice.

“Do you guys have any, like, you know, “ he replies, “types of magazines or books?”

Baffled, absolutely baffled, is how I look at him.

“Sir this is a public library.” I responded still shocked.

“Yeah, but you guys still carry magazines. Do you have them or not, beautiful.”

Utterly disturbed by this old man calling me beautiful, I begrudgingly search what he is asking on the computer.

“Sorry nothing is coming up for it.. Is there anything else I could find for you?” I say, looking up from my computer at him.

“Um, do you have an adult novel section or anything?” He says moving closer to my desk.

“Yes it’s right upstairs, section 214!” I respond while pointing to the stairs.

He mutters a thank you before walking away. I go back to sorting the return books when my phone turns on, after hours of being dead. I grab it realizing that I've missed a lot of text messages. I don’t have it in me to read all 100+ texts so I read like the last 30.

Group Name: That's Squad, That’s Fam, That’s P4L

Mybank (JJ): what is everyone doing right now, it so fucking boring just hanging out at John B’s Jambie (John B): I feel like I should be offended right considering you are sitting right next to me.. But you're lowkey right Kiewi (Kie): Me, Sarah, and Cleo are all making sure there isn’t turtle homicide on the beach right now. You could join fr. SarBear (Sarah): It’s so fun! Cleur Naurr (Cleo): A fucking pigeon stole my fucking fries.. WHEN I CATCH THAT PIGEON Mybank : Wait Y/n isn’t with you guys? Where is she then? Kiewi: Work SarBear: Work Cleur Naurr: Work Mybank: That damn job is always stealing her, UGH. Pope is a Rockstar (Pope): She told us yesterday, before the party started. Mybank<3: Its not my fault she tells me things when I’m already blasted and or stoned.. She also hasn’t responded to me today yet either. Kiewi: POPE HAS RISEN BABY GIRL Pope is a Rockstar: AND I DON'T WANT THE WORLD TO SEE ME. Jambie: guys Kiewi: CAUSE I DON'T THINK THEY”LL UNDERSTAND Jambie: Guys Pope is a Rockstar: WHEN EVERYTHING’S MADE TO BE BROKEN Jambie: GUYS Kiewi: WHAT Jambie: Hi Mybank: Bro, you are so annoying Jambie: Nuh Uh Cleur Naurr: I was jamming SarBear: Are you guys coming down or not? Mybank: I have to make a pit stop first.. Then I’ll be down, trust! Smarty Pants: OOOOO Mybank: gonna go fill up my bike, nothing special Kiewi: SUREEE Jambie: I’m on my way… maybe I shouldn’t text and drive… SarBear: JOHN B

Cleur Naurr: Pope??????? Pope is a Rockstar: I’m thinking of a plan to sneak out rn.. Heyward’s gonna kill me. Kiewi: Hurry or else it's just gonna be John B and Sarah macking on each other the whole time. SarBear: Not true! Jambie: So true! Sent 2:25

I chuckle at those stupid conversations before finally responding, 4 hours later.

That’s Squad, That’s Fam, That’s P4L: Me:You guys are so lucky not having jobs. #I hate it here #sendhelp. Jambie: SHE SPEAKS Mybank<3: why are we sending help? Kiewi: are you done work, JJ is losing his mind SarBear: We can’t bear it anymore. Ugh, no I still have like an hour and 45 minutes left. Mybank: We could come visit? Me: Nah, I’m almost done anyway. 2 more hours yall!!! 6:25 pm

I put my phone down and go back to putting books away.

I hear the door open, I turn my head swiftly. The man from earlier walks out. I jump for joy.

“THANK GOD.” I whisper yell and do a little jig.

The door opens again, I think it's probably just a random member of the library. And to my surprise, it's not patrons at all, it's the pogues! I run faster over there now and jump hug JJ.

“You missed me that much?” He says grinning ear to ear.

“Yes, and I am really glad you guys are here, IT HAS BEEN SO BORING.”

“You were the one who got the job.” Sarah says to me as she pushes JJ to the side.

“Yeah well someone has to be able to get us food.” I put my hands up.

“Do you want us to stay until you get off??” Cleo says, “Cause, I'm exhausted from chasing those pigeons… I could really use a nice AIR-CONDITIONED place to relax.”

“Why are we staying?” John B asks, tuning into the conversation.

“Because I miss you guys, I've been trapped here all summer. Plus a free air conditioner.”

Pope and JJ tuning into the conversation instead of fucking with the postcard stand.

“Yeah I think we should stay,” Jj suggests, “It better then going back to the un-airconditioned Chateau”

“REAL.” Pope exclaims.

They all sit down in the common area, John B and Sarah go on the computers while Cleo and Pope look at action adventure novels on the table in front of them. Kie is in the little kids section, Kie pretending to do story time to the stuffed animals around her.

JJ starts wandering around the sections in front of my desk, he grabs a random book from the bookshelf, sitting down in front of my desk. He begins to fake read.

“You're so dumb.”

JJ, who is currently holding a book upside down, looks over at me.

“I think you mean, studious.. After all I am reading-” He turns the book around to see what the name is, and simultaneously realizes what I meant. He flips the book right-side up, “-Pride and Prejudice.”

I wheezed, checking my watch to see how much time was left before closing, it's 7:00pm, 60 minutes before closing. I get up and begin my nightly check making sure everything is still in decent shape.

JJ, Sarah, and Kie follow me around. JJ talking about how they didn’t want to give him gas at the station.

“So they wouldn’t give you gas because it wasn't below half full? That's stupid, they should be happy they are getting money.”

“Those guys there are so stupid,” Kie chimes in, “they are lucky that you still even go to them.”

“That's what I’m saying,” JJ laughs

“I hate it here so much guys, you have no clue how much I want to quit day to day and just drink beer and smoke weed with you guys.” I say, as we turn the corner back to the common area.

“I don’t know why you just don't quit? I mean 15 dollars an hour isn’t worth the creeps.. And well you would get to spend more time with me, your best friend… I'm biased.”

“AND me, your 2nd best friend in the whole wide world.” Sarah says, grabbing my right arm.

“AND ME, your 3rdd best friend in the whole wide world!” Kie exclaims, grabbing my left arm.

I laugh, “Hanging out with my best friends all day everyday sounds nice, but I love my Christmas Bonuses, I CAN'T QUIT!”

“The drug store, down on main, does bonuses and double time on christmas… seems like a better choice honestly.” Sarah suggests

“Deal.. I'm going to tell my boss I quit later, but right now,“ I check the time, it's 7:05, “It's time to think of something we can do for 45 minutes.”

“We should see how many books we can stack on each guy's head.” Kie suggest.

“YES.” Sarah yells.

Jj rolls his eyes, hating the idea.

Kie, Sarah, and I grab each guy while Cleo finds thick and thin books to stack on them.

“You guys are gonna have to sit, criss-cross applesauce.” I say.

“You have been doing too many story times with children.” JJ laughs.

“Shut up….”

The guys all sit on the ground, criss-crossed.

“Are we betting?” Kie asks.

“Sure… John B has the biggest head so he’ll probably have the most.” Sarah says.

“HEY.”

“Sorry John B.. Jj moves too much so he’l have like 2.” Sarah continues.

“WOAH.”

“Sorry not sorry, Jj. And Pope’s hair is gonna add height so it might be unfair.”

“Why didn't you attack him like you attacked us?” John B pouts.

“You guys are easily attackable.” Kie shrugs.

Cleo returns with the books.

“I’m gonna count!” I say sitting down at the table, grabbing a piece of paper.

They all nod. Kie, Sarah, and Cleo all grab books and start putting them on each guys head. Sarah stacks it on JJ’s head, Kie stacks on Pope’s head, and Cleo stacks on John B’s head.

“JJ, YOU NEED TO STOP MOVING.” Sarah exclaims, as all the books fall of his head.

“You only got to 4 books king, you are out,” I say, crossing his name off the thing, “Sarah’s predictions are so real right now.”

He sits across from me and Sarah sits next to me. JJ takes my pencil and starts drawing on the paper. I grab it back, and he then yanks it from me again. Now pissed I yanked it back, pulling his arm across the table. He retaliates by jumping across the table. I run away. Sarah chases behind me and jj as we run throughout the library.

“Gimme the pencil, I wanna draw.” He says, catching up to me.

“Never,” I throw the pencil down the stairs. It lands in front of Sarah, “ Take it SARAH, RUN.”

“Seriously!” He says out of breathe, and then proceeds to run down the stairs, “JOHN B GET SARAH.”

I chase after him, “Don’t listen to him, John B!”

John B and Pope look at each other before getting up and running after Sarah.

Kie and Cleo look at eachother confused, Kie starts, “We aren’t done with the game!”

“Cleo, Kie, no time, get the pencil. WE CAN’T LET JJ WIN.”

Deciding not to ask questions, they chase after the boys with me trying to save Sarah.

Sarah, makes a sharp left, be cornered by Pope and John B with JJ on her coattails.

“OVER HERE!” Cleo yells, sticking her hand through the book shelf.

Sarah hands her the pencil with a smirk. John B, Pope, and JJ all look so defeated by this tactical move, but regain strength and direct their charge at Cleo, who has climbed the bookshelf and is jumping across each.

“NOT FAIR!” Pope exclaims.

John B not giving up, climbs up the last book shelf in the row Cleo heading too. She stops seeing that she cannot escape him..

“Cleo down here!” Kie shouts. “Oops.” Cleo snickers as she drops the pencil.

Kie catches it. And runs towards my desk. John B and Cleo jump down from the shelfs.

JJ sprints after Kie, who discreetly passes it back to me, and slides under the table. JJ catches up to her and grabs her.

“HAHA, I win,” he laughs, “give me that pencil.”

Kie smirks, “I don’t have it.”

He looks over at me who is waving it around. JJ, Pope, and John B all full sprint at me. JJ tackles me to the ground, Pope and John B pile on. Kie, Sarah, and Cleo stack on top of them as well.

We all laugh hysterically. I don’t notice JJ taking the pencil from me before they all get off me.

“So who ended up with the pencil?” Cleo asks.

“I RAIN VICTORIOUS!” JJ declares.

We all laugh. My phone rings. It's 7:59.

“GUYS, one minute left!” I say walking over to my desk.

I go over the intercom, directing that everyone left in the store to return their books and no more signing out will be accepted.

John B groans picking up a book, “BUT I WANNA TAKE HARRY POTTER.”

“WELL THAT'S TOO DAMN BAD.”

I rush to the door, pushing them all out and slamming the door behind me, quickly locking it.

“I'M FREE.”

They all cheer.

“You guys really know how to make a girl’s shift better!” I laugh out.

“Yup!” They all shout together, group hugging me.

John B shouts, “LETS GO GET HIGH AT THE CHATEAU!”

We all agree with him, piling into the Twinkie and riding away from that place.

______________________________________________________________

[thewriterg]

𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐬𝐞 𝐦𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬

pairing(s): jj maybank x gn!reader, pope heyward x gn!reader

summary: You lived for the moments you spent with your boyfriends the parties and the treasure hunting was nice but nothing beat the warm nostalgia of tangled limbs and sweet kisses in the bed bathing in the obx sun

word count: 500+

request: Hi, so some time ago I read your imagine between Pope, JJ and reader and I just thought it was incredible, because most of the time a poly couple is shown, it's two people giving love to one person, yours already showed the love between the three <3 So in that same JJ x Pope x reader dynamic, imagine where they're just in bed, just woken up from an afternoon nap and are simply cuddling in the warmth of the covers. Thank you, bye- @lovers-rockkk

warning(s): fluff, kisses, sweet short domestic, pet names, polyamory themes, and I think like one swear word

A/n: —GIF;— I can not tell you how happy it makes me when someone notices the few extra steps I to take to make my fics better thank you for the appreciation love it made me feel great <3 Also I have a surprise for you guys at the end of this so read all the way through!!!

You felt yourself begin to stir the feeling of the sun engulfing your figure that wasn’t covered by the duvet of your bed gave you a welcoming invite to blink the sleep from your eyes but you were quickly met with admiring brown eyes staring back at you

“Well good morning” You softly smiled voice soft and raspy from sleep as you stared at the rich skinned boy in front of you immediately throwing an arm over his slim waist you often teased him with your compliments it made his face hot and he was often bashful when you said the things you did especially about his toned stomach

“my pretty baby and his little waist”

“men and their slutty waist”

“we’ll look at you” you said while wrapping your around his torso pressing your face against his back

“Morning dove” Popes voice was almost the same as yours, raspy but it was less than normal letting you know he was probably up for a while before you silently moved not wanting to wake up the blonde next to you to straddle the brunettes lap as he watched you with a small smile as the sun kissed you through the blinds

You leaned down on Popes chest your bottom half still resting on his lap as you prepped small fluttering kisses on his neck traveling to his jaw as his warm hands traveled over your hips and lower back

You both stayed like that for a wild sun and love drunk In each others embrace warm and comfortable no worries of the outside world just yet… no gold, no running for your life, no gunshots, no pogues just them.

“Did you save any for me? You guys are mean” JJ groaned out a whine stretching as you both looked over to the blonde who were barely awake looking and searching for affection and you smirked widely while Pope chuckled quietly under you

“Come on Goldie” You couldn’t conceal the smile from your face while the dark skinned boy under you opened his arm out to take the blonde in and JJs ears perked up at the familiar nickname not wasting a second to crash into Popes side as he playfully groaned before kissing his temple

You sprawled out on top of them both with a over exaggerated sigh as the both chuckled before pressing a kiss to the corners of blondes mouth as he lied there in content letting you continue your acts of assault kisses to his face as you did Pope

“I think we should just stay in, hell we can put John B on hold for a day” The pale spoke up breaking the peaceful silence that fell over you all after you had settled and you hummed in agreement while Pope turned to scoop you both up in his arms a sigh that leaving the bed soon was very unlikely

You would forever persevere the love in these moments

💌💌💌💌

So I’ve started a book on Wattpad! It’s called “don’t go chasing waterfalls”

Its about a girl named Bonnie Sonnet and her group of friends follow the conflict and consequences after leaving Pouglandia in search for El dorado. How will her two certain best friends react when she makes empty promises for when this is all over? They were destined to make her keep said promises.

JJ and Pope are both love interests while also pinning over each other so if you like fics like these you’d definitely like it so you should check it out!