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rothpie · 1 month ago

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❝FIDELITY❞ |part10

MASTERLIST -`✮´- Rafe Cameron x Kook!Reader x JJ Maybank

Summary: Kook!Reader’s world is upended by betrayal, and her only way forward might lie with the most unlikely person—JJ Maybank. But as they build a new life together, old flames and past mistakes refuse to stay buried.

Warnings: mentioning miscarriage, mentioning abortion, kind of depression, pregnancy symptoms, pregnancy cramps, mentioning blood, mentioning losing someone, daddy issues, mentioning violence.

Selly’s note: I cried while writing this. Sorry not sorry.

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Everything that happened was terrifying. Waiting for the ambulance while covered in blood, the fear of not knowing what would happen—it left you feeling like you wouldn’t be able to shake it off for a while.

You were trying to piece your life back together. The loneliness here, the ever-present ache in your heart, had never really left you. Rafe wanting you to go through with the abortion, the struggle to embrace the idea of motherhood, knowing you’d have to do it alone, the hormones—everything about that time had been suffocatingly stressful.

Moments where you felt normal were rare. You couldn’t even remember if there were any times you truly enjoyed this pregnancy. It was just stress. Always stress.

You waited, you hoped for the stress to pass. You longed for a time when you’d leave it behind and start building better memories. But all that remained was the stress. And then you found yourself covered in blood, desperately searching for someone to help.

You thought all that stress might have been for nothing.

Was "nothing" even the right word? You hated yourself for even thinking about your baby in that way. But wasn’t it true?

You’d left everything behind. Rafe, your friends, your family, your home… everything. All to start a new life with just your baby girl.

Was everything you did leading to this—losing her?

“Stop stressing out.” You squeezed your eyes shut, trying to shut down the relentless thoughts. You couldn’t stop blaming yourself, your stupidity, your mistakes. Your hands instinctively rubbed your face, and for a moment, it felt like you’d never pull yourself back together. You felt like you needed a slap—maybe from yourself—to snap out of it.

JJ’s grip on your arm didn’t loosen. His other hand rested against your back, steadying you. “I hate this,” you murmured.

You felt drained. Your lower abdomen ached, waves of pain pulsed through your belly, and you’d lost so much blood. You knew you were on the verge of passing out but somehow managed to stay awake. The image of your blood on the floor was burned into your mind, dragging you back to that moment over and over again.

“Everything’s fine. I told you. Just stop stressing out.” But a gnawing feeling inside you said otherwise. It felt like you didn’t believe him. Like they weren’t telling you something—that you’d already lost the baby. It was paranoia, of course. Your obsessive, overthinking mind had a knack for showing up at the worst possible times.

Your hand rested on your belly. You wanted to feel her, even though you knew it was too early. Yet the faint swelling beneath your palm gave you some reassurance. “I can’t get it out of my head. It just—won’t go away. I’m scared.”

Admitting it out loud was never easy. But it was true. You were scared. Terrified.

You were scared you’d lose your daughter before you even had the chance to hold her. Scared that the life you’d imagined with her might never come to be.

The sound of ambulance sirens carrying you away from your home to the hospital sent chills down your spine. Knowing it could all end in an instant consumed you.

You hated it. You hated every ounce of it. God, you wanted this baby. You wanted to be a mother. You wanted to erase that brief moment when you’d considered an abortion from your memory.

For the first time, you felt like you had something to hold onto. You felt what it was like to love someone without even knowing them, seeing them, or meeting them. Listening to her heartbeat, staring at her ultrasound image, you felt that love. You saw it. Not Rafe, not anyone else. You saw how happy it made you.

You’d never felt so happy in your life. It was the happiest time you’d ever known. You loved your daughter unconditionally. You thought about her constantly—what she’d look like, her eye color, her nose, her tiny hands, how she’d look in the little outfits you’d bought—everything.

You wanted her. With all your heart and soul, you wanted her. You longed for the days when she’d be in your arms. You wished time would fly so those moments could arrive.

You loved someone without expecting anything in return.

The idea that she wouldn’t give you anything was ridiculous.

She was everything. She was already giving you the world. How could you not love her? The world might not revolve around you, but your world, your tiny, fragile world, was ready to revolve around her.

Rafe’s betrayal, the inability to trust anyone enough to share this pregnancy, had already shattered you. You’d hit rock bottom. And the only thing that could pull you out was clear—your little girl.

You lived for the thought of her. You woke up every day with her in mind. Even through the stress, you thought of her. Of your future together.

In this place, she was the only thing you had.

You couldn’t lose her. You didn’t want to. You were already bound to the idea of being her mother. She was the reason you got up every morning.

You hated this. You hated everything. You hated everything that threatened to take your daughter away from you. You hated how easily she could slip through your fingers, how a single moment could take her from you.

The hardest part was sitting in the hospital, bloodied and waiting for results. Your phone sat nearby, and you waited for any call other than JJ’s.

You felt like throwing up at the thought of having no one else to call. The person you reached out to, the person who tried for you, had only been in your life for four months. You weren’t even close. Barely a friend, certainly not a best friend, and definitely not a boyfriend.

He was just a kind-hearted guy.

The Kook-Pogue divide was real for you. They had money, power, influence—whatever. Not one of them had been there to catch you when you fell. Not one of them had reached out a hand to help.

What looked best on people, you’d decided, wasn’t jewelry or designer clothes. It was compassion.

You didn’t want to call yourself helpless, but you were. Struggling was normal. Flailing, failing to stand, that was normal. Accepting help was just as normal. It didn’t make you look foolish.

You didn’t regret calling Rafe. You weren’t even sure if you were angry at him. You couldn’t think about him when your whole body was screaming in pain. He wasn’t the focus.

Your mind was on your baby. On the results.

It took JJ two hours to show up. To be fair—this wasn’t to insult him—he didn’t have a penny to his name. Yet he still came. He left the island for you. You felt a twinge of guilt, but it blended with all the other things weighing on you. You couldn’t stop overthinking.

At some point, you felt like you’d turned to stone. You couldn’t cry. You could only breathe, think, exist. Until you saw JJ.

Was four months enough time to feel close to someone? You didn’t know. Especially considering the “friendship” you had with him. But the second you saw him, tears streamed down your face.

Seeing someone who made you feel safe, someone you didn’t have to hide your fears from, made you feel less alone.

In what felt like a moment meant to be, JJ wrapped his arms around you like it was the most natural thing in the world. He didn’t say a word. As you sobbed uncontrollably into his chest, you didn’t care how you looked. You saw warmth and security in the embrace, and you dove into it without hesitation.

Having someone there for you filled your heart with a quiet kind of comfort.

You cried and sobbed in his arms without shame. JJ didn’t seem to mind. You couldn’t see his face or hear his voice, but you felt his fingers brushing through your hair, his hand moving gently across your back to soothe you.

He held you. He didn’t let go. He just let you feel his presence. With every passing second, he slowly pulled the fear out of you. You didn’t need to say a single word—he understood.

You didn’t need to speak. Your actions said it all.

Crying in his arms during such a painful moment didn’t make you feel weak. Quite the opposite—it made you feel stronger. It gave you hope that somehow, everything would be okay.

He held you close until you calmed down. Maybe it was gross—perhaps you smelled of blood—but he didn’t care. When your sobbing turned into a quieter, monotonous rhythm, he pulled a chair beside the bed. Sitting next to you, he stroked your arm gently. He made sure you felt his presence—not just physically, but emotionally too. Whether he did it consciously or not, you couldn’t tell. But you felt it. He seemed to have a natural ease about him in moments like this.

Finding out it wasn’t a miscarriage brought relief. Knowing your baby was still there, still growing inside you, gave you a renewed sense of hope for the future. But with every piece of good news, there always seemed to be a shadow of bad news lurking.

The doctor explained that your pregnancy carried a higher risk of miscarriage. “It doesn’t mean you will,” the doctor clarified. “It’s just a possibility.”

Even so, the news left your mending heart with a fresh wound. You didn’t want to go through that same pain again; the thought terrified you. JJ stayed by your side, his reassuring touch grounding you, his hand resting firmly on your shoulder.

You felt as though you were observing the moment from the outside, watching the tension in your body slowly unravel. Like the fear was being drawn out of you, little by little.

The doctor’s words about potential causes lit up something in your mind.

Deli meats, infections, alcohol and smoking, certain herbal teas—

Your thoughts drifted to all those teas you’d sipped to ease your nausea. You felt like a complete fool.

You tried not to dwell on it, but the guilt still gnawed at you.

The doctor prescribed some vitamins to strengthen your pregnancy and support the baby’s health. After that, it was just a matter of waiting for the IV drip to finish. JJ insisted you try to sleep. You doubted you could, and you were right. You drifted in and out of restless slumber.

By the time you left the hospital and arrived back at your house, dawn was breaking.

“I’m throwing out all the herbal teas in this house,” you muttered, reaching for the flowerpot where you hid your spare key. JJ stopped you midway, brushing past to reach the pot himself. He dug through the soil, found the key quickly, and turned toward the door.

“I’ll take care of the trash,” he said, struggling to unlock the door while you lingered behind him, taking deep breaths and letting your eyes wander. It didn’t help. You just wanted to peel off the hospital clothes clinging to your skin and step into a shower to wash away the ache.

When JJ finally got the door open, your eyes darted skyward. The air was cool in a way you loved, and the crispness of the morning felt oddly soothing.

The sound of the door closing snapped your focus back to JJ. He was looking at you too. You opened your mouth to ask why he’d shut the door when you remembered what the inside must look like. There was probably blood on the floor. Maybe he was grossed out—

“Oh…” Your eyes widened as you reached for the key in his hand, but he moved it behind his back. “I—I forgot all about that. Look, let me—let me just… I’ll take care of it.”

You watched his face shift into something complicated as he blocked your attempt. “You sit,” he said quietly, his hands guiding you gently but firmly toward the steps. You blinked at him, confused.

You really didn’t understand.

“It’s not the first time I’ve had to clean up blood,” he muttered. When the meaning behind his words clicked, you tried to get up quickly but winced as a sharp pain cut through your abdomen. You slumped back down, clutching the nearest surface. You hadn’t even realized it was JJ’s arm.

“Easy,” he said, crouching instantly to check on you. “Are you okay? I can take you right back to the hospital if—”

“I’m fine,” you interrupted, shaking your head even as the pain subsided. You exhaled deeply and leaned back. “I just forgot what the place looked like inside. If you help me up, I’ll go in and—”

JJ’s gaze stopped you mid-sentence. It was the kind of look that made you question whether he thought you were serious. His hands stayed firm on your arms, scanning your face for any sign you weren’t okay so he could haul you right back to the ER.

“Stop,” he said, his voice leaving no room for argument. It froze you in place. “Do you really think I’d let you clean that up? Not a chance.”

Your eyes flicked from the closed door back to him. You hadn’t realized his thumb was tracing a soothing pattern on your arm. “But when you closed the door, I thought—”

“I didn’t want you to see it again, that’s all.” His voice softened. “Just that.”

It wasn’t something you were used to—this kind of kindness, this tolerance. As the silence stretched between you, you looked away, unsure of how to respond. His thumb kept moving in steady circles against your skin.

“Here’s the deal,” he said, his grip on your arm briefly tightening to get your attention. JJ took a deep breath and glanced at the key in his hand. “You tell me where the cleaning supplies are. I’ll go in, clean it all up, and you sit here until I’m done. Got it?”

Gentle parenting. Again.

Your head nodded on its own, and JJ’s face lit up with a small smile. His dimples caught your eye before his touch slipped away and he stood.

“Under the kitchen sink,” you murmured. JJ nodded as if committing your words to memory before heading to the door. “Be right back,” he said, disappearing inside and leaving the door ajar.

The feeling that bubbled up in you was impossible to describe. Strange. Having someone step in to help, to take charge of something for you—it was unfamiliar. JJ, of all people.

Sure, you were friends, but this? This was something else. You didn’t know how to feel or what to say, only that it left you warm despite the chill outside.

You’d expected to clean up the mess yourself, even for a moment. You weren’t lying; the thought made your stomach turn. Cleaning someone else’s blood? That wasn’t your thing.

But your stomach hadn’t turned when it came to JJ. When he’d been lying in your guest bathroom, covered in blood, you hadn’t flinched. Bandaging his wounds, cleaning him up so he wouldn’t get an infection—it hadn’t fazed you.

You found yourself wondering what he thought about you. You were just a kook girl—Rafe’s ex, rich, golf clubs, parties. You weren’t anything special. The most notable thing about you right now was being pregnant.

It was weird that JJ would even want to be friends with you, that this was what had brought you together. Would he treat you the same if you weren’t pregnant? Would he still be so kind, so compassionate?

And what about you?

Would you have been this open to befriending a troubled guy if your circumstances were reversed?

The thought didn’t sit right with you. It wasn’t fair to boil it down to pity or your pregnancy. Your friendship felt real. JJ wasn’t risking his neck for some random pregnant girl—he was doing it for a friend.

JJ would do anything for his friends. That’s just who he was.

And you were his friend. At least, that’s how you saw him. But what about him? Did he see you the same way, or had you misread everything?

“Nice place you’ve got here.” His voice startled you. You jumped and turned to see him standing close, smiling faintly. “All done. Let’s get you inside before you freeze.”

JJ held out his hand to help you up, and you wondered how long he’d been there. You didn’t hesitate to take his hand, and he quickly offered the other to steady you. “Slowly,” he said, helping you to your feet with careful precision. He didn’t let go, watching your face closely for any signs of discomfort.

“You good?” he asked, his tone uncertain. His hands stayed firm, waiting for confirmation. His eyes were searching yours.

You nodded. “I’m good,” you murmured.

JJ’s face broke into a proud smile. “I left the place spotless. You could eat off the floor,” he said, chuckling as he released one hand to rest the other gently on your back. He guided you through the open door, and you couldn’t help but notice how clean the floor really was. Not a single stain remained.

You let him lead you inside, wanting to thank him but unable to find the words.

“Hungry?” you asked, desperate for a distraction. His eyes met yours, his brows lifting in surprise before he shrugged.

“Not really. Are you?”

You shook your head, but deep down, all you wanted was to find a way to repay him.

JJ stepped back a bit and quickly shut the door. You watched him as he scanned the room. His eyes didn’t linger on you for long; instead, they wandered around your living room. “Nice place.”

You nodded in agreement. You liked your home. It wasn’t big, but it was enough for you. “I like it too.”

When JJ placed his hand on your back, you walked together. You needed a shower, but the dull ache in your stomach made you feel uneasy. “I’m going to shower.”

When you said it, looking at him, JJ quickly nodded. He stayed by your side as you made your way to the stairs, helping you up to the second floor. But a sharp pain in your stomach made you stop dead in your tracks. Your hand instinctively went to your stomach. Everything still felt terrifying.

JJ’s protective instincts kicked in immediately. He stepped in front of you, holding your hand, leaning down to catch your gaze as if to check if something was wrong. “Shit…”

As JJ stared at you with wide, worried eyes, you squeezed his hand. It felt like a heavy period cramp, but after what had happened, you couldn’t treat it as just normal. “Shit. What do I do? Do you need me to do something—?” You shook your head. You opened your mouth to tell him you’d be fine, but JJ kept rambling. “Do you want to sit? Let’s sit. Or I can bring you water—damn it. Just tell me. Tell me what to do, and I’ll do it.”

“JJ, baby is okay, calm down.” When you looked up and spoke, you met JJ’s worried gaze. He’d stopped talking, but you could still see the panic in his eyes.

You steadied yourself, gripping his hand for extra support, and took a deep breath. “I’m more worried about whether you’re okay.” JJ placed his hand on your back again, opening the bathroom door with the other hand, while his brow furrowed. The silence in the house as he moved around felt eerie to you. “I’ll wait by the door until you’re done, okay? Just call out if you need anything. I’ll be right here.”

He looked at you as if seeking confirmation. “Okay.”

Your response seemed to satisfy him. He quickly stepped back, holding the door. “I’m right here. Just say my name.” Then, he closed the door.

You weren’t sure how to feel. Honestly, you didn’t want to feel anything. This shower wasn’t about comfort; it was about necessity. It was a mission to wash away the filth you felt clinging to you.

So the shower was quick.

You cleaned yourself up and stepped out, wrapping yourself in a robe. Before leaving the bathroom, you caught your reflection in the mirror one last time. Your face was almost ghostly pale.

When you opened the door to leave, you found JJ sitting on the floor across from the bathroom, leaning against the wall. He was nearly dozing off, but the sound of the door opening made his eyes snap wide open. He rubbed his face quickly and pushed himself up with the wall for support. “You okay?” he asked the moment he got to his feet. He was standing right in front of you.

You nodded. “I’m going to set up the guest room for you.” You didn’t want him sleeping on the floor or wherever he might end up. You both needed rest. He’d stayed awake the entire evening. You’d tried to sleep but hadn’t really managed to. Rest was overdue for both of you.

As you crossed your arms over your chest and took a step toward the guest room, JJ’s hand on your arm stopped you. “I’m fine. I don’t need to sleep.”

Liar. He looked like he could barely keep his eyes open.

“Don’t be ridiculous. I’m going to sleep too.” JJ shook his head as if he didn’t hear a word you said.

“Doesn’t matter. You might need me. What if I don’t wake up? What if I don’t hear you—” JJ ran his hands through his hair, glancing around, visibly anxious.

“I’m going to sleep too. If I need anything, I promise I’ll call for you. Please.” Your words, especially the plea, seemed to break through to him. He dropped his gaze to the floor, weighing your words.

“Fine,” he mumbled, his tone almost defeated. Then, he looked up at you. “But only after I know you’re asleep.”

You had no idea where this sudden surge of protectiveness had come from, but—it wasn’t unwelcome. Damn.

You were surprised he gave in so quickly. You thought he’d argue longer. Nodding, you agreed. “I’ll show you your room.”

He followed you to the guest room silently. Afterward, you didn’t exchange many words. You went to your own room and shut the door.

The doctor had mentioned there might be some light spotting for a few more days. It was unnerving, but they assured you it was normal. Just small amounts, they’d said, but if it got heavy, you’d need to go to the hospital. That would be a warning sign.

You slipped off your robe and put on fresh undergarments. The mirror in front of you offered a full view of your stomach. Your hand drifted over the slight swell, and you couldn’t help but smile.

Knowing they were still there was everything.

And the small bump—it looked so perfect. You loved it. Pregnancy suited you in a way you hadn’t expected. You felt—beautiful. Just...different, but in the best way.

Was this a pregnancy kink?

No. Definitely not. But seeing yourself like this made you feel strong. Attractive.

You pulled your gaze from the mirror and grabbed a T-shirt and sweatpants from your closet. After getting dressed, you stepped out of your room, wanting to check on JJ. “JJ?” you called out. His door was open.

“What happened? Shit—” A loud noise came from his room, and your brows furrowed. JJ rushed out of the doorway, looking frantic. “What’s wrong? God, did something happen?”

On any other day, you might’ve laughed at this, but now didn’t seem like the time. To calm him down, you placed a hand on his chest. “JJ, relax. I’m fine, okay? I just wanted to see if you were okay.”

JJ closed his eyes for a moment, realizing nothing was wrong. He let out a deep breath, shoulders sagging slightly.

With a grin, you teased, “Could you maybe dial down the panic a bit?”

JJ ruffled his hair. He opened his mouth to speak but then stopped, shaking his head. “You scared me,” he said finally, his voice serious enough to wipe the smile off your face.

His eyes locked onto yours, and you could hear the heaviness in his breathing. “God—you really scared me. I just—I don’t know. The thought of something happening and not being there...” His hands moved nervously, and he didn’t blink.

“Getting a call like that, in the middle of the night, from a friend—do you know how terrifying that is? Don’t expect me to be calm, not right now. Do you know what went through my head in those two hours it took to get to you?” His voice wasn’t angry, just filled with a kind of helplessness. You stayed quiet, letting him get it all out.

“Not being able to reach you during those minutes... God—when you told me you were alone here, my only thought should be to get to you. If I had been here sooner, maybe... maybe it wouldn’t have happened.” He shut his eyes tightly. You shook your head and grabbed his arms to stop him.

“This was my choice,” you said, watching the sorrow in JJ’s face like a weight pressing on your chest. “Moving here, deciding to be on my own—that was my choice.”

“As your friend, I shouldn’t have let you be alone. Especially now, when you’re so vulnerable. I should’ve checked on you—” JJ seemed bent on blaming himself. Despite knowing it was your decision, he couldn’t shake the thought that he should’ve been there for you.

As your friend.

You hadn’t expected it to feel this heavy. This feeling, of having a real friend—it was weighty in a way you hadn’t anticipated. Not painful, just...profound, because it was the first time you’d truly had it.

Having someone who genuinely cared—it was overwhelming.

“JJ, I chose this. None of this is your fault.”

“I should’ve been there.”

For a moment, you thought you saw JJ’s eyes glisten, but he quickly turned his head away. Even if he had been there, there was nothing he could’ve done, and he didn’t seem to understand that. You hadn’t fallen, you hadn’t hurt yourself. There was nothing to save you from.

JJ ran a hand through his hair, as he always did. “Oh God...” Then, you felt his hand settle on your back, pulling you into a tight embrace. Without hesitation, you wrapped your arms around him.

When one of JJ’s hands moved into your damp hair, you closed your eyes tightly. For a while, neither of you said a word. You just stayed there, holding on.

“You didn’t dry your hair again, did you?” His words came in one breath, followed by a small smile tugging at his lips. You pulled back slightly to look at him. JJ’s hand slid away from your hair, but the one on your back stayed firm. Your arms had loosened just a bit, yet the two of you remained close enough to touch.

“Old habits.” You noticed his lips curling up too, though his eyes were a little red.

“That’s a habit we’ll have to break. I’m drying your hair—no way am I letting you get sick.”

You stepped back, nodding at him. When he gestured toward the bathroom with his head, you laughed and walked ahead, leaving him to follow. He really was going to dry your hair, huh?

What a gentleman.

You were too shy to offer, too worried you’d say something dumb and ruin the moment. But the way he acted—so considerate—made you feel seen.

Maybe you shouldn’t let him. It felt like crossing a line. Then again, he’d called you his friend. Confirmed that you were his friend.

“Would you stay with me for a few days?” The words tumbled out before you could overthink them. If you hesitated even a second longer, you would’ve said nothing at all. You’d only mull it over and eventually bury it in fear.

JJ glanced at you while plugging in the hairdryer. “I’m not leaving you. Honestly, even if you hadn’t asked, I was already planning to stay.” His dimples appeared with his grin.

Your lips mirrored his, stretching into a big smile. JJ turned on the dryer and began working on your hair.

"Is this my shirt?"

Your eyebrows furrowed as you quickly turned your gaze toward JJ. He was standing at the bottom of the stairs, holding up a shirt—the one he had given you at the beach. That day you both fell asleep on the boat.

"I figured you’d have tossed it by now," he said, spinning the shirt lazily in his hand, a grin tugging at his lips. Even from a distance, you could see his dimples.

"That’s mine now."

JJ’s eyes snapped to yours, his eyebrows shooting up in mock surprise. He gestured at the shirt dramatically. "This? This has always been mine. And it will stay mine."

Without a second thought, you placed the fruit bowl from your lap onto the couch and stood up. As you walked toward him, you couldn’t miss the playful smirk on his face.

"Not anymore," you replied, yanking the shirt from his hands. After all, it was given to you, and you had no intention of giving it back. Besides, it was soft, and you liked it. That was that. Turning on your heel, you headed back to the couch, ready to resume eating your strawberries.

"Possessive, huh? Hot."

You paused mid-sit, narrowing your eyes at him, his mischievous smile still plastered across his face. "You’re disgusting."

You settled into the couch, the sound of JJ’s laughter echoing as you tucked the shirt behind you, out of his reach. The fruit bowl returned to your lap, and you focused on the reality show playing on TV.

A moment later, you heard JJ’s footsteps. He vaulted over the back of the couch and sprawled lazily a short distance away from you. Half-reclining, he tilted his head to look at you, propping it up with his hand. "You mad at me?"

You shrugged as you pulled your legs up onto the couch. "What would I even be mad about? Don’t flatter yourself."

Apparently emboldened by your response, JJ reached for the fruit bowl in your lap. Without missing a beat, you swatted his hand away.

"Because you’re not worth it," you added with a smirk, knowing it would sting.

JJ’s jaw dropped in exaggerated shock, his hand clutching his chest dramatically as he gasped, loud and theatrical. What a drama queen.

You pressed your lips together, trying to suppress a smile, but it was hard—especially with him acting like this.

JJ had been staying with you for a few days now—nearly a week. He’d told his friends he had "stuff to do," but really, his only task had been keeping you company. Not that he admitted it outright.

The first few days had been awkward for both of you. You were tense, and he was, well, JJ. But by the third day, you’d fallen into a rhythm.

Turns out your family hadn’t been ignoring your calls—they were simply on a flight. That made sense, so you didn’t hold it against them. You didn’t even tell them about the scare. You just mentioned a bad dream, said you’d worried about them. It wasn’t exactly true, but there was no point in alarming them over something that had already passed.

So, you acted like nothing had happened.

Talking to Rafe, though? That had been strange. Hearing his voice after so many months had stirred something in you—a wound you’d thought had healed.

At first, you hadn’t planned on answering his call. You wanted to ignore it, let it ring out. But when he called a second time, you couldn’t stop yourself from picking up, even though part of you wanted to tell him to leave you alone.

You didn’t regret it. Even now, if you were in the same situation, you’d do it again. It wasn’t stupidity—it was necessity. Back then, you’d needed all the help you could get.

You’d lied to him, claiming you were drunk. It wasn’t the most believable excuse, given your condition, but it had slipped out before you could think. After that, you ended the call and prayed he wouldn’t bother you again.

He didn’t.

Rafe didn’t call or text again—not that he ever really had before.

So, you pushed him from your mind, or at least tried to. You focused on JJ instead, and it helped.

With him, you laughed, watched movies, and, for the first time in weeks, you didn’t feel so alone.

The sound of someone else’s voice in your house, the way he teased you, the comfort of knowing someone cared—it made you feel lighter. Happier.

You even found yourself enjoying little things: the morning sounds of the TV downstairs, the smell of something burning as JJ attempted breakfast, the way his footsteps echoed through the halls. It felt… normal. Like how things were supposed to be.

Could you manage on your own? Sure. But having someone there? That felt better.

And the house was big—plenty of room for two. Maybe even three.

In just a week, you’d laughed more than you had in all the time you’d lived there. Maybe it was JJ’s personality, or maybe it was simply having someone around. Either way, you weren’t complaining.

You especially appreciated his presence during the harder moments. Like when nausea hit, or when you needed something and he showed up with hot chocolate instead of tea, filling the house with its sweet smell.

It was a rhythm you hadn’t known you’d needed. Even mundane things, like ordering takeout because neither of you felt like cooking, or going on morning walks together, had a way of making everything seem a little brighter.

You’d never spent this much time with him before. And yet here he was, nearly a week in, and it felt… easy.

But there were moments, fleeting as they were, when you couldn’t help but wonder how he treated his other friends—John B, Kiara, Pope, and Sarah. You didn’t like the feeling it gave you. You weren’t usually the jealous type, but it burned in the back of your mind.

Did he treat them like this? Were they as close as you two had been these past days? You hated the thought, not because it was JJ, but because you’d never had that kind of friendship before.

That kind of closeness, the ease of it—it was foreign to you. And you wanted it, even if you hated admitting it.

JJ poked your exposed stomach, snapping you out of your thoughts. His finger traced lazy circles on your skin as his eyes met yours. "Did I interrupt something?"

You shook your head, grateful for the distraction. "Not at all."

When you smiled at him, he grinned back without hesitation. JJ’s smiles were contagious, impossible to resist.

"You were zoning out," he said. "I called your name a couple of times, but you didn’t answer."

"I didn’t even notice." You straightened your posture slightly, meeting his curious gaze.

JJ’s eyes dropped back to your stomach, and he smirked as he poked it again. "Your mom says I can’t eat the fruit. Hey, you hear me in there?"

He was speaking to your bump now, as though he expected a response. You couldn’t help but laugh, shaking your head.

"When will she start kicking?" he asked, glancing up at you.

You pulled the hem of your shirt higher, resting your hand on your belly. "The books say around five months, so… anytime now, I guess."

JJ nodded, his hand resting next to yours, a soft grin tugging at his lips.

“Are you going to share your fruit with me now?” JJ smirked as he asked, and when you started laughing at his words, he straightened up, sitting upright on the couch. You adjusted your shirt slightly, and you could feel his eyes lingering.

You turned your head toward him. “Are you going to tattle on me to my daughter again?” You asked him seriously, raising an eyebrow. JJ shook his head dramatically.

“Not if you hand over a few strawberries.” With a sigh, you gave in, holding out the bowl in your lap. He snatched a strawberry quickly, as if he’d been waiting for it.

“You can be so stubborn sometimes.” You grabbed a strawberry yourself, mirroring him. JJ leaned over to grab the remote from the table, letting out a small chuckle.

“Me? Stubborn? Please. Not when you’re around—impossible.” He leaned back into the couch, flipping through channels like he wasn’t just going to end up opening YouTube anyway.

The past few days, all he’d done was either watch movies or binge random YouTube videos. It was official—he was an iPad kid.

“Me? What stubbornness are you even talking about?” He finally turned his gaze away from the TV, arching an eyebrow at you. His expression practically screamed, ‘Seriously?’.

“From the moment we met, all you’ve done is argue about everything. Don’t even try to deny it; I know you too well for that.” His tone was calm, but there was a teasing edge to it, one he clearly added on purpose just to get under your skin. And it was working. You were sure of it.

“And all you ever do is... complain,” you shot back, saying the first thing that came to mind. JJ laughed dryly, his attention drifting back to the TV.

Of course, it wasn’t entirely true. Sure, he was as stubborn as you, but still.

“This debate is officially over. You’ve lost. Completely.” You couldn’t help but laugh again before lunging forward, trying to snatch the remote from his hand. “Hand it over.”

JJ, startled by your sudden move, tried to pull away quickly, but he was already at the edge of the couch with nowhere to go. It didn’t take much effort to grab the remote from him.

He could’ve made it harder for you. He could’ve easily hidden the remote or kept it away. But you knew JJ well enough to know he’d never risk accidentally hurting you, not even slightly. Instead, as you leaned over him, he instinctively steadied you with one hand to make sure you didn’t fall.

“Whoa, claws in, tiger!”

With the remote firmly in your grasp, you plopped back onto your spot on the couch. You grabbed the bowl of strawberries sitting between you two and moved it to your other side for good measure before immediately exiting YouTube. “We’re watching what I want. You— you—”

“What about me?” JJ’s tone was playful, his eyes fixed on you with an amused look. He was clearly enjoying this—watching you get all flustered. You wanted to smack that grin right off his face. Preferably with the remote.

“You don’t deserve it.” JJ’s laughter echoed so loud you felt like it could’ve been heard across the whole street. It sounded... annoyingly fun. But you didn’t look back at him. You flipped through channels until you landed on some trashy reality show. That’s what you’d watch, whether he liked it or not.

“A dumb reality show deserves your attention, but I don’t? Really, princess?” You nodded furiously, biting into another strawberry for emphasis.

Damn hormones. They were driving you crazy.

“Alright, white flag. Let’s call a truce. Deal?” He extended his hand toward you, his grin still smug. He looked like he was thoroughly enjoying messing with you.

For a brief second, you considered ignoring him. Leaving his hand hanging and pretending you didn’t notice. Just keeping your focus on the TV.

But it was only a fleeting thought. Before you knew it, you were shaking his hand. “For now,” you said, your tone warning. JJ just nodded, satisfied.

He opened his mouth to say something, but before he could, your phone buzzed on the table, grabbing both your attention. John B’s name and picture lit up the screen. You pulled your hand back from JJ’s as he adjusted his posture, glancing at the phone for a moment before picking it up, slow and deliberate. Holding it in one hand, he rubbed the back of his neck with the other.

“I’ll take this outside,” he said, standing up and waiting a beat, as if for your approval. When you nodded, he gave a short nod back and headed for the porch.

You watched through the glass door as JJ paced back and forth, phone pressed to his ear. It was strange, watching him like this—like you were peeking into a part of his world you didn’t belong to. There was a tension in his posture, something that contrasted sharply with his usual carefree energy.

As he talked, you busied yourself in the kitchen, cleaning up just to give your hands something to do. But your mind kept drifting back to him. Watching him through the door felt like glimpsing a piece of his life he hadn’t shared with you.

When you finished, JJ came back inside, closing the door quietly behind him. His eyes immediately found yours, and he hesitated for a moment, like he was trying to figure out how to tell you something. Hands shoved in his pockets, he took a few steps closer.

“What is it?” You dropped the cloth you were holding, giving him your full attention. JJ shrugged, his expression suddenly unreadable, but it gave you the sinking feeling something was off.

“John B and Sarah are getting married in two days,” he said finally, his voice low but clear.

You stared at him for a moment, processing his words. “Seriously? I mean, I figured this day would come, but—cute.”

JJ nodded, a faint smile tugging at his lips. But there was something behind it, something you couldn’t quite place, like a shadow lingering just out of sight. “Yeah, John B proposed a while back. They had to delay it because of... stuff, but I guess it’s happening now.”

When JJ scratched the back of his neck, you could feel his unease, though you couldn’t pinpoint why. The news brought a strange ache to your chest—a reminder that you weren’t really a part of his world, his friends. You didn’t even know them. And the thought of JJ not being here... it crept in before you could stop it.

“You’re going, aren’t you?” The words slipped out before you could catch them, sounding more like an admission than a question, like you were bracing yourself for the inevitable.

You’d known this day would come. But still—whatever.

JJ looked at you, caught off guard by the question. He hesitated before answering. “Yeah, I’ll be there,” he said slowly, his tone hinting at reluctance. “But... what about you? Have you reached out to your mom? Can she come here?”

You shook your head, your hands gripping the marble counter instinctively. “I don’t know. I didn’t tell them about the hospital thing, so… they might find it weird.”

JJ nodded. His hands were in his pockets, and he nudged at the floor with his foot like he was playing with something invisible. He looked uncomfortable.

“John B still doesn’t know you’re not living with your dad?” The question slipped out before you could stop it. Maybe you shouldn’t have asked, but if he was planning to go back to the island, you had to know. You didn’t want him living on the streets—or worse, finding him bloodied and bruised again. Especially now that you weren’t there on the island, the thought of him sleeping out in the open sent a pang through your chest.

The silence between you was brief, but it hung heavy. JJ’s furrowed brow made it clear that he was just as unsettled as you were. He took a long breath, his head tilting slightly downward. “John B doesn’t know I don’t talk to my dad,” he said suddenly, his voice quiet but resolute.

His words tightened something deep inside you. When you looked at him, you could see the tension etched on his face. “Only Pope knows,” he added, his shoulders tensing slightly as if bracing for a reaction.

That revelation only deepened the stillness between you. Seeing the cracks in JJ’s life hurt you and confused you at the same time. But you didn’t want to make it worse by pointing it out. You held back, careful not to say anything that might hurt him further.

You hated the silence that lingered between you two. It wasn’t like either of you to leave things hanging like this during tense moments. It felt... wrong.

“I could leave tonight if you want,” JJ said after a while, his tone still calm but firm. “Or… tomorrow. Whatever works for you.”

His words stung, fanning the ache that was already growing inside you. You knew he needed to leave, but you still wanted him to stay. You’d grown so used to having him around—spending time with him had been comforting in a way you hadn’t expected. The idea of him leaving now made something in you twist uncomfortably.

You closed your eyes tightly, gripping the edge of the counter like it was the only thing keeping you grounded. When you opened them and looked at him, you hesitated, weighing the words you wanted to say. Was it selfish? Too much to ask? What if he said no? You knew he had to go, but you couldn’t stop yourself from wanting him to stay.

Taking a deep breath, you turned your gaze to him. “Maybe…” you started, your voice dropping to a near whisper, “maybe you could think about staying here after— wedding?”

JJ’s head snapped toward you, his eyebrows shooting up in surprise. For a moment, he just stared at you, his eyes scanning your face as if trying to figure out what you really meant. The room was so quiet, you could hear the sound of both your breaths.

He said your name softly, like he was testing the weight of it. Then he paused, his lips parting as if to speak before closing them again without saying anything.

His surprise was written all over him. His lips slightly parted, his gaze locked onto yours, JJ looked completely unsure of what to do. Slowly, he pulled his hands out of his pockets, rubbing his fingers together nervously.

“I know…” you said, dropping your gaze to the floor. Your voice was shaky and gentle, laced with a vulnerability you weren’t used to showing. It felt ridiculous to even have this conversation. You hadn’t realized you could be this bold. “I know you have to go. Your friends are waiting for you. But… if you wanted to, I mean—” You hesitated, your words barely audible now. “I’d be happy to have you stay here.”

JJ stayed quiet for another beat, his expression distant but conflicted. Whatever you’d said had clearly struck a chord with him. The idea seemed to catch him off guard but also made him think.

He said your name again, softer this time. His gaze dropped to the floor, and he hesitated for a long moment. “It’s… not that simple. I mean…” His hand went up to his hair, fingers pushing through it as he rubbed the back of his neck. “My friends are there. My life’s… there. You know?” He exhaled deeply, clearly struggling to find the right words.

Seeing the indecision in his eyes made your chest tighten. Am I asking too much? Am I a burden? The thought of him choosing you over everything else felt naïve. Not that it was about choosing you exactly, but still… expecting him to stay felt foolish.

His friends had been his whole world for years. Would he really leave them behind just because you asked? Would he abandon everything like you had, even for a little while?

For JJ, staying meant leaving his friends behind. Watching everyone’s lives from a distance instead of being part of the chaos. And coming back afterward? It might make things even messier.

But then again… he knew things weren’t the same anymore. They weren’t high school kids chasing trouble anymore. They’d grown up, and with that came responsibilities. Responsibilities that seemed to pull them all in different directions, slowly but surely.

Pope and Cleo were working for Pope’s dad, figuring out their own lives while enjoying being together. Kiara was helping her parents with the family business. John B and Sarah were preparing to start a family. And JJ… JJ felt like he was drifting. Like the ties that once bound them together were fraying.

“They all seem to have something,” JJ said suddenly, his voice distant. He wasn’t even looking at you now, his thoughts clearly spiraling. He didn’t know what answer to give you. Honestly, he didn’t even know what he wanted for himself. He just… didn’t want to keep drifting.

“You have something too,” you said firmly, your tone gentle but sure. “You’ve been here for me. You helped me when I was alone. When I was scared… you were here.” When you finished, you looked at him, watching closely for his reaction.

JJ shifted uncomfortably at your words. His eyes seemed to weigh them carefully. There was still hesitation in his expression, but something else was there too. Maybe guilt. Maybe understanding.

He didn’t really have anywhere to go. His relationship with his dad was a disaster, and he had no intention of fixing it. He couldn’t crash at John B’s place forever—gosh, the guy was getting married. Sarah would probably put a lock on their door. He couldn’t just hang around like their adopted kid.

Pope’s house? Already too crowded, with Cleo practically living there at this point. And Kiara’s parents? Yeah, they absolutely hated him. Living on the streets forever wasn’t an option either...

The silence stretched on. Time seemed to slow, pressing down on the two of you like an invisible weight. The only sound was the faint rustling of the trees outside in the wind. JJ looked at you, and when his eyes met yours, something inside you cracked. Asking him to stay felt like you were adding to the burdens he already carried. But it wasn’t selfish—you weren’t demanding or desperate. There was a fragility in the way you asked, a quiet understanding between the two of you. In that moment, JJ realized you were just as lost as he was.

“I’ll stay,” he said finally, his voice quiet and hesitant. “But—” He paused, his gaze locking onto yours again. “It’s not forever. Just… for a while. We’ll figure out what comes next together.”

The wave of relief that washed over you was overwhelming. A grin spread across your face, and you shifted in place, resisting the urge to throw your arms around him.

JJ deciding to stay wasn’t just about his circumstances—it was about trust, about the connection you shared. But you could also see that it wasn’t an easy decision for him. He felt alone, in a way that mirrored your own loneliness.

He leaned against the kitchen counter, staring into the distance for a moment. “Sometimes,” he started softly, “I feel like I don’t belong anywhere. So… maybe this isn’t such a bad idea.”

You smiled at him, your lips trembling slightly at the edges. “JJ,” you said gently, your voice steady but warm, “We’ll be okay.”

JJ didn’t respond right away, but after a moment, the faintest smile tugged at the corner of his lips. He shook his head lightly and said, “Yeah. We will.” There was something different in his eyes this time—something warmer, more at peace.

You couldn’t put into words the happiness you felt in that moment. This was what communication was about. If you hadn’t asked, you would’ve been left feeling miserable, JJ would’ve walked away, and you’d have been alone. But now…

He was staying. With you.

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gallavichsreddie1128 · 2 months ago

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What would they do (Rafe Cameron)

Description: Y/N is now keeping 2 secrets from the Pogues. what will they do when they find out?

Word Count: 1,384

Author’s note: I love Pogue!Reader with Rafe

Y/N stared down at the test in her hands that read positive. Tears welled up in her eyes that were far from joy. What was she supposed to do? She was pregnant with Rafe Cameron’s baby and she was a pogue. Not only that but she was friends with his sister who hated him and had no idea that they were even together. It was already so hard to keep their relationship a secret but now? There was no way. Once the baby bump started to show they would find out and hate her forever. As she sat in the bathroom at John B’s house she knew that there was no way she could leave the bathroom without looking like a mess. They were all out there and she wouldn’t make it past them without them noticing her tears. She luckily had her phone and texted Rafe that they need to meet up later. She had to clean herself up before going out there. She had to stop thinking about it.

As her shaky hands went into her mini backpack to grab the test. Rafe didn’t know what to expect. She seemed off and nervous about whatever it was she was pulling out of her bag. Without looking at him she handed him the test. He looked at it immediately and knew what it was. The 2 lines indicate that she was pregnant brought him to a pause as he stared at the test. She didn’t say anything except silent cries. They were young and definitely not ready to be parents yet. He looked up at her and noticed that she was crying. “Baby look at me.” He said and she turned towards him. The sight was heartbreaking. She had puffy and tear stained eyes, her breathing was hard as she tried not to cry anymore. “This is pretty crazy.” He had no other words. “Rafe, they don’t even know about us.” She said, talking about the Pogues. He let out a sigh and set the test down. “You think I care what they think?” He asked her. She looked down at her hands. “I don’t.” “Well I do, Rafe.” She whispered, more tears streaming down her face. She looked up at him again, “They are gonna hate me forever when they find out.” Rafe, not being the smartest person in her life, had a “bright” idea. “So move in with me and they won’t know.” She looked at him like he was ridiculous. “Rafe the baby bump will show. What are they gonna not see me for 9 months? That would be suspicious and on top of that I would be living with you.” She exclaimed. Rafe didn’t care if they knew about them. He had no shame being with her but Y/N felt different with the pogues. “The only thing you can do is tell them.” She rolled her eyes at his words but he was right. He said it wasn’t a big deal. It wasn’t, for him. “Do you want me to be there?” He asked after a long period of silence. She looked at him.

Y/N had never felt nerves like this before. She was so nervous to tell them what she had discovered within the past few days. Rafe would come in later but she had to ease them into it. JJ and Kie were already in the living room with her while they waited for the others. “You look like you killed someone.” JJ joked. She couldn’t even crack a smile at that. Her face was stoned and nervous. She looked like she had been hiding something, which she was. After the others arrived she took a deep breath before speaking. “I know that you guys are going to look at me differently and I haven’t accepted that yet but I have to tell you guys.” She couldn’t look at any of them, only the ground as she spoke. They wondered what she could have done to be this shaky. “For the past year and 7 months I have been seeing someone and I never told you guys. I never told you because I knew that you would hate me and possibly never speak to me again. But I learned something a few days ago that I won’t be able to hide.” Her voice breaking and tears streaming down her face as she said the last sentence. “I’m with Rafe Cameron.” She looked up at the group. Their faces were a mix of shock and anger. John B looked more pissed than anyone. “And I’m pregnant.” She said. The room was silent for a while. Everyone is processing her words. JJ was the first to speak up, “When did this happen? The relationship.” “He has never been mean to me or said anything vicious to me. I have no idea why until we started talking and began dating.” She looked at Sarah who looked down, “My brother’s been in love with you for years.” She said. “What?” John B asked and looked at her. “You knew about this?” Pope asked her. She shook her head, “Not about the relationship but about his feelings.” Y/N looked down, waiting for the next person to speak up. “Y/N how could you?” John B asked. “I know you hate him John and I understand that-” “Hate him? He tried to kill us Y/N!” He yelled and she nodded. “I know and that’s why I never wanted you to know.” “So you don’t feel bad for being with him?” He asked her and she shook her head, “Of course I do John. But it’s not like I have a choice now!” She yelled back at him. “You had a choice and you made it a year and a half ago.” He said. It was clear that John B didn’t feel bad about any of this. “Y/N none of us like that you are with him and that you’re having his baby but we don’t hate you.” Kie said and that made Y/N smile. “Speak for yourselves.” John B said and left the room. Y/N started crying again and Sarah hugged her. “He’s just in shock. He’ll come around.” Sarah told her. “I don’t deserve you guys.” She cried. “Y/N you may have made a dumb decision, still making one but we love you and that won’t change.” JJ said.

Rafe sat in John B’s living room with the others, minus John B. The room was silent as nobody knew what to say. “I know you guys hate me and the feeling is mutual but there needs to be a common ground here.” Y/N agreed with him and looked around. “John B is probably going to kick her out.” Kie said. “That’s fine you’ll live with me. It’ll be better for the baby.” Y/N sighed and looked at him. “I don’t wanna live with 3 other people.” “Then we can find a house and buy it.” “You’ll still come around?” Sarah asked her. “Yeah if you guys will still have me.” “Of course we would.” Pope said. John B didn’t come out of his room until Y/N left.

John B never really came around. Y/N invited him to their wedding a few months later but never heard from him. Only the pity looked from Sarah as she explained that he wasn’t over it and maybe he never would be. It hurt her a lot but one hating her was better than all of them hating her. She wanted Kie and Sarah as her bridesmaids and even invited Pope and JJ. They showed up and told her that they were happy for her. Rafe shocked everyone when he shaved his head for the wedding. He had a buzz cut now and Y/N loved it. Y/N’s baby bump was showing and Rafe couldn’t stop smiling. Sarah and the others felt like Rafe really loved her and that maybe this wasn’t such a bad thing after all. Topper and JJ kept the peace at the wedding.

Though Y/N was a pogue she had a kid to raise as did Rafe but the news of Ward’s passing was something Rafe didn’t take lightly and though Y/N hoped but couldn’t be certain that he would keep the pace with the pogues. Especially after finding out he died around them.

#outer banks #outer banks x reader #obx #rafe cameron #rafe obx #rafe cameron x reader #rafe cameron imagine #rafe cameron smut #drew starkey #john b routledge #jj maybank #kiara obx #pope heyward #sarah cameron #cleo obx

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drewsephrry · 3 months ago

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The Outer Banks cast filming via Charles Esten's instagram

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rafestify · 3 months ago

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Beach Fight and Tides of Forgiveness — Rafe Cameron

Summary : Y/N and Rafe confront their painful past after a chaotic beach fight between Y/N and Ruthie but begin to reconnect, exploring the possibility of a hopeful future together.

Rafe Cameron x Ex!Reader (season 4 spoiler alert!)

Warning : Swearing (english is not my first language)

A/N : Probably the longest fic I've ever written so far, it's like around 2.3k ish, and i think this was a request from @dkjndfnmdfmdmnd , hope u like it 🩵

For us Pogues, the beach wasn’t just a place to visit—it was like our second home, a refuge where we felt truly ourselves. The salty breeze, the endless horizon, and the warmth of the sand beneath our feet brought a kind of peace that was hard to find anywhere else. The sound of waves crashing and seagulls chirping in the distance seemed to wash away our worries, making everything feel better, if only for a little while. There's nothing better than a day off with the people you love the most, in a place that feels like home—the beach.

“Don’t you just immediately feel like everything’s better at the beach?” Kie said, her gaze sweeping across the shoreline as she took in the sun, sand, and waves.

I nodded in silent agreement, sharing the same unspoken understanding that nothing compared to the serenity of the ocean. Together, we began setting up the chairs and cool box, the salty breeze tugging at our hair as the waves crashed in the distance. “Let’s get these boards off!” JJ exclaimed with excitement, his eyes gleaming as he headed toward the Twinkie to unload the surfboards, ready to dive into the thrill of the surf.

“What the hell?” I muttered under my breath, catching sight of Topper and his friends’ trucks rolling toward us, their engines rumbling louder as they approached. “You’re joking,” Sarah sighed, exasperation clear in her voice as she rolled her eyes at the unwelcome sight. “Don’t stop,” JJ mumbled, focused on untying the ropes securing our surfboards to the top of the Twinkie, clearly determined not to let their arrival ruin our plans. “Anywhere but here,” Kie added with a frustrated tone, her eyes narrowing as she watched them close in, the tension in the air thickening with every second.

“Great, just the perfect time,” I said sarcastically, rolling my eyes as their trucks came to a halt and parked just a few meters away from us. The sudden noise and presence of Topper and his friends felt like a dark cloud looming over our sunny day, threatening to ruin the fun we had planned.

“Let’s go, baby!” The voice rang out, unmistakable and familiar, stirring a rush of memories within me. The one that used to comfort me in moments of doubt, the one that whispered soothing words to ease my fears. Rafe Cameron had a way of making everything feel right, his presence a warm embrace that felt like home. I turned to locate the source of the voice, and our eyes met—his striking blue gaze locking onto mine. The moment stretched, the world around us fading away as the connection lingered just a heartbeat too long. All of a sudden, Topper strode toward us with an air of confidence. “Sunshine's coming,” JJ remarked, earning an exasperated sigh from John B as he stepped closer to him. Though I couldn’t quite hear their conversation, they appeared surprisingly relaxed, exchanging easy banter that contrasted with the tension in the air.

We all surfed the waves together, and it felt utterly exhilarating. After months spent chasing the elusive City of Gold, finally engaging in something I was truly passionate about was a refreshing escape. The thrill of surfing, the salty spray of the ocean, and the laughter of friends combined to create a blissful sense of freedom that was simply amazing.

After surfing for what felt like hours, I made my way back to the shore, slipping into my denim shorts. “Guys, there’s a turtle hatch!” Kie exclaimed, her excitement palpable. “Y/N, look!” I rushed over to her, my heart racing as I squealed, “Oh my god!” In awe, I added, “They’re so tiny!” Sarah and I echoed each other, our voices filled with wonder at the sight of the adorable little turtles making their way to the ocean. I have always had a deep love for sea creatures, particularly turtles and dolphins. This passion is what drew Kie and me together, as we bonded over our shared fascination for the ocean's incredible inhabitants.

As we helped the tiny turtles by creating paths for them to reach the ocean, the sudden roar of a truck engine interrupted our focus. My gaze shifted to Topper’s girlfriend, Ruthie, at the wheel, with Topper himself lounging in the passenger seat. “Hey, stop! There’s a hatch!” I yelled, desperation lacing my voice. “Stop!” Kie added, jumping up and waving her arms frantically. “Guys, stop!” I shouted again, but the truck only sped up, closing the distance between us. In a split second, Sarah yanked me out of the way just as the truck barreled past, sending me tumbling into the sand with a startled grunt.

“Are you okay?” Sarah, Kie, and JJ asked in unison. I managed a quiet “I'm fine,” but a sinking feeling twisted in my stomach as I noticed the truck circling around again, this time picking up speed. Panic surged through me, and I jumped to my feet. “Stop! There’s a hatch!” I yelled, but my voice was swallowed by the roar of the engine as they barreled over the paths we had painstakingly created for the turtles. “No, no, no…no!” I gasped, horror washing over me as I watched the truck crush a few of the fragile creatures beneath its wheels. My heart raced as I rushed toward them, my pulse pounding in my ears. Kie knelt beside a turtle with a shattered shell, its life flickering away. “Fucking psycho,” she muttered, her eyes brimming with anger and sorrow. I felt a fire ignite within me, furious at their reckless disregard. Ignoring my friends’ calls, I stormed over to where they stood, determined to confront them.

“Look what you did!” I shouted, cradling the lifeless turtles in my hands. “Do you think this is okay?” Ruthie stole a quick glance at the broken shells before quickly averting her eyes. “No, look at it!” I protested, my voice rising with anger. “You drove right over a turtle hatch, you idiots!” Rafe stood beside Topper, who tried to diffuse the situation. “I understand you're upset, Y/N,” he said, his tone calm but unhelpful. I hadn't even noticed my friends were behind me, their expressions mirroring my shock and frustration. “I’m more than upset, Topper” I shot back, feeling the heat of my anger.

“Look, it was only one,” Ruthie interjected dismissively, shrugging as if it didn’t matter. “I mean, there are so many more of them,” she pointed out, trying to minimize the damage. “You know what? You should just throw that to the seagulls,” she added with a mocking tone. “Cycle of life, right?”

My breath quickened as rage boiled within me, and I couldn't take it anymore. I pushed her hard, and just as she prepared to retaliate, Rafe stepped in between us, his presence a barrier against her aggression.

“Stop,” he said firmly, pushing Ruthie’s arm away before she could retaliate. He turned to me, his eyes softening slightly. “There’s something seriously wrong with you people,” I shot back, turning on my heel and striding away, handing Sarah the lifeless turtle.

“That’s right, go back to your side, bitch! You don’t belong with us anymore!” Ruthie shouted, her words laced with venom.

That was the final straw. Rage coursed through me, boiling over as I stormed toward her, every ounce of frustration and hurt fueling my movements. Without thinking, I swung my fist and connected hard with her jaw. The impact reverberated through me, and for a heartbeat, everything froze—the shocked look on Ruthie's face, the collective gasps of my friends.

She recovered quickly, her eyes blazing with anger. Without hesitation, she lunged at me, landing a swift punch that connected with my nose. The sharp pain shot through my face, and I felt warm blood begin to trickle down. I stumbled back, shocked by the sudden turn of events, my hands instinctively going to my face. John B tried to step in, attempting to intervene but Rafe was a lot quicker than him.

“Control your crazy bitch, Top!” Rafe said, his gaze locked onto me with a mix of concern and frustration. “Are you okay?” he asked, his voice softening.

“Like you care,” I shot back, my frustration boiling over. Without waiting for a response, I turned on my heel and stormed off, seeking refuge at my secret spot on the beach alone.

I perched on top of a massive rock, my knees drawn to my chest as I hugged them tightly, listening to the soothing sound of the waves crashing below. This spot was my sanctuary, the place I retreated to whenever I felt at my lowest. It never failed to calm me, wrapping me in a cocoon of peace. Suddenly, I sensed someone behind me. I turned to find Rafe standing there, his silhouette framed by the fading light. He climbed onto the rock and settled beside me.

“I didn’t give you permission to sit here,” I protested weakly, trying to maintain some semblance of defiance.

“It’s a public place,” he replied, his voice steady as he leaned back against the rock.

I fell silent, my gaze drifting to the horizon as the sun dipped lower in the sky, lost in a swirl of memories and thoughts. “How did you know I’d be here?” I finally asked, my voice barely above a whisper. He turned to me, a hint of nostalgia in his eyes. “We used to come here together, remember? You told me it was your favorite spot.” A sigh escaped me, heavy with longing. God, I missed those days—when everything felt simpler and the weight of the world was lighter.

“Here,” he said, breaking through my thoughts as he handed me a tissue for my bloody nose. I took it, our fingers brushing briefly. “Thanks,” I murmured, grateful for the gesture and the warmth of his presence.

“That was a pretty great punch, by the way,” Rafe said, a playful grin breaking through the tension. The corners of my mouth turned upward, and I let out a small chuckle, the sound echoing against the backdrop of crashing waves. We fell into a silence that felt strangely comfortable— not awkward at all. Despite the distance that had grown between us since our breakup, I still felt an undeniable sense of safety around him, as if we were wrapped in a bubble of shared history.

“I missed you, Y/N,” he confessed suddenly, his voice steady yet vulnerable.

My heart skipped a beat, and I turned to look at him, shock flickering across my face. This was the moment I hadn’t expected, the admission I had longed to hear but feared would never come.

“I missed you too, Rafe,” I sighed, the words flowing out of me, heavy with unspoken feelings and memories of our laughter, our late-night talks, and the way he could make me feel like the only person in the world. “I’m sorry for what I did to you,” he continued, his expression earnest, his gaze unwavering.

“I’m clean now, Y/N. Haven’t touched those shits for almost five months.”

“Really?” I asked, my disbelief melting into pride. I felt a swell of admiration for his strength and determination, and it made my heart ache a little.

He nodded, a flicker of vulnerability dancing in his eyes. “Yeah, I realized I couldn’t keep dragging you into my mess. I needed to change— for myself and for you.”

“I’m so proud of you, Rafe,” I said, my voice warm and genuine. I reached out, resting my hand on his for a brief moment, feeling the warmth radiate between us. A smile broke across his face, illuminating his features. “I did it all so I could be better for you,” he admitted, his sincerity wrapping around me like a comforting blanket. The air between us crackled with unspoken possibilities, and for a moment, I allowed myself to imagine what it would be like to rekindle the bond we once had.

“Can we at least try to work things out?” he asked, his gaze steady and hopeful. I paused, contemplating his words. He may have been a jerk to everyone else, but with me, he was sweet, protective, and loyal. The thought stirred something deep within me, a flicker of hope in the depths of my heart. “I’m not ready to be in a relationship again, Rafe—maybe just for now,” I finally replied, my voice softer than before. The truth of my feelings hung in the air, vulnerable and raw.

“It’s okay,” he said quickly, a reassuring smile breaking through his earlier concern. “We’ll take things slow. I’ll wait until you’re ready, alright?” The sincerity in his eyes made my heart flutter, a mix of apprehension and excitement dancing in my chest.

“Okay,” I smiled, a sense of warmth washing over me.

“Okay?” he repeated, his eyes lighting up with hope.

“Yeah, okay. We’ll take things slow,” I confirmed, feeling a rush of relief and anticipation. Rafe’s smile widened, and in that moment, it felt like we were stepping into a new chapter together, one where the past could fade into the background while we explored the potential of the future. As the sun began to set, painting the sky in hues of orange and pink, I leaned my head on his shoulder. The gentle sound of the waves lapping against the shore filled the air, creating a soothing rhythm that matched the beating of my heart. The warmth of his presence enveloped me, and I closed my eyes, letting the moment wash over me.

For the first time in a long time, I felt hope stirring within me, a belief that perhaps we could find our way back to each other, not as we were before, but as something new and beautiful.

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obxsummer · 27 days ago

Text

everything i wanted // ghost of you

pairing: jj maybank x routledge!reader

summary: when the cops come in search of jj, promises are made and broken, rafe get stuck in the storage closet, a massive storm brews in the ocean, and you're left wondering if you can survive in a world without jj.

warnings: near death experiences, cursing, the usual obx angst

navigation -- series masterlist

ask me anything

March Point was always much cooler than Poguelandia 2.0. You swore every time the group wanted to take off from here in the morning depending on the fishing season because A) you didn’t get to sleep in your comfy bed, and B) it felt like camping without the fun of it all.

Somewhere in the midst of the campfire last night, Pope had suggested moving out here with the knowledge that Groff knew where the house was and could easily come back in search of you all if he felt the need. Kiara had tried to argue that he had all the supplies, so why would he bother, but speaking it out loud was enough to convince JJ to move too.

So that’s how you ended up here, on your makeshift camp, tangled in one of the hammocks with JJ. You’d slept relatively soundly all night, exhaustion really driving you to be a heavy sleeper which rarely ever happened.

Pope and Cleo woke up first, always the early birds. Their theorizing was relatively quiet until Sarah and John B started shuffling and then any chance of sleeping in wasn’t happening. You sighed and tucked further into JJ’s chest, digging your cold feet into his warm legs and laughing quietly when he made a noise of protest.

“You’re mean,” He whispered, pulling the blanket in tighter to keep the heat close. His hand dipped under the material of your shirt to tickle your back gently, the feeling lulling you back to sleep momentarily.

The soreness from yesterday settled in your bones achingly. It also didn’t help that you were crammed into a flimsy hammock that didn’t allow much structure for either you or JJ to spread out comfortably.

Scents of the fire being lit flooded your nose and you really wished nobody would move for the next few hours. Going after this so-called Blue Crown was the biggest topic of conversation, but you really wished the need for treasure wouldn’t overcome the need for peace and stability. Sarah really didn’t need to be traveling the world before she even had a chance to see a doctor and assess what was happening.

JJ especially didn’t want to get out of the cocoon the two of you created. This was the first time he’d gotten to hold you close and sleep comfortably in a few days and he wanted to soak up every second. He had become so used to just existing when you were with him that his mind shut off for the time being.

The emotional whirlwind was taking its toll differently than he was used to. He wasn’t expecting Luke to have been on the island as long as he has, but to go from that, to Groff and Larissa, to Luke betraying him in the courtroom, to Groff again? He felt like he should feel confused and betrayed, but in all honesty, JJ was just angry.

He was angry that all this drama had come to affect you and your relationship. You were the steady constant in JJ’s life so comparing everything that happened against the way you were impacted was a habit for him.

You shifted against him, your battle with staying asleep finally losing out. With a soft groan, you moved up to kiss his jawline before he turned to kiss you properly, eyes heavy as he blinked at you. “Morning,” He grumbled.

You returned the greeting before pushing off of him carefully, wincing as your tight muscles pulled with the action. JJ’s hand was warm under your shirt, the touch comforting as you took in your environment. Pope and Cleo were crowding around the small fire pit, pulling together something in the kettle to snack on while you figured out a game plan.

Kiara shuffled through the bag of snacks to toss you an apple and some fruit snacks, which you handed over to JJ. Everyone was still quiet, the movement of the water a background noise to your tranquil morning. You shivered, already missing the warmth of being snuggled up with JJ, and fully debated rolling back over and forgetting you guys were planning on doing absolutely anything.

“Is that a boat?”

You turned as Kiara asked the question, her gaze set on something behind the tree that you couldn’t quite see just yet.

“Who’s coming out here this early?” Pope questioned and looked over his shoulder just as the boat came into the clearing, the word Sheriff catching you off guard.

“Cops?” You glanced back at JJ, who could only offer you a shrug. Groaning, you stood up fully and pushed your feet into your gym shoes, knowing damn well you guys needed to move. “What’s the plan?”

John B stood still, his eyes watching as the police boat approached the dock where your only form of escape was, effectively blocking you all in. “Follow me, let’s go.”

Everyone scrambled to grab their shit, Cleo barely managing to douse the fire out before Pope was pulling her away from the scene. John B stayed tucked behind the trees as long as he could before slipping into the water and sliding under the dock. You huffed at the idea of getting your clothes and shoes wet but followed anyway. Thankfully, y’all at least had the brains to buy waterproof backpacks this time after losing all your shit in El Dorado.

“JJ Maybank!” The shout came from an unknown voice as two officers you didn’t recognize started their way toward land, their footsteps echoing against the wood. “JJ, we don’t want to hurt you. Come on out.”

Frowning, you looked over your shoulder where JJ was practically against your back. “Why are they looking for you?”

The blond boy could only shrug, confusion on his face as he kept a hold on your waist and gently shifted you forward into the water more. Pope was leading the group now, swimming along toward the two ships that were floating just a few feet away.

“I have an arrest warrant for JJ in connection to the murder of Hollis Robinson!”

As if your day couldn’t get any worse, the words JJ and murder had been placed in the same sentence, and you were suddenly in over your head. The group suddenly went still at the statement and looked back at him. His teeth clenched tighter on the knife blade between them but when he grabbed hold of you again and moved you further, you didn’t ask questions.

When John B climbed up on the police pontoon, you were questioning everything that was about to happen. Pope and your brother climbed up first before reaching back down to assist JJ so he didn’t strain his injury. Cleo crawled up next with Kie behind her. John B went for Sarah and you bit back a scream when Pope pulled you onboard, your chest burning with the movement. He gave you a look, to which you shook your head and dismissed it even though you were pressing against the pain with your fingertips.

Pope made a mental note to check on you later but instead pushed down slightly on your shoulder to get you to join Sarah and Cleo on the floor of the boat. John B started the engine and wasted no time in pulling away from the dock, instantly catching the eye of the cops on land.

“Hey!”

Their voices faded quickly as John B continued to veer away into the open water. JJ hit the floor next to you shortly after and you were quick to pull him into your arms. His whole body was shaking, and his reaction alone told you he had no idea what they were coming after him for.

“JJ?”

“I don’t, I don’t know,” He panted, falling back against you and latching on to you, digging his head into your shoulder. “I, he-”

Pope came into your view, crouching in front of JJ to place his hand on his friend’s shoulder. “You’re okay, dude. It’s just us. Breathe.”

JJ’s hand was clenching your shirt so tightly you wouldn’t be surprised if it ripped, but he listened to Pope and started to focus on his breathing until his chest was moving steadier. “We… after we left the cemetery, Groff told me he needed to pick something up. Went somewhere on Figure Eight, and then he insisted on leaving the Twinkie and taking… taking a boat out. Wasn’t his, didn’t say where he got it, just had the keys.”

“Who is Hollis Robinson?” You asked, the name completely unfamiliar to you. “The boat clearly belonged to her and Groff clearly killed her and planted evidence, to no surprise whatsoever.”

Sarah frowned slightly. “I’m pretty sure she’s in business with Rafe. He said something about Goat Island and… and this development investment?”

“Goat Island?” Cleo repeated the name, laughing slightly. “Creative, I guess.”

“Wait, didn’t the Genrettes own Goat Island? Passed down from generations?” Kiara pointed out, her eyes moving from Pope to JJ.

Pope nodded. “They read the will the other day, when Cleo and I went to clarify information on the rezoning. It’s being turned into a protected state park, since there’s no living Genrette left.”

“Except there is…” You trailed off, gaze dropping down to the boy in your arms who gained everyone’s attention at the moment. He shifted uncomfortably with the attention. “JJ?”

He shook his head slightly, practically shrinking into your body as much as possible. You frowned, letting your head fall to rest against his and continuing to hold him closely.

“We need to get out of here. Get off this island,” Cleo directed. She was no doubt itching for another chance to avenge Terrance, and going after the crown would give her that opportunity.

“I mean, I could be down for a little Moroccan vacay,” Kie added with a shrug. Her fingers picked at the hem of her shorts, something she did when she was nervous and you didn’t blame her for feeling that way.

“We’re gonna need a bigger boat. Hell, a ship maybe. You know how far Morocco is? Way, way, way out there.”

Cleo’s words were unfortunately true, which led you back to the marina in hopes of finding a boat that you could possibly slip into without mass hysteria. In theory, it should’ve been kind of easy… except you were all in a Kildare County Sheriff boat and if they were looking for JJ, chances are the Kooks were already spreading the so-called accusation down the grapevine.

Kiara was offering her favorite picks of the bunch, to which John B kept declining with realistic reasons of why they wouldn’t make it as far as needed. You tuned him out, figuring he would give you all a heads up when he located one that would be up for the job.

“You okay?” You looked to JJ who had shifted to sit next to you, eyes scanning the marina for anything that he thought would help. He nodded, grabbing your hand in his to hold tightly, but remaining quiet. The shaking had come to a slow a little bit ago and you could slowly see the terror disappearing from his posture. It would only be a matter of time before anger took over and he felt the need to defend himself.

“You know we could all go to jail for taking a boat like that?”

Pope’s comment grabbed your attention as you looked up to see the vessel they were focused on, the large engines speaking for themselves. Suddenly, JJ was moving out of your grasp. “We’re just gonna borrow it for a little, yeah?”

Sarah reached down to grab your hand and pull you up as JJ tied the smaller boat off, calling back that he was going to look for keys. Cleo climbed on the larger boat, following JJ and Pope up the stairs while Kie remained on the lower deck.

“This is a horrible idea,” You muttered so only Sarah and John B could hear. “Probably one of our worst.”

John B’s hand squeezed your shoulder gently as he observed the whole scene from behind you. Worry was building in your chest. The marina was not empty by any means, and any looking person could easily tell this was not normal.

“Coppers!” The call from Cleo had you all looking toward the deck where a group of police officers were making their way toward your group.

“Shit,” John B cursed, leaving you and Sarah to start the engine again as the remainder of your friends came scrambling to jump back on the smaller pontoon.

You looked over your shoulder to see a small crowd growing, the familiar face of Kiara’s dad appearing amongst them. “Kie, it’s your dad.”

The girl followed where you were pointing, catching her dad’s eyes and cursing. “Shit, he’s gonna kill me.”

“John B, go!” JJ called back as he finished disconnecting from the yacht.

Your brother’s hands were moving frantically before Cleo shoved him away, not taking long before the boat shifted beneath you all. “I got it, hold on to something!”

Pope was pushing you down again to get as low as possible as JJ scrambled around the deck before ripping something out of the compartment.

“What are you doing, what is that?” Kiara asked as JJ pulled out a red container, apparently knowing whatever the hell it was better than you did.

“JJ!” You yelled when the gun-like object appeared in his hand and he leaned over the side to aim in the air. “Stop!”

The popping noise made you jump, but instead of a bullet, a red flare went flying in the air. Concerned gasps followed the defensive measure before another loud bang went off and everyone around you yelped.

You risked the chance to look up and caught sight of Kiara’s dad standing near one of the cops, apparently having knocked him off stance and causing his bullet to miss. You glanced over at Kie, who was clearly in shock and caught off guard by her dad’s actions.

“What the fu-”

“Are you insane?” Your question was full of so much anger that it almost made JJ flinch. You were pissed, and rightfully so. “What the hell was that?”

“I panicked!”

“Shit, we’re leaking.”

Sarah sat up from her spot on the floor at Pope’s comment. “What?”

John B moved quickly, his glare directed at your fiancé as he went to the back of the boat. “They shot the boat.”

You groaned, head falling into your hands in defeat. Not only did you fail on finding a boat for Morocco, but now your only form of transportation was on its way to sinking. You moved out of the way, practically falling into the spot next to Sarah and Kie as the boys scrambled to find a patch or something to slow the leak.

Cleo continued to steer away from the chaos behind you guys. “Look, we’ve gotta beach her, this thing is sinking.”

As she headed for the nearest land set, thankfully a bit away from the marina and further into creek, you stared at JJ like he’d lost his mind. Panic or not, shooting anything near an armed cop was never a good idea and you couldn’t believe you had to be the one to explain that to him after his 20 years of life. You knew he was scared and he was just trying to help, but that managed to royally fuck you all over even worse than before.

“Cops will be here any minute. We’ve gotta fix this thing fast,” John B said as Cleo steadied the boat to drift into the sandbank.

Cleo just laughed as everyone started climbing out. “She’s done. She’s not coming back.” She pointed toward the severely deflated side of the boat (which… why would cops want a boat that could deflate in the first place?) to emphasize her words.

“How are we gonna get out of here now?” Pope retaliated. You guys were sitting ducks if you stayed here, especially since it was obvious you couldn’t go far with the damaged boat.

JJ was picking at the sand, slamming his fist into the gritty surface with annoyance at himself more than anything. The space between you spoke for itself. When survival mode kicked in for him, it was hard to think about anything else. You were frustrated over his actions and needed the space before you cut into him harsher than you intended to.

“Hey!” Shoupe clearly caught up to you faster than you anticipated as he pulled up on his own boat.

“And there’s Shoupe,” John B sighed and sat down in the sand next to Sarah with a huff. You shook your head. There really was no way out of this now, especially when you had nothing surrounding you but water.

“You guys finally did it, beached yourselves. And JJ, you’ve done a great job racking up some charges. And guess what? I’ve got a warrant this time.”

The boy in question got up from the sand, full defense mode engaged as he created more distance from Shoupe. “I didn’t-”

“You’ve dug this hole about as deep as it can get,” Shoupe continued, “So put down the shovels, and come with me.” He looked pointedly at JJ and motioned to his boat in the water.

“He’s wanted for murder, Shoupe,” You argued calmly. “He didn’t murder anyone.”

Shoupe sighed, “Look, I got a good idea of what he did and didn’t do, okay? I can’t pin you for most of the downtown damage, but I can for the realtor office and I have a warrant for this, okay? We just gotta let the courts sort it out.”

You scoffed loudly, “Yeah, like the courts figured out the zoning in a fair manner. Or how about John B going for the death penalty, OR better yet, how about Rafe Cameron not catching any assault charges? Let the courts figure it out, yeah right.”

“Y’all come with me, now, or-”

“Hey!”

You closed your eyes as Rafe’s voice interrupted Shoupe, his figure appearing from the marsh behind the officer as he approached the group. John B and Pope were in front of you in seconds, Sarah pulling herself from the sand to join your side and grab your hand tightly.

“What the hell?” Shoupe was asking the question on everyone’s mind as Rafe continued getting closer.

“Listen, I’m just here to save everyone’s asses, okay?” The eldest Cameron announced before looking to the sheriff. “Shoupe, I gotta talk to you. You’re missing a part of this picture.”

Shoupe apparently felt threatened and unholstered his weapon to point it at Rafe. “Hey. Hey, stay back! Stay back!”

Rafe froze instantly and took a few steps back, his hands in the air. “Jesus Christ! What are you gonna do, shoot me? Huh? You’re looking for Chandler Groff, yeah?”

Shoupe hesitated, his stance dropping slightly. “Maybe.”

“Groff was scamming with Hollis this entire time, alright? If you ask me, it was probably Groff that killed her, not…him.” He tossed his hand dismissively in JJ’s direction, who didn’t hesitate to flip him off in response. When Shoupe didn’t really say anything, Rafe looked at him expectantly. “Did you already think that? Yeah, Groff probably killed Genrette too. And that body…the body in the dunes? You got that on Groff?”

You glanced at Sarah, confused as to why her brother of all people was trying to point fingers away from your group for once.

“Listen, you can bring these lowlifes in for some vandalism, disturbing the peace bullshit, or you can get the big fish. These guys know where Groff is.”

To your shock, Shoupe turned to face you all with a look of suspicion. “Yeah? Where is he?”

“Out of your jurisdiction, Shoupe,” John B explained. “Way out.”

“Try out the country.”

“We were on our way to get him, and then you showed up,” John B continued.

Shoupe motioned toward the deflated police raft and nearly laughed. “In that?”

“No. That.” Rafe shook his head and decided this was his question to answer as he pointed to a large fishing boat anchored in the deeper waters. “They know where he is, and I can get them there, alright? But they can’t do shit if they’re all locked up.”

“And just let ‘em go? No, thanks,” Shoupe retaliated and directed his next words to JJ, “I’ll tell you what, here’s what we’re gonna do. You come with me, tell us where Groff is, and I guarantee it, we’ll go easy on you. Hell, your charges may disappear. Quid pro quo, you ever heard of that?”

John B laughed and crossed his arms over his chest. “Oh, we’ve seen plenty of it.”

Your hope was slowly disappearing and part of you wondered if JJ took off running fast enough, if he would lose them altogether.

“Think about it. Hollis, dead. Genrette, dead. Downtown’s trashed. You’re on the chopping block, okay? I hear what people are saying about you. You’re gonna lose your job. It’s game over, man.” You couldn’t tell if Rafe’s tactic was helping or hurting the cause, but you weren’t even gonna try to stop him. “Unless, you bring the killer to justice all by your lonesome. So, what’s it gonna be? I mean, some bullshit charges on these low-rent Pogues who didn’t do shit-”

“Man, he really has to get every dig in, huh?” You whispered to Sarah causing her to giggle and hide her smile behind her hand.

“-Or you solve the crime of the century. And you save your job.”

Shoupe shook his head. “You know, you sound a lot like your old man. And that’s not a compliment. Now I’m getting cornered by another freakin’ Cameron here?”

“Oh?” Rafe looked offended for a split second before he wiped the expression from his face. “Okay then, added bonus. When we get back, and you got Groff locked up, I’ll tell you what happened last summer on the runway. When you found me out there on the tarmac? The real deal, right? I know you wanna know.”

Your heart skipped as you recalled the moment like it was yesterday. The incoming storm, Kie and JJ not answering, you arguing with John B. Rafe and Ward showing up. The beginning of a shit show.

“You wanna know what I want to know?” Shoupe repeated, “I wanna know about another little runway incident from a while back. How ‘bout that?”

Caught in a corner, Rafe licked his lips in understanding at what Shoupe was pushing at. “Look, all I’m saying is that all of this would look really good for an elected official in the hot seat. You know? Get it all wrapped up in one package.”

Shoupe seemed to really be contemplating the idea and apparently, John B felt like he could push the sheriff over the edge. “How ‘bout this,” Your brother walked closer to the two. “We find Groff, call you. He’s all yours.”

Shoupe shook his head and tossed his hands in the air, frustration winning over. “I eat shit either way. All right. Yeah, you’re welcome. Go on, before the cavalry gets here. Get out of here.”

The sound of incoming sirens rang in your ears and it suddenly became very clear that you were going to have to get on a boat, an enclosed space, with Rafe Cameron… for who knows how long. Great! Awesome! It’s the best day ever!

You wanted to throw up.

It seemed you weren’t the only one thinking about it as Pope fell back into step with you, Sarah taking the opportunity to catch up with John B while Kie kept an eye on JJ. Cleo caught up on your other side to loop her arm with yours and you were sandwiched between the couple as you guys started following Rafe.

“You okay with all of this?” Pope asked quietly, his gaze switching from Rafe to you.

You shrugged. “I don’t…not really, but there’s not much of a choice, you know? It’s our only option of getting JJ off this island and I can’t be the reason that doesn’t happen.”

He hesitated in his reply. Part of him knew you were right, this was a rare opportunity and if you didn’t take it, the other option was much worse. But at the same time, he hated the idea of you feeling so uncomfortable and unsafe for the time it would take for the trip. It wasn’t fair.

“He comes near you, I cut his throat,” Cleo spoke like she wasn’t threatening someone’s life, and it almost made you laugh as you turned to her with an appreciative smile. “I’m serious, girly. One wrong look and he loses at least a toe.”

Rafe had taken over steering the fishing boat which kept him occupied and away from you, thankfully. Calling this a vacation was so far from the truth, and as you all drifted past Poguelandia 2.0, you wanted to burst into tears. You were so homesick for a feeling that you rarely got anymore, but eighteen months of it had been so good.

Your back was against the dirty wall of the upper deck of the boat, knees to your chest as your friends conversed around you. There was nothing more you wanted than to go back to the night of JJ’s proposal before Groff showed up, and to just start over. Everyone was so happy and excited, life felt normal for you guys, and then it all went to shit.

“So what, we’re just going to Africa now? Quick little weekend trip?”

“What about Rafe?” Pope ignored Kie’s rhetorical question. “We know what he did to the cross, and now we want to go after the crown with him? That makes zero sense.”

“Sarah, you’re his family. How do we deal with Rafe?”

The blonde girl shook her head and shrugged. “I really have no idea. I don’t know.”

John B sighed, “Alright, well, it seems like we’re stuck on this boat with him, so we gotta talk to him. And actually, I have a lot to say so-” He got to his feet and brushed his hands on his pants, puffing his chest out all macho-like.

“You know, John B, I think I do too.” JJ was standing up next, his stance matching your brother’s and you rolled your eyes.

“Stop.” You rubbed your hands over your face as the command made them freeze in their steps. “Sit the fuck down. This is really dramatic and unnecessary.”

“Unnecessary?” JJ repeated the word like it was an insult. “Babe, I know you didn’t forget what he put you through and-”

You were on your feet instantly and closing the gap, your chest nearly pressing against his. “Of fucking course I didn’t forget it, JJ! I see it in my nightmares. It’s burned into my head no matter what I do. So no, I didn’t forget any of it.”

Forcing yourself to take a deep breath and calm down, you took a step back from him so you could look at John B too. “I know you both could say, and do, a lot to him right now. But it will not help us get to Morocco or keep the peace and I do not want anyone going overboard off this boat like last time, do you hear me?” You looked pointedly at JJ, not wanting any repetition of him getting knocked the fuck out and falling off the boat like he did before Poguelandia.

“She’s got a point,” Cleo added, watching the two boys sternly. “Don’t cause a scene, rude boy.”

“Fine,” JJ exhaled. He was doing his best to keep his emotions at bay, but you were still frustrated with him, and now you were tense as fuck with Rafe so close, not that he blamed you. He didn’t want to push his luck, but he needed to talk to you soon. “So who’s going in?”

Your friends were still looking at you the way they looked to John B when they needed a plan. And even though it made bile burn in your throat, you had your answer.

“I’ll talk to him.”

Turning on your heels, you walked away from their quick protests like you couldn’t hear a word and forced the thoughts out of your head. Giving your best poker face, you stepped into the helm where Rafe was hovering over the wheel.

“Rafe.” Your voice was clipped as you grabbed his attention and he turned, shocked that you were even speaking. “Just here to talk.”

He looked back at the water ahead, biting down on his lip. He didn’t want to admit that you made him nervous and defensive, but his shitty ego was kicking into gear as a protective measure. “Alright, let’s talk.”

You moved around to his other side and crossed your arms. Out of the corner of your eye, you could see the Pogues poking their heads in the door to keep an eye on you.

“Before you start yapping-” He reached down to shift the hem of his shirt to reveal a gun tucked in the waistband of his shorts. “See this? It’s-”

“I don’t give a fuck,” You interrupted and he nearly flinched at the hatred in your voice. “You’ve done worse. Drop the ego. Just you and me.”

“Just you and me?” Rafe rolled his eyes and let his shirt fall back into place, trying not to let you see his shaky hands. “We just gonna act like your friends aren’t right behind me?”

You nodded, keeping your expression blank and tucking your lips. “Yeah, in fact, we are. Look-”

He laughed loudly, and you almost faltered but caught yourself. “I just saved your asses and there’s not even a thank you? No good deed goes unpunished. It’ll be just like Barbados, right, sweetheart?”

You let out a breath. You refused to back down, knowing this was just his defense mechanism kicking in. “Fuck you, Rafe. If I remember correctly, we made it out of there together. Did you forget about the months I was locked in your house and you spilled all your deep dark secrets after you drugged the shit out of me? Let’s not act all high and mighty now.”

The boundaries had been pushed and the trigger in Rafe snapped. He took a step toward you and before you even had a chance to blink, JJ was in his way.

The Cameron boy laughed at the reaction but continued to look at you over JJ’s shoulder. “Look, I don’t want any part of your little fairy tale treasure hunt bullshit. I’m just looking for Groff. I get you to North Africa, you get me to Groff? Deal?”

“Hey, Rafe? Watch your mouth when you talk to her next time.”

JJ’s fist connected with Rafe’s head and the older boy collapsed to the ground. You gasped, your jaw dropping in shock. What. The. Fuck.

“I had him!” You yelled in frustration. You looked at the girls with wide eyes and all three of them had no answers to give you. Not that you didn’t love JJ’s protective nature when it came to you, but all attempts at keeping peace just went out with Rafe’s consciousness.

“Jesus, JJ!” John B scolded as they all crowded into the small area. The blond boy wasn’t listening, however, and shook his hand out with a cheer. “What the hell are you doing?”

“I mean, honestly, if he didn’t do it, I was going to.”

The group fell into the normal sense of calm for the most part after Pope and Cleo tied Rafe up in the cleaning closet, a cohesive agreement that nobody really trusted him.

You were trying your best not to shut down - overstimulated and nearly spiraling from the shitshow of a day you’ve had, not to mention you still weren’t really talking to JJ. He had always been this way when he was scared, the survival instinct outweighing his more responsible thoughts. You were just pissed he shot first and didn’t ask questions, even when a bullet came flying back as a response. There really was no anger between the two of you, but you were easily frustrated and getting grumpier by the minute.

Hence the reason you sent John B out there to talk to him so you could lounge with Sarah instead. She accepted you with open arms, letting you crawl into the small bed next to her so you two could snuggle under the blankets for warmth.

“You okay?” She asked quietly once you’d settled next to her.

You pursed your lips and blinked. “I um… it’s weird, knowing Rafe’s right here. And I’m still upset with JJ. But it’s fine. Are you?”

Sarah watched you curiously, always amazed by the way you compartmentalized everything (even if you didn’t think so). She admired you for continuing to take the step every day, even when you didn’t want to force a fake smile.

“I’m okay,” She answered honestly. “I don’t like being out here, and I don’t like that Rafe is here and we aren’t home. But I’m okay.”

You nodded understandingly, your gaze dropping to the ring you’d been twisting around your finger out of nerves. A new growing habit that made you feel bittersweet. In moments like these, there was nothing you craved more than JJ’s presence. But like you’d said before, you were learning to separate your feelings and comprehension from relying on him. That didn’t mean it wasn’t hard as fuck to not run to him when you were feeling down.

Meanwhile, John B was approaching JJ on the main fishing deck, the blonde pacing as he whispered to himself.

“Dude, what’s your deal?” John B came off a little harsher than he intended, but once he saw the slight look of pain on Sarah’s face after JJ’s punch, he wasn’t sure what to do. Sure, Rafe was Sarah’s brother, one of the only family members left that she had some form of contact with. On the other hand, this was the same person who broke you down to your core and left you as a scrap of the person you used to be.

So, yeah. John B was confused.

“I don’t know,” JJ groaned and pulled at his tousled hair. He really needed to talk to you. Guilt was gnawing at him for putting you in danger, for being the reason you were pushed into coming on this boat, for making things worse than they already were. “I’m losing my fucking mind, JB, like he’s here and-”

“Listen to me.” John B grabbed his best friend’s shoulders, effectively ceasing the pacing and getting JJ to focus on him alone. When the blond boy met his eyes, the Routledge boy sighed, “Dude, I get it, yeah? I’m terrified too and I’m really sorry. About your-your dad, this whole thing with Hollis, and Poguelandia. I’m really sorry, but we need you right now, J. I really need you to get your shit together. If not for me or yourself, for her. Okay?”

JJ nearly gulped but nodded. He’d come to know that there were two things in this world John B didn’t play about: you and Sarah. And honestly, JJ didn’t fuck around on that idea either, considering you were his entire world and Sarah was the sister he never had. So if John B of all people was telling him to get his shit together, he needed to get it together. “She’s so mad at me, dude. And I just- shit.”

“If anyone knows how to fix this shit, it’s gonna be you,” The older boy reassured when JJ started to ramble. As much as John B wished he could fix everything for his friends, it wasn’t possible, but he also knew if there was anything JJ could do, it was make you happy.

John B pulled JJ into a hug, the two boys holding each other tightly. Unspoken words said everything and they both realized the lives they’d come to know with you and Sarah were at risk with each passing moment. Now, they had to protect it with everything they had.

You woke up sometime after to find Sarah missing from next to you and the smell of food filling the air. JJ had replaced your best friend’s spot, soft snores leaving his mouth as he slept soundly. A small smile formed on your lips as you traced his jawline gently, soaking in how peaceful he looked.

There was a reason you didn’t want to chat with him earlier and it simply boiled down to your emotions being at an all time high. Conversations when both of you were grumpy and peak frustrated were not helpful in any way, and when you almost laid into him earlier, you knew to take a step back.

“Mm hi,” JJ hummed, his eyes still closed as you continued to move your fingers across his skin slowly.

“Hi,” You returned the greeting with a small laugh and nearly gasped when the boat took a dip you weren’t prepared for. JJ’s eyes opened at the movement, blinking slowly as he shifted to face you. His arm fell across your hip, fingertips digging into your back soothingly in the spot that had always seemed to bother you ever since Pope crashed the Carreras’ truck.

“I’m sorry about earlier,” You apologized, letting your hand drop beneath you. “And now that I’m thinking about it, I really hope these are clean sheets.”

JJ laughed and shifted forward to kiss you, relishing in the way you sighed contently and chased for more. He wasn’t one to deny you, ever. You could scream at him for two hours and ask for a smoothie and he’d run across Kildare to get your favorite one without question.

“Don’t need to apologize to me. I’m sorry for acting out. Shouldn’t have put you in that position ever,” He spoke in between kisses as his fingers slipped under your shirt to dance across your skin.

“S’okay.”

He tugged you even closer so you could tuck your head under his chin, burying your nose against his collarbone. It was no secret you guys were on borrowed time with Morocco nearing. You could only sit in a comfortable silence, soaking up the time with each other before you were going to be on the run again.

“Promise me you won’t do anything stupid when we get here?” You asked quietly, pressing a soft kiss to his throat. “Can’t lose you, J. Not now and not ever.”

“Promise. As long as it doesn’t involve you,” He quickly added, making you roll your eyes and flick his forehead lovingly. “Ow, babe!”

“Wuss,” You mumbled, wiggling your leg between his so you were fully pressed against him. JJ was always so warm.

And then the room went dark.

“What the fuck?” JJ asked quietly, his heart starting to race. He was no genius, but losing electricity on a boat was clearly not a good thing.

The two of you shifted apart slightly and you sat up, only the one dim emergency light providing any source of sight for you. You could hear shit clattering around in the other rooms and could barely make out Pope’s voice if you listened closely.

“J-” Your concerns were interrupted as the blond boy went tumbling from the bed from a particularly sharp drop and you nearly laughed at the sight. “What the fuck is going on!”

JJ groaned from the fall, attempting to gain some footing as he stood up, holding on to his surroundings for help. “We gotta move, come on.”

You took his outstretched hand and followed him out of the cabin area as carefully as possible. Whatever was rocking the boat was massive and you could only hope John B knew what the fuck he was doing.

“Shit!” You cursed as you lost your footing and tumbled into JJ’s back, both of you sliding across the floor chaotically. “Sorry!”

JJ pinned himself against the hallway walls, tucking you into his side as he continued to move strategically. “I need to go check on John B!” He called over the alarm that was now blaring throughout the boat.

Pushing forward, JJ opened the door that lead to the kitchen area where you found Cleo and Pope hunkered down, both soaked with water and looking quite spent compared to normal.

“You guys okay?” You asked to which Cleo nodded.

“Sarah went looking for John B!” Pope explained, worry evident in his voice as he looked to the direction the girl disappeared to.

“I got her!” JJ shouted back before turning to you. “Stay here, okay? I’ll be right back.”

You stared at him like he was crazy (he was, duh) and watched as he started walking toward the exit to the main deck. “JJ, fucking stop!”

Your pleas were left ignored as the blond opened the door to the onslaught of waves, wind, and storm raging outside. Cursing to yourself, you tried to follow as best as you could with your feet slipping across the water.

Pope was shouting your name, the sound lost in the wind that was suddenly rushing in your ears. A large swell took over the side and washed you into the rail with it, your body tumbling into the metal ungracefully.

You groaned and tried to get your vision to focus despite the rain attacking you. “JJ!”

“Sarah!”

John B’s voice was clear over the chaos around you and it was then that you caught sight of the blurb of white amongst the metal deck. Suddenly, it felt like you couldn’t breathe as you watched a rush of water takeover the boat completely, slamming you against the floor again.

A scream echoed in your ears before you registered JJ’s voice following it. Pushing yourself to your feet, you tried to cling to the metal railings to get closer to Sarah. The water rushed past you, various supplies and debris flowing with it until it caught on your best friend’s form and swept her out into the open water.

“Sarah!” You screamed, all conscious safety precautions flying out the window as you rushed forward only to be stopped by a pair of arms around your waist. “Get off of me!”

“Stop!” JJ shouted at you, shoving you back harsher than he intended and you tripped, your back colliding with the wall as you fell. Using the momentum, JJ flung forward to cross the deck and grab the life preserver, throwing it with more precision than you knew he had to Sarah as she fought the waves.

There was zero hesitation in his actions as he jumped in after the orange ring, disappearing into the dark waves.

“JJ, no!” Your scream burned your throat as you lost sight of him and Sarah both, their forms blending in with the harsh waters surrounding you. John B was suddenly tumbling into you, anchoring you back to the floor when you tried to crawl out of his grip. You shoved against his hands, your actions frantic and rough. “John B, let me go.”

“Stop, stop!” He yelled, his hold even tighter just as you slipped through and he screamed your name.

Rafe, hearing the shouting and having been freed by Kiara, slammed the cabin door open to call after his sister before he caught sight of you trying to get to your feet on the slippery surface. Despite the annoyance and frustration he held toward your group right now, he knew staying out here was risky and he needed to get the two of you inside.

The second he realized you were ready to take off, Rafe was moving to catch you around the waist and tug you back, the two of you hitting the ground as a wave drowned you in water.

Rafe’s movement caught John B’s attention. He had continued to stare at the open water with the sinking realization that both of you just watched the loves of your lives disappear into stormy waters with slim chances of survival. Your older brother was numb, the world around him quiet as he looked up to see the Cameron boy. There was no smart answer to the next steps, but John B was certain that he couldn’t risk losing you too.

Against his better judgement, John B pushed onto his knees and looped his arms around you to haul you off the floor and over to Rafe who was quick to take his own protective hold on you. The two boys moved as quickly as possible back inside despite the waves crashing relentlessly around them.

The second Rafe set you down on the bench seat, you screamed and shoved his chest as hard as possible, finding satisfaction in the way he hit the cabinets against the wall. You stood up quickly, vision blurring from the movement as you approached him. Your balance was suddenly steady as fuck, the adrenaline rushing its course and keeping you on your feet.

“Don’t ever touch me again!” Your glare was sharp as knives before you turned your focus to the boy you’d called your brother. “What is wrong with you!”

“Me?” John B’s voice cracked as he brushed wet hair from his face, chest still heaving in shock. “You were going to kill yourself!”

“Would it matter?” You shouted back, arm pointing behind him where the raging waters continued through the windows. “They’re gone, John B! And we just watched them fall without doing a fucking thing!”

John B flinched at your words, his expression devastating as he took in what you’d said. He promised to keep Sarah safe, and he just stood there as she was washed out to sea. He’d live with that guilt for the rest of his life.

You shook your head, your whole body shaking from being in fight mode. “I don’t want to live in a world that he’s not in. I shouldn’t have to.”

“Look, maybe they’ll be able to wait it out and swim to shore when they have a chance, okay?” Kie offered as she placed a hand on your shoulder in attempt to diffuse the situation.

You glared at her, blinded by your sadness and anger that you couldn’t even see she had a point. John B and Sarah had survived rocky waters once before Nassau. It could be done again. You shook her hand off and bit back a sob, feeling completely defeated in every way possible.

The ship rocked again and you nearly tumbled to the floor but kept it together. In a room full of people, you felt so alone. You’d just watched the one person who understood you, who had taken you with all your scars and broken pieces and swore to help you put it all back together, disappear in front of your eyes. And you didn’t do a thing to help him.

And Sarah, your best friend and confidant, the one you turned to when you needed a break and a reminder of how good life could be… lost to the waters that almost took her from you once before.

You were so, so tired of always losing.

The ship continued to rock for hours. With no power and no way to steer, there was nothing left to do besides ride out the waves and hope you hit shore somewhat close to Morocco.

Pope was eventually able to get you to calm down enough that you agreed to go back to the sleeping quarters to talk to him, Cleo following along to offer her support as much as she could. That left an unusual three, Rafe, Kie, and John B, to fill the obvious void left in the room.

Minutes faded to hours and all you could do was stare numbly at the worn walls of the boat. You wished you could disappear into the sheets beneath you and never come back.

Pope tried Kiara’s tactic of reminding you it was possible for them to keep their heads above water, but you knew better. JJ still had a massive wound on his side and had been left in the open calm water for hours the other day, which left him exhausted as it was. Sarah was pregnant, and even though she hadn’t seen a doctor yet to confirm, using energy to swim was draining, let alone doing it for hours in rough waves.

You didn’t move even when John B came into the room later, his eyes red and glossed over with tears. There was nothing to say, but he was mourning as much as you were and sitting in a room with Rafe Cameron wasn’t helping him in the slightest.

Sitting with your back against the wall, you stared unmoving at the bed across from you, swaying along with the boat’s movement. Nausea swirled in your stomach and if you didn’t focus enough, your dinner would end up all over the bed. You could barely breathe as it was, anxiety attack still fighting its way through even after you’d sobbed in Cleo’s arms for what felt like forever.

John B hauled himself up to sit next to you, wincing at the pull on sore spots from falling when the windshield of the helm busted on him earlier. He wasn’t quite sure how to approach this conversation, but he couldn’t let this burn a bridge between the two of you, not now.

Apparently, you were done fighting because your head dropped to rest on his shoulder and your knees pulled up to your chest as a shaky breath left your frame. John B accepted the win, moving to settle his arm across your shoulders so you could curl into his side more.

You sniffled, tears falling slowly as you sank into your brother’s embrace. Your mind was reeling and John B was a pillar of home for you to ground yourself with.

So the two of you stayed there, crying in each other’s hold as the boat continued to rock amongst the storm of your lives. There wasn’t a need to talk, the silence saying enough on its own. If worse came to worst, the two of you would only have each other to lean on through the nightmare your lives were slowly becoming.

It wasn’t until Pope came to collect you, finding the two of you half asleep while sitting and explained that you’d been beached, the awkward angle of the boat confirming his words. John B stayed close as you all grabbed what was left of your belongings and jumped into the chilly waters below.

The sunset was taunting as you swam through the water toward the sandy area ahead. The once dark and stormy clouds were bright with color, a stark contrast to how angry they had been only a short time ago.

Cleo was on her feet after finding shallow water before she was reaching down to help you stand. You shuffled through the water awkwardly, your backpack heavy against you before you hit the dune and let out a heavy sigh. Your friends scattered around you, Rafe included, as you all tried to catch your breath and bearings.

John B squeezed your shoulder lightly, mumbling that he was going to check the area for anything that would lead to Sarah and JJ. You nodded absentmindedly before shrugging off your backpack.

Pope eventually settled on the idea of getting a campsite up and moving to help keep you all warm for the night. You followed his directions quietly, piling up the burnable items you could locate before piecing them together.

You froze as you pulled JJ’s lighter from the waterproof backpack. The P4L he’d carved in with a knife traced under your fingers like it had for years, your chest tightening at the sight of it. Biting your lip, you handed it over to Pope before you had time to linger on it.

The metal felt so familiar and fragile in his hand that Pope nearly broke down at the sight of it. He was trying really hard to keep it together, knowing you were all looking to him for some sort of guidance in some way. Reality was, one of his best friends potentially drowned in the ocean, and he wasn’t sure he could handle going through that while also searching for a treasure that was supposed to save them in the first place.

Flames came to life shortly after, the warmth spreading around you as the five of you huddled closely. John B rejoined you shortly after, a piece of your heart breaking when he explained that he didn’t find anything at all.

“Maybe they just washed up further down the beach,” Cleo suggested as she dug her knife into the sand, flicking the handle as she did. “We just gotta keep looking. Check in the mornin’.”

As much as you wanted to disagree, Cleo had a mind to her that was usually correct. You really had no other choice than to bundle together and try to sleep through the night. Tomorrow would be a new day and hopefully you’d start it off much better than this one.

You stared at the sky as the stars sparkled back, mockingly. And then the night went on.

True to her word, Cleo was up and moving the next morning. After recruiting Kiara and Pope to help her catch some fish using a net she brought from the boat, you had a hodgepodge of items for breakfast.

Kiara nudged your foot when you didn’t grab anything for yourself, and she split her banana in half to hand it to you. You glanced at her, tempted to shake your head and continue without an appetite, but when she gave you a look, you admitted defeat and took the fruit from her hand.

The only grace you were really given was that Rafe was keeping his space from all of you, claiming a patch of sand away from the group to himself. You didn’t want to act like you were all buddy buddy since he saved you from jumping overboard, but at least he didn’t throw you there himself.

“Hey.” Said boy’s voice carried your way and you looked up to see him on his feet, hands shielding his eyes from the sun as he looked at something. John B was standing too, looking in the same direction, and your heart jumped in your chest before you got up to take a glance.

Slowly moving on one of the patches of sand surrounded by water were two figures that almost looked like ants. You could barely make anything else out since it was so far. You glanced at John B to find him already staring back.

“Let’s go,” You offered, reaching a hand out toward him. He took it with a nod of confirmation, carefully guiding you down the steep slope of sand. Your bare feet slid every now and then with the shifting terrain before the two of you were on solid ground again. You could only walk for so long before your anxiety got the best of you and you were running, hand separating from John B just so he could keep pace next to you.

Coming to the top of a dune, the second you caught sight of a white dress that looked like it’d been through hell, you were sprinting with a cry, leaving John B in the dust. Your brother took off shortly after, figuring your actions weren’t uncalled for.

Blinking through tears, JJ was already there to catch you, just like he always was. You slammed into him full force, a sob escaping your mouth as you held him like your life depended on it. His hand grabbed the back of your head, the other looping around your waist to hold you up against him as the two of you sobbed in relief.

“I gotcha, baby.”

You cried at the sound of his voice, squeezing him tighter. Fingers tangling in his hair, your knees nearly gave out when he set you down before wrapping you into another hug, holding you close to his chest.

“I’m okay, I’m okay,” He promised, his own hands shaking as he took in your presence. “Shit, I-”

You cut him off with a heavy kiss, tears slipping down your cheeks as you finally looked into his eyes. Your favorite color looked back at you and you swore it was the most beautiful thing you’d seen in your life.

JJ kissed you again, arms tight around your waist as he pulled you up to your tiptoes and you giggled. “I love you.”

“I love you, holy shit,” He breathed out when you separated before kissing your forehead. “Sorry, I know I scared you and I promised I wouldn’t-”

“I don’t care,” You interrupted softly, your thumb brushing his cheekbone as you took in the sight of him, alive and breathing in front of you. “You came back, that’s what matters.”

JJ nearly cried and kissed you again, practically stealing the last bit of air from your lungs. “Where you go, I go, baby. Always.”

The two of you stood there a moment longer, holding each other like the world would break apart if you let go. You were sick to your stomach with relief and your heart was practically in your throat, but you were both here and JJ was alive, and that’s all that mattered.

“Sarah?” You gasped the girl’s name, your mind so occupied with JJ’s return that you’d missed her and you shifted in search of her.

“She’s okay,” JJ reassured, his hand rubbing across your lower back in comfort. You turned to see the blonde girl running toward you with open arms and you didn’t hesitate to meet her halfway, the two of you crying in relief as you rocked back and forth.

“Holy shit, hi,” She laughed through her tears, squeezing you tightly.

You held her face carefully, eyes searching for any sign of discomfort as your own laugh slipped through. “Are you okay?”

She nodded, the back of her hand brushing tears off her cheeks. “You’ve got one hell of a swimmer for a fiancé, saved my ass.”

You laughed again, your hands falling to her shoulder as you glanced back to see John B and JJ hugging each other tightly. You turned back to Sarah with a smile. “Thank fuck you’re back, I cannot handle my brother on my own.”

She pulled you in for another hug, the two of you squeezing each other tightly before you felt two sets of arms join you as the boys wiggled their way in.

“Hey, let me in here.”

“Just gonna squeeze right in.”

The four of you burst into laughter, smiles all around as you and Sarah held your boys close and thanked the stars for shining even through the dark of the night.

a/n: guys wtf!!!!!!! ahhhhhhh!!!!!!!!!!

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highinfideltys · 2 months ago

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☁️ 𐙚 .･🐚 ୨୧ ₊˚🐇

cleo anderson

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starfilmz · 18 days ago

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one more famous!rafe cameron x childhood friend!reader who isn’t a celebrity before i go to sleep :) 01 02 03

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st4rgiirll · 16 days ago

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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.

#obx imagine #obx fic #jj maybank x reader #jj maybank x routledge!reader #john b x sister!reader #pogues x reader #jj maybank fanfiction #jj maybank fluff #jj maybank #kiara carrera #pope heyward #cleo anderson #sarah cameron #john b routledge

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princesspogue · 2 months ago

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⋆ social media au ⋆ obx ⋆

Part 1

pov: rafe cameron being in love with you, much to your best friend sarah’s dismay

pairing: rafe cameron x y/n

face claim: zahara davis

yourusername

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yourusername life is better at the beach

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kiaracarrera agreed!

rafecameron 😍😍😍😍 first slide Liked by yourusername

sarahcameron go away @/rafecameron

sarahcameron beautiful

yourusername

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yourusername pretty sunsets and pretty friends :)

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popeheyward ❤️

rafecameron you’re prettier

cleoanderson what did me & pope ever do to you rude boy? @/rafecameron

sarahcameron why are you always here @/rafecameron

yourusername

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yourusername chronicles of a professional 3rd wheel

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cleoanderson send me the picture of me and pope pls 🙏🏼😍

kiaracarrera don’t make me feel bad 😭

johnbroutledge best 3rd wheel ever

rafecameron i have a way to stop this from happening again… Liked by yourusername

sarahcameron @/rafecameron not on my watch

yourusername

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yourusername passenger princess

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rafecameron 👸

kiaracarrera i can hear sarah screaming from here

sarahcameron definitely too pretty of a passenger for the ugly driver!

cleoanderson 😍

#rafe obx #obx #outer banks #rafe cameron #sarah cameron #jj maybank #cleo anderson #pope heyward #kiara carrera #rafe x reader #social media au #john b routledge #obx cast

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blondieeu · 2 months ago

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self righteous. rafe c.

rafe, who’s got an idea when he catches kelce's pretty little pouge sister sneaking back into the house in the middle of the night after a halloween party.

he sits with his arms crossed, leaning against your marble island counter as he waits for you to finish struggling through the window. the kitchen being only lit by the stove light made his figure seem a little more intimidating.

when you think the coast is clear and dust the spider webs off your tight, skimpy shirt, you start into the kitchen and are met with one of the biggest shit eating smirks you think you’ve ever seen.

“so, where’d you end up runnin’ off too?”

your heart drops into your chest as you look back at your elder brothers best friend, as well as your friend groups worst nightmare. dressed up in a plain white t-shirt, and some plaid pajama pants. why the hell was he up this late anyway?— and who was he to ask you that question!?

“or—who’d you end up runnin’ off with? oh no, let me guess, the good for fucking nothing pouges.”

rafe, was only supposed to be staying over your house for the weekend. he and your brother, just crashing here for the night since their car broke down on the way to somewhere else, that’s all! so why is he all up in ur grill?

“don’t be an asshole rafe”

"oh well I don't know," he started off, condescendingly "pretty sure your little friends acted like assholes to me when they sunk my boat." he leaned his head down like he was about to take a peak under it. "wonder what your brother would do if he knew you were back with them"

with a sigh you furrowed your eyebrows to give him the best puppy dog face you’ve ever put on for absolutely anybody. he still stood there though, uncrossing his arms and even going to make a movement to tell you to come a little closer—you oblige him.

he put his hand on his trap and rolled his neck around. rafe already looked like he was about to start spouting some bullshit, like he always does. at around this time he also started to really look at what you were wearing too, you were dressed up like a damn hoochie.

“please please rafe, be cool? just this once” you pleaded with him trying to think of any way he could just not be an asshole and be cool for once. the male chuckled and put his hands on the counter, he’s so antsy, why?

"alright-i'll make you a deal, alright?" rafe wiped his nose with his thumb and crossed his well built arms once again. he paced around the kitchen like he was trying to hype himself up to ask the question. "I won't say anything if you let me fuck you."

you laughed nervously, looking around for a couple of seconds with a awkward smile on your face before coming to terms with the fact that he's being serious. you could almost feel your heart dropped as you looked for any playfulness in his face.

“are you fucking serious?! no??-what the fuck”

"hey-hey I should be sayin' that, alright?" rafes brows pushed down as he angrily pushed his finger into his chest. "you're the one out fuckin' around at night, not me ok?! and don't act like you don't like me, I read it in sarah's diary."

you watched as rafe tried to come up with some insane explanation for why he's in the right, as per usual. "are you forreal?" he shrugged. "gonna do this or not?" you quietly weighed your options.

•••

a mean chuckle erupted from the man behind you, "you cryin' ?" he asked teasingly, just from his tone you could hear the shit eating grin on his face, he was never gonna stop holding this over your head.

sobs poured from your mouth like a facet with every thrust as the he fucked you from behind, both of your hands tightly pinned behind you from rafe getting quickly irritated with you trying to stop his movements.

the couch. thats how far he made it on the very short walk to the bedroom before getting impatient and just ripping your clothes off you right then and there; your white skirt laying on the foyer floor as proof.

he had you pushed right into the piece of nice furniture- your white leather family couch. your hands rested on the crest rail of the couch and your knees were widely spread out on top of it, from when he pushed his knee in between yours and forced them open.

"cryin' cus you know you got no business letting me fuck you" he mocked you as he pressed all his body weight into your lower back. rafe whispered into your ear while he gifted you full strokes of his cock. "what if I tell your friends you let me fuck you, what if I tell my sister hm? what's she gonna think?"

"i-" just as a breather loud yelp escaped your throat your brothers best friend wrapped a hand around your mouth, swiftly muffling all your sounds. "be-quiet"

blondieeu xx

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rothpie · 2 months ago

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❝FIDELITY❞ |part8

MASTERLIST -`✮´- Rafe Cameron x Kook!Reader x JJ Maybank

Warnings: slut shaming(?)

previous - next

Could you really call yourself an adult now?

I mean, honestly, is there some magical age that makes you a certified grown-up?

If it’s all about age, then nope—you weren’t an adult. Maybe a “young adult” at best, but even then, the life you were living? Let’s just say it was… a bit different.

When everything started happening so quickly, keeping up felt impossible. And let’s face it, that was normal. If you managed to juggle everything with calm composure, you’d probably qualify as Wonder Woman. Life came with its ups and downs, but throw pregnancy symptoms into the mix, and things got extra tricky.

You liked to share what you wanted with others. Talking about your plans openly was just how you were. It wasn’t about bragging; you just enjoyed sharing your happiness. But every single time—without fail—whatever you talked about? It never happened.

That Venice trip you’d been set on for the summer? Canceled.

The dream university? Rejected. That car you were this close to buying? Nope, didn’t happen.

It was like clockwork. Every time.

And the thing was, you never learned. Not really. You’d repeat the same mistake again and again. Life’s law, right? Someday you’d figure it out… though that day clearly wasn’t anytime soon.

Pregnancy, though, wasn’t exactly something you could go shouting about to everyone. That was off the table. But moving?

If you weren’t pregnant, there’s no way you’d have kept quiet. You’d have made sure the entire island knew. And naturally, that would’ve meant it wouldn’t happen.

This time, though, you zipped it. The only person who knew was JJ—and, well, he didn’t really count. Or, okay, maybe he did. Of course, he was important, but not the kind of person to stand in your way. On the contrary, he had your back. He even offered to help you with the whole moving process.

Things happened so fast, you could hardly believe it.

Your dad came home from his work trip, you visited the mainland, met with a realtor friend of his, checked out potential homes—it was like someone had hit the fast-forward button.

You couldn’t decide on anything. You were even okay with a cute little apartment. The list of occupants was simple: you and your daughter. You didn’t need much more.

Your mom, however, had her opinions. She didn’t want a mansion either, but she was firm about the house having enough rooms. One for you, one for your daughter, and a guest room—because naturally, grandma duties. And a yard, because she wanted to watch her grandchild play outside.

So apartments were out. Houses it was. After seeing what felt like a million empty ones, you were ready to scream.

But finally, you found it. The perfect house. The yard alone sold it. You could already picture the memories you’d make there with your daughter. Maybe a swing or a hammock… some comfy furniture on the porch.

You never imagined you’d get so close to your dream so quickly.

It had the three rooms your mom insisted on, was two stories, and honestly, it was beautiful. You loved it. But the idea of living there alone was terrifying.

Still, the deal was sealed.

It didn’t take long—two weeks, tops. When your mom insisted on hiring an interior designer, you didn’t argue much. Secretly, you liked the idea. And once your belongings were packed, it was all done.

All that was left was you.

There weren’t many people to say goodbye to on the island, which was, honestly, fine. Who were you supposed to bid farewell to? Rafe? His family, who didn’t even know you were pregnant? Your friends, who’d probably broadcast the news to the world? No thanks.

Except for JJ.

You’d have been a total ass not to acknowledge his help. Even if his support wasn’t entirely physical, his presence had been a huge emotional lift.

So saying goodbye wasn’t hard.

Ignoring the support he’d given you would’ve been dumb. When you decided to give him a nice surfboard as a thank-you gift, you didn’t overthink it. You just thought about who JJ was—someone who loved the ocean and surfing. Beyond that? You didn’t know much. So you kept it simple. Spoiler alert: he liked it.

You hesitated, thinking a gift might make things unnecessarily sentimental, but he deserved it. Nobody else in his position would’ve treated you as kindly. Even Kooks barely treated each other well. Expecting a Pogue to go out of their way for you? Yeah, no.

But JJ had.

You weren’t super close, but during one of your conversations, he’d mentioned how much he liked the rare nights when his shift ended early. He worked at a pub. In your head, you’d given him two weeks before he got fired—or kicked out after starting a fight. You were that sure of it.

A week ago, knowing the end of his evening shift, you parked near the pub, sitting on your car hood to wait for him. The plan? Give him the surfboard. Maybe even give him a ride home if he needed one.

Fifteen minutes passed. He hadn’t come out.

You started questioning everything—maybe you’d gotten the wrong day? Or maybe you’d messed up the time?

Waiting around for nothing felt miserable. You should’ve paid better attention when he’d been talking about his schedule.

Not that the gift had been planned or anything. The idea had hit you on a whim. You just wanted to do something before you left. After all, there weren’t many people to say goodbye to. And texting JJ a quick see ya felt way too impersonal.

“What are you doing here?”

You snapped out of your thoughts, your eyes shooting up from your phone. JJ stood a few steps away, mid-turn before he stopped and faced you fully. His eyes scanned the car before landing on you.

Quickly, you shoved your phone into your pocket. “Making sure you didn’t pick another fight.” Sliding off the hood, you smirked.

JJ rolled his eyes, flashing you a sarcastic smile. “Ha-ha. How funny.”

Unlike him, your grin was genuine. Why should he have all the fun pissing people off? It was your turn.

Unlike him, your lips curled into a genuine smile. Was it always going to be him getting under your skin for his own amusement? No, this time, it was your turn.

You heard him say your name, his tone serious. “No, really. What are you doing here?”

Keeping surprises wasn’t exactly your specialty, but you couldn’t resist messing with him a little. After all, this was the first time in days you’d left the house—and only in your baggiest clothes. Might as well enjoy it.

“Just hanging out.”

He frowned, his eyes scanning the area before gesturing around. “Here? Outside the pub?”

The confusion on his face was nearly comical—borderline annoyed, maybe?

You mirrored his glance at the surroundings, raising your eyebrows. It wasn’t much to look at. Just… a place. “What’s wrong with here?”

JJ let out a frustrated sigh, and for a moment, you couldn’t believe you’d actually managed to annoy him. He genuinely looked upset. “Are you serious right now? You—” He stopped himself, clenching his jaw as he stepped closer. Lowering his voice, he added, “You can’t drink. You’re not even supposed to be hanging around.”

So, he thought you’d come here to drink? That’s why he was so worked up?

It was kind of… cute. But poking the bear was way more fun.

You let out a dramatic hum as you crossed your arms. “Not allowed? Says who?” You tried not to laugh at the look he shot you, a mix of exasperation and disbelief, like you’d lost your mind.

“Me. You’re not drinking. Not here, not anywhere. Have you lost it?”

Your lips pulled into a grin, and despite his attempt to scold you, his irritation only made it funnier. Especially since you hadn’t even done what he was accusing you of.

The second JJ caught onto what you were doing, his annoyed expression melted away. As your laughter echoed, he pinched the bridge of his nose, clearly unimpressed. “Yeah, yeah. Hilarious. Now, can you just tell me what you’re actually doing here?”

You clutched your stomach, your laughter dying down into a lingering smile. Sure, he wasn’t amused, but you were, and that’s all that mattered.

“I’ve got something for you.”

JJ’s eyebrows shot up. He straightened, intrigued. “Yeah?”

You stepped away from the car’s front, glancing back to see him still rooted in place. You gave him a quick head nod to follow. With a sigh, he finally moved. “If this is a gun for self-defense, just so you know, I’m not really clear on the rules here,” he joked with a wink.

You snorted, shaking your head. “Please. If I gave you a gun, you’d be arrested in, like, two seconds.”

He laughed, but you could tell he was curious now. Opening the back door, you reached inside. “It’s a thank-you gift. Kind of.”The surprise on his face was priceless. He clearly wasn’t expecting this. Honestly, neither were you until the idea struck.

JJ tilted his head, his expression skeptical. “Thank you? For what? For telling you not to pick fights?”

You rolled your eyes. He couldn’t be serious. “No, JJ. For helping me out.”

He smiled, but it was that classic, goofy grin of his. Any trace of his earlier irritation had completely vanished. He didn’t even glance into the car. “Oh, I get it. Like a ‘without JJ, my life would’ve fallen apart’ kind of thank you? Go on, feed my ego. I live for this.”

For a split second, you considered slamming the door and driving off. Instead, you laughed. Sure, there was some truth to what he said, but no way were you letting him win.

Taking a deep breath, you opened the door wider and stepped back. “Nope. It’s just a small gesture. Don’t read too much into it.”

JJ walked over and held the door open, his eyes going wide when he spotted the surfboard wedged into the backseat. His fingers ran over the smooth edges and the blue-and-white design. “You got this for me?” he asked, his voice softer now as he inspected it.

You couldn’t suppress your grin. “Yeah. I mean, I know it’s kind of random, but I figured you could use your own board for a change. For everything you’ve done—” You hesitated, trying to find the right words. “It meant a lot.”

JJ’s smile was different this time. It wasn’t cocky or teasing. It was genuine. “If I don’t take this, I feel like you’d be really annoying about it,” he muttered, pulling the board from the car.

“Absolutely. You wouldn’t want to hear me talk about how I poured my heart into its design,” you teased.

He froze, eyes narrowing. “Wait—you designed it?”

You smirked, holding his gaze. “No. But it’s nice that you believed it for a second.”

JJ laughed, shaking his head as he leaned the board against the car. For once, he wasn’t mocking or making jokes. Instead, he looked at you with something softer, something you couldn’t quite place. “This is… perfect. You didn’t have to do this.”

“I know. I just wanted to.”

He hesitated, glancing at the board before meeting your eyes again. “I was just trying to help. I didn’t think it was that big of a deal.”

And that was it, wasn’t it? That’s how it felt. Deep down, you’d even envied the way he was with his friends. He didn’t know you. In fact, he hated your group. But if he treated you like this—who knew how he treated his friends?

You weren’t used to people doing things for you without expecting something in return. Sure, you had a hunch JJ liked money. Not just you—everyone on the island knew that. But still, the way he talked to you, made time for you… it mattered. It broke the prejudice you had against him.

It wasn’t anything grand. He didn’t buy you houses or cars. He didn’t shower you with jewelry. But he talked to you like no one else did. He made you feel—like you were someone. Like someone whose decisions shouldn’t be dictated by anyone else’s words.

And that? That was worth more than jewelry. More than anything money could buy. It was something most people—Rafe included—didn’t have.

From the moment he heard, he didn’t tell anyone. What friend would do that? Ruthie? Sophie? Who?

JJ did.

And he wasn’t even your friend.

That’s why it mattered. He was just being himself, and you needed that.

“It felt like that.” JJ was holding the surfboard, his eyes catching yours. A strange silence fell between you. Neither of you had expected such a gesture—not just surfing, but the support he’d given you.

You hadn’t expected his support; that was his gesture to you. And he hadn’t expected a surfboard from you; that was your gesture to him.

JJ lifted the board to examine it, the usual smirk still on his face. He was clearly trying to ease the tension hanging between you. “So, I have my own board now, huh? I don’t have to give this one back, do I? Because when it comes to stuff like that, you’re pretty stubborn.”

“No, it’s yours,” you said, smiling. You were grateful for his teasing—it cut through the awkwardness. You could’ve stayed silent for hours. “But if I catch you getting into another fight, I’ll beat you with that board.”

JJ laughed, shaking his head. His gaze flicked between the board and you. He was ridiculously excited about the surfboard but trying hard not to show it. “Fair deal. But just so we’re clear, every cool move I pull off with this board? I’m crediting you. ‘Thanks to Princess for this wave,’ that kind of thing. You’re my sponsor now.”

You rolled your eyes, but you couldn’t deny his antics made you laugh. He was fun to be around. You were glad the whole “status” nonsense between you two seemed to be fading. It wasn’t just you—he had his own assumptions about you too. But it felt like you’d both moved past that. “Okay. Sponsorship’s over. Go find your wave.”

JJ carefully propped the board against the wall, his expression softening. “Jokes aside, thanks. I mean it. This means a lot. Just don’t tell anyone I said that—gotta protect my image.” He smiled, dimples showing as he ran a hand through his hair.

You smiled back, nodding quickly. “Don’t worry, your secret’s safe.”

As you both grinned, JJ’s eyes flicked from you to the surfboard. Following his gaze, your eyes drifted to his hands, gently tracing the board like it was fragile.

“I’m leaving the island tomorrow.” The words tumbled out, and you saw his hands freeze. His gaze landed on you, but you kept your focus on the board, pretending to admire its design. It really was a beautiful surfboard. “So—I wanted to say thank you.”

His blue eyes pierced through you as if that was even possible. JJ didn’t say anything to make the moment heavier, just nodded. For several seconds, neither of you spoke. Realizing the air had gotten heavier, you shifted your tone to something more casual. “I could drive you home if you want.”

You weren’t the kind of person to offer, but making him carry a surfboard all the way home felt cruel.

JJ opened his mouth to respond, but a car horn blared from down the street. Both of you turned toward the sound. Outside the car, John B and Kiara were leaning against it, with Pope, Cleo, and Sarah visible through the windows. Pope waved at JJ from where he hung halfway out of the window.

When Sarah’s eyes met yours, you instinctively tugged at your shirt. There wasn’t anything visible, but still—you felt uneasy. “Wow,” you said, feigning amusement. “Your entourage is here.”

JJ hesitated, looking momentarily torn. Finally, he sighed, a guilty smile creeping onto his face. His gaze dropped to your hand still fidgeting with your shirt. For a split second, it seemed like he wanted to grab your hand, to stop you.

“Nothing’s showing,” he said, his eyes lingering on your waist. You knew that, but the idea of anyone finding out still terrified you. Especially someone from Rafe’s family. He didn’t want them to know, and neither did you. That’s why you felt the need to be extra cautious around Sarah and Wheezie.

“I know. It’s just—” You stopped, shutting your eyes briefly before opening them again. It was paranoia, but understandable. “Relax. No one knows, I swear.” His hand almost reached out to your arm, but he stopped, remembering his friends were watching from the car.

“Go,” you said, shrugging. You composed yourself. “Looks like you’ve got a ride after all.” You smiled.

JJ paused for a beat, then flashed a crooked smile. He hated the awkwardness lingering between you. “If this board isn’t as good as you said, you’re getting an earful. I’ll call you.” He walked backward, teasing. You couldn’t help but chuckle at his words.

As you walked toward your front door, you noticed his movements slow. He stopped, turned, and looked back at you. It was like he’d remembered something he’d forgotten to do. Placing the surfboard down gently, his eyes briefly darted away from yours.

Then he walked up to you and stopped right in front of you. After a brief, silent pause, you felt his arms wrap around you. Was he… hugging you? Seriously? The gesture caught both of you off guard. You’d never imagined this kind of closeness. But then again, you hadn’t imagined buying him a surfboard either. So, it didn’t feel wrong. If buying him a gift made you feel this close, then it wasn’t strange that he’d feel close enough to hug you.

You returned the gesture, wrapping your arms around him. His grip was firm, and the scent of salt and ocean filled your senses. How did he always smell so much like the sea?

The hug was short, but both of you felt the strangeness of it. Once again—you felt like you’d crossed a line. Broken some unspoken rule.

JJ shrugged as he pulled back. “Yeah, that’s it. See you, uh… whatever.”

You took a deep breath, watching him stand there. You hated goodbyes. You were going to miss this island, and now—

“Yeah… goodbye.” You pushed your hair behind your shoulders, trying to steady your voice. You didn’t understand why you felt like you were losing a friend. Like you were going to… miss him?

Stop. Don’t even think about it.

JJ nodded, picking up the surfboard as he walked toward the car. You watched him for a moment before turning to the front door and stepping into your car. Through the windshield, you caught a glimpse of Kiara muttering something to Sarah. Whatever she was saying, you couldn’t hear.

When JJ got into the car, he paused, lowering his head for a brief moment before looking outside again.

He mouthed something to the group. Not to you, but to the friends in the car. “Just shut up.”

When he gave you a quick nod, you returned it before starting your car. Watching them drive off, you felt a strange mix of relief and melancholy. You’d thanked JJ, and that was all you wanted. It was done.

Except for the quiet ache of losing a friend.

You’d left only a few clothes back at the house on the island. The furniture and everything else stayed in your room. Your parents insisted the room remain untouched—they wanted you to know there was still a home for you there. They even promised not to change a thing.

The first few months were bound to be hard; you knew that. Living alone was going to take some getting used to. But you hoped it’d all be worth it when you finally held your baby.

Now, you were sitting on the couch in your new place, sipping a green smoothie. You’d have given anything for a coffee, but pregnancy meant sacrifices. A little caffeine might not hurt, but you didn’t want to risk it. The smoothie was healthy, though it tasted awful.

It had only been six days since the move. You’d allowed yourself time to explore the area, taking walks around the quiet streets. Your parents had offered to stay with you for a few days, but you politely declined. You wanted to settle in on your own. Leaning on their warmth and presence only to have it ripped away later would have made the loneliness worse. You couldn’t let that happen.

Morning sickness had eased enough for a few walks, so you’d wandered the calm streets near your house. Quiet, orderly, nothing like Outer Banks. You couldn’t help but compare the two. Everything here was different. The people, the lifestyle—it all felt so structured and tame. But a part of you missed the chaos of the island. The freedom. The absurdity of going to the store in a bikini without anyone batting an eye. That tight-knit community where everyone knew each other’s names.

You’d visited the local park a few times. It was rarely crowded, and you hadn’t met anyone yet. By the time you arrived, most of the adults and kids were just beginning to trickle in.

So, here you were: your own place. Did that make you an adult?

How did adults even make friends? Scratch that—how did anyone past a certain age make friends? As a kid, it was easy. Just ask someone to play with you, and that was it. Middle school? Same thing.

But now? You didn’t know a soul here. What were you supposed to do? Walk up to someone and introduce yourself?

Terrifying thought.

Still, maybe worth trying, right?

Socializing wasn’t supposed to feel like this.

Your eyes scanned the park’s scenery. The leaves rustled gently in the breeze, and birds chirped in the branches above. A group of kids played in a sandbox, their laughter mingling with the faint sounds of distant traffic.

You clasped your hands over your stomach, exhaling deeply. “Maybe this is good for me,” you thought.

But the whole idea still felt horrifying. Sitting at home would’ve been worse, though. At least you were out, breathing fresh air.

Introducing yourself to someone, though? Out of the question. No anxiety attacks, but your chest tightened just thinking about it. No, you’d just sit and enjoy the park for a bit. That would be enough.

Your gaze dropped to the book in your lap: Healthy Nutrition and Development During Pregnancy. You fiddled with the corner of its cover. Would someone else find this funny? Carrying a guidebook instead of a novel wasn’t something even you would’ve expected a few months ago. But here you were, on the verge of a whole new chapter. Screw what anyone thought—you were preparing for your future.

Suddenly, the bench shifted slightly as someone sat down beside you. The movement snapped you out of your thoughts. You glanced up to find a middle-aged woman with an energetic demeanor. Her dyed-blond hair revealed a hint of gray at the roots, and a steaming coffee cup rested in her hands.

“Ugh, I hope I can finish this before it goes cold,” she muttered to herself before calling out to the playground. “Tati! No running, sweetheart!”

She waved toward the child before turning back to you with a wide smile.

“Lovely day, isn’t it?” she chirped.

You gave her a polite smile, nodding. “It is,” you replied, subtly shifting your book closer to your lap. Her eyes flicked to the book in your hands, narrowing slightly as if trying to make out the title. “Is that a… guidebook?” she finally asked.

You tilted your head slightly. “Yes,” you said simply, hoping that’d be enough to end the conversation.

“A pregnancy guide?” she pressed, her curiosity accompanied by a cheerful smile that didn’t quite reach her eyes. “How sweet! Helping out a sister or expecting a niece?—Oh, where are my manners? I’m Viola.”

Her question caught you off guard. You hesitated briefly before giving your name. “Uh, no. It’s for me,” you said with a small smile.

Her expression shifted instantly. Her eyes widened, her grin turning stiff and awkward. “For you? Oh…”

You nodded, feeling heat creep up your cheeks. She had seemed friendly at first, but the subtle judgment on her face now was impossible to ignore.

“How far along?” she asked, as if the question was perfectly natural.

“Sixteen weeks,” you mumbled, pretending to smooth the book’s pages. The weight of her gaze made your skin crawl.

“Ah, so young,” she murmured, taking a long sip from her coffee. When she lowered the cup, her eyes lingered on you, as though dissecting every detail. “How old are you, if you don’t mind me asking?”

“Twenty,” you replied, keeping your tone neutral but feeling the words land heavier than you intended. You watched her eyebrows knit together as she took a sharp breath.

“Twenty? You look barely old enough to drive!” she exclaimed, clearly not trying to be subtle. Then, almost conspiratorially, “But… you must be married, right?”

Your hands instinctively moved to rest on your stomach, but you hesitated to respond. The silence must have been answer enough because her eyes flicked from your belly back to your face.

“Oh,” she said knowingly, her smile tightening further. “So… is the father still in the picture?”

What was this, an interrogation?

You swallowed the lump forming in your throat. Was it the tone of her voice? Or the audacity of her questions? Whatever it was, it stung. “That’s not something I need to discuss with you,” you said firmly, fighting to keep the frustration out of your voice.

Viola shrugged, but her scrutinizing look didn’t waver. “Fair enough. But raising a baby at your age, and without… well, you know. It’s going to be tough. Don’t you think this was a bit… impulsive?”

Her words hit like a cold wind. You tightened your grip on your stomach and tilted your head slightly. “That’s none of your business,” you said, your voice harder now.

Viola didn’t back down. “Yes, maybe you’re right. But people talk, sweetheart. And usually, they judge the ones they think made the wrong decisions…” She paused, pursing her lips. “Well, they judge.”

That was all you needed to hear. You tucked your book under your arm like you were putting it in a bag, got up, and said, “I think it’s time for me to leave,” your tone colder than even you expected.

Viola raised a hand as if trying to smooth things over. “Oh, I didn’t mean to offend,” she said, but the look in her eyes betrayed the opposite. “I’m just saying this for your own good.”

You could shove your “thoughts” up your ass.

Turning on your heel, you walked toward the park’s exit. The sound of her coffee cup being placed on the bench and her murmuring words echoed behind you. A fresh start sounded nice, you thought. But a new beginning wasn’t a guarantee of escaping old judgments.

There was no way you were going out to socialize again anytime soon. You hated that woman. With every fiber of your being. The way she judged you with that smug little brain of hers—it made your blood boil. You had no memory of how you even made it back home.

You made yourself some hot cocoa, hoping it would calm your nerves. Honestly, lying flat in the grass wouldn’t have been enough to shake off the anger at this point.

Even though you tried to distract yourself—knowing full well that stress wasn’t good for the baby—it wasn’t working. The incident replayed in your mind on a loop. You were certain you’d shiver every time you walked past that park again.

Who did she think she was, anyway? How could someone pass judgment on a stranger like that? The sheer audacity—it was baffling.

The sound of your phone notification pulled you out of your spiraling thoughts. Glancing over, you reached for the phone resting on the couch.

You waited for a reply, but when nothing came, you set the phone down again. At least one of you was having a good day. Even though you felt like you were on the verge of exploding, you took a deep breath, trying to steady yourself.

The sudden ring of your phone startled you. You looked over, eyes narrowing slightly in surprise. JJ Maybank was calling you. Right now.

Pressing the phone to your ear, you grabbed the half-full cocoa mug from the table with your other hand. You weren’t going to drink it anymore. You were too annoyed to even think about washing it, but you figured you could at least move it somewhere out of sight. JJ’s voice came through the speaker, and despite everything, a small smile crept onto your face. For all his antics, he was a decent guy.

Heading toward the kitchen, you heard the cheerfulness in his voice as he began, “Used it this morning.” He was talking about the surfboard, excitement practically dripping from his words.

Frowning slightly, you placed the mug on the counter. This morning? Shouldn’t he have been at work? “This morning? Weren’t you supposed to be at work?”

There was a brief pause before JJ let out a muffled laugh. “Got fired,” he said casually, like it was the most normal thing in the world. Honestly, with him, it kind of was. You couldn’t help but laugh a little.

You weren’t surprised—of course, you weren’t. With the phone still pressed to your ear, you wandered over to the window and glanced outside. “Figured,” you said, your voice laced with playful sarcasm.

JJ didn’t miss a beat, his tone now teasingly accusatory. “Wait a second. Did you bet on me?”

Smiling, you shook your head even though he couldn’t see it, your attention momentarily caught by a cat wandering down the street. JJ cleared his throat, bringing you back. “No, but I wish I had,” you said.

His response came in the form of a dramatic groan. “That’s the meanest thing I’ve heard all week. You’re better than this.”

You turned around and walked toward the kitchen, your tone a little sharper now. “Get used to it.”

JJ responded immediately, his voice carrying a hint of challenge. “Never,” he shot back. Then, after a brief pause, his tone softened, but he added a teasing edge. “Pregnancy hormones have turned you into a completely different person. And it’s only been six days.”

The way he always knew how to push your buttons—and somehow make you smile instead of snap—was maddening. You found yourself tapping the corner of the table with your fingers, a habit you didn’t even notice until it happened. “I take pride in that,” you said, a playful grin tugging at your lips.

JJ came back stronger, more confident this time. “Hey, do you think it’s the hormones, or is it because you haven’t seen my handsome face for six whole days?” There was that familiar cocky tone, but you could tell he was trying to make you laugh. “I’d bet everything it’s because you haven’t seen my handsome face.”

“Even your surfboard?” you teased, your voice lifting just enough to show you were fully invested in the banter now. You moved toward the living room and dropped onto the couch, your gaze briefly flitting to the TV. But your attention was fully locked on JJ.

“Not a chance,” he replied instantly, almost defensive. “The board’s off-limits. Too precious.”

You chuckled, grabbing the nearby blanket and pulling it over your lap. “Then you’ve lost everything except the surfboard,” you said, shaking your head in mock disapproval. JJ’s laugh echoed through the phone, rich and warm, before he quipped, “You’ve been extra rude lately,” his voice carrying a mix of mock hurt and teasing amusement.

You didn’t just roll your eyes—you sank deeper into the couch, grabbing a pillow to prop yourself up. Of course, he’d called just to mess with you. Was he bored? Had he decided you were the best target for entertainment? “I’ve always been like this,” you replied with a shrug he couldn’t see.

“Nope,” JJ shot back instantly, his tone softer but still certain. A brief silence followed, filled only by the sound of your own breathing, before he spoke again. This time, his voice was a little more sincere. “So… how’s it going? Living alone and all?”

You didn’t hate that he asked. Actually, it felt nice to talk to someone. As an adult—or whatever weird in-between phase you were in—socializing wasn’t exactly easy. It hadn’t been easy on the island either, but at least that had been your choice. This wasn’t.

You took a deep breath, realizing the question was harder to answer than you’d expected. “It sucks,” you admitted finally, the honesty not surprising you in the slightest.

“Why?” JJ’s voice was softer now, laced with just enough concern to feel genuine but not suffocating. It was like he always knew how to navigate these moments without overstepping. And honestly, it was strange—good strange.

You tried to sort through the chaos in your head. “I don’t know,” you said with a faint sigh. “I haven’t really connected with anyone. I don’t know anyone here.”

JJ, ever the problem-solver in his own weird way, jumped in with his trademark ease. “Then make friends with the stray cats,” he said, that classic carefree tone of his bringing a smile to your face despite everything.

“I already have you,” you teased back, your voice dripping with sarcasm. “I couldn’t possibly betray you.”

His laugh from the other end of the line was contagious. “Not funny.”

Fidgeting with the edge of the blanket, you hesitated before mumbling, “Are you okay? How are you?” Somehow, over the phone, it felt easier to ask—less intimidating than it would’ve been face-to-face.

“I’m amazing,” JJ said, his voice taking on a flat, almost robotic tone that screamed deflection.

“Your ego is exhausting,” you retorted, matching his sarcasm. Why couldn’t he just answer the question for once? Did everything have to be a game? “Seriously. How are you? After… you know, that day.”

JJ exhaled deeply, and when he finally spoke, his voice was quieter, almost reluctant. “I don’t live with my dad anymore.”

You sat up straighter, grabbing the remote to lower the TV’s volume. “Wait, really?”

“Yeah,” he said simply, like it wasn’t a big deal. “Packed up my stuff and left.”

It wasn’t exactly shocking. In fact, you were relieved he’d done it. Knowing he’d been living with someone who hurt him was unbearable. But still, you couldn’t stop your brow from furrowing. You couldn’t shake the worry. “Are you staying with John B?”

JJ’s silence was unexpected. You listened to the sound of his breathing, the faintest hitch before he finally answered. “Kind of?”

“What does that mean?” Your voice sharpened with concern. Why was he dancing around the answer when he could just tell you?

JJ sighed again, his tone shifting as though he’d stepped further away from the phone. “They don’t know I left yet. And I don’t want to talk about it.”

He hadn’t told his closest friends? Why? They weren’t the type to judge him. You didn’t know them well, but you were sure of that much. It didn’t make sense.

Even as your worry grew, you knew pressing him wasn’t the right move. “So where are you staying?” you asked cautiously.

JJ’s tone hardened. “I said I don’t want to talk about it.” There it was—his three-year-old tantrum mode. Did he really think people didn’t have the right to worry about him? Idiot.

You pinched the bridge of your nose, already feeling your patience wearing thin. “As your friend, I’m allowed to be concerned about your safety, JJ. Just tell me where you’re staying.”

His tone shifted again, this time lighter, more teasing. “Friend, huh? That’s nice. Kook and Pogue forever.”

“Shut it,” you snapped, your irritation clear. All you wanted was to know he was safe. “Just tell me already.”

JJ paused, then let out a soft laugh—the kind you knew was covering up something deeper. Even a toddler could tell. “I stayed with them for a few days. Been figuring it out since.”

You frowned. That wasn’t a solution. “You need to tell them,” you said gently.

He responded with the same stubbornness you’d come to expect, but his tone hinted at a smirk. “This is my problem, princess.” Then, as if to shift the mood, he added, “This is the first time we’ve talked on the phone. Cute, right? Now, tell me about your day.”

Despite the worry gnawing at you, you relaxed just a little. He wouldn’t be joking around like this if things were terrible… right?

You hoped so cause—JJ is your friend.

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papercranesandinkstains · 2 days ago

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Kildare Elementary: Part One

AN: Okay so I was SUPPOSED to wait until I finish my other series, but one chapter won't hurt... (Nobody was supposed to let me do this)... This fic was birthed from my obsession with @zyafics HB:L (which if you haven't read you are literally missing out on the story of a generation) and my love of Abbott Elementary. I have spent entirely too long on these graphics because I can't stop so here you guys go 😭😂

Synopsis: 7 years ago, you and your best friend got drunk at a party and you ended up having a baby. You guys gave your relationship a shot, but he has always been in love with someone else. So, you guys remained friends after your daughter was born and you moved to the next town over. Now, there's an opening at the school all of your friends work at, and you are itching to take it. Perfect, right? Well, it would be if your classroom didn't somehow get moved next to your childhood crush and you can't tell if he is flirting with you or just really bad with technology.

Pairing: Rafe Cameron x Reader/Past!JJ Maybank x Reader

Masterlist

Taglist:

@onelonelybitch @callsign-mirage @akobx @lilahrosee @jaydaaasworld @mileyraes @ethanthequeefqueen @pogueprincesa @davinashifts333 @daysis-stuff @leather-n-velvet @dearluuna @naylanae-0308 @vviolets444rroses @hadids-world @athenalovesgoodies @venic-bxtch @justdamnpeachy @my-name-is-baby @marleymarleymarleymarley

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insidekatmind · 1 month ago

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When everyone's asleep-Pope Heyward

Wearning: +18,smut, english is not my first language.

The night had fallen on John B’s cottage, enveloping everything in a silence broken only by the chirping of crickets and the rustling of waves in the distance. John B and Sarah had taken refuge in their room, leaving the rest of you to settle down in the kitchen, which had been converted into a makeshift camp. Thin mattresses and blankets spread on the floor welcomed Kiara, Cleo and JJ, already immersed in a deep sleep.

You, on the other hand, couldn’t sleep. You felt your heart beat faster than normal, but it wasn’t the waves or the wind that shook the windows. It was him. Pope.

He was lying beside you, his face relaxed as he pretended to sleep. But you knew him too well. You noticed the way his hand barely moved, looking for yours under the shared blanket. A slight smile curled your lips as you let your fingers intertwine.

"Don’t you sleep?" he whispered, his voice a breath in the silence.

"And you?" you replied in a similar tone, the smile evident even in the dark.

The others were all too tired to notice what was going on between you. Pope came a little closer, his warm breath caressing your cheek.

"You’re the one keeping me awake," he admitted, with a glimmer of malice in his dark eyes that you could glimpse in the dim light.

"I didn’t do anything," you replied quietly, trying to keep an innocent tone.

But it wasn’t entirely true. The tension between you had been building up for days, weeks perhaps. You were always close, but lately every touch, every look seemed to carry a deeper meaning.

"You don’t have to do anything, Y/N. I just look at you," said Pope, the sincerity in his voice making your heart beat even faster.

You did not answer, but let your face draw near to his until your lips touched. It was a soft kiss, almost shy, but the way Pope drew you closer made all doubts vanish. His hand gently laid on your cheek, his thumb drawing imaginary lines on your skin.

"They’re sleeping," you murmured against his lips, your hands clinging to his shirt.

"I don’t care," he replied, the voice charged with a sweetness that made you tremble. "I’ve waited too long for this."

The kiss grew deeper, and each touch seemed to set the air between you. Your hand slid down his chest, feeling the muscles tense under the cloth, as he left a trail of caresses along your side.

"Pope..." his name slipped away in a whisper, a mixture of desire and uncertainty.

"Shh..." he silenced you, his smile lighting up his face. "You must say nothing."

It was not easy to remain silent with the way his lips explored your skin, descending down your neck. You would sometimes glance at others, but they were completely unaware of what was happening. JJ snored slightly, while Cleo and Kiara were wrapped in their blankets, lost in their dreams.

"Promise you won’t regret it tomorrow," you whisper, biting your lower lip as his eyes met yours.

"The only thing I would regret is not having done it," said Pope, his voice full of determination.

Your heart seemed to explode at those words, and you let the moment overwhelm you. It was risky, crazy, but every second with him made you feel alive like never before.

As the night continued, it seemed that the world outside the chalet had vanished, leaving only you two, your whispers and kisses exchanged, as if the rest did not matter.

Pope’s breath deepened as your lips continued to search for each other, hungry but slow at the same time, as if you wanted to savor every second of that stolen moment. His hands gently slid on your hips, drawing you closer.

"Come here," he whispered with a thread of voice, and before I could answer, you felt his strong hands guiding you, gently sliding on him.

Your heart seemed to beat so fast that it could wake up others, but at the time you didn’t care. His hands were on your sides, holding you with the right pressure, while his gaze was lost in yours.

"You’re amazing, you know?" Pope whispered, his tone loaded with a sweetness that made you melt.

You looked down, a shy smile curving your lips. "You shouldn’t say that so often, I could get my head blown."

"I’ll stop saying that when you stop driving me crazy," he replied, a flash of fun in his eyes before drawing you back to himself.

The kiss became more intense, and your body instinctively responded to his. You felt the warmth that emanated, the way in which his hands explored the curve of your back, going up and down with a delicacy that contrasted the obvious desire that you felt growing between you.

"Pope..." whispered against his lips, your hands clinging to his back, trying to balance.

"Tell me," he replied, his voice low and crusty, as his fingers brushed the skin of your bare side.

"If anyone wakes up..." you started, but his lips settled on yours again, interrupting you.

"They won’t wake up," he assured with a mischievous smile, his eyes shining bright as they were looking for yours. "And even if they did, I don’t care. I want you."

Those words made you shiver, and without thinking too much, you let go completely. Your hands moved towards his face, caressing his jaw as your lips continued to move in perfect harmony.

Sometimes you would glance at others, but their sleep seemed deep and peaceful. JJ was curled up under a blanket with a peaceful expression on his face, while Cleo and Kiara were not even making the slightest movement.

"See? Everything under control," Pope whispered, noticing your worried look.

"You’re too sure of yourself," you replied, trying to keep a firm tone, but the smile that formed on your lips betrayed your true mood.

"Only when it comes to you." His words left you breathless, and you felt the need to reciprocate the gesture. You bent down again to him, your lips finding his neck, leaving light kisses that made him barely shake.

"You’re torturing me," Pope muttered, his voice broken by pleasure as his hands clenched even tighter on your hips.

"I didn’t think you were so sensitive," you joked, but the smile on your face turned into a slight moan as he decided to counter-attack, his lips moving down your neck, leaving a trail of heat that made you tremble.

The moment seemed eternal, a mix of audacity and desire that completely enveloped you. For a moment you forgot everything: the chalet, the others, the possible consequences. There was only you and him, the dark accomplice of that night, and the desire to continue discovering every nuance of each other.

Your movements started almost without thinking about it, slow and uncertain at first, but soon the need to feel more, to be closer to him, took over. Move your hips against him, creating a slight friction but enough to make him jump under you.

"Y/N..." Pope whispered at your lips, the tone charged with a mixture of surprise and pleasure.

You noticed the way he clenched his teeth, desperately trying to hold back a moan that could have broken the silence of the chalet and attracted the attention of others. But the way his hands clung to your hips made you realize how much it was making him lose control.

"Is something wrong?" you asked with a whisper, a mischievous smile curving your lips as your hands flowed on his shoulders.

"You... know it exactly," he replied with a clenched teeth, a flash of fun mixed with desire in his eyes.

You kept moving, your hips following a slow but steady pace, while he tried to keep control. His hands guided you, holding you tight enough to make you feel the warmth of his skin through your clothes, but never too much to be intrusive.

"You’re incredible," he muttered, interrupting the kiss to stare at you with eyes that shone in the twilight.

"You’re not bad yourself," you joked, but your voice betrayed the effect he was having on you.

He bent forward, his lips finding your neck, and this time did not hold back. He left a more determined, almost possessive kiss, followed by a trail of light bites that made you shiver. Your movements became more fluid, more natural, while his breath became irregular.

"If you keep this up, I can’t guarantee that I’ll be able to hold back," Pope whispered in a husky voice as his eyes settled on yours with an intensity that made you tremble.

"Who told you I want you to hold back?" you said with a whisper of voice, your hands sticking in her hair.

The way his body reacted to those words was enough to make you realize how close it was to the limit. He moved just below you, trying to make more contact, while his lips returned to urgently seek yours. Every kiss was an unspoken promise, an invitation to let go completely.

For a moment, you forgot where you were. There was no longer the risk of being caught, or awareness of how risky what you were doing. There were only you and him, lost in a vortex of emotions that seemed to grow with every movement, every whisper, every kiss.

You started to lower your pyjamas and thongs and then do the same thing with his shorts and boxer shorts. Pope was already shirtless and having Pope all naked and needy under you was a sight.

You joined your lips with hers while you lined up your pussy on her cock and sank in it while trying not to moan. Pope was going crazy: your pussy was squeezing his dick and the fact that he couldn’t moan was killing him.

Your lips kept searching for hers with increasing urgency, the kisses getting deeper and more messy, while the heat between you increased inexorably. Your movements on his hips became more determined, the rhythm you followed sent shivers down your back and, judging by the way Pope clenched his jaw, also along his.

"God, Y/N..." He whispered with a thread of voice, his hands clenching even more on your hips, as if trying to control what was happening, but without really being able to. " You’re riding me so well"

Every movement of yours was a sweet torment, and you felt it in the way his breath became more and more irregular, his eyes closing for a moment before opening again and looking for yours.

"Pope..." you murmured, his name coming out almost like a moan as you felt the growing warmth between you. Your hands clung to his hair, the touch that seemed the only way to anchor yourself in reality as you lost yourself in him.

"You’re playing with fire," he said in a hoarse voice, the tone that had a warning note, but his smile betrayed how much he loved everything that was happening.

"I see you more than comfortable with the fire," you replied, your voice a mixture of provocation and desire.

Pope laughed softly, a muffled sound to not wake up the others, but immediately after his lips returned to yours, hungry, as if he needed that touch to breathe. Each of his kisses was deep, slow and incredibly intense, and the way his hands held you made you feel wanted in a way that you had never felt before.

Your movements became more natural, as if your bodies spoke a language you had never learned but instinctively knew. Every touch, every pressure created a crescendo of emotions that left you breathless.

"I can’t think of anything but you right now," Pope confessed, his voice broken by pleasure as his gaze waned into yours.

Those words made you melt, and you returned with a long kiss and full of feeling, your hands slipping down her back, wishing the moment never ended.

"Neither did I," you replied in a whisper, your foreheads touching as you both tried to catch your breath.

The sound of a slight movement from the sofa made you freeze for a moment. You both turned your head towards JJ, who turned under the blanket, mumbling something in her sleep.

You both held your breath, holding up a nervous laugh when he showed no other signs of awakening. Pope looked at you with a complicit smile, the desire in his eyes now mixed with a touch of fun.

"You’re too dangerous," he quipped softly, putting one hand on your back and moving closer to him again.

"Yet you don’t seem to want to stop," you replied with a mischievous smile, your lips resting on hers again in a long and sweet kiss. And as palpable as the risk was, neither of you seemed willing to give up that stolen moment.

You started rolling your hips on his cock feeling how his dick went on your g-spot and you lowered your head biting his neck not to chase the moan that was coming out of you while he left a small moan at impact.

"shit y/n" he murmured as you left him sucking his neck, leaving a mark. " you’re my death" said Pope as he put your hands on your ass and squeezed it to make you move more against him.

You bit the inside cheeks of your mouth not to groan but always small groans were coming out so Pope joined his lips with yours swallowing all the groans.

"you’re holding it so well to me" I whispered near your lips and then kissed you again while you groaned.

You both came to the climax and Pope cum inside of you while you were still kissing.

After a while you recovered you adjusted and fell asleep hugged.

The next day you were all out and only JJ was still sleeping. When he came out, he seemed amused." Guys I had a strange dream... I dreamed that someone was fucking while I was sleeping, what a cool thing" said JJ amused and unaware of everything.

You and Pope looked at each other and were holding back a laugh amused.

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