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#jj maybank x routledge!sister
celiamae99 · 23 days
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introductions / cast for outer banks
Peyton List as Olivia Routledge (the clever one) 
Rudy Pankow as JJ Maybank (the rash one)
Chase Stokes as John B Routledge (the ambitious one)
Madison Bailey as Kiara (the free spirited one)
Jonathan Daviss as Pope Heyward (the protective one)
Madelyn Cline as Sarah Cameron (the witty one)
Drew Starkey as Rafe Cameron (the unstable one)
Austin North as Topper Thorton (the athletic one)
Carlacia Grant as Cleo Anderson (the smart one)
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Charles Esten as Ward Cameron (the evil one)
Caroline Arapoglou as Rose Cameron (the bystander one)
Charles Halford as Big John (the dad vibes one)
Julia Antonelli as Wheezie Cameron (the oblivious one)
Gary Weeks as Luke Maybank (the mean one)
Nicholas Cirllo as Barry Cirllo (the dealer one)
Everybody else portrays themselves!
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vampiretendencies · 1 year
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request; jj blurb idea! wearing his clothes for the first time/him seeing you in his clothes for the first time. maybe showering at the chateau but you didn’t bring anything so he gives you a tshirt! hehe literally kicking my feet under the table rn
pairing; jj x fem!reader
warnings; fluff, maybe suggestive
authors note; i was doing the same when you sent this anon in love with this idea ! (req a blurb from below w what’s left on the prompt list, or send in blurb, imagines, & fic ideas) a few more hours until season 3!
other ways to say i love you prompt list
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The opportunity to wear JJ’s clothes tainted your thoughts undoubtedly.
Not only because it belonged to him but because everything about JJ’s wardrobe, is so JJ.
No problem with repping any and everything that belonged to your infamous boyfriend. Wether it be wearing his pair of boxers as shorts, a wife beater to slumber in, or a random tee shirt to go out in broad day light.
You just longed for his material to be around your figure.
Congenial and adequate, soft yet comfortable— all elements of his clothes that are alike with JJ.
They are his clothes, after all.
“JJ let go of me!”
Stood smack in the the middle of JJ’s room at the chateau. His window partially open, wind bristling from the night air, making its way through. Whilst the hard wood floors beneath the two of you tracked the imprints of your feet. Bed rolled around in, from you forcing JJ off of you then— merely to let you get up and off of the bed to shower, that you did. Since you came out though, wearing little clothing, (given that there wasn't much of your own items lying around at the Chateau) he hasn't let you be.
He encapsulates you with his sinewy arms, body swallowing you whole. Whilst you forcefully push your hands against his broad, shirtless chest— the skin mellow and thick. Indentations of your miniature hands marking his skin, like your were a rag doll; screaming for dear life.
All JJ could muster was a low, raspy chuckle.
“Say you won’t leave.”
JJ wanted to make love to you all day long.
Not sex.
But emotionally.
To emotionally make love, to have and hold. A day full of luster, every millisecond spent around or with you. To confide in and maybe even shrink you and put you in his pocket.
A keepsake.
“You know I can’t, I don’t have another change of clothes.”
Behind every ‘can’t’ JJ miraculously finds a way, opportunity at hand to see you clad in something of his.
“Lets find you something of mine?”
JJ flicks his tongue, peering down at you due to the fact that he knows he’s won and you aren’t moving a muscle. His hands maneuver themselves to the lower part of your ass, hands habitually grasp the masses with a squeeze of his hands.
“Are you gonna’ give me something to wear then or what?”
You hid your secret giddiness inside, not wanting to be the one to initiate this sentiment— things seemingly working themselves out anyway.
“Actually, baby … just fuckin’ walk around naked … s’even better.”
He acknowledges the glint in your eye, possibly even a twitch that says, ‘get me some damn clothes before I wring your neck.’
“Okay okay, whatcha’ thinkin’ a little Heywards t-shirt action … Bait Shop shirt … ?”
He let go of you distastefully, instantly salivating for the contact again. Walking over to the wooden drawers of his dresser, pulling out multiple options— signaling you to come over and pick.
“Surprise me.”
And you turn around, facing the emptiness of his room, that wasn’t his room, but nonetheless. Rummaging was heard as he hummed and mumbled minuscule things to himself.
“Turn around, pretty girl.”
An off-black brownish t-shirt is thrown into your hands. A decor in the upper left side that read ‘Sex Wax Est 2005’, font circular and embellished with stars on either end.
“Your turn-“
He was already turning around, the gentlemen that he prided on being. You grinned at the cotton beneath your digits, bringing it up to your nose— though it had been washed, his powerful musk still retained it. The silky sensation of yeasty beer and a freshly rolled blunt encompassed your senses.
“Need more time?”
“Just a second, J.”
If only he knew your fixation was obsessive beforehand.
“I’ll just be here … y’know ... missin' my girl."
Feet away, physical touch being his love language fully had a choke hold on him per usual.
After you were done with your inspection you pulled the thin material of your cropped cami past your shoulders, bra clasped tight to your back. Leaving you to remove those lacey pocketed shorts that adorned your body; his shirt lazily pulled past your head, drowning you in its bigger size, falling just to your mid thigh.
The sole way to sleep with JJ disclosed.
You felt more his than you ever had in the past; claiming his array of bib and tucker with exuberance.
His baby suffocating in him.
You cleared your throat gesturing for him to turn around, his mouth gaping open as he's awe struck; open long enough that you were impressed something didn't fly in it.
"Shit you look better than me!"
Ogle eyes whilst his mouth formed a tight-lipped smile, stomach churning and insides wavering at the woman he chose to take part in his life with him.
It may be a shirt to most, but with his person inside of it made it all the more nostalgic, heart growing tender.
"C'mere gotta get a better look at you."
Following suit you step forward to him, lips instantly connecting with your jaw with pure infatuation.
"S'perfect baby."
"Yeah? Think I can pass as the new JJ Maybank?" In the same position the two of you were in minutes ago, except grins are wider and souls aching all the more for eachother; and you mocked him.
"Pass me a beer and a J."
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raribella · 3 months
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Love is Embarrassing | JJ Maybank
summary: although JJ had promised your brother he wouldn’t ever hurt you, you saw him kissing Kie while you were on a break.
pairing: JJ Maybank x Routledge!reader
genre: emotionally heavy anst, fluff in the end
contains: reader being a real bitch, mentions of Luke and parental abuse, inspired by some songs in the album “GUTS” by Olivia Rodrigo, kinda shitty ending but let me know.
word count: 2,7k
author’s note: alright I know I’ve been MIA and a bitch and I haven’t posted anything in months (worse if you see how much stuff is on my “upcoming works” section), but I’ve just had a lot of ideas, little time and little confidence to write. one of my best friends just showed me obx and I’m in love with this blonde and I got (I think) a spoiler about him and Kie and I just had to do something with my feelings.
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This is a work of fiction. I do not own the characters of Outer Banks nor any characteristic of the show. I am writing this story solely for my own entertainment and the marvel or comfort of any readers.
“If I fuck up with her that might as well be the last thing I do in my life, John B! I mean it!”
the words that JJ heatedly uttered to your twin brother the day he found out about the two of you were repeating over and over in your head right now. You remembered it all too well; John B was seething, absolutely pissed, seeing red. You and JJ Maybank knew each other for as long as he and your brother were best friends, when you turned 14, he declared to all the Pogues that you were off limits, and about two months ago, you and JJ started seeing each other. One month into it and JB discovered you, which was easy considering JJ already spent most of his time with both of you at the Chateau. JJ promised his best friend that he wouldn’t fuck up with you because two things mattered the most for him in this life; their friendship, and yourself.
But as of lately, he was having some problems with Luke and he asked for some time “out” so he could figure his shit out without involving or hurting you and you disagreed but you’d do pretty much anything in this world for this man so you decided to say yes.
To his bullshit.
Bullshit, you figured out about half an hour ago, when you heard a confusing conversation between him and Kiara – the perfect one – and when you went outside to track the noise, you saw them kissing.
You were fifteen minutes late to leave for the weekly kegger and you forced yourself to lock yourself in the bathroom and call in sick – because that you were, and you wouldn’t handle being out partying and pretending like seeing the kooks, and seeing them two wouldn’t make you feel the same type of nausea at this moment.
Sarah was the third person to try and make you get out of the bathroom. The first being your brother and the second, Pope. Although you were thankful neither JJ nor Kie had tried to talk to you, when you heard your best friend’s voice, you were actually starting to feel sick, you were having a migraine from holding tears up, and you were sweating.
“Y/n, come on! You were so excited to come not even an hour ago, we’re already late and I don’t see why wouldn’t you want to come”
Your vision was blurry as you palmed the door and laid your forehead on it. Sarah realized that you really weren’t coming when she heard your voice crack.
“Sarah please, just, go on out without me this one time, I need not to be there right now and I also need to be alone please don’t ask me questions I can’t handle to answer you this moment I promise-“
As you rambled, she frowned from the other side of the door. Making sure to get everyone to leave for the Kegger, to try and remember asking you about this later on, and to reassure John B that you were actually okay.
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You’ve been successfully avoiding JJ for about two weeks now. It started with enough discretion, allegedly going to the bathroom every time he entered a room, or offering everyone any snacks you would spend too much time preparing in the kitchen. For him, it started getting obvious when you looked the other way when he looked at you at the beach, or when you refused to surf and, as of recently, started slamming the doors on him. JJ was getting pissed at this rate. He started by simply frowning and brushing it off, but you couldn’t just keep slamming doors and not even looking at him, and if everyone else noticed, they just wouldn’t budge! The worst part is that he didn’t know what had happened nor if he could fix it. You understood him when he told you he needed time to figure out some stuff with Luke, but the truth was he was still very much freaked out about that. He still loved you, and he couldn’t afford to see you like this anymore, especially when such behavior was being directed at him. JJ missed you. Even if he couldn’t really figure his shit out, he missed you screaming at the top of your lungs as you entered the sea, he missed your smile, your laidback grin that he was the only receiver of, he missed your colorful bikinis, and how they embraced your features as you would jump onto every wooden swing near the shore, your curly hair flying everywhere filled with salt spray. He just missed you, the real you. And he had to talk to you to see if there was even a chance that he could get you back.
You, on the other hand, kept avoiding the questioning looks the pogues would send you every time you were harsh or avoidant at JJ, your brother even attempted to talk to you, silently, just with glances, and figure out if his best friend had hurt you. But even if he did, it only hurt because you loved him too much, and you decided it was best to protect him from John B’s wrath. You felt embarrassed whenever Kiara questioned you with her eyes as well; you felt embarrassed to be near her. You kept crucifying yourself and both her and JJ because of everything, often zoning out of the conversation and just bitterly reminiscing about the times you consoled your boyfriend as he cried late at night in your room, being gentle with his bruises. – thinking how could you be so stupid? giving up everything, betting on him against your brother’s better judgment. You kept paying attention to Kie and how, since that day, she looked like the sweetest thing of the Cut, the fucking hell-side of the island. Her perfume lingered in the air even at the beach and made you feel sick; you saw her everywhere now, even when you looked at him. You saw the scene of them kissing. Feeling every word she would utter toward you in conversation like bullets on your skin. As it was torture how she was the greatest thing to ever exist – how everyone loved her, how she was so much better than you; poisoning everything that you do and still being the sweetest friend, making you despise how rotten your mind was; how jealous your eyes were.
You were bottled up to the brim.
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It started out simple enough. JJ had noticed everyone was doing their own thing at the Chateau; John B was absent for the time being, and you were alone on the couch, fidgeting, focused on whatever. It seemed like the perfect window to try and have an actual conversation about what’s been happening. He just didn’t expect it all to escalate so quickly. He didn’t expect you to have seen a part of his conversation with Kiara about his dad – but not everything, not the ending. – He hadn’t expected a conversation with you of all people to become a bomb with a short fuse that would explode into feelings tainted crimson. watching you bleed, making him bleed all over for you.
"Pogues don't mack on pogues, y/n! this shit freaked me out, your brother finding out freaked me out, yeah, even if he’s my best friend and I was afraid that-”
“Oh, so you go ‘round and fucking get with Kiara?! this is fucking bullshit, JJ! bullshit-
“Y/n, listen to me!”
You both were screaming, Kie’s eyes went wide as she tried calling your name as well but you had already started crying and couldn’t pay attention to anyone but him. At this point, as John B arrived at the Chateau and followed the noise, the people around you calming you down couldn’t be sure if they were afraid of his arrival or actually relieved. You kept interrupting each other. JJ pulled his hair and you pointed at yourself and to your side – as if Kiara was still there – strength marking red fingertips above your chest.
“‘Cause she’s not even a real pogue, right?! that’s why you got so confident about it, huh?”
it was almost as if the room went silent. Kiara decided to step outside to give you space; to take a moment to breathe in and take notice that you didn’t mean that. She was sure you didn’t. The rest of the group started to move aside as well although they could obviously still hear the commotion. Only you, John B, and JJ were in the living room. Your brother grabbed your shoulders from behind trying to ground you in any way he could, JJ growing nervous at the rate of the conversation and his friend’s presence.
You looked into his eyes and it was as if the blue in them was slowly fading, his eyebrows shot up and his mouth twisted in a clearly upset frown. As tears stained your cheeks, pride still overpowering your shame and feelings pent up, you started with more meaningless empty jabs, which, said angrily enough, would only make JJ bleed more as he fell silent himself.
“I really loved you, you know? You gotta laugh at the stupidity.. right? Come on you were going around doing that shit and I swear JJ I used to think was really smart… I was just a mesmerizing, paralyzing, fucked-up little thrill for you, tho… best friend’s little twin… ridiculous.”
At that, John B diverted his attention toward his friend with stern questioning eyes. JJ gulped.
“Look, man I just really need to talk to her and explain myself, ‘aight? I didn’t do what- Things are really not what they seem right now and I need her to-“
“Fuck, JJ, that’s bullshit! How can you not even flinch when you fucking lie like that! Things are just like what they seem you never even fucking loved me! You can’t love anyone, ‘cause that would mean you had a heart, right? But you’re a fucking Maybank! And I really tried to help you out all this time but now I know that I can’t!”
You were calming down, but exploded again, as the words left your mouth though, you started regretting them, the most deeply someone could ever regret anything maybe, worsening by the second as you saw the man you still loved muttering a small “no”, cracking at your words and shedding a tear. As Kiara heard what you said from the outside, she didn’t even think before bursting into the house again, turning every head in her direction.
“Y/n you’re spiraling and you’re saying things you’ll fucking regret! I kissed him, alright?! This is my fault. He stopped me, he loves you and he wouldn’t do that, okay?”
Though the words she was muttering were calming you down, she was calling you out, she was absolutely mad at what you said about JJ’s father because she had context and it was really fucked up. You felt small.
“Kiss?!” John B asked, his eyebrows shooting up. It wasn’t his intention to aggravate the situation but it was his little sister involved. JJ tried to start talking and explain the situation – which Kiara had left him to, but he could really only think about one thing.
“I- uh… did you mean it? What you said.”
JJ rarely expressed any sign of vulnerability, so as his voice broke, you felt like your heart did too, rushing to explain yourself now, and trying to get closer to him.
“I didn’t mean it, J, I really didn’t! God, I don’t even know how you can still even look at me right now I’m so sorry I was just so fucking broken at the idea of you che- of losing you, and I- I thought you had found someone else and I damn near started world war III right now and it’s just because I love you so much and I know you don’t deserve another fucked up demonstration of love, you deserve to feel so good, Jay, and I’m really sorry, I love you so so much, and I will understand if you never-“
You were interrupted by the shock of his own body against yours. The both of you were panting, crying, completely tired sighs leaving each mouth as if this was all going on for days and you were so hurt, yet needing each other so much. John B and Kiara were ‘okay’ enough with the newfound situation to leave you both to your own devices again, and you just clung to one another, sitting on the floor for what felt like hours until he decided to speak again.
“Y/n… I asked for us to take some time because it was becoming too real, y’know? What we felt for each other.. it was, touchable- it is. And when everyone else found out, and then John B… You know I don’t talk about this usually, not with anyone but you, but I didn’t want my dad to find out about us, to find out about you. I don’t want him knowing what you are for me I don’t want him knowing that laying a single finger on you can be worse than any punch he could throw my way. And I wanted to figure this out without you knowing about it because you’d say it’s fine, and I-“
As your mind processes his words, you start to think how in the world you got a man whose the first concern about a monster of a father would be you. How could you deserve it, especially after what you had insinuated about him. “It is! It’s fine, honey, we can-“
“No, y/n it’s not fine because I don’t ever want you to even worry your pretty little head about a situation like that, y’know? And It’s not fine because the pogues are my family and the love I feel for you, if anything would happen to you because of him I’ll be damned, damned, and in jail for murder, you can trust me I will.”
He closed his eyes, taking a deep breath. All you could do was keep the hold you had on each other, slightly caressing his head.
“Since I didn’t want you to know about it, I went to Kie, that night of the Kegger, and she tried to help me and she said she loved me and I did too but then she kissed me and I assume it’s what you saw but I did step back, I promise! I told her off… Y/n I told your brother that if I intentionally hurt you, if I fucked up with you like this then that might as well be the last thing I did in my life and I mean it. I love you so much, little Routledge, and I’m all in now. We can figure shit out as we go but as long as we have each other, okay?”
As JJ spoke, he held your hands, reassuring you at the end. Hours had passed ever since you started talking, so when the pogues felt everything was calmer they decided to go back in the house slowly – figure out how you were, what were the plans for the night.
“Do you really forgive me for what I said? I will understand, J, I’m so, so sorry, I love you so much” You touched your forehead with his, and JJ sighed, shaking his head slightly. “I love you. I love you, y/n… can’t be without you.”
And as you both kissed each other as if you were making up for ages lost, Sarah smiled at the corner of the room, John B interrupting the show. “Come on with the PDA, love birds… What are we doing tonight, then?” He half-heartedly scolded as you got up, hand glued to the blonde's. You let out a big sigh again, before brushing them off with an honest, but half-assed excuse, already making the way to your room.
“I mean, you could go to Heyward’s… I think we’ll just lie down a bit.. ‘twas kinda draining…” you saw a bunch of side smiles as the group left through the door, Sarah grinned, letting out a puff of air through her nose, and when Pope went to close the door, he screamed back in the direction of your room, “Don’t do anything I wouldn’t do!” which earned a scream back from an already lying down JJ, “might as well not do anything!” and for the first time in a while, you laughed, making your way to lie on top of him, his embrace being all you needed.
“You know… we could go out to surf tomorrow,” he offered, still missing the sight of a happy you, your bikini, and the ocean.
“First thing in the morning.” You answered.
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wordsarelife · 5 months
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—how you get the girl 
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pairing: jj maybank x fem!routledge!reader
summary: the pogues don’t seem to be on the same page at dealing with your break up
warnings: cussing, fighting
notes: this was originially planned as my get him back fic for the guts masterlist, but i realised, that it didn't really fit the theme, so i just finished it differently lol
chaotic is my favorite type of genre... so enjoy!!!
"shit" kiara bend down and grabbed the book that just came flying out of the window
"oh they aren't done yet" said pope, outstretching his hand and catching another flying book.
"should we.. say something?" sarah looked at her friends questingly
"hell nah" john b shook his head
"this is just normal behaviour for them" kie let herself fall down in the lounge chair
"normal?" asked sarah, before she screeched in shock, diving out of the way before the shoe could hit her
"yeah" shrugged pope "we're used to this by now"
"aren't you like scared that you sister will get hurt?" sarah turned her head to john b, who just shrugged
"she's the one throwing things"
"o-kay" sarah sat down beneath the window in the hope to not get hit with anything "i'm sorry that i'm just grasping that now, but aren't they like in a happy relationship? why don't they just break up if they don't get along?"
"they never break up" said kiara "they don't fight often, but when they do, it's over"
"believe me, you don't want to be near them when it happens" john b exchanged a look with pope "one time pope accidently walked in on them fighting and y/n screamed at him"
"she's worse than my mother" said pope and he looked like he was having war flashbacks
"he cried" concluded kiara
"oh wow" sarah nodded, slowly understanding what was going on
the group stopped talking as the door got opened and jj and y/n stepped outside.
"hey guys!" kiara smiled innocently and sarah quickly noticed that it was best to act as if they didn't hear what had been going on "how are you both?"
"oh just fine" you said, smiling at your friends "jj and i broke up"
"you did what?" john b leaned forward and kiara mirrored his shocked facial expression
"so.. this is not normal, yeah?" whispered sarah, leaning over to pope
"eh, this never happened before" replied pope while not taking his eyes off of the broken up couple, watching them like a hawk
"we decided that it would be best if we ended things" jj said shrugging "it's as simple as that"
"simple?" asked kiara and she looked like her eye was twitching
"yes..?" you asked, not quiet grasping why everyone was so upset about your break up
"you've been dating for the past four years" john b flailed his arms dramatically "you can't just break up!"
"of course we can" you argued "because we just did"
jj looked at the time on his phone, before he held it up in your direction. "it's half past two"
"alright" you stood up and followed jj off the patio
"wait, where are you going?" kiara looked between you both and the rest of your friends
"i'll take her to work and then help my cousin in the workshop"
no one said a word at that and you guys left.
pope looked between his friends, shock still evident on his face. "so this is the new normal?" he whispered
"relax, they can't hear you" sarah laughed and all eyes went to her. none of the other found anything remotely funny in that moment
"i jinxed it" murmured kiara "i told sarah that they never break up and look where it's gotten us"
"why do you freak out about this?" asked sarah confused "i mean, of course it's sad, but if they say it's for the better?"
"uncharted territory, baby" john b declared dramatically
"yeah" kiara nodded "they are happy for a long time, then they have a big fight, they make up, which is disgusting, but works and then.. rinse and repeat"
"you got used to them dating so we can just get used to them.. not dating, right?" sarah questioned
"it's not this easy" kiara shook her head
"yeah, they've been together since puberty started and i think that had a big impact on who they are now" john b explained
"that's ridiculous" sarah laughed "she's your sister, you know her better than anyone"
"i knew her when she was dating jj and before that when she was pining after jj" john b gasped "i don't think i know her without him in the picture"
"john b" sarah sighed. she couldn't really believe what was going on right now. the pogues had always been pretty chill and normal, well obviously not when it came to the dating life of their friends
"he's right" pope said, interrupting sarah's train of thought. "you know jj and y/n, sarah. they are pretty unpredictable, but while they were together they would calm each other down"
"now they are like two wandering fire hazards" kiara exclaimed
"okay" sarah sighed "when you're so worried" she thought for a second "why don't we split up and watch them until they are done with the break up and hopefully not co-dependent anymore"
"pope?" john b turned to the boy
"it could work" pope nodded "as long as we keep possible outbreaks to a down low and maybe keep them away from each other, no one will get hurt"
"you're talking as if they would actually errupt like a volcano"
"we aren't joking, sarah" kie looked to the boys "the week before they started dating, the chateau nearly burned down"
sarah just nodded silently, not quiet believing what she was hearing, she would change her mind pretty quickly
sarah and kie drove to the ice cream shop you were working at, while pope and john b watched visited jj at his cousin's workshop
"ladies" you smiled as you noticed kie and sarah sitting at a table you served.
"hey girl" kie smiled brightly and sarah send her a confused look, until kie slapped her arm
sarah made a surprised sound, before she quickly said the first thing she could think of "howdy"
you send her a puzzled look, before you left the menu "i'll be back in a few minutes to take your orders" then you left the table still watching them suspiciously
"howdy?" kie asked horrified
"it's the first thing that came to mind"
"this is gonna be a long day" kie murmured "hopefully the boys are better at this than we are"
pope and john b had managed to be even worse
"so..uh single huh?" pope outstretched his arm to lean against the car jj was working on, but underestimated the distance and nearly knocked the mirror off
"relax, okay?" john b whispered
jj got up from under the car "i guess, yeah"
"so how about a tinder account?" before jj could answer pope's question john b had elbowed him in the stomach. pope bend over
"okay, what going on with you? you are acting stranger than usual" jj looked from one to the other
"we're.. adjusting" john b explained
"yeah, you and y/n have been together for forever"
"hhm" jj nodded "we dated a pretty long time"
"yeah, you shouldn't just give up on such a long relationship"
"i don't know guys" jj walked around the car to open the hood "we decided this together and she seemed happy with the decision"
"i bet she's crushed and just didn't want you to know" pope argued
"yeah" john b nodded enthusiastically "you know y/n, she's always trying to be tough. she's with the girls right now, i bet she's feeling horrible"
"i just feel so relived, you know?" you were currently joining sarah and kie at their table while you were on your break. each of you devouring your ice cream.
"you go, girl!" sarah encouraged
"i mean the time we were together was amazing, but i just think we need to let it go"
"do you still love him?" kie asked leaning forward
"i guess" you shrugged "i don't think you can just stop doing that"
"i think you made the right decision" sarah nodded and kie send her a wide eyed look "you should know when a relationship isn't worth staying for"
"you're right" you looked at your phone to check the time "thanks guys, but i need to get back to work" you stood up from the table and walked back into the kitchen
"okay what was that?"
"what?" sarah "i just tried to help"
"by telling her she made the right choice?"
"she didn't?"
"yes…no" kie shook her head "i don't know, okay? what i do know is that it's always been y/n and jj as long as i've known them. they might seem fine, but nothing will ever be the same and they were really great together"
"that might be true, kie" sarah smiled emphatically "but we need to respect our friends decision. and when y/n thinks she made the right one then we have to trust her" kie nodded slowly "we cannot force them to upkeep a relationship, just because we are scared that their break up will destroy the friend group"
"you're right"
after your shift ended you left the shop together with kie and sarah, who had waited for you. "you really didn't have to wait for me" you smiled while you climbed in the backseat of kie's car.
"no problem" kie smiled
"we just want you to know that we're here for you" sarah turned around to look at you "to catch you if you should fall"
"o-kay" you breathed confused "why would that happen exactly?"
"are you kidding?" sarah laughed "you just left a long term relationship, no need to hold back your tears"
"i don't really do crying"
"alright" kie interrupted, before sarah could give you anymore unsolicited advice "let's just get you home"
"so you really think it's worth another shot?" jj stood infront of the flower shop. pope and john b to each side of him
"she will so happy to have you back" john b encouraged
"yeah, bet she's crying her eyes out right now" pope grinned
"bro" john b shook his head at the boy
"y/n doesn't cry" jj said absently his eyes on the yellow chrysanthemums "okay" he nodded "i'll do it"
"there you go brother" john b patted his shoulder while pushing him towards the entry
pope and john b waited outside the shop for jj to return, while jj was being advised by a girl that seemed to be working in the shop. pope snapped a quick picture of jj inside the flower shop and send it to kie
you were sitting on your bed in the chateau, while kie and sarah were preparing snacks for you in the kitchen. they had practically begged to wait in your room.
your eyes flew over the words on your book page, when a sudden sound peeked your interest. it was kie's phone that had just received a message. your curiosity got the better of you and you unlocked the phone.
pope had sent a photo of jj inside a flower shop a cute girl talking to him. your eyes grew big and then you noticed the caption that sealed the deal. how you get the girl
it was almost instantly that tears blurred your vision and you wiped them away in confusion. you turned kie's phone around and got up from the bed, sitting down on the floor in front of it, opening the drawer underneath it.
the drawer was filled with jj's things and memories of your time together. that made you cry even more. you grabbed the first hoodie you could find and pulled it over your head. then you sorted through all the stuff, your bedroom floor quickly being filled with things from your past.
"woah" sarah nearly lost her hold on the bowl of chips as she noticed you on the floor "seems like she does cry" she whispered in kiara's direction
"hey sweetheart" kie sat down on the ground beside you and opened her arms so you could crawl into them
"he's moving on so fast" you cried "i want him to be happy, but not with my favorite taylor swift song"
sarah and kie exchanged a confused look 'what is she talking about?' sarah mouthed, but kie just shrugged
"guys?" john b's voice could be heard from the front door "jj is with us"
the mention of his name made you cry even harder
"could you deal with that?" kie asked and sarah nodded, walking out of the room
"i don't think she should see you right now"
"what's wrong with her?" john b asked worriedly
"she's crying"
"y/n's crying?" jj put the flowers on the kitchen counter and tried to walk around sarah
"yeah" sarah shrugged "we told her the break up was the right thing to do and she seemed fine. but now she's crying her eyes out"
"y/n doesn't cry, sarah" jj seemed serious now
"you told her the break up was the right decision?" john b asked and sarah nodded
"we told jj the opposite" pope whispered loudly
"i can hear you" jj rolled his eyes "can i see her, please?"
sarah stepped aside and jj walked into your bedroom, followed by the rest of your friends
"y/n" he said as he noticed your crying form
you looked up at his voice and jj's heart broke as he noticed your sad expression, but then your face quickly changed. you seemed angrier than any of your friends had ever seen you. you got up and tried to charge at jj, luckily kiara could hold you back just before you were able to hit jj with an uppercut
"woah" jj raised his hands jumping back at your outbreak
"my favorite taylor swift song? really, jj?" you screamed and tried to free yourself from kie, but her hold wouldn't budge
"what are you talking about?" jj screamed back
"the flower shop girl" you cried "you obviously moved on quicker than i did"
jj send a panicked look in his friends direction. “how do you know about the flower shop?”
“so you admit to flirting with her?”
“no?” jj asked baffled “so?” he urged
“i read a text pope send to kie” you shamefully admitted, reaching for the phone on the bed and holding it in jj’s direction.
his eyes flew over the display quickly, looking at the photo and reading the caption. “how you get the girl, pope? really?” he was as angry as you had been a second ago and could now totally understand how you had misinterpreted the photo without it’s context
pope looked guilty. “he was getting flowers for you, y/n!” he tried to explain “i just took a photo without context but i was hinting the song at jj getting you back! you have to believe me”
you looked at the boy and saw the sincerity in his eyes. “i do” you nodded “where are they?” you turned your head at jj
“where is who?”
“the flowers” you rolled your eyes but he could see a smile forming on your face
“they’re in the kitchen”
you followed him out of the room, where he presented you with the flowers. “you got yellow chrysanthemums for me?” you said softly tears welling up in your eyes again
“i think you permanently changed her” he joked to pope, who smiled uncomfortably. jj turned back to you “of course baby, i would do anything if i can get you back. breaking up was the dumbest decision ever, don’t you think?”
“yeah” you laughed. “broke your heart i’ll put it back together” you whispered, leaning your forehead against his.
“i would wait forever and ever” jj smiled, and then he kissed you and all was well.
“and that, my friends, is how you get the girl” said sarah, crossing her arms happily, all while she ignored her friends protests at her not really seeing the importance of the situation like they had all begged her to at first. instead she just watched y/n and jj kiss and smile at each other.
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obxsummer · 1 year
Text
Reunion // Ghost of You
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summary below cut to avoid spoilers for s3 ep1-3
let's jump right on in.
part of #obx3celebration
navigation -- series masterlist
--
summary: after being rescued from your island paradise, you're unexpectedly ripped from the pogues and pushed straight into another fight for your life.
warnings: kidnapping, violence, cursing, minor character death
--
The noise of an airplane propeller shook you from your sleep. Ever since you touched this island, you were sensitive to every little sound or movement. Sitting up sharply, you looked to see Pope doing the same. The two of you were quick to catch sight of the plane dancing in the clouds and started shaking friends awake.
“Guys, plane. Plane!” Shaking JJ’s shoulder aggressively, you collected your ratty shoes from the sand and ran towards the shoreline. 
Taking a look back, you could see the uncertain expression on JJ’s face. In the time you all had spent on the island, he had made it abundantly clear that he didn’t want to leave. This was JJ’s element, his safe space. He was with you, his family, and they were making things work with scraps. This was the Full Pogue experience he had always dreamed of.
“Hey! We’re down here!” John B was suddenly next to you and waving his arms aggressively to draw any ounce of attention to your group. Pope and Cleo took off up the field to light a fire in hopes that the pilot would see.
A defeated sigh left your lips as the plane looked like it would continue on before making a last-minute change and turning.
“Guys, guys. He sees us!” Kie shook your arm in excitement.
“He’s gonna go to the pond. Come on, come on!” Your brother slung his shoestrings over his shoulders and grabbed Sarah’s hand to tug her along up the hill.
JJ caught up to your side as you guys jogged behind your friends. You could tell he was displeased. You tried to understand why he would feel this way, but part of you just wanted to go home. Watching the aircraft make a successful landing, your boyfriend let out a sigh. 
“Come on.” His fingers were rough as they intertwined with your own. You squeezed, trying to give him some sort of comfort about the idea as you caught up with everyone.
The stairs of the cockpit lowered just above the water as a middle-aged man climbed out. He was quick to join in on the noises of celebration coming from Cleo, Pope, and John B. “Well, what do we got here?”
John B glanced back at your group before responding. “You know, just some castaways.”
“Well, I’ll cross that off my grocery list. Uh, hang on! I got just the thing for y’all.” He disappeared back into the plane for a moment. “Two things you need on a deserted island: first aid and rum!”
The bottle splashed in front of Sarah’s feet. She seemed distraught at the sight in front of her, no doubt fearing that her father may be involved in some way. You didn’t blame her. The constant feeling that you need to look over your shoulder was exhausting, but you were hoping it would change.
“So, what’s the story? You guys sank a boat?”
“Jumped off one,” You replied, watching as Sarah bent down to grab the alcohol out of the water. For some reason, you weren’t as hesitant to get out of here as you probably should’ve been. After a month or so of living like this, you would take the Chateau back in a heartbeat. 
The pilot chuckled. “Well, have no fear. Jimmy’s here. I got you.”
Cleo cheered and threw her hands in the air. “Well, all hail Jimmy, guys! Let’s go.”
The pilot, Jimmy, welcomed you all as John B led the way into the plane. Kie gave you and JJ a look before following wordlessly. It seemed a little too good, but who were you to say anything?
You turned to JJ, taking the chance to check-in. “You okay?” Your hand rested on his collarbone, thumb tracing his jawline as you observed him. His whole body was tense; the fun demeanor you’d witnessed after cliff jumping yesterday disappeared without a trace. JJ’s expression was sharp when he made eye contact with you. Thrown off guard, you frowned and dropped your hands to your side. 
“We said we’d never go back, remember? You said you wouldn’t. And here you are, running after a plane that would take us right back into hell?” He shrugged his shoulders before looking away. You were a bit surprised by his hostility, feeling like he was blaming you for everyone else climbing onboard. 
“Who said we’re going back to the OBX?” You countered as you gestured towards the plane. “There’s no way that thing would fly that far anyway. We’re all gonna be together no matter what.”
JJ let out a heavy breath and refused to look at you. “You don’t get it.” He hauled his boots up before brushing past you to head after your friends into the aircraft. You turned on your heels, the fight leaving your body at the idea of him being so upset over leaving this place. There was no point in arguing right now. 
With a huff, you climbed on board, thanking Jimmy for letting you all come before settling down between Sarah and Kie. The idea of being able to take a shower and put fresh clothes on was amazing right now, so you tried not to hold onto JJ’s poor attitude personally. 
“So, what are you doing all the way out here?” JJ asked as the engine started up. 
“I got a little guide outfit in Saint Vincent. I was spotting fish. You know, the usual. Wahoo,” Jimmy replied as he began flipping switches and steering. “I’d hang on to something. Gets a little spicy on takeoff.”
You shared a look with Pope, the two of you not big airplane people to begin with. Grabbing onto nearby straps, you clenched the fabric tightly. The plane jerked once before things steadied out and you could eventually see the water and island far beneath you from the sky. 
Taking a deep breath, you leaned your head against the metal behind you in hopes that it would calm your racing heart. You were grateful for the opportunity to hopefully go somewhere a little better, but the lack of safety equipment in this plane made you nauseous. 
“Wahoo don’t run in September. Ever, alright?” JJ’s voice broke you out of your self-induced trance. You opened your eyes to see him leaning toward your group as far away from Jimmy as he could get. “So, whoever this man is, he’s not a fisherman.”
“No, I know what this is,” Sarah said as if the answer was obvious, “He’s working for my dad, and he’s probably been looking for us this entire time.”
Pope considered the idea. “Alright, we gotta find out. Start looking for some sort of… clues.”
JJ and John B were quick to create a plan to distract Jimmy. While your brother busied himself with asking pointless questions, JJ dug straight into the satchel hanging on the seat. A few books tumbled into his hands. A photo slid out of the first one, Sarah being quick to grab it. You peeked over her shoulder to see a crisp clear photo of the Coastal Venture.
“This is the boat we were on, with Eberhimi and the cross,” She whispered.
“So he was looking for us?” Cleo asked as she got a look at the picture for herself. A nervous feeling built in your stomach at the thought of this man searching for you on purpose, maybe even for Ward’s bidding. 
A sharp movement of the airplane had you all bracing for some stability as Jimmy called out about turbulence. Kiara looked over your shoulder out the window. You followed her gaze to the window where land was creeping into the blue of the ocean. “Whatever it is, it’s happening fast. Look.” 
“That looks like Barbados. I’ve been there with Terrance,” Cleo piped up as the rest of your group observed what would most likely be the landing place. 
“Okay. There’s six of us, one of him. You know my vote, we storm the cockpit.”
You gave JJ an incredulous look at his suggestion. “No, who’s gonna fly the plane, dumbass?”
“I’ve seen Pope fly simulators.”
“I crop dusted for my uncle last summer, that is not the same thing!”
The group continued to bicker back and forth before ultimately deciding the best option would be to land safely and book it as soon as you got the opportunity. John B was quick to start a conversation with Jimmy again so JJ could sneak the books back into the satchel. It seemed like all was well until the pilot happened to glance over his right shoulder, exactly where JJ was scrambling in his stuff.
The plane jerked aggressively as the boys broke into a fight. Screaming echoed around you with shouts to fly the plane overwhelming as you grabbed on for some sort of hold. The water was approaching rapidly when Jimmy finally turned back around in an attempt to save everyone. Admitting defeat, you closed your eyes tightly and braced against the wall when the first hit came. 
The plane bounced across the ocean, sending the six of you into a mess of tangled limbs against the floor. Someone’s elbow jammed into the weak spot of your back as you cried out. The water started flooding the ground as you all scrambled for an escape. 
“Everybody good?”
The cool liquid sent a chill up your spine once you finally found some footing. John B shoved the door open and crawled out first. You could barely see the people crowding the beach at the sight of the accident.
“They do not look friendly.”
You looked closer, noticing the weapons and vests they were wearing to separate them from casual observers. Slipping on the wet metal, you shifted through the water as everyone began scrambling from the singing airplane. 
“Y/N, let’s go!”
You spared a glance back at where Jimmy was passed out in his seat. A tug pulled in your chest, the idea of leaving someone to drown not sitting well with you. Cursing to yourself, you pushed through the water to grab onto the pilot and tug him out.
“No, no, no. Y/N, let’s go!”
“Hurry!”
You ignored the shouts of concern and worked on tugging Jimmy into the open water. Your feet kicked as hard as possible to keep you both afloat as he slowly started coming to. You waited until the sand was under your feet and bystanders came to help to let go. 
Coughing up water, you turned to glare at the man you’d rescued. “You lied to us.” Adrenaline was pumping through your system, the fear of what had happened taking over. 
The sound of ATVs flooded your senses as you turned to look over your shoulder. The beach was crowded with a series of men, all in tan tactical gear, and all of them heading towards you. 
“You should get out of here.”
Ignoring Jimmy’s useless advice, you took off up the shore in hopes that you could lose them in the mass of people. A rotting boat was taking up part of the shore but you quickly navigated through an opening to hide in the darkness of it. 
You held your breath at the sound of footsteps, a pair of boots coming into view. As soon as the person’s eyes came a little too close, you lashed out and kicked him away from your hideout.
“She’s over here!”
“Shit!” Crawling as fast as possible, you moved through the sand in hopes to avoid the oncoming hands but fell short when a foot tripped your own. Sand clouded your vision as two sets of hands latched on to you and pulled you back up. “Let me go!” You yanked and struggled against them in a desperate attempt to free yourself.
 Eventually, the back and forth became too much for the two men who resorted to picking you up out of the sand to move you into a waiting pickup truck. One of your attackers was quick to slide a thick black zip tie around your wrists, effectively ending any sort of backlash as they pushed you into the tailgate corner. 
“We lost the others. We’ll keep searching.”
The words coming from the man’s radio brought you a slight bit of comfort knowing that the rest of the Pogues got away. You sagged against the side of the truck in exhaustion as the adrenaline began to seep away. 
Jimmy suddenly popped into view, your anger quickly resurfacing at the sight of him. “I save your life,” You sneered.
“I know. I know. I’m sorry. I’m gonna try to help you, okay?” He sighed, “I swear. I didn’t know it was gonna be like this. Look, if you don’t fight, if you just do what they say, these guys prob… probably won’t hurt you.”
You shook your head and glared. “Because that’s so reassuring. What did Ward promise you?”
“Who?” He didn’t wait for you to answer the question and continued, “Hey, just take my advice and do what they say. Good luck.”
The truck engine started a second later, one of the guards climbing in the back with you before the vehicle took off. You groaned, tears fighting your eyes at the idea of being taken from your brother and your boyfriend once again. You were sick of this violence around every corner, sick of always being taken from your loved ones.
The sun was warm on your bare skin but did nothing to ease the anxiety building in your chest. You were not equipped enough to keep handling this shit by yourself. The drive continued until you took a right turn down a private road lined with palm trees, blocked with more guards. A watchdog circled the truck as the other guards surveyed who was in the vehicle before it was allowed through. 
Surveying your surroundings, more guards, ATVs, and weapons were at every glance. Your heart sank, knowing there was no way you would be able to outrun everything on your own. One of the guards came to pull you out of the back once the truck came to a stop. You were led up to a large white-colored mansion, the sight of even more guards making you sick. 
The front door opened to reveal a woman dressed in a maid-styled uniform. She took a brief glance at you before letting the both of you through. The foyer area was decorated with expensive artifacts and paintings as you walked. “Take her upstairs. The Orinoco Room.”
A different guard took place and pulled your elbow up the stairs and practically tossed you inside the room, only sparing a second to cut the ties around your wrists.
“Why am I here? Who are you working for?” You took a step back away, the idea of being locked in a room with no escape again haunting your mind. 
“Dinner at eight. I’d clean up.” The door slammed and locked a second later without another word. Your feet stumbled backward until you collided with the bed frame. A sob choked through your throat as the memories became heavy, this feeling all too familiar to you. You didn’t even know if you could be rescued by the Pogues at this point. You were royally fucked.
An hour or two passed before you were able to get yourself out of bed to explore the room. A handful of identical dresses hung in the closet with a note to pick your size attached. Alarms went off in your head at the creepy aura surrounding the gesture before you dropped the paper to the carpet. Moving into the bathroom, a shower was 100% necessary first and foremost. If you were going to go headfirst into this by yourself, might as well clean up when you can.
The products in the shower had to have cost a fortune based on their looks and efficiency. As terrified as you were, this was much nicer than being trapped in the Cameron household endlessly. You took your time to get decent and explore the rest of the room. Dogs barked occasionally from outside, a reminder of the ever-present guards at every corner. 
A sharp knock startled you back to reality as the housekeeper from earlier entered. “He’s ready.”
You didn’t question it, standing up and smoothing out the fabric of the dress as you followed her down the winding staircase. She guided you into one of the rooms connecting to the entranceway before leaving. 
There was one other person in the room, dressed in a tux with their back to you as they poured liquor into a glass. You cleared your throat slightly. “Excuse me?”
Your heart dropped as the person turned around to reveal Rafe Cameron. A fresh buzz cut to his hair made him almost unrecognizable, but he still invoked the same horrible fear in you. This was slowly becoming your worst nightmare all over again. Chest tight with an approaching anxiety attack, you wondered what the hell you were going to do without John B and JJ.
“Y/N?” He looked shocked for some reason and quickly closed the distance between you as his expression shifted to one of anger. You immediately took a step back in return. “Are you trying to weasel in on my deal right now? Is that what’s going on?”
You stared at him for a moment while trying to process what the hell was actually happening. A voice from the other half of the room seemed to hear your thoughts. “I wondered if your little reunion would cause sparks, you know.”
The two of you turned simultaneously to the man who had spoken. He too was dressed in a suit, holding a glass of whiskey as he walked towards you. 
“Who are you?” Rafe didn’t hesitate to ask the obvious.
The man pointed to himself like he was surprised the question was even asked. “Me? My name is Carlos Singh. It’s a pleasure to meet you, Mr. Cameron. And Miss Routledge, I do apologize for the rough tactics in bringing you here. But please, come, sit down. Come now, I don’t bite.”
There was a period of hesitation before you finally took the initiative to step forward into the sitting room, leaving Rafe to follow behind. “Rough tactics?” The Kook repeated. “What about me?”
“Yes, Mr. Cameron, false pretenses, but the ends justify the means, I’m afraid.” Carlos poured himself another hefty drink before asking Rafe to sit again. “We have a lot to talk about.”
“Why are we here?” The question you’d been wanting to know the answer to since the moment they came after you on the beach. Why? Why you and why here?
Carlos stood in front of the two of you and took a sip. “Well, Ms. Routledge, Mr. Cameron. We share certain interests, you know? Objectives.”
“Is this not about the cross?” Rafe’s already limited patience was wearing thin and you feared he would snap any second when he didn’t receive answers. 
“It is. Tangentially, it is about the cross, but it’s also about something much, much bigger.” Carlos turned around to face a framed painting on the wall that depicted a deep grassland with pyramids of gold. “By orders of magnitude… the completion of a grand quest. You see, the story goes that 450 years ago, a Spanish soldier came out of the Orinoco Basin with a few gold beads. When they asked the Spanish soldier where the beads came from, he replied that he got them from a peaceful Indigenous tribe who lived in a city of gold. El Dorado. For the next 450 years, people tried to find that gold, you know. They tried. Conquistadors, knights, captains of ships, tribes, entire nations. All fighting each other in a race for the end of the rainbow. Thousands of lives. And it falls to me, you know. It falls to me to complete the task, to bring full circle to a quest that has gone on for almost 500 years. Perhaps…perhaps the greatest quest in the history of the western hemisphere. And you two are going to play a part in that.”
“What about you, Ms. Routledge? Are you interested in history?”
The question made you want to roll your eyes. “I’m more of a future person.”
Rafe spoke up, “You know, I almost didn’t listen to a word you said, okay? How much you gonna keep philosophizing?” You honestly wanted to thank him for his straightforward attitude when it came to this.
“You are direct, aren’t you, Mr. Cameron?” Silence followed.
“What do you need from me?” At this point, you were willing to give him whatever he asked for, so long as it was within reason. You wanted out.
Carlos spared you a glance. “I’ve come to believe that you and your friends are in possession of something that can help me get what I want. An old manuscript, a diary actually.”
For a moment, you blanked on what exactly he meant. Then it hit you, Mr. Sunn had given Pope the diary of Denmark Tanny during your hunt for the cross. And if the cross, the gold, and this… El Dorado were all related… you had the key to where you needed to go. 
“I have no idea what you’re talking about,” Rafe replied as you shook your head lightly.
“I don’t know anything about a diary,” You added, “My brother and dad are the treasure people, not me.”
Carlos looked you dead in the eye. “How else could you have learned that the cross was on the Royal Merchant?”
Shrugging instantly, you stared him right back. “Look, I want to help you, but I can’t. I don’t have what you’re looking for.”
“I was hoping you wouldn’t say that you know, because unfortunately… I don’t believe you. You and your friends couldn’t have found that cross without it.”
“He’s not my friend.” The statement was short and sharp in nature as you spat it back at him. Fuck this dude for pulling you away from your friends, and fuck Rafe for all he did to you.
The Cameron next to you clapped his hands and got to his feet without warning. “Well, this is ridiculous. Okay? I’m out. I don’t know anything about a diary, okay? So-” He moved towards the open door but was forced back the second an armed guard appeared. 
“Do I look like a fool to you, Mr. Cameron?” Carlos repeated his question when Rafe didn’t answer. “You have the cross. She and her friends had the cross at one point. So one of you has the diary. And if you really don’t know, I suggest you convince your friend here to give it to me.” 
A finger was directed towards you, pulling Rafe’s gaze with it as the two of you held each other’s attention for a moment.
“Once I have the diary, you’ll be free to leave.” When nobody made a comment in return, Carlos moved towards the door to leave. “Enjoy the grounds during your stay. I must warn you though. I’m not a man of infinite patience. You have one day. Go to the window for a little demonstration. I think you’ll enjoy it, you know?” He placed two solid pats on Rafe’s bicep before exiting the room. 
The door was forced closed a moment after, Rafe calling out in shock as the lock clicked. If you weren’t freaking the hell out before, you sure as shit were now. While Rafe attempted to wiggle the door loose, you moved over to one of the sheer curtains covering a window and moved it aside. The guards and dogs were still circling, but this time a new figure joined. Jimmy was being pulled along onto the patio.
“Who the hell is that guy?” Rafe was suddenly so close to you, your whole body going rigid in response. 
“It’s Jimmy Portis,” You kept your reply simple. No need to converse with him beyond the bare minimum. He didn’t deserve it.
Carlos showed up through the glass a moment later, sparing the time to turn and find the two of you in the window before he pulled a gun from his waistband. A sharp gasp left your mouth as you figured out where this was going next.
“Whoa, whoa, whoa.”
Every inch of your being was telling you to look away, not that you could see them underneath the rooftop of the patio. The loud bang came fast, an involuntary flinch wracking your body as the gunshot echoed. 
“This diary. Hey, no bullshit. Okay? Do you have it?” Rafe was inches from your face, the warmth of his breath on your cheek as you continued to stare forward. “Y/N?”
You turned to him sharply. “No.”
--
You hardly slept that night. The silky tank top and pants that were laid out made you so uncomfortable, not to mention the threat on your horizon if you didn’t figure out what the hell to do. Not to mention, Rafe was sleeping not even a foot away on the floor. With so much “gracious hospitality”, Carlos Singh couldn’t even be bothered to spare another bedroom.
You hoped JJ, John B, and the Pogues were at least doing better than you. Maybe they’d found a way home by now and we’re just waiting for you to escape. Even if you guys didn’t make it out of Barbados, you just wanted to be back with them.
Taking a glance at Rafe’s sleeping form, you pushed yourself off the bed to go by the window where guards had been stationed on the connecting balcony. Body moving before your consciousness, you tapped on the window to get the person’s attention. 
“I need to talk to Mr. Singh,” You tried to keep your voice somewhat quiet. The guard looked at you confused, so you repeated the statement slower.
“What are you doing?” Rafe had woken up at the noise and rushed over to you. “Shut up, shut up, shut up. What the hell are you doing?”
You turned around to glare at him. “Like I owe you an explanation for absolutely anything.” You brushed past him to the other door in the room.
“Think for a second, Y/N! What are you doing?”
Ignoring his question, you began to knock on the wooden door separating you from the rest of the house. “Hello?” When Rafe wouldn’t stop pushing, you snapped. “Don’t fucking talk to me.”
“You’re lying, about this diary. You know where it is?”
You shook your head. “No, I don’t.”
Rafe let out a groan as you moved away from him again. “Okay, listen, I wouldn’t tell me either, but he’s never gonna believe we don’t know something, alright? Listen to me! Singh killed that-”
The second his hand touched your shoulder, you whipped around and smacked him. Hard. “Don’t fucking touch me!” The two of you stood there for a moment, tensions high with the looming death threat. 
Rafe raised his hands in surrender. “Look around you. I’m the only friend you got.”
You were prepared to shut him down a second later, but the click of the door lock interrupted the opportunity. The guard from the balcony appeared in the doorway and you were quick to move toward him without a thought. Ignoring Rafe’s annoying voice from behind you, the guard escorted you out of the room and relocked the door. 
Carlos Singh didn’t look surprised at your presence when you entered the study. You stopped short of the table he was seated at. 
“I lied. I know about the diary,” You admitted, fingers clenching the fabric of your clothes. “I don’t have the original, but I can get you a copy.”
He looked you over for a moment before nodding slightly. “I’m relieved to hear you say that, you know. May I offer you something to eat?”
“I’m not hungry.”
He almost laughed at how quick your response was. “Relax, nothing’s gonna happen to you now. You’re cooperating, and I don’t want to make you feel uncomfortable.”
“I just want to get you what you want, and then I want to leave,” Your voice was stern right back to him, refusing to show a hint of weakness. “I know where it is. But I have to go by myself. Alone.”
In the back of your head, you’re praying that the Twinkie is still alive somewhere on the OBX. Somewhere you can get a copy of the diary and maybe make a run for it.
“How would I know that you’d come back? I need some collateral.”
“Rafe’s here.” There was zero hesitation to offer him up for your sure-to-be disappearance. You didn’t give a shit what happened to him. “Keep him.
Signh laughed at your offer. “Rafe. No, I’ve heard tellings about what happened between the two of you. How did someone so young, get into so much trouble?” He rose from his chair to walk past you. You were quick to follow him.
“Look, I know where the diary is, and if you let me go, I promise you I can get it to you.”
Carlos shut down after that, his responses snippy and harsh until his phone broke the tension. He paused and rubbed his face before going to look at it. You were shocked when he looked at you and laughed. “Amazing. A text from our friend Jimmy Portis. From beyond the grave apparently. It seems Mr. Portis has captured your friends.”
The phone turned towards you to show a picture of John B and Sarah sitting next to each other with the message I got these two underneath. It was obvious they were trying to stage it out to look realistic. They had no idea what had happened. Singh called out for one of his guards.
“Get the big trucks and meet me outback.” His orders were quickly obeyed before he called on another guard. “Fenton. Get Miss Routledge.”
“Mr. Singh, Mr. Singh, please!” Panic was bubbling in your throat as the guard almost slammed into you before removing you from the study area. “You can’t hurt them, please! They’re all I have left, just leave them alone!” Your voice cracked with the strength of your yelling. The guard didn’t falter amongst your struggles and continued to push you up the stairs and back in the room without another word.
Rafe watched silently as you crawled into a ball at the foot of the bed. “What happened?” When you didn’t answer, he let out a sharp breath. “You’re gonna have to talk to me at some point. Okay?”
“Do I have to remind you of everything you’ve done?” You shot back as you looked at him. “You killed Peterkin. Do you remember that? And everything you’ve put Sarah through. Everything you put me through?”
“Peterkin, I was protecting my father, okay? I did what I had to, so don’t.” He walked away from you to sit in one of the armchairs. “I’m as much a victim as she is.”
You turned to give him the nastiest look you could muster. “Kook King Rafe Cameron, a victim of what? Consequences of your own fucking actions? Daddy issues?”
You hardly listened to the so-called explanation he tried to give. It was hard to find any empathy in your body towards the person in front of you. You couldn’t care less about what Rafe thought he was owed. All you cared about was getting the hell out of here, with or without him.
“Look, I have a boat that can get us off the island, okay? But first, we gotta get out of here, and it is better if we work together.”
The sound of yelling outside had the two of you on your feet and heading to the window. Two trucks were lining up for guards to climb into, an assortment of weapons on them.
“They’re leaving?” Rafe asked. 
You took a deep breath, dread flooding your chest as you watched them drive away. “They’re going to find John B and Sarah.”
“Sucks for them,” Rafe said as if he wasn’t talking about both of your siblings being at risk. “That’s good for us though. This may be our only shot of getting out of here.”
--
Rafe was quick to create a plan, something that would pull the guard from your door so you could slip out. Did you like it? Not in the slightest because it was a little to close for comfort. 
“I’m gonna kill you, Y/N!”
You screamed in response, running into the wall to make it seem like Rafe had actually shoved you while he threw a glass vase to the floor. He held a finger to his lips as the guard outside called for the two of you. You continued to lay still, one leg hanging out of the bathtub, knowing your feet would be the first thing in eyesight.
“Hey, you two! What’d you do?” Silence followed the voice on the other side of the door before you could hear the lock click.
Everything moved fast from there; Rafe slammed the guard with the bathroom door and exchanged punches with him while you managed to grab the fallen gun. Rafe was quick to grab the man’s phone while you tore a curtain off the bedframe and handed it to him so he could restrain the guard.
The two of you took off, moving through the house as quietly and quickly as possible. You managed to talk him into exchanging the gun in your hands for the phone, knowing exactly what clues the Pogues would need. You snuck around to get a quick photo of the painting that Carlos had been so intent on explaining to the two of you before following Rafe out the side door.
A grain delivery was occurring just outside, a large truck pulling away just as you stepped out. Your eyes followed the road along the grass line before you were moving, calling for Rafe to follow. The two of you managed to find a gap in the bushes just as the truck hit the corner going slow enough that you could climb on. 
You weren’t prepared, however, for there to be a worker in the back. Rafe moved before you even blinked to attack the man in front of you, eventually gaining the upper hand to throw him off the vehicle into the trees. 
Your eyes were wide as you faced the eldest Cameron but you didn’t have time to question his anger when you heard a familiar noise. The sound of bells was always a comfort in your life. When you and John B were kids, it was the way your dad would tell you it was time to come inside. The pattern coming from the local church was identical to the one your dad would do. Chills raced down your spine at the noise, wondering if maybe it was John B trying to draw you in after all.
--
You weren’t sure how much time passed under the tarp, out of prying eyes with Rafe Cameron. You were beyond done with his presence and just wanted to jump off the truck, but thankfully you guys were able to make it to the marina where his boat was docked. 
Climbing on the large pristine boat, you swore you could hear the bells ringing again, even this far away. You stopped short of untying the bowline, suddenly against the idea of getting on a boat with just Rafe Cameron. 
“I can’t get it.” You lied easily, faking a pull on the rope. “I need some help.”
Rafe let out a loud groan, barking for you to move since he ‘had to do everything’. The second he untied the line, you shoved his chest harshly, watching as he splashed into the water below. You took off, hopping up to the cabin area to move the boat out from the dock. Rafe yelled hysterically below you yet you couldn’t help but smile once you got moving. Pulling the phone from your pocket, you typed a quick message, your heart racing in anticipation.
After docking at a different marina, you waited, foot tapping excessively, for some response that they were coming. The church bells kept continuously ringing, freaking you out even further that maybe they didn’t know where you were.
Eyes on the sidewalk, you watched anxiously for some kind of sign. It came straight towards you in a light blue button-down. You moved quickly the second you made eye contact. “JJ?”
JJ’s whole figure drooped in relief at the sight of you, unharmed. He had felt so much guilt, so much anxiety over the way you two weren’t on the best of terms before you were taken. His feet moved rapidly, body colliding with yours as he lifted you off the ground. Your legs wrapped around his waist out of habit, holding him as tightly as you could.
“Holy shit, you’re safe. I’m right here, I got you.”
You let out a sob, tears streaming down your cheeks before you kissed him heavily. Nothing was as calming as being wrapped in his embrace, feeling his hands on your arms, his lips on yours. You took a moment before separating, your feet returning to the ground before you were attacked by another set of arms.
John B was fucking terrified. The moment you got yanked out of the sand, Sarah was holding him back from going after you. Everything felt too real now, too heavy. Knowing that the second one of you disappeared could be the last time they saw you was scary. He was sick of losing, and he wasn’t about to stand by and watch it happen to you all over again.
More shaky hands piled onto you and your brother, your friends wiggling their way into a huge group hug of relief. Kiara’s hands grabbed your cheeks once everyone stepped away. “You’re not hurt, right?” You could see her eyes scanning for any sort of injury.
You shook your head, brushing tears off your face. “No, no. I’m okay. I’m okay.”
“Are you kidding me, babe?” 
You followed JJ’s gaze to the large boat you had climbed off a few moments ago. You laughed, “Oh, yeah. Rafe let me take it for a spin.”
“Rafe?!”
You ignored the rapid onset of questions as your group piled onto the boat. You froze, however, at the sound of the bells tolling. Now you knew it wasn’t John B, and based on the way he was looking back at you, he was questioning them too.
“You don’t think-”
“There’s no way.”
Both of you spoke at the same time, glancing towards the hillside the church was located on. What would be the chances that your father happened to be in Barbados of all places, coincidentally when you crash-landed there?
“Yeah, so I have just a couple of questions,” JJ interrupted your sibling moment as everyone gathered around the two of you. “A Lagoon 620 with twin 150 Volvos. You understand we can go anywhere with this thing, right? Way to be discreet, by the way.”
You rolled your eyes, giving him the middle finger. 
“What did they want from you?” Sarah asked the question that the group had been pondering over for two days now. “You swear Rafe didn’t hurt you?”
You sat down on one of the couch cushions. “No, no. I’m fine, promise. I um… Singh wanted Denmark’s diary, of all things.”
Pope frowned at the revelation. “Why?”
You shrugged. “I don’t know. Said it leads to a treasure that’s bigger than the Merchant.”
“A bigger treasure?” JJ repeated as he sat next to you, arm naturally wrapping around you to pull in close. “Sign me up.”
A moment of processing followed before your friends decided it was time to split and started prepping to leave. JJ moved with them, going to untie the lines. You decided to follow John B and Sarah up to the top deck.
“She’s right, we really need to go,” Sarah reiterated as she tossed a line down below. 
The bells chimed again a few seconds after she finished, both you and John B looking towards the church before glancing at each other. 
“Okay, you definitely heard that, right?” Your brother turned towards his girlfriend for an answer.
“Yeah, I do now.”
You crossed your arms over your chest. “That’s exactly what Dad would do to call us home. That pattern those bells.”
Sarah stopped her movements to look at the two of you. She could see the lingering sadness, the defeat that maybe he really was dead and this was a coincidental joke tugging at you. She also knew John B, and she knew where he went, you were usually close behind. 
“Okay. I get it.” The two of you snapped up to look at her. “You wanna go to the tower to go look? Go look.”
John B seemed shocked at her willingness. “You sure?”
She took another glance at you and nodded. “I’m serious. Hurry, and take this.”
“Sarah…” You walked up next to them, hesitant about leaving them again so soon.
She smiled at you. “Yes, yes. You don’t think I know the two of you? He’s gonna drive us all insane if he doesn’t look, and you’re not gonna let him go alone. So go look.”
You shared a glance with John B before darting down the stairs. JJ was on the dock, untying another line when you collided into him. 
“Whoa, hey. You okay?”
“I gotta go.” You didn’t give him a chance to react, John B already climbing off the boat behind you. “I’m going with John B. We’ll be back, okay?”
JJ looked panicked at the idea of you leaving when he just got you back. He knew better than to question you though, and if John B was going, it was enough for him. He gave you a nod, hands coming to rest on your cheeks before he kissed you softly. “I love you, okay?”
“Love you more,” You whispered back, giving him one more kiss before taking off after your brother. Not only were you two navigating a foreign area, but you needed to keep low from Singh’s men too. John B kept glancing back at you, slowing to stay with you when he could.
You slowed your light jog at the top of a hill, the church almost within reach? “Do you really think it’s him?”
John B paused, the two of you taking in the sound of the bells again. “I just… I have this feeling. And I need to know.”
He understood why you were hesitant. Your relationship with your dad wasn’t the greatest, especially as you got older. John B was always the favorite, which would’ve been fine if your dad hadn’t just started neglecting you in return. That’s where you clung to John B, why the two of you grew to be so protective of each other. 
The climb up the side of the mountain was rough, but you managed to do it without any slipping. You honestly didn’t know if this was something you were ready for, but you’d do it for John B. Even if your dad didn’t speak to you, it would be fine. You both deserved answers. 
The church itself was gorgeous with stained glass windows and coiled staircases. You followed your brother silently up the steps, unsure of what to expect. Every creak and groan of the building had the two of you hesitant to keep moving. 
You came through an archway before John B followed a shadow across into the other stairwell. From the glimpse you got, your heart started racing in your chest. You moved down the stairs slowly, the two of you stopping short halfway. 
There, at the bottom of the stairs, stood Big John Routledge. Alive.
“Dad?”
Your father turned to face the two of you, taking in the sight of his two children in the glow of the sunset. “What took you so long, kids? I’ve been ringing for hours.”
John B practically ran down the rest of the stairs and straight into your father’s arms. You stood, frozen in place at the sight before you. Emotions weren’t easy to process. You were a lovely combination of anger, sadness, and joy right now, your mind turning Inside Out at the idea of your father standing here after so long. 
“My baby bird.”
The nickname sucked all the air out of your lungs as you realized your father’s eyes were on you. Your feet moved slowly, hesitant about what exactly you were signing yourself up for, but the moment your dad had you within grasp, he hugged you as tight as he could. You felt like an innocent little kid all over again, with her big brother and Dad always there to protect her. 
“Oh, kids. We have a lot to talk about, huh?”
--
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a-aexotic · 1 year
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i’m so glad u do jj imagines he has my heart😻
anyways so
jj x reader where she’s like really close to all the pogues, and they’re all protective of her, maybe she could be like the youngest one or something, and rafe hits on her at a party and jj comes to the rescue and it ends w them telling their feelings to eachother
i love all your work so much btw!!
pairing. jj x fem!reader
warnings. alcohol consumption, rafe being rafe, mention of hangovers
summary. when rafe bothers reader ar a party, jj comes to the rescue.
➜ missing out on updates? ❪ navigation. masterlist. taglist. ❫
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It was all a haze. The drinking, the loud music, the dancing. It felt like a big fever dream. You don't even remember where you are. All you remember is coming in with Pogues and now, you have no idea where you are.
This might've been your 3rd drink. Or wait, was it 5? You can't remember. You were laying on the couch trying to recenter yourself when you feel the couch next to you dip. You turn your head to meet Rafe Cameron's gaze.
You never liked him. He was always mean to the Pogues, including you for a while but he hasn't bothered you since you had started dating JJ. You were the youngest one of the group, just by a few months but the youngest nonetheless so the Pogues were very protective of as well and after a few fights with Kie and John B, Rafe had finally backed off.
Rafe knew better than to mess with JJ's girlfriend and the Pogues beloved baby Pogue. Or so they thought.
"Hey Y/N." He spoke, a smile playing on his lips.
You were confused on why he was even acknowledging you, he usually just ignored your existence. "Hey."
"How are you enjoying the party, is JJ here?"
You paused for a second, why did he care if JJ was here or not? "Uh, yeah. He's somewhere."
You were to drunk to realize that Rafe was very much flirting with you. He talked your ear off about golf and you were getting overwhelmed. Rafe had gotten closer to you, the music was too loud and you were nauseous from the drinks.
"Hey!" You heard someone shout. You turned around to see JJ walking towards you, a scowl on his face. You were instantly relieved because golf wasn't that interesting to you and you were getting tired; you just wanted to go home and sleep.
"JJ." Rafe sighed, as if even seeing him was an inconvenience.
"The fuck you talking Y/N for, huh?" JJ had grabbed your arm and pulled you up, putting an arm around your waist. His touch had help your sense calm down a bit.
Rafe rolled his eyes, getting up. "Calm your tits, man. I was just having friendly-"
"Friendly, my ass. You talk to her, again, I'll kill you." JJ had let go of you to get in Rafe's face to make his point. Rafe had let out a small laugh before raising his hands up in defense, walking away.
JJ turned to you, a sigh escaping his chapped lips. "You okay?"
"Yep, I feel a bit..." You paused, feeling your stomach grumble in pain. "Nauseaus."
JJ laughed and went over to you, putting an arm over your shoulder to help you walk. "How many drinks have you had?"
"I don't know like, five?"
"Five? You're a lightweight."
"Shut up." You grumbled unhappily. "Or I'll throw up all over you."
"Okay, okay. But Kie isn't going to be happy with you drinking that much because she had to take care of you last time."
You groaned at the mention of that night. And then you remembered that tomorrow, your hangover was probably going to be worse. JJ softened his gaze as he looked over at you.
"Don't worry, I'll take care of you this time."
"Thanks, J." You smiled painfully before JJ bent his head towards you so he could plant a kiss on your lips. You melted into the kiss, your stomach pain gradually going away the more passionate the kiss became.
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xreaderbooks · 6 months
Text
Paradise on Earth (21)
Chapter: 21. Poguelandia
Pair: JJ Maybank x Routledge! Reader
Summary: island paradise fades into memory when you and the pogues are rescued by a strange man
Warnings: language, violence, jealousy, kidnapping, plane crash, animal cruelty (i guess), guns, allusions to murder, let me know if I'm missing anything.
Word Count: 7.2k
a/n: idk if you guys listen to lana but i feel like jj x y/n are so 'chemtrails over the country club' coded
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You once believed that the Outerbanks were as close to peace and paradise as you would ever get. The waves on the beach, tanning on the boat, and beers that tasted like shit but were a refreshing lifesaver on a hotter-than-hell day. You were wrong.
Poguelandia was your Paradise on Earth.
You were aware of how insane it must be to be glad you were stuck on an island with absolutely no way of getting back to modern civilization, but the whole experience of this place was out of body. You were in the most ideal situation of your current stranded status.
You weren't alone, you had your family with you, with your combined strengths and skills you were all able to build a system on how to survive.
The first week was full of prep, foraging fresh fruit, gathering coconuts and wood, figuring out how to boil fresh water, and weaving a shelter from when it rains out of leaves and long sticks. 
JJ made sure to claim the island with a flag made out of his white T-shirt and ash from the fires you all made to keep warm during the night. He climbed high up on top of a palm tree to tie the flag. Just as he said he would, it read 'Poguelandia' with a chicken laying back with its arms (wings) behind its head, chillin' in a coconut bra and Crocs, smoking a joint. 
Sure, fresh water was a bitch and a half to make and food came straight out of the ocean but when you thought about it- the only difference between Poguelandia and the OBX was that the Chateau was a slightly more stable shelter. Well, that and here you had free food.
In all honesty, if there was a boat that miraculously did find a way to this island that could take you all home, you weren't sure if you would want to leave.
The only person whom you shared this confession with was JJ. He confessed he felt the same.
On week two with no sign of life, the reality of the situation slowly creeps its way into the group's minds, with plenty of time to think about what you wanted from life, if there was one past Poguelandia- this was what you wanted. The life JJ's described to you a million times before.
The boards were the only thing lacking, however, JJ was prepared to chop down a tree with his pocket knife and make one through trial and error.
Late one night, the others were fast asleep, you had taken a nap earlier during the day and were the last one still up, you took a walk to the beach and let the cool water trickle over your feet. You stood there with your eyes closed until you felt yourself shiver from the cold.
You were thinking about curling up by the dying fire and willing yourself to sleep, that was until you flinched at the 'Hey dude' you heard to your left.
"Hey," You replied once your heart calmed. "Thought you were knocked out."
"I was but then I felt someone was missing," He nudged you with his elbow. "Had to make sure you weren't eaten by a jaguar or something."
"I'm pretty sure if there was a jaguar here, we would know by now."
"Or would we? They really got that sneak attack down pact," He spoke in a knowing tone.
You nudged him back with two fingers on his shoulders, "Then I suggest we get hunting." JJ looked like a God in sunlight, but under the moon with the view of the water it made you want to kiss the life out of him. Neither of you ever acknowledged the moments in the dark of night during the summer when John B was presumed dead, you knew he didn't want to. 
It was in the back of your mind constantly these days, you no longer pushed back on the thoughts that told you he possibly wanted more, you could file everything under him being a protective best friend and that he was only looking out for you cause he didn't want to see you get hurt, John B would kill him if he could've prevented something from hurting you. Including himself, a voice in your head urged you to consider.
"What?" JJ asked, a nervous smile peeking through. You blinked, realizing you'd been staring at him. 
"Nothing. Sorry," You shook your head with a smile of your own. You both stood in silence for a minute before you gathered the courage to ask him, "If we had a way of getting off this island, would you?" 
"Hell no," He responded without hesitation. "Nah, I mean, would you?"
You scoffed out a laugh, "No, Yes. No." It was a dream you didn't want to wake up from, waking up would be coming back to reality, realistically you couldn't stay here in this moment forever but it will be engraved in your mind for the rest of your life. 
"I get it," He shrugged.
"Do you?" You questioned with no other underlying connotation but hope. He had nothing in the OBX, other than problems, disappearing off of the face of the earth was in his favor. You had... well, you had John B and the Chateau. Was it worth going back for the latter? 
"Nah, not really, we've been living here." JJ spread his arms out and turned in a circle to compliment the island. "Best life I've lived on this here, Poguelandia." 
"Yeah," You fixed your gaze back on the water. 
"But you, I guess, you'd wanna go back to school or something," JJ sniffed.
You raised your eyes to look at him, he thought that you were concerned about school? With all that you've been through, that was the last thing on your mind, that's probably on top two of Pope's list. You supposed that if you were talking about reasons to go back, if you had to, finishing school would have to be a priority in getting your life together. 
"J, fuck school."
He barked out a laugh til he was wheezing, hands on his knees, face red (from what you could see with the darkness), clutching his stomach as he gathered himself. "Fuck school." He nodded and coughed out the rest of his amusement. 
"This was the goal, wasn't it? To stay, I want to stay."
"Yeah you do," He grinned. "If the lady wants to stay, we'll stay."
The deal was sealed with the handshake made years ago, on the last side bump and snap you both stood looking at each other for a second longer than necessary.
"I thought it'd be weird if I just said that I wanted to stay, we have no reason to go back, at least you and I don't."
"Now you know I got you, you stay, I stay. The rest of them can fuck off," He turned back to see everyone still asleep. "Not really, they should stay too, but you get what I mean."
"Yeah, dude." 
 Something slithered past your foot in the water and you jumped. 
"Oh my fucking god!" You squealed, stepping away from the water and onto the safety of the beach sand. "Did you feel that?"
JJ bent a little, reaching his finger into the water, "What, this?" He splashed water up at you.
"JJ!" You giggled and kicked water at him in revenge. "Your ass is mine."
"Promise?" A bigger splash came your way. 
~~~
You, Kie, and JJ were carving wood into spears to hunt for fish when Kie brought up the same topic you and JJ were talking about a couple of weeks ago. She thought aloud about potentially being rescued.
"Rescue?" JJ scoffed, "From what, Paradise? I'm not going back." 
Kie glanced at you with an amused smile and continued to stare at JJ as he admired the island. 
"Look around, we got everything we need, right here." JJ sent you a quick wink, causing you to smile knowingly as you finished wrapping the sharp rock around the rigid stick.
"Just like we talked about," Kie mused. You were taken aback slightly at the romanticism behind her tone. 
With a nod of his head, JJ agreed, "Exactly."
The time on the island has given you time to reflect and accept what's always been there, and you are no longer going to deny the attraction in Kie's eyes when she looks at JJ. There had been a shift in the dynamic and you weren't sure how this would end. Last you checked, JJ was in love with Kie, Kie never batted a lash at that fact, you were in love with JJ- something you never openly confessed to anyone except Kiara. It's not like you needed to anyway, they all more or less knew. 
"We ready to provide for the family?" JJ hops up and twirls the sharp stick. 
"Let's do it," You dust off your shorts. 
"Let's go kill something!" JJ practically skipped in excitement at the thought of action. 
Kie cringed, "You don't have to say it like that." 
"That's exactly what we're gonna do." 
"It sounds barbaric," Kie didn't like the idea of killing an innocent creature but even she had to admit that surviving on fruit was simply not enough. 
"Circle of life, Kie, unless you want to eat coconuts forever" JJ's mention of the fruit made your stomach turn. 
"After the past month, I think I'm good on coconuts," She admitted. 
The three of you traveled to the west side of the beach where there was known to be constant active sea life, as noted by JJ. He instructed you both on how to stand and how to stab the spear into the water, you and Kie practiced until JJ said he saw something moving. 
"Remember, watch your shadow, they see that and they're gone" JJ warned you both. "Here we go."
You weren't entirely confident in your newly acquired skills but it was your nerves or your dinner, and you were starved. 
You spotted something in the water, silver and gliding smoothly in its environment. "Guys, look!" 
"It's a skate," JJ confirmed, "Get 'em."
"Got it!" You went in for the kill but it swam away faster than you could stab. "Kie, he's coming toward you." 
"I can't," She hesitated. "I really can't." 
JJ follows the fish and spears the stick into the water with a grunt, "Damn it, I missed it. Where is it?" 
You snorted, "So do we all just suck at-" Before you could finish your sentence, Kie lifted the makeshift spear with the skate at the end of it. 
"Oh my god," She exclaimed and jumped into JJ's arms. 
"You did it!" You cheered her on despite the jealousy gnawing away at you. 
JJ hugged her back with one arm, "We're having skate tonight!" 
Your nose wrinkled at the blood that dripped from the fish, "Full Pogue." You murmured. 
"Full pogue!" JJ repeated in a loud shout. 
~~~
You came back heroes to the rest. Cheers echoed when you came back with protein. 
You sat around in a circle with adequately full stomachs, a game of truth or dare started not too long ago, it went back to Sarah whose turn it was to ask. 
"John B, truth or dare?" She took the hat made out of leaves and tossed it to your brother who chose truth. "If you could do it all again... what would you do differently?" 
Your mouth formed an 'o' as you nodded, the question was a good one, you knew everyone had plenty of things they'd do differently from the beginning.
"Get the gold before Ward did," JJ spoke. 
"Hide the cross a little better," Pope stated after. 
"Not yell 'murderer' at Ward, maybe," Kie side glanced at you guiltily, her shoulders hunched in a shrug.  
"Steal a couple of bottles of rum before we jumped off the boat," John B answered. 
"Yeah, why didn't you do that, actually?" JJ whose back was facing the group had turned to ask him. 
"Cause I was running for my life, maybe," John B looked at you all for help jokingly. 
You chuckled, "I'd probably not sleep with Rafe." You winced at your own confession. Sarah's eyebrows shot up. 
"Hold up," She let out a laugh of disbelief and straightened on her place on the log, "When was this?"
"Feels like long ago, at this point," You released a stressful sigh.  
"Yeah, we've all made some crazy ass choices," Kie came to defend. 
"I guess we're even now," Sarah eased back into her seat. "You're taste is despicable though."
You couldn't help but look at JJ for a second, to see if he had any reaction, he kept quiet and continued drawing random patterns in the sand with a stick. 
Cleo broke the slight tension that was creeping its way in, "I would look both ways before crossing the street." 
"Yeah, my bad," John B laughed. 
"You're turn, chief." Cleo focuses on John B to ask the next person. He turns to Kie and asks her to pick, plopping the hat onto her head.
She chose, "Truth." 
"If you could go to your parent's house on figure eight this instant, would you do it?" 
She deliberates for a short while, "No chance." 
"Seconded," Sarah agrees. 
"Hear, hear," JJ lifts his coconut. 
"The shower's tempting though."
You groaned at the thought of a shower, "I could use a good shower right now." 
Kie throws the hat JJ's way, it falls to the sand before he picks it up, "JJ. Truth or dare."
"I mean, do you even need to ask?" He fixes it on his head. 
She points to the highest cliff in view, "Big jump. Nobody's done it yet, dare." 
There wasn't a hint of hesitation in his expression as he went straight up the cliff. The rest of you waited down below cheering him on as you saw his small figure standing on the edge of the rock. 
"There he goes," You say to no one in particular. 
Kie stands to the right of you with her arms crossed, shaking her head with a smirk, "He's not gonna do it."
"Oh, you think I'm not gonna do it?" Somehow JJ heard her from all the way on top. Part of you thought he wouldn't either, he's been up there for a few minutes now as if he calculating the height and the possibility of him dying from the rocks below, though you couldn't recall when was the last time he cared.
"He's gonna do it," Pope counters. "It's highly dangerous, zero reward? He's doing it." 
JJ howled to the ocean, exerting the energy he would need to jump. He took several steps back before going into a run and his body hit the waves. 
He swam to meet you all on the shore, Pope and John B tackled him into the water as soon as he was able to walk away from the waves that were calling to the group. 
While the boys drowned themselves, you and the girls ran into the water, letting it cool you down from the heat of the day. 
You didn't know the guys were done with their mini wrestling match, and let out a surprised scream at a pair of arms circling your waist from behind you and lifting you out of the water to then be body slammed in. 
JJ emerged at the same time you did, you parted the hair from your face as you came up and launched yourself at him in an attempt to 'drown' him. It didn't last very long, his arms were around you once more and carried you bridal style out of the water, following the group back to the shelter. 
"I actually thought I was gonna die, I'ma be honest!" He admitted. 
"You looked like you were gonna die," Pope told him. "I thought you were gonna die." 
"You can put me down now, thanks," You glared at him with no real malice. Your arms were still wrapped around his neck. 
He shook his head, "Nah, I'm good." 
You rolled your eyes, and only missed his warmth a little when he set you back on the ground to walk back where the others were already starting a fire for the night. 
Silence befell the group as the sun went down and the sky grew dark, the lighthearted fun turned into a peaceful calm as you all sat around the pit of burning embers. 
~~~
"Y/n, wake up," You felt your shoulder being pushed. You shoved the hand away from you, you had found a comfortable position a couple of hours ago in your sleep, you were in deep. "Come on."
With an irritated huff of your breath, you wiped the sleep from your eye and saw that mostly everyone was gone, Sarah was hovering above you. You sat up quickly, and your eyes widened at the sound of the blades of a plane. 
You walked over to the figures of your John B, Kie, Sarah, and JJ. The latter looked back to you with a frown, an astute look at what lies ahead if the plane heard the shouts of your brother. 
His voice cracked from how loud he was trying to make himself shout, "We're right here!" He waved with his arms stretched high. 
Pope and Cleo were gone, and you knew that they went to start the signal fire Pope thought to build. Piles and piles of dried leaves and wood to a fire for whomever to see, smoke, an SOS. 
You and JJ shared a frown, neither of you wanted to move. You couldn't help but notice Sarah's lack of enthusiasm as well, it didn't matter, none of you could stay. 
John B wanted out, and Sarah would follow him anywhere. Kiara had her parents, and so did Pope, Cleo had nothing to lose either way. 
You felt guilty for not feeling the sense of emergency the others did, dread overwhelmed you. Kie, and John B, screaming at the top of their lungs. The sound of disappointment as the plane flew into the distance, panic from almost being rescued became relief. 
It came back soon again as the others noticed it turned back around. 
"He's going to the pond," John B announced. "Come on, come on." 
You grudgingly went along behind them, as JJ and Sarah did. John B and Sarah were the first ones to the plane. Cleo and Pope are close behind with Kiara trailing them. 
JJ held your wrist as you were going to follow, you halted your steps and turned your neck to see that JJ had his head down, jaw set, he didn't want to leave. 
You knew, and you didn't want to either, you twisted your wrist out of his grasp and abruptly brought him in for a hug. 
"I know," You whispered in his ear. He gave you one tight squeeze and let you go.
"Come on," He encouraged you to come along with the quietest voice. 
Pope, Cleo, and John B let out exhilarated cheers as they approached the man who opened the cargo door. 
"What do we got here?" The man had a dark striped linen shirt, red shorts, and sandals. A hat dangled from his neck underneath his long brown hair tied back into a low ponytail, and aviator sunglasses to complete the look. 
You thought it was a bit odd for a guy to just so happen to fly by the area when in the month that you've been here there hasn't been a peek of air traffic. 
"Oh, you know, just a couple of castaways." John B always the leader, responded casually. 
"Well, I'll cross that off the grocery list," A southern accent came through. You didn't like that you couldn't see his eyes behind his glasses. "Hold on, I got just the thing for y'all." 
John B appeared to be hopeful, beside him, Sarah had said nothing. It didn't seem like she trusted this guy either. "Hey no, Look at this guy, you think he works for your dad?"
"Two things you need on a deserted island-" The guy continued. 
"It's okay," You heard him try to convince Sarah when she shook her head in denial of his words. You didn't know if this guy worked for her dad or not but there was something off about him. 
"First aid and rum," He brought out a red kit and a bottle, tossing the glass full of liquid at Sarah who let it fall into the water, Pope caught the red box easily. "So, what's the story? You guys sank a boat?"
"Jumped off one," John B shrugged. "Her dad's."
You narrowed your eyes sharply at the back of John B's head, he shouldn't be giving this guy a lick of information, but he was practically giving it all away. What if he was working for Sarah's dad? 
"In-laws, man," The guy drawled out. "They're tough. Well, have no fear, Jimmy's here." 
"Well, all hail Jimmy, guys!" Cleo declared. "Let's go." 
"Welcome aboard the Flying Fish, y'all, I'm Jimmy Portis." He introduced himself as the group boarded the small plane. "I'll be your captain today, now, is this all? Seven of you?"
"Yeah, is that okay?" 
You tuned out their conversation and hung back with JJ, not willing to go back but you knew that John B would drag you back over his shoulder if he had to. You'd like to believe that he'd accept it if you wanted to stay behind but the truth was you only had each other. He wouldn't leave you and you... you can't just leave him. 
Your footsteps felt heavy while walking up the steps of the cramped plane, you said a silent goodbye to Poguelandia. 
~~~
You sat in the back of the plane, across from Kie atop a box, it gave you flashbacks of the shipping container. Though this is much less spacious. 
"What were you doing all the way out here?" You elevated the tone of your voice so it could be carried to the front of the plane for Jimmy to hear. 
"I got a little guide outfit in Saint Vincent, I was spotting fish," He replies. 
You didn't know much about fishing or fishing seasons but his story didn't feel right. He was flying a plane to spot fish, alone? 
"What were spotting?" JJ asked a follow-up question. He was crouched behind the co-pilot seat. 
"You know, the usual, Wahoo." 
John B's head lifted and he caught JJ's eye, moving his head slightly, the small shake of his head was enough to tell you that what that Jimmy guy said wasn't right. 
"I'd hang on to something, get a little spicy on takeoff," Portis warns you and puts on the headset. 
You grab ahold of a hanging handle as the plane takes off. 
The radio is rattling off stats you had no comprehension of, you were all officially in the air. 
JJ beckons you all the move forward, so you all scoot to the front to hear him. 
"Wahoo don't run in September," He affirms. "Ever, alright? So whoever this man is, he's not a fisherman." 
"Maybe the run just starts earlier out here," Pope suggests.
"You sure about that?" The expression on JJ's face said it was highly doubtful. "In the Caribbean?"
"No, I know what this is, he's working for my dad and he's probably been looking for us the entire time," said Sarah.
"We gotta find out, start looking for some sort of clues," JJ trails off when he spots the bag hanging from the back of Jimmy Portis' seat. He signs for John B to distract the pilot while he- the certified Klepto- gets to snooping. 
John B taps on the man's left shoulder as John B is behind him and gets him to look over while JJ works to the right of him. He begins to chat up the pilot with questions about his life and JJ digs through the bag, pulling out a book titled 'The loss of El Dorado'. 
He opened the cover to find a picture of the coastal venture, the ship you had all escaped from. 
Sarah grabs the picture and shows John B, "This is the boat we were on, with Eberhimi and the cross." 
"So he was looking for us," Cleo said more than asked. 
"He's working for my dad." 
The aircraft shook suddenly, making you jump where you sat. 
"Y'all better hold something, we got some unexpected turbulence up here!" Jimmy cautions you all. 
You look out the window to see the mainland in view, "Guys, whatever's happening is happening fast." 
"That looks like Barbados, I've been there with Terrence," Cleo recognizes. 
"There's six of us, one of him, you know vote." JJ, as always, suggests violence. "We storm the cockpit." 
"No, w
"Who's gonna fly the plane, dumbass?" John B rationalized. 
"I've seen Pope fly simulators."
Pope stutters, "I crop-dusted for my uncle last summer, this is not the same thing."
"We are going to die," You accepted your fate. 
Kie speaks up, "No we are not, and we don't have time to pretend that's a real option." 
"Do you have an idea?" JJ snarks back.
"Something safe." 
"Why don't we just wait until the plane lands somewhere safe and then we sneak out," Pope forms a plan. "If somebody comes to mess with us, we mad-dog them." 
Nobody protested the idea, it seemed generally solid. Kie told JJ to put the stuff taken out of Jimmy's bag back before he noticed but as he was in the process of doing so, John B's distraction didn't work so well the second time and he turned his head, catching JJ in his bag. 
"The hell are you doing?" Jimmy shoved JJ out and JJ pushed back, he was fighting with one hand and lost control of the plane. 
You didn't have time to think, the plane was going down, and everybody flew to the front as the Flying Fish dove straight into the water. 
The plane was filling up quickly, already halfway full, you coughed up water as you pulled yourself up from one of the hanging handles. 
John B kicked open the door, and immediately protested, "Oh no, no, no, no. They don't look friendly." 
"No, they look very unfriendly," Pope looked out next to John B. 
"We gotta go."
The vessel was sinking fast, John B was helping everybody get out, Cleo went first, then Sarah, Pope dove out after, and JJ next. 
"Y/n, come on!" John B yelled. 
Your leg got caught on one of the ropes, "I'm going." 
"What's wrong?" Kie panics looking at you. 
"I got it, it's okay, go." You were busy trying to untangle your foot. You heard JJ call out for you guys to hurry before it sunk. 
"Hang on!" She yells back at them and helps you. 
"Shit," You curse, the rope that was tied around your ankle had given cut you from what you assumed was when the plane went down. It was twisted twice around your foot but you were both able to set it free. "Got it, Kie, let's go."
"Portis," She swims to the man who was unconscious, "Help me get him out." 
Fuck, you curse mentally, this thing was sinking fast. You already wasted time trying to set yourself free, now you had to help out the guy who kidnapped you guys. 
You and Kie carried him out with the help of the water, you were both struggling to swim yourself until you reached the shore with no sign of the others. 
You grunted as you dropped your half of the man to the sand, two locals came to help. 
Your ankle now stung with a medium-sized gash was sliced around half of your leg. You coughed out the salty water you swallowed while swimming with the man who was now alive. 
"Thank you," His bloodshot red eyes looked at both you and Kie as he expressed his gratitude. 
"You lied to us," Kie growled. "Who are you?" 
"Kie," You saw men coming in ATV's. "We need to go." 
You were tired of running, but what would happen if you didn't was worse. 
"Shit," She hisses. "Let's go." 
You ran ignoring the stinging sensation of the cut, the adrenaline helping you out, the panic and anxiety set in, and that made you feel more than the open wound spilling blood. 
"Over here," you found an old wooden boat painted blue, rusty oil containers that could shield you from view. You both hid in between them, catching your breath for a good couple of seconds before you were found. 
A man crouching down to look and Kie punched him, and you both ran. There were four men with vests and guns, two on either side. You went one way, she went the other, and you ran straight into them. By the sounds of the struggle, Kie got caught too. 
You flailed your arms and tried to push down his arms from where they were around your waist but it was no use. You kicked your legs, and your elbow hit something but that made the man's arms crush you in his hold. 
"Let go of me!" You screamed and growled. The other man grabbed your legs with no remorse for the cut. You didn't stop moving, you scratched the man who held you in his arms deep enough to draw blood. 
"Fucking bitch!" He squeezed until you felt a deep pain in your ribs. 
They didn't stop moving until they had you on the back of a trunk with your hands tied behind your back. 
Kie was there, shivering in her place, you stopped fighting once you saw her. You supposed now you would have to accept whatever was going to happen together. 
"Are you okay?" She asked.
"Fucking amazing," You grumbled. "Are you?"
"Never been better."
And who else showed his face other than Jimmy Portis? 
"We saved you," Kie snarled. 
"I know, I know, I'm sorry" He looked weak and spineless. "I'm gonna try to help you guys, okay? I swear, I didn't know it was gonna be like this. Look, if you don't fight, if you just do what they say, these guys probably won't hurt you." 
He didn't know it was gonna be like this; meaning he was not high up on whatever fucked up chain this was, which meant his promise of helping meant nothing. 
"What did Ward promise you?" 
"Who?" He gave Kie a quizzical stare. "Just take my advice, do what they say. Good luck."
Another man with a vest sat in front of you both, giving you a hard glare, probably a buddy of the one who grabbed you. If the whole no-fighting thing was true, you were screwed, then again it didn't matter what you did- if he didn't know who Ward was then that meant you didn't know what you were dealing with and you were screwed anyway. 
~~~
The anxiety pumping through your chest was overstimulating. Your body was shivering intensely, at first it was from the initial shock of the surfacing from the fresh water. Now you were sure the events of the day were catching up to you, putting a physical strain on your body, but you fought through it. 
You observed the roads your kidnappers had taken, memorizing as many details as you could for when you would eventually escape. With Kie by your side, the both of you could surely find your way through this town. 
The truck slowed to a stop, the driver rolled down his window to talk to an armed guard with an intimidating German Shepherd. One quick look and one of the two men standing in front of the gate, lifted it for the truck to go through. 
You looked around at your surroundings and noticed this place was heavily guarded, practically a fortress. Miles and miles of land with men stationed not five minutes away from each other.
The estate was several stories high, again- guards posted everywhere. You and Kie were yanked to the front door, and let in by a housekeeper. 
To the right of the foyer, you immediately notice the artifacts enclosed in glass cases.
"Take them upstairs, Orinoco room for this one-" The Housekeeper instructs the guard who grips Kie's bicep and takes her up. "Nazas room for that one." 
The same man who you scratched snatched you similarly to how the other one did Kie, with more unnecessary force than needed in your opinion. "Up." 
"Y/n?" Kie's neck turned to you. 
"I'm right behind you," You reassured her. 
He took you to a room next to Kiara's, he tossed you inside with a sneer, slamming the door behind himself without a word.
"Hey!" You yelled. "What the hell am I here for?" 
No response. 
You pounded on the door to hopefully get an answer, "Who do you work for? Why do they want us here?" 
You grumbled to yourself taking in the room they stuffed you in, you were scared you admitted to yourself. They could have at least kept you both together, you knew they probably wouldn't do that since they could clearly care less about your comfort after kidnapping you... 
The room had three windows with a nook, floral printed curtains, walls painted a coral color. The four-poster bed facing the door, your brows scrunched in confusion at the open wardrobe to the left of the bed with hanging identical red dresses. You walked over to it and plucked the note with the words 'pick your size' written. 
The question 'What the fuck?' just gets deeper and deeper. You aggressively crumbled up the paper into a ball and threw it at the door. 
You sighed and walked to the open door next to the one the guard shut, walking in, there was a mirror and a sink with a shower to the left. You took one look at yourself and winced at the difference you saw from the girl you were. 
Aged, matured, whatever you wanted to call it- that was you. You stood straighter, your hair was frizzed and you were darker than your normal tan from the sun you took on Kildare. Your nose and cheeks were tinted red; burnt. 
Your shoulder slumped from exhaustion, hold it together, you told yourself. You can break down later. 
~~~
The shower was reviving, you felt refreshed your hair felt soft again, and you relished in the feeling of being clean and slipped on one of the dresses that were in your size. You were impressed with the size range the mysterious nabber had. They even had several pairs of heels to match, you released a laugh and felt delirious, this was unreal. 
You admired yourself from different angles and did a double-take when you saw a third door. You went for it and turned the knob, it was unlocked, it creaked open and you gasped. 
Kie's room. There she sat in a dress the same as yours, color and style, down to the heel. She had her head clutched in her hands, lifting her head up at the sound of the door. 
"Kie, oh my god," You strode over to her with arms outstretched. She mimicked you into an embrace. It was comforting to know you weren't entirely alone anymore. 
She sighed into you, "Did the guy tell you anything?" 
You pulled away and shook your head with pursed lips, "No, did he?" You asked if her guard gave her any information.
"Dinner, at eight." 
"Oh yeah? Just a casual sit-down dinner while holding us hostage," You replied sarcastically. "Sounds like an entertaining night."
"At least we have adjoining rooms," Her lips twitched upwards. "If Ward wasn't the one searching for us then who is this guy?"
"Didn't know we had so many enemies," You took the liberty to sit on the edge of her bed. 
"Should we even be surprised at this point?" She rolled her eyes. 
"Nope."
Your heart felt heavy. 
~~~
A knock on Kie's door startled you both out of the reminiscent conversation you were having about the island, life in high school and how you both thought last year's summer was gonna go before this whole mess started. 
The maid from earlier appeared you both scrambled out of the bed and fixed your dresses. You glanced at each other, you linked arms as you walked down the steps, and you resisted the urge to take Kie and run through the front doors where you knew you'd be shot down the minute you stepped foot out of the perimeter. 
She directed you both to the dining room, a man was standing with his back to you, serving himself a glass of an amber liquid. 
"Excuse me?" Kie spoke first in a shy tone. 
The man turned and your stomach sank, Rafe. It was Rafe who stood there, in a white button-down shirt and blue blazer. His hair was buzzed, and you felt your heart in your throat.  
"You," You hissed, marching up to him. "You were behind this." 
Rafe sized you up, flashing one look at Kie, "Y/n, what?"
"I knew it had to be you and Ward," Kie jeered at him, a few steps behind you.
"What are you talking about?" He faced you both head-on, "Are you trying to weasel in on my deal, is that what's going on?"  
"I wondered if your little reunion would cause sparks, you know," A voice cut through from a room to the right of the dining table. A tanned man with a beard smirked as he strolled over to you three. 
"Who are you?" Rafe stepped forward. 
"Me?" The man in the grey suit pointed to himself. "My name is Carlos Singh, it's a pleasure to meet you, Mr. Cameron. Ms. Carrera, and Ms. Routeledge, I do apologize for the rough tactics in bringing you here. But, please, come sit down."
Apology not accepted? You wanted to say but refrained from doing so, the air around him was not in the least bit friendly or open and inviting though it sounded like he was trying to be. 
"Come now, I don't bite," He waved you all forward. 
You dared to walk through the threshold first, sitting on a sturdy chair that felt expensive underneath you, Kie sat next to you with a round coffee table in between both seats. 
Your eyes stayed narrowed at Rafe as he followed suit, visibly stressed, rubbing the lines on his forehead. "Rough tactics, what about me?" 
Singh poured himself a drink, "Yes, Mr. Cameron, false pretenses. But the ends justify the means, I'm afraid. Sit down, we have a lot to talk about." 
Rafe takes the chair across from you, leaving the one next to him, open. 
"Why are we here?" Kie tensed. 
"Well, Ms. Carrera, Routledge, Mr. Cameron, we share certain interests. Objectives." 
"Is this not about the cross?" Rafe interrupts. 
"It is, tangentially, it is about the cross." He confirms, "It's also about something much, much bigger than the cross by order of magnitude." 
The man stood in front of a painting, "The completion of a grand quest. You see, the story goes that four hundred fifty years ago- a Spanish soldier came out of the Orinoco Basin with a few gold beads, and when they asked the Spanish soldiers where the beads came from the Spanish soldier replied he got them from a peaceful indigenous tribe who lived in a city of gold. El Dorado.
"And for the next four hundred and fifty years, people tried to find that gold. They tried." Singh picked up a knife from the desk cabinet below the painting. "Conquistadors, knights, captains of ships, tribes; entire nations. All fighting each other in a race for the end of the rainbow, thousands of lives laid on the pyre of gold fever, and it falls to me." 
"It falls to me to complete the task," Singh strolled over to you, knife in hand. Your eyes never strayed from the hands that handled it. "To bring full circle a quest that has gone on for almost five hundred years, perhaps the greatest quest in the history of the western hemisphere. You three, are going to play a part in that." 
"Ms. Routledge, daughter of a man who was interested in making history, don't think I don't know you're family history." 
You cleared your throat, "Past, present, future. They all kind of mesh together in my head sometimes, you know." 
"Yeah, I didn't listen to a word you said, okay?" Rafe chimed in, "How much are you gonna keep philosophizing?" 
"You are direct, aren't you, Mr. Cameron?"
"What do you need from us?" Kie asked. 
"I've come to believe that you and your friends are in possession of something that can help me get what I want."
"Which is?" You couldn't think of something he could possibly want. 
"An old manuscript, a diary, actually."
You kept your features neutral, giving away nothing, "A diary?" 
You were starting to notice a pattern with people who talked, thought, and associated with the cross. All greedy fanatics.
"We don't know anything about a diary," Kie shrugged casually. 
"How else could you have learned that the cross was on the Royal Merchant."
"We would help you if we could but we can't."
"I was hoping you wouldn't say that you know, because unfortunately, I don't believe you. you and your friend here," He pointed to Rafe, "Couldn't have found the cross without it." 
"He's not our friend," You clarified. 
"We can't all be friends," Singh's tone was grim. You didn't want to know what was gonna happen, knowing you couldn't give him what you wanted- even if you wanted to the diary was in Kildare. 
"This is ridiculous," Rafe stands, "Okay, I'm out. I don't know anything about a diary." 
He walks backward with hands half raised in surrender to then face one of the many, many guards in the house, gun across his vested chest. 
"Do I look like a fool to you, Mr. Cameron?" Singh grew dangerously impatient with Rafe. "You have the cross, their friends had the cross at one point, so one of you has the diary."
Rafe's eyes bore into yours, you let him, your own gaze unwavering. 
"And if you really don't know, then I suggest you convince your friend to tell me, once I have the diary- you'll be free to leave." He lightens his tone before it darkens again. 
He leads you three up the stairs and into Kie's room, "I must warn you though, I am not a man of infinite patience. You have one day, go to the window for a little demonstration." He pats Rafe on the shoulder before exiting.  
You heard the click of the lock, solidifying the trap. You clenched your fists, fingers cracking to help with the anxiety at what you were going to witness. 
Rafe protests and yanks at the doorknob, Kie comes up behind you as you open the curtain, and then Rafe joins you on the other side. 
You heard shouts, and then Jimmy Portis being dragged by another guy. 
"Who is he?" Rafe being this close to your ear made you shuffle closer to Kie. 
"It's Jimmy Portis, we know him," Kie responds for you. 
You felt a stab of guilt, "He must've been trying to help us." 
Singh looked up at the window where the three of you stood watching, he had a handgun, making it obvious of his intention. He walked out of view where Jimmy was, there was a cock of the gun clicking, and not a second later came the booming shot fired. 
~~~
a/n: SEASON 3!!! thank you all for your love and patience, i love you all, let me know what you think
let me know if you'd like to be tagged :)
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if your name is cross that means tumblr won't allow me to tag you, i'm sorry :/
160 notes · View notes
fangirl-writes · 1 year
Text
Exes and Ohs
JJ Maybank x Fem!Reader; Ex-Rafe Cameron x Reader; John B. x Sister!Reader
Warnings(s): female reader, swearing, violence, implied physical abuse (JJ’s dad), harassment
Request: Hiii<3 can I request a fanfic about yn being john bs sister dating jj and having rafe as her ex???ok so i was thinking maybe at a party rafe could be flirting with yn (because he’s obsessed with her ) and jj notices and they fight but it ends with rafe telling jj to keep you safe. Thanks<3
Notes: I put this taking place during the Midsummer’s episode of season 1. I don’t think this is exactly what you were looking for but I hope you enjoy it anyway.
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Your brother had roped you into a lot of stupid things in your lifetime, but this was starting to feel like the stupidest.
“John B, what the fuck are we doing?” You asked as he and JJ pulled the HMS Pogue onto shore.
“I told you, Y/N, I’ve got a plan,” he replied.
“Care to share with the class what it is?”
“You just gotta trust me on this,”
“The last time I trusted you, I ended up on the receiving end of a gun,” You said.
If he heard you, he gave you no indication, just marched through the grass with you and JJ in tow, bags slung over both their shoulders.
“I need you to get this to Sarah,” John B. said, passing JJ a note.
“Ooh, can I read it?”
“No, you can’t read it.”
“Who’s Vlad?”
“God, do you ever listen?”
“Hold up, are you macking Sarah Cameron?” JJ asked.
“I’m sorry, what?” You asked, leaning over JJ’s shoulder to read the note.
“Would you shut up?” John B. replied, blushing in the darkness.
“You’re making Sarah Cameron!” JJ exclaimed, incredulous.
“All right, man. Look, I’m doing it for everybody, all right?”
“You’re macking Sarah Cameron for everybody?” You said.
“No that’s not what I- look, it’s just...it’s like a business transaction, okay?”
“Classy,” you said and then silence, the judgement thick in the air.
“What?” John B. asked.
“Nothing,” JJ replied first, stopping and dropping his bag on the sand. “Thanks for being a team player, bro.”
“JJ-”
“Hey, I didn’t say I wanted to mack Sarah Cameron, that’s all him,” he replied to you, throwing his white button up over his shoulders.
The conversation trickled out as John B. swung the tie around JJ’s neck and did it for him.
You made a mental note to bring this up with your brother again later and pulled off your tank top. You were wearing your swimsuit beneath it and tossed a (f/c) sundress over the top of it, discarding your shorts after it settled.
“So, I just give this to Sarah?” JJ asked, clarifying.
“Yes, just give it to Sarah,” John B. confirmed.
“Vlad? Really?” JJ mused, adjusting the bowtie.
“Shut up. Y/N, I’m gonna need you to distract Rafe.”
“Woah, what? Hold up. No,” JJ protested, frowning deeply.  “No way I’m letting Rafe anywhere near her.”
You rolled your eyes. Rafe was your ex-boyfriend who’d been less than a stellar partner while you were going out. He was obsessive, cruel, and manipulative. Not to mention a classist and a drug addict. 
It was only after you broke up with him that you realized how awful he’d been treating you.
Pro-tip: when your close friends and family tell you how shitty your boyfriend is, chances are pretty good that they’re right.
You stuffed your clothes in JJ’s bag.
He, of course, was your knight-in-shining armor. JJ was your shoulder to cry on and you were his. You two haven’t been dating long, but it feels a hundred percent better than any of the time you were with Rafe.
JJ treats you like a person. Rafe treated you like a trophy.
“Look, JJ, it’s just until you can get the note to Sarah and get out then Y/N can walk away.”
“You really think he’s just gonna let her walk away? Fat chance.”
“JJ, really?” You said, pulling the gun out of his bag.
“Yes, really,” JJ replied. “Especially now.”
“If you get caught with that thing in a pinch you’re going to jail,” John B. said, snatching the pistol out of your hands.
“Fine,” JJ said, pulling off his cap and tossing it to you. “But if Rafe gets handsy I’m coming back for it.”
“You won’t have to worry about that if you just give the note to Sarah and do nothing else to draw attention to yourself,” you said, shoving JJ’s hat into his bag and standing up.
“Ah, come on Y/N, you know me,” he said. “Completely inconspicuous.”
“Not exactly the word I would use,” You replied, about to take his hand.
But John B. caught your arm first. “Hey, I know this is going to suck for you, but this is for us...for dad.”
Your face was stoic and you didn’t meet his eyes. The gold was the thing your father had been searching for before he disappeared, the thing he thought he’d found. If there was even the slightest chance you two could get it...
“I’ll be fine,” you replied, making eye contact with him and smiling. “I can handle him.”
“It’s not you I’m worried about,” your brother replied, letting go of your arm.
You turned to JJ who smiled and held out his arm, “My lady.”
You smiled again, real this time, and took his arm. You could always rely on JJ to make you feel better.
“Hey,” John B. said, causing the two of you to look back at him. “No funny business in there all right? I expect you in and out. Got it?”
“Don’t worry I won’t bang your sister in a kook bathroom or anything.”
“JJ!”
“Even though that’s a bucket list item for me.”
You couldn’t help but laugh as JJ tugged you forward, quickening his pace before John B. could either tackle him or throw something.
Up ahead, the midsummers party was in full swing. It was twilight, the outer banks cloaked in a hazy blue, and the building glowed with yellow light that sparkled against the kooks’ fancy jewelry.
Both Pope and Kiara were in there somewhere, no doubt hating their lives and if nothing else, you thought, at least this would probably get them out of it.
“Ready?” JJ asked you as you approached the building.
“As I’ll ever be.” You replied, breaking off from him.
“Hey,” JJ stopped you before you could go. “Seriously, if Rafe tries anything I’ll be right there, okay?”
You smiled, pulling him in for a kiss before saying, “I’ve got this. Rafe’s not stupid enough to try anything here.”
JJ didn’t look convinced but let you go anyway.
You disappeared around another side of the building, just close enough to hear JJ before he entered the party.
“I keep finding glasses halfway down the beach. Do me a favor, try to keep ‘em corralled, will ya? I thought you were security.”
You bit back a laugh and snuck through a side door, headed for a bathroom to touch up your hair and hopefully find some perfume to cover up the smell of marsh.
You slid into the bathroom, which was probably the nicest one you’d ever been in. It had vanity lights over each sink, a lounge area with full length mirrors, and soap that smelled like roses.
You dropped your clutch on the counter, pulling out your travel brush and raking it through your hair. You did your best impression of a kook’s basic makeup routine with some added glitter and called it a day, only having so much time.
You slid everything half-hazardly back into your bag and headed for the door only to be knocked in the face with it.
“Oh my god I’m so sorr- Y/N?”
“Kie!” You said, sighing with relief. “Have you got any perfume with you?”
“What? Why? What’re you doing here?”
“John B.’s got a plan. We’re back in the gold game.”
Kiara looked like you’d just told her pigs were flying. “You’re as crazy as John B. I’m not dealing with this right now-”
“Kie, wait, wait, wait!” You pleaded, moving in front of her before she could escape. “I don’t know what the plan is, but I have faith in John B. He has to do this...we have to do this. For our dad.”
Kiara looked like she was about to tell you off, but instead she sighed. “Fine. What do you need to do?”
“Well, JJ’s delivering a note to Sarah so I’m supposed to distract Rafe while he does so. Which, knowing JJ, he’s probably already in position so I need to get out there.”
“Wait, you’re distracting Rafe?” 
“Hopefully not for long, if everything goes right.” You replied, trying to leave again.
“Wait, here,” she pulled out a little vial of perfume and spritzed it on you. "You did kind of smell like marsh water.”
“Thanks. How do I look?”
“Like a kook,” Kiara confirmed. “Let’s hit it.”
JJ spotted you and Kie as you approached the crowd. He motioned with his head and you followed it to where Rafe was standing with Kelce and some other kook guys.
You nodded back at him.
He gave you one last worried look before turning his back and heading towards Sarah.
“Wish me luck,” you said to Kiara before heading that direction.
“Rafe!” You said, sweetly, causing the boys to turn.
Rafe was like a deer in headlights, mouth dropping open at the sight of you. “Y/N? What’re you doing here?”
You chuckled. “Kiara invited me as her plus one. I wanted to see some of my old kook friends again.”
“Did you now?” Rafe replied, falling back into his asshole role as he stuck one hand in his suit pocket and gestured with the other. “Cause I’m pretty sure the last time we spoke you told me you never wanted to see me or any of my upper class bitches again.”
You clenched your jaw under your smile. “I was in a bad mood. Usually happens when you catch your boyfriend snorting coke through wads of cash. Got any of the white stuff in your system tonight?”
“As a matter of fact, I don’t.”
“Good. Your dad would probably castrate you, not that there’s much to take.”
Rafe’s smirk dropped momentarily as a chorus of ‘ooh’s went around the group of boys.
“Funny. I don’t remember you complaining when I took your virginity.”
You blushed. More oohs.
“Funny. I don’t remember it at all.”
“Oh, yeah? How about I remind you?”
You pulled a face, façade dropping. “Fuck you, Cameron.”
“Well, if you insist,” he replied, taking a step forward and a flash of fear jolted through you before-
“Oh! Sorry about that guys.”
You let out a breath of relief as JJ stepped between you, effectively dumping a cocktail down the front of Rafe’s suit.
“I was just trying to deliver that mai tai you ordered. But, really, I’d say this is an improvement. I mean the wetness really shows off that nonexistent dick you’ve got.”
“Nice of you to join us, JJ,” Rafe said, recovering and grabbing him by the shirt. 
“Well, no time to talk now, I’m on the clock,” JJ said, always a better liar than you. “Maybe we can catch up later, huh? Until then, how about you guys help yourself to some hors d’oeuvres?”
“Funny, you’d show up right now. Just when your girlfriend was about to dump your ass and get back together with me.”
“Was she now?” JJ asked, looking at you.
You grimaced and shook your head.
“Ah, well, the lady refutes your story. Always believe the victim.”
“Victim? Oh no, she’s anything but that. She came waltzing over here in that little dress ready to stir up trouble,” Rafe said. “She wanted to cheat on you, pogue. What’ve you got to offer?”
"Well, you know that’s the funny thing-”
BAM. JJ’s fist connected with Rafe’s nose and he broke free of the hold, grabbing your hand and racing through the crowd of kooks.
“Thank god for you, JJ Maybank,” you said.
“Never should’ve let you near those dicks anyway. Should’ve just taken my chances on my own. I could take them.”
“Well, you might get your chance because they’re following us.”
“Fucking swell.”
You and JJ zipped through the lobby, stirring all of the fancy kooks to stand and watch the commotion. 
“Sorry! Sorry! Lovely dress!” You shouted as you passed people.
“Hey, JJ, come on!” Rafe yelled from behind you. “We just wanna talk, alright?”
JJ ducked into the nearest bathroom, taking you along with him.
“JJ, I can’t be in here!” You protested as he drug you through the men’s restroom. 
Where there were men.
“Ah, excuse me, guys,” JJ said, rattling the door handles on the stalls.
Shit, it probably did look like JJ was trying to bang you in a kook bathroom.
“Just really gotta go,” he said, cursing to himself when they were all occupied.
He squeezed your hand and tried to duck through the locker room, only to be cut off by Rafe. 
“Hey, man, what’re you doing in the locker room, huh?”
He immediately turned around and tried to head the way he came, but you were surrounded.
“JJ!” You shouted as a kook knocked him backwards, his hand slipping from yours as you stumbled into two boys behind you.
“Wow, that’s a cute outfit,” JJ said, stumbling into Rafe.
“Shut up,” Rafe replied.
The two kooks gripped your arms, causing you to cry out.
“Hey!” JJ said, trying to come to your aid, only to be grabbed and put into a headlock by Kelce.
“I know your not classy, JJ, but trying to fuck your girlfriend in a men’s bathroom?” Rafe clicked his tongue. “Now that’s just uncivilized. Y/N should be treated better.”
He caressed your cheek with one hand and touched parts you couldn’t defend with the other. You tried to bite him. “Fuck you!”
“God, you hear this guys? She really wants to get in my pants. Just obsessed with me,” Rafe adjusted his jacket and smirked as he turned back to JJ, who was still struggling against Kelce and fuming. “Now, as for you.”
JJ flailed and fought, but Kelce was stronger.
“Hold him still. What do you think? A four iron, right?” Rafe said, adjusting his hands like he was holding a golf club. “Keep his head still, I’m gonna line this up.”
“Very Rafe of you, Rafe,” JJ spat, struggling to breath. “Five on one?”
“JJ, stop talking,” you pleaded.
“Listen to the lady, JJ,” Rafe replied, smirking. “It’s very disrespectful when I’m trying to hit a ball. Learn your etiquette my friend.”
You struggled against the kook boys, but you were terrified. This was your worst nightmare, being helpless like this. And if they somehow hurt JJ and got you by yourself...
“Rafe, please, leave him alone!” You begged.
“Oh, the time for pleading is over, sweetheart,” He replied, not even looking at you. “You made your choice.
Fuck. John B. was going to get an earful from you for this. All because he had a hard on for Sarah Cameron. 
Rafe leaned down to get a better look at JJ. “And what a choice it was. Your face looks really bad. Starting to look like your dad a lot more.”
JJ spit in his face.
Rafe laughed, wiping it away with ease, looking almost impressed. “Oh, shit! You see how dirty this pogue, is, Y/N?”
The lights started flickering and you let out a sigh of relief as security entered the room.
“Gentlemen,” he said.
Kelce dropped JJ and pushed him away. You ran to him immediately, checking him over, but he assured you he was fine and focused on the security guard.
“Is there a problem here, guys?”
“Oh! Pardon me, officer. No there’s not an issue, I just-” JJ said before starting over. “Actually, yes. No, there is an issue.”
JJ Maybank. Always quick on his feet.
“Uh, we got a criminal trespass in progress here. Beep! Call it in, right? Blatant disrespect for private property,” JJ said.
The kooks looked like they wanted to react, but they wouldn’t so they wouldn’t get in trouble with their daddies.
“And! And I tried to screw this fine young lady-” JJ grabbed your arms gently, pulling you forward. You smiled awkwardly. “In this here bathroom. As you can see, I’m in violation of all kinds of shit, sir. But these young gentleman...”
JJ straightened Kelce’s collar, who immediately pushed him off.
“...uh, caught me, sir, and they’re about to take me away. And that’s what you should do, escort me outta here. All right.”
The officer, not caring enough to refute JJ’s bullshit (but brilliant) of a story, did as requested and led JJ out of the room. You quickly followed.
“Fix that tie, son,” JJ said, one last quip. “You’re lookin’ spiffy, too. You Powerpuff Girls have fun.”
“Better keep that girl of yours safe, JJ,” Rafe yelled back. “Or I’ll remind her how a real man feels.”
“JJ, don’t!” You said but he’d already ripped himself away and went back to fight.
Thankfully, the security guard was there to separate them all again.
JJ was spiraling, fast. You could see it in the way he stumbled as the security guy led him back outside. He was practically slurring as he assured the guard he could walk on his own.
“Let me just walk out by myself. Oh, Mr. Dunleavy, I see that you got your drink. Good, that’s really nice of you. I’m actually gonna down that,”
He did as he said he would and downed the drink (whiskey, presumably).
“Y/N, you want one? Here’s Mrs. Dunleavy’s. Little wine for you,” he handed you the glass and, desperately needing a drink, you swallowed it as fast as you could.
“Sorry, sir,” the guard said, ushering JJ away. 
“I really appreciate the discretion, Daryl,” JJ said. “It’s okay everybody! Do not panic!”
You couldn’t help but smile as you watched JJ (in his own way) ruin the party.
“Leave it to the men and women in uniform. Let’s hear it for them!” He started clapping and you started laughing. “Rose! You look like Lady Liberty. It’s good to see you again.”
“Let go of him.” Kiara demanded.
You cringed. Damn it. Kiara’s scene would be much more righteous and way less funny.
“You can’t just boot him! I invited him,” Kiara said. “I’m a member of this club.”
“And what about her?” Daryl (the security) asked.
“Oh, she can plus one with me, if she’s good,” Rafe said, smiling wickedly.
You wanted to vomit.
JJ, having enough, shoved Daryl back into a table.
“Sorry about that! And Y/N,” He said before dipping you into a kiss, which you happily returned.
When he put you back upright you were a little dazed and surprised by the action, but not upset.
Rafe looked upset.
That made you smile.
“Hey, mandatory power hour at Rixon’s, Kie,” JJ said. “Pope, you as well, all right?”
“Rixon’s cove. Let’s roll,” You said, sliding your hand into JJ’s.
You and JJ were high on trauma. And you didn’t give a fuck. 
You backed out of there like you owned the place.
John B., who had somehow slipped in unnoticed here at the end, greeted the two of you with a celebratory whoo-hoo.
“Colonel,” JJ said, saluting.
“Captain,” John B. replied. “M’lady.”
You mock curtsied.
“Mission accomplished, sir,” JJ said.
“Good, let’s get the hell out of here,” John B. replied.
You jumped on JJ’s back as Pope and Kiara joined you, all of your spirits rising as you disappeared into the darkness of OBX. 
“Later losers!”
And that was that.
You went to Rixon’s Cove, John B. finally spilled the beans about the gold and Sarah Cameron (well, not all the beans with that one, you were sure of that).
Now you were waiting in the van with Kie, Pope, and JJ while your brother hiked up to the Kildare Hawk’s Nest to get a map from Sarah. Which was even stupider than the plan beforehand.
Mostly because Kie was pissed, JJ was smoking weed to cope, Pope was stressed about getting caught, and it was about to start thunderstorming any second.
“Kiara, holding onto your grudge is like drinking poison and thinking Sarah will die,” Pope said.
“Exactly.” JJ agreed. “Unless its Rafe Cameron who threatened to rape your girlfriend. Then the grudge is justified.”
“I’m sorry, what?” Kiara said, momentarily forgetting about John B. and Sarah to be concerned about you.
You shrugged. “It’s not that big of deal. He’s an asshole. And he didn’t explicitly mention rape-”
“I can’t believe John B. made you face him yourself,” she said, a look of disgust crossing her face.
Ope, she’s circling back.
“I said I would, okay?”
“That doesn’t excuse it, it was his idea-”
“Kie, can we not right now, okay? You’re just pissed at him anyway,” you said.
She frowned but dropped it.
You laid your head on your boyfriend’s shoudler. “JJ saved me, as usual.”
“Ah, it was nothing, just a little alcohol to break up the party,” JJ replied.
“Wait, what exactly happened?” Pope asked.
“Well,” JJ said, ready to spin into a story of the night’s events. “Good ol’ Rafe was going to make a move on Y/N, but luckily I was right there to swoop in with a glass of...what was it a mai tai? I don’t know, but I dumped it all down the front of Rafe’s suit and started apologizing and shit, you know the good lies. Then he said some more shit about Y/N so I popped him in the nose - pop - and took Y/N’s hand and ran off. Rafe and Kelce followed us-”
“Wait, do you guys hear that?” Kie interrupted, sitting up and looking out into the darkness.
Thunder crashing was all you heard before-
“Please, somebody help!”
“Oh, wait no, I hear that,” JJ said.
“Shit.”
The four of you bailed out of the van immediately and started heading toward the voice.
When you got to the hawk’s nest, John B. was on the ground and Sarah was crouched over him.
“Oh my god!” You cried out, running over there with the others in tow.
“Sarah, what happened?” Pope asked.
You slid on your knees next to your brother.
“I don’t know what to do. He needs help, Topper shoved him,” she said.
A fire ignited in JJ. “Where the hell is he?”
You leaned down and put your ear to his chest, his heart beat and you let out a sigh of relief.
“Someone call somebody!” You shouted, looking at your three friends. “911 or something, go!”
Pope took off first and JJ knelt next to you. “He’s gonna be okay, okay?”
Tears welled up in your eyes. “Come on, John B. You’re all I’ve got left. I can’t lose my brother to.”
“Pope come on!” 
JJ wrapped an arm around your shoulders as you cried. Not him. Not John B. Not after everything.
“JJ,” you whispered later when John B. was in a hospital bed with a concussion and broken wrist. “Don’t leave me...”
“Never,” He whispered back. “I’ll never leave you.”
This was up there for probably the worst night of your life. Maybe worse than the night your dad disappeared and Rafe was snorting coke on a coffee table while you were crying your eyes out.
But JJ was here now, just like he was then. Holding you like his life depended on it.
And Pope and Kiara were there, too, for a while, until Ward Cameron made the adult decision to call their parents.
He didn’t have JJ’s dad’s number, not that he’d have answered if he did. 
So JJ stayed with you all night.
He was there when Sheriff Peterkin made you tell her the truth. The whole truth.
And you did.
Well, most of the truth.
The gold was still your little secret.
“I’d like to offer you something, Y/N,” Ward said that morning. “I’ll tell your brother, too, when he wakes up.”
You eyed the man warily and exchanged a look with JJ, who squeezed your hand.
“Okay...”
“I’d like to be your legal guardian, if you’ll have me.”
Your eyes widened slightly.
“I heard what you told the sheriff, and Sarah filled me in a bit, but I know how hard you kids have had it. I’d like to give you a roof over your head and meals on the table,” He continued. “And this way, you and John B. wouldn’t have to be seperated.”
The tears were starting to come back to your eyes. “I-I don’t know what John B.’ll say, but if he’s in, I’m in.”
Ward smiled. “Sounds good, kid. We’ll let you know when he’s awake.”
He stood up and went to go talk to the doctors about something or other (probably the bill you couldn’t afford without him) and you sat a little stunned.
“Your gonna go live with the Camerons?” JJ asked, quietly.
“Yeah, I...I guess I am.”
JJ squeezed your hand again. “But what about Rafe?”
You felt like a bucket of water had been dumped over you. Fuck. Rafe.
“He...he won’t be dumb enough to try anything while John B.’s there. And- And his dad is the one taking us in. He worships his dad...we’ll be fine.”
JJ’s jaw tightened and he kissed your temple. “Sneak me in your window?”
You nodded. “Every night. And you can bang me in a kook bathroom now.”
He laughed quietly, but you felt his chest rumble. It made you smile.
JJ would keep you safe. He promises it with every touch.
1K notes · View notes
of-many-aus · 1 year
Text
Why JJ calls you ‘Bambi’
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Summary: the reason jj calls you that aggravating nickname
Warnings: none
A/N: this takes place approximately three years before the main series
Hate Myself for Loving You Masterlist
・ 。゚☆: *.☽ .* :☆゚. ・ 。゚☆: *.☽ .* :☆゚. ・ 。゚☆: *.☽ .* :☆゚.
“I don’t know, JB,” You said hesitantly, “This might not be a good idea.”
Your brother threw his head back with a groan, “Come on, you’re twelve now. It’s about time you learned.”
“What if I’m not good at it, though?” You had begun nervously playing with your hands.
“That’s why I’m here,” He said reassuringly, gently tapping his surfboard against yours, “Now, let’s go. The waves are great today.”
With that, John B began wading into the ocean water, but you stayed back a moment, still hesitating.
“I’m pretty sure you’re the only person on this island that didn’t learn how to surf when you were seven.” The aggravating voice of none other than JJ Maybank sounded in your ear like a chirping bird that wouldn’t shut up in the morning.
A scowl immediately formed on your lips, and instead of answering the boy, you surged forward, hopefully leaving him behind.
Your prayers didn’t seem to be answered though, because you heard some splashing behind you that told you he had followed with his own surfboard.
“Out here!” John B waved you over from where he sat on his board a few yards out.
Slowly, you swam and pushed your surfboard to where he was.
JJ laughed, “You have to get on it,” He called, paddling up beside you.
You stifled a groan, closing your eyes and tilting your head to face the heavens, “Did he really have to be here?” You asked your brother with a slight whine in your voice.
He just shrugged, “I didn’t invite him, he just tagged along.”
A glare was thrown in the blond boy's direction by you, “Hear that? You weren’t invited. So get out of here.”
His mouth opened, no doubt to let out a smart ass comment, but John B interrupted with an exhausted sigh, “Guys, stop it.” He was long since used to your bickering.
He sent a warning look in his best friend's direction, “We’re here to teach her how to surf. If you’re not going to either help or stay quiet, then leave.”
He chose to stay quiet.
For the next half hour, your brother went through the motions with you, teaching you how to stand correctly and how to catch a wave.
JJ stayed silent the whole time, and you were grateful. It was probably the longest he had ever gone without talking.
“- no, move your foot closer to the center-“ Your brother instructed you, only to be cut off by toppling over the side of his board. He hadn’t been paying attention to an incoming wave.
You sighed tiredly as he was submerged, knowing he was fine, but still tired from all the work it took to learn.
Just then, a laugh sounded from the side, causing your head to whip over and eyes to narrow in onto the Maybank boy.
“What?” You snapped.
“N-no, it’s- it’s just…” He laughed again, “You look like Bambi from that old Disney movie during the scene where it tried walking for the first time. It’s like you trying to stay standing on that thing.”
Your cheeks flushed red just in time for John B to resurface.
“Okay,” he said, “Are you ready to try again?”
“Yeah, Bambi,” JJ spoke with a wide grin, “Ready to try again?”
It took everything in you not to lunge across the water and tackle him off his board.
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randomperson3736 · 8 months
Note
can you do one where reader gets in trouble for a school fight? ( reader is John B's younger sister and john b is readers legal guardian)
Paring(s): John B x little sister reader
Genre: kinda angst, fluff
Warning(s): blood, broken nose, fighting, yelling, bullying, swearing
Word bank: Y/N- your name, Y/N/N-your nickname
Notes: thanks for the request and sorry it took so long to be done. And side note the reader is in middle school.
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"Routledge!"
"Crap" You mumbled under your breath. Slowly you turned around and plastered a fake smile on your face. "Hey Jessica" you say as nicely as possible. "Yea, I need you to do this homework for me tonight" she says shoving the bunch of papers into your hand.
"I... I can't. I already have loads to do" you say avoiding her devil eyes. "Excuse me? Who do you think your talking to? Homework done tonight or you'll regret it, understood?" She says cracking her knuckles which made you wince slightly.
You quickly nodded and turned to walk away but stopped upon hearing Jessica and her friends snickering. "No wonder her dad left, she's a totally loser" "Yea, she really is. same goes with her brother and he's weirdo friends."
Anger started to boil up in the pit of your stomach. How dare that bitch and her minions talk bad about your family like that? Before you can stop yourself, you turned around again and shouted. "Hey! Shut your dirty whore mouth!"
Everyone in the hallway soon began to go quiet, wanting to see want will happen next. Jessica glared at you almost burning holes into your head. She and her little follower walked towards you, until you and her were face to face with each other. "What did you just say?" She asked dangerously.
"You heard what I said and besides I'm done being your little slave, so do your own homework or are you too dumb for it?" You didn't even know why you just said that knowing you could get your ass kicked but oh god it feel good to say. Laughter and cheering could be heard, as your fellow classmates laughed and cheered that someone was actually standing up to miss queen bee.
"You dirty little slut!" Before you knew It Jessica had jumped on you, as the both of you rolled around on the ground pulling and kicking at each other. Students were yelling "Fight! Fight! Fight!" as teachers tried pulling the two of you away from each other.
~~~~~~~~~
John B was in the kitchen making a sandwich when his phone rang. "Who is it?" JJ asked. "I don't know, some random number probably" John B stared at his phone. "Well, answer it" Kiara pried.
"Hello?" John B answered.
"Hi this is Alex James from Kildare Country Middle School; I'm looking for John B Routledge."
"This is him."
"It says here that you are the legal guardian of Y/n Routledge, correct?"
"Yea. Why what happened? Is she okay?" John B spoke in an almost calm voice.
"Well, this morning, Y/N got into a fight with another student, and we would like for you-" Before he could finish speaking John B cut her off. "What?! Is she okay? Does she need to taken to the hospital??"
"Sir if you would please calm down and let me finish talking. Yes, she is okay just same cuts and bruises nothing that serious, but we do need you to come down to the school."
"Ok, I'll be there soon." John B hang up the phone and before anyone could ask what had happened, he was already out the door.
~~~~~~~~~
You sat in the principal's office. You could see out of the corner of your eye that he was looking at you but you refused to make eye contact and so you just stared at the floor. There was a knock on the door, you looked up to see John B.
"Have a seat Mr. Routledge" Your principal said. You knew he was about to argue with your brother, even though you didn't even start the fight. You just hoped that your brother was in a good mood to where he would defend you, and not agree with the principal.
"You sister, managed to harm a student sending her a trip to the hospital with a broken nose" John B's eyebrows raised, he knew you had to be pissed at her for something or you wouldn't have gotten into a fight.
"Look, Mr. uh.... James. My sister here is a very nice girl, so if she did something like fighting some other student, it's probably them who started it because she would never start a fight" John B explained.
The principal glared at John B before speaking again. "Even so, at this school fighting is not tolerated and I will have to expel Y/N for at least 3 weeks"
"Oh, come on. It wasn't even my fault! Jessica's the one who jumped on me and started to acting like a crazy person!" You retorted. John B turned to look at you and chuckled a little, trying to cover it up with cough. "Ms. Routledge, do you realize who you are speaking to?" Your principal calmy asked.
"Yeah... You're just a person-" You were cut off by your brother slapping his hand over your mouth. "Ok, that's it for you young lady. look, are we done here?"
Your principal signed a long sign before answering. "Yes, you may leave but Ms. Routledge I do want you to write a full 500 letter on how what you did was wrong by the time you come back."
"Yea, yea"
You and John B walked down the empty halls of the school, since it was a little after hours. "So.... am I in trouble? or are you just mad at me?"
John B sighed before knelling down Infront of you. "I'm not mad and you're not in trouble but please don't do this again but..."
"But what?"
"You do have my permission to kick anyone's ass who gives you shit, ok?"
You smiles wide at your brother. "Ok"
~Bouns~
"Wait, Wait, Y/N/N got into a fight?!" Everyone yelled.
"Yea, she did" John B answered calmly, taking a sip out of his beer.
"Well, is she ok?" Pope asked.
"Did she win?" JJ asked, curiously.
"Seriously, JJ that's what your worried about?" Kiarra rolled her eyes.
"Yea, she's fine but I can't say that about the other kid though."
"I knew I taught her well." JJ said proudly.
144 notes · View notes
celiamae99 · 23 days
Text
playlist for season 1 outer banks - college
you belong with me
oh, i remember you driving to my house, in the middle of the night
i'm the one who makes you laugh, when you know you're 'bout to cry
and i know your favorite songs, and you tell me 'bout your dreams
think i know where you belong, think i know it's with me
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
someone to you the banners
i wanna be somebody to someone, i never had nobody and no road home
i wanna be somebody to someone, and if the sun starts setting, the sky goes cold
then if the clouds get heavy and start to fall, i really need somebody to call my own
i wanna be somebody to someone, someone to you
someone to you, someone to you, someone to you
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
dress taylor swift
say my name and everything just stops, i don't want you like a best friend
only bought this dress so you could take it off, take it off
carve your name into my bedpost, 'cause i don't want you like a best friend
only bought this dress so you could take it off, take it off
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
somewhere only we know
oh, simple thing, where have you gone, i'm getting old, and i need something to rely on
so, tell me when you're gonna let me in, i'm getting tired, and i need somewhere to begin
and if you have a minute, why don't we go, talk about it somewhere only we know
this could be the end of everything, so, why don't we go somewhere only we know
somewhere only we know
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
invisible string
time, curious time ,gave me no compasses, gave me no signs
were there clues i didn't see, and isn't it just so pretty to think
all along there was some, invisible string
tying you to me
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
dandelions
i think that you are the one for me, 'cause it gets so hard to breathe
when you're looking at me, i've never felt so alive and free
when you're looking at me, I've never felt so happy, 
and I've heard of a love that comes once in a lifetime
and I'm pretty sure that you are that love of mine, ‘cause I'm in a field of dandelions
wishing on every one that you'd be mine,  and i see forever in your eyes
i feel okay when i see you smile, wishing on dandelions all of the time
praying to God that one day you'll be mine, wishing on dandelions all of the time, all of the time
0 notes
vampiretendencies · 1 year
Text
throw another stone at a glass house
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request/summary; your writing literally gives me life. love it sm <3 would you be able to do something where jj and the reader get into an argument at dinner but they have a rule to never go to sleep mad at each other?
pairing; jj maybank x fem!reader
warnings; fluff & angst, maybe a bit suggestive
authors note; love loved writing this anon :,) pls continue to send in requests ! gif creds to owner
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His cured blood was boiling— searing even.
Eatery being complacent, fairy bulbs roped neatly and whimsically throughout the establishment. Fake plastic plant leaves braided about the paneled open roof. The trimming on the tables simplistic and clothed white, any other vibrancy would clash with the modern elegance that was being established. Clammer from steel trays and the mouthy Kooks that JJ was rubbing elbows with.
His attire is classy to fit his false image— dapper wrinkle-free black button up: buttons done up until the narrowing of his chest, not too revealing, not too Pogue-like. Arms broad and fibrous, giving quite the show whilst they bulged and unbulged with every movement he made. Grey slacks, steamed specifically for this event, an absolute fool as to not recognizing himself cleaned up so pleasantly.
The amount of meals he missed simply for this one meal, to scrimp and scrape pennies together merely to see a joyous picture-perfect smile planted on your face.
And he hadn’t told you he was doing so, but for about around a month now he’s been saying ‘Got a special night for us in the works baby.’
You knew it was tonight and you knew the address.
It wasn’t a familiar one, no, the both of you, Pogues, and not having heard of such a lavish restaurant. Hell, JJ was even awestruck himself when he stepped foot in the door.
But to him it was showing you a glimpse into the future with him. The life he would scavenge to define, to escape the one he’s living in now.
Full Kook.
But, nevertheless a Pogue at heart.
With that being said, he cannot fathom as to why you wouldn’t be here.
As to why you wouldn’t be here basking in the night, with him.
As to what could possibly be any more revelation, right here.
“Sir, are you ready to order yet?”
The same lanky waiter, with a nasal like voice spoke— and the irritation of it made JJ’s skin crawl. His class bow tie, with upheld posture was something JJ cut his eyes at, interrupting his thoughts as he already done prior.
“I told you no the past three times, didn’t I?”
JJ bit back at the man, partially because he’d been to JJ’s table all those times within the span of twenty minutes, not to mention prior to when he’d arrived two hours ago. The waiters mouth turns up in disgust.
“M’waitin’ for my girl, alright?”
He proceeds to add, confirming again to not come back unless he proclaimed he was ready. A kind way of saying ‘fuck off’.
“We cannot continue to keep holding your table this long, there are other people waiting to eat.”
“I’ll call her.”
The waiter clicks his tongue, spinning on his heels to the rest of his section to serve. And JJ presses your contact in his phone, as he did thirty six calls ago— to be exact.
Pitiful, going straight to voice mail, beating organ falling straight to his half-cut boot clad feet.
Pissed, seeing to it that he should be. All this money, all this devotion, only for it to go to waste due to you not being on time?
JJ would give his soul away not feel this.
On the verge of flipping over this table and making a scene just for shits and giggles, or to cope.
The reason you were late was anonymous to him. A slumber took over you, sleeping in later than usual after work, exhausted in that shared apartment. Forgetting to charge your phone, all events that pushed you farther and farther behind. Remnants leaving you pressed to get ready for the event, all whilst having to catch a ride from Kie.
One would probably wonder why JJ simply didn’t wait for you to get ready and just drive you to the surprise himself. He was too adamant, prying on the idea that, even appearance would be a remembrance factor.
Small heels colliding with cement in a clack sound, digits on the iron knob studying the building once more, to assure yourself this location was right.
Pulled straight out of a dream.
And you prodded on the thought of JJ affording this, the effort that went into it. Wondering why he thought he had to spend so much just on you, yet impressed with your boyfriend— if only you knew the sheer devastation upon him.
The red lacey satin of your dress was enough to turn heads and you did just that, strutting whimsically to the front podium to be sat at the table with JJ. Every Kook eye studied you, but you spotted one head of hair in particular. Sat in a dainty wooden chair that caused his back to be turned to you.
Numerous round tables, purely yearning for just that one.
That one with the unearthly being; light locks dancing over his features, and a jawline fierce enough to cut paper.
The one that’s battling with himself as to wether or not to make a big deal out of this, the moment he saw you next.
Little did he know you were feet away, gawking at him and the entirely ethereal gesture he did for you.
Jesus, he looks so fucking hot.
Dapper.
Heat growing on his neck whilst he feels a shadow standing over him, he continues to play with the given metal utensils in front of him.
Perhaps the knife grazing past his fingertips, would pain much less than the ache of disappointment surging in him.
He almost, turns to face the shadow preparing to tell the waiter off. But as his sense receptors fill with that familiar warm vanilla scent ...
He doesn't.
He doesn't because he knows it's you.
And he's gathering himself for the argument that's about to ensue.
Did JJ want to fuss and fight with you?
Absolutely not, he avoids confrontation at any given moment.
However, he is also human and can only take so much.
Your graceful hand stretches over his flexed back, tensing up at a touch that would normally lull him away into no tomorrow. Blue orbs daggering into your figure overtop his eyelashes, clearing his throat at your presence. Your chair scratched along the patterned wooden floor, a notion JJ always does; pulling your chair out.
This time, you do it with no complaints; declaring to avoid the subject at hand. Acknowledging that you were in deep shit with your lover.
That exact lover teaching you so: deny, deny, deny.
And God, that dress is hugging you so tight his hairs stand up on his neck. Alluring and sensual.
If he wasn't so fucking livid, he'd rile himself up enough to temper delicate, mouth-biting, love marks to your neck.
Over
And over
Again.
Until he got his fill.
You're supposed to be mad at her, JJ thought to himself.
"Hi, J!"
His insides rumbled as if he ate sour food.
But, no food would be eaten tonight.
"Hey."
His tone laced with malice and defeat. The worse kind of greeting, not the usual 'baby' or 'pretty girl' attached to it.
Then you knew were in for it.
"Thank you for tonight, s'so pretty baby."
Reading you, he knew you were probably thinking how he managed to get a table here. But something this polite, it was uncalled for to ask such a question.
"Yeah, it was prettier earlier."
He muttered under his breath, with his face contorting into a frown. Across the table yet so far away, the bright light of the eatery highlighting his cheek bones so handsomely. And you longed for him to be, himself.
"What'd you say?"
His words unclear, he was someone that usually has a voice prominent enough to hear from miles away; so it couldn't have been anything loving.
"Nothin'."
Accent think and harsh, eye contact here and there, though it wasn't anything promising.
"Gonna' have to fix your face J, it might ruin the night."
You gasped out a laugh, but to JJ it wasn't fucking funny.
If he wanted to glower, then he'd do so and he meant it.
How dare you joke about something he busted his ass to do, money that could've been enough to pay the apartments rent that month.
He thought you were being ungrateful and that you didn't appreciate him.
First you were behind time, and now you're laughing in his damn face beating around the obvious bush that was weighing him down.
And he can't help himself.
"No ... you ruined the Goddamn night!" He spat, voice broad and demanding, through grit teeth. Knowing that if he spoke any louder the couple would be asked to leave.
He's disgusted with you for being so careless with his feelings.
A night that was supposed to be filled with desperate, needy touches, and bellies full of the finest food; JJ could find it coming to a halt.
You grew ansty in your seat at his remark, lungs missing air and guilt replaced it.
Remorse entering your features.
Falling apart at the cause of his disfunction being you.
"I didn't mean to, JJ."
You reach for his hand across the table, veins apparent and digits long; in effort to console him for your mishap of being extremely late. And he lets you interlock your finger with his upsettingly, though he waited for that same touch all night; unable to deny any touch from you.
To get his point across, he lets go.
"But, you did."
He corrected you with a tilt of his head, replacing your missing fingers with a comb through his hair.
"I-I overslept after work ... and-"
"That's such bullshit. Do you know how many long hours I worked for tonight? Just for you to not be here?"
The palm of his hand slams against the table, drawing the attention of the couple next to the two. You hurriedly shush him, bringing his anger back down to earth.
"M'trying to say sorry JJ."
Both sets of eyes glare at eachother as if in competition, and JJ's stomach whirls.
"I don't want a sorry, I wanted you to be here."
"Well ... well, I'm here now. We can still order, J."
You try again but ultimately fail.
"M'not sitting here with you and pretending like everything's 'dandy', when you fucked everything up."
His words were cold and emotionless. You search for everything to say, but all that JJ said clarified it for you. Your sullen heart thumped, salty tears brimming at corners of your eyes.
Making you feel small.
Fighting to prevent them, so you didn’t fall apart in the middle of this restaurant.
“C’mon, let’s go.”
He wasn’t cruel, not enough away, to leave you here with no way back to the shared home.
No matter how big the fight or the cause of it, it always left JJ wondering if you still besotted him the way he did you.
He wondered why, altogether going with the fact that nothing was ever permanent in his life,
Did you still crave him— on your lips, in your lungs, and beneath your skin?
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One way to describe the ride home was— sickeningly tense.
Amid his rage, his hand clutches the wheel so tight that his knuckles turned white. Stealing glances at you, hoping you didn’t hate him. Neither of them able to etch a sentence, whilst the radio played and you sat turned with your knees to the door staring out of the window.
Oddly close enough to your position now.
On the edge of your side of the bed. Admiring JJ peel off his pants and unbutton his shirt, leaving them aimlessly on the carpeted floor— stripped down to his only boxers.
You’d thought you wouldn’t get much comfort tonight, being that he avoided even still after arriving home. Mustering a ‘gonna’ pick up the kitchen’, knowing full well it was only to an excuse to not be up under you while you both were overstimulated and on edge. Leaving you to get the bed ready and practice your night time routine. That’s why you are in the pajama attire of JJ’s t-shirt, his musk still attached to it.
His flesh on fire, conscious that you were boring at him.
‘When you fucked everything up,’ stung your chest and tainted your mind.
Reflecting, he’d wished he would’ve cut you some slack.
His baby, that he hoped for on nights when he had no one.
He baby, that he hoped for on every shooting star.
His baby, that he hoped for in a crowd of people.
His baby.
There was this rule book.
This rule book, was true and real, and contained all the expectations you and JJ had for eachother being together. It was for numerous reasons to begin with, but a year passed by and another and they fully became implicated.
The rule book was a thin black note book, adorned with two red pairs of lips. One was yours, and one was JJ’s— having put red lipstick on his puckered lips, afterwards staining your entire face with them.
Painting your face with his desire for you.
And still that notebook remains framed in the living room, just above the TV.
Rule #1: Never go to sleep mad at eachother.
It was in big, chunky black letters— JJ wrote it and with every letter he wrote he meant it more. One would think cheating would be at the top of the list— but that wasn’t a worry.
It wasn’t a concern because if JJ could inject you into his veins he would do just that.
And so would you.
Opening up his heart to you was not a thing he’d ever regret doing.
Letting himself become infatuated with you, and letting you treat him the way he deserved to be.
You’d silently prayed that JJ would enforce the rule tonight, seeing as even though you did fuck up, you had reason to be irate as well.
His feet pad against the khaki carpet to switch off the bedroom lights. Miscellaneous TV show, playing whilst it illuminated his appearance. He made a b-line for his side of the bed, queen size engulfing him. And you did the same, twisting to lie in bed next to him, but not right beside him.
Lying the exact same— backs flat against the black silk sheets, duvet pulled up past either arms. Pairs of eyes darting at the the other. Except JJ’s left arm is behind his head, the muscle fissuring with ease as it grooved forward from the small glance you got. His right arm is the one closest to you, flat in the open space between the two.
He doesn’t know what to do.
He doesn’t know how to lay.
He is so use to having skin on skin contact, but now he’s lying alone and deprived of your touch.
And you would initiate but you quiver at being denied again.
“Y’know you can’t go to sleep yet.”
His raspiness booms and echoes off the walls, causing you to jump in the slightest. Still continuing to look forward at the cinema before him, you bore into him with furrowed eyebrows— head turning on the firm pillow.
“How come?”
His insides fluttered at your melodic and rhythmically put together voice.
He’s still scolding to the touch, but realizing his tad of unreasonableness consumes him. Turning to his side, he faces you, an everlasting lump in his throat.
“Rule number one-“
“Never go to bed mad at eachother.”
You finish his sentence, and his mouth is partially open. Heartbeat becoming deathly, hands clammy at him bringing the rule book up. He remembered.
He remembered it all.
“So can we stop being mad?”
He pleads, voice cracking in the slightest.
Giving himself to you in every way possible.
Vulnerability only amendable when he’s near you.
Enchanted and explicitly, letting you suck his soul in.
And he didn’t care.
“I was never mad at you J, you were mad at me.”
Solely, truthful acknowledging that you couldn’t be viled at him chewing you out at dinner. Feeling like you deserved every bit of it.
“I s-shouldnt have said that, baby m’sorry.”
His lone hand encapsules your shoulder, the pet name leaving his mouth smoothly, a part of his everyday vocabulary. You crane your neck to place small pecks to each one of his knuckles, showing each one more attention than the last.
“S’okay, I get it J.”
“Just wanted us to have tonight, for us.”
“I ruined it, I know-“
“Nothing’s ruined … we still have us.”
His head lowers, lips puckering in the faintest way. Softly pressing with yours, all whilst enveloping you closer into his frame. An embrace his sore body hungered for. Tongue delving into your mouth, molding together like puzzle pieces. Angrily kissing to make up for the love lost today, he hummed at the comforting sensation.
“And m’not letting go of that, baby.”
3K notes · View notes
raribella · 2 months
Text
To Say “I Love You” Right Out Loud | JJ Maybank
summary: JJ revisits his childhood and how he grew up with you through every side of life until he finally understands why this makes you so special
pairing: JJ Maybank x Routledge!reader
genre: fluff, a spark of angst
contains: a combo of “Both Sides Now” by Joni Mitchell and Love Actually (2003), mentions of death and child abuse. John B and JJ are childhood friends in this. I don’t know how to write dialogue. Drug usage (beer, weed).
word count: 6k
author’s note: I was immediately triggered by Joni’s astonishing performance at the Grammy’s and by remembering that the song is in one of my favorite movies. This is my favorite fanfiction I’ve probably ever written and I put so much time and love into this I really hope you like it.
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This is a work of fiction. I do not own the characters of Outer Banks nor any characteristic of the show. I am writing this story solely for my own entertainment and the marvel or comfort of any readers.
Rows and flows of angel hair, and ice cream castles in the air; and feather canyons everywhere. I looked at clouds that way. But now they only block the sun, they rain and they snow on everyone; so many things I would have done, but clouds got in my way.
College had finally ended. They had finally done it. Against all odds and contrary to the expectations of others, the pogues were finally free to embark on their own paths. And so, they gathered for one last celebration, a bonfire near the Cat's Ass, surrounded by shotguns, snacks, and reminiscing in the familiar feeling of just being together.
Spreading themselves along the space at the Chateau's yard, most of them ended up divided the comfortable water at the tub and the warmth of the fire, their laughter mingling with the sound of running water as they shared stories of what each of them could remember of their time roaming the Outer Banks as this fearless gang; the sentiment of each flashback was being intensified from the time they spent apart. As they were the pogues, it was not like their time together was abruptly interrupted, but the responsibilities and the minor distance happened during college, and they couldn't run away from it's effects; but the memories of those days seemed tattooed into their hearts and minds as they could recall every moment in lighthearted detail.
In a corner of the Cat's Ass, JJ found himself lost in a sea of memories, surrounded by the comforting embrace of his friends. You sat beside him in the water, the coolness soothing against your skin, while Cleo and Pope nestled comfortably at his other side. Outside, John B, Sarah, and Kie laughed and joked, their voices carrying on the night breeze. As he watched them, a faint, nostalgic smile tugged at the corners of JJ's lips, his heart heavy with the weight of their shared history, thinking back on how far they had come. They had started as a trio—himself and the Routledge twins, bound together by fate and circumstance.
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The tree of you lay sprawled out on the sand for what seemed like hours, your eyes tracing the ever-changing shapes that danced across the sky. Castles, pirates, turtles—your imaginations ran wild, weaving tales of adventure and intrigue as you watched the clouds drift lazily overhead. At nine years old, you had joined your brother and JJ just a few moments ago, after spending the afternoon at a friend's house watching a Christmas movie, "Love Actually," with her mother.
As you settled into the sand, JJ couldn't resist a playful jab at the movie, dismissing it as a "dumb chick flick." his mind still floated between that child-like distaste of girls and the appreciation of you tagging along with him and John B back then. You swatted at him, your tiny arms barely reaching his chest, but it only elicited a smirk from the blond pogue. It was nice for you to actually share a moment with a nurturing figure at the absence of your own mom, who had just recently left for Colorado. Besides, you had eaten a whole bag of M&M's that she bought for you to share and you really liked the movie, even if it was funny how sometimes Mia's mom would tell you to close your eyes, your ears, or how sometimes you didnt really catch why she was laughing at some weird scene. You just rolled your eyes and brushed JJ's comment off, suggesting the sky gazing then relishing in the opportunity to spend time with him and your brother.
Your days were often filled with moments like this, carefree and full of laughter, the sound echoing against the backdrop of crashing waves. JJ's mother would eventually come to fetch the three of you, ushering you inside for sweet treats and cozy nights spent squeezed together in JJ's tiny room. Or you'd spend hours playing in the grass, watching as the river met the sea, until Big John's bell rang out, signaling the end of another day. You would get home covered in dirt, JJs hair color nearing yours and your brothers, so you would have a nice shower and come out to your dad telling treasure tales and making you hot chocolate.
One day, as Big John finished building a set of three swings for you, JJ's parents arrived. Standing side by side, the couple had brought beer and peanuts to complement what your dad already had inside for the night. That day, you were playing for hours, your small frame struggling to mount the swing until the duo stepped in to help. John B had made a mess while trying to help you hop on, and  JJ stepped forward to push you, but in excited haste, he pushed too hard, and you tumbled to the ground, scraping your knee. As your first cry pierced the air, the adults rushed to your side, JJ's mother soothing your pain with stinging medicine and comforting words.
In the corner of your eye, you caught sight of JJ, guilt etched on his face as he watched you wince in pain. But your brother nudged him, urging him to shake off his guilt and claiming that this was just a mere blip in the larger scale of the adventure you lived today.
And as the sun began to dip below the horizon, casting a warm golden glow over the beach, Luke took charge, setting a bonfire ablaze near the ancient tree in the backyard. The flames flickered casting shadows that stretched out against the sand. You gathered around the fire, marshmallows in hand to be skewered and toasted, laughter filled the air and echoed into the night. The hours slipped away unnoticed, so as the night wore on and the fire burned low, reluctantly, you bid farewell to your blonde friend as he left with his parents.
The life you lived was simple; living in the less fortunate side of the island, you couldnt really enjoy much more than moments like these; the food wasn't fancy, the drinks weren't expensive, your houses weren't pretty and big, so you relied mostly in home made playthings and your own imagination, but you were happy that way; the youthful innocence made all the diferences between you and the kooks be seen with rose coloured glasses, and while in the company of your brother, your best friend, and the team of parents that you saw as guardian angels, it all just seemed warm. It seemed like it would be fine.
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One day, though, just as the sky turns cloudy at the end of summer, signaling the onset of storm season, JJ's demeanor shifted, casting a shadow over his usual brightness. At fourteen now, he had been seeming distant and preoccupied at school for weeks, until one day after class, he reached out to you with a heavy heart. Fidgeting nervously, his hands clammy and cold, he confided in you about his mother's illness, the weight of the words hanging heavy in the air. Knowing how much his mother meant to you both, he sought solace in sharing his burden with you, trusting you with his vulnerability. "Mumma's sick, I think... been in the hospital for a while now," he murmured, his voice barely above a whisper. "But I can't visit because I'm not sixteen yet... I- I wanted you to know, but you can't tell John B." And as you hugged him, you promised to keep his secret, the first one you kept just between the two of you.
And as JJ clung to you and John B in the solemn silence of the cemetery, the stark reality of their loss weighed heavily upon you, casting a shadow over your once bright and colorful world.. JJ's mother's absence lingered like a specter in their home, his father grappled with the weight of his grief, seeking solace in alcohol and spiraling into a downward spiral of despair. The once vibrant hues of their family life began to fade, replaced by the darkness of addiction and aggression. JJ watched helplessly as his father's temper flared more frequently, his outbursts leaving scars both physical and emotional. The sanctuary of their home became a battleground, each day a struggle to navigate the minefield of his father's unpredictable moods.
In the aftermath of his mother's passing and the turmoil within his home, JJ withdrew into himself, building walls around his heart that even his closest friends struggled to breach. He became increasingly unreachable, his once vibrant presence dimmed by the weight of his grief and the scars of his father's aggression. Some days, he would disappear altogether, only to reappear with a purple eye hidden beneath dark glasses, a silent testament to the struggles he faced behind closed doors. And when he did show up, his demeanor was somber, his face etched with a perpetual frown as he rejected activities he once enjoyed. Even cloudgazing at the beach became a source of frustration for JJ, as he lamented the impending rain or the end of summer, his words tinged with bitterness and resignation. As you and your brother looked on, helpless in the face of his pain, you could only watch as JJ retreated further into himself, the vibrant colors of his spirit muted by the shadows that engulfed him.
The tension crackled in the air as you confronted JJ, frustration bubbling to the surface like a storm about to break. "Why won't you just watch 'Love Actually' with me, like, once? It'd help distracting you, y'know!?" you demanded, your voice tinged with exasperation. "You can't keep avoiding fun, JJ. You can't lose hope and light just because things are tough."
But JJ's response was sharp, his tone laced with bitterness. "Those things are for kooks, y/n" he retorted, his words heavy with the weight of his pain. "Pogues can't afford to indulge in luxuries like love and hope. We have to focus on surviving you know."
Your heart sank at his words, feeling the distance between you grow with each passing moment. "If you really look for it, JJ," you countered softly, your voice barely above a whisper, "I've got a sneaky feeling that love is all around. Even for us Pogues." But JJ's expression remained hardened, his walls firmly in place as he turned away, the gap between you widening with each step he took.
John B stepped in a while later, his voice calm but firm as he defended his friend. "He's been through a lot," John B interjected, his eyes meeting yours with a mixture of empathy and understanding. "Give him time, he'll come around. I know he will."
But despite John B's reassurances, the weight of your worry and frustration bore down on you like a heavy burden. Unable to contain your emotions any longer, you sought solace in the arms of your father, tears streaming down your cheeks as you poured out your heart. "I didn't mean to be petty," you sobbed, your voice choked with emotion. "But I'm just so worried about how Luke has been treating JJ. I miss him, Dad. I miss the way things used to be." And as your father held you close, comforting whispers soothing your troubled mind, you cried yourself to sleep, longing for the comfort of simpler times and the warmth of JJ's presence by your side.
A few days after the heated exchange, JJ found himself drawn to the familiar solace of the beach. As he laid alone on the sand, the rhythmic sound of the waves echoing in the background, he cast his gaze upward, chuckling at the shifting shapes and colors of the clouds above. Yet, amidst the tranquility of the moment, a pang of longing stirred within him.
Reflecting on recent events, JJ realized that he had begun to see clouds from two distinct perspectives—from the highs and lows of life's tumultuous journey. But amidst the solitude, his mind drifted to an understanding; to how he seemed to have looked at clouds like this from two different perspectives now, from up and down, and still he would recall better colorful and elusive memory of your company. He remembered the joy of pointing out funny shapes at the sky with you and your brother, laughter echoing into the vast expanse. It was a memory painted in hues of warmth that contrasted with the darker shades of recent events. In that fleeting moment of recollection, JJ yearned to return to that moment exactly, to say sorry, at least. And alone at that same beach, he felt like he had a perspective of a future for the first time in a long time. He wanted to see if he truly knew clouds at all, or if there was a new side to it.
JJ was abruptly brought back to reality by Pope's punchline of a memory of his own; he was retelling the story of how he met Cleo at college, and how she wouldn't have passed half her subjects f it wasn't for him. As the group erupted into laughter, he did the same to mask the fact that he had zoned out for a minute, but JJ's gaze instinctively sought yours, his heart yearning for the comfort of your smile. And as his eyes met yours, a warmth spread through him, his thoughts drifting to another memory
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Moons and Junes and Ferris wheels; the dizzy dancing way that you feel as every fairy tale comes real. I've looked at love that way. But now it's just another show, and you leave 'em laughing when you go. And if you care, don't let them know, don't give yourself away.
At sixteen years old, you had a full understanding of the dizzying, electric sensation that washed over you whenever JJ emerged from the sea, his board in hand. It was a feeling that stirred deep within you, igniting a spark that refused to be extinguished. Yet, despite the intensity of your emotions, uncertainty plagued your heart. You couldn't decipher JJ's true feelings for you; for every significant gesture or word he offered, there was an equal measure of aloofness or distance.
There were moments when JJ's actions spoke volumes, leaving you breathless with hope and anticipation. But just as quickly, he would retreat into himself, leaving you to question whether his affections were genuine or merely fleeting. And then there were the times when he would disappear into the crowd at a kegger, his attention captured by another girl, leaving you to grapple with the ache of unrequited longing.
Fearing the consequences, you kept your emotions hidden from your brother, John B, despite his keen intuition and suspicions about your lingering glances. Instead, you found solace in the companionship of Pope and Kiara, the only other pogue girl. Your friendship with Kiara blossomed rapidly, providing a safe haven where you could confide in her about everything, including the complexities of your feelings for JJ, seeking her guidance and understanding.
In December of that same year, a vivid memory remains etched in your mind—the day JJ was meant to pick you up from work and take you to the Chateau to meet up with the rest of the crew. Kiara had proposed the idea of a secret Santa, with the stipulation that the gifts could only be candy or chocolate—She herself aiming to guarantee that she'd get a bag or two of Sour Patch Kids. As you exited the souvenir shop, clutching your own "Paradise On Earth" cap, you spotted JJ waiting for you by the Twinkie—the van John B claimed would be safer than the bike. With both hands hidden behind his back, you shot him a questioning look. "Hello?" you greeted tilting your head slightly to the side, to which he responded with a playful smile, feigning surprise at seeing you. "Oh, hello ma'am, your carriage is right here!" he exclaimed, extending his arms towards the open door of the van, one hand tightly clutching something that piqued your curiosity. Hopping onto the Twinkie, you couldn't help but wonder about the mysterious object as JJ closed the door and took his place behind the wheel.
During the ride, JJ attempted to coax the name of your secret Santa out of you, but you remained tight-lipped. Upon parking the van at the Chateau, he sat in silence for a few moments, and you studied him intently. "Oh, before I forget," he said non-chalantly, reaching into his pocket and offering you the object he had been concealing—a ceramic lobster adorned with a tiny Christmas hat, clearly crafted by him. "This is for the nativity scene you keep in your room, I just didn't have time to make the other one..." he explained, a hint of nervousness in his voice as he confessed that he hadn't received your name for the candy exchange but couldn't bear to leave you without a gift.
You stood in awe for a moment, marveling at the thoughtful gesture and the evident reference it held. JJ's apprehension melted away as your eyes met his, a radiant smile spreading across his face. "Wait, wait, wait... Are you trying to tell me that there was more than one lobster at the birth of Jesus?" you quoted, teasingly. JJ rolled his eyes playfully, completing the reference with a loud "duh!" his laughter mingling with yours as you stepped out of the car into the moonlit night, making a lighthearted entrance at the Chateau and eliciting a knowing look from Kiara towards John B.
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As time passed, you welcomed Sarah into the fold, introduced by John B with starry-eyed affection that spoke volumes of their budding romance. With the dynamic between her and Kiara settled, John B wasted no time in proudly declaring their relationship to the group—a declaration met with hugs, smiles, and lighthearted jokes about not hurting each other.
One day, Sarah suggested a surf trip to a lesser-known beach nestled between Figure 8 and the Cut, its pristine beauty a sight to behold with crystalline waters and powdery white sand. As you surfed the afternoon away, basking in the warmth of the sun, you found yourself sprawled on the sand along with the rest of the group, supporting yourself on your elbows and catching your breath as you watched JJ roll a joint with practiced ease. "I like this shit," JJ declared, his voice tinged with a hint of defiance. "We can be neglected misfits or whatever, but I love leading this life with you guys. I don't even care about what people think of me! "long as I have a board and you guys, 'm gonna be saying I'm rich... Especially if I have this!" He gestured towards the joint, his words met with cheers from the group.
Your smile started weak but grew as the group cheered. In that moment, you felt a sense of family, and your appreciation for JJ weighed heavily on your chest. Despite the challenges, he had found a way to see life in a positive light, even after Big John went missing. As the wind blew sea salt into your eyes, you turned your face toward JJ. "Yeah, yeah… you know, I keep saying it… but if you really look for it, I’ve got a sneaky feeling you’ll find that—"
"Y/n, if I hear that quote just one more time!" Sarah interrupted, and the others joined in with her lighthearted protest.
With time, JJ's behavior became increasingly perplexing since after sharing moments like this, he would leave you alone, retreating into the company of the other Pogues with a suddenness that felt jarring and awkward. His focus would shift, his attention consumed by their own banter, leaving you to wonder where you fit into the equation.
It was during these moments of isolation that doubts crept in, whispering of insecurities and unspoken fears that lingered just beneath the surface. Wondering if you did something wrong, you couldn't help but feel a pang of longing as you watched JJ immerse himself in the dynamics of the group, his laughter mingling with theirs as you stood on the sidelines, a silent observer to a world that felt increasingly distant and unfamiliar.
One morning, as you shuffled through the Chateau's corridors, the aroma of breakfast lingering in the air as John B shuffled through the kitchen, you noticed JJ's door ajar. You peeked inside with the intention of wishing him a good morning, only to be met with a sight that shattered your makeshift reality of him. JJ hovered over another girl in his bed, their closeness echoing a betrayal that left you speechless.
"Hey, whoa! Sorry!" His voice softened as he realized it was you, not your brother, at the door. The shock on your face was palpable as you hastily pushed the door closed, shaking your head to dispel the image burned into your mind. Stumbling down the corridor, you muttered a distant "morning" to Kie and Pope, who were still groggy on the couch, woken by the commotion.
Throughout the day, both JJ and yourself moved in a state of flustered avoidance, exchanging glances laden with sheepish guilt. JJ's eyes mirrored the remorse of a caught wrongdoer, but you couldn't summon anger; instead, you carried the weight of hurt and confusion, grappling with the realization that he wasn't yours to claim.
As the day waned and the sun dipped below the horizon, casting a warm glow over the Chateau, you found solace on the hammock. With the remnants of the day lingering, you confided in Sarah about the events, the words tumbling out as the weight on your chest grew heavier. The hammock cradled you in its gentle sway as another day ended, leaving you to confront the tangled emotions that now clouded the once-clear skies of your friendship with JJ.
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JJ vividly remembered June of the following year, with your birthday fast approaching. Usually, you wouldn't stop talking about how much you loved having your birthday during the summer, and everyone would plan something special to mark the occasion. Kie and Sarah would always get you fancier gifts, like a new top or necklace, while the boys made sure there was a cake to share, probably under the tree lights at another night spent at the Cat's Ass, chuckling at the stupid name JJ had given to the tub.
But this year was different. You and the girls wouldn't stop talking about this idiotic touron, Jeremy, who had apparently flirted with you when you helped him at the store. Now, your attention seemed solely focused on him, much to JJ's annoyance. He rolled his eyes and huffed aloud whenever Jeremy's name was mentioned, with Pope nudging him to keep his cool.
"He's gonna take me to a summer fair," you grimaced, looking into the mirror as Kiara clasped a necklace around your neck. Sarah and JJ hovered on the kitchen counter, Pope sat on the couch, and your brother leaned against the doorframe of your room with a protective frown on his face. John B always believed you and JJ would end up together, and he felt safe with that perspective because he knew and trusted JJ. But that didn't happen with Jeremy.
Across from him, you, Sarah, and Kie giggled with scenarios and provocations, "What if he brings you a giant teddy bear and tries to win you a goldfish?" Kiara teased, a mischievous twinkle in her eye.
Sarah snickered. "I can already picture it!"
Meanwhile, JJ fought to keep a frown from appearing on his own face. He was unwilling to let you know how he really felt about the situation, and he avoided giving his jealousy away to his friends. As you exited laughing with the guy in his car—a godforsaken Jeep, for crying out loud—JJ was still unknowingly clenching his jaw, his mouth twisted in a disgusted frown.
Sarah, the only one still outside by now, smiled to herself and snuck up on him before reaching a hand to pat his back. The gesture was meant to silently convey far more than his poisoned mind could grasp at the moment.
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He chuckled at that memory; you had to endure a girlfriend of his own during college, and he watched as two or three other guys broke your heart as well—he wanted to go out there and punch them every time, but preferred that only John B externalized that thought. From those memories, he realized he had looked at love from both sides of it with you, from give and take, but years later he wasn't so sure if you'd be keen on the idea of him ever again. JJ turned to you in the tub, whispering, "Where's that lobster I gave you that Christmas?" You were a bit taken aback by his sudden recall but smiled back, mimicking the tone of his voice, "Been keeping it on my bookshelf all year long now."
John B and Sarah were now playfully arguing about the two perspectives from when she joined the group, with Kie tagging along to remind them of how they had to make amends beforehand. It made JJ come back fully into the scene. As he looked around, he realized they were sitting in couples, at least Pope and John B, and he held back a nostalgic smirk at the thought of how his younger self would react to both his old friends now "pussy whipped," stuck in relationships and breaking the "no pogue on pogue macking" rule—he didn't know love at all.
He was different too, at least Kiara said so, coming at him a few days ago before graduation with a whole "you've changed, became more yourself and know how to separate what you went through from what you are, I'm so proud you're opening the surf shop—but please make it eco-friendly" speech. It was nice to look back and realize how his years and moments with the Pogue family kept balancing out all the rest. Now he would open a sick surf shop, Poguelandia flag above it and all, right in the corner from the souvenir one you worked since you were fifteen—he didn't know if you had bigger plans than that after graduating though, but that was an uneasy thought he preferred to ignore.
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Tears and fears and feeling proud to say, "I love you" right out loud! Dreams and schemes and circus crowds, I've looked at life that way. Oh, but now old friends they're acting strange, and they shake their heads and they tell me that I've changed. Well something's lost, but something's gained, in living every day.
Kiara was the first one to leave, claiming that this was really good and that she knew that with the pogues there were never really goodbyes, but that she had an early morning tomorrow with a sea-turtle project. Then, as the fire died out and the minutes turned into hours, the two couples left as well. Pope and Cleo claimed that they still had to shower before going to bed, and John B only snuggled with Sarah, pushing her towards the house. As the couple giggled, JJ noticed from his peripheral vision when you jiggled your eyebrows at Sarah, but the blonde only winked at you, pointing at the both of you at the tub before turning back. You sighed, distancing yourself from him now that you had more space in the water, and JJ held back a smile as the tree lights illuminated your pink cheeks. At twenty-two, he felt just like a teenager in that moment.
There were a few quiet minutes then, you were looking intently at him, drawing each of his features with your eyes as if trying to tattoo the image of his wet torso on your brain, but JJ didn't notice; he was lost in thought, provoked by being alone with you again. JJ realized that ever since he could remember, even though your brother was his de facto best friend and even as the group grew larger, you were there. For every phase and every belief that each one etched into him, you were there. As he looked at both sides of life, at win and lose, you were right beside him, either winning and losing as well or just supporting him emphatically through it.
Somehow he could always just recall how his pogue life acquired a rose-colored filter with you in it; he'd recall life's illusions with you at his side. You were there. You were it. And he didn't know his next step at all, but he wanted you in it; ached for it even.
He feigned cold as an excuse to get you both out of the tub, grabbing the one towel thrown onto a chair and wrapping it around you as you exited as well. He threw a familiar, amicable smile in your direction to disguise how he was, again, lost in his own train of thought. A hand rested on the small of your back as he led the two of you to the Chateau. As you got to the front porch, the other reached for your pulse gently, trying to stop you from entering. JJ became conscious of how he was dripping onto the wooden porch, but he didn't care, calling you by your nickname in a low voice. He was acting fast, planning something but also acting instinctively, intending to speak just from memory.
"Hey, uhm..." he stopped himself again as your eyes locked onto his, growing a little bit nervous now. Your eyebrows shot up expectantly, and some of your hair was sticking to your wet face. You'd be the death of him.
"With any luck, by next year, I'll be going out with one of these girls..." Your brows pinched, and eyes flashed with recognition as JJ shuffled his phone, some drops falling from his hair onto the screen before he turned it in your direction with a picture of Kendall Jenner and sliding his finger so it would also show one of Giselle Bündchen. You laughed, gulping expectantly.
"But for now, let me say, without hope or agenda, just because we finished college— even though it's at Christmas that you tell the truth." You chuckled again, but felt like you were hyperventilating, unable to believe that this was really happening to you. Much less that JJ Maybank had memorized a scene from the "dumb chick flick" you obsessed with since you were a mere child. You battled with your own feelings as you tried to let him finish.
"To me, you are perfect, and my wasted heart will love you until you look like this..." He shuffled again with the tiny screen, a smirk on his face as he turned it to you. A photo of a very old and wrinkly woman made you chuckle. Under it, it read "former surfer lady turns viral as she advises to the risks of not wearing sunscreen." You couldn't hold the cackle that left you at that, not even worried about the rest of the group sleeping inside the house, which made JJ smile widely as well.
"Oh my God! Oh my God, I love you..." A loud sigh met a sob halfway as you looked up, feeling pounds lighter after saying so naturally something you had been burying for years, feeling absurdly proud of just that. "I love you so much, what the fuck! I've loved you forever." You beamed at him again, relief written all over his face as he said it back proudly. "I'm sorry for the wait; it wasn't on purpose—Swear it." He grabbed both your cheeks as you laughed, smiling from ear to ear as his face etched closer to yours by the second. Your noses were touching already when he whispered in a low tone, "fuck, y/n..." as your mouths glued together longingly.
The world seemed to fade away as your lips met, a rush of warmth spreading through you as if the sun had risen inside your chest. JJ's touch was electric, sending shivers down your spine as his hands cradled your face gently, his fingers tracing the curve of your jawline. Every moment felt like an eternity as you lost yourselves in the kiss, the taste of saltwater, beer and weed mingling with the sweetness of the moment.
For JJ, it was as if everything he had been holding back, every unspoken word and hidden feeling, was finally pouring out into this one embrace. His heart raced in his chest as he kissed you, his mind buzzing with the realization that he had found something truly precious in you. It was a moment of pure, unadulterated bliss, a culmination of years of friendship and longing finally coming to fruition.
As you pulled away, breathless and flushed, JJ's eyes bore into yours, filled with an intensity that took your breath away. In that moment, you knew that nothing would ever be the same again. You had crossed a threshold together, stepping into a new chapter of your lives filled with love, laughter, and the promise of a future together. And as you stood there, wrapped in each other's arms, you knew that this was just what you wanted; like you were made for just that.
"I don't even want to come inside, I don't wanna-" you said, sighing mid chuckle, "don't wanna do anything right now, God, JJ, I'm like in a haze!" He clung to you, chuckling, his hands going to your arms, your neck, your hair—he wanted to touch all of you. "Always have the hammock..." he suggested, and you rushed your way there as if just walking would make you lose any time with him.
After you spent a while staring at the stars in the sky, listening to the chirping of crickets in between small, sloppy kisses, JJ sleepily muttered "I feel like I'm fucking high right now," you both laughed "like I'm floating—life accomplishment kind of thing." you swatted at his chest, lightheartedly telling him to stop being silly before readjusting in the wet towel that served as a blanket for the two of you.
Wrapped in each other's arms, you drifted off to sleep, the sound of the river running to meet the ocean lulling you into a state of contentment. In that moment, nothing else mattered except the warmth of JJ's embrace and the soft rhythm of his breathing. It was a moment of pure bliss, a fleeting glimpse of perfection in an imperfect world.
The warm rays of the morning sun gently kissed the faces of the sleeping pogues as they stirred awake, the sounds of birdsong filling the air. Stretching and yawning, they emerged from their makeshift beds scattered across the Chateau, the pull-out couch and matresses on the floor.
As they gathered outside to clean the space free of empty cans and wrapping paper, rubbing the sleep from their eyes, John B's gaze was the first one to fall upon the sight of JJ and you nestled together in the hammock, still fast asleep. He nudged Sarah first, but soon a collective smile spread across their faces as they exchanged knowing glances, a silent understanding passing between them.
"About time," Pope muttered under his breath, eliciting chuckles from the others.
John B grinned, looking at Sarah. "Looks like our boy finally made his move."
Sarah rolled her eyes playfully. "Took them long enough," she teased, but there was genuine warmth in her voice.
Kiara smirked, crossing her arms, she showed a satisfied facade even though she was jumping inside, bubbling with happiness for the both of you; the sparkle of her eyes being hard to hide. "Well, better late than never, I guess."
With a chorus of laughter and gentle ribbing, the pogues left JJ and you to enjoy your moment together, the feeling was that their little family had just grown a little bit stronger. You had woken up the moment the front door banged back against it's frame as it closed the first time, but feeling JJ's chest under your head, you decided to just keep your eyes closed, fighting a grin to show on your face at your friends' commentaries. You were home. And you only wanted to know life now if it was by JJ's side; especially if he'd be scratching your hair like he was doing just now, half a smile on his lips—"Did I take that long?" he questioned, jokingly.
"A lifetime."
If you look for it, I've got a sneaky feeling you'll find that love, actually, is all around.
187 notes · View notes
gayandfairycore · 1 year
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Distraction
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─── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ──
A/n: a short blurb to get me back into writing I decided what was better then to wrote some good good jj Maybank angst? This is the first time I’ve written for jj so any feedback is greatly appreciated!! Just don’t be mean. Written with a fem reader in mind but there’s no mention of pronouns. Kind of/loosely based off of that scene in teotfw where James gets shot on the beach. But it’s reader. As a distraction;)
Warnings: blood, poor writing, unedited, shootings, cop chase, ambiguous ending, there is literally no fluff here it’s just angst, boarderline suicidal reader.
Pairing: jj Maybank x routledge reader, John b x sibling reader, mentions of the Logies but they get no screen time lol
Summary: when Sarah Cameron’s boat gets followed by a parade of police, your friends need a distraction, and whose better to distract the police then the sibling of the fugitive.
─── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ──
The sands of Kildare beach stuck to your skin as the spray of Sarah’s boat blew into shore, sniffles filled the air
“you guys were right. He didn’t listen.” An array of apologies filled the ears of the girl before the familiar wails of police sirens filled the air, salty sea spray blowing In the wind, soft waves crashed at the shore
“oh shit we gotta run!” “They must have followed you, your dad probably.” The sound of your heartbeat filled your ears with the panicked voices of your friends Your not sure who said what, but frankly you couldn’t care
booking it through strands of grass as hordes of police offices persued you and your friends. Heavy breaths left you as you broke from jjs grasp his hand was sweaty but comforting in yours, you would sorely miss that. Your heart beating a mile a minute.
It was almost as if time slowed, jjs shoes scrapping against the ground, the boy whirling around as you slid to an abrupt halt.
“y/n? What- what- the hell?!?” The blonde boys hand cupping your fore arm “cmon honey we gotta move.” He pleaded his blue eyes glancing hastily between yours and the approaching officers.
“JJ?! What’s takin so long!” John b exclaimed his legs still propelling him forward, as he glanced behind him.
Resting your head against jjs forehead, you whispered a solem “JJ gimme the gun.”
Seriousness sliced through your tone as if it was butter, you were not joking, there was nothing but acceptance on your face as you stared at jj his eyes roaming your face for any indication of jokes.
Finding nothing he questioned “what are you gonna do?” He whispered panic and fear splintered his expression. Pulling the gun from his pocket you smiled blinking tears from your eyes you attempted to muster up some expression of courage
“I can buy you some time. Go.” Your friends bodies freezing at your revelation corusses of no! Absolutely not y/n what the fuck filled the air.
“Go! I can hold them off buy you guys some time to run. i just hope it’ll be enough.” You pleaded your hands shaky as the cold metal of the gun rested against your hand, police were closer now, you were running out of time.
Making eye contact with pope your eyes pleading with the boy, take your sacrifice. And run. And don’t make it be for nothing. A subtle nod from pope put the final cog of your plan in motion, as you broke your hands from jjs, you sprinted I nto the direction of the crowd of police persecuting you looking back at your friends retreating figures.
Jjs panic stricken face as pope held him back pulling him away from the onslaught of cops, the last thing jj heard from you was a;
“Hey assholes! Over here…” you called arms waving above your head pulling the attention of majority “you want us come get us baby!” A coy, and yet determined expre
Your sneakers sinking in the same as you ran police in hot persute, fear and adrenaline coursing through your veins the sharp sounds of gun shots ringing through the air breaking the otherwise tranquil silence, each missed shot blowing up sand behind you, your legs burned, and your lungs pleaded for you to stop, to fill the, with oxygen but you just pushed harder, kicking up sand in the faces of officers behind you, many had seemed to break off when they had realised what you were.
A distraction.
But few still remained, “cmon kid we don’t want to shoot you, but we will.”
Their warnings fell on deaf ears, and yet the warning was not a warning. But a demand. Stray gun shots ricocheted off of the beach it was only a matter of time before one planted itself in your body, at first your body tensed up stopping you from running any further, a bullet bursting through you. A burning pain stabbed at every nerve in your body. Before you felt yourself collapse to the ground, sobs broke from your lips as you laid on the beach, the sand sticking to your skin, as you laid motionless on the ground. Your blood pooling from your wound, as blood rushed to your ears.
Silence deafened you, as any feeling in your body dissipated. Your hands lying at your side. The only thoughts in your head were those of jj, of the Logies, of your brother. Of your dad. Of everything you went through, then the thoughts of weather you did enough, weather your sacrifice was in vain, weather you bought John b enough time or weather you failed to change the world, weather ever you did was for nothing.
An onslaught of tear’s ripped down your cheeks, your eyes felt heavy like no matter what you did you couldn’t keep them open, blackness filled your vision, before glimpses of the world came back in freeze frames, jjs crying face cradling you to his chest, tears flowing from his cheeks his mouth moving but his words falling on deaf ears, his hands stained red from your blood.
The next thing you saw when you came too was the ambulance, a paramedic pulling an oxygen mask over your head, as your head lolled to the side catching glimpses of your crying friends, John b in the back of a police car. And jj angrily yelling at shoupe, kie crying in popes chest.
You felt a stray tear slip down the side of your cheek, any fight you had left slowly draining. Darkness welcomed you like an old friend, it laid upon you like a blanket. There was no sense of defeat, or of failure. Only peace.
─── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ──
277 notes · View notes
obxsummer · 1 year
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Break in the Line // The Pogues
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pairing: platonic!pogues x maybank!reader
summary: having the maybank name attached to you was a curse. you've never had to pay for it until a drug dealer decides to take his revenge against your brother and dad out on you.
warnings: physical violence, cursing
navigation 
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When people heard the name Maybank, it generally didn’t mean anything good. Luke Maybank was a local piece of shit and JJ Maybank did enough to get himself into trouble more often than not. The one time the name meant something good, was when it applied to you. You weren’t your brother and you definitely strayed from your dad at every moment possible. People questioned often how you managed with an out-of-control sibling and a drug addict father, but it never seemed like that for you. Sure, your dad sucked, but JJ never seemed too out of grasp for you. In fact, your brother was one of your best friends, but that didn’t mean you had to act like him or vice versa.
The Pogues looked to you more often than not to keep them from doing something stupid, which happened more than it should. In turn, they tried to keep you from their shenanigans as much as possible. You didn’t mind when they did things that were slightly illegal but at some point, you had enough with the crazy adrenaline and left them to their own devices. 
You weren’t oblivious though, as much as you wish you didn’t know what they got themselves involved in. You knew your dad painted a large target on yours and JJ’s back with the way he acted. Hence, the situation you found yourself in right now.
The day had started off fine. You were hanging out with the Pogues on the boat, happily content with the sun on your skin and the laughter of your friends surrounding you. These were the moments you savoured, when you could just act like kids and not have to stress about life at home or where you would get your next meal. 
“Y/N, heads up!” You barely had time to open your eyes before a beer can was being tossed your way. Cold ice dropped on your skin from the drink as you sat up to shake the cold water away.
“I know you did not just throw my sister a beer, John B.”
You rolled your eyes. “Chill out, JJ.” You glared at him from behind your sunglasses, annoyed with the off and on babying he often treated you with. You guys weren’t too far apart in age but JJ took every opportunity to annoy the shit out of you when he could. 
You’d grown comfortable being around your brother and friends for majority of your life. You had known John B since you were practically born with Pope and Kie close behind. Sarah was the newest addition but the two of you formed a relationship relatively quick. She understood what it was like to be on the shy side and a little more introverted. The others definitely were not in that boat in the slightest.
“Sooo,” Kie pulled the attention back as she sat down from getting her drink. “There’s a kegger tonight and I think it’s pretty much obvious that we should go.”
“I’m down,” John B instantly agreed, lifting his drink in agreement.
Pope shrugged his shoulders. “I don’t have to help Pops at all so count me in.”
“It’s not like I have shit to do so.” JJ turned his hat backwards as he looked over to where you were opening your drink. “Y/N?”
You hummed for a moment in thought. “I don’t know, guys. I might just crash at the Chateau for movie night.” In your defense, you’d spent the entire week with the group nonstop. Minus the few classes you didn’t have with one of them, you’d seen them every day and quite frankly, your social battery was past empty.
“I’m with Y/N,” Sarah raised her hand slightly only to be hit with a groan from her boyfriend. “Seriously, John B. You guys can go and Y/N and I will chill until you get back. It’ll be fine.”
It took a little bit of persuading but eventually, the rest of the gang piled in the Twinkie to head to the kegger while you and Sarah bundled up for a classic movie night. JJ said something about not burning the house down on his way out, to which you flipped him off in return. Sarah managed to find some not-expired popcorn in the cabinet and made it for the two of you before you settled in to watch your film.
“I’m really grateful you’ve been spending time with everyone,” Sarah spoke up about halfway through the movie. I gave her a deadpanned look. She shoved your shoulder lightly in return. “Seriously. I know it’s not really much of your scene but it’s nice to have another person around to buffer the chaos.”
You shook your head. “I definitely had my fair share. I’m just glad you backed me up about staying in tonight. They can go-go-go nonstop and I need a six day recovery inbetween school days.”
Sarah opened her mouth to respond to you but was cut off by a crashing noise coming from outside. The two of you froze, staring at each other in horror for a moment. You waited for a second before moving slowly and opening the patio door, wishing for once JJ was here with his gun. Sarah moved quietly behind you as you stepped down onto the grass.
“Who’s there?” You tried to make your voice seem menacing, to show no fear. You were terrified.
“There she is, there she is.” Your heart dropped at the sight of Barry jumping from around the corner with a clear taste for vengeance in his eyes. “Just the Maybank I was looking for.”
“What do you want, Barry?” You backed up slightly as he neared you. “I don’t have anything to do wit-”
He laughed and rubbed his hands together as he took you in. You felt small in your oversized sweats and a t-shirt that definitely belonged to one of the boys. “See, that’s the thing, princess. You seem to have everything to do with this.”
A harsh slap to your cheek had you cowering back, Sarah gasping out your name as she moved to your side to hold your arm. The two of you weren’t prepared for something like this in the slightest. 
“Your shitty ass father didn’t give me my money, your brother still owes me, and since they seemingly aren’t bothered by it, I’m gonna send them a message instead.”
Barry ripped you out of Sarah’s arms and threw you to the ground before you had a chance to defend yourself. The pain came soon after, moving faster than you could keep up with. Punch after punch becoming numbing. You could vaguely hear Sarah’s shouts to stop but Barry was determined.
A sharp hand around your throat chopped your airflow off before Barry lifted you off the ground and slammed your back against the house. Eyes blurry with tears, you did your best to look him in the eye and act like you weren’t afraid, weren’t fearful that he could easily kill you.
“Sorry to mess up your face, princess. It’s nothing personal,” Barry let out a sick laugh before releasing you to the ground. You could hear the crunch of his footsteps as he ran away. 
“Y/N, Y/N.” Sarah’s hands were shaky as she kneeled next to you. “I-I called John B and JJ, a-and Kie and Pope but nobody’s answering!”
You coughed aggressively once you got air back into your lungs. “Inside,” You choked out as you let Sarah pull you to your feet. A small yelp left your mouth as your left ankle gave out but your friend was quick to step in and help you inside.
Sarah was absolutely panicking as she helped you settle on the pull-out that the two of you had previously occupied for movie night. You hissed as you settled into the mess of pillows and blankets but thanked her regardless.
“You okay? What can I do?” Sarah ran over with a mix of frozen vegetables and ice packs that she could find before she was applying them to your already bruising skin.
“I’m okay,” You mumbled as you accepted a bag of frozen peas for your throbbing black eye. “Did JJ answer yet?”
Sarah took a quick glance at her phone before shaking her head. As much as she wanted to believe you, she could tell you clearly weren’t holding up well. Moving into the bathroom, she found some painkillers and some relatively new first-aid supplies that she figured would help. 
You tried not to panic about what had just happened but in the silence of the room, your mind started wandering. What if Barry found JJ next? Did your dad set the two of you up? Would he come back if this pattern continued? You would do anything for JJ, that much was guaranteed, but you weren’t up for taking shots meant for your father. 
“Whew! That was a good one if I can say so.” JJ’s voice rang through your ears just as Sarah was returning with some meds for you to take. You knew shit would hit the fan the second JJ, John B, and Pope caught sight of you. Sarah offered you a cup of water to take the pills with when the screen door swung open.
“What the fuck?!” Your brother’s yell rattled around the house as soon as he caught sight, causing you to wince at the sharp noise. “What happened?”
“Why are you yell-” John B’s question was cut off as he entered his home to see his girlfriend with various bandages and meds before his eyes drifted to your bruised and battered body. “Okay. What the hell happened?”
You groaned, “Please stop yelling, holy shit.” Kie rushed around the boys to climb on the other side of you. Her hand was gentle as possible as she took the frozen veggies from your hand so they could assess the damage.
“Who did this?” Pope’s question was demanding as he stood behind the other two boys, the three of them radiating enough anger to wipe out the island. 
“Barry,” Sarah answered softly. She and Kie made moves to help you sit up as easily as possible to pull your shirt from your frame, leaving you in a sports bra with more bruises filling into view.
Pope shuffled over next, pushing pillows behind your back so you could lean against them a bit more comfortably. He took some of the supplies from Sarah’s hands and gently applied some Neosporin to the small cut on your cheek from Barry’s rings. 
JJ’s vision was red as he took in the sight of you. He was supposed to stop this from happening, supposed to protect you as your older brother from the shitty people in your life. This was never supposed to happen. “I’m going to fucking kill him. Let’s go, John B.” The threat was real, all of you knew that. Once JJ got in a mindset like this, it was hard to pull him out of it. 
“Jayje.” 
The nickname was quiet coming from you. It was enough to snap him out of his rage for a moment, taking a second to consider his actions before he was replacing Kie’s spot and holding an ice pack against your injuries. He could see the heaviness in your eyes and knew it was taking a toll.
“I know you’re tired, but you have to stay awake.” JJ watched as you took a shaky breath but nodded slightly to him nonetheless. “Tell me what happened.”
Sarah had wrapped herself in John B’s arms, still shaken at the turn of events. “We were just watching the movie and heard this crashing noise from outside, so we went to investigate. Barry showed up right after.”
“Said it was a message to you and Dad,” You finished her story and blinked up at your brother with teary eyes. “I’m scared, J. What if he comes back?”
JJ was fighting every urge to bust through the door and teach the drug dealer exactly who he was messing with. He knew it wasn’t the time or place. “Not gonna happen. Not with me here, okay? I’m sorry, Y/N. I should’ve been here.”
“It’s not your fault. He’s a raging psychopath, can’t exactly predict when he’s coming. Just promise me you won’t do something stupid? Any of you.” Your comment was directed to the three boys, more so John B and JJ knowing they would take off as soon as you fell asleep. 
It took some convincing for everyone to settle down and eventually, the six of you agreed to finish the movie you and Sarah had started hours before but never finished. You had fallen asleep soon after, wrapped in various blankets and tucked in between JJ and Kie as the sound of the TV lulled you into a deep slumber.
JJ was still raging, even if he wouldn’t admit it. He couldn’t stand the thought of someone putting their hands on you in regard to the shitty things he and your dad did. It made him sick to think that you would pay for their mistakes. You, who had absolutely nothing to do with the chaos he put you through.
John B glanced back at your brother, having a sense that he hadn’t let it drop. One look from JJ confirmed the Routledge boy’s suspicion: nobody messed with their baby Pogue and they’d make sure of it.
--
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a-aexotic · 1 year
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hey so i was wondering if you could do like an angsty fic about john bs sister aka the reader dsting rafe, and then one day she gets into a fight with rafe and he won’t let her leave his house, like keeps her in his room or something. and john b finds out and him and jj help get her out and rafe finds out and is pissed sorry if this is a lot!
pairing. platonic!jj maybank, platonic!brother!john b routledge x fem!reader x rafe cameron requested? yes no
warnings. mentions of getting high/drink, an arugement, description of a fight but pretty much angst to fluff!
summary. when rafe gets high, he gets paranoid about y/n's friendship with barry's friend and traps you in his room. john b and jj come to the rescue.
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You had no idea how you ended up in this mess with Rafe. It started off with a smoke with his friends at the beach and now, it's escalated to Rafe and you arguing in his room.
You were usually the responsible one, always making sure everything is in order and everyone's fine, so how did you end up in this mess? John B was going to kill you when he finds out.
"Rafe, it was nothing, seriously!" You were angry at that point, the entire drive to his house had been him just screaming at you incoherently about cheating?
Rafe was shaking at that point, his eyes were red and you could tell he wasn't sober. That's something you will never learn to love about Rafe; his awful addiction to anything and everything unhealthy.
"I-I saw you Y/N!" He trembled angrily as he pointed an accusatory finger in your face. "With Barry's tall friend, I saw you! You and him obviously knew each oth-"
"From Chemistry, Rafe! We had Honors Chemistry sophomore year, I told you!" You explained but Rafe was just shaking his head.
"I thought you loved me."
You shook your head as you walked towards him, tears brimming in your eyes. "I do."
"Then why did you cheat?" His voice broke. That's when you realized that Rafe wasn't acting; he truly felt like you had cheated.
"I didn't Rafe, you did too many lines and now you're acting all crazy." You tried to explain and Rafe had turned almost immediately when he heard you say the word "crazy."
"Oh, I'm crazy?! Really?" He screamed. You jumped at the sudden yelling and you sat back in the chair as tears started falling from your eyes. He walked away towards the door.
"I'm not letting you out until you apologize." He walked out and closed the door, locking it. You thought he was joking until you had gotten up and tried to open the door.
"Rafe!" You screamed. "Let me out, Rafe! Seriously, this isn't funny! Come on, Rafe!"
After about 10 minutes of being in that room, you were tired. You didn't know how this would end. No one was home; not even Wheezie, she was at a sleepover so you were stuck until Rafe's manic had calmed down. You wanted to call someone but you left your purse in Rafe's car.
You thought you were done for until you heard a van pull up. You looked outside to see the Twinkie and you let out a breath of relief - John B was going to help you get out. Until you realized that Rafe was still home and John B was most likely very angry.
"Shit," you mumbled to yourself.
You saw JJ and John B exit the car and you didn't know how to prevent all of them from getting hurt; you would usually just make sure that all of them weren't near each other or draw the other one away, but how could you do that if you were locked in a room.
You then heard some banging at the door. You prayed to every higher power you knew to make sure all three of them don't get too seriously hurt. You didn't want to spend the rest of this godforsaken night in the ER.
You couldn't really make out anything they were saying downstairs but they were shouting. Then you heard one loud crash and some running upstairs.
You heard the door unlock and your heart jumped. The door revealed JJ and a very angry John B.
"What the hell, Y/N!" John B shouted as he sighed disappointedly. "Stay away from Rafe, I said. He's crazy, I said. He's an actual psychopath who will hurt you, I said. And what did you do-"
Before he could continue, you went up to John B and embraced him tightly. You were crying into his shirt; the fact that you weren't completely sober didn't help either. John B was shocked. He'd never seen you cry so hard in your life. You were usually the one to be the rock.
He held you tightly, putting his head on top of yours as JJ watched sympathetically.
"I love him, John B." You managed to choke out. "I swear, it's just when he's high."
JJ shook his head. "Y/N, he's just not a good guy."
You pulled away from John B, wiping your tears. "What'd you guys do?"
"Just gave him a good punch. He's passed out." JJ responded as Joh B nodded. "Let's get out of here before the beast awakens."
John B hit his arm as warning before getting a small, "Too soon, sorry."
John B put his arm around your shoulders comfortingly as you guys walked to the Twinkie. The drive home was pretty quiet but you got some answers.
John B was calling you and you hadn't answered but that wasn't like you at all and he knew something was wrong. He called it 'brother intuition.'
You didn't care what it was, you were just grateful they came and helped you. You were grateful to have such good friends.
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