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obxsummer · 1 year

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A Change of Summer // OBX x TSITP Crossover (Part Two)

in which our favorite pogues continue to spend time with the only kooks they can stand. something is bubbling between you and jj, but it seems like the world keeps pushing you back to conrad every chance it gets...

conrad fisher x gn!reader x jj maybank

warnings: panic attacks, arguing, mentions of physical abuse, no use of y/n

a/n: i switched up the timeline of obx a little bit sorry not sorry. intended to be gender neutral so if I missed anything pls lmk!

navigation - part one

Conrad felt like shit. He had really screwed up this time. Not only was Belly pissed at him (and you), but he knew his mom would be so disappointed in the way he’d been acting. Susannah Fisher was steadfast regarding her boys, but she had no issues putting them in their place when needed.

So, what did Conrad do? He called his mom and got his ass chewed for the issue he’d created, but in true Susannah fashion, she told him her best advice and reassured him everything would be okay.

Growing up, Conrad was never good at handling emotions. His dad had drilled it into his head that as the eldest sibling (metaphorically to everyone except Jeremiah), he needed to lead by example. There was no room for mistake, no room for disagreement. Conrad grew up looking like the perfect kid when really, he was battling a lot more than homework and football championships.

His anxiety started junior year of high school when his mom was diagnosed with cancer. The thought of her leaving, her leaving him with his dad, was enough to spark his first panic attack. Susannah never found out and Conrad made sure it stayed that way. He had a few more throughout high school, but the worst one came the night of the argument.

Conrad stepped back into the house after dropping Jeremiah off at a friend’s house. There was some party going on tonight but he had no interest in going. His brother, on the other hand, was a party animal who desperately needed to go.

“How long?”

The elder Fisher boy stopped his movements by the front door. His mom’s voice was so upset despite the low volume of her question. He could tell she was in the kitchen but he couldn’t see who she was talking to.

“Two months.” Adam Fisher’s reply was short and to the point.

Susannah let out an exhausted laugh. “Two months. I was in and out of chemo, taking care of the boys, being there as much as I could, and you were fucking your secretary!”

Conrad’s heart dropped and he took off up the stairs as quietly as possible. Tears burned his eyes, his bedroom turning blurry colors as he shut the door and stumbled into the ensuite bathroom.

His dad cheated on his mom. While she was battling cancer, he was proving once again that he was a piece of shit and a lousy excuse for a dad.

It was enough to make his stomach lurch as he collapsed on the tile floor and got sick. Every inch of his skin was prickly, his mind running in a million directions as tears fell across his cheeks.

Cheated. Fucking your secretary.

Conrad pressed his palm against his chest. Why did it feel like his heart was gonna burst? What… why? Oh god, should he tell Jere? He’ll be heartbroken, he loves his dad and-and oh no. This was so, so bad. He… He needed to call someone, someone….

Hands fumbled for his phone in his pocket but it was so so hard to see through the tears. He felt like he couldn’t breathe. Breathe, breathe, breathe. Stop crying, if someone sees you… Fuck.

He doesn’t know where his fingers pressed but he knew the phone was ringing and someone would answer. Answer and help.

“Conrad?”

Snapping out of his daydream, he recognized the same voice that answered the phone that night. The night everything went to shit. Your voice. It was always your voice echoing in his head, talking him through a panic attack that you didn’t understand until one day, you did.

“Everything okay?”

His eyes blinked his contacts back into focus and he met your gaze before looking away just as quickly. “Yeah, sorry. Just zoned out.” Susannah’s contact stared back up at him from his phone, their conversation ending not too long ago. The screen turned black.

You watched him curiously, knowing well enough that something had set him out of his normal attitude. “I’m uh gonna go look for an outfit for Midsummers. Do… do you wanna go? I would ask Belly but, yeah.”

Conrad perked up. This was his chance to talk to you, just like Susannah said. He nodded. “Uh, sure. Let me change really quick and I’ll be ready.”

You nodded, your body still tense from the courage it took to ask if he wanted to join you. It was one step in the right direction to fixing this cloud that had been covering everyone’s heads.

Midsummers was huge in OBX. Easily the party of the summer, all members of the country club received an invite and the wardrobe was exquisite. Sarah’s father was being honored at the ceremony so you had promised you’d be there, which meant dragging everyone else along to join you.

You had originally planned on going shopping with Jeremiah since he would give honest opinions but he had to work with Steven. Belly was the next option, but since she was clearly uninterested in spending time with you right now, that wasn’t going to happen. You figured Conrad would at least give you someone to spare the pain of constant silence.

The passenger seat in his Range Rover was all yours since he insisted on driving. You didn’t bother arguing, especially with how swollen your ankle was. He wouldn’t let you even if you asked.

“Have you talked to your mom? I miss her.” Your question had good intentions as you turned to look out the window.

It caught Conrad off guard but he didn’t know why. You loved his mom and she loved you just as much, if not more. He made a left turn before answering, “Uh, yeah. This morning actually. She said they were having a pool and wine day before movie night.”

“Classic. Remember the one year they spilled the whole bottle of red in the pool?” You laughed loudly and clapped your hands. “They were so drunk they were going to try and drink it before it all ‘disappeared’.”

Conrad smiled, recounting the memory like it happened yesterday. So maybe the moms got a little too drunk on vacation but hey, that’s what vacation is for.

You continued to stare out the windows, watching island life pass by. This was peaceful and it almost felt like how things normally did between the two of you. Conrad's dark hair tousled slightly in the wind from the sunroof as you watched him from behind your sunglasses.

The thought of living life without him was heart-wrenching. You were stuck between the comfort of Conrad and the new freshness with JJ. Both boys had seen different sides of you and yet, it was so hard to know which one you wanted to run toward.

Conrad glanced over at you, a faint smile tugging at the corners of his lips as he pulled into a parking spot. "Are we going for casual cool or slightly dressed up?"

You shrugged and collected your stuff to bring inside. "As much as I hate to say it, I’m pretty sure it’s formal."

Conrad nodded in agreement, his gaze sweeping over the window displays. "Like…like deb ball formal or…?"

You smiled at his implication but shrugged. “Guess we’ll find out.”

The bell rang above the door as the two of you stepped inside. Cool air conditioning blasted you in the face as it did its best to keep out the hot humidity from outside.

You pulled out a few items, holding them up to your body and looking to Conrad for his opinion. He offered a nod of approval here and there, his eyes lingering on you as you discussed color palettes and styles.

More often than not, you had to be in a shopping mood to go through a bunch of outfits. Thankfully, it was holding strong or your grumpiness would’ve been seeping through after the second outfit.

After a few trial and error rounds, you emerged from the dressing room wearing your favorite choice yet. Conrad's eyes softened, and a hint of a smile played on his lips. He leaned against a display, arms crossed casually.

"I think we've got a winner," he said, his voice low and warm. Complimenting you felt so easy to him despite his usual hard attitude. His mom always said you brought out the best parts of him that he’d hidden away.

You twirled slowly and looked it over in the mirror. "You think so?"

"Yeah. It suits you."

Your heart fluttered at the unspoken sentiment in his words. As you admired the outfit in the mirror, your fingers brushed over a delicate silver necklace that adorned your neck. It was the same necklace Conrad had given you years ago, a simple sun and mood pendant, intended as a joke but cherished ever since.

"You still wear that necklace?" Conrad asked, his tone was casual but the affection was easy to find under the surface.

Your fingers played with the pendant, a small smile on your lips. "Yeah, I love it."

Before your moment could linger further, the jingling of the shop's entrance bell announced the arrival of another guest. Rafe Cameron walked in, his intentions evident even from a distance. His eyes immediately fixed on you, and an overly familiar grin spread across his face.

A flicker of panic jumped in your chest. It wasn’t that you hated Rafe, he just didn’t know when to stop. And you had a feeling this wasn’t going to end well.

"Well, well, what do we have here?" Rafe drawled, approaching you with a look that was more predatory than charming. He was dressed as if he just came from the country club himself, which was likely true. The Rolex on his wrist was shiny in the store lighting, catching your eye for a split second before you looked at him.

Your smile was forced as you acknowledged him. Conrad's stance shifted subtly.

"Just shopping for Midsummers," you replied, your discomfort evident as you looked away from him. “Conrad, this is Rafe Cameron, Sarah’s older brother. Rafe, this is one of my family friends, Conrad Fisher.”

Rafe's gaze flicked from you to Conrad, his grin growing wider. Though you’d all seen each other at the bonfire, nobody bothered to do introductions so this was the first time he knew who you’d been with. "Oh, I see. You two are together?"

Conrad's jaw clenched, his eyes narrowing as he stepped forward just slightly. There were a lot of things he could say instead but he bit his tongue and held back. "We're just friends."

Rafe's smile didn't waver, in fact, it almost grew with the confirmation he was clearly looking for. "Well, that's a shame. Someone like you deserves someone who can really appreciate you."

Your discomfort deepened, and you spared a glance over at Conrad. He looked like he was going to snap at any second. "I’m perfectly capable of choosing who deserves me, Rafe. Thanks.

Rafe's smirk faltered for a moment before he chuckled as if amused by the tension. "Right, right. Well, I'll see you around."

As Rafe sauntered away, Conrad's gaze remained fixed on him until he disappeared from view. Once the door closed, he turned to you and his expression softened.

"You okay?" Conrad asked, his voice gentler now. His hands relaxed by his sides, letting go of the tight fists he’d been holding.

You nodded, a mix of relief washing over you. "Yeah, thanks. Sorry, he’s been like that these past few years no matter how often I tell him no."

Conrad's lips quirked into a half-smile, and he brushed a strand of hair from your face. “You ready to check out?”

With a soft smile and a nod, you moved back into the changing room to switch back to your normal clothes with nothing but gratitude for Conrad Fisher.

Two more days passed before you were forced to confront the problem that had been taking up most of your mind. Conrad, Steven, and Jere were out surfing again, and as much as you wanted to join them, you didn’t want to risk hurting your ankle further. That meant you were left behind with one Isabel Conklin, who still had yet to have a full conversation with you no matter how hard you tried.

Today, though, you were cracking out the big guns. You knew there was one thing that Belly could never turn down and you weren’t even ashamed to use it as bait. After the disaster of last summer’s Fourth of July, you managed to perfect the pomegranate margarita recipe. Although you knew Belly hated how that day turned out, you knew she still loved her pomegranate margs.

The girl in question was outside in the pool, taking a swim as she normally did. The summer sun beat down on the beach house, casting shadows over the pool where Belly swam with graceful strokes.

You stood by the edge of the pool, nervously swirling the deep red contents of the frozen margarita in your glass. With a deep breath, you approached the water's edge just as Belly surfaced, her eyes narrowing slightly at the sight of you.

"Hey," you began, your voice soft. Belly's gaze flicked over you before she turned to resume her lap, pointedly ignoring your presence. You sighed inwardly but didn't give up and took a seat so your feet could slide into the water. "I made pomegranate margaritas. Thought you might want one."

You held out the glass, the condensation cool against your fingers. Belly paused mid-stroke, eyeing the drink with a mixture of skepticism and curiosity. After a moment's hesitation, she reached out to take it from you, offering a short nod of acknowledgment.

"Thanks," she mumbled, taking a small sip. You gave her a small smile in return.

"You know," you began, your voice earnest, "I've tried talking to you since our argument, but you've been giving me the cold shoulder."

Belly's shoulders tensed but she kept her eyes focused on the water. The two of you usually had no issues calling each other out when things got rocky, but it was never in an aggressive argument.

"I really want you to know that I never intended to hurt your feelings," you continued. "I know how much Conrad means to you, and I shouldn't have let our disagreement get so out of hand."

She took another sip of her drink. Progress.

"And I get it," you said, gently. "I know how complicated things are between you and Conrad. But I promise you, my feelings for him don't change how much I care about my friendship with you. I said a lot of awful things the other night and I just… want to you know that I didn’t mean them. You’re one of my best friends, Bells."

Belly's fingers gripped the edge of the pool, her knuckles turning white. After a long silence, she finally looked up at you, her eyes searching yours for some sort of answer.

"I'm sorry too," she said softly, her voice carrying a hint of regret. "I shouldn't have shut you out like that. It's just... It's hard for me to see someone else getting close to him when I’ve tried so hard for that to be me."

You nodded, completely understanding how she was feeling. "I can't imagine what you've been through, Belly. And I don't want to make things harder for you."

Belly let out a sigh, pushing herself up to sit on the edge of the pool near you. Her fingers toyed with the rim of the glass, her gaze distant.

"I really miss you," she admitted, her voice barely above a whisper. Tears brimmed her eyes as she stared at the glass in her lap. “And I’m really sorry about the other night. We were both cruel in what we said, how we were ganging up on you.”

“I kinda deserved it,” You admitted despite the way your heart ached at the vulnerability in her words. "I miss you too, Belly. I hate that we've been distant like this."

Belly finally turned to fully face you so you could see the tears in her eyes. "Can we... can we try to go back to how things were? I don't want to lose our friendship, over a boy of all things."

You offered her a grateful smile, relief washing over you. "I’d love nothing more. Trust me."

"I know it won't be easy," Belly said, her gaze locked onto yours. "But we've been through so much together. I don't want to throw that away. My mom would be so mad at us, all the moms would."

You laughed and reached out, placing a reassuring hand on her shoulder. "We'll figure it out. And I promise, I'll always be here for you, no matter what."

Belly smiled, a genuine warmth returning to her eyes. "Thank you."

With a soft smile, you leaned in to give Belly a tight hug. Relief washed over you at the feeling of having one friend back in the right place. As you pulled away, her eyes sparkled mischievously.

"Hey, remember that time we pushed Jeremiah into the pool?" she said, her voice full of playful nostalgia.

You nodded. "Oh, God. Which time? There’s too many to count."

Belly's grin grew wider, and before you could react, she playfully pushed you into the pool. Laughter bubbled up from your throats, the tension of the past few days dissipating completely. Thankfully, you’d changed into your swimsuit before coming out, so it really wasn’t too big of a deal.

"I’m so gonna get you back, Conklin," you teased, splashing a bit of water in her direction.

Belly laughed, her eyes dancing. "I think I can handle it."

The rest of the day unfolded in a haze of catching up, laughter, and pomegranate margaritas. The warm sun dipped below the horizon, and just as the light started to fade, the familiar figures of Steven, Jeremiah, and Conrad returned to the beach house. Walking alongside them were the Pogues—John B, JJ, Kiara, and Pope.

You and Belly had yet to notice your new audience and continued laughing your asses off at whatever horrible joke had been made.

Your friends’ expressions shifted from surprise to amusement as they took in the sight of you and Belly sitting in the pool, clearly having indulged in a few too many drinks. Your laughter was much louder than it had ever been and you’d clearly been at it for a while.

"Well, well, what have we here?" Steven said with a chuckle, exchanging knowing looks with the Fisher brothers. The two of you looked over at his sudden voice.

Belly rolled her eyes at her brother, the alcohol doing its job of making her carefree about his opinion. "Don’t be such a buzzkill, Steven!"

While Belly entertained her brother, JJ walked over to you, a crooked grin on his face as he stepped toward you. "Looks like we missed out on some quality pool time."

"JJ, hi!" Your face practically lit up as you realized he was there. “How are you?”

He shrugged nonchalantly, his eyes twinkling as he stood above you. “Can’t complain.” He sat down on the concrete nearby. “How’s the ankle?”

You pulled your foot out of the water for emphasis and almost fell backward into the water. “Almost there. Feels fine right now, sometimes it’s iffy but we’re getting there.”

Ever since the other night on the beach, you had been talking to JJ nonstop. Even if it was a quick meet-up on the beach or a phone call, the two of you were growing much closer. It wasn’t just casual conversation either, you had learned his worst fears, some of his best moments, and what he dreamed of. The conversations that mattered.

Seeing him in person again was refreshing, like a reminder that all those secrets shared between you guys were still just that. Secrets.

Belly's voice rose above the rest. "Oh, my god! Can we please get some pizza?!" A chorus of agreement greeted her suggestion, and she practically screamed in excitement. She quickly pulled herself out of the pool, barely stopping to grab a towel before darting into the kitchen to order said food. Drunk Belly always meant Hungry Belly.

“I’ll go help,” Kiara said with a laugh and headed into the house, leaving the rest of you to continue your conversation. Steven offered to grab drinks for everyone, which JJ offered to help with. Jeremiah, who had been lounging by the poolside, slipped into the water and swam over to where you were standing.

"Hey there, sunshine," he greeted with his usual bright smile. He could easily tell the margaritas were getting to you as you looked at him with surprise.

"Jere!” You jumped forward to hug him in the warm water, practically curling into his embrace. Jeremiah’s typical flirty nature was normal to all of you at this point. Growing up together, he had been an unwavering pillar of strength for you. He never made you feel wrong, always accepting your concerns and offering love in return. Jeremiah was always a safe zone for you, so your sudden clingy nature wasn’t too surprising.

He laughed and held you close as he began to wade through the water with his arms wrapped around you. "So, have you talked to Bells? You guys seemed better when we got here."

You nodded, your fingers brushing through his curly hair as you leaned against his bare shoulder. "Yeah, we had a conversation earlier. Cleared the air."

"Good. I’m glad you guys were able to sort things out, it’s been weird without you two."

You glanced over Jere’s shoulder and noticed that Pope had joined the group with drinks, though he seemed to be nursing some fresh bruises on his face since you’d seen him a few days ago. "Pope, what happened to your face?"

Pope grimaced slightly, his fingers brushing over the bruises. "Rafe, Topper, and Kelce decided to jump me on the golf course."

Your eyes widened in surprise, and you exchanged a quick glance with Conrad, the unspoken understanding passing between you. You had encountered Rafe earlier, and now this incident with Pope made it clear that Rafe was becoming more of a problem.

The topic seemed to grab Conrad's attention as well. "You guys ran into Rafe?"

JJ nodded, his expression grim. He could see the vibes shift and your glances to Conrad weren’t so subtle. "Yeah, did you?"

You sighed and separated from Jeremiah to swim closer to everyone else. "While we were shopping the other day. I don't understand why he's everywhere. It's like he enjoys making people uncomfortable."

Kiara sat down on the pool’s edge as she returned from ordering pizza. "Rafe's always been like that. He thinks he can get away with anything. Just like his dad."

John B laughed in agreement from where he was laying back in a lounge chair. “Don’t be surprised. That’s pretty typical for Kooks. Not-Not you guys of course,” He was quick to defend his statement which made everyone laugh.

Pizza arrived shortly after to which everyone devoured hungrily amidst the small conversation that occurred between bites. It seemed the Pogues had been busy themselves, with John B and Sarah going off for a day at Chapel Hill together (you’d have to get all the details from her) before they forced Kiara and Sarah to hash out their previous differences with each other on an involuntary overnight boat sleepover.

It was easy to tell how different your lives were. Despite the margaritas still definitely flowing through your system, you weren’t oblivious to the fact that the group mixed within you had a completely different take on life. While you were here for vacation, this was their home, and based on what you knew, their home wasn’t this side of the island.

“Do you…” Your question trailed off as you turned to John B who was sitting on your other side. “Do you guys want to stay here, tonight? Maybe freshen up and...we have a ton of snacks if you want.”

You didn’t want to come off like an asshole with your question, but you just wanted to offer it. Kiara obviously was down the street, but you knew better than to assume the same applied to JJ, John B, and even Pope.

John B smiled at you. “Thank you but uh, we should be okay. We um, could definitely use some snacks though. If you have any to spare.”

You nodded, taking the chance to help where you could. “Yeah, absolutely. I’ll get some together before you guys leave.”

The rest of the night flowed easily between your groups. You remained tucked in between JJ and John B, enjoying the chance to learn more about them. John B’s dad had been missing for a while, and he was convinced the man wasn’t dead. As for what was going on with him and Sarah, he flushed but didn’t reveal anything good.

Pope was shooting for a huge scholarship for college, which you mostly knew, and Kiara just wanted to spend her time with them since her parents were breathing down her neck more often than not anyway.

JJ remained mostly quiet, his fingers dancing across your bare skin as you sat next to him. You knew he wasn’t big on sharing the darker details of his life. You’d managed to pry that out of him when he showed up with a busted lip one night, recounting the story of his abusive father who you swore you’d kill on sight if you ever saw him.

You shared pieces of your background, about life at home and finishing high school. Steven talked about being valedictorian at his recent graduation and journey to Princeton, which Pope was so eager to hear about. Belly and Jeremiah shared their own fears about what decisions to make. Conrad tried to offer reassurance that it wasn’t all that bad.

In a weird way, it was a beautiful experience to hear the other side of the story. To hear how similar you all were despite the differences in your upbringing. You hoped something good would continue to come out of this.

Little did you know how quickly that hope would change.

There was a comfortable breeze swirling around the deck of the country club, where you sat with Jeremiah and Steven during their lunch break. The clinking of cutlery and distant chatter of other dining guests created a serene ambiance as you enjoyed a moment of relaxation together.

"So, how's your day been so far? Anything exciting?" Jeremiah asked, taking a sip of his drink. He was lacking a shirt to the pleasure of the lingering females surrounding the area. That was one thing Jere loved about lifeguarding, no shirt required.

You leaned back in your chair, offering a casual smile as you stabbed a piece of lettuce with your fork. "Not bad, just catching up on some reading and soaking in the sun."

Steven nodded in agreement, his expression content. "Yeah, it's nice to take a break from the usual chaos at work. The tips are great don’t get me wrong, but it’s been so busy."

Just as you were about to continue the conversation, your phone vibrated on the table. You glanced at the caller ID and saw that it was Sarah. Your brows furrowed in concern as you answered the call.

"Hey, Sarah. What's up?" you asked.

Sarah's voice sounded slightly panicked on the other end. "Hey, have you seen JJ? Something happened yesterday, and we haven’t seen him since."

It had been a few days since the Pogues had come over to share your drunken evening together. You’d talked to JJ each night but hadn’t seen him since then either.

Your heart skipped a beat and you placed your fork down on your plate. "No, I haven't seen him. When did this happen?"

Sarah's tone was worried. "I… I don’t wanna share his story, but we haven’t seen him and he’s not answering anyone’s calls or texts."

You exchanged a glance with Jeremiah and Steven, who had picked up on the seriousness of the conversation. JJ had answered you last night but you could tell he wasn’t his usual self.

"I’m at the Island Club right now. I’ll start looking, let me know if you hear anything," you reassured her. After ending the call, you stood up from the table. "Sorry, apparently JJ’s gone MIA and they can’t get ahold of him. I'll catch up with you later."

Jeremiah nodded understandingly. "Of course, let us know if you need any help."

With a grateful smile, you headed to your car and began driving around the area, keeping an eye out for any sign of JJ. You tried not to let your anxiety get the best of your thoughts. What if something happened with his dad?

Eventually, your search led you to a nearby park, where you spotted your familiar blond, lost in his thoughts. You quickly parked and shut the car off before walking over to him, shooting Sarah a quick text that you had him. "Hey, are you okay?"

JJ looked up at the sudden noise. "Didn't expect to see you here."

You took a seat beside him. "Sarah was worried about you. She said they haven’t heard from you."

He sighed, his shoulders slumping as he tugged the bill of his hat further down his head. "Yeah, I just needed some space."

You nodded, giving him a reassuring smile. "I think they were just worried and you weren’t answering."

“Phone’s dead. I haven’t been anywhere with electricity to charge it.” After a moment of silence, JJ's voice grew softer. "You know, I helped Pope sink Topper's boat."

Your eyebrows lifted in surprise. "Wait, seriously?"

JJ nodded, his gaze fixed on his hands. "Yeah, it was stupid, but... I don't know. I thought it would be payback for what they did to Pope the other day. Then the cops showed up, and I got arrested."

Your concern deepened as you looked at him in shock. "JJ, what? Did they let you go?"

JJ shrugged, a bitter smile on his lips. "Yeah, gotta pay the damage up, but then I had to go home with my dad."

Your heart sank at the mention of his dad, knowing the troubles that often came with their relationship. The swelling on his face was evident and you could tell he wasn’t moving much on purpose, which gave you enough of an answer. "How did that go?"

JJ looked away, his gaze distant. "Not great. He was drunk, and angry, and… yeah. I’m sure you can guess the rest."

A mixture of anger and sadness welled up within you. "I'm so sorry, JJ. You don't deserve any of this."

JJ's eyes welled up with emotion, and he blinked away tears. "Thanks. It's just...some times it feels like there's no way out. I-I was trying to do the right thing, give him the money to pay for everything and he… he just-"

“Where did you get the money for a boat as expensive as Topper’s?” You interrupted, curiosity getting the best of you. You weren’t stupid, the Thorntons had enough money to put the island to shame, so there was no doubt his boat was new.

JJ winced at the question. “Uh, ask me another time.”

Accepting that he didn’t want to talk about it, you nodded. "Do your friends know… about your dad?”

He shrugged. “I don’t think I’ve ever outright told them, but I know they’re not stupid, so they probably have some idea.”

You embraced the silence that followed. Surely JJ's friends had some idea of what happened at home. It would be hard for them not to. After a moment, you stood up. "Hey, how about we go grab some slushies? It might cool off in this heat."

JJ's smile grew a bit wider, and he stood up slowly. "Yeah, I could use something right now."

You both climbed into the car, letting the music fill the silence as you drove to a nearby convenience store. You told JJ to get whatever he wanted, insisting you didn’t mind and that he deserved to have something good after the craziness of the past few days.

As you and JJ sat outside the convenience store, sipping on your slushies, the tension that had gripped him seemed to ease with each passing moment. The sun cast a warm glow over the surroundings, but the wind was kicking up with an oncoming storm.

“Here.” JJ set his slushy down and shrugged off his worn zip-up to place it around your shoulders. He didn’t bother to ask if you were cold and helped get your arms in the sleeves before zipping it up for you.

The Kildare Co. Surfing Company logo on the chest was enough to warm your heart as you leaned into his side. As much as you wished you could stay longer, you knew they’d be looking for you at home. "We should probably get going soon."

JJ nodded in agreement, and you both got up to walk back to your Jeep. Once inside the vehicle, you glanced at JJ, noticing a hint of curiosity in his gaze. There was something he wanted to ask, and you waited patiently for him to find the words.

He hesitated for a moment before finally asking, "Hey, can I ask you about something?"

"What’s up?”

His gaze drifted to the silver necklace that adorned your neck—a delicate pendant featuring both a sun and a moon. "You wear that necklace every day. Where did you get it?"

A flicker of hesitation passed over you as memories resurfaced. How JJ picked up on the fact that you wore the piece of jewelry every day, you didn’t know. You took a deep breath before replying, "Uh, Conrad gave it to me."

JJ's eyebrows furrowed slightly, a mix of surprise and something else you couldn't quite place in his eyes. "Conrad? Really?"

You nodded, your fingers unconsciously brushing over the pendant. "Yeah, he gave it to me a few years ago."

The air seemed to grow heavy with unspoken emotions as JJ's gaze remained fixed on the necklace. After a moment, you decided to break the silence by sharing the story behind it in hopes that it would clear the tension.

"It was during one of our summers up north. We were out one night, just talking and looking at the stars. I mentioned how much I loved the sunsets and the moonrise, and how they always made me feel a sense of calm and balance. A few days later, Conrad surprised me with this necklace. He said it reminded him of me, of how I brought light into life even during the darkest times,” You quote the words with a slight laugh, remembering the memory like it happened yesterday.

JJ's expression softened as he listened to your words, though there was an underlying tension that you couldn't entirely ignore. "That's cute," he finally replied, his tone carefully neutral.

You sensed there was more to his reaction than met the eye, but you chose not to press further. Instead, you drove in contemplative silence, the soft hum of the engine providing a backdrop to your thoughts. John B had told you how quick JJ was to shut down when he was upset. God, you were so stupid to share something like that with him, especially when he’s in this mindset.

“Sorry, um-”

“No, no. It’s okay. Uh, actually. Do you mind if I um… if I stay at your place? I really don’t want to see the Pogues right now.”

You agreed despite the worry that it would make things awkward back at your own house. JJ deserved to have a night where he didn’t worry about where he was going to sleep. To your relief, it seemed Conrad and Jeremiah weren’t both out for a night surf, which left you with Steven and Belly.

“Hey guys,” You greeted as you walked in with JJ behind you. “JJ’s here for the night. Do you guys wanna make dinner or order out?”

After Steven declared (and cooked) breakfast for dinner, the two Conklin siblings moved upstairs to leave you and JJ to yourselves.

The two of you found yourselves sitting on the comfortable couch, nestled close together with some movie playing in the background. The atmosphere held a sense of ease, a comfortable quiet filling the space around you.

JJ's voice broke the silence, soft and thoughtful. "You know, I've never really seen anyone share moments like the way you all do. Don’t get me wrong, the Pogues and I love to fuck around, but it’s…it’s different with you guys."

You turned to him, a genuine smile tugging at your lips. "Years ago, Jeremiah and Conrad’s mom once told me that home isn’t always a place, it’s the people and experiences that make the difference. It’s so cheesy, but these people are my home. And trust me, our group has had plenty of fucking around over the years.”

He met your gaze, his eyes flickering with a warmth that seemed to transcend the dim lighting. "Yeah, I guess you're right."

You forced yourself to stare at the TV screen, wishing you had something better to say that didn’t seem so awkward. You hoped JJ wasn’t too upset about everything that had happened in the past few hours. You’d learned over time that it took him a while to get out of his slumps, not that you could blame him.

His fingers brushed against yours, a gentle touch that sent a shiver down your spine. "Your necklace…"

You nodded, your heart beating a little faster in your chest. This was it, he was mad over this necklace that you’ve cherished for so long, the first gift someone outside of your family, someone you loved had given you.

"I know it shouldn’t matter," he continued, his voice slightly strained, “but why do you still wear it?”

You felt a rush of emotions swirling within you, your thoughts racing to catch up with the confession in his eyes. "JJ..."

“Kiara pointed it out the other day because she liked it, then Sarah said you’d had it for years.” He took a deep breath, his gaze never leaving yours. "I've been trying to figure out why it bothered me so much. That you still wear his gift, even though things between us... are different, maybe going somewhere."

Your heart skipped a beat as his words hung in the air. There was a raw honesty in his admission, a vulnerability that mirrored your own feelings. As you looked at him, you saw the depth of his emotions, the unspoken desires that had been simmering beneath the surface.

"You're right," you said softly, your voice steady despite the rapid beating of your heart. "Things have changed between us. But that necklace... it's not just about Conrad. It's about the memories we've shared, the moments that have shaped our friendships. I’ll always cherish and love that."

JJ's gaze held a mixture of hope and uncertainty, his fingers still brushing against yours. "And what about us?"

A gentle smile curved your lips as you leaned in a little closer, closing the distance between you. "JJ, there's something between us that's undeniable. I know you can feel it."

His breath seemed to catch as your words hung in the air, the unspoken tension growing stronger with each passing heartbeat.

"Maybe we've been avoiding it, afraid of how it might change things," you continued, your voice soft and sincere. "But the truth is, I care about you. More than I've ever let myself admit."

His gaze never wavered from yours, a mix of surprise and longing in his eyes. "You mean that?"

You nodded, your heart racing as you laid your feelings bare. "Yeah, I do."

With a gentle, almost instinctive motion, his lips brushed against yours. It was a soft, tentative kiss, filled with the unspoken promises of what could be. As the kiss deepened, you felt the weight of your feelings and desires intertwining, a connection that was both thrilling and comforting.

When you finally pulled back, your foreheads rested against each other, breaths mingling. The quiet of the room seemed to amplify the emotions that swirled between you.

"I'm glad we're being honest with each other," JJ murmured, his voice a soft, husky whisper.

"Me too," you replied, your fingers still entwined with his.

The night stretched on, and the connection you shared seemed to strengthen with every whispered conversation, every stolen glance. Kisses turned deeper, and physical space between you disappeared as you fully let yourself fall into JJ Maybank because, for the first time in a while, you felt free. And it felt so so good.

JJ was gone when you woke up the next morning. At some point, the two of you had moved up to your bedroom to go to sleep. You didn’t want to seem desperate to make him stay, but you didn’t expect him to leave before you even woke up.

JJ would have to wait though because today was Midsummers. You had been doing a pretty shitty job of spending time with Sarah so you invited her over to get ready with the rest of your friends.

“Oh, my God, hi!” She practically fell through the front door with all of her belongings, barely sparing the time to lock her car before shutting the door. “I have so much to tell you.”

“Thank God,” You laughed and locked the door before following her into the kitchen. Jeremiah and Steven had already started their personal pregame on the patio, neither of them in their dress clothes yet, unbothered by the idea of getting ready.

Sarah didn’t hesitate to reach into the fridge and grab a vodka seltzer to gulp down. She let out a sigh of relief when she finished. “I’ve been dreaming of one of these, I think.”

You laughed at her enthusiasm. “Go for it. We bought plenty on our last alc run. What the hell has been going on?”

“You have no idea,” Sarah groaned and let her head rest on the coolness of the counter. In all the years you’d known her, she was glowing despite how overwhelmed she seemed. You knew it had something to do with the Pogues, obviously. Especially since JJ had told you things were heating up between Sarah and John B.

You let her finish the rest of her drink and grab another before heading upstairs where Belly was busy getting ready. The sound of music flowed from the large master bathroom as you two walked into Belly’s personal concert.

“Sarah, hi!” Your friend jumped up excitedly to hug the new guest. Sarah returned the embrace and handed Belly one of the drinks she brought up to sip on while getting ready.

“So,” You held the letter out as you popped your own drink and got started on fixing your hair. “Are you gonna tell us what’s going on with you and John B or should we just guess for ourselves?”

The Cameron girl gave you a side-eye and pulled her makeup bag out. “Who said it had to do with John B?”

You scoffed, “I mean if you don’t wanna share, I can just call him and ask for additional details…”

“Additional?” She made a dramatic gasp but didn’t seem too mad, “I can’t believe he spilled! It took him weeks to cough it up to his friends.”

“I mean, it was pretty much written all over his face,” Belly added as she swiped some blush across her cheeks. Her hair was curled and pulled half up, away from her face. She already had her dress on, a soft pale pink dress with off-the-shoulder sleeves. You knew Jeremiah’s eyes would practically fall out of his head when he saw her. She looked elegant, as always.

You envied her natural beauty. Belly had always been gorgeous but she truly grew into her skin over these past few years. Long gone were the pink glasses and braces that you knew and left in their place was bright, happy Isabel.

Sarah filled the rest of the time telling you about her adventures with John B. Their trip to Chapel Hill for some documents that he was secretive about, the kiss in the rain, and how it all led up to their night at the bell tower.

“You had sex in the bell tower!”

Sarah’s cheeks went pink at the volume of your exclamation. “Shh! Yes, calm down. It’s not that big of a deal.”

“Oh, my god! Wait, I need to know every detail!”

“Every?” Belly repeated your words with a wince. “I don’t-”

Sarah flipped you off and finished straightening her hair. “It was amazing, okay. That’s all I’m telling you.”

You let out a groan but accepted her answer nonetheless. “Thank God you got rid of Topper. He didn’t really bother me, but dude was a dick to you sometimes.”

The three of you finished getting ready and moved downstairs to join the boys for their pregame.

“Oh, shit. Let me grab my shoes,” You left them at the top of the stairs to dart into your room for the shoes that you’d bought to match your outfit. Closet doors were thrown open before you located the pair of shoes in mind and sat down on your bed to put them on.

Quickly getting to your feet, you moved toward the door before realizing someone had been standing there. You blinked in surprise and took a step back. "Conrad!"

“Sorry, didn’t mean to scare you,” He apologized softly, not that he needed to. "You look amazing."

Your cheeks warmed, and you smiled in return, feeling your nerves dissipate. "Thanks. You don't look too bad yourself."

A comfortable silence settled between you, the unspoken connection growing stronger with each passing moment. But then, you couldn't help but notice that Conrad's gaze flickered briefly to your neck, and you realized that you weren't wearing the necklace he had given you.

A wave of self-consciousness washed over you as you reached up to touch the empty space where the pendant should have been. You weren’t sure what led you to take it off for this occasion in particular. Maybe it was the conversation you’d had with JJ…maybe it was time to move on, even if it hurt. You would hate yourself if you hurt Conrad in the process though.

Conrad seemed to notice your hesitation. He tried his best to keep the disappointment off his face, "Is everything okay?"

You bit your lip, feeling a mix of embarrassment and sadness. "I, um, left the necklace behind. It's just... I didn't want it to get lost or damaged at the party."

“Yeah, totally fine.” He gave a simple nod, though his expression looked slightly pained. He reached out and gently tucked a strand of hair behind your ear. "You ready?"

With one final appreciative look, Conrad turned, leading the way out of your room. As you followed him down the stairs towards the festivities, you let out a deep breath. You watched out the window as everyone gathered outside, minus yourself. Pausing in the kitchen, you opened one of the cabinets to pull out the bottle of tequila your dad had left behind last year.

A shot was poured and downed, followed by another one before you deemed it good enough to join everyone else with the bottle still in hand. What better way to get your mind off things than some friendly competitive cup pong?

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lowkey don't like this too much but whatever :(

one part left! let me know what you want to see here

#outer banks #the summer i turned pretty imagine #the summer i turned pretty #outer banks imagine #conrad fisher x reader #jj maybank x reader #belly conklin #steven conklin #jeremiah fisher #john b routledge #jj maybank #pope heyward #kiara carerra #outer banks x reader #tsitp x reader #jj maybank imagine #conrad fisher imagine

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obxsummer · 1 year

Text

A Change of Summer // OBX x The Summer I Turned Pretty Crossover

where summer in outer banks meets summer in cousins beach and our favorite pogues meet our favorite... kooks: the fishers and conklins. conrad fisher x gn!reader x jj maybank

warnings: violence, angst, probably injuries and cussing, no use of y/n

a/n: based on these tiktoks (acct: @/sun.aepp on tiktok) I found and then I couldn’t get the idea out of my head. so here we are. for the sake of my feelings, Susannah isn't gone and nothing happened between Conrad and Belly at the end of S1.

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The air always smelled different when you pulled into the driveway of your family’s summer house. Everything felt comforting when you came back here, like a home away from home that held memories for as long as you could remember. Every year, your family would start their journey in Cousins with your long-term family friends, the Fishers and Conklins, before taking off after the Fourth of July to come here: the Outer Banks.

This year was different though. This year, the moms were taking Cousins for themselves and the kids were all here, with you, for the first time ever. It took a little convincing to get Jeremiah and Steven away from their so-called ‘dream summer jobs’, but once you told them they could work at the country club here instead, they were sold. Cousins would always be one of your favorite places, but you were so excited to make some memories here with them too.

“This place is insane,” Isabel Conklin, or Belly as you all called her, spoke up from your passenger seat as she looked at your summer home with bright eyes. She had been your co-pilot and entertainer for the drive down while the boys all went together in a separate car so you weren’t all squished for the long ride.

“Come on,” You laughed and shut the engine off. “Let’s go so you can pick your bedroom first before the boys get here!”

Belly Conklin was the sweetest person you’d ever met in your life. Growing up together meant sharing secrets, long-distance FaceTime calls, and embarrassing moments that would go to the grave. She was only a year younger than you, turning 17 while you would be on vacation together, which really only pulled the two of you closer together.

You quickly opened the garage door of the home and rushed inside with your bag smacking your hip. Belly burst into a fit of giggles as the two of you scrambled over the freshly cleaned floors to get first dibs on the bedrooms.

Leaving the younger teen to situate herself, you moved into your personal room. It was just how you left it from last year with bright white and pale accent colors filling the space. Your feet moved first, throwing your body on the bed with a big sigh as you sank into the plush mattress below.

“Holy shit!”

The exclamation broke you from your momentary peace as you opened your eyes. You made your way downstairs to see the new figure in your kitchen with a wandering gaze and astonished expression.

“Damn, this house gives Cousins a run for the money!” Steven Conklin always knew how to make you laugh. As the second oldest of your group, he had no trouble being anything but a role model sometimes. You shook your head at him and left him to explore the area on his own, deciding to grab the rest of your stuff from the car.

“A little help unloading the car would’ve been nice, Steven.”

Jeremiah Fisher’s bright blue eyes always sparkled when you looked at them. You held back a laugh and walked closer. He didn’t hesitate to drop the bags in his hands when he caught sight of you. “My favorite ray of sunshine, look at you!”

“Jere!” You laughed but ran to him nonetheless as he caught you effortlessly in a hug. “I’m so excited you guys are here!”

Jeremiah spun the two of you in a circle before placing your feet back on the ground. “Listen, I have to admit I was a bit hesitant about not heading straight to Cousins.”

“I promise it’ll be a good time,” You reassured and gave his cheek a small squeeze. “Belly already claimed her room so you might want to go fight Steven for what’s left.” Eyes widening in shock, he took off instantly into the house and hollered for Steven to wait up.

Moving around to the trunk of your car, you grabbed a few handfuls of the items you could before coming face to face with Conrad Fisher. A gasp escaped your lips at the lack of space between the two of you before you took a small step back. “Conrad, hi.”

He didn’t miss the suppressed emotion behind your tone. The last time the two of you saw each other, were close to each other, it took everything in him not to kiss you. “Hi. Do you need some help?”

Glancing at the bag strap across his shoulder and the large cooler in his hands, you shook your head. “No, no. Thank you, though. How was your drive?”

Conrad Fisher. The boy who you had hated, loved, envied, admired. Every emotion you’d come to experience had a tie back to the boy in front of you.

Things with Conrad had always been complicated. He knew you better than anyone, yet he pissed you off every chance he had. He knew that you were wrapped around his finger too, and you hated that. You knew things had been rough when his mom went through her cancer treatment, and the whole ordeal with his parents’ divorce obviously, but that version of him had slowly disappeared since last year. You hoped this summer would actually put things back on track between the two of you.

“Boring. Jere snores when he sleeps.” His reply was simple and held the same tone yours did. This is how things always were when you guys saw each other after half a year apart. Awkward, tense, and then you’d slip back into your routine like nothing ever happened.

The kitchen was empty when the two of you walked in. You quickly left Conrad to himself and started stacking things by the stairs to take up for Belly and yourself. The pattern continued until both cars had been emptied out and everyone was conversing in the main sitting area.

“So, what first?” Jeremiah looked at you eagerly once the noise died down.

You shrugged as all of their eyes moved to you. “Plenty of options. I definitely want you guys to meet my friend Sarah. You’ll love her and her boyfriend. We’ll need to hit the grocery at some point too. We could do a quick island tour and grab some dinner to start?”

One of your other favorite parts of the summer house: your dad’s summer car. The custom-colored four-door Jeep Wrangler brought you so much joy with its oversized tires, LED lighting, and decals.

The five of you piled in, Conrad calling dibs on the passenger seat much to your surprise before you were on your way. The warm, salt-water air took over instantly as you pulled from the driveway. The music filled the otherwise silent car as the wind flowed around you.

“So, a little bit of OBX lingo for you,” You started after turning the music down a bit. “There are two sides to Kildare Island, which we’re on. This is Figure Eight and the other half is called The Cut.”

“What the hell is that supposed to mean?” Steven asked without moving his gaze from the passing views.

You knew it was going to be odd describing to them the balance and lifestyle of the island but better to tell them now than wait around. “Well, they’re metaphorically separated by social class. Those who have more income are on Figure Eight are called Kooks. Those on The Cut are Pogues.”

“Like…pogies? The fish?” Conrad’s addition to the conversation was slightly surprising but you nodded regardless.

“Low on the food chain, yeah.” You reached over the console to point towards a building on the passenger side. “That’s the country club. Steven and Jere, I already talked to the manager and he’s going to find you guys open positions if you’re still up for it.”

Both boys exchanged a fist bump, completely disregarding Belly who was stuck in between them.

You continued to point out a couple of other monumental landmarks that might spike interest including Sarah’s house alongside popular restaurants and stores. It was obvious when you switched from Figure Eight to the bridge to The Cut. The home quality instantly changed and the people were much more scarce.

“Damn, okay now I can see why you guys don’t come on this side of the island,” Jeremiah said as he caught sight of a rundown house. The majority of the area was still torn up from the hurricane that had just come through prior to your arrival.

You nodded. “I don’t really know anyone who lives on this side for the most part. But, they do usually have a bonfire at the start of the summer so we can always check that out if we want?”

“As long as it doesn’t end up like Belly’s first bonfire, sure,” Steven laughed from the backseat which prompted his sister to smack him across the shoulder. “Ow! I was joking, geez.”

“You’ll be fine here, Bells,” You reassured as you stopped at a light. “Unlike these idiots, I won’t leave you.” You glared at Jeremiah and Steven in the rearview mirror for emphasis.

They attempted to defend themselves but you tuned them out as you looked through the window. The realization that you’d never really spent time on The Cut was setting in, minus the few parties Sarah and her boyfriend would drag you to, and the rare occasion you had to drive this way instead.

“Yo, can we get some food? I’m starving.”

Deciding dinner would be a good move, you made your way to The Wreck. It was the best food you’d had on the island that wasn’t $100 per meal. While this was a summer to splurge with your friends, you definitely weren’t looking to drain your account in the first week.

“Does this look okay?”

Belly’s voice broke through the music in your bathroom as you continued to get ready. After a minor amount of persuasion, everyone decided the bonfire was a good move to kick off the trip.

You took in Belly’s crop top and jean shorts. “Yeah, absolutely. Hey, do you wanna grab us some drinks from downstairs and we can finish getting ready together?”

The two of you emerged downstairs sometime later to find Steven and Jeremiah entertaining themselves with cup pong against Conrad on your kitchen island. You moved fast enough to swat Jeremiah’s shot away from the rim of Conrad’s cup, effectively costing the opposing duo a turn.

“No!” The blue-eyed boy groaned at his loss before taking a sip of his red cup.

You weren’t paying attention to him though. Conrad had shifted right when your hand crossed his vision and was looking at you. You froze at the eye contact, wishing he would say something, anything, to give you a hint of what he was thinking. Was it about you? Did he like your outfit? When he stayed quiet, you offered him a small smile before turning away.

“Hurry up!” You replied to Jeremiah’s protests as you grabbed more drinks from the fridge for yourself and Belly to take along the way. “We’re already late and I wanna get there before they run out of stuff. Sarah texted me that she was already on her way there.”

It took a little more prying before you convinced them to leave and walk to the beach for the bonfire. The music was already blaring from who knows where when the five of you arrived. After getting drinks for everyone, you found a spot in the sand to claim as a standing area.

“Okay, so when does this get good?” Steven asked as he looked around at the surrounding crowd.

You glared at him and flipped him off. “I don’t see you bringing life to the party, Conklin. Go find someone to make out with.”

“Ew! I didn’t need that image in my head,” Belly groaned before taking a sip of her drink. She looked surprisingly comfortable compared to her normally stiff exterior when it came to parties. Granted, the past few that she’d been to hadn’t exactly been the best.

The sound of your name being called grabbed your attention just before a head of blonde hair invaded your view. Sarah Cameron had always been the happiest soul you had known. Having her around each summer made a huge difference on your trip.

“Sarah!” You embraced her tightly before letting go.

Her classic summer dress flowed in the wind as she took a step back. “You bitch! You didn’t tell me you were here!”

“Sorry, sorry.” Your apology wasn’t real, but you felt the need to say it regardless. Jeremiah cleared his throat behind you to which you snapped back to attention. “Oh! Sarah, these are my friends Belly, Jeremiah, Conrad, and Steven. Guys, this is Sarah Cameron.”

“I’ve heard practically everything about all of you,” She said and gave them a wave before her gaze moved back to you. “Come on! Topper’s been dying to meet everyone.”

“Topper?” Steven repeated the name as he and Jeremiah snickered. You gave them a sharp glare and continued to follow Sarah further into the crowd.

The air grew warmer as the six of you approached the large fire that everyone was surrounding. Sarah broke away from your side to run forward where you could see her boyfriend, Topper Thornton, chatting amongst his friends. To your unease, Sarah’s older brother Rafe Cameron was staring right back at you.

Growing up, you didn’t mind spending time with Rafe. He was two years older than you, but he loved to think that meant he controlled everything. As you got older, his desire to be in a relationship with you became painfully obvious. You had politely turned him down as much as you could, but nothing ever really stuck when it came to him.

Quick introductions were made before everyone fell into casual conversation. Belly and Sarah were getting along just as you thought, and it even seemed like Conrad was starting to crawl out of his shell. That was probably the alcohol more than anything, you reminded yourself.

Your conversation with Jeremiah was cut off when you saw a blond teen stumble their way toward Belly and Sarah. “Sarah, can I interest you in a tasty Milwaukee beverage?”

Your friend gave the kid an odd look and shook her head. “No, thanks.”

“Is it not fancy enough for you?”

“No, we were just-“

Topper stepped around you to come to his girlfriend’s defense. “Hey, I’ll take it.”

The boy offering the drink was instantly annoyed. “I didn’t ask you, Topper. If you’d said pretty please, maybe. But you didn’t so, too bad. You can have it, Sarah.”

“She doesn’t want it, asshole,” You spoke up from over Sarah’s shoulder. Jeremiah had moved to stand at your side and you could tell Steven and Conrad had stopped conversing to watch.

Topper smacked the cup out of the guy’s hands, the liquid splashing all over. “See what happens?”

You were vaguely aware of someone pulling your shirt backward as the blond teen’s friend threw himself at Topper. It didn’t take long for a full-blown fight to break out which caught the attention of everyone around. Angry shouting followed as the dark-haired boy screamed at Topper to continue the fight.

“Guys, we should go.” Jeremiah tugged at your shoulder and started to grab the rest of your group to herd you away from the violence in front of you.

“He’s got a gun!”

The statement ran your blood cold as you looked to see the blond kid from before with something dark and shiny against Topper’s head. Hands grabbed at your hips and lifted you forward as the five of you took off from the scene in fear. Someone’s hand was in yours, practically dragging you through the sand back up to the concrete path you’d used to get here. You didn’t make it very far before two loud cracks filled the air, gunshots.

Once the bonfire was out of your sight, you took the chance to slow down and catch your breath. “Is everyone okay?”

Belly’s eyes were wide in shock as she stayed close to her brother’s side. Jeremiah put his hands on his hips as he turned around to make sure nobody was following him. Everyone was clearly shaken and you were right there with them.

“What the hell was that?” Conrad’s hand dropped from yours, something you’d just now noticed. “So much for a fun, casual bonfire to kick off summer, huh?”

You took a step back in defense. “How the hell was I supposed to know that would happen?” You shouted. “I would have never taken you guys if I knew what was going on!”

Conrad’s eyes flared but he shut his mouth and continued to walk on the path. You stood frozen for a moment before groaning loudly and stomping behind him all the way home.

It took some time to get the nerves out of your system, but a cold shower helped. You texted Sarah to make sure everything was okay before heading to the kitchen to get something to drink. Belly and Jeremiah were watching a movie in the other room while Steven occupied himself with calling his mom to check in (and would hopefully be leaving out some major details of the night).

You came face to face with Conrad when you stepped into the slightly lit kitchen. He was rolling up a joint on the countertop and probably didn’t even notice you were there. You stood still for a moment and just observed him.

“A picture would last longer,” He blurted but kept his gaze on the object between his fingers. Shit.

You rolled your eyes and walked to the fridge to grab a drink. “Wasn’t staring.”

“I could feel your eyes on the side of my head.” You could hear the smile in his voice. You weren’t sure what it was about Conrad Fisher that kept you coming back but you knew you couldn’t stop. Cracking the top of your drink, you pulled a chair away from the kitchen counter to sit.

Moments of silence passed with the only noise coming from Jeremiah and Belly’s movie in the other room. The feeling of anxiety still coursed through your veins. It would be like that for a while, and you doubted that you would be able to get some sleep.

“Are you okay?” Conrad’s question was quiet, and you almost thought you imagined it. Even if you wanted to tell him yes, that you felt fine, you knew he could read you like a book. You offered a shrug instead. He watched you for a moment before standing up from his seat. Freshly rolled joint pushed behind his ear, he made his way over to you and grabbed your hand to pull you out of the chair so he could lead you through the house. “We’re heading to bed.”

Jeremiah and Belly were no doubt watching you follow the eldest boy up the stairs to your bedroom. Conrad slowly closed the door behind the two of you as you paced slowly back and forth.

“You don’t have to stay,” You whispered as you sat down on your bed with a sigh. Everything felt really overwhelming and suddenly, you doubted the good intentions behind having everyone join you here for the summer.

This wasn’t abnormal behavior for you and Conrad. He had unfortunately stumbled upon you fighting through one of your first anxiety attacks and talked you down before sharing his own experience. Turns out, the two of you had way more in common than you’d thought. This routine built up from helping each other over the years and it’d become second nature at this point.

“I’m not leaving you like this; you know that.” Conrad was already in his pajamas – sweatpants and a Cousins Rowing t-shirt, as he climbed under your covers. You stared at the ground beneath you for a moment before caving and making your way to crawl in next to him.

Often before you’d joke that maybe the two of you should have a smoke session and clear the air instead of sharing a bed after things like this. Conrad disagreed each time. You knew he was right about that being an unhealthy way out.

Fingertips smoothed across your back before sliding beneath your t-shirt. His skin was warm as he continued to give you the physical touch that would eventually calm your nerves. It was hard to shut off the thoughts running through your head but having someone to hold you and bring you back to earth always made everything easier. Conrad knew that. He knew you.

“Thank you.”

Your appreciation was left unanswered but acknowledged when Conrad pulled you closer against his chest. You fell asleep to the feeling of his lips against your head.

The next day had been much less eventful. You took the time to get some groceries from the store to stock up the fridge (and snagged some alcohol from your connection in town). Unpacking went by quickly and before you knew it, Conrad, Steven, and Jeremiah were begging for some surf time. Belly only offered a shrug to say she didn’t care what the group did, which is how you ended up here.

Ocean water chilled your bones as you sat on the surfboard below. To your amusement, Conrad kept encouraging Steven even with wipe out after wipe out. You decided it was a good time for a break and made your way out of the water to sit by Belly who had volunteered to watch everyone’s things.

“Hey, Bells.” You set your board in the sand and attempted to tame your salt-water-soaked hair. She smiled and handed you a towel so you could cover up before taking a seat next to her. “Everything okay?”

“Can I ask you something?” She questioned at the same time. The two of you shared a laugh before she continued. “Um… I’ve just been thinking. Is-Is there something going on? With you and Conrad, I mean? You guys have always been a certain way and then last night…”

You let out a deep breath and thought to yourself. Isabel Conklin had always looked at Conrad Fisher with the biggest heart eyes one could have. Everyone knew that including Conrad, but the two had never been anything besides best friends.

You didn’t want to be the one to break her heart, so you shook your head. “Nah, Bells. Conrad’s just as complicated and stoic as he’s always been, you know? I take everything he does with a grain of salt because you never know how he’ll react. We’re just really good friends.”

“Really good friends that sleep with each other in the same bed?”

A sudden interruption pulled your attention away from her question, to which you were extremely grateful. “Hey, does this belong to you guys? It was blowing away.” A girl stood in front of you with a t-shirt in her outstretched hand.

A deeper look at the shirt in her hand proved it to be Conrad’s so you stood up to grab it from her. “Yeah, thanks. I appreciate it.”

She gave a nod before focusing on you. “Are you from here? You look so familiar.”

You smiled and shook your head. “No, no. Just a regular for summer. You?”

“Yeah, yeah. I live off Clove. Been here my whole life.” She shrugged and looked over her shoulder to where you could see two other figures in the water surfing.

“Oh! We’re right off Anchorage so probably within walking distance,” You replied. “Did you happen to eat at The Wreck the other night? I swear-”

She nodded. “Yeah. My parents own it so I’m there all the time.”

“Kiara, right? My mom is great friends with Miss Anna.” You fidgeted with the t-shirt in your hands to see Cousins Rowing in large white text.

“That’s me.” Kiara shrugged and gave you a smile. “Were you guys at the bonfire last night?”

Belly's demeanor shifted noticeably as she stood up, her voice carrying an edge as she answered, “You mean the bonfire where a gun got pulled? Yeah, we were there.” She took the shirt from your hands, her steps taking her towards the water's edge.

“Sorry about her,” You sighed and crossed your arms as you watched her stop at the shoreline where Conrad was exiting the water. His mere presence on the surface of the beach seemed to shift the whole atmosphere.

Kiara waved off the apology. “Totally fine. Listen, my friends and I brought some snacks and drinks. Would you guys-”

“Kie! Are you ever gonna get your ass in the water?” A voice from behind her grabbed your attention and you instantly noticed the blond boy who pulled the weapon last night.

Kiara’s response was sharp, “Clearly in the middle of a conversation, JJ. Thank you.”

“Geez, alright forget I asked.” The blond boy, JJ apparently, came to a stop beside her and stared at you. Your face warmed at the attention. “Do I know you?”

You shook your head slightly as Kiara elbowed JJ’s tanned ribs. “Not officially but I definitely know who you are.”

He winced and let out a low whistle. “Damn. Guess my chances of taking you on a date just disappeared.”

“That you can bet on.”

You jumped at Conrad’s voice behind you and turned at his sudden presence. He brushed loose hair from his forehead and kept his expression stern, clearly unamused at this conversation. Not that it was any of his business on who you dated or spoke to. There was no surprise at his reaction but you didn’t expect him to be there.

You rolled your eyes at him. “I don’t need your help.”

Conrad stared back at you with unflinching determination as a silent conversation passed between your eyes. You recognized his concern, even if he struggled to convey it in a different way. His protective instincts always kicked in when it came to you.

Your attention moved back to Kiara. “We have snacks and stuff too. Do you guys wanna come sit? Maybe we can get to know each other?”

“Yeah, sounds good to me.” Kiara smiled. “I’ll grab our stuff and come over. JJ, help me?”

The blond boy was glaring knives in Conrad’s direction but followed his friend regardless. You turned back to Conrad and shoved his shoulder. “What the hell was that?”

“He was eye-fucking you. It was gross.” He turned away from you and moved back to the messy towels in the sand to sit.

“You don’t have to act so childish all the-”

“Sorry, I don’t want you hanging around someone who owns a gun and clearly doesn’t care who they point it at,” His reply was sharp and direct. Conrad’s eyes didn’t meet yours again and it was easy to recognize that he was pissed.

Kiara returned shortly later with a cooler packed with cheap beer and both of her friends including Pope who you all were introduced to. He and Steven quickly connected on scholarships and college options while Kiara scooped up Jeremiah’s bubbly personality instantly. Conrad and Belly were sulking to themselves which left you with the infamous JJ.

“Sorry if I scared you last night,” JJ suddenly blurted which surprised you. He caught your expression and continued. “Kie said your friend seemed upset about it when she asked.”

“Oh, Belly?” You waved a hand toward her. “I think it just kinda surprised all of us but they’ll get over it. Why did you have a gun on the beach anyway?”

JJ smiled to himself as if he were remembering something. “Long story. You smoke?” He held his weed pen out for you to take which you did happily. “So, y’all are Kooks I take it.”

You blew out the smoke before nodding. “Something like that. At the end of the night, we’re going home to Figure Eight so…” You trailed off and took another hit before handing it back to him.

“Nicest Kooks I’ve interacted with, if I’m honest.” He took the pen back and quickly downed his beer. He crushed the can with his hands and tossed it into the sand by Kiara for her to place in the trash bag. “Is he always like that with you?”

You followed his gaze to where Conrad had moved away from Belly and was having a smoke session himself. “Yeah, unfortunately. It’s complicated, to say the least.”

JJ laughed, “I love a challenge.”

You laughed softly and gave him a smile. “Good to know.”

You couldn’t help but feel that amid the chaos of the past few days that this might become something different… something new and exciting. And deep down, that’s exactly what you needed it to be.

The rest of your afternoon with Kiara, Pope, and JJ went really well. You hoped your groups could blend together throughout the summer and maybe it wouldn’t be so boring and repetitive.

You and Jeremiah were in charge of dinner tonight and after the amount of weed and alcohol consumed on the beach, everyone was begging for some actual food. Jeremiah had one of Susannah’s famous recipes memorized and had no trouble assigning you as his co-chef to help.

The aroma of spices filled the air as you stood by the kitchen counter. Jeremiah practically danced around the kitchen with easy confidence, his movements efficient and fluid. The clatter of pots and pans and the sizzle of food on the stove formed a comforting backdrop to the disaster of thoughts swirling in your mind.

Jeremiah glanced at you, a knowing glint in his eyes as he stirred a pot on the stove. "You seem a bit off tonight. Everything okay?"

You sighed, letting the wooden spoon in your hand rest against the counter. "Not really. I think Belly's upset with me, and I just... I don't know what to do about it."

He nodded, his gaze sympathetic. "Is it about Conrad?" He wasn’t a stranger to the ongoing tension that came with his brother’s presence.

Your shoulders slumped slightly, and you offered a hesitant smile. "Yeah, you could say that."

Jeremiah's hands worked deftly as he chopped vegetables, his voice calm and soothing. "You know, she's been in love with him for a while. Seeing you two together might be a bit hard for her."

You picked up a bell pepper, your fingers tracing the smooth surface absentmindedly. "I get it, I do. But it's not like I asked for this mess. And we’re not even really together."

"Well, you're not exactly making it easy on yourself."

You huffed a frustrated breath, dropping the vegetable into a bowl. "You're right. I'm not. But what am I supposed to do? Ignore my feelings? I don’t even really know what they are, to make things better."

"No, not at all. Just be mindful of how your actions with Conrad might affect Belly. She was really quiet today."

"I guess she figured out Conrad slept in my room last night." You leaned against the counter, your gaze fixed on the bubbling pot in front of you. "It's just so damn complicated, Jere. I thought we were all friends, but now it feels like I'm stuck in the middle of some love triangle drama."

Jeremiah chuckled again, his eyes warm as he reached out to touch your arm briefly. "You know, love triangles are cliché for a reason. Emotions are messy and unpredictable. But they don't define who you are."

A wistful smile tugged at your lips as you met his gaze. "When did you become so wise, huh?"

He grinned, turning back to the stove. "I try my best. Now, how about you help me with these potatoes? Maybe cooking will help take your mind off things for a bit."

As you grabbed a potato and a peeler, you felt a small sense of relief settle over you. Jeremiah's presence was a comforting grace, his wisdom a soothing antidote to the chaos of your emotions. Together, in the midst of chopping vegetables and simmering sauces, you found temporary relief from the tangled web of feelings and expectations. As you worked side by side, the kitchen filled with laughter and the clinking of utensils, you felt at home.

Following the clean-up of the kitchen after dinner, you moved outside to enjoy the coolness of the night and the sound of the ocean waves. To your dismay though, it seemed you weren’t alone.

The sun was dipping below the horizon, casting a warm glow over the beach as you sat on a lounge chair. The atmosphere was charged with unspoken tensions, a sense of unease hanging in the air like a heavy cloud. Belly's eyes were fixed on Conrad, a mixture of frustration and adoration etched onto her face until she recognized your presence and it shifted to one of anger. On the opposite side of the pool, you exchanged glances with Conrad, a blend of irritation and a deeper emotion that remained locked beneath the surface.

"Isn't it just wonderful how we keep managing to go to the same place?" Belly's voice pierced the silence, her tone dripping with a hint of bitterness as she swam through the water. "Must be fate or something."

Conrad let out an exasperated sigh, his eyes rolling dramatically. "Fate? More like a twisted game." The beer and weed combo was definitely affecting his usual style of silence.

You offered a small smile, your gaze meeting Conrad's for a brief second before you shifted your attention away. "It's never boring, that's for sure."

Belly's focus shifted to you, her frustration now directed your way. "Oh, of course, you find it entertaining. Always the center of attention, aren't you?"

“What the hell?” Your patience wore thin, a flicker of annoyance glinting in your eyes. Belly never talked to you like that. "I'm not seeking attention, Belly. People choose to interact with me."

She leaned in, her tone accusatory. "Yeah, because you know exactly how to manipulate those choices."

You were in shock that she was this upset with you over nothing. Nothing happened between you and Conrad so why was she treating you like a bug on her shoe?

Conrad couldn't hold back his snarky remark. "Manipulate? Is that the word we're using now?"

Your reply held a touch of sarcasm, your positive attitude gone out the window. "Well, if the shoe fits..."

Belly's frustration ignited into anger as she stood up in the shallow end of the pool, her voice laced with emotion. "And if the shoe fits, you wear it well. Playing everyone like a fiddle." Her voice cracked, her anger barely contained as she stood her ground and faced Conrad. "And I'm not falling for your denial either! Everyone can see the way you two look at each other."

Conrad's gaze wavered, a fleeting vulnerability slipping through before he hardened it into a defiant glare. "You don't know anything."

Belly's voice trembled, her frustration giving way to a heartbreaking mixture of hurt and rage. "I know enough to see that you're pushing me away because of it."

You couldn't help the bitter chuckle that escaped you, your voice laced with a biting edge. "So now it's my fault that you two can't figure things out?"

Conrad's eyes flashed, his voice dripping with sarcasm. "Oh, please, don't give yourself that much credit. You’re doing a great job of fucking things up on your own."

Belly's hands trembled, her voice breaking as she lashed out. "You're the one who's not important enough to admit your feelings. You're too busy with your mind games to figure your shit out."

Rising to your feet, you felt the tension in the air like a physical weight, suffocating and inescapable. "And what about you, Belly? Clinging to your illusions won't make them real."

Her eyes welled up with tears, her voice a desperate plea as she kept her gaze on the boy. "I just want you to see me, to choose me."

Conrad's tone softened, carrying a mix of frustration and regret. "Belly, it's… it’s complicated."

The silence that followed was heavy. The waves provided a distant soundtrack, a rhythmic reminder of the tumultuous undercurrents within the circle.

You exchanged one last look with Conrad, a fleeting connection that held a complexity beyond words. Your heart was physically hurting. “If that’s how you guys feel about me then I’ll make it easy for you.”

Conrad’s voice called your name as you turned your back. Your actions were swift as you darted back into the house without another word. The weight of the day's emotional turmoil settled heavily as you retreated to your bedroom, seeking solace in the familiar space.

You sank onto the edge of your bed, your thoughts a swirling mess of hurt, confusion, and frustration. Belly and Conrad's biting words echoed in your mind, their harshness etching wounds that seemed to run deeper than you'd anticipated. The three of you never fought, minus the petty arguments you'd had as kids.

A soft knock on your bedroom door drew your attention, and you looked up to see Jeremiah's concerned face peeking in. Without a word, he stepped inside; his presence was a welcoming gift. His gaze was gentle as he closed the door behind him, leaning against it for a moment before crossing the room to sit beside you.

"You okay?" Jeremiah's voice was gentle, carrying a genuine concern that touched you in a way you hadn't expected. “I could hear bits and pieces.”

You sighed, leaning your head against the wall behind you. "Not really. It's just... everything feels so messed up right now."

He shifted closer, his shoulder brushing against yours in a comforting gesture. "Yeah, I know what you mean. Relationships can get pretty messy sometimes, especially when they involve Conrad."

You closed your eyes briefly, allowing his presence to anchor you in the moment. "It's just that... I don't know what I'm doing anymore. It's like I'm caught between feeling hurt by Belly and frustrated with Conrad, and I don't even know where I stand."

Jeremiah's hand found yours, his fingers intertwining with yours in a reassuring grip. "It's okay to feel lost. But you don't have to figure it all out right now."

A small, bitter laugh escaped you. "I wish it were that simple. I love him Jere, I’ve always loved him and I probably always will but it’s so… so toxic that it hurts."

He gave your hand a gentle squeeze. "You're not alone in this. And you know what? Sometimes people lash out because they're hurting too. You know Conrad shuts down when he’s overwhelmed."

“You like her, don’t you?” You should’ve seen it before. While you and Belly were looking at Conrad, Jeremiah was always looking at Belly.

He shrugged and stared at the pictures on your wall like they would tell everything. “She’s busy looking at Conrad. It doesn’t matter.”

“Of course it matters,” Your reply was a little more aggressive than you intended. “Jere, you deserve to be happy too. Maybe Belly just needs a push in the right direction.”

A sad smile graced his face as he looked at you. “I don’t want to be second to Conrad my entire life.”

Your gaze met his, a mixture of gratitude and exhaustion in your eyes. You leaned your head against his shoulder, finding comfort in his unwavering support. "Don’t downplay yourself. You always know how to make sense of things. That’s the Susannah in you."

He chuckled softly, his fingers tracing soothing patterns on your hand. "Well, I've had my fair share of tangled relationships and confusing feelings. But maybe it’s a bit of my mom’s influence, too."

You smiled, the weight on your shoulders lightening just a bit. "Thanks for being here, Jere. We’ll figure it all out."

He turned to you, his eyes filled with warmth and sincerity. "Always, no matter what."

As you sat there, side by side, a sense of calm settled over you. In Jeremiah's presence, the chaos of your emotions felt more manageable, and the wounds from the day's conflicts seemed to soften. Sometimes, all it took was a friend who truly understood and cared to remind you that even in the midst of heartache, there was always a glimmer of hope and a way to find your way back to yourself.

Walk on the beach tonight?

The new text flashed across your screen as you stared at the unknown number. Today had been less tense than yesterday but still awkward. Belly was avoiding you at all costs and Conrad was in his normal shifty mood. Steven and Jeremiah started work today at the club so you had to fend for yourself in the house for most of the day.

It’s JJ btw. Got your number from Kie. Guess I should’ve started with that.

You smiled and typed back. Would love to. Meet me at my place at 8. I’ll send the address.

JJ’s response was instant. I’ll be there.

A few hours later, you made your way to the back deck where you had texted JJ to meet you.

Conrad sat on a folding chair, his sun-kissed hair tousled by the breeze, his dark eyes fixed on the horizon. Beside him was Belly, her arms crossed, and a stormy expression on her face. She shot a quick glance in your direction, her distaste obvious even from a distance. You stood a few feet away, your gaze focused on the beach, your heart heavy with the weight of the recent argument. They still had yet to speak to you.

Jeremiah lounged in the chair next to you, his frame propped up on his elbows, seemingly lost in thought. He watched Belly intently, his feelings for her hidden beneath a carefully crafted mask of nonchalance that you could see through now that you knew.

Steven perched on the arm of a chair, his smile bright but strained, trying to keep the peace between his friends. He glanced at you sympathetically, understanding the turmoil that churned beneath the surface.

Tension hung in the air, a thick fog of emotions waiting to be acknowledged. It was clear that the disagreements of the past few days had taken their toll on the group's dynamic. Conrad's and your on-off relationship had always been a whirlwind, but lately, it had been more stormy than sweet.

Feeling the need for an escape, you turned to see JJ walking up the path from the beach. He strolled along the shoreline, his lanky figure cutting a carefree silhouette against the setting sun. Catching your eye, he grinned and waved, gesturing for you to join him.

As if pulled by an invisible thread, you left the deck and walked toward JJ, leaving behind the complicated web of emotions that surrounded your friends. You could feel their curious glances on your back.

"Hey there," JJ greeted, his voice carrying a laid-back charm that put you at ease. “So this is where you live, you Kook.”

"Hey," you replied, a small smile tugging at the corners of your lips at his light teasing. The weight on your shoulders seemed to soften with each step you took away from the group.

JJ returned the smile and gestured toward the shoreline. "Wanna take a walk?"

Grateful for the distraction, you nodded and fell into step beside him. The sound of the waves grew louder, drowning out the distant murmur of your friends' conversation. As the two of you walked along the water's edge, your thoughts began to drift away much like the actions of the sea.

Back by the house, Conrad watched you go, his conflicted gaze fixed on your retreating figure. Belly sighed beside him, wishing he’d watch her that way. Steven's gaze flickered between the two, his role as the peacekeeper extending beyond words.

As you walked alongside JJ, a sense of calm settled over you. The soft, warm sand beneath your feet provided a soothing contrast to the emotional turmoil that had been stirring. The sound of the waves crashing against the shore was a gentle symphony, drowning out the noise of your thoughts.

"That seemed awkward. Trouble in paradise?" JJ asked, his voice carrying a genuine curiosity.

You glanced at him and shrugged. "Just needed a break, you know? Things have been a bit complicated with everything."

JJ nodded in understanding, his eyes reflecting a quiet empathy. "I get that. Sometimes a little distance can give you a fresh perspective."

You found yourself opening up to JJ more than you had expected. Maybe it was the anonymity of sharing your thoughts with someone who wasn't entangled in the web of emotions that seemed to follow you.

"It's just... this thing with Conrad," you confessed, your voice tinged with frustration. "And it's been affecting everyone in the group, especially Belly. She's always had a thing for him, and she's not too happy about me being in the picture."

JJ listened attentively, his gaze fixed on the horizon as he let you pour out your thoughts. There was something comforting about confiding in someone who didn't have any preconceived notions about your life. He never thought he’d play therapist - that was usually Pope’s role anyway.

"I get it," JJ finally said, his voice gentle. "Our group set up rules to prevent this kind of thing actually. No pogue on pogue macking. Keeps the emotions out of play."

You laughed at the statement even though it made so much sense. “Yeah if our moms hadn’t encouraged the idea in the first place, that rule would’ve solved a lot of problems.”

As you continued to walk, you felt a sense of understanding and admiration growing between you and JJ. It was as if the beach, with its calm and beauty, served as a canvas for your shared thoughts and feelings.

"And what about you, JJ?" you asked, curious to know more about the person who was becoming a source of comfort and escape for you.

JJ shrugged, a playful grin crossing his face. "Oh, I'm just trying to enjoy the summer vibes. The beach is my escape, you know? It's like my therapy. Just glad I can enjoy a good surf here and there too."

You chuckled, the tension in your shoulders easing. "Well, I'm glad I stumbled upon your therapy session."

The two of you walked in companionable silence for a while, the fading light of the sun casting long shadows on the sand. As the conversation shifted to lighter topics, you found yourself laughing and genuinely enjoying the moment. The beach had a way of making everything else seem small and insignificant in comparison.

Eventually, the sky began to darken, and the stars emerged one by one, casting a soft glow over the shoreline. With a reluctant sigh, you realized that it was time to head back to your home.

"Thanks for this," you said to JJ, “I really needed it.”

He smiled, his eyes reflecting the moonlight. "Anytime. The beach is always here, I’m just an added benefit."

The soft sound of the waves, now illuminated by the faint glow of the moon, provided a serene backdrop to your conversation. As you walked, the sand shifted beneath your feet, the soft surface occasionally giving way to hidden obstacles. Lost in the moment, you didn't notice the uneven ground, and before you knew it, your foot caught on a raised piece of sand and you stumbled forward. Your ankle twisted painfully, and you let out an involuntary gasp of pain, collapsing onto the sand.

"Shit, you alright?" JJ's voice was laced with concern as he knelt beside you, his hands hovering near you but not quite touching.

Tears pricked at the corners of your eyes as the pain throbbed in your ankle. You clenched your teeth and nodded, squeezing your eyes shut to fight back the discomfort. “Just twisted it.”

JJ's expression was a mix of worry and empathy as he crouched down beside you. "Let me help you. We'll take it slow."

With his steady support, you managed to get to your feet, though each step was accompanied by a throbbing pain that made your breath catch. You leaned on JJ for balance, grateful for his presence in this moment of discomfort.

As you made your way back to the beach house, the distance seemed longer than ever, and you were acutely aware of JJ's arm around you, guiding you carefully. The soft glow of lights from the house grew closer, and relief flooded over you as you realized you were almost there.

Just as you reached the poolside, the back door burst open, and Jeremiah, Steven, and Conrad rushed out, their faces etched with concern as if they’d been watching you walk up from the beach. Belly stood near the doorway, her expression a mixture of curiosity and detachment.

"What happened?" Conrad's voice was urgent as he hurried to your side, his eyes narrowing as he assessed the situation.

"I twisted my ankle," you managed to say, your voice strained from the pain.

Conrad's eyes flickered between you and JJ, suspicion evident in his gaze. He seemed to be on the brink of saying something, but Jeremiah and Steven stepped forward, their presence a calming influence.

"It was an accident, Connie," Jeremiah's voice was firm as he clocked Conrad’s angry expression. "We need to go inside and get some ice."

Conrad's jaw clenched, his gaze still fixed on JJ, but he exhaled sharply and nodded, seemingly accepting the situation. "Fine, let's get inside."

With the combined support of JJ and Conrad, you were guided inside the house and settled onto a couch. Your ankle throbbed painfully, and you winced as you tried to find a comfortable position. Steven quickly ran for an ice pack, while Jeremiah propped up your ankle with a cushion.

Conrad hovered nearby, his eyes never leaving you, a mixture of concern and something more complex in his gaze. His fingers twitched as if wanting to reach out, but he held back, his emotions a mixture of worry and guilt.

As your friends tended to your injury, you caught glimpses of Belly's distant gaze, her form a silhouette against the lights of the house. She watched the scene unfold without a word, her feelings seemingly held at arm's length.

“Thanks,” You breathed a sigh of relief when JJ handed you the painkillers that Steven had found.

Conrad turned from his spot on the couch next to you, his eyes narrowed as he faced JJ. "How could you let this happen? If you hadn't gone for a walk, this wouldn't have happened."

JJ's brows furrowed, his expression a mix of frustration and defense. "It was an accident, dude. I didn't plan for anyone to get hurt."

Conrad's jaw clenched, his fists curling at his sides. "You should have been more careful." He knew he was overreacting but it was you and when anything came to you he just snapped.

Steven, who had been observing the conversation, stepped forward. "Hey, hey, let's take a step back here."

Conrad turned to Steven, his anger still evident in his eyes. "Steven, seriously. He should have been more responsible."

You groaned, your gaze shifting between Conrad and JJ. "Look, I get that you're upset, but accidents happen. It's not fair to blame JJ for something that was just my bad luck."

Conrad's shoulders remained tense, his fists slowly unclenching. Steven's tone softened as he stepped closer to Conrad. "Blaming JJ isn't going to change what happened. Right now, everyone needs to just get some rest."

Conrad's expression softened slightly, his anger giving way to a mixture of concern and guilt. "Yeah, whatever."

As the tension in the room began to ease, Jeremiah glanced at you. "Hey, why don't we give them some space? I think they could use some privacy right now."

Belly, who had been quietly watching from the corner, nodded in agreement. "Yeah, I think that's a good idea." You’d forgotten she was even there.

Jeremiah's gaze met yours, his expression filled with a mixture of apology and exhaustion. "I'll check on you later."

You smiled, appreciating his concern. "Thank you."

As your friends filed out of the room, leaving you and JJ alone, a sense of calm settled over the space. You leaned back against the couch, your injured ankle propped up on a pillow. The pain had subsided somewhat, but your thoughts still churned with the emotions of the night.

"Are you okay?" he asked softly, his eyes filled with concern. “I’m sorry.”

You nodded, appreciating his attentiveness "Yeah, I'll be okay. Thanks for helping me and seriously, don’t apologize. Sorry that he attacked you like that."

The soft glow of the room's lights cast a warm ambiance, and you found yourself stealing glances at JJ when you thought he wasn't looking. There was a calmness about him, a sense of understanding that you hadn't expected to find in someone you had just met.

As if sensing your thoughts, JJ turned his head and met your gaze, a small smile tugging at the corners of his lips. "You know, I've had my share of beach mishaps, but I think this one might just take the cake."

You chuckled softly, grateful for his attempt to lighten the mood. "Yeah, I guess I'm breaking records here."

The two of you shared a comfortable silence, the weight of the evening's events fading into the background. At that moment, it was just you and JJ, the connection between you growing stronger with each passing second.

"I hope this didn't ruin our walk," you finally said, your tone teasing.

JJ grinned, his eyes sparkling with amusement. "Trust me, this will be a story to remember. Can’t wait to tell the Pogues."

As you gazed at him, a mixture of gratitude and a hint of something else—something that had been simmering beneath the surface—bubbled up within you. The warmth in JJ's gaze was inviting, his presence comforting.

Before you could overthink it, before the complexities of your relationships and the weight of the night's conversations could hold you back, you leaned in and pressed your lips against JJ's in a soft, gentle kiss.

The moment was tender, a release of emotions that had been building throughout the evening. JJ's lips were warm against yours, and for a heartbeat, everything else faded away—the tensions, the conflicts, the doubts. It was just you and him, connected in a way that felt both unexpected and right.

When you pulled away, the room seemed to hold its breath, the air charged with a new kind of energy. JJ's eyes searched yours, his expression a mix of surprise and something deeper, something that mirrored the emotions swirling within you.

"Wow," he breathed, his voice barely above a whisper.

You smiled, a mix of nerves and anticipation dancing in your chest. "Yeah, wow."

In your post-kiss bliss, you’d missed the individual audience with glassy eyes. There, standing a few steps up, was Conrad, his eyes wide with a mixture of shock and hurt. He had unintentionally witnessed the kiss, and he wished more than anything that he hadn’t.

He turned away abruptly, his footsteps silent as he ascended the stairs. It was clear that he was upset, his emotions a tangle of confusion and perhaps jealousy as his heart broke in his chest. He was losing you. God, he was losing you and he had nobody to blame but himself.

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part two

wanna see certain scenes in the second part? ask me anything

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