Life on Kildare island isn’t perfect, but it’s enjoyable. You’re a Pogue, and you run with your Pogue friends.

One of them being JJ Maybank.

He’s been best friends with your brother, John B, since third grade, and he’s never failed to make you feel included.

When him and your brother approached you asking to help them find the Royal Merchant, his enthusiasm made you immediately say yes. Your father went missing several months ago after trying to find the same treasure. Your gut instinct said to avoid it the best you can, clearly bad things can happen. But the thing with JJ is that he made you forget intuition, and gut feelings. When you looked at him all you could think about was making him happy.

Your agreement to the cause sparked a lot of excitement for the “team”. In honor of this treasure hunt, JJ and John B decided to through a party. Tonight, in the Boneyard, everyone gathered to get drunk, and do stupid things. Parties were no rarity in Kildare, but a party that bridged the kooks, Pogues, and touriees were.

Therefore, you’ve been planning a party for the last few hours. Everything had to be perfect. Now, JJ and yourself were pouring beers from kegs, and screaming along to music. Topper and Rafe, most Kooky of all Kooks, come over to you. You started to hand them beers when you realized they both already held one. When Topper cleared his throat, you realized they were here to try to strike up conversation.

That got shot down immediately. No way in hell you were speaking to two Kooks. They didn’t respect you, and it was insane for them to expect anything from you in return.

After they walk away defeated, JJ slides next to you.

“Hey, everything okay?” He stares intently into your eyes, looking for any sign of discomfort. He wouldn’t find any, but that’s what JJ did. He erased the bad, and replaced it with smiles, and laughter.