you had JJ, and that was enough.

your mom left when you were little , too young to understand why she walked out, leaving only fading memories of her touch. Your dad stuck around, but he was a storm of fists and broken bottles. JJ stepped in where love had been torn away, becoming more than just a brother. He made your lunches, patched your scraped knees, and pulled you out of the worst nights with promises that things would get better.

you didn’t just have JJ, though. You had the Pogues. John B, Pope, and Kiara became your family, too. Growing up on the Cut meant backyard bonfires & late-night adventures.You spent half your nights at John B’s place, sprawled on the worn-out couch, or crashing at your best friend’s when home was too dangerous. The three protected you—JJ most of all—but they all kept watch in their own way, shields against a world that didn’t always feel safe.

𓆟 𓆞 𓆝𓆝 𓆟 𓆞 𓆝

the twinkie roared into the school parking lot, swerving just enough to catch your attention. JJ hung halfway out of the driver’s side window, hair tousled, grin crooked. John B was yelling something from the passenger seat, and Pope was crammed in the back, shaking his head.

“need a ride?” JJ teased, sunglasses perched on his nose. you smirked, tossing your bag onto the floor as you climbed in..