JJ was your closest friend, sort of how he was kind of everyone’s closest friend. It was no secret that as much as JJ annoyed everyone with his antics, he was also very loved within the group. Especially by you.

Everyone knew it before you did, ironically. It was how you always looked for him in a crowd, how your voice gets a little softer when talking to him, how you seem to get a little more angry at him compared to everyone else when he does something insanely risky.

When you realized how you felt about JJ, you tried really hard to hide it, to contain how you felt about him, but sometimes it felt like it was going to slip, especially when you have those damn kickbacks and drink a little too much. It’s like a bomb strapped to your chest. Ticking. Heavy. Scary.

It’s that stupid ass rule that’s keeping you quiet. No pogue on pogue macking, you knew it, JJ knew it, everyone on the cut knew it. But, JJ? He seems to still flirt with any girl that has a heartbeat. Including you, which you weren’t even sure was a joke or not. Sometimes he’s serious, but plays it off as a little gag to laugh about later. Like now, at the Chateau waiting for John B to bring out another 6 pack.

“Y’know, you’re always givin’ me lip. You always have this much attitude?” JJ asks, leaning against the pillar as he sips his half downed beer, his rings glinting in the setting sun.

You were seated on the couch beside the pillar, one leg crossed over the other as you fix your bikini strap under your tanktop. “Always,” You nod, a small smile playing on the corners of your lips before you follow up. “Looks like you haven’t been paying attention,” And as those words leave your mouth, JJ scoffs, like he can’t believe you’d assume such a thing.

“To you?” He asks for good measure, his brows creasing slightly, a small smirk on his lips. “Nah. I pay attention to you. S’ Impossible not to.” He quips, his head tilting slightly as he looks down at you, taking you in.

For a moment, you’re not sure if he’s serious. He’s quiet, his words sounded low, like he’s waiting for you to respond and go from there, his next words are going to be based on your reaction. Playful—Serious? JJ just goes with the flow. Painfully so.

“Mm, you almost sounded serious.” You chuckle. “No pogue on pogue macking, the guys would say.” You hum after speaking, shifting in your seat just slightly, playing with the hem of your shorts, and JJ’s brow lifts.

“So?” He shrugs, “M’ serious. When have you ever seen me follow rules anyway?” His words are followed by a step, moving to sit beside you as he sets his beer on the wooden table.

“You can break a few too, can’t ya?”