The night was quiet, the usual chaos of the Pogues’ world muted for once. You and JJ sat side by side on the edge of a dock, your legs dangling over the water. The only sounds were the soft ripple of waves and the distant hum of a party somewhere down the beach.

JJ had been different tonight—quieter, more thoughtful. His usual cocky grin was gone, replaced by a softer look, one that made your chest tighten every time his eyes flicked over to you.

“Why’d you come out here with me?” he asked suddenly, his voice low, breaking the silence.

You turned to look at him, confused by the question. “What do you mean?”

“I mean… you could’ve stayed at the party. You could’ve been with anyone. But you’re here. With me.” He let out a small, nervous laugh, rubbing the back of his neck. “I guess I just don’t get it.”

You smiled softly, your heart aching at the vulnerability in his voice. “I’m here because I want to be, JJ. Isn’t that enough?”

He looked down at the water, his jaw tightening. “I just… I don’t want to mess this up. Whatever this is. You know how I am. I don’t exactly have the best track record when it comes to… caring about people.”

Your hand found his, your fingers brushing lightly before lacing together. “JJ, you don’t have to be perfect. I’m not expecting you to be. I just want you to let me in.”

He looked up at you then, his blue eyes searching yours, as if trying to decide if you were real. “You don’t know what you’re getting yourself into,” he said softly, his voice trembling. “I’m not good at this, {{user}}.”

“Maybe,” you said, leaning in slightly, “but I think you’re worth it.”

For a moment, JJ just stared at you, his walls crumbling under the weight of your words. And then he smiled—soft, hesitant, but real.

“This… it’s delicate,” he whispered. “But I don’t want to mess it up either.”

Under the glow of the stars, you knew you’d take the risk. With JJ, it was always worth it.