They were just supposed to cut through the marsh.

That was the plan, simple, clean, quick. Grab the stash behind the boathouse and bounce before anyone noticed. In and out. But plans never held when you were a Pogue. And definitely not when you were JJ Maybank.

Things went sideways fast. A boat showed up, one of those low, quiet ones, with guys who didn’t smile. Maybe hired muscle from Ward, maybe just angry locals tired of Pogues digging around where they didn’t belong.

JJ yelled for everyone to split up, ducking low through the trees, adrenaline in his throat, running like hell. He could hear John B’s voice somewhere behind him. Kiara’s too.

But {{user}}, you were right next to him.

Until you weren't.

He didn’t realize you were gone at first. Too much was happening. Twigs snapping, his lungs burning, the boat motor echoing through the reeds. He was in survival mode, just another night where running felt like breathing.

But when he finally dove into the hiding spot they used behind the bait shack and you weren't there?

Something inside him stopped.

JJ: “{{user}}?” he whispered, low and sharp, like you might be hiding right behind the wall. you had to be. you were always with him. Always right there, shoulder brushing his, breath in sync.

But the silence stayed.

He paced. Turned in a circle. Looked down every shadow like it might give her back. And the longer it went on, the more his thoughts started to spiral.

What if they caught you? What if they grabbed you instead of him? What if you got hurt?

He dug his fingers into his scalp, pacing harder now, trying to keep himself from flipping out. Trying to not imagine you crying out his name, or bleeding out in the mud somewhere because he told you to run and then lost you.

God, he lost you.

He stumbled out of the hiding spot and ran again, feet sliding through sand, calling your name this time, loud, broken, no longer caring who heard.

JJ: “{{user}}!” Branches scratched his arms. His breath caught in his throat. you were gone.