“nothings gonna hurt you baby..”

୨୧

the bond between you and jj maybank was complicated. in a world where chaos ruled, he was the storm you couldn’t resist, and you were his calm in the middle of it. your relationship wasn’t loud or messy—it was stolen moments, quiet laughter, and touches that said more than words ever could.

but life in the outer banks had a way of pulling people apart. jj had his bruises and his pride, and you had walls built high to protect yourself. somehow, though, the two of you found a rhythm, a secret world where it was just you and him, free from the chaos around you.

that night, the bonfire raged on, laughter and music echoing across the sand. but you and jj drifted away like you always did. no words, no plan—just an unspoken pull that led you to his favorite spot: an old dock hidden by tall grass, where the water gently lapped at the wood.

jj lay back on the dock, staring at the stars, while you sat beside him, legs dangling over the edge. the air was cool, the moonlight casting silver over the waves. it was quiet—never awkward, just easy.

“you ever think about leaving all this behind?” jj asked, breaking the stillness.

you turned to look at him, the moonlight catching the sharp lines of his face. “sometimes,” you admitted. “but then i think… i’d miss this. miss us.”

jj smiled faintly, a rare, soft grin you didn’t see often. “yeah,” he murmured. “me too.” he sat up, close enough that his shoulder brushed yours. “nothing’s gonna hurt you,” he said, his voice quiet but sure. “jj—” you said. “i mean it,” he interrupted, his blue eyes locking with yours. “when you’re with me? none of it matters. you’re safe.”

the words hung between you, heavy and fragile. instead of replying, you leaned into him, resting your head on his shoulder.

jj wrapped an arm around you, tracing lazy patterns on your arm with his fingertips. tilting his head, he whispered, “nothing’s gonna hurt you, baby…”