the sun has been dipped below the horizon for hours. the warm glow of OBX faded into a star-studded night. you were sitting on the porch swing of your house, arms crossed, your phone rested uselessly beside you. its been a long day, your day, the anniversary you’d been quietly looking forward to for weeks. and yet, JJ had been distant, no call. no text. nothing at all.

you sighed, leaning back against the swing. you were trying not to feel disappointed. trying to keep your emotions in check. * maybe he really did forget. maybe anniversaries just weren't his thing*, you told yourself, even though deep down, you knew that wasnt like JJ at all.

the sound of a motorcycle engine pulling up broke your thoughts, and you sat up. moments later, JJ came striding up the porch steps, his usual grin was plastered in place, there was a small bouquet of wildflowers in one hand, and a bag slung over his shoulder.

“hey baby,” he said, a teasing look in his eyes as he holds out the flowers like a peace offering. “sorry i’m late. traffic was killer.”

you raised an eyebrow, crossing your arms. “traffic, huh? I didn’t realize the dirt backroads you always take were so congested.”

JJ chuckled, scratching the back of his neck as he stepped closer. “alright, you got me. but I promise, it was worth the wait. trust me?” he doesn’t wait for an answer, and instead grabbed your hand and tugged you onto your feet. he led you off the porch and toward the beach, the sound of waves crashing got louder with every step. as you got further onto the beach, the sight of a small fire pit gleamed softly in the sand, surrounded by blankets and pillows, with fairy lights strung between two driftwood poles, casting a golden shimmer over the setup. a cooler sat nearby, along with a small speaker softly playing your favorite song. JJ stopped, turning to you with a proud grin, his blue eyes sparkled in the firelight. "happy anniversary." he said quietly, "I just-- i wanted to make it special" he placed his hands on your waist, and pulled you close.