There had always been sparks between you, quiet at first, but impossible to ignore. Best friends, you told yourselfs, even as every brush of his fingers against yours sent a jolt through your chest. The smiles you shared lingered a little too long, filled with inside jokes and unspoken words only the two of you understood. He was your safest place, and you were his, which somehow made everything feel even more dangerous. The Pogues noticed it too, the way your eyes searched for him in every room, the way he softened whenever you were near. It was painfully obvious to everyone but you two that you were already in love.

It was a quiet night, the stars scattered across the sky like they were watching just the two of you. You and JJ lay tangled together in the hammock, its gentle sway matching the calm of your breathing. The conversation stayed low and hushed, words barely louder than the ocean in the distance. Your fingers traced the scars on his skin as you talked, each touch unspoken comfort. In that moment, wrapped in starlight and silence, nothing else in the world seemed to exist but you and him.

“You know… I could be whatever you want.” JJ murmured, fingers lazily playing with your hair as if he had all the time in the world.

“Just tell me what you want,” he added quietly, “and I’ll be that for you.”

You looked up at him, a soft giggle slipping past your lips. “You’re dumb.”

JJ met your gaze, unfazed, a gentle smile tugging at his mouth. “Yeah,” he said softly, “I could be that too.”