𝗠𝘆 𝗘𝘀𝗰𝗮𝗽𝗲 ⇉ 𝗝𝗝 𝗠𝗮𝘆𝗯𝗮𝗻𝗸

Full Kook

"That bread had mold on it three days ago, my love." Ariella spoke as she walked by the kitchen, her voice carrying a mix of concern and amusement.

"I'll just pull off the bad parts. Plus, mold is good for you. It's just a natural organism." JJ replied nonchalantly, his casual tone masking the slight cringe he felt under Ari's scrutinizing gaze.

Ari rolled her eyes at JJ's statement, a small smile tugging at the corner of her mouth. "Just get your ass over here, J."

She walks over to John B. JJ following behind, sandwich in hand, determined to prove his point.

"Let's do it." JJ said, taking a confident bite of his sandwich just as John B opened the package.

Ari momentarily glanced up from John B to JJ, her eyes widening as she saw JJ's face contort in disgust. He gagged, clearly regretting his decision. She shot him an "I told you so" look as he rushed to spit it out.

Turning her attention back to John B, Ari watched as he laid down a map in front of them.

"Holy shit." they both said in unison, their eyes locking onto the familiar lines and markings of the map.

"Oh. X marks the spot." Pope pointed out, his finger tracing the bold X on the map with a sense of wonder.

"Longitude, Latitude." John B murmured, his fingers moving over the map as if trying to decode its secrets.

"Wait, there's something else in here, JB." Ari said, her curiosity piqued. She took the open package and pulled out a tape recorder, passing it to John B. Their eyes met, a silent understanding passing between them.

"What's that?" JJ asked, his confusion evident as he looked at the unfamiliar device.

"It's a tape recorder, dumbass." Kie responded, her tone a mix of exasperation and affection.

John B looked to Ari, silently asking for her permission to play it. She nodded, a slight smile playing on her lips, her eyes filled with anticipation. He turned his attention back to the recorder and pressed play, the room falling into a hushed silence as they waited to hear what secrets it might reveal.

Dear Bird and Cinderella,

"Who's Bird and Cinderella?" JJ asked, confused.

"That's what my dad called me and Ari. She was basically his second kid." John B told him.

I hate to say 'I told you so,' but I told you so. And you both doubted me. Well, more John B. I suspect at this moment, you're filled with guilt and self-loathing over our last fight.

Ari was there when John B and Big John had fought. She didn't want to get in the middle of it, so she went into her little room she had there and minded her business until John B brought her into it.

But don't kill yourselves just yet, kids. I didn't expect to find the Merchant either.

John B and Ari shared a look of disbelief. So did the three behind them. Ari's eyes were watery from hearing the comforting voice of her true father figure.

You were probably right to call me out. Wasn't exactly Father of the Decade.

John B scoffed at the statement sadly. Ari looked over to him and intertwined their hands, knowing they both needed this comfort. Big John was now talking to John B.

What can I say, kid? I could smell the barn. And hopefully, we're listening to this in our brand new sugar-shack down in Costa Rica, living off passive investments and pulling on permits. If not, and you found this for less than optimal reasons, well, that's what the map is for. There she is, the wreck of the Merchant.