Something • JJ & Kiara

Dreams

She watched their little boat bob desperately in the massive waves, struggling to stay afloat as if a person trying to keep themselves from drowning into the deep, dark, abyss.

The hurricane was nearly on top of them, and she did her very best to block out the grave tone of the news reporters on radios and the one tv that seemed to be broadcasting still.

"Goldie may be the worst hurricane to strike the outer banks in 40 years."
" Local reports say a small boat has been spotted off the coast, we have not yet been informed on who it carries or why they are in the water at such a time."

Her head started pounding as she held it in her hands. She heard shrieks and yells from the surrounding locals and tried to stop herself from glancing through her fingers, but it was inevitable.

Thrashing waves. No boat.

" Hurricane Goldie claims two more victims."

With that Kiara woke with a start. A bead of sweat dripped down her forehead as she took in a shaky breath. She sighed out before running a hand through her hair and looked out the window to see the dawn slowly approaching.

She grabbed her phone from her nightstand and before she knew it her hands had taken control, opened her contacts, and dialed JJ Maybank.

" I'm fucking crazy." She blinked twice taking in what she'd done.

" Tell me something I don't already know." JJ's words shocked her as she didn't realize he had picked up already.

" I-" She began, startled but unsure of what to say.

As she fell into a silence JJ could hear her uneven breaths. She shuddered as a cool breeze blew through her room.

" Kie..." JJ spoke in a soft voice as if he already knew something was wrong. She was about to respond before he cut her off.

" Hey I'll be there in 15." He hung up before Kie could get another word in.

She rocked lightly, forearms pressing against her knees as she zoned out, trying not to think of the vivid dream.

Before she knew it, JJ had climbed up the tree that was next to her house, and quietly slid open the window he knew was always unlocked.

Seeing the state she was in broke his heart. She was curled up in a ball on a huge bed that seemed to swallow her up, and her eyes were both alert and distant at the same time.

He approached her slowly as not to spook her. He crouched down to be closer to her eye level and carefully placed his hand on her shoulder, rubbing small circles with his thumb to help calm her down.

" They-" Kie stumbled on her words.

" They died. They were chasing something- or running from something- I don't know but there was this huge hurricane that hit the outer banks and there was a boat and the next minute it was gone and it was just waves-" She rambled with uneven breath. Before she could continue, JJ lifted her off her bed and pulled her in for a hug.

One of his hands wrapped tight around her waist and the other clutched her head, giving her the support she desperately needed in the moment. She clung to him, using his physical form to ground herself after she'd been in her head for way too long. Once they broke apart, JJ tenderly brushed a loose curl behind her ear.

" It was just a dream." He whispered, finally bringing his eyes up to meet hers. Kie could feel herself being sucked into his blue whirlpools and averted her gaze with a deep breath before it was too late.

She lightly grabbed his hand as she turned and crawled back into her bed. JJ followed her lead and slid into the space she'd left him. Once they were comfortable, they began to study their interlocked hands, flexing their fingers and tightening their grips as if testing out a new shoe. A peaceful lull began to fill the air, but naturally, it was interrupted.

The loud beeping noise of Kie's alarm sounded from her nightstand as she groaned in frustration. Before she could move JJ leaned across her and shut it off. She sighed in relief before she became conscious of their position. JJ went still as he seemed to do the same.

When he moved he had forgotten to release their hands, so he had inadvertently pinned her hand to the bed. His other hand was now resting just above her shoulder and though his body hovered over hers, it felt like he was right on top of her.

He attempted to dismiss his thoughts but caught Kie's eyes on him. Her curly hair was splayed out on her pillow and her breathing seemed to speed up as her gaze drifted around his body.

His biceps flexed, that sharp jawline, the tousled hair that hung down in his face, and best of all, the six pack abs that she could only get a peak at as he wore a sleeveless shirt.

She knew she had to take her eyes off him, otherwise she'd end up doing something she'd regret. Little did she know connecting her gaze with his was the worst possible thing she could've done.

Genuine desire swirled through his ocean eyes, and a raw emotion she didn't want to overthink, just in case it'd been a trick of the lighting.

Either way, she didn't have the power to deny him anymore.