Stranded Love

Ajar, Not Locked

DAY FOURTEEN

Kiara doesn't get a wink of sleep that night. How could she when she's come to the revelation that she has feelings for her best friend? That she always has.

It's clear to her that they've been dormant, long hidden and never quite breached the surface. But they were always there. She knew something didn't feel right when John B kissed her and when she had a fling with Pope. They didn't have the fire to match her own. They didn't have that intensity that she needed and wanted.

But JJ did and always has.

JJ has always meant a lot to her. He's been someone she could rely on in the darkest hour, during the hardest night. He'd swim across oceans and climb mountains just to be there for the Pogues, for her. She could always count on him to be there. Not many could say that. No Kooks could. His unwavering loyalty speaks volumes of who he is and who he is to her. He'll dive into trouble and won't hesitate to put himself in danger for his friends no matter the cost, as Kie learnt well and truly when he took that machete to the head.

I'd rather it be me than you.

It hurt and melted her heart to hear him say that. He would willingly put himself in danger for her. He'd protect her. And she's appreciative that she has someone who cares so deeply about her, but she's angry that he's so quick to do it without thinking of himself first. Because he doesn't care for himself and that's where the self-destructiveness comes from. If only JJ could see how special he is the way she does.

JJ is reckless and rash and clueless. He often loses his head and has the tendency to get into fights because of impulse and a lack of forethought. But he's loyal and caring, despite how much he struggles to show a softer side due to his harsh upbringing. Even though he's not good with emotions and shit, he'd be there for Kie in a heartbeat.

Kiara is determined and stubborn and insightful. She looks after him when he doesn't look after himself, especially after he gets beat up. She shoots down JJ's ideas when they're too extreme and looks for better and safer options. But she's open to adventure and enjoys the risk, especially with JJ.

Although they bicker and argue and clash heads sometimes, Kiara and JJ complement each other perfectly. They share the same dreams. They want adventure and exploration. They have each other's backs. And they would die for one another.

JJ is the ocean breeze to her warm flame and the sky that descends upon her earth.

He's her JJ.

So much for Kiara's own rule of No Pogue-on-Pogue Macking.

Kiara stares at the puffy clouds above, her eyes sore but mind in hyper-drive.

After she had shown JJ Ursa Major, they both returned to the camp. They walked back in relative silence, but it was comfortable. Every time his arm would brush against hers she'd almost shy away, growing nervous. Her head was a mess and it still is. But it's not the kind she felt after the whole thing with Pope. It is totally different.

She needs to talk to Sarah about this. And now.

Kiara shoves herself up and off her sleeping mat when she spots the Cameron girl snacking on a few berries. All the boys are still asleep as it's still dark and the sun won't rise for another while. The Pogues had gotten over last night and are on better terms now thankfully.

"Hi Ki–"

Kiara grabs Sarah's wrist and drags her along without a word, surprising the girl and not letting her finish her greeting. Cleo just raises an eyebrow and watches as they retreat, yet she's not surprised. She could take a guess at what it's about, especially considering that Kiara went to talk to JJ last night. Amusement promptly rises in Cleo's expression, even more so when her eyes fall on the sleeping figure of the blond-haired boy, his sleeping mat positioned close to Kiara's.