𝑃𝑎𝑝𝑒𝑟 𝑅𝑖𝑛𝑔𝑠

Chapter Three

Ruby scanned the water, searching and waiting for the perfect opportunity.

Even though she got distracted by JJ most of the time she still knew everything he had taught her.

That's how Ruby was, anything JJ had ever taught her had been held close to her heart, ever since they were kids.

It amazed him, she never listened to anyone, it was one of the things he loved about her, but for some reason anything he said she listened to, following each instruction perfectly.

She allowed him to lead her, watching closely just like he taught her, scanning the water for anything useful.

" there- Rue right there it doesn't see you.." JJ whispered, pointing to the sting ray in the water.

Ruby nodded and prepared to stab, only she lost sight, hearing JJ curse then his spear splashing in the water.

She found it again, not hesitating to slam her spear down, immediately impaling the sting ray.

" holy shit!" JJ cheered and picked her up, hugging her tightly, she laughed and kissed his head, loving how proud he was of her.

The two went back to the camp, allowing Cleo to take it and cook it while they settled down.

Ruby cringed, rotating her shoulder- the force of the stab had jarred her shoulder, making pain spread through it.

" are you okay..?" JJ asked and she nodded, " just a little sore.." she said and laid her head on his lap.

While the food had to prep they all became bored, eventually deciding to play truth or dare.

Ruby tuned out most of it, too busy looking at different shells that were in the sand- only perking up once it was her and JJ's turn.

Of course JJ chose dare, he never chose truth, that was his signature thing.

" the big jump? Are you serious?" Ruby questioned, JJ already pulling her up, " c'mon it'll be fun!" He said- and god help her she could never deny him, especially when he was smiling at her like that.

So she followed him up to the cliff, her heart pounding in her chest the whole time- if he was scared he never let it show.

He gripped her hand, both of them looking into the water below, " ready..?" He asked, " yea.." she said quietly, him giving her hand an encouraging squeeze.

She nodded and they took a few steps back, both sharing a nervous smile before running and jumping off of the cliff.

The two quickly resurfaced, cheering as JJ pulled Ruby into a kiss, the other Pogues running into the water.

Later they all sat around the fire, Ruby sitting in between JJ's legs, her back against his chest as she watched the waves.

The two were content, but everyone else was almost.. Sad? Unusually quiet, like the magic of Poguelandia had finally run out.

This couldn't be the end..