𝑾𝑯𝑰𝑺𝑷𝑬𝑹𝑰𝑵𝑮 𝑾𝑨𝑽𝑬𝑺 /𝑗𝑗 𝑚𝑎𝑦𝑏𝑎𝑛𝑘

𝟎𝟐𝟑.

____________________
𝐃𝐄𝐒𝐈𝐑𝐄
𝑠𝑒𝑎𝑠𝑜𝑛 𝑜𝑛𝑒，𝑒𝑝𝑖𝑠𝑜𝑑𝑒 𝑠𝑒𝑣𝑒𝑛.
𝟐:𝟎𝟏 — 𝟐:𝟓𝟑
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THE MORNING sun filters through the trees, casting a warm glow over the garden. I sit on the back porch, taking a moment to soak in the view. The rest of the Pogues are still inside the Chateau, continuing to bask in our remarkable victory.

We had finally done it.

After enduring countless beatings and facing life-threatening situations in our pursuit of the gold, it is now within our grasp. A wave of contentment washes over me as I sit there, relishing our hard-earned triumph.

I bring the lighter to my cigarette, igniting the flame and drawing a deep, contemplative puff. As the toxic smoke enters my lungs, I close my eyes, allowing myself a moment of tranquility. I exhale, the smoke escaping from my lips, providing an immediate sense of calm to my racing nerves.

Just then, I hear JJ's voice behind me. "Pass me one, princess." He moves around my crossed legs, taking a seat beside me on the couch and holding out his fingers for a cigarette. JJ then lays his head on my thighs, gaze fixed on me.

Rather than retrieving just one cigarette, I opt to hand him the entire box along with the lighter, my eyes drifting shut once more.

I open one eye momentarily to glance at him, noticing that he is staring at my lips. As I watch him ignite his cigarette, I can't help but admire the way he holds it between his fingers, the manner in which he draws in on it, and the way he releases the smoke, the sight captivating me.

I was aware that his habit was far from healthy, but for some reason, in that moment, it felt magnetic. I ached to kiss him, to relish the taste of smoke on his lips.

However, I knew better—John B was inside. Despite my reservations, I couldn't help the pull towards JJ. There was something about his laid-back demeanor, his rebellion, and the way he made me feel both secure yet filled with exhilarating adventure.

"What are you doing out here alone, anyway?" JJ asks, his tone casual.

I respond with a dead, flat tone, "Relaxing." I open both my eyes this time as I take another puff. "In my own way." With a shrug, I add, "In our way."

JJ motions between us with his index finger, a smirk playing on his lips. But as quickly as it formed, his smirk drops, and he continues, "So, what are you going to do about your dad-"

"Relaxing," I reiterate, refusing to let my thoughts drift towards my dad or how to settle his debts. "Just relaxing, Jay."

JJ raises his hands in surrender, nodding in understanding, "Right, sorry. Relaxing." He takes a deep breath but can't help but break the comfortable silence. "You know I like to relax through sex-"