Heated Lies (Jiara)

Protect Him

JJ knocked on the door. He didn't have to wait long, as Pope came out to greet him.

"So you'll be working with me. We can deliver groceries like we used to." He said, handing the boy some bags.

This made him smile. Heyward passed both boys and patted JJ's shoulder. "Good to see you, son."

JJ knew he didn't mean to, but the name had the same effect. He just let the feeling pass.

"So Pope will explain more in depth, but you'll basically be delivering groceries for minimum wage."

Heyward handed him two bags of presumed necessities and pointed to his son. "Good luck."

So the blonde boy followed his friend back toward the dock and to the boat. As he stepped onto the tipping platform, he watched Pope hold his hand out. He didn't take it. He could handle getting on a fucking boat.

As Pope drove onward, he spoke up. "About the dance?"

"Yeah... are you excited or something?" The darker boy laughed.

"I mean kinda. I get to see Kiara in a beautiful dress and shit. Aren't you excited to see Nora in one?"

"I haven't asked..." He admitted, staring out into the water.

"Oh, man, you totally should!! Um... but I need you to help me first. You know how Kiara is low key a sucker for romantic stuff?"

Pope side eyed him. "Mhm."

"Well, I was thinking about going old school with it. We need a distraction from everything at hand. The hearing, my dad, her parents, and school, you know?"

Pope nodded. "You're not wrong."

"So, that's brings me to my next question..." JJ said as he parked the boat. "Does your dad still have that boombox?"

***

Shoupe was the sheriff. He had many jobs besides keeping his small town safe. He was a busy man. Now, in particular, he wasn't usually as busy as he had been this past week. With JJ, he's not sure he's had a bigger case with himself smack in the middle. He's also not entirely sure he's felt as strongly about a case as this one. It makes him think.

He's reviewed the case many times. JJ's father was never rightfully present. The alcoholism had started earlier than he'd thought. He remembered when the Outerbanks was younger, and Luke and Laura would take walks outside, passing the station and waving to him when he was out charging parking meters.

Luke had seemed normal then. His wife was also content. Then Luke started to take walks on his own. His smile started to die. And then he stopped going on walks at all. By then, Shoupe had been promoted. He was on the up, while Luke was slowly losing his mind.

He always did wonder whatever happened to Laura. He didn't recall her leaving town, or Luke for that matter. He just remembered the light in his eyes fading into red intoxication. It doesn't excuse any of his actions, no, but Shoupe did find himself catching on to a motive.

Then he pondered back to JJ. Somehow, he'd earned the boys trust. He wasn't sure quite how he did it, but it was one of his greatest current values. JJ chose to tell Shoupe the truth. It made Shoupe feel appreciated... like he had a purpose. He'd never really thought of it like this, but he could definitely get used to it; to being an ally.

First, though, he had to figure out the boys dad. he had to make sure there was no chance the prick got out of jail. He'd be damned if he put in all that effort for the boy to be reduced to this man's level of parenting.

As if on cue, yells were heard around the station. It was muffled, but familiar. Luke had been there for a week now. They were searching for other areas to hold him, unfortunately becoming less likely as the hearing approached. Luke would taunt him, telling him the measly station wouldn't contain him forever.

He would laugh at the guards, saying they had the wrong guy. Many thought he was going through withdrawal. Shoupe wasn't even sure. But he'd be damned if he let the man within ten feet of his offspring.

"Shut the fuck up!!"

The words rushed out of his mouth before he could stop them. The yelling stopped, probably stunned. Few colleagues stared at him from their spots in the station while Shoupe muttered an apology. He stood up, moments later, walking straight toward the Maybank's cell.

"I want you to listen to me carefully, prick." He said, and his tone was as dangerous as any of them had heard. "You say another word, I'm reporting you. You mention JJ, I'm reporting you. I don't give a shit if your lawyer thinks you have a shot, this hearing is the last time you'll lay eyes on your son. I'll make sure of it."

"Oh, what, you're on his side, too?" Luke grinned. "You don't know what that boy's done. Out here keying cars and getting into unnecessary trouble. He's just as much of a fuck up as I am. Boy didn't even accept the reasoning I tried to give him."

"Because there is no reasoning for your actions. You have no idea what the fuck you're talking about concerning him. You're lucky he even came home." Shoupe spat. "I hope you rot in here, man."

With that, he left the area, pressing a button and further locking the man inside his room. He felt considerably lighter when he sat back down at his desk, but the worry crept in moments later. He was scared for JJ. If that boy ever had to go back, his life would be absolute hell as a whole.

Sorry... i took a hiatus again. I know I haven't been consistent. I don't even really have an excuse, but i miss writing, and this chapter low key clearing my depression. Hopefully I have some more chapters for yall soon. I'm also back working on my oneshot book.