tears of gold ━ Outer Banks ² (Under major editing)

season three ; 𝖙𝖊𝖆𝖘𝖊𝖗

JJ's heart raced, caught somewhere between admiration and an undeniable pull towards her. He remembered Pope's words from the boat; 'She's a Pogue. And you're in love with her, JJ.' And here she was, standing in front of him, her eyes reflecting the moonlight, a mix of mischief and uncertainty swirling in those depths.

"Look, Laia," he started, taking a step closer, his voice dropping to a husky whisper. "I know this is all a bit crazy—"

"Crazy is kind of my jam," she interrupted, her sarcasm slipping out like an old friend. "But this feels like a really poor choice on your part, J."

"Maybe." He chuckled, emboldened by the way she challenged him. "But sometimes you gotta be reckless to get to what matters."

Laia's playfulness faded, replaced by an intensity that made the world around them shrink into nothing. "JJ, I hate this, but you need to go. He can't see you."

JJ looked at her, really looked at her, his blue eyes searching hers. Laia felt the weight of his gaze, registering the red-rimmed edges of her eyes, the aftermath of her tears. He could see how she bit her bottom lip, a habit she had when anxiety threatened to spill over. "Come with me. Let's talk."

"I can't, J. Sorry. You know how complicated everything is right now, right?" Her voice barely rose above a whisper.

Her eyes misted over, and she stared at him as if he were her last hope in a world gone completely sideways. If things were still as they used to be, she would have followed him without a second thought. But now, with everything so uncertain and tangled, she felt trapped, caught between her feelings and the harsh reality pressing down on her like a heavy blanket.

"Complicated situations didn't stop you before. What changes now?" JJ's question sliced through the tension in the air, and Laia felt a pang in her chest that echoed like a warning bell.

"I just need some time, 'kay?" She replied, but the urgency in her voice felt flimsy.

"What? Are you, like, under house arrest? Those didn't matter to you, Laia. What's stopping you—" JJ's voice, usually a warm refuge, now felt like ice water splashed in her face.

"My dad came back, JJ. And now, I have this leash on me. You wouldn't know what that's like, but it sucks." The moment the words left her mouth, she regretted the sharpness. She gulped, watching hurt flicker across JJ's face, hitting her like a punch to the gut.

Of course he wouldn't know. His father had never cared enough to stick around, and that cruel reality hung over them like a storm cloud, darkening every moment they shared. She could feel it pressing down, suffocating the space between them.

"JJ, I'm sorry—" Laia started, her voice trembling, but he cut her off, his frustration pouring out.

"So, that's it? You're just gonna go full kook and forget about us?" His disbelief and hurt dripped from his words, flowing like a river that had just burst its banks.

"No, no, no, God no..." Laia stammered, the heat of embarrassment creeping up her neck, her face burning with the crimson of regret. "It's not like that. It's just—this is bad timing. Everything's messed up."

"Alright." JJ's reply came out flat, devoid of the warmth she craved, like he was shutting a door she had been trying to pry open. "I mean, I get it. You belong here. We don't. I don't."

Laia's heart dropped, his words slicing through her like a well-sharpened knife, leaving a gaping wound in its wake.

Big news: get ready for the third installment of Laia's adventures, Screams and Dreams, coming your way soon! Thanks a million for sticking with me and showing this series some love. Stay tuned!