Keep Me Safe Y/n Routledge x JJ Maybank

part 6- "kiss me"

As you step back into the church, Kie whispers, "It's gone." JJ kicks a cushion in frustration. "Damn it! I knew we didn't hide it well enough." Pope remains silent, walking towards the beams where the cross had been. JJ continues to curse, disbelief pouring from him, until John B breaks the tension: "Okay, what do we do?"

"I don't know! We need a plan!" JJ responds, panting slightly. The rest of you fall quiet, weighing your options.

After a moment, JJ exhales sharply. "Here's what we do: we grab some kerosene tanks from the chateau, then we hit up my dad's shop for some dynamite. Finally, we drive down to Charleston and tell this lady who she's messing with. Cuz this is some bullshit yall!"

Sarah quickly interjects, "That's not going to help."
"She's right, JJ," you add. As JJ looks at you, a different kind of tension hangs between you, but now isn't the time to dwell on it.

" Hold on I'm thinking," John B says, breaking the moment. "Pope, I'm sorry." JJ's voice echoes in the solemn space. "I know this means a lot to you."

Pope sighs, a deep sadness in his eyes. "Denmark would've stood right here before he died, preaching to those he set free, he was a slave, a sole survivor of the Royal Merchant. He used the gold and the cross to liberate everyone who walked through those doors." He gestures towards the entrance, his voice heavy with emotion. "They built a family, a congregation, a home. And the Limberys took everything from him... from us."

You step forward, wrapping your arms around him. "It's okay, Pope. We'll figure this out," you reassure him. "We'll help you get back what belongs to Denmark and your family. Right, guys?"

John B responds with a quick, "Hell yeah!" and rushes over for a hug, followed by the rest of the Pogues. You can see the relief wash over Pope as he feels your support.

"Okay, enough of this cute family shit. We need to move," JJ says, shaking off the moment. With no concrete plan, you all pile back into the Twinkie, heading for Tannyhill. It's obvious that Rafe will stash the cross at his house, but how to get it back remains a mystery.

——Later——

As you exit the Twinkie, you immediately spot Rafe's large truck "The cross is definitely in there," you whisper.

"Shh, stay low," John B instructs. You all duck behind a wall separating the Cameron property from the road. "I can't see anything," Sarah murmurs.

"I think he's going inside," you reply. "Okay, I'll go get the truck and drive it to the chateau. I'll be quick. In and out," Sarah says.
"You can't go alone, Sarah. It's too dangerous," John B insists protectively.

The argument escalates until you decide to step in. "I'll go with you, Sarah. We'll be fine," you declare.

"What? No!" JJ and John B say in unison.
You give John B a look that indicates that you won't take no for an answer. He pulls Sarah aside, and JJ does the same with you.

"y/n, you're not going in there," JJ insists.
"Sorry, JJ, but John B won't let Sarah go alone for some reason, so I'll go with her. I can make sure we don't get killed," you respond firmly with a small chuckle at the end.

JJ shakes his head. "I can't let you risk going in there. It's Rafe Cameron. He's dangerous. He literally tried to kill his sister—twice." You hold his gaze, your determination unwavering. "JJ, if i've learned anything in these past years, i've learnt how to defend myself. I'll be fine."

"No, y/n. I don't want to lose you. Again," he says, his voice laced with concern. "I meant it when I said I care about you."

"I know you do, JJ," you reply softly. "But do you want the cross back or not?"

He nods, but you can see hesitation in his eyes. You cut him off before he can say anything further. "Great, it's settled then. I'm going."

"Wait—fine, just promise me you'll come back," he pleads, his gaze intense.
You put a hand on his cheek, heart racing. "I promise, JJ. I will come back to you."

You glance over your shoulder, relieved to see John B is still occupied with Sarah, his back facing yours. Turning back to look at JJ, you take a deep breath. "I need to say this now, before in case happens—" You take a moment before finishing your sentence.

"I love you, JJ. I don't know how it happened, but it just kind of did." Jj doesn't say anything yet so you continue "i understand if you don't want-"
Before you can finish, JJ interrupts, "Just shut up and kiss me." he says.

His lips instantly find yours, and a rush of butterflies floods your stomach. When he pulls away, he grins. "I love you too, y/n Routledge." A smile appears on your face. "We'll talk about this later, okay?" you nod your head before letting go of Jj's hand.

You realise that, despite the chaos ahead, you've finally embraced your feelings for JJ. It feels good knowing he feels the same. But now, you don't have time to think about it, you have to go retrieve the cross for Denmark, and for Pope.