Dying Summer | JJ Maybank

(3)

"I gotta admit. Your fathers compass in Scooter boat. That's freaky." JJ says with a skeptical tone. Twisting the compass in his hand, looking around the outside of it.

"Ya and that's why we are on our way to visit Ms. Lana. To figure this whole thing out." John B says while driving the twinkie down the edge of the cut.

"Dude, you're right. I'm sure she's itching to talk to us. It's not like her husband fuckin' drowned or anything." JJ says sarcastically, John B doesn't reward him with a response.

He turns up the music as the conversation lulls.

***

Val has been this far into the cut since he was 'with' JJ. Where concrete becomes dirt roads, and where houses look more and more demo'd than the last.

"Welcome to the Tree Spirit. Your Reiki Headquarters. Jesus." Val mutters under his breath as he drives slowly down what could be considered a driveway, reading the sign on the tree. He parks towards the side of the tree line and grabs the overpriced basket in the passenger's seat. He pulls down his mirror on his visor. "I'm sorry about your loss, here's a gift basket from Cross Property Management." He tries to smile in the mirror. "Who am I kidding, this is going to go awful no matter what I say." He mutters to himself. He's about to unbuckle and open the car door when suddenly, out of all the cars in the world, the twinkie pulls up.

This is totally Karma for the gift basket.

***

JJ recognizes the car before John B does. "Oh shit." He mutters. He rubs his eyes and yanks the rear view mirror from its spot (he gets a yell from John B) checking his hair and sunglasses, before putting it back less than gently.

"Oh buddy. Good Luck." John B saws with a pat on the shoulder and a chuckle, meaning he spotted Val's expensive RangeRover. Of course, John B knows JJ's bisexual, the whole gang does, and he knows that Val and him had a little thing going on, but he doesn't know the extent of it.

"Kill yourself." JJ mumbles at his best friend who laughs in return.

They both get out of the car before Val has a chance. Leaving the stupid basket in the car, Val gets out and walks towards them.

"Long time no see ay, V?" JJ says. John B just stands behind him and waves. .

"Yes, I guess so." He looks over at John B, "Did the scuba gear work well? I know that Ward always has the best gear." He says with a smirk, watching as John B does a double take at JJ, then smacks him on the shoulder, making him laugh at their antics. John B gestures to the house, "You know what this place looks like?"

"Whoever lives here smokes way too much weed." JJ smirks. John B makes a smoking gesture with his hands as the three of them start walking towards the back door.

The sound of glass breaking and screams coming from inside the house as they get close to a window. "You're hurting me!" is clearly heard through the ruckus. JJ immediately moves to stand slightly in front of Val, like it was a reflex, reaching his hand across him, like a shield. Val seems unbothered by this action.

"Yo we should come back later, maybe this is too soon." JJ says with uncertainty, knowing John B is going to try and play hero.

"I agree with J, John." Val slightly bends his knees and twists his body, like they might flee the scene.

"Guys shut up. Come on." Val internally groans at how John B moves towards the house silently.

"Tell me where it is, or I'll fuck you up!" A man's voice booms over the crying of Mrs. Lana.