Keep Me Safe Y/n Routledge x JJ Maybank

part 8- Rescue plan

After Pope, Kie, and John B left the container, you glanced back at JJ. "It's just me and you," you said, trying to avoid his gaze. The air between you felt awkward after the kiss. You both settled onto a nearby tire, attempting to find some comfort in the strange situation. Silence hung for a moment, broken only by a few half-hearted questions. "Sooo," you ventured, "what are you going to do with all the money from the cross?"

JJ's eyes lit up, a spark igniting in his voice. "Once this is all over, I'm getting a new board. Gonna deck it out and i'm headed on a surf trip. The world's calling, you know? Name a place."

You thought for a moment, then said, "Spain." "Perfect, then after Spain, I'll hit up South America, or South Africa. Maybe even Micronesia. Just ride wherever the waves take me," he said, his enthusiasm noticeable. "So that's the dream? A surf trip if we get a shit ton of cash?" you asked, emphasizing "shit ton." He nodded, a smile breaking across his face. "That's the dream." "Sounds perfect." you say with a smile across your face "Got room for one more?"

He laughed, nodding his head. "You got your passport?" "Wait, you don't have a passport?" you replied, astonished. "Hell no i dont got a passport! Kookiest shit ever," he chuckled, and for a moment, the tension faded as you both reminisced about dreams and futures.

Yet, beneath the laughter, you felt a pang of sadness. The kiss meant something to you, but JJ seemed to brush it aside. Still, you were grateful that your friendship felt intact, as if nothing had changed. As the conversation continued, you almost broached the subject of what had happened, but JJ beat you to it. "So," he said, his voice steady yet hesitant, "are we going to talk about what happened between us?"

You looked at him, your heart racing. "I mean, I don't know what to say, JJ. Like, I meant everything I said back at Tanny Hill." He remained silent, then spoke after a few seconds. "Look y/n, I love you," he confessed, but you sensed he wasn't finished. "But it's not gonna work out. I mean, i'm just some loser, and you deserve better." "JJ, I don't think you're a loser," you said, your voice firm. "I love you, and I mean it."

He still avoided your eyes. "y/n, please. I'm messed up. Even if we were to start dating, like shit, i wouldn't be able to take you out on a proper date." "JJ, I don't care about that stuff," you said. You took a deep breath then spoke again "Do you remember what my dad used to say?" His confusion was evident, so you mimicked your dad's voice: "One day, JJ will fall so madly in love with you, and you won't even realize it..."
"Until he's moved on," JJ finished, his voice heavy with realisation. You both fell into a silence, the weight of his words hanging between you.

"I haven't moved on, y/n," he admitted finally. "I think I've loved you for a while now, but it didn't feel real because I knew I had no chance. You're perfect." "Stop, JJ. I'm not perfect," you scoffed, but your heart swelled. "I want to be with you, and I know it's scary. It's scary for me too." You tried your best to reassure him. He met your gaze, his vulnerability laid bare. "I want to be with you too," he stuttered, the sincerity in his eyes sparking something deep within you.

JJ stood, moving closer until he was face-to-face with you. The air crackled with anticipation. He leaned in, and just as his lips brushed yours, you stopped him. "If we do this, John B can't know. He'd rip our heads off." You say firmly.
"Just shut up," he murmured before closing the distance between you once more. The kiss deepened, turning passionate as butterflies swarmed in your stomach. Time faded away as you melted into him, completely forgetting that you were trapped in a fucking shipping container.

But just as the moment intensified, a loud banging interrupted you. "Guys, open up!" John B called. You rolled your eyes, frustration bubbling up as you pulled away from JJ.

"Seriously? Right now?" you huffed, trying to catch your breath. JJ ran a hand through his hair, trying to fix it. "Perfect timing, as always," he said with a sarcastic grin, his eyes still sparkling from the kiss. You couldn't help but smile back, despite the interruption. "Yeah, because nothing says 'romantic moment' like being trapped in a metal box," you replied, shaking your head.