Keep Me Safe Y/n Routledge x JJ Maybank

part 14- Welcome Home.

Even though you and Jj fell asleep early last night, you slept through the entire night and woke up to Jj's arms tightly wrapped around your waist. It took a moment for your eyes to adjust, but you could sense his gaze on you.
"Stop watching me while I sleep weirdo," you murmured, your voice sleepy.
"I wasn't," he shot back playfully with a smirk spread across his face. "Mhm, sure," you replied, rolling your eyes as you got out of bed.

After a moment of comfortable silence, Jj broke it. "Hey um, I think I'm going to head back to my place. I wanna grab my bike and see if I can find some clothes or any money lying around."

"Do you want me to come with you?" you asked with a hint of concern in your voice.
He shook his head "I'll be fine, love." He walked over to you and pressed a soft kiss on your forehead, which makes your heart flutter.

"I'll go check on Kie," you replied "I need to make sure she's alright" You feel a sense of concern for Kie since her parents wanted to send her to boarding school before you all left.

Once you were both dressed you headed out. Since the Twinkie was probably stuck in the impound lot, you had to walk. You dropped Jj off at his place, watching him as he took a look his bike then you turned to make your way to Kie's house. The walk was long since Kie lived all the way on figure 8. It didn't matter though, you were just hoping everything was alright with your friend.

———Later———

As you approached Kie's house, you were surprised to see Sarah standing there. "Hey! How are you?" you asked, pulling her into a hug. "I'm alright," she replied, a hint of relief in her voice. "I managed to find a phone back at Tanyhill, and I was too tired to walk back to the Chateau, so I just stayed there." she explained.

"Looks like we had the same idea," you said, glancing toward Kie's house. "How is she?" you asked, concern creeping into your voice.

"Her parents aren't budging dude," Sarah said, her expression turning serious. "I only got to speak to her for a bit, but um guess what..." A spark of excitement quickly lit up her face.

You raised an eyebrow, puzzled. "What?"
"Um, she had an email waiting for her when she got home yesterday, and John B actually found Big John... y/n he's alive!"

A wave of joy washed over you, and a broad smile broke across your face as the realisation sank in. Your uncle is actually alive "No way!" you exclaimed, laughing as you pulled Sarah in for another hug.

You and Sarah settled onto the porch steps of Kie's house to continue your conversation. "How's Jj?" she asked, her gaze curious.
"He went back to his place to grab some clothes and his bike," you replied, glancing out at the street. "And I think Cleo is staying with Pope now. I have no idea how Heyward actually agreed to that," you added with a shrug, making Sarah laugh.

After a moment of comfortable silence, you spoke again. "I don't know Sarah, being back here... it- it just feels weird."

"I know what you mean," she agreed "It's just different now, you know? Everything is different."
You nodded, taking in the familiar sights of figure 8 "Yeah, it's like we're all trying to find our way back to what we had, but it's not the same."

Sarah sighed, her expression thoughtful. "But we'll figure it out. We always do." she wrapped her arm around your shoulder and hugged you tightly once again.

After your conversation, you decided to go check on Jj, you told Sarah that you would meet her back at the Chateau after you were done.

———Later———

You arrived back at Jj's house to find him hunched over his bike, adjusting the gears with his wrench. "Hey! What's with that sign?" you asked, pointing at the eviction notice taped to the door.

"Eviction notice," he said casually, not looking up. "For like nonpayment or whatever," he added, finally turning to meet your gaze. "Doesn't matter, This place sucks anyway."

You hesitated, wanting to address his situation further but choosing instead to share something that might lift his spirits. "So get this? Kie had an email waiting for her. John B actually found Big John. He's alive!"

"Seriously?" Jj's face broke into a grin, instantly brightening the mood. "Yeah. He's at the Chateau? I was just about to head over there!"

"Damn," Jj chuckles, shaking his head. "And, he thinks we're close to that treasure Singh was talking about. But honestly? I'm done with treasure hunting." You sigh

Jj glanced at you, a knowing look in his eyes. "I know y/n. It's really weird being back."

You decide to change the subject, so you give Jj some more good news "I also called my brother from Sarah's phone."

"And?" Jj asked with curiosity.

"well, he's in New York now. He moved in with this girl he really likes and he's got a job that pays well. I'm happy for him" you said, a smile spreading across your face as you thought about how well he was doing. "He wants me to visit them soon."

"That's amazing y/n!" Jj said and you noticed his expression brighten with happiness for you. He stepped closer and pulled you into a warm hug. "I'm so lucky to have you, you know," he whispered, his voice low and sincere. You could tell that being back in the OBX wasn't pleasant for him. Especially being here, at the house he grew up in with his father. Abusive father. So you wanted him to know that you would always be by his side.

You nodded, feeling a rush of affection. As you pulled away, you leaned in and kissed him deeply, making sure to try your best in reassuring him. It was a silent promise that everything would be okay—that together, you could face whatever challenges lay ahead.

"How about we go see your uncle now" Jj exclaimed, trying not to make it noticeable that something was wrong. You didn't question him though, you just nodded your head in agreement. He often struggled with his anxiety, and he found it hard to open up to anyone, even you at times. So you knew it was best to give him space, and when he's ready, he will eventually speak to you.