The beach was alive with music, laughter, and the warmth of a blazing bonfire casting long shadows on the sand. It was just like any other party night on the Outer Banks, with the Pogues — me, JJ, John B, Pope, Kiara, and even Sarah — all gathered around a few driftwood logs we'd pulled close to the fire. I couldn't help but smile as JJ leaned over, cracking a joke that had everyone, especially me, laughing a little too hard.
I'd tried to brush off the butterflies that fluttered every time JJ did something effortlessly charming. The problem was, he never noticed how I felt. And if he did, he was way too good at hiding it. I'd gotten good at pretending, too, convincing myself that my "friendly" touches and lingering glances were just normal Pogues things. Besides, JJ probably had feelings for someone already, and I was just his friend.
The night rolled on, and everything was great... until a few Kooks decided to show up, swaggering over with the kind of entitled confidence that only Kooks seemed to have.
"Yo, Maybank," one of them sneered, voice dripping with disdain. "Surprised they let you near a fire with how hot-headed you are."
JJ tensed next to me, and I put a hand on his arm, hoping he'd just let it go. "Ignore them," I whispered. "They're not worth it."
But the taunts kept coming, getting nastier by the second, until the Kooks shifted their attention.
"Who's this?" one of them sneered, gesturing at me. "Didn't know you'd brought your little cheerleader."
"Or maybe she's just his charity case," another chimed in, smirking. "She looks like she could use some better company."
I could feel JJ about to jump up, his hands balled into fists, but I was faster. Fury surged through me, and before I knew it, I was on my feet, fists clenched, the words they'd spat at me ringing in my ears. Without a second thought, I swung at the first Kook's face, the satisfying crunch of my knuckles connecting with his jaw echoing over the crash of the waves. He staggered back, clutching his face in shock. I could barely register the impact before I turned, kicking another guy hard between his legs. He crumpled instantly, letting out a wheeze as he fell to the sand.
I was ready to take on more, adrenaline coursing through me like fire. But before I could step forward again, I felt arms wrap around my waist, pulling me back. JJ. He held me firmly, his chest warm and steady against my back, the scent of salt and sun filling my senses as he whispered in my ear, "Calm down, tiger. They're not worth it."
I took a shaky breath, grounding myself in his touch, feeling his hands grip my waist like he was afraid to let go. JJ's closeness made my heartbeat race for an entirely different reason now, and I leaned into him, still buzzing from the thrill of the fight.
The Kooks were starting to pull themselves up when Rafe walked over, eyeing the scene with a mix of irritation and amusement. "Get lost," he barked at them, crossing his arms. "Sarah's friends are off-limits."
The Kooks exchanged irritated glances but ultimately slunk off into the darkness, muttering curses under their breath. When they were finally gone, JJ turned me around to face him, his hands still on my waist. His face was lit by the firelight, his expression an intense mixture of pride and something deeper that made my cheeks flush.
"Damn, that was... unexpected," he murmured, a proud smile tugging at his lips. Before I could respond, he pulled me closer, his hands firm on my waist as he leaned in, his eyes never leaving mine. And then, as if it were the most natural thing in the world, he kissed me.
My mind blanked, and everything else faded away. His lips were warm and soft, moving against mine with a gentleness that was completely unexpected. All the things I'd felt for so long but had buried came rushing to the surface, making my head spin. I melted into him, my hands finding their way to his shoulders as I let myself get lost in the moment, finally tasting the kiss I'd dreamed about but never dared hope for.
When we broke apart, breathless, he looked down at me with a gleam in his eyes, his grin both mischievous and sincere. "I'm in love with you," he said, like it was the simplest truth in the world.
I stared up at him, stunned and speechless.
His fingers brushed against my cheek, his expression softening. "I know I'm a mess, and I didn't realize it until just now, but... I am. I love you. And I can't believe I didn't tell you sooner."
My heart felt like it was soaring, and I let out a laugh, feeling like the happiest person on Earth. "JJ... I love you, too," I whispered, the words spilling out as easily as breathing.
He beamed, his eyes filled with pride and pure admiration as he held me close. And standing there on the beach, wrapped in JJ's arms with the sound of the ocean and the glow of the fire around us, I knew that nothing could ever feel as right as this moment did.
4o

YOU ARE READING
Multifandom X Reader Stories
FanfictionNew Book of all my Tumblr Imagines!! Contains so many fandoms, please engage and tell me your thoughts!