Outer Banks Imagines ~ JJ and Rafe

JJ ~ midnight cruise

POV: you and JJ are together and he wants to take you out on a midnight cruise.

✦ . 　⁺ 　 . ✦ . 　⁺ 　 . ✦

As you were getting ready for bed, you grabbed your phone, checking for any messages. 

JJ:
Come outside baby 

You couldn't help the small smile that tugged at your lips as you typed back.

Y/N:
Seriously, JJ? It's almost midnight. You know some people sleep, right?

JJ:
Some people, yeah... but not my girl 😉

You shook your head, glancing out the window again. There he was, perched on the edge of the HMS Pogue, waving up at you with that familiar, irresistible grin. 

You tried to stay annoyed but felt yourself softening, as always. With a sigh, you slipped on your hoodie, tiptoed through the house, and headed outside.

As you reached the dock, JJ hopped off the boat, hands in his pockets as he leaned forward with a grin. "I knew you couldn't resist me."

You crossed your arms, pretending to be unimpressed. "You know, there's a thing called a front door."

JJ shrugged, stepping closer. "Yeah, but then it wouldn't feel like an adventure." He held out his hand, eyes sparkling. "Come on, Y/N. Just one little midnight cruise?"

You laughed, finally giving in and taking his hand. "John B let you borrow this?"

"He actually doesn't know I took it."

You rolls your eyes at him, "you're lucky I like adventures then."

As he helped your onto the boat, JJ's arm slid around you, pulling you in close. "And I'm lucky you like me," he murmured, his voice soft.

Luci felt your cheeks warm as JJ's arm stayed wrapped around you, holding you steady as you drifted into the quiet, moonlit water. 

The engine hummed softly, just enough to push them gently away from the dock and into the open stretch of the marsh. 

The night was cool and crisp, and the stars above them reflected on the water like scattered diamonds.

Once they were far away enough from civilisation, JJ cut the engine as he moved them to lay against the front of the boat. 

You laid down on his chest as he still continued holding your hand, his thumb tracing small circles on your skin. 

"You ever notice how everything feels different out here?" he murmured, his gaze shifting from the water to you. "Like... peaceful. But not boring."

You smiled, feeling your heart flutter. "Yeah, maybe that's why I keep saying yes to these late-night cruises."

JJ gave your hand a small squeeze. "So, not just because of my amazing charm and good looks?"

You laughed, nudging him with your shoulder. "Maybe that, too."

He grinned, pulling your a little closer. "Good answer." Then, with a rare softness, he added, "You know, sometimes I feel like you're the only one who really gets it—all of this. The craziness, the freedom... I don't have to pretend with you."

Luci's heart melted a little at his words, your hand snaking up to his jawline. "That's 'cause I know who you really are, JJ." You glanced up at him, your eyes shining. "You're way more than that, and I like all of it."

JJ's smile softened, his blue eyes searching yours. For a moment, the world felt suspended around them, just the two of them on the water, with nothing but stars and secrets. He leaned in, his voice barely a whisper. "Good, 'cause I'm kinda crazy about you, Y/N."

And before you could say anything, he gently bruyoud his lips against yours.

He pulls away slightly, "I love you."

Y/N snickers and sits up, "I think we should get back home, don't you think?"

He rolls his eyes and pulls you back down to him as you let out a chuckle. You look into his eyes, watching them immediately soften, "you know I love you Maybank."