Outer Banks Imagines ~ JJ and Rafe

JJ ~ Cat's Ass

POV: JJ said he was going to steal from Barry but you weren't comfortable with it so he dropped you off in the middle of nowhere, leaving you there. When you found your way back home, you didn't stay there for long.

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You slammed your foot down on the accelerator, the engine roaring in response as you sped down the winding roads to the Cut. Your heart raced not just from the speed but from emotions churning inside you. Anger simmered, hot and fierce, making you grip the steering wheel tightly as if it were the only thing keeping her grounded.

As you pulled into the gravel driveway, you spotted JJ lounging in a jacuzzi that wasn't there before, his usual carefree demeanor oblivious to the storm brewing inside her.

"JJ!" You shouted, your voice echoing through the air.

Pope whipped around, spotting you striding toward them with purpose. He rushed to intercept you, stopping you in your tracks.

"Wait, Y/N," he said, placing his hands on her shoulders to keep her from moving forward.

"What Pope?!" You yell as his hands fly to your mouth to stop another word from coming out.

"Take a breath and look at him. Really look at him."

Your brows furrowed in confusion as your eyes moved to JJ in the jacuzzi.

JJ... in a jacuzzi???

"You get it now?" Pope asked softly.

You nod slowly as he removed his hand from your mouth. Your anger immediately dissipated. How could you stay angry when JJ was probably feeling ten times worse inside?

You walked past Pope and approached JJ. "JJ..."

"Hey, Y/N. Come to yell at me? Go ahead. Or are you here to apologise? Either way it's okay; I mean, I'm sorry too, so all is forgiven, right?"

"Yeah... um... how much did this cost you?" You asked cautiously, eyeing the tub.

"Uh... well, with the generator, the petrol, and oh, hey, express delivery..." He chuckled. "Pretty much all of it, yeah."

Your jaw dropped slightly. "All of it?"

"Yeah, all of it."

"You spent twenty-five grand in one day?"

"Yeah, burned a hole right through my pocket. But, I mean, come on, guys, look at this! Finest in jet-based massage therapy, that's what they told me."

But your reactions weren't what JJ had hoped. Concern clouded your faces.

"Guys, what?" He turns to look at you, "I mean, you can't understand because you already have everything, but can't a man have a little luxury in life? Come on, all this scrimpin' and scrapin'... I mean, guys, we... you only live once, right? Enough of this emotional shit. Get in the Cat's Ass. Come on!"

"In the what?" Kie asked, confusion etching her features.

"In the Cat's Ass. That's what I named her. Oh, hey, yo, I almost forgot."

He grabbed a remote and clicked a switch, lights illuminating the disco ball above as it began to spin.

"Huh? Yeah, that's right, I know. Disco mode! That's right, baby!"

"Are you kidding me? You could have paid for restitution!" Pope exclaimed.

"Or literally given it to any charity!" Kie added.

"You could have helped us buy supplies to get the rest of the gold out of the well!"

You turned to them, raising your hands in a placating gesture. "Wait, guys, come on—"

"Okay, well, you know what? I didn't do that!" JJ stood up, revealing bruises on his stomach that were now visible to everyone.

Your hand flew to your mouth in shock.

"I got a hot tub! For my friends. I got a hot tub for my friends! You know what? No, screw friends. I got a hot tub for my family!"

"What the hell?" Kiara said breathlessly.

"JJ..."

"I got this for you. Guys, look what I did for you! All right? Look at this! Look at this!"

"JJ..." You repeated, your eyes welling up with tears as you scanned his abdomen.

JJ's voice cracked as he started to cry. "No, Y/N. Stop being emotional. It's fine, okay? I mean, it's sweet, right? Everything... Just get in!"

You stepped into the hot tub, wrapping your arms around him. "It's okay, JJ. We're here for you. I'm here. Just let it all out."

You felt his body slump into you as he began sobbing uncontrollably, holding you tightly. "I just couldn't do it, Y/n. I can't take him anymore! I was gonna kill him. I just want to do the right thing."

"I know. I know," you whispered, comforting him and caressing his wet hair.

"I'm sorry, Y/N." His voice broke, but you both knew he wasn't just apologizing for what happened with his father; he was apologizing for what he did to you earlier today.

"I know, JJ," you said softly, your heart aching for him.

You feel the other's arms wrap around you, comforting JJ as well.