Outer Banks Imagines ~ JJ and Rafe

JJ ~ i don't have a choice baby

✦ . 　⁺ 　 . ✦ . 　⁺ 　 . ✦

You stumble into the middle of the crypt, your breath ragged, heart pounding. JJ had gotten the crown—but where was he now?

Groff stands over him, a shadow, his presence blocking everything else. You're barely aware of Kiara beside you, but you're focused on the only thing that matters—JJ. You watch Groff leave and was about to move, to rush to him, but a hand grabs your arm.

It's him—JJ, holding you back, weak, his grip desperate.

"What are you doing? We need to—"

Your words are torn from you, swallowed up by the agony on his face. You follow his eyes down, and your stomach turns. His hand is pressed against his side, the red darkening his shirt, the blood dripping steadily onto the stone floor.

"Oh my God," you gasp, and before you know it, you're there—catching him and propping him up toward the nearest pillar. "JJ!" Your hands hover uselessly over the wound, panic setting in. "No, no, no..."

"It's okay. It's okay," he rasps, but it's all wrong. His voice is too soft, too weak, a cough rattling in his chest as his eyes flutter.

You look up at Kiara, the horror in your voice barely contained. "What happened?"

"Groff. It was Groff."

Kiara's words are fractured, terrified, but it's all you need to know. You turn back to JJ, and the sight of him—pale, gasping for air—hits you like a physical blow.

"JJ," you whisper, voice trembling as your hands cover the blood, "Hey. Hey. Look at me, okay? Look at me, you're gonna be okay. You're gonna make it." Your voice cracks, a sob rising in your chest. "Kie, go—go get John B! Get anyone!"

She doesn't hesitate, running off, but you can't look away from JJ. You can't.

"JJ. Please. You're not going anywhere, do you hear me? I need you here. Our baby needs you." Your words are desperate, broken, your chest tightening with every word.

His eyes meet yours, and he smiles—a small, faint, bittersweet smile. It's almost too much to bear. "I love you, Y/N," he whispers, and the words feel like a goodbye, even though you can't accept it.

"No, no, no," you say, shaking your head, shaking him, "Keep your eyes open, JJ. Look at me, please. Please. Stay with me."

He lifts a hand, weakly cupping your cheek. "Tell me you love me."

You nod, tears falling freely now, a river of grief you can't stop. "You know I love you. I'll always love you, JJ Maybank."

A shudder runs through him. He tries to smile again, but it falters, his breath shallow. "I never told you my wish," he murmurs.

"What? No, no—JJ. You don't have to—" You start to argue, but he's already fading, his voice barely a whisper.

"I already got it... I already got my wish... It's you, Y/N. It's always been you." His words hit you like an avalanche, and you can barely breathe. You clutch him tighter, the pain searing through you.

"JJ, please," you cry, your voice broken, "Please, don't leave me. I need you here with me. I need you."

His hand is trembling his thumb grazes your cheek. He struggles to speak, but each word comes slower, harder. "I don't have a choice, baby," he whispers, barely audible. "But... I get to die knowing... I was loved... not just by anyone... by you, Y/N L/N. And that... that's more than I could've ever dreamed of." His hand falls away, and you try to grab it, but he's already slipping away. "It's never gonna get better than this."