jarah oneshots❤️‍🩹

finally home

When they finally returned to the Outer Banks, it didn't feel the same. The salty air was still there, the sunsets still blazed with orange and pink, and the waves still crashed against the shore—but the Pogues weren't the same. Too much had happened in Lisbon. JJ's death had left a hole in their group that nothing could fill. It was like they were all moving through life in slow motion, weighed down by the grief they carried.

Kiara hadn't said much since she killed Chandler. She didn't have to. The look in her eyes spoke volumes. She had done what she had to do, and they all knew it, but it didn't make it any easier. Cleo had been the one to hold her afterward, whispering that she wasn't alone. None of them were.

The Blue Crown had brought them more money than they ever dreamed of, but it felt empty at first, sitting there like a reminder of all they had lost. Still, they knew they had to keep moving. They clung to each other, rebuilding their lives piece by piece.

The Pogues worked tirelessly to piece their lives back together. Pope had finally cleared things with the police, which was no small feat. His calm logic and determination had saved them once again. Meanwhile, Sarah and Rafe—an unlikely duo—had joined forces to reclaim their father's inheritance. Rafe was far from redeemed in everyone's eyes, but he seemed to genuinely want to make amends with his sister. Together, they managed to secure the fortune Ward had left behind, splitting it in a way that allowed Sarah to finally feel like she was taking control of her own life.

The Pogues also reclaimed Poguelandia 2.0, setting up their old sanctuary that felt like home. It was a bittersweet victory, but having a base where they could all gather brought them a sense of comfort. Kiara, Pope, and Cleo decided to move in together there, their bond stronger than ever after everything they had endured.

For John B and Sarah, the focus was on rebuilding the Chateau. They wanted it to be their home again, this time as a family. The Pogues pitched in, hammering nails, painting walls, and even planting flowers out front. Every inch of the house became a testament to their resilience and their love for one another.

The day John B and Sarah got legally married was simple but perfect. It wasn't about the fanfare; it was about standing with the people who mattered most. Pope officiated, Cleo and Kiara made toasts that had everyone laughing and crying, and they ended the night under the stars, reminiscing about JJ and the adventures that had brought them there.

By the time the nursery was ready to be decorated, Sarah was eight months pregnant, her belly so big that even getting off the couch had become an Olympic event. John B was constantly by her side, ready to catch her if she stumbled or to help her tie her shoes when she couldn't reach.

"Okay, everyone, let's focus!" John B clapped his hands, trying to organize the chaos in what was about to become their baby girl's bedroom.

The room was really bright, sunlight streaming through the window that overlooked the yard. The walls were freshly primed and ready for their first coat of light flamingo pink paint. Furniture pieces—still in their boxes—were stacked in the corner, waiting to be assembled.

Sarah stood in the doorway, her hand resting on her enormous belly as she watched everyone bustle about. Her cheeks were flushed, and her golden hair was pulled into a loose bun. "It's perfect already," she said softly, her other hand brushing the doorframe.

"Not yet, but it will be," John B replied, crossing the room to kiss her forehead. "And you're sitting down. No arguing."

Sarah rolled her eyes but let him guide her to the rocking chair Cleo had already set up in the corner. "Fine. But only because I'm supervising."

"That's what captains do," Kiara teased, dipping her paint roller into a tray of pink paint. "Direct the chaos."

"Chaos? Us?" Pope quipped, carefully unfolding a blueprint he'd drawn for the star mural he was planning.

Cleo grabbed another roller, smirking. "Let's just hope your stars don't look like blobs."

"Trust the vision," Pope said with mock seriousness. "It's gonna be magical."

As Kiara and Cleo started on the walls, Pope moved to the opposite corner of the room, where he began sketching constellations in golden yellow paint. He traced the outlines of stars, his steady hand ensuring each one was placed with care.

"Stars on one wall, ocean vibes everywhere else," John B explained, pulling out a box filled with decorations they had collected over the past few months. "We've got seashell garlands, starfish, driftwood mobiles..."

"And fairy lights," Kiara chimed in, holding up a box of twinkling lights. "They're going around the crib."

Sarah smiled, watching the room transform. "She's going to feel like she's sleeping under the stars by the ocean," she said, her voice filled with emotion. "It's perfect."

As the walls dried, Cleo and Kiara began assembling the white crib while John B carefully hung a canopy of sheer, sparkly fabric above it. It billowed gently, almost like a wave frozen mid-crash.

"What about this?" Cleo asked, holding up a string of seashells they had collected.

"Wrap it around the canopy frame," John B suggested. "Make it look like it's dripping with shells."

Pope stepped back from his mural, dusting his hands off. "Okay, guys, constellation wall is done. What do we think?"

Everyone turned to look. The wall was dotted with constellations outlined in a golden yellow. Pope had included well-known constellations such as Orion and the Big Dipper, but the biggest and most eye-catching star was the North Star, their North Star. Where everything revolves around, which guides everyone home. Their baby was their North Star.

"Pope, it's amazing," Sarah said, her voice soft as she ran her hand over her belly. "I love it so much."

"And it glows in the dark," Pope added with a grin.

Kiara groaned playfully. "Alright, overachiever."

"Speaking of glowing," Cleo interrupted, plugging in the string of fairy lights that now framed the crib. The tiny bulbs twinkled softly, casting the room in a warm glow.

John B stood back, taking it all in. The light flamingo pink walls, the constellation mural, the soft white furniture, and the little beachy details—the driftwood mobile, the shell garlands, and a plush octopus sitting in the crib. It was a perfect blend of the beach and the stars, girly but unique.

Finally, it was done. The Pogues stepped back to admire their work, the room glowing softly in the fading afternoon light.

Kiara sniffled dramatically. "Okay, this is too sweet. I'm gonna cry."

"Don't worry, I'll cry for all of us," Sarah said with a laugh, wiping at her eyes.

John B kissed her temple, his voice soft and full of love. "We did good, babe. She's gonna love it here."

"And she's gonna have the best parents," Cleo added, giving them a warm smile.

Sarah looked around the room, taking in every detail, every ounce of love poured into it. "She's going to have the best family and guardian angel," she corrected, looking at all of them.

The Pogues exchanged smiles, their hearts full.

"Alright," John B said, clapping his hands again. "Now who's ready for pizza? Baby decorating crew deserves a feast."

"Only if you're buying," Pope said, smirking.

"Deal," John B replied, laughing. He glanced at Sarah. "You okay, babe?"

"More than okay," Sarah said, her hands resting on her belly as she looked around the room one last time. "I'm finally  home."