Outer Banks Imagines ~ JJ and Rafe

JJ ~ Mrs Maybank

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The air was heavy with disbelief as you stood in the backyard of the Chateau, staring at John B. His words echoed in your head, but you refused to let yourself believe them.

"John B," you began, crossing your arms, your tone sharp with incredulity. "I know losing your dad was hard, but isn't pretending he's here on the Island taking it a little too far? Did you take in too much saltwater or something?"

John B didn't respond right away, just stared back at you with that irritatingly smug look on his face—the kind that said he knew something you didn't.

"Hell, I wouldn't believe him either."

The voice cut through the tension like a knife. You froze, your breath catching in your throat. That voice... it couldn't be. Slowly, you turned, the world spinning for a moment as your eyes locked onto the figure standing a few feet away.

Your jaw dropped, words faltering. "Oh my god..."

"My, my, how you've grown, little one." The man's grin stretched wide, his voice tinged with warmth and familiarity. "Hello, Y/N."

"Big John," you whispered, the name catching in your throat. The tears you'd been holding back broke free as you rushed forward, throwing yourself into his arms.

His embrace was strong, grounding you in a way that made the impossible suddenly feel real. You clung to him, your emotions spilling out as tears dampened his shoulder.

When he finally pulled back, placing you firmly on your feet, his hands lingered on your arms as he looked you over. 

"I don't believe this," you said, still breathless, your eyes scanning his face for proof this wasn't some cruel trick.

"It's me," Big John said with a chuckle, his voice steady and certain. "I'm here. I'm back."

You stepped back, still overwhelmed, when a familiar presence enveloped you from behind. JJ's arms wrapped around your waist, his hand finding yours instinctively. You smiled through the tears, placing your hand over his as if to ground yourself further.

Big John's gaze shifted, his eyes twinkling with recognition as he looked between you and JJ. "That's right," he said knowingly, his smile widening. "It's Mrs. Maybank now, huh?"

You nodded, the joy finally breaking through your disbelief as you grinned up at JJ.

Big John's face filled with pride as he crossed his arms. "I always knew it would be you two."

JJ's grip on you tightened, his chin brushing your shoulder as he smiled at Big John. "Took us long enough, didn't it?"

Big John laughed, the sound rich and full of life. "Well, the best things always do."