𝐒𝐓𝐘𝐋𝐄 || 𝐉𝐉 𝐌𝐀𝐘𝐁𝐀𝐍𝐊

𝐓𝐖𝐎

THE CHATEAU was quiet except for the faint creak of the ceiling fan and the distant rumble of thunder from the storm that had just passed. John B stirred on the floor, wincing as he stretched out his stiff back. He shoved a hoodie out from under his head and groaned, rubbing at the ache in his neck.

"My back," he muttered, sitting up. "Oh, man. That's no good."

The room was a disaster. Beer cans and chip bags were scattered across the floor, and damp towels hung limply over chairs. On the couch, JJ was sprawled out, a beer can balanced on his chest and one leg hanging off the edge. He didn't stir as John B stood up, cracking his back.

"Yo, JJ," John B called, rubbing his face. "You alive?"

JJ groaned without moving.

John B snorted, shuffling to the kitchen. He flipped the light switch, though he already knew what to expect. Nothing. He sighed, opening the fridge briefly before slamming it shut when the smell of spoiled food hit him. "No power? Great. This just keeps getting better."

JJ finally stirred, rolling his head to look at John B. "You been outside yet?"

"Nah," John B replied, heading to the window and pushing aside the blinds. "You?"

JJ flopped back dramatically. "I have polio, bro. I can't walk."

John B ignored him, squinting at the yard outside. It was a wreck-branches, leaves, and pieces of debris were scattered everywhere. Beyond that, the marsh shimmered in the humid morning light.

"Agatha did some work, huh?" John B said, more to himself than to JJ.

JJ groaned, still sprawled out. "Yeah, she did. Crazy lady."

John B squinted at the marsh, his mind already turning. "You think that storm surge pushed all the crabs out into the marsh maze?"

JJ cracked one eye open. "What?"

"I'm serious," John B said, turning to face him. "Storm pushes the crabs out. Drum chase the crabs. It's God telling us to fish, man."

JJ groaned again, finally sitting up and running a hand through his hair. "Fine. But you owe me."

.·:*¨༺ ༻¨*:·.

Not long after, the HMS Pogue skimmed across the marsh, the faint sound of the motor cutting through the humid stillness. The sun reflected off the water, and birds called from the mangroves as they passed by. They pulled up to the dock at Avery's house, where she was sitting on the edge, legs crossed as she watched them approach.

Avery was wearing a white bikini top and low black shorts, her tan skin catching the sunlight. Her dark hair was loose, falling in soft waves down her back. She leaned back on her hands, sunglasses perched on her nose, looking completely unfazed by the storm's aftermath.

"You're late," Avery called as the boat slowed to a stop near the dock.

"We're early," JJ shot back, smirking as he leaned against the side of the boat. "And you're lucky we even showed up."

"You're lucky I'm here," Avery retorted, standing up. "You guys owe me for making me wait."

"Oh, sure," JJ said, hopping onto the dock to steady the boat. "You're always so easy to please."

"Easier than you are," Avery quipped, stepping past him and into the boat. She dropped into a seat, ignoring JJ's wide grin.

"Hey, Miss Amy!" John B called towards one of the neighbors. "You guys get through it?"

Miss Amy waved at him, a tired smile on her face. "Still here!"

JJ elbowed John B, grinning. "She totally just checked me out."