𝐒𝐓𝐘𝐋𝐄 || 𝐉𝐉 𝐌𝐀𝐘𝐁𝐀𝐍𝐊

𝐅𝐈𝐕𝐄

THE POGUES were sprawled across the dock of the Chateau, the quiet hum of cicadas and the gentle lapping of water against the pilings filling the air. The golden light of the setting sun washed over them, casting long shadows and turning the water a deep, shimmering orange. Avery leaned back on her elbows at the edge of the dock, her legs dangling lazily over the side, denim shorts riding just above her tanned legs. Her bikini top revealed just enough to catch JJ's eye every now and then, though he tried not to make it obvious.

John B paced as usual, full of restless energy. "All right, so think about it, Pope. How does a marina rat get a Grady-White?"

JJ, perched next to Avery with his feet crossed at the ankles, took a long inhale of the joint he'd just lit. He exhaled dramatically, smirking. "Prostitution. Square groupers, bro."

Avery snorted, shaking her head. "Every time with the square groupers, JJ."

"Hey, it's a legitimate theory," he said, turning to her with a grin. "You got a better one?"

Pope ignored them, lost in thought. "Okay, flying under the radar, no aerial surveillance."

"They don't do that stuff during a hurricane," Kie added from where she lay stretched out on her back, her fingers tracing idle patterns in the air.

John B stopped mid-step, turning to JJ. "What does that mean?"

JJ leaned forward, gesturing with the joint like it was a pointer. "They were straight smugglin'. Smugglin'," he emphasized, as if it were the most obvious thing in the world.

"And I guarantee there's a serious amount of contraband in that wreck," John B said, his voice rising with excitement.

"For the record," Pope interrupted, raising a finger, "if that is a smuggling ship with illegal contraband inside of it..."

JJ turned to him, eyes narrowing playfully. "Mm-hmm?"

"...it probably belongs to someone else," Pope finished.

Kie dismissed the concern with a wave. "Minor details. They could come looking for it."

"Taking it would be catastrophically stupid," Pope added, his tone serious.

"Right," JJ said with a slow grin, taking another drag from his joint. "Well, stupid things have good outcomes all the time." He looked at Avery for backup, his grin widening. "Isn't that right, Ave?"

Avery tilted her head, feigning consideration. "I mean, you are still alive somehow, so you might be onto something."

JJ barked a laugh and nudged her with his elbow. "See? She gets it."

"All we need to do is figure out a way to get into the cargo hold of that wreck," JJ declared, confidence dripping from every word.

"Until then," Pope cut in, his voice strained with exasperation, "we just lay low. Just act normal."

Avery sat up, crossing her arms. "And how exactly do we do that?"

Kie smirked. "Kegger?"

By the time they made it to the kegger, the sun had fully set, leaving the beach illuminated by the flickering orange glow of a bonfire. The air was thick with the smell of salt, smoke, and cheap beer, the sounds of music and laughter rolling over the sand.

JJ stayed close to Avery, carrying two beers in hand. "For you, m'lady," he said, presenting one with an exaggerated bow.

Avery took it with a smirk. "Chivalry isn't dead after all."

"Nah," JJ said, taking a long drink from his own can. "It's just drunk."

The two found a spot on an old log near the edge of the crowd, their faces lit faintly by the firelight. JJ lit another joint and took a drag, offering it to Avery.

She raised an eyebrow but took it, the faint touch of her fingers brushing against his.

"You've been quiet," Avery said, tilting her head to look at him. "That's not like you."

"Just thinking," JJ said, trying to sound casual.

"That's dangerous," she teased, bumping his shoulder with hers.

JJ chuckled, shaking his head. "Nah, just... wondering why you hang out with us idiots."

Avery laughed softly, taking another drag from the joint before passing it back. "Who else would I hang out with? The Kooks?"

JJ rolled his eyes. "Hell no. You're too good for those assholes."

Avery smirked, leaning closer. "Good thing I've got you to protect me then, huh?"

JJ's grin faltered for a split second, his eyes meeting hers. "Always, Ave."

Across the bonfire, John B spotted Sarah and Topper approaching. JJ saw them too and stood, grabbing a fresh beer from the cooler.

"Sarah," JJ called, holding the beer up. "Can I interest you in a tasty Milwaukee beverage?"

Sarah glanced at him briefly. "No, thanks."

JJ tilted his head, his grin widening. "Is it not fancy enough for you?"

Sarah looped her arm through Topper's, clearly unimpressed. "We were just leaving."

Topper stepped forward with a smug grin. "Hey, you know what? I'll take it. Thanks, man. I appreciate it."

JJ's smile hardened. "That's nice, but I didn't ask you."

"If you said 'pretty please,' maybe," JJ continued, his tone sharp, "but you didn't."

Topper sneered, smacking the beer out of JJ's hand. The can hit the sand with a wet thud, foam spraying everywhere.

JJ didn't hesitate. He shoved Topper hard, sending him stumbling back a step.

Topper regained his balance and sneered. "Dirty Pogues!"

Before JJ could react, John B charged forward, tackling Topper to the ground. The crowd erupted, forming a chaotic circle around the fight as fists flew.

Avery stood abruptly, her eyes darting between JJ and the scuffle. "JJ, do something!"

JJ's jaw tightened, but he stayed rooted in place, his eyes narrowing as he watched.

The fight spilled into the shallow water, the splashes loud as John B and Topper grappled. Topper managed to get the upper hand, forcing John B's face into the water.

"Don't make me drown you like your old man," Topper snarled, his voice dripping with venom.

JJ's expression darkened instantly. He pulled the gun from his waistband and clicked the safety off with a deliberate snap, stepping forward.

"Yeah, you know what that is," JJ said coldly, his voice cutting through the chaos. "Your move, broski."

Topper froze, his hands immediately shooting up in surrender. "Chill, dude!"

JJ's smirk returned, sharp and menacing. "Didn't hear you say 'pretty please.'"

The crowd fell silent as JJ raised the gun, the weight of his words settling over the group.

"Everyone, listen up!" JJ shouted, his voice commanding. "Get the hell off our side of the island!"

Topper stumbled back, dragging Sarah with him as the Kooks scattered in all directions.

Back near the log, Avery approached JJ, her arms crossed and a pointed look on her face. "You're insane, you know that?"

JJ grinned, tucking the gun back into his waistband. "Yeah, but you like it."

Avery rolled her eyes but couldn't fight the small smile tugging at her lips. "You owe me a new beer, Maybank."

JJ laughed, throwing an arm around her shoulders as they walked back toward the others. "Done. Anything else, m'lady?"

"Just don't shoot anyone next time," Avery replied dryly.

"No promises," JJ said, his grin widening. "No promises at all."

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