you're on your own, kid... obx

072. family reunions

JJ drives up to Barracuda Mike's dock. Zack quickly hops out and ties the boat off, the two making their way down the dock.

"Barracuda!" JJ shouts. Mike's dog barks. They see the man working on his ATV. "Hey, Big B, what are you doing with that thing? You see the storm coming?"

"I see it coming. I ain't afraid of a little rain." Mike says.

"Well, uh... just wanted to ask you something." JJ says. "Trying to track down the pops. You, uh... wouldn't know where he might be, would you?"

"The last I heard he was somewhere south of Belize." Mike says.

"I mean, like, shit, I know he's asking--"

"I ain't seen him, bro. He's a wanted man, and I'm a law abiding citizen." Mike says.

"Sure you are. Right." JJ mutters, letting out a humorless chuckle, and Zack rolls his eyes.  "Shame. Because the thing is, uh, well... we got something of his. We're just trying to sell it, you know? Could be worth a mint too. So, uh... if he comes up for air, just let us know. It's gonna be mad money for him and maybe a little for you, as well. So, let us know."

JJ nods to Zack, the two starting to walk off.

"Wait." Mike calls and they stop. JJ gives his brother a quick, smug grin before he turns back to Mike. "I ain't seen him. I can get him a message, maybe." He holds his phone out. "Put your digits in there." 

"Thank you very much." JJ says, typing his number in. The dog continues to bark. "Your dog ever shut up?"

"Please don't say anything about my dog."

"All right. So, just, like, wait around?" JJ asks, giving Mike his phone back.

"Yeah, hang out by the dock and I'll see if he pings." Mike says.

"You wanna die, don't you?" Zack remarks as the twins make their way down the dock.

"What do you mean?" JJ asks.

"Lying to people like Barracuda Mike, shit like that." Zack says.

"We'll say the thing didn't sell." JJ shrugs. "You think too much, Zacky."

"You think too little, doofus." Zack mutters, shoving him.

+++

Kie and Finn are sitting at a table on the ferry, the others elsewhere.

"Do you guys just, like... always go headfirst into danger?" Finn questions.

"Usually." Kie shrugs. "Why? Nervous?" She asks with a slightly teasing smile.

"No." Finn frowns. "Just... freaked out."

"Freaked out and nervous are pretty much the same thing." Kie remarks.

"They are not." Finn argues.

"They are." Kie counters, nodding. 

"Whatever." Finn grumbles.

"It'll be fine." Kie assures. "We haven't been killed yet."

"Key word being "yet."" Finn comments.

"We'll be fine." Kie promises. "And, once again, if you don't want in, you don't have to participate. None of us would judge you. I mean, you weren't there any of the other times, we'd get the hesitation. I would understand."

"No, no, I don't-- I don't wanna sit out." Finn says. "But, uh, you know, say I do get killed..."

"Mm-hmm?"

"Who do I throw under the bus for my parents to get mad at? Cause I don't need them scolding me when I'm dead, they should scold one of you alive people." Finn says and Kie laughs.