KOOK'S BET ☼ outerbanks

part 18

Lev's POV

I stopped by my house to quickly shower and change into some clean clothes. The sun was just beginning to dip below the horizon by the time I made my way back to the Pogues' beach house.

The drive had been nice. For the first time in what felt like forever, I actually felt at peace. Things were finally okay. We had worked everything out, and I couldn't help but feel relieved knowing I was going back to the people who felt like home.

The sound of laughter and shouting drifted out from inside as I approached the house. That familiar, warm buzz made my chest tighten with a strange mix of relief and nerves.

I hesitated at the door for a second, taking a deep breath before pushing it open.

"Lev!"

Kiara was the first to spot me. Her face immediately lit up as she rushed over and pulled me into a tight hug.

"We missed you."

I laughed softly, hugging her back.

"I missed you guys too."

Pope and JJ appeared behind her, both of them nodding and offering me quick, knowing smiles. JJ's eyes lingered on me a little longer than everyone else's, like he needed to make sure I was really here. Really okay. Really safe.

The Pogues welcomed me back like I'd never been gone.

John B handed me a beer, and I sank down onto the porch steps, letting out a small sigh.

It felt good.

Being back here.

Being surrounded by them.

Like I was finally where I belonged.

But the night wasn't over yet.

Later, after the bonfire had burned down to glowing embers and the stories had quieted, I found myself sitting outside alone, staring up at the stars.

The salty air was cool against my face, and for a moment, everything was peaceful.

Then a shadow fell beside me.

"Lev."

My body stiffened.

I slowly turned my head.

Rafe.

He stood a few feet away, his expression unreadable, like he was trying to decide whether he should come any closer or stay where he was.

My stomach tightened.

"What the fuck are you doing here?" I demanded, my voice immediately rising.

He took a step closer, keeping his voice low.

"You and lover boy made up?"

I stared at him, gripping my beer a little tighter.

I nodded, even though I was about five seconds away from throwing the bottle directly at his head.

"Why the fuck do you care?" I snapped. "Get out of here."

He studied me for a moment before letting out a slow breath, almost like he was releasing some weight he'd been carrying around.

"You just had to make your way back to him."

I scoffed.

"Are you fucking crazy? Do you not remember what you did?"

His eyes darkened.

"I do."

He paused.

"And it worked for a little while."