Requested by @thatpremedicinestudent “Can you do a Topper x Reader where Topper gets jealous of the Reader being friends with JJ because he’s scared he’ll lose her to him like he did Sarah to John B? Thanks!!”
Warning- Talks of smoking and drinking, swearing, light angst, fluff
———-
It felt weird being on figure eight. The air you breathed was the same, the sun shone just as bright and burned just as hot, you were surrounded by the same ocean.
There were many differences, too many to name and not get mad at. But the biggest difference was the people. There were assholes on both sides, mainly on figure eight, but you’ve managed to find an exception that none of your friends agreed on.
“What’s considered as a Pogue emergency?” You ask JJ from the hammock. “Because the last time you said that, you were just out of weed.”
JJ smirks and looks to you from his hammock beside you to answer you. “That was an emergency. And if I remember correctly you smoked with me that same day. So it ended up working.”
You scoff and shake your head. “Just answer me because I ran out of my house thinking you were in trouble.”
“This,” JJ answers with a smug grin, “is a pogue emergency.” He lifts the empty pack of beer from the ground and shows it off to you before pointing at the both of you with his beer in hand. “And well can’t I miss a friend? You’re always off with Topper, we hardly see you anymore. You’ve abandoned us.”
“I have not.” You shake your head. “I just have a boyfriend to think about now and he lives on the other side of this Island.”
“Then leave him,” JJ says simply as he falls back on the hammock. “It’d be easier.”
You ignore his comment and put your empty can down. They all liked to make snarky comments about your relationships with Topper, the main one being JJ. You didn’t get mad at them, knowing how their relationship was with him and the rest of figure eight. And if it weren’t for the time you spent working at the same charity event with Topper, you’d be one the same page.
“Really y/n,” JJ says as he sits up, “what are we going to do about this.” He picks up the empty beer box and throws it to you. When you catch it, you just throw it back down.
“Go sober.” You remark with a faint smirk.
“Haha,” JJ feigns a laugh. “Hilarious.”
You grin and sit up as well. “We can go to my house. My dad has something we can drink there.”
——
“This is why we need you,” JJ praises you. “You always have great solutions.”
“Yeah,” you grin, “I know I’m great.” You throw the front door open and walk out of your house with JJ in tow, albeit as you walk out to your front porch you spot Topper driving in, and minutes later see him hopping out of his car with his eyes dead set on JJ right behind you.
“Oh,” JJ whispered while he brought the bottle to his lips, “well, I’m going to be inside.” He swings around and marches back inside your house leaving you to meet Topper half way.
“Hey—”
“I thought we were meeting up today at my house,” Topper cuts you off whilst his eyes flicker to you. “I’ve been calling you.”
“Yeah sorry my phone's dead,” you explain, “and well JJ wanted to hangout. I was going to call, sorry.” You try to grab his arm but he just takes a step back away from you while he lets out a frustrated deep breath. “You want to stay? We were just going to hangout by the beach.”
“No,” he deadpans, “I’ll just leave you two be.” His eyes drag up to your house where JJ was before he turns on his heels and begins to storm back to his car. You roll your eyes and follow after him, stopping him before he could close his car door.
“Don’t be like that,” you argue, “just stay. He won’t say anything.” You try to offer him an assuring smile, but he avoids looking at your face. “Topper, come on.”
“We’ll talk later.” He mutters in a serious and upset tone.
You part your lips to continue protesting against his leave, but he was too upset. Nothing good would come out in this situation with him as upset as he is, so you step back and let him go. After that though, you couldn’t really sit well with yourself knowing Topper had left upset. Yet you also didn’t like that he was upset because you were hanging out with your longtime friend. It was stupid that he got mad, he knew JJ and rest of your friends were your friends a long time before you became his friend, so you didn’t understand why it bothered him so much. He should understand.
Either way you couldn’t end your day upset.
‘Can I go over?’
After a few seconds that your message delivered, your phone went off.
Topper: I’m outside your window.
You smile and hop off your bed to rush to your window and throw the curtains open to see him standing outside. He notices the light shine out your window, and when he sees you he steps towards your window, but after you open it you block his path with a mischievous grin. “Oh, wow, you drove to The Cut at night? I’m touched you risked your life, pretty boy.” You joke as you lean forward and poke your head out your window. “Hi.”
“Are you going to let me in?”
You shrug. “Should I? You were being kind of a douche today.” You place your hands on the window sill and tilt your head. “Are you good to talk?”
Topper holds your gaze and nods, letting you step back and stand to the side to watch him climb in through your window. When he stands in the middle of your room you walk back and sit on the edge of your bed and wait for him to talk first. However it takes him a few minutes to do so.
“I’m sorry, I was being an asshole when I came over.” He began to explain with his eyes on the floor. “I was just annoyed that you didn’t come when you said you would, and you also didn’t answer your phone.”
“Hmm,” you hum whilst you nod and cross your arms over your chest. “What else?”
Topper shakes his head. “That’s all. I’m sorry.” He meets your gaze but you don’t give an assurance that you were fine with just half of an explanation. “What?” His eyes narrow on you.
“You were mad about something else,” you add, “you’re always bothered by JJ. It was obvious today. Why?”
“No reason,” he lies as he walks to sit beside you, noticing the picture of the both of you on your nightstand.
“Please, tell me, I can’t have you angry at me everytime I’m with friends. I mean,” you sigh. “I love and care about all of you. I won’t leave one to be with the other. I won’t choose. I just need you to know that. I need you to be okay with that.”
Topper nods and doesn’t hesitate to part his lips and speak what’s on his mind. “I understand, I just,” he pauses and just as he had made eye contact, he briefly looks away to gather the truth behind his anger. “…Don’t want to lose you. I love you.” He reveals while he meets your surprised gaze. “…And I’m scared to lose you. I mean you’ve known your friends for a long time, I just came into your life as a friend. That’s why I get bothered even when I shouldn’t.”
You stay speechless for a minute before you exhale deeply and cup his cheek first. “You have nothing to be scared about.” You offer him a small assuring smile and lean closer to him. “I love you. They’re just my friends, they’re like family. I wouldn't leave you.”
Topper wraps his hand around your wrist and his lips tugs to a small smile before he leans in and presses a gentle kiss on your lips. You cup his other cheek and pull him in for a deeper kiss that lasted a moment before he parted away, but remained close. “Promise?” He murmured to your lips.
“To every star in the sky.” You assure him sweetly while you caress his cheeks. “I promise.”
Inspired by: Happier Than Ever by Billie Eilish & Traitor by Olivia Rodrigo (the musician in me mashes these songs together EVERY TIME I listen to them so I couldn’t not base a fic off of parts from them)
Pairing: Rafe Cameron x reader, platonic Topper Thornton x reader
Warnings: Angst (naturally), cursing
———————
I don’t relate to you,
I don’t relate to you
Cause I’d never treat me this shitty,
you make me hate this city.
“Don’t you get it Y/n?” Rafe spits, his voice malicious and condescending. The patronizing smirk on his face makes my blood turn cold. Every part of me wants to cower under his gaze but I stand tall, refusing to let him win. “You and me? We’re the same.” His words send a wave of fury right through me, tauntingly twisting the imaginary knife that he’d already embedded in my chest.
“We,” I laugh incredulously, gesturing between the two of us, “are not the same. Don’t play it up like you’ve had to deal with anything near the shit that you’ve put me through.”
“The shit that I’ve put you through,” he repeats mockingly, licking his lips as his hand moves to swipe the hair from his face. “Well sweetheart, if I’m so bad, why’d you keep coming back, huh? I’ve allegedly “mistreated you so much” but you’ve always stayed. What does that say about you? You’re so desperate to be needed that every time shit hits the fan, you come crawling back for more because you’re terrified of being alone. You’ve proven to be pathetic and needy in this whole scenario so don’t put all of this shit on me.” His words are all that’s needed to send the knife ripping through me completely, leaving every ounce of pent up emotion pouring out of me uncontrollably until all that’s left is an almost intolerable pain that’s impossible to escape.
“You’re such an asshole,” I snarl, shoving his shoulders so that he’ll back up. My anger brings a round of infuriated, involuntary tears as I glare at him venomously. “Have you ever thought for a single moment that maybe, just maybe, the reason why I’ve put up with all of your shit is because I genuinely think that you deserve to be loved. Maybe I wanted to be the one person that shows you that you don’t have to follow messed up conditions in order to prove that you’re worth loving. Dammit Rafe, have you ever thought about the fact that the reason I’ve stayed for this is because, despite everything we’ve been through, I’ve loved you too much to walk out on you like everyone else has?” My chest heaves as the last of the words roll off of my tongue. My heart beats against my ribcage so ferociously that I’m convinced Rafe can hear it even standing a few feet away. The hard look on his face falters for a brief second, so quickly that it was almost unnoticeable, before hardening again.
“I’m not a charity case, Y/n,” he spits, "This idea that you have about fixing me? I don't want it. I never wanted it. You can take your hero complex about fixing the broken boy elsewhere."
"Rafe, that's not-, what are you saying?" I stutter, baffled by the coldness in his tone.
"God, do I have to spell it out for you?" He laughs, running his hand through his hair. "Don't come crawling back this time, it's pathetic."
I freeze under his heartless glare, trying to utter out anything, wanting to scream at him for being so stupid, for being so cold. He watches my struggle for a moment before his lips curl into a carefree smile and he pushes past me to exit the house without another word.
Cause I don’t talk shit about you on the internet,
never told anyone anything bad.
"Have you seen it?" Kelce questions, taking a swig of the drink in his hand as he sits down in between you and Topper. You look at Topper, expecting him to reply but notice the glare he’s sending in Kelce’s way, shaking his head in attempt to get him to keep his mouth shut.
“What are you talking about?” I ask, turning back towards Kelce with a quizzical look on my face. He opens his mouth to speak but Topper quickly cuts in.
“Kelce, don’t,” he interjects in an attempt to keep Kecle quiet which only adds to my confusion.
“No, I want to know,” I state, giving Topper a stern look. “What are you talking about Kelce?” I face him, leaning forward in my chair as he pulls his phone out.
“It’s just Rafe,” he begins, seemingly a little uncomfortable by the inevitable tension at the table. Topper sighs next to me, his arm carelessly thrown across the back of my chair. “He’s been posting all of this stuff about you online and I thought you should know.”
“What kind of stuff?” This is when Kelce freezes, clearly regretting bringing anything up. He glances as Topper as a way of asking for assistance before I roll my eyes in annoyance. “I want to know.”
“Fine, here,” he submits, cautiously handing his phone ever before sinking back into his chair. I curl into my chair, scrolling through countless posts online about me. Each of them consisting of false stories, hateful remarks, and digs on my character. All of which made me sink further and further into myself at how cruel he’s being. It’s only been a week and it seems that Rafe decided not to waste any time when it comes to dragging my name through the mud.
“Okay, I think that’s enough. Thanks Kelce,” Topper cuts in, snagging the phone from my hands to prevent me from getting worked up further. “Are you okay?”
“Why would he do that? The things he’s saying aren’t even true and he’s posted them for the entire island to see if they want to,” I breathe, trying to refrain from crying in front of the boys but my heart aches. Even after the breakup Rafe’s still managing to worsen our relationship, continually twisting the knife in my chest as if breaking my heart wasn’t enough. “I’ve never shared the shit he’s done, the shit he’s put me through over the last year. I’ve always defended him when anyone has tried to dig for information. Yet, he’s spreading all of the dirty laundry when I’m not the one to blame?”
“Rafe’s a jackass Y/n. This is just another shitty way that he’s trying to get under your skin. Everyone on the island knows that he’s deranged, they’re not going to believe anything he says about you,” Topper’s arm rests on my shoulder now, his voice steady and reassuring. Kelce silently nods in agreement, clearly feeling bad for ever bringing anything up.
“I’m sorry, Y/n, I really shouldn’t have brought it up. I know how bad you’re hurt in this situation, but I thought you deserved to know,” Kelce apologizes, a sympathetic look displayed on his face.
“It’s okay Kelce. I’m glad you told me,” I assure him, though my statement isn’t all that true. I would’ve much rather gone without knowing what Rafe is saying about me. The lies that he’s spreading. Especially knowing that even after after everything, I’ve never uttered negative words about him to anyone else.
“Come on Y/n, let’s get you home,” Topper hums, offering his hand as he pushes himself out of his chair. I gladly accept it, allowing him to pull me behind him as we make our way to his car.
Cause that shit’s embarrassing,
you were my everything and all you did
was make me fuckin’ sad.
The ride back to my house is silent for several minutes. Topper grips the steering wheel tightly, clearly trying to find the right words to say while my mind grapples with the harsh words plastered all over Rafe’s social media. I hug my knees to my chest, a quiet sigh escaping my lips as I stare at the view of Figure Eight passing by.
“Are you okay?” He asks finally, breaking the somber silence and pulling me away from my mind. I glance at him and utter a pathetic smile, keeping in mind that Rafe and Topper used to be joined at the hip. “You don’t have to pretend with me, you know? I was close with Rafe for years, just like you. I know how he operates and I also know that you deserve a hell of a lot better than how he treated you.” An empty sigh leaves my lips just before I spare him a glance, tearing my eyes away from the passing view.
“It’s just embarrassing, Top. I mean, I genuinely love, loved, him. The hurts, the frustrations, the arguments didn’t matter to me because, at the end of the day, I loved the absolute hell out of him. He was my everything and all that he’s ever done is shown me that he’s never deserved to be. I just feel so stupid,” I explain, letting a few stray tears slip from my eyes. Humiliation eats away at me, thinking back to all of the times that I pushed through the bullshit because I loved him. Topper pulls up in front of my house, throwing his keep in park before turning to face me with a serious expression.
“Y/n, look at me,” he breathes, gently tilting my head towards him. “You are a lot of things, but you are not stupid. Rafe is an idiot for not being man enough to see how special you are and how lucky he is that you ever gave him a chance. Don’t let his childish actions and inability to see a good thing when he’s got it change how you perceive yourself. He doesn’t deserve the satisfaction.”
“Thank you, Top,” I state with genuine gratitude. “It’s going to take time, but you’re absolutely right.”
“Of course,” he extends his arms and I gladly accept the hug. “And you know, if you need anything. Don’t hesitate to call, I’ve got you.” I nod in agreement, shooting him a thankful smile before exiting the car to make the short trek up to my house.
—
You betrayed me,
and I know that you’ll never feel sorry,
for the way I hurt.
Days pass and I find myself glued to my phone, my eyes scanning over the plethora of digs towards me placed on the internet. Each post hurting me further, a simple reminder of the ways in which Rafe had willingly betrayed me in our time together.
As I scroll through the comments and the digs, my eyes freeze on a photo he'd posted just hours prior. He's planted confidently on Ward's fancy Yacht, a bottle of his favorite liquor clutched in each hand as he smirks at the camera without a care in the world.
A sad sigh escapes me as the realization sets in that he's truly unaffected by the fact that I'd finally chosen to leave, that he's finally free of the burden our relationship always seemed to be to him.
It's in that moment that I realize just how little he actually cared and how easy it is for him to forget the immense amount of time we'd spent together. He'd never taken time to genuinely apologize for all of the times where he'd lashed out at me while coming down from a high or openly flirted with another girl while I was standing right next to him. That's when the realization that I'd completely given myself away to someone so cruel, to someone who only cared about themself and what they wanted. That I'd wholeheartedly given myself away to a man that simply took my heart and mindlessly stomped on it to show how stupid I was for doing so. That's when the hurt set in that he'd never loved me, and that he'd never feel bad for the way that he treated me while I fell into the trap of completely losing myself in order to love him in the way he expected me to. That's the realization that's tearing me apart now as I sit alone in my room, letting my mind wonder to all of the times that I was so convinced that he loved me too. Letting my mind wander to all of the days in which he'd had me so convinced that I was his everything when all he was truly doing was tearing me apart.
---------------
A/N: Hello babies. I genuinely wasn't going to stop this here originally, but once I actually began writing it, I couldn't correctly finish the fit in a way that I truly wanted. SO, it's a little shorter than expected but I'm going to let myself love it nonetheless.
request: Oof I’ve never requested anything for outerbanks but I see you want some requests so maybe one where the reader has had drinks here and there but has never actually gotten drunk and she does one day at a party and JJ loves that she felt comfortable enough to do that around him but he stops drinking to sober up and be able to take care of her when she gets home and stuff?? And could they already be dating??? If you’re not comfortable with this I totally understand, baby! Thanks either way ❤️❤️❤️
master list.
i really hope i did your initial envision justice!!
also i feel bad bc i feel like i did more actions than actual dialogue but actions speak louder than words yanno
it was the first kegger of the summer and needless to say you were ecstatic. after finally finishing up the school year from hell, you were excited to go back to your dumb pogue shit with your best friends. already at the boneyard was you, the rest of your group, and a couple of other pogues from the island. it was chill and you were glad to say you felt comfortable.
“soooo....you’re gonna drink tonight right? like go off kinda drink if you know what i mean?” kiara asked you with what you thought was a little devilish smile and she jabbed her elbow into your side.
you laughed and rolled your eyes, leaning away from her elbow. “yes kie, matter of fact i am. i gotta start living a little and why not do that with the people i trust the most.”
“people....or person?” kie questioned you with raised eyebrows and a smirk as her eyes traveled back and forth between you and your boyfriend, jj, talking to pope at the keg.
“okay yes jj, but all of you. but definitely jj.” you responded with a wide grin and your face feeling hot. it’s like jj could feel your eyes on him and looked over at you, sending a wink your way.
almost as if he was reading your mind he poured a cup and lifted it out in the open as if to say ‘want it?” you raised your eyebrows and nodded, leaving your spot next to kie as she talked to some pogue about astrology and walked up to jj.
“damn (y/n/n), i didn’t think you’d actually take it.” jj teased you as you took a sip.
“just feel like it’s now or never, yanno. i trust you guys enough to know that nothing bad is going to happen....or should i rephrase, nothing too bad is going to happen.” you responded, ending your statement with a kiss on his cheek that soon turned into a kiss as he grabbed your face and pulled you in.
as you turn around to make your way back to kie, you specifically put a little sway into your hips as you walk away from jj, completely knowing he’s going to check you out as you walk away. you take a quick sneak peek back at him and see him dropping his sunglasses to the bridge of his nose with his mouth slightly parted, taking the scene in front of him in. you giggle and shake your head as you take your seat next to kie yet again.
“want this?” jj asks pope with absolutely no explanation. pope glances over the top of his cup with a skeptical look on his face.
“what’d you do to it?” pope asked defensively, his eyes narrowed on jj’s face. jj rolls his eyes and forces it into pope’s hands.
“nothing, i just don’t feel like finishing it.” jj answers, waving his hand to prompt pope to down the smidge of alcohol that was left in his cup. pope shrugs and downs the rest of it.
“was there a reason you didn’t finish it?” pope asked, throwing it into the black plastic bag they had for a makeshift trashcan. pope didn’t even need an answer as he followed jj’s eyes focused on you finishing your first drink of it night.
it didn’t take long for the giddy and buzzed feeling to kick in. it made you feel almost invincible, carefree, and wild. however, nothing in your brain told you to stop to get another cup. but no one was really stopping you so how bad could it be?
the music was blasting and you were dancing next to kiara and sarah, letting the slight vibrations from the song run through your body as the sounds coincide with the crashing waves to the right of you. here and there you take sarah and kie’s hands and twirl them playfully or belt lyrics at the top of your lungs. either way, this is the night you initially envisioned. it could’ve easily lasted for hours and you wouldn’t know any better.
however, you were quickly snapped out of it when you spotted jj a couple of yards away, just admiring you from afar. you smiled immediately with a goofy-drunk grin and made your way over to where he was sitting on the sand, near the campfire.
“i think-i think you should join us babe.” you practically slurred as you held your hand out for him to take. a devilish grin replaced his content one as he took your hand and pulled you down to the sand with him to hold you in his arms.
it took a couple of seconds for your tipsy brain to process what happened but you just smilled and giggled as you felt his arm wrap from the left side of your shoulder and make it’s way to sit on your right one. you let your chin lean against his arm but lazily let your head sway to lean against his bicep as your hands curled around his forarm.
it wasn’t long until sarah and kie made their way back to the fire aswell and sat next to pope and john b.
you and jj didn’t notice, but john b nudged pope in his side slightly to get his attention until he pointed towards you and jj for pope to follow his lead.
“hey, (y/n/n), how drunk are you on a scale of 1-10?” john b inquired with a wide grin on his face and chuckled afterwards. jj threw his head back and laughed as the three of them waited for your answer.
you lazily lifted your hand and counted on your hands, “one, two, three......probably a nine.” you answered with a grin, your eyes practically closed. pope and john b started laughing hysterically.
“only took you a couple of keggers to finally get you outta your shell!” pope proclaimed. john b lifted his cup up in the air, while pope and jj were quick to follow with their cups of water and even though everyone around had no idea what they were lifting their cups to, they all followed.
“to the outer banks!” john b called out and everyone just cheered in response and downed their drinks as well. you lifted your imaginary cup slowly with a giddy grin on your face and pretended to take it. jj couldn’t help but admire every move you made. all he knew was he was glad you were a happy and funny drunk. he liked the way you continued to playfully bite your lip or ran your fingers through your hair. your eyes were pretty glossy but you would just stare up at him and admire his baby blue ones, and just his face overall. he would subtly blush as your gaze and give you small kisses over your entire face.
“wanna go? we should get you into bed before you fall asleep anywhere but a bed.” jj whispered in your ear, sending shivers down your spine. you sluggishly nodded. even though it was kind of difficult to get up because all your sense of balance seemed to leave your body, jj wrapped his arm around your waist.
the way home would’ve been quiet if it weren’t for the drunk comments you made towards him such as “i love youuu” or “your hair is fantastic” or his personal favorite “even though i don’t approve of it, when you fight someone it’s sooo fucking hot”. he’d obviously compliment you back and made sure you knew that he loved you as well.
there were a couple of times were he would say “i know i keep saying this, but if you feel sick at anytime before we get back to your house, let me know, we can stop at the side of the road.” you would always just nod and take sips here and there from your water bottle.
“you’re so fucking adorable and funny drunk.” he said with a smile on his face.
“ugh stop, you’re too good to me.” you’d slur back as you playfully hit his arm.
when you got home, you notice the lights in your house were off. jj let out an internal sigh of relief, as he didn’t even think of the scenario of what he would say to your parents when you stumbled into the house in his arms. he took the key out of your backpack as you sat on your front stoop with your head in your hands. at this point, you weren’t feeling that great and were definitely getting the spins. he opened the door, shoving the key back in his pocket and helped you off of the ground.
“we’re gonna be as quiet as we can be when we go up to stairs, i’ll help you get ready for bed and you can take two advil in advance before you knock out, yeah?” he whispered as his both of his thumbs rubbed back and forth soothingly on both of your hands. you nodded without saying a word and held one of his hands. he let you lead the way and acted as a catcher behind you in the case if you lost your balance, he’d be there behind you to catch you.
thankfully, you made it to your room and laid face down on your bed as you somewhat heard jj rumaging through your drawers.
“these shorts and this shirt okay?” he asked before turning around. he noticed you were face down and chuckled to himself before placing them on the bed next to you.
“can you put these on for me while i get you another water bottle and advil?” jj asked and he ran his hands over your head. you nodded into your blanket and slowly got up, lethargicaly undressing yourself as jj helped himself to your kitchen and cabinet to get everything he needed.
“that didn’t take long.” jj said outloud and laughed, as you were in your pajamas and pretty much tucked into bed, making sure you plugged your phone in. after you took the advil with no help, jj grabbed your trash can and moved it over to the right side of your bed.
“the rest of the water is on your night stand, your phone is charging, and the trash can is on the right also. anything else babe?” he asked, whispering not to be too loud.
“i haveeee the spinss.” you whined, placing your hands over your eyes as if that was going to stop them. he gave you a pouty face that could barely hide his smile and chuckle.
“i know, (y/n/n). but they’ll go away soon. anything else?” jj asked, as he took a seat on the edge of your bed. you nodded slightly as your reached your arms out in front of you.
“can you stay the night, babe?” you asked in a tone that jj could not refuse whatsoever. he lightly smiled to himself before turning off your lamp and taking off your shoes.
“anything for you.” he responded, almost excitedly before lifting the covers and pulling your body close to his. jj gave you a kiss on the top of your head before you two fell asleep almost immediately.
Requested by anon “Heyyy lovely could you write something with topper where he really fancies you and you’re kinda if their group of friends and decide to go golfing with them and you are flirting and then go out for a meal and he confesses his love for you :))”
Warning- Fluff, slight angst?
———-
Your ideas of having fun differed from your friends' ideas. Whereas they enjoyed things like having club sodas in high end restaurants, riding expensive yachts, going to fancy expensive parties, you usually worked at all those events. You only tolerated some of them now because you were friends with the people who participated in those events, and mainly because you liked Topper.
“Yeah,” you sigh, “I missed. Again.” You drop your hand to your side and drag your club as you walk back to stand by Topper.
“You suck,” Topper laughs. “Are you sure you’ve done this before?”
You shoot him a side glare and nod. “I have.” Not at all until today, but he didn’t need to know that. “I’m just a little…rusty.”
Topper scoffs, “sure.”
You turn and clasp your hands around your club to rest your chin on your hands and shoot him a smile. “You know I could use a refresher from someone who does know.”
Topper's lip turns to a smirk just as he points to Kelce. “I think Kelce will be willing to do it.”
You scoff and roll your eyes. “Yeah, no.” You lift your head off your hands and take a step towards him. “I was talking more about you. What do you say? Please?”
“Fine,” Topper agrees, hiding his excitement for your plan. “Only because you asked.”
You grin and once Kelce is done you return to take your spot, seeing Topper place a ball on the ground in front of you before he walks up behind you. “Okay, first,” he begins to help you. “Don’t hold it so tightly.” Topper hesitated but placed his hands on top of yours and pressed his chest to your back.
Now Kelce wasn’t blind, or dumb, he knew what you two haven’t revealed to each other, but he pretended he didn’t see anything and just regretted coming along with the both of you.
“Okay,” you hear Topper whisper by your ear, the feeling of his breath behind your ear making the hairs on the back of your neck rise, and goosebumps grow on your arms. He knew what he was doing, what being so close made you both feel so he stayed pressed close to your body and continued with the innocent act. “Now bend your arms a little.” He continued to slide his hands down your arm to help you bend them just a little. “Okay good. Now swing your arm but not that high, and don’t hit the ball too hard.”
You didn’t need help hitting the ball, or swinging the club, but you pretended you did for the attention. And the only reason why you parted away was after the ball landed just inches from the hole. Which was better than anything you’ve gotten close to all day. “Finally!”
“But you didn’t make it.” Kelce pointed out.
You look at him over your shoulder and shrug. “So? It was close. Was it not? Don’t be jealous cause I’m better.”
“You’re not,” he shakes his head. “You are definitely not the better.”
“Whatever.” You scoff and roll your eyes. You then look at Topper and shoot him a sweet smile before he takes his spot to play his turn. Of course you didn’t win, but it was sort of fun playing instead of having to work on a golf course. You did have to admit it got better when you left and instead went out to eat, something Kelce took his chance to get out of this time
“Are you liking the food?” Topper asks, breaking the tension that had built between the both of you.
You glance at the very expensive and different food on your plate and smile. “Yeah, it’s good.” You return your eyes back to Topper and slightly tilt your head. “What about you?”
Topper shrugs. “I’m kind of regretting coming here, I think pizza at my place would’ve been better.”
“Next time then.”
“Yeah,” he nods, letting another short silence set over the both of you before he stops eating completely and lets his eyes flicker up to you. He sees the orange, yellow, pinkish sunset behind you and notices how the sunlight gleams over the water, making the surface seem as if it’s glittering, but all he could focus on was you. He saw the color of your eyes shine brighter by the reflection of the sky above you, he noticed your faint smile still on your features, and he couldn’t help but notice that you looked nice—no, beautiful, and he couldn’t hold back anymore.
“Y/N?”
“Hmm?” You look away from your plate to meet his gaze.
“Can I tell you something?” He continued.
You nod and finally find an excuse to set your fork down. “Shoot.”
“I just want to say that….” Topper pauses to take a sip of his water, slowly drawing out a deep breath after he swallowed his water. “For a while now,” he continued nervously. “I’ve liked you.”
You go rigid and feel your eyes widen at his confession.
“No,” he shakes his head and pulls his hand from under the table to take yours resting on the table. “I love you. I know that we’re friends, and you may think we haven’t known each other for that long for me to feel that for you, but I do. I know that I love you.”
“Oh.” You breathe out as you feel your heartbeat pound in your chest, and a chill run over your body. “I don’t know what to say.”
That was a stupid thing to say, but he did catch you off guard. And it’s not like you didn’t feel something for him, because you did; your heart fluttered every time you saw him, you got happy anytime you were close to him, you really enjoyed spending time with him, so you did return his feelings. You just didn’t know how to say them now that you were under the spotlight.
“You don’t have to say anything back,” Topper said after he noticed your surprise. “I just needed to say it—”
“I do.” You suddenly interject, “I do like you. You just caught me off guard.” You laugh nervously and avert your gaze for a moment. “But I do, I like you a lot.” You smile and blink a few times as you try to regain your composure.
“Okay,” Topper mused, “good.”
You knew he expected you to say that you loved him too, but he could wait to hear that from you, you couldn’t reveal such feelings as easily as he could.
“Want to leave?” He asked after he noticed your stunned silence.
“Yeah, sure,” you nod and meet his eyes again.
“Your place?” He suggests, and you instantly shake your head.
“No!” You then continue to clear your throat and come up with an excuse. “I can’t have anyone over.” You sigh. “My parents will get mad. And I can’t have people over, or be out with people past a certain time. But we can hangout tomorrow?”
“Sure.” He agrees.
Once Topper pays for the meals, you both walk out of the restaurant and stop just in front of your car.
“It turned out to be a nice day,” you share with a sweet smile. “And good turn of events.” You take a step closer to him and see his eyes fall to your lips for a brief second. “If I didn’t know any better, I’d say you had this planned out, but by the expression on your face in the restaurant I know you didn’t.” You grin. “But I still enjoyed it.” Your own eyes fall on his lips and just as he leans and you think he’s going to kiss you, he takes off his jacket and swings it over your shoulders.
“You looked cold,” he teases you.
You scoff and answer with silence instead, and lean in to close the gap between the both of you to press a gentle kiss on his lips. “Goodnight Topper,” you whisper to his lips. Just as you’re about to pull back to walk to your car, Topper grabs your wrist and pulls you in for a deeper kiss that makes your heart burst and a happy grin spread on your lips.
“Goodnight.” He whispers once he pulls away, stealing one last look at you before he walks off to his own car. And once you get into your car and watch him drive him off, do you drive out of the parking lot and drive in the opposite direction of figure eight.
No matter how much time you’ve spent together, no matter how long it’s been since you moved here, you’ve failed to mention that you weren’t a Kook, like he was. You were going to go to their school, you were friends with his friends, but you just didn’t live in the same place, you lived just across the Island, in the Cut.
so this wasn’t a request because im just getting this page started but i wanted to show pope some love <3
you sat around on the beach with your friends to watch the sunset after a long day on the HMS pogue. this is what you loved most. you loved the serenity of the beach as the waves crashed in front of you, the sound of palm leaves rustling in the wind. you even didn’t mind the sound tourists and their big groups inhabiting the beach every summer. you felt connected to your best friends and felt like you were living your best life.
you initially met john b a couple of years back at the age of 10 at recess. at first, you were shy because a random boy just came up to you out of nowhere but you were glad he did. you wouldn’t change meeting him and forming this friend group for the entire universe, let alone the world.
you, (y/n), fell somewhere in the middle of the outer banks class system. you didn’t own two houses like most kooks but you definitely weren’t struggling like a lot of the pogues on the island. you were content and comfortable. no matter how many times john b claimed there was no in-between with pogues and kooks, he always said you were the exception.
“you guys wanna crash at mine tonight? if the hurricane is going to leave us helpless with no electricity i'd rather be with my best friends than alone while being helpless.” john b stated.
“ohh, i’m so down.” jj exclaimed. “no parent supervision and most likely no cops patrolling whatsoever? smoke and drink all we want.”
“you’re relentless jj. but i gotta ask my parents but i should be able to also.” pope said, rolling his eyes at jj.
“you gotta do what you gotta do, brother.” jj chuckled, proudly.
“kie? (y/n)?” john b inquired, glancing over to you and kiara sharing a small couch, your legs intertwined.
“you already know that i’m in...(y/n)?” kiara answered and then turned to you. you glanced up out of a quick zone-out and were met with everyone's eyes on you. you smiled quickly and awkwardly but nodded.
“perfect, we should probably stock up on food before it hits just in case so i’m probably going to head out.” john b said, standing up and fixing his shorts.
“on that note, i think i’m going to go home and pack a couple things, who knows what this storm is going to bring us.” you said, standing up as well. “anyone needs a ride anywhere?”
you ended up driving only kiara back home but waited with her while she packed her stuff.
“are you going to bring your surfboard to john b’s?” kiara asked as she rummaged through her t-shirt drawer.
“surfboard? are you crazy? those waves are going to be deadly,” you answered with your eyebrows furrowed. you weren’t that comfortable with your surfing in the first place because you learned so much later than the rest of the group but you were still average. but too average to take that risk during an actual hurricane.
“that’s what i said. depending on if jj is too stoned out of his mind or not, john b still convinced pope to join him. they’re crazy if they think i’m joining.” kiara stated with raised eyebrows. she knew this was a dumb idea but let them go on with their dumb antics. at least she told warned them prior so she could eventually say ‘i told you so’.
“pope’s surfing?” it wasn’t until you asked this that it hit you. your heart race slightly increased at the idea of pope getting hurt or worse during those waves. you guys always subtly flirted here and there but there was a no pogue-on-pogue macking rule. you admitted to yourself and kiara that you had a crush on him but nothing would ever happen.
seeing him at john b’s house with a button-down hawaiian shirt and sunglasses ready for a day on the boat always made you blush. seeing him just sip on beer at a kegger made you feel intrigued by him. he was intelligent and always had a way with words. he had common sense and was sensitive. it almost seemed impossible to not like him. or maybe it was the way his body glistened in the sunlight after you and the rest of the pogues hopped back on the boat after taking a dip in the marsh.
after packing her stuff up and packing your own clothes and saying goodbye to your parents, you were on your way back to john b’s. as you welcomed yourselves inside you saw john b, pope, and jj unpacking groceries.
“you guys didn’t bring your surfboard?” john b practically whined.
“i don’t have a death wish john b, at least not today. but pope...i’m surprised you do,” you responded, raising your eyebrows at pope as you waited for an answer. he glanced up from the back of cereal and canned corn with his big brown eyes and you felt like you could melt right then and there. you even felt like you were at a loss of breath.
“peer pressure at it’s finest.” pope answered with a small yet nervous chuckle. you watched the way his hands moved from the bags to the cabinets, with the few occasions of fixing his shirt or cracking his knuckles--a habit you noticed that he did quite often.
a couple seconds of zoning out led you to think. am i in these feelings deeper than i thought? because if i am, i gotta get out of them real fast.
after a night of smoking, drinking, and messing around you all fell asleep in the living room except for john b who found his way to his own bed.
your eyes opened up slowly and adjusted to the lighting in the house from the windows. it wasn’t necessarily bright outside but it was definitely somewhat daytime. you checked your surroundings and saw jj and kiara still fast asleep. john b’s door was open and you saw his room was empty from your spot on the couch. you also noticed pope wasn’t present either.
you felt your hands get somewhat sweaty and a lump in your throat form as you remembered that the guys must’ve gone out to surf. you weren’t sure if this was going to end well or not so that slight thought of an unfortunate occurrence made you feel nervous.
kiara shifted from her initial position into one that faced you and you saw her eyes flutter open.
“they went surfing, didn’t they?” kiara muttered with a tired, morning voice. you nodded and instinctively bit your thumb’s nail. it wasn’t until you heard branches hitting the side of the house was when you snapped out of it.
“they’ll be fine...don’t worry about your knight in shining armor.” jj said, groggily. you felt your face get hot and you looked at him quickly.
“what do you mean?” you answered, nervous that maybe kiara told him your secret. but she wouldn’t and you knew that but how else would he know?
“you know what i mean (y/n/n), you like pope and it’s so obvious.” jj slightly chuckled, rubbing his eyes. you looked to kiara quickly and she put her hands up defensively as if to say she didn’t spill anything. “i see the way you look at him and you zone out afterward in deep thought. i’m not stupid. plus he does the same to you.”
“yeah...i’m sure,” you responded, slightly embarrassed that maybe you weren’t so discreet with your feelings after all. if jj noticed, does that mean pope noticed also? if he noticed and liked you back, he would’ve made a move by now. right?
your thoughts were interrupted by the door opening aggressively and a wet and flustered john b and pope. initially you noticed their stressed and dripping-wet faces but quickly landed on pope’s hand covering a bloody gash on his forehead which made you jump off the couch in an instant.
“what the hell happened?” you asked, rushing to pope after grabbing a towel off the table in front of you.
“a big wave came and we were sure we had it but we both got pushed off. i fell to the side but he went headfirst into the tip of the board.” john b responded, searching for his first aid kit.
“remind me to never surf during a hurricane ever again.” pope stated, in hopes of making your worried state a little more at ease but you were too focused on cleaning the gash. pope felt his heart flutter at your determined and focused face taking the time to help him. he thought it was cute the way your eyebrows were furrowed together and you slightly bit the inside of your lip.
“i told you so.” you heard kiara say in a sing-song voice. you mentally laughed.
jj and john b knew that he had a crush on you. sometimes he felt like you had the same feelings for him but psyched himself out that it was just you being your friendly and charming self.
it wasn’t long until john b brought the first aid kit out and you were quick to clean up the gash and bandage it up.
“thank you, (y/n). i really do appreciate this y’know.” pope said as he confidently brought his hand to your hand that was keeping his head still while the other fixed the gash. you paused and your eyes diverted to his hand on yours and you could feel the blush creeping from your neck to your cheeks.
“anything for you, pope.” you responded with and placed a quick peck on his cheek.
even though every muscle and thought in the back of his mind were telling him not to in fear of what may happen, the devil on his shoulder told him to grab your face and pull you in for a kiss. thankfully enough, you kissed back as passionately as him as your hand stayed to cup his face. you could feel him smile and almost melt at your touch.
“thank god you made the first move,” you said through the kiss, slightly giggling. he chuckled back and pulled you in again.
“get a room love birds.” jj yelled out while covering his face with a pillow. john b covered his own eyes and kiara’s eyes with his hands as a joke while pope flipped them off, still engaged with the kiss.
The Outer Banks. Paradise on earth. Well, it is if you can afford it.
Figure 8, home of the portentous and intitled. So detached from reality that you'd have to use their private jets to bring them back down to the ground. If they're not lounging around on their secluded beaches in front of their White House sized mansions, then they're at the country club complaining that their ice-cold lemonade isn't ice-cold enough. We call them Kooks. Guess where I don't live?
Next up, The Cut, neutral habitat of, drum roll please ladies and gentleman... The Pogues. Lowest members of the food chain. You see, it's one island divided in two. You either have two houses or two jobs. I have two jobs and will still never be able to afford one house, let alone two, but that's life I guess. The Pogues are like those kids your parents tell you to stay away from when you visit the park. Well, now the park has stretched to all aspects of life warranting us to be unwanted and neglected which isn't such a bad thing, that just means we get to do whatever we want, whenever we want.
Right now, however, this is the last place I want to be. Save-A-Lot. One of my two jobs. See how this all ties in?
The continuous, subtly, beeping of the scanner, the bright overhead lights that the same moth has been flying into for a week now, that one cart that you can hear before you see, and this frustratingly itchy, red polo shirt that I'm wearing because it's 'oh-so mandatory'.
It's been reported that a storm is going to hit us in a couple of days, so naturally, the stores been busier than usual, with both Kooks and Pogues. It's like sacred land, all differences get put aside in this very store unless there's a two for one deal at the seafood counter. In that case, no one's safe, not even me, the poor, little employee. I've been slapped with a Tuna Fish before. I don't want to talk about it.
"Can I interest you in some... What are they again? Sea salted chocolate with a crushed Macadamia nut shell and a rich creamy filling, homemade by Mrs Adams?" I squint at the packaging before smiling at the man before me who peered at me, head tilted slightly. Nodding instantly, already knowing the answer, "I don't blame you, I wouldn't trust anything made by that lady."
Smashing my fingers on the scratch invested, touch screen register, slapping the side of the machine until it eventually rings up the total, "That'll be $148.98 however, you get the extended family discount, so that makes it..." twirling my finger around the air, attempting the mental math, "10% off $148," I utter, closing my eyes as if that's going to help me find the answer quicker. 'I knew I should have joined the math team with Pope.'
"$134," the man affirms looking at me sympathetically, halting my search for my calculator that is normally taped to the till. I take the mans money, squinting at him, "Okay, I'll take your word for it man but if I get fired, I want a job at The Wreck," handing him his receipt.
"We'll see," he said putting his packed bags back into his cart, "I'll get through to you one day. You can't deny I'm your favourite" I state in a matter of fact, waving him off as he pushes his cart away from the checkout, "Bye Mason."
"I don't hear you denying it," I shout, watching him hurridly pushing his cart towards the door, "Okay bye Mr Carrera, tell Kie I said hi!"
Twirling around in my chair a couple of times, I came to a stop at the sight of a pink calculator, my pink calculator, taped to Mrs Adams till. That Bitch. I sit patiently for her to be done with her customers, waving at the elderly couple as they pass, "See you later Mr and Mrs Graham, have a nice day," I smile.
"Oh you too Mason, you should stop by again, you and your friends were such a delight the last time," Mrs Graham praises tapping her ringed fingers on my counter. Nodding at her request as her husband began to drag her away from me, claiming he 'Wants to be home today not tomorrow,' knowing his wife to be quite the blether.
"What a pleasant young lady. Wouldn't you agree, Marty?"
"Oh yes, very well mannered."
"Listen here, sticky fingers, I know you stole my calculator" My smile instantly dropping as I look upon the thief that I have the pleasure of calling my co-worker.
Mrs Adams is your typical grandma. Tonged hair, thick-rimmed glasses and filled with opinions that are always unwarranted. She has had it out for as long as I can remember, once locking me in the walk-in freezer claiming to not know I was in there despite being in there with me moments before. At least I only have to deal with her a few days a week, I couldn't handle any more than that.
"What calculator?" she questions innocently. Pointing my finger accusingly at her till where low and behold, sits my calculator, "Oh really, what's that then?"
Sparing a glance at my calculator, she shakes her head, nose pointed up, "That's an anniversary gift from my husband. I, by no means, stole your calculator."
I can't believe I'm having this conversation.
Laughing at her alibi, "Are you aware of how much bullsh-", the clearing of a throat interrupts my tangent and I suddenly became aware of where I am again. Mrs Adams raises her eyebrows at me, is she mocking me? Glaring at her one last time as to say 'this conversation isn't over', I timidly spun my chair back around, plastering a smile on my face, getting ready to greet my next customer.
Oh no.
"Hi, Mr Cameron," I greet the man, scratching behind my ear hoping he didn't overhear me. Beginning to scan his items, another figure catches my eye.
Rafe.
Here, ladies and gentlemen, I present the biggest dickhead on the entire island. He thinks everybody owes him something just because his daddy is well known throughout the OBX and has no problem expressing his distaste for anyone who doesn't fit his agenda. He's a cocky, arrogant snob who needs to be knocked off his podium a few inches, or feet.
"Hello, Mason, and how many times have I told you to call me Ward?"
"Clearly not enough for me to listen," I mutter under my breath, passing the already packed bags towards a very accepting Rafe, who snatched them with a scrawl printed on his face, "Your face will stay like that if the winds change" I advise innocently, waving my fingers around my forehead area, "Don't want to get any wrinkles, but if you need some anti-ageing cream, I'm sure Mrs Adams can recommend a few of her favourites,"
"Maybe even get you a coupon," I suggest finishing to scan the last of their items, "Isn't that right, Mrs Adams," I called to the lady over my shoulder how instantly peeped up at the chance to chat with the boy.
"Oh, yes. Come here deary, I'll show you my collection,"
It's no secret throughout the OBX that Mrs Adams is a bit of a renowned cougar, having no problem expressing herself towards any sort of male attention. Mrs Adam doesn't discriminate, so even assholes like Rafe can't escape the clutches of her fondness, but she's harmless... most of the time.
Ward nudges his son in the direction of the lady, who is eagerly waiting for the boy with her creams placed in an orderly fashion before her. Rafe's eyes practically begging for his dad to have some mercy on him only to earn a point in her direction.
"I hate you," he huffs at me, feet dragging towards the ladies till.
Fluttering my eyes with a cheesy smile, "I know," I say before turning to finish Mr Cameron's groceries.
"That's $236 please," I state ringing up his total as he slides his card into the swipe machine, "It'll take a minute, a caveman has better technology than this place." He shakes his head at me, waving his hand slightly, understanding.
"Sea salted chocolate, uh?" he wonders picking up the bar, as I mentally slap myself for forgetting to ask if he was interested, "Would you like to buy one?" I questioned despite already knowing his answer. It's the same one that I've heard all day.
Placing the packet back in its place he shakes his head, "No thank you, I wouldn't trust anything made by that lady."
"That's what I'm saying," ripping off his receipt before handing it to him, "Thank you, Mason," he laughs before turning towards his son, who is still listening to Mrs Adams ramble on about why she prefers Olay over Caudlíne.
About to bid farewell to the man, he turns and asks, "I hate to be a bother and I know it's short notice, but would you mind babysitting Wheezie for me on Saturday morning, I know you don't normally work weekends, it's just this storm's going to cause a run-in with my properties and-"
"Of course I will, Mr Cameron," I interrupted his ramble. He looks at me relieved, nodding his head, "See you later, Mason."
"Bye Ward," gross, I'm sticking with Mr Cameron.
Watching as the pair walk past my till I can't help but laugh as I see Rafe slouching away with a tub of Olay Anti-ageing cream. Turning around at the sound, he flips me off, "I'll get you back for this," earning a shoving on the shoulder from his dad, but I can't help but wave cheerily, "Oh, I'm sure you will."
Mr Ward Cameron, my other boss. A few years ago I put up flyers with a tear-off of my phone number offering a babysitting service. Safe to say, I got my fair share of prank calls and when I got a call from someone claiming to be Mr Cameron I assumed it was someone messing with me again, but it turns out it wasn't. He genuinely needed someone to watch his youngest daughter Wheezie and I needed cash, and he does pay generously, especially now considering recent circumstances.
Glancing at the clock that is nailed above the exit I see that it's 2:00 P.M, the best time of my day, getting out of here. Grabbing the key from my pocket, I lock up the till before heading toward the poor excuse of a staff room.
Glancing around the room blue painted room, making sure no one is still on their lunch, I quickly grab my bag and dash over to the fridge. I never, and mean never, condone stealing, that's why I don't call it that. I prefer 'borrowing and then 'forgetting' to give it back'. Sure, I never asked if I could 'borrow' the alcohol that I am currently stuffing in my bag but, that's neither here nor there.
I throw my bag, which I can already tell is going to cause my back hell, over my shoulder. I grab Kie longboard, which I did ask for permission to use, and begin to make my way past the checkouts.
Before leaving, I pivot around, "Hey, Mrs Adams," I called out just to see that she was already glaring in my direction, a bit creepy if you ask me, "Don't worry, you've only got like what, another 6 hours?" acting like I didn't know as I pointed at the clock.
"Oh, and before I forget," I rush over to her counter and rip my calculator off her till. Smiling sweetly at the older lady, saluting her as I leave, "See you next week, Mrs Adams," I laugh, running out the door, jumping onto the longboard.
Let the fun begin.
Now there is something about my friends that you should know. As cheesy as its sounds, we're a group of misfits who happen to fit perfectly together, well almost perfectly, but no matter what we've got each other backs.
Now, where do we start?
JJ Maybank. We've been best friends since the third grade after he got into a fight with some kids who were making fun of me for having a 'boys name', and I haven't been able to get rid of him since. He's the guy who jokingly pushed me off the HMS Pogue only to quickly find out that I couldn't swim. I insisted that it was fine but JJ doesn't take no for an answer and took it upon himself to personally teach me.
He's the most loyal guy I know, willing to drop anything to help his friends. I most definitely developed my kleptomaniac tendencies from him and despite how much I deny it, I have a soft spot for him.
Next, Kiara Carrera or Kie, my best and only girl friend. I met Kie during her first year at the Kook Academy, I had seen her around before, passing out leaflets about how 'we're killing our planet' and that 'the turtles deserve better'.
I was about to go fishing with my dad when I saw someone sitting at the dock, feet dangling in the water. Long story short: she was supposed to meet up with some of her 'friends' but they had sailed away leaving her behind. So, I asked if she would like to come fishing with us, half expecting her to say no, being partly a Kook and all, but she said yes. And now she's one of us, the Pogues. Not sure how her parents feel about that, but there is no denying I'm their favourite. Right?
There's Pope Heyward. I met Pope in the first grade. We were sitting beside each other at assembly and he dared to tell me that my singing voice sounded like cats dying, not that he was any better mind you. I had seen him around the cut a few times, helping his dad with deliveries and after seeing him struggle to carry four bags of groceries, I offered him some help. Of course, being a stubborn 6-year old boy, he delined saying 'I don't need your help, I'm super strong'. Safe to say, two seconds later I was carrying two bags and helped Pope and Mr Heyward with the rest of the deliveries that day.
I got an earful from my dad when I got home, but I didn't care, I'd made a friend that wasn't my brother. They didn't believe me when I said I had a friend called Pope, just brushing it off as one of my imaginary friends. Let's just say they got a fright when my 'imaginary friend, Pope' showed up at the Château.
Speaking of, up next, John Booker Routledge, John B. My twin, fraternal twin. Is 12 minutes older than me and will never let me forget it. My favourite memory with John B was when he fought to the death with our triplet in the womb. Okay, maybe that didn't happen, but you weren't there so, where's your evidence that it didn't?
He's my other half, not my better half because we all know I'm the better twin, and I couldn't live with him and his optimism. He can be irrational at times, but he always has plan A-Z mapped out in his head. I'm currently trying to convince him that we psychic powers, and by currently I'm mean from the day we were born. It's a weird sensation like there's a pit in the bottom of my stomach, and once I get that feeling I know that something's not right. And with a brother like John B, I get that feeling at least 3 times a day.
Might as well introduce myself whilst I'm at it. I'm Mason, Mason Routledge. The better twin. Yes, I too, have a middle name but I will never tell it to anyone because of how utterly embarrassing it is. I have managed to swear John B to secrecy, but I know it's just a matter of time before he blurts it out.
Now I know what you're probably thinking, 'Mason? That's a boys name.' Well yes, you'd be right but really what is a boys or girls name? The reason why I'm called Mason is simple, mom and dad were expecting twins. Twin boys. They had the names planned out as soon as they heard the news. One would be named John B after our dad, Big John, and the other would be named Mason, after our mom's dad. Makes sense, right?. Well, it was until I popped out, y' know not being a boy. But I love my name and I wouldn't change it for the world. My unspoken middle name, however, yes, I would rather that just not be associated with me.
I like to believe that I can hold my own, maybe it's because I grow up in a predominantly male household or the fact that I'm a Pogue, but I don't take peoples shit. My friends and I seem to always have the world against us, but without a doubt, I'd ride or die for them. They're my family.
Seeing the all too familiar hippie van parked at the side off the road brings me out of my autopilot state. Jumping off the longboard, I hurriedly shoved it into the back of the van. Fun fact about John B's van, he never locks it. There would be the fear about someone stealing it, but honestly, it's trashed and smells like weed, no thanks to JJ.
Quickly scaling the fence and as quietly as possible I tip-toed into the under-construction house and up the cement stairs, dodging the dangling wires and leftover pots of plaster.
'I can't believe they got rid of the turtles for this'
I'd know that voice anywhere. Peering around the corner, I spot Kie, hunched over a table reading what I'm assuming is maps for the house. Coming up with an idea, I slowly start to creep towards her, raising my hands just to clasp them down on her shoulders, "And what do you think you're doing?" I say in the deepest voice I can muster.
Jumping out her skin with a squeal, she spins around, hand over her heart, breathing heavily, "Macy, what the fuck? Don't do that," she exclaims, slapping my arm after she realises it was only me.
Unable to stop myself from laughing at her shock, "God, Kie, didn't know you had such a girly scream," I wheeze, arms wrapped around my stomach in an attempt to stop the ache.
Nodding her head pettily, "Yeah okay, you got me," clicking her tongue, but against her best efforts, a small smile dances across her face.
Taking a few deep breaths to calm my giggles, "Once you're done with sad girl hours, come out back, I've got beer," making my way towards the open glass doors.
"Caring about the turtles doesn't make me a sad girl," she exclaims as I nod my head understandingly, "You keep telling yourself that," I wave stepping outside, breathing in the fresh ocean breeze.
From under the scaffolding, I see a pair of dangling legs, "Afternoon, boys," I announce, jumping up in an attempt to smack the dangling feet that I now know belong to JJ
"Did you get the goods?" asks John B causing me to hold my hand on my heart, mocking insult, "Do you have no faith in me Johnny boy," tosing him a beer, "Of course, I got the goods."
Holding one out for Pope, even though I knew he would decline, proving my point as he shook his head, "And where did you get said goods?" he asked, raising an eyebrow at me.
Grabbing two beers, I begin to climb up the scaffolding, plopping down next to JJ, handing him a beer which he greatly excepts, "Are you question my morals?" I ask, taking a big gulp of my beer instantly wincing at the lukewarm taste.
"No, no," I hear him say, turning around, occupying himself with the builder's tools.
It a pretty view from up here. The calm crashing of the waves. The way the cold ocean and the warm sky meet for a perfect kiss on the horizon. Imagine living here. Having no worries. Being full Kook.
Glancing at the boy beside me, I see that he was already looking at me. Lifting my eyebrows in question, "You look cute," he cheekily says, picking at the loose thread on my sleeve.
"Very funny JJ," I saying, looking back out at the water, "No, I'm serious. I love a woman in uniform," nudging his shoulder into mine and I nudge him right back, "Hey," he laughs, dramatically falling to his side, "Watch the sweet nectar," holding his can of beer dearly to his chest.
Shaking my head, I turn to see John B scaling the house, jumping up to the peak of the roof, "Hey, please be careful, Johnny B, we don't earn enough to cover a medical bill," I warn sitting my beer beside me, using my hands to block the blinding sun, staring questionably at the boy.
"Oh, but you'd catch me though, right?" he says, now taunting the idea of falling, balancing on one foot with outstretched arms, "And break your fall? Nope," I popped, reach over to grab my can only to grasp the air. Looking at where I know I placed it, my confusion vanishes when I hear the sounds of slurping beside me.
Blinking at the boy, who just peers back at me after tanning my can, crushing it, and letting out a pleasant burp which he so graciously blows in my direction, "Gross, JJ," attempting to swat away the smell. The boy just shrugs, "What were you not done with that?" faux concern covering his face but his eyes glistening with knowing mischief.
"Should I do it?"
"Yeah, jump. I'll shoot you on the way down," says Pope, aim a drill in my brother's direction, "You'll shoot me?" John B taunts, holding up a finger gun, "Pow," he laughs as Pope fall back onto the table pretending to be shot.
"They're going to have Japanese toilets with towel warmers," complains Kie, slugging her way onto the balcony, voicing her distaste for the future Kook's beach house.
"Didn't I tell you to come out when you were done being sad?", I direct, leaning my chin against the cold pole, feeling on top of the world as the fresh breeze blows through my hair.
That swiftly changes when Kie dashes towards my feet, tugging the laces on my converses loose as I hastily attempt to lift my feet away from her snapping fingers, "Go away!" I exclaim hugging my legs to my chest, tusking at her antics "God, you're annoying."
My comment doesn't affect her as she blows me a kiss which I can't help but catch, holding it to my heart sending a wink in her direction, "This used to be a turtle habitat, but who cares about the turtle I guess?"
"Well, I did, but since you've-" I start, but the feeling of my shoe gets tighter distracts me, "...What are you doing?" I question as JJ finishes up my shoes, "You should double knot your laces," he comments, tapping his fingers in a random beat on the toe of my shoes.
Lightly, I begin to flick his hand away only for him to grab my wrist, fiddling with the silver ladybug charm on my bracelet, "Can I have this?" He has asked me this multiple times in the past and the answer has always been the same, "No."
"Can you please not kill yourself?" Kie squints up at my brother, "And don't spill that beer, you're not getting another one," JJ adds just as a sudden gust of wind brushed past causing John B to lose his balance and drop his beer.
Jinx.
"Oh, shit. No!" cries John B, making grabby hands at his fallen beer.
"Of course you did, like right when I told you."
"Smooth."
"Well done, dumbass!"
"Hey!"
The sound of a car pull up to the driveway halts our attack on John B, yelling being heard, "Hey, uh, securities here. Let's wrap it up," confirms Pope, making JJ and I raise to our feet as John B slides off the roof, "Boys are here early today."
Rushing over to grab my bag once my feet are back on the balcony, I lean over the railing squinting, "Gary? Is that you?" I asked, "You know it's me, Mason."
Turning around to look at friends, "It's Gary guys," I smile, "Gary, good to see you, man!" JJ adds and quickly pulls the back of my bag when he sees Gary climb up the stairs, "JJ!"
"You two, are asking for it," Kie laughs as we all rush back through the house, all of us laughing and cheering, running down the stairs, "Go, go!" I giggled as I Gary's attempts to grab me but I duck under his swinging arms, running out to the garden.
"Not much of a hugger man," JJs joke echoing off the empty wall of the house.
Running up beside Pope, I urge him up over the fence, "Come on, Pope, go, go, go," landing on the other side, watching as he lands flat on his face, "Graceful as always Pope," I giggle pulling him back on his feet.
"Come on Pope, Fatso's coming" JJ encourages, suddenly landing beside us just barely missing the hot-headed security who is dangling over the fence, "Come here, you little pricks!"
"Bus is leaving," John B pulls up the van honking the horn, Kie opening the door for us, laughing as we shove each other in. John B wastes no time hitting the gas, driving away from the angry security.
"Check out Gary, gunnin' for a raise," Pope laughs as we watch a hopeless Gary chase after the van.
Having an idea, JJ unzips my bag and leans out of the open door, "Come on Gary," he taunts, waving the beer can in front of the man like you would a dog with a treat.
"You're going to give him a heart attack," Kie sympathises but still finds his actions amusing, "You're so close! You can do it. There you go," he tosses the can at the poor man who attempts to dodge it.
"God, they don't pay you enough, man" I laugh peering out the door, taking in the sight of Gray who is wheezing with his hands planted on his knees.
Seeing enough torture for one day, Kie tugs us back in, "That's enough," she says finally feeling sorry for the poor man, sliding the door close.
"Oh, come on. That sort of initiative is just begging to be punished," reasons JJ, plopping down in the back of the van, now finding interest fiddling with the blunt he pulled from his back pocket.
I lean my head on Kie's shoulder and sigh, "I love Gary," I confess, earning a flick on the head from Pope and a nudge on the leg from JJ
We're the Pogues, and our mission this summer is to have a good time, all the time.
Prologue: FIN!
What did you think?
I’m really excited to explore Mason’s character and her adventures with the Pogues. I have so much planned for her.
