Archive of Our Own

Kiara was tired. The kind of tiredness that seeps into your bones and stays there long after you go to sleep. 

This was their fourth move in the past year alone. Her father was a photographer, which meant his calling was to dart around the country taking pictures of nature and landscapes and whatever else “spoke to his spirit” while dragging his wife and seventeen year old daughter with him. 

But who needs stability right?

For the longest time, she tried to fight her mom and dad on his chosen career. That it was beyond ridiculous to just expect her to pack all of her life neatly into a cardboard box or two and confidently take on the next city they end up in. It was impossible for her to make friends. She was perpetually the weird new girl, who cared far too much about the environment and didn’t understand when to keep her loud, passionate opinions to herself. 

She tried explaining this to them, to make them understand the pain they kept putting her through over and over, but they never gave in. Never tried to see it from her point of view as per usual. Needless to say, she gave up even bothering to put up a fight after eighth grade and just shifted into quiet discontent. 

Over the years she had seen some amazing places, from the depths of the Grand Canyon to the rocky mountains and roaring ocean of California. Their time in New Orleans and Nashville were some of her favorite trips, the culture of the cities beaming loudly on every street and in every bite of food. 

Kiara realized she was fortunate to experience so many different things. To be able to see bright city lights and tall evergreen forests and just about every form that water came in. It only fueled her appreciation for the Earth, and impassioned her desire to fight for it in whatever ways she could. 

She had a growing collection of souvenirs from everywhere they had ever been and it was more than impressive. Yet, she was tired. She was tired of flitting from place to place, never staying long enough to put down roots. In all of the adventures and all of the destinations, there has never been somewhere she can call home. 

Somewhere she can rest her head at night, lay her heart to keep safe. More than anything in the world, that’s what she craved. 

Was she going to find it in this marshy, fishing town that seemed like it had more pelicans than people? Doubtful. When her mom declared they were returning to her hometown in the Outer Banks because she had a desire to take over the family business, a local tourist hotspot The Wreck, Kiara tried hard to hold back her disdain. 

Even after promising her, they were settling here for good, she knew better. She knew the routine here, they would swear up and down this was the place they finally were going to set up base. They’d stay a few weeks in hotels or with friends, her father taking his collections and selling them at local showcases and galleries and her mother occupying her time with shopping and frivolous futilities. And she would build her walls up taller and stronger. She would go to school, do her best to pretend the stares and whispers didn’t bother her and then she would cry in her bedroom most nights once she was alone. 

Kiara felt like she was living on a never ending merry go round. Spinning so fast and violently that she never had the chance to grasp what was going on around her or to catch her breath. 

As they passed Kildare High School, her nerves twisted furiously in her stomach. She hated that feeling more than anything, so much that it made her want to crawl out of her own skin. 

“The school looks nice doesn’t it honey? There’s a beautiful view of the beach!” her mother attempted to encourage her. The initial way Kiara wanted to respond surely would’ve gotten her grounded and there’s nothing worse than being stuck in the house in a completely new town, so she settled on a more mild response. 

“Yeah I guess so. There was a nice view in Chicago too,” she mumbled back with her head leaning against the window. 

Her mother’s sigh that definitely felt overdramatic, echoed through the car and she turned from the front to face her. “I know this is hard Kiara, but you have to understand that this is going to be our home. We are in the process of buying a house and I am going to start running the restaurant while your father continues photography.”

“Just think, the house is right on the beach and you’ll be able to surf whenever you want,” her dad adds with a smile, trying to pull her into a more excited mood. 

At that Kiara gives him a small smile. The ocean has always been a special place to her and ever since they’d begun moving around she demanded surfing lessons and a way to get to the waves no matter where they landed. If she thought about it, the salt water and foaming waves at her fingertips, sand glued all over her skin, is the closest she’s ever felt to home. 

“See I knew that would get her!” he cheered, turning to his wife proudly. “Wait until you see your room! You have your own bathroom and a big window that faces the water,” her mom beams happily and claps her hand. 

“Well I guess I’m set for life then huh?” she retorted with only a tiny bit of sarcasm lacing her tone. Her parents ignored her and continued going on and on about the house and the school and all the reasons that made this town the perfect place, Kiara choosing to listen and try to push the fear and anxiety curling inside her deep down and focus on anything positive to grab onto. 

The house was actually pretty impressive, not that Kiara would admit that out loud. It had a wrap around porch with swings and a huge backyard that just like her parents promised, led directly to the beach. The floors were polished, the kitchen was huge and would definitely work for their many Carrera cooking sessions, and she had never had a bedroom this big before. A space that was really her own. 

She set her boxes and backpack down on the floor and looked around at the walls, before moving to check out the bathroom and closet. 

“What do you think?” her mom asked anxiously where her parents stood with bright smiles in her doorway. Kiara watched the way their eyes glanced back and forth at each other for reassurance, clearly valuing her opinion on the matter. They wanted her to like this place. 

“It’s actually kinda perfect, I mean having my own bathroom will be so nice! I won’t have to wait for you to finish your three hour skincare routines,” she joked back with a giggle. 

Her mom and dad immediately laughed, her mom shaking her head as if being caught. In a rare bout of sentimentality, Kiara walked over and wrapped her arms around both of them. They startled at first not expecting it, but quickly moved to return the hug tightly. 

“This place is great. I really hope you meant what you said.” Kiara whispered, half hoping they couldn’t hear her mumbling and half hoping they could. That her words would mean something for once, this brief moment when she dared to show her cards and the contents of her heart wouldn’t be wasted. 

“Sweetheart, we are here to stay,” Anna affirmed slowly, pulling back to look in her daughter’s eyes and place her hand on the side of her face. 

“I know this life of ours hasn’t been easy, and for that I’m sorry, but give obx a chance. It might surprise you?” her dad offered calmly, squeezing her shoulder and kissing her temple lightly. 

She nodded in response and moved to start unpacking her stuff. Kiara wasn’t sure if she had any hope left to invest in this place or these people, but she wanted to try and get to that feeling. That feeling of peace, of security in everything around her. That kind of contentment was going to require effort, more than she’d ever been comfortable with before. 

In the light of the back to school bonfire that’s apparently hosted every year, that advice seems easier said than done. Kiara has already found herself sitting alone on a random beach chair, a solo cup full of mystery alcohol in her hand, doing her very best to blend in and avoid talking to anyone for too long. 

She’s met a couple people from school when she arrived, that was to be expected. When you are new as she’s learned, people assume you are interesting. They rush to hear your full story and decipher if they want to involve themselves with you. This beach full of wasted, sun kissed kids is no different. 

But as soon as they realize she holds herself at an almost cold distance, resisting their more invasive questions they bolt. No one ever wants to stay long enough to get to know her, they just want a good story, to be entertained. And Kiara was tired of always being in the hot seat. 

Looking around the fire as the music from several people’s speakers blared together and pounded loudly in her ear drums, she didn’t feel the need to get attached to anyone here despite her earlier promises to herself. Vulnerability, it turns out, is much harder to put into practice when you spend all your time hiding and concealing yourself from others. 

It would only be a matter of time before her parents ripped her somewhere completely different to start all over right. No need to make this even harder for herself by making friends only to lose them.  

The two blondes laughing and twirling together in the center of the party seemed to have other plans for her. The girl and boy seemed about her age, with equally shining golden hair and bright infectious grins. They seemed like the kind of people who could pull a smile from even the saddest souls as their undeniable energy made its way throughout the entire beach. 

Kiara kept her eyes firmly on them, unaware she was staring now, probably a product of always being in the background. When you live in the shadows, it’s easy to learn about people merely through observation.

Soon they noticed her from the crowd, the girl's eyes lighting up with joy while the boy’s darkened with mischief. She wondered if they were friends or just about the best looking adonis and aphrodite power couple she’d ever seen. Whatever they were, they were beyond popular. Teens flitted around them constantly, finding ways to be near them and get a taste of that contagious happiness. 

Before she could make her escape, the girl stopped dancing and pulled herself from the boy, clearly having Kiara in her eyeline now. She made her way over to the secluded corner and graced her with a wide smile. 

“Hi! Are you new? I don’t think I’ve seen you around before?”

God, if Kiara had a quarter for every time she heard that line. 

“Yeah, I just moved here,” she answered quietly. It was normally her go to move to answer abruptly and try to get out of conversations as quickly as possible, but something about the girl in front of her made her cautious of her answers. 

“Oh, well welcome to the obx! Just about the most mediocre place you could find yourself, but hey we have damn good crab so that’s something,” she laughed at herself. 

Kiara turned to look at her again. Her hair fell perfectly against her tanned shoulders, her cheeks were flushed pink and her skin seemed to glow brightly. Her laugh was magnetic and her eyes seemed so kind, inviting her to share all of her secrets and fears. She smelled like vanilla and was wearing a lavender tank top that said ‘one earth’ on it, and even though it was cheesily on brand, it somehow felt right. Her ripped shorts extenuated her long legs and she had a small ‘Val’ tattooed on her ankle in elegant cursive. 

Who was this girl? How dare she come and wreck Kiara’s well deserved silent pity party with her smiles and sunshiny personality. 

“Uh thanks. Cool shirt by the way,” she tested. Kiara knew whatever response the girl gave her would solidify whether she was wearing it to be trendy, or if she actually gave a shit about the environment. 

“Thanks!” she smiled brightly before continuing, “I designed them myself for a beach cleanup I did last year.”

“Really? That sounds amazing. I can’t remember the last time I talked to someone who actually seemed to care about our planet. I mean we are losing species left and right and practically roasting in an oven, but who cares about global warming right?” Kiara snarked with a huff. A line like that would’ve made anyone else uncomfortable or want to turn away from her to go hang out with people that wouldn’t kill the vibe, but not this girl. 

This girl plopped herself down next to her and shot her an equally frustrated look. “I know right! I try to get people to sign up for the rally every year, but we only end up getting like six volunteers and four of them are just girls that want to post it for their insta. To seem “worldly” and “nuanced” she ridicules in a high-pitched voice, throwing her hands out in a frilly pose. 

Kiara let out a sound laugh at that. “Don’t even get me started on those basic bitches. They give environmentalists a bad rep!” 

The girl clearly agreed again as she laughed right back at her. And not in the fake way that some girls Kiara had met over the years did, she laughed wholeheartedly and genuinely. Something about it felt like taking a breath of fresh air. 

“I’m Sarah,” she held out her hand gently towards her. 

“Kiara,” she took her hand in hers and smiled at her. 

“So Kiara, gorgeous name by the way, as the president of eco I feel like it’s my calling to invite you to our next event! This time we are helping a hatch of baby turtles to the water! And I trust you enough not to come just to record videos of them,” she bubbled cheerfully. How Sarah decided she was already worth her trust, Kiara would never know, but it was pretty shocking to her. 

Before she could respond, a husky voice spoke out pulling her from her thoughts. 

“Sis, tell me you aren’t trying to brainwash more people into your turtle cult? It’s Friday night, you promised you’d give it a rest,” the boy from earlier appeared behind Sarah, slinging his arm around her neck lazily. 

Sis? Welp she was way off the mark on that one. 

“Jay, I need more people to help protect the turtles from seagulls! You and your goons, whom I love so much, aren’t going to cut it! Plus it’s rude to interrupt me mid-pitch!” she whined back playfully, turning to face Kiara again. 

At that his eyes also followed to meet hers. They stared at one another for a while, the tension almost palpable. Kiara prayed to whatever god existed to make her not sound like a fool in front of this abnormally gorgeous boy with his shiny wild hair and eyes so blue you felt like you could swim in them. 

“Don’t think I’ve seen you around before. Fair warning, run for your life or you are gonna get stuck doing trash cleanups for eternity,” he teased lightly, leaning in towards her just a little bit, as if letting her in on a well kept secret. 

Sarah promptly elbowed him in the side. “Ignore him, he’s just in a grumpy mood cause Leila wasn’t falling for his tricks again,” she explained smugly. 

Choosing to ignore the idea of him with someone else, she latched onto the easiest remark. “I actually love trash cleanups,” she said with a mock gasp and put her hand up to cover her mouth. 

His grin was wide in return. “New girl’s got teeth. Maybe you did find a keeper Sar, no birds are gonna risk breakfast for that wrath,” he teased. 

Sarah’s eyes widened just slightly with embarrassment at her brother’s words, but Kiara didn’t find them all that offensive. Intriguing for sure, most people walked on eggshells around her afraid to treat her like a normal person, so he was a welcome change. She always did like a challenge. 

“I don’t see anything wrong with wanting to preserve endangered species-”

“Woah, woah don’t get all your fancy fighting words out, I’ve heard this spiel way too many times trust me!” 

“He has! It’s part of my morning routine, helps give my skin that healthy glow,” Sarah teased, gesturing to her cheeks before reaching up to ruffle his hair. 

“Sarah, you are so lucky we are in public because I’d already be tickling you right now if we weren’t. I know your weak spots,” he says while wiggling his fingers at her sides. 

Kiara busted out laughing at watching them interact. She wasn’t expecting them to be this funny, to feed off of each other in such a playful and clearly loving way. Seriously, what couldn’t these two do? 

“You guys should start a podcast or something, people would eat this shit up I guarantee it,” she advises in between fits of laughter. 

“See! I knew I was onto something! Listen to this complete stranger Sar, we could be rich already,” he responded excitedly, pointing towards where Kiara was sitting. 

“She’s not a complete stranger Jay, but you would know that if you bothered to show some basic manners and introduce yourself instead of harassing me and my turtles!” 

He turned towards her and held out a salute with two fingers, a move that should’ve been douchey and had her running in the other direction, but was strangely endearing. 

“JJ, Maybank. Expert surfer, fishing god, and reigning champ of beer pong,” he boasted proudly while Sarah rolled her eyes. “I swear he has better accomplishments than that, his ego however is beyond saving,” his sister jested, earning another snort from Kiara. 

He shot her a look and jerked quickly at her, aiming right for her sides. 

“Ok, ok I take it back!” 

“Mhmm. Anyways, you got a name or should I keep calling you new girl?” he asks, his attention fully focused on her now. She scrunched her eyebrows and pushed a stray curl behind her ear. 

“Doesn’t everyone have a name?”

“I mean hypothetically yeah, but you never know. Parents are fucking cruel man,” he shrugs. 

“Kiara. I just moved here from Chicago. My parents insist we are going to be here for good since she’s got The Wreck to worry about now,” she divulged, mentally reprimanding herself for moving into overshare territory. Something about these two made her want to just tear all her walls down and see what they would do. It was pretty damn terrifying. 

“Oh my god your family owns The Wreck? That place has the best shrimp and grits I’ve EVER had in my life,” JJ praised.

“It’s true, our crew is in there all the time!” Sarah added warmly. 

“Well, you’ll probably be seeing me around then I’m sure they’ll have me working 24/7,” she admitted. “That’s perfect! Now we know a woman on the inside, she can get us free stuff!” he cheered at his sister.

“JJ! That is so not how friends work!” she shouted back at him. 

Friends. They’d only been talking for twenty minutes maybe and Sarah already was calling them friends. How did this even happen? This is never how it was for her in new places, conversation and laughing flowing effortlessly. She saved the thought for later, when she couldn’t sleep and had plenty of time to overthink it. 

“It’s fine, I’ll see what I can do,” she smirked up at him, a feeling of victory seeping through her at his responding look. His blue eyes shined boldly and his smile showcased the small dimples in his cheeks. 

“Well then, I know where we are going for lunch tomorrow! I gotta go find the boys, text me when you’re ready to go ok,” he asked Sarah who nodded firmly and moved to place her hand in a fist. 

Kiara watched them complete a lengthy handshake that seemed well practiced, enough so that they could do it with their eyes closed. 

“It was nice to meet you Kiara,” he said with a small wave and as soon as he’d appeared he was gone, fading back into the general chaos of the party. She tried not to watch him leave, turning back towards Sarah who was draining the last bit of her seltzer. 

“So, if I remember correctly before we were interrupted, you were telling me about a turtle hatch?” Kiara prompted, leaning against her chair. 

Sarah’s eyes light up and she passionately began relaying all of the details for her. They talked long into the night about their passion for the environment and then their future career interests and even family stories. 

It was surprising to her that after one night with this girl who seemed to be woven in gold, sugar coating her voice, that she would already be diving into all her lovely family trauma. But, instead of shaming her or awkwardly trying to get away, Sarah met her tenfold with her own insane stories and messed up drama. There was an intense sense of comfort in that, a comfort Kiara had never known was possible. 

The high of that feeling, of the entire night really from the moment she’d laid eyes on the ‘sunshine siblings’ as she so fondly named them, carried her all the way into the next morning.

“Kiara, table four needs their fries and there’s a group of rowdy kids at the front asking for you!” Her dad shouted from his usual spot in the kitchen. 

She had only begun her shift two hours ago but she already felt like she’d worked an entire double. The Sunday brunch crowd in the obx didn’t mess around, and with her mother’s bright idea of making all pancakes half off, she had batter in places batter shouldn’t be and her feet were throbbing from running around like a mad woman. 

Sasha, The Wreck’s one of three other waitresses, was supposed to be helping out this morning, but she called in sick. Kiara had her doubts considering how flaky the eighteen year old seemed to be in favor of spending time with her girlfriend. 

So here she was, somehow having survived the breakfast rush, with not nearly enough water in her system to survive the monster that is the lunch rush.

“I’m on it dad,” she called over her shoulder, balancing the tray of fries in one arm and a tray of drinks in the other. 

She quickly handed the needy customers everything they ordered while barely dodging a toddler throwing sugar packets at her and then turned to the front door to see who was bothering her. 

Sarah Cameron’s bright grin was the first thing she laid eyes on as the blonde waved happily at her. Next to her was a taller guy with brown wavy hair and tanned skin in a ridiculous Hawaiian floral shirt with only two buttons done on it. He seemed extremely close to her, leaning in to whisper something in her ear that made her release a bubbly and genuine giggle. 

Behind them, another guy with darker skin and a seemingly better sense of style was currently wrestling with the annoying yet gorgeous older brother of her newest friend. 

They were quite the sight indeed. 

Kiara had thought a lot about the siblings, enough that it kept her from getting a good night's sleep. She couldn’t believe how quickly they had surged into her life, effortlessly stepping into their places as if they were meant to be there.

Sarah, to be the heart of gold, friend by her side with smiles and talks of shared interests and passions. Someone she could be her whole self to and not have them recoil in judgment. 

JJ, she wasn’t quite sure, but Kiara knew the second their eyes met he was going to mean something in her life. 

“Kiara! Hey!” Sarah yelled, urging her over to them. The boys stopped wrestling and they all met her at the host stand. 

“Hey Sarah, didn’t think you’d be by so soon,” she offered hesitantly. She didn’t want to be wrong about what she felt between them, so nonchalance felt safe. 

“I figured we’d take you up on your offer! Plus I wanted you to meet the gang,” her grin was wide as she gestured to the guys around her. 

“This is John B, resident himbo and human golden retriever,” she tilted her head towards the guy attached to her hip. 

“Hey, I take offense to that!”

“Babe, it’s not an insult we’ve been over this! Also the love of my life, there does that make you feel better?” Sarah teased and her eyes lit up as they met his. 

“Much better. I’m John B nice to meet you Kiara,” he held out his hand for her to take and as she shook it she couldn’t help but smile at how sappy and sweet they were. He seemed exactly the kind of guy she would have pegged Sarah’s boyfriend to be like, sunshine practically exuding from his pores. 

“This right here is our favorite brainiac, Pope Heyward. Recipient of the Vander T. Horst Merit Scholarship and arguably the best member of this group. If you ever need help with numbers or logistics he’s your guy,” Sarah motioned to him over her shoulder. 

“Aww Sarah you spoil me. You aren’t even trying to hide your favoritism anymore. Told you she likes me best JB,” he responded proudly. 

Remembering his manners, he turned and offered her a shy wave. He seemed timid, but Kiara hoped she would get a chance to be here long enough to get past that. Oftentimes the shyest people ended up being the most infectious to be around once they warmed up to you. 

“Hi Pope,” she smiled at him and returned the wave. 

“And last but definitely least, is this hooligan I unfortunately share blood with whom you met last night,” she bumped her hip against JJ. He was sporting a navy t-shirt that was unfairly attractive on him and his hair was an untamed mess. The sunglasses covered his blue eyes and she wished he’d push them up so she could see them. 

“Sar Bear, stop pretending you don’t love me, we all know you do,” he grinned at her widely. 

“And you know I hate it when you call me that!” Sarah huffed out at him playfully and flicked him on the side of the head. 

“You’ll have to excuse them, one thing you gotta know about this group is we spend 80% of our time separating their bickering,” Pope relented to her in a loving manner. 

Kiara laughed soundly at the wild people in front of her. 

JJ decided against retaliation at his little sis, and turned to look at her instead. She didn’t know what to do with his full attention, it almost unnerved her. 

“Morning Kie, save any endangered animals today?” he shot out teasingly. 

“Not yet, but the day is young,” she answered quickly, grabbing some menus. “Y’all can follow me,” she called from over her shoulder trying not to focus on the fact that she’s never been called Kie before and she kind of liked it. A lot. 

She led them to a large booth in the back that had a good view of the water and all the boats coming in and out. They normally reserve this spot for critics or people writing articles about the restaurant, but today she figured the least she could do is give the golden siblings and their friends the best seat in the house. 

“You look like shit, did a flock of seagulls come in here and assault you or something,” JJ whispered in her ear as they all sat down. It was quiet but not quiet enough that Sarah and the others didn’t hear it. 

“Jay, that was way over the line” Sarah berated him.

“Yeah dude, what the fuck,” John B shrugged his head back and forth in disapproval. 

Kiara huffed out in response and whipped her head to face him, crossing her arms in front of her and raising her eyebrows up high. 

“Why, did they come out of the bird’s nest on top of your head? Are you here to formally apologize,” she taunted firmly. 

Sarah and the others all widened their eyes before bursting into laughter. 

“Oh my god where have you been my whole life?! Kiara you are a goddess,” Sarah exclaimed joyfully. 

“Seriously, that was sick. I wish I’d gotten it on video,” Pope lamented jokingly. 

JJ sat down and pulled his shades to hang on the neckline of his shirt. His ocean eyes were on full display and Kiara tried to keep her cool instead of falling into them like she wanted to. She wasn’t sure if he was going to shut down on her, most guys she bantered with couldn’t handle her brash personality and inclination for ruthlessness. 

But not this boy. 

He smirked at her, dimples appearing on his cheeks and tilted his head down to concede. 

“Damn, ok noted. Don’t mess with Kiara until after she’s taken her happy pills. I’m too hungry to start a war and I’m smart enough to know when I’ll lose,” he admits with a lilt in his tone and looks down at the menu. 

“Well we can’t have that now can we? Allow me to get you some food so this can be a fair fight.” 

She smiled in victory when his eyes shone mischievously back at her and turned to the rest of them who had been watching the exchange. 

“What can I get everybody?” They all rattled off drinks and breakfast items with well practiced ease and handed her all of their menus. She doesn’t even know why she gave them menus; it was clear they didn’t need it. 

“Please tell me you can play hooky or take a break and sit with us! Your badass energy is too delightful not to have around at all times!” Sarah begged with a whine. 

Kiara turned to look around at the tables. Most of the families were clearing out and Rebecca had just arrived as backup before they really got busy again. She knew she could get probably twenty minutes out of her dad and it was twenty minutes she wanted desperately. 

“Let me check with the boss and I’ll see what I can do,” she smiled back at the girl and moved to the kitchen. 

Her dad ended up giving her a full half hour for the hard work she’d put in already. Or at least that was the reasoning he gave, but Kiara knew the truth. He was just glad to see her making friends, embracing the destination they had landed in for a change instead of recoiling into isolation. 

In that time, she learned that they called themselves The Pogues and the boys had known each other since kindergarten, a legacy and history that was intimidating to say the least. 

The fond stories of their childhood disproved that notion in her head very quickly, and soon she realized they were all just dumbasses. Their love shined through their interactions though that was clear. 

Sarah had met John B at a party three years ago, and they’d been in love ever since. John B was how she met Pope and JJ as well. Neither of them had known they were related at first and by the way Sarah and JJ hurried to brush past the subject, it was obvious that was a tender story she’d need to circle back on with Sarah at a later and more private date. 

They joked and laughed and teased her but it felt so refreshing to be around people who didn’t expect anything of her. They took her just as she was, in fact, they were overjoyed at who she was. 

She parted ways with them after two hours, insisting their meals were on her despite Sarah’s steady protests. 

“Ok, well if you won’t take my money, say you’ll come surf with us soon!” 

Kiara didn’t know how to deny that face if she wanted to. 

“Sure, yeah,” she smiled back and started picking up all of their plates. 

“Perfect! Give me your phone,” Sarah made grab hands in front of her and Kiara obliged. 

“There, now you have our numbers! We’ll text you!” 

And with that, the blonde angel flitted happily out the doors of The Wreck and into the North Carolina sunshine, taking John B and Pope with her. 

Her brother however, stayed behind and started putting forks and knives onto a plate and stacking others underneath it. Their fingers brushed momentarily, but Kiara ripped them away quickly as the heat from the contact traveled up her arm. 

“This is for putting up with me, sorry I was a jerk,” JJ handed her a crumpled $10 bill and continued cleaning the table. 

“Oh you don’t have to do that, it's fine. I’m a big girl I can handle myself,” she jested and took the plates from his arms. She definitely didn’t want his money, she just wanted him to be near her. A thought that was dangerous and had no business being in her brain, so she shook it off and pushed it down far. 

“Yeah I bet you can,” he chuckled and stepped back. Cerulean blue still glistened back at her. 

“See you later, Kie,” he gestured in another mock salute and pushed his shades back onto his face before hollering out at the others to wait for him.  

Once she got off of work at three, she sat on the curb outside in the parking lot waiting for her mom to come pick her up. 

She opened her phone to pass the time and saw several notifications from unknown numbers blowing up her screen. 

You’ve been added to Pogues 4 Life 

Princess: Welcome to our group chat of chaos Kie!!

Brains of the operation: When you insult JJ will you let me know before you do it so I can film? Pretty please?

Drug dealer: Am I never going to live this down?

Jombee: No Bree I don’t think so 

Sarah Cameron: I think you are my soulmate, the way you shut down my brother was INCREDIBLE! Call me when you get off work!

Kiara smiled brightly at her phone and eagerly typed back responses, happy to be a part of something for once. Something that felt bigger than herself. She prayed her parents wouldn’t take her away now. 

She found that becoming best friends with Sarah Cameron was as easy as breathing. Over the course of the next few weeks, as she navigated the social dynamics and rules of Kildare High, Sarah was by her side, shining a path that took her far away from judgmental gazes and vicious rumors swirling around. 

The familiar acquaintance of solitude and braving cafeterias all alone that had been her experience for so many years was nowhere to be found. 

They had sleepovers and gossiped about boys in a way she figured was completely normal. They got drunk together in the middle of the night, and snuck down to her kitchen to make snacks without waking Sarah’s witch of a stepmother, Rose. They surfed constantly, Kiara more than surprised at the girl’s ability to master the waves, even though she probably shouldn’t be by now. 

Sarah was incredible, she was brutally honest in a way that Kiara appreciated more than the girl would ever know. She was infectious every time she opened her mouth to laugh or sing or get up and dance in the middle of a room, it made you want to jump up right alongside her. Whatever she cared about, she put her whole heart and soul into and Kiara was sure of that, based on how quickly she had connected with her and made it her mission to make outer banks a welcoming and exciting place to be. 

Pope, who was a bit awkward when she first met him, was clearly the smartest person there. Very logical and thoughtful when he asked her questions about where she moved from, trying to get to know her. She had been right in her initial theory, once she spent enough time chatting with him he became an open book. They spent many afternoons playing hardcore games of Scrabble, an interest Pope was ecstatic when he found out she shared. 

John B, the proclaimed love of Sarah’s life and resident himbo, was as friendly and excitable as Sarah had promised. He instantly made Kiara feel like she had been a part of the Pogues all her life, which was beyond what she was expecting from either one of them. She wasted no time retelling her greatest adventures and showing off trinkets and pictures from the places she’d been, which he ate up like candy. 

And then there was JJ, Sarah’s annoyingly attractive and mouthy older brother. He was a year older than her and he never let them forget it. His energy, like his sister's, was captivating any time she was near him. He was the life of the party, the heart of the group, telling jokes and making trouble wherever he went. He seemed extremely fond of the games they played with one another, firing shots and teases at all hours of the day. Dancing around each other, an unexplainable chemistry gravitating between them. 

The more time she spent with Sarah and the Pogues, the more time JJ spent getting on her last nerve and making her heart race at slight touches or wordless glances. 

Today they’d invited her to chill at Rixon’s, their go to hideaway on the island when they wanted to escape their parents' bullshit, a feeling Kiara was eager to mirror. 

Sarah and her had gone to the beach plenty of times, but this was the first time the boys would be joining them. 

“Where are the boys?” Kiara asked as she plopped herself down next to Sarah and closed her eyes. As good a surfer as Sarah was, she preferred reading or soaking up the sun. Her swimsuit was the right shade of blue that it matched the sky and complimented her blonde locks perfectly. 

Come to think of it there wasn’t a time Kiara had seen her best friend when she didn’t look right off the cover of Vogue. 

“Recon mission to get beer, and those peach mai tais we had last week because they were heaven in liquid form,” she sighed happily and turned her head to look at her. 

“My god Kie, you look insane,” she praised instantly, looking her over. Her tried and true red one piece had a history of giving her numerous compliments, with so many cutouts it basically constitutes as a bikini. She definitely hadn’t taken that into consideration when she picked it out earlier. No way was she trying to impress a certain someone, no way. 

“You’re one to talk Sar, are you sure you aren’t secretly a swimsuit model?” 

“I feel like we’ve had this debate,” Sarah giggled back at her. 

“Yeah and I still don’t believe you!” 

“Whatever, can we just agree that we both are smoking hot?” 

“Fair enough,” Kiara relents and laughs at her best friend’s silliness. It’s as infectious as her joy. 

They tanned for a while longer until eventually the tell tale whoops and cheering of the boys made its way across the sand. 

“The peanut gallery has arrived! Bearing my mai tais right babe?” Sarah called out, sitting up and putting away her earbuds. 

John B bounded up happily and placed the drinks on top of their cooler. 

“Boom. Had to go to three different stores, but I got them! Am I the best boyfriend or what?” 

“JB, don’t take credit for my hard work, I'm the one who found them,” JJ shouted out right on his tail.

“And who suggested the store that actually carried them?” Pope questioned confidently, carrying the case of PBR in his hand. 

“I don’t care who got it, all that matters is it’s here. You can put your chests away boys.” Sarah retorted with a sweet smile. 

Kiara actually preferred if her brother didn’t but she kept that little detail to herself. 

John B moved towards Sarah and pulled her up off her towel. Sometimes they did this thing where they got lost in their own bubble and forgot everyone else was still here. Kiara found it equal parts annoying and endearing. 

“Routledge that’s my sister bro, can we keep the pda to a minimum?” JJ called out in a mock whine, pretending to shield his eyes as they engaged in a mild make out session. 

“Dude, we were best friends first? Where’s the loyalty?” he questioned once he’d managed to pull himself from his girlfriend’s lips. 

JJ wrote him off and went to help Pope get the boards from the Twinkie. 

When Kiara opened her eyes a few moments later, JJ was standing directly over her, his stare causing a warmth to spread across her skin hotter than the summer sun. 

“Can I help you? Or do you just want to ogle me?”

“I was just checking to make sure you were alive,” he smirked back at her. 

Kiara let out a small snort. “It’s called tanning? Ever heard of it?” 

“Please, my sister is the queen of tanning, it's practically all she does,” he retorts. 

She tilted her head up to look at her best friend, laughing and squealing as John B threw her in his arms and carried her down the beach all the way into the freezing water. Kiara smiled at their playful banter and for a moment a small sadness crept into her heart at the thought of never being close enough to someone to have that level of love. 

“Are you gonna surf with us? I bet you can’t even surf can you Kie? You’re from Chicago right,” he teased, once again goading her into a challenge. 

Pope snorted softly near them, knowing full well she’s lived in a lot of places besides Illinois and could absolutely surf. He chose to stay silent and watch JJ make a fool out of himself, it was one of his favorite pastimes. 

“How about this, the first person to ride a wave to shore wins, and gets to choose what we do tonight. Loser buys,” she suggests hoping that a reward will make the opportunity too good to pass up. 

“You’re on Carrera,” he holds out his hand and she takes it, pulling herself up. She shakes off the spark at their contact and grabs one of the boards. 

Safe to say, she utterly destroys him. As soon as a large wave begins to rush towards them, she paddles rapidly to get a good head start and pushes herself up on the board, shredding the wave.

Even does a little swivel to add salt in the wound. 

Pope, John B and Sarah all cheer her on from the sand and she throws her hands in the air happily, turning to watch JJ ride in a smaller wave. His technique is amazing no doubt in her mind about that, but she had the upper hand. The power of being underestimated she supposes. 

“Kie! You set me up! Where’d you learn to surf like that?” JJ exclaimed astonishingly while shaking the water from his hair. 

“First of all, I didn’t set you up, you assumed. And second, I haven’t only lived in Chicago. I’ve been to a lot of places, which you’d know if you ever listened to me,” she laughed and shook her head. 

“She has a point,” Pope agreed and took a sip of his beer. 

“So Kie what are we doing tonight?” Sarah asked eagerly, eyes wide with curiosity. 

Kiara thinks for a moment and then the most brilliant idea pops into her head. 

“We are going dancing!” She announces with a smile that’s nothing but trouble. 

“Can I ask you a question Sarah?” Kiara hesitantly says with her eyes closed, her best friend brushing pink blush across her cheeks. 

“Anything,” Sarah says with a certainty that would’ve scared her a month ago but now was something she was slowly getting used to. 

“How did you and JJ find out you were siblings?” 

It seemed like the elephant in the room. No one had told her about it thus far and she was beyond curious why everyone tiptoed around it. 

Sarah smiled fondly and set the brush down, inhaling a small breath and rolling her eyes upward. 

“I was wondering when you were gonna ask. It’s nothing so glamorous like in the Parent Trap where there’s a big tearful reunion. Our parents all went to high school together, and before Georgia became Georgia Cameron she was with JJ’s dad Luke. I guess it was too much for her because she left them when JJ was barely a year old. Her and my dad were married quickly and they had me soon after. My mom was a kind soul, but she had her demons,” she admitted with a shrug and moved to sit down. 

“She died when I was ten, and she left me a letter talking about JJ and her first marriage if you could even call it that. The things she endured were awful, not that it gave her a right to leave Jay, no way, but I tried to see where she was coming from. That is when I finally got to read the letter two years ago.”

Kiara’s eyebrows shot up in surprise as she listened intently to her best friend. She can’t even imagine what it must’ve been like to think of your parents and your life one way, only to have it blown to pieces. 

“You know how my dad and stepmom are. Not a hair out of place for the country club crowd, so Ward tried to hide the letter from me, but I found it. Finding out you share the same mom as your boyfriend’s best friend was crazy at first to say the least and learning that my mom had a double life wasn’t the highlight of my year,” she huffed out exasperatedly. Kiara leaned forward and placed her hand on Sarah’s shoulder, squeezing it to let her know she was here. She wasn’t planning on going anywhere. 

Sarah smiled in return and continued. “But honestly it started to make sense. I mean you’ve seen us, we look ridiculously alike, and I always felt like Georgia wasn’t being completely honest with me about her past but the cancer took center stage. Once we found out, something changed between us. I have never been close to my family and hell JJ hasn’t even really had a family besides the Pogues, so this bonded us. I forced him to move in here at Tannyhill, so he spends his time between here and the Chateau. He is arguably one of the best things that has ever happened to me,” she finished lovingly, wiping a stray tear off of her cheek.

“But don’t tell him I said that or I’ll deny it,” she retorted.

“I won’t tell him anything. This stays between us. Thank you for telling me, that’s some shit,” Kiara admitted, shaking her head. Sarah seemed to have made peace with their history, but it opened another door of curiosity for her. She wondered what was so bad about JJ’s father, couldn’t help but imagine the worst. 

Kiara watched as Sarah pulled herself together and figured that wasn’t an answer she should go after at the moment. 

So they blasted Sarah’s upbeat happy playlist and got ready. With plenty of Taylor Swift and Beyonce, even a Disney song or two, they flitted around Sarah’s bedroom doing their hair and painting their nails. 

By the time they were ready, the sun had long set and the boys were starting to get antsy downstairs. 

“How long does it take to get ready? My guy isn’t gonna wait around for hours!” JJ yelled up the stairs. 

JJ swore up and down he knew someone that could get them in the backdoor of The Flamingo Bar, a dancing club a couple towns over. They checked IDs at the door, but if you had connections and could make it in no one really batted an eye. 

“Calm down Jay or you’ll break into hives. We’re ready!” Sarah answers with glee. She links their arms together and they walk down together. Kiara is focused on trying not to fall and break her ankle. 

John B’s face as they descend makes it well worth it, his eyes bulging out of his head and his mouth close to the floor as he admires his girlfriend.

“You look incredible Val,” he whispers in her ear with a grin, a tone so vulnerable and loving Kiara can’t help but look away. 

Sarah had chosen a lilac purple minidress with wedges to match. Golden necklaces hung low in front of her and her blonde hair was curled into tight waves. Because she refused to go anywhere without it, a worn strand of John B’s bandana was secured firmly around her wrist. 

Kiara opted for a shiny ensemble, clad in a silver sequined dress that clung to her curves in sinful ways. Her usually wild dark curls were tamed straight and she had diamonds on her ears, courtesy of her best friend’s expensive and refined taste in jewelry. 

She turned to Pope and JJ, trying to give the happy couple a moment to themselves, and was met with awe. JJ’s normal stoicism and coolness had been shaken in the face of her. She hadn’t realized it would be so easy to make him speechless. 

“Kie- you look-” he stumbled on his words, causing a blush to fill her cheeks. 

“Cat got your tongue Maybank?” she teased and slung her purse tighter against her bare shoulder. 

To be fair, she herself was barely able to get out that coherent thought as she returned a gaze to him. Usually he showed up to their hangouts in worn t-shirts and cargo shorts, always sporting that backwards red cap that seemed to have survived its fair share of adventures, but tonight was a welcome change. The dark blue button up he was wearing only brought out the ocean in his eyes even more than usual, his golden locks tamed to the best of their ability.

“A shower is a good look on you,” Kiara said with a smile. 

“Funny, I was gonna say the same thing about you,” his eyes glinted at hers, as they began their silent battle.

“Hey, hey, there will be plenty of time for you two to kill each other, but we need to go! Strawberry margaritas are calling my name!” Sarah cheered and pulled the boys to the door. 

“To be continued,” Kiara whispered as she moved past JJ. She didn’t dare look back, but if she had she would’ve seen a soft grin grace his face as he bit his lower lip. 

They all got in with relevantly little fuss, JJ’s guy took them through a side entrance and luckily didn’t murder them as Kie had been initially wary of. It was clear where the place got its name from, flamingo statues and decorations were everywhere from the bar top to the dance floor. It wasn’t terribly busy for a Saturday night, the majority of the crowd was either with a bachelorette party or some sort of surfing competition team. 

As soon as they had some drinks in their system Sarah was jumping out of her seat. “Come on Kie, let’s dance!” she urged her and pulled her up by her arms. 

“Look at that bro you’ve been replaced as her dancing partner,” JJ teases at John B who was sitting next to him in their booth. 

“Haha, very funny,” he said dejectedly.

“Don’t worry babe I’ll be back for you later, but I need time with my bestie,” Sarah giggled over her shoulder. Kiara let out a matching laugh. Sometimes even after weeks of being around Sarah and her friends, she still couldn’t believe she had found them. 

That they had welcomed her in with open arms and treated her as their own. 

As she watched Sarah spin in the center of the dance floor, her jewelry catching and sending glints of light all around her, Kiara figured now was as good a time as any to make her feelings known. 

The three margaritas coursing through her system acting as liquid courage. 

“Hey Sar,” she called over the music, pressing her hands to her arms to get her attention. 

“Yeah?” 

“I just want to say, I- I’m really glad we met. Like I don’t know where I would be without you. I’ve never been good at making friends…” Kiara confessed and forced herself to look into Sarah’s warm hazel eyes. Forced herself to not run away from vulnerability for once and let herself have a good thing. 

Sarah’s face softened at her words and she puffed her lips downward into a small frown. 

“Oh Kie, I’m so glad we met too! You are the realest and coolest person I’ve ever known! I freaking love you,” she huffed out and threw her arms around the girl haphazardly. They both swayed, gravity and an overindulgence in tequila threatening to send them to the club floor. 

“Let’s dance! Maybe we can convince our boys to join us,” she prompts with a shit eating grin, turning to look at where JJ and John B were currently downing shots of something at their table. 

Damn that Cameron-Maybank smile. It managed to pull Kiara any direction they chose. 

“Our boys?” Kiara questioned in an alerted tone. She wondered if she meant ‘our’ in the broadest sense of the word. Based on the way Sarah was smirking, she wasn’t so sure.

Kiara knew Sarah wasn’t an idiot.

She knew that she probably could sense whatever weird tension vibes were rolling off of her and her brother like waves coming into Rixon’s, hell everyone could. A perfect stranger could probably walk into their little group and recognize really quickly something was off between the two. 

But Kiara didn’t want to think about that. 

She didn’t know what miracle had possessed Sarah to find her, if it was predestined or just a random collision of fate, but she wasn’t about to fuck up her only friendship in order to get even a millimeter closer to that boy who drove her crazy. 

Who caused a warm fuzzy feeling to settle throughout her entire body. 

If she had to choose between staying in the good graces of her best friend or losing herself in those ocean eyes, she would just have to look away. 

Sarah it seems wasn’t about to make that easy for her. “Boys!” she shouted through the crowd in their general direction. When her mission in getting their attention was unsuccessful, she turned back to Kiara and spun her several times. 

They twirled around each other, laughing as they went. They jumped up and down for the faster songs and on the rare occasion a slower song was played, Sarah pulled Kiara as close to her as she’s ever been and they swayed together and tried to catch their breath. 

Once the slow song was over it was back to upbeat melodies blaring soundly through the speakers. Couples were pairing off and groups also rushed back onto the dance floor as neon lights onto everyone’s faces. 

“I have one more trick up my sleeve Kie,” Sarah leaned in to whisper yell in her ear. “If you’re down?” she questioned, so damn considerate even as she’s tipsy. 

“Always,” she shot back firmly and they both glanced toward the corner booth where the boys were talking animatedly. 

Sarah pressed her back against Kiara’s chest and began to grind her hips slowly onto hers. 

“Oh you play dirty Sarah Cameron,” she said giggling. 

“Hell yeah I do! My boyfriend has been sitting down basically the whole night. And I mean I didn’t wear this dress for him, but god he can be so dumb sometimes,” she rushed out, turning her head to face Kiara’s. 

“I love him with all my heart though don’t get me wrong,” she added with a giggle. 

“Don’t I know it! Come on then, let’s get him out here,” she smirked back mischievously. Him not them. Because John B coming to sweep his girlfriend away while Kie played third wheel was perfectly fine, great even. But if JJ Maybank decided he wanted to join them, she wasn’t sure it would end the way she wanted. Or maybe it would. 

John B, in his oblivion, took several minutes to finally spot Sarah and Kiara grinding against each other in the middle of the dance floor. As soon as he did, he was out of his seat and charging straight at Sarah, pulling her away and whispering things into her ears that caused her sound giggles to echo across the floor. 

Sarah turned back towards Kiara for a moment and sent her a two finger salute. She wasted no time sending one back and beaming as the happy couple moved away from her and closer together. 

“That was cold you know,” a husky voice yelled from behind her. “Playing with a man like that.”

She turned and JJ was closer than he’s ever been to her.

“I have no idea what you’re talking about,” she shrugged and continued to dance by herself. 

“Oh I think you know exactly what you did,” he quipped and she couldn’t help but turn to face him. 

“Well I mean it worked didn’t it?” she smirked. 

“Yeah, maybe a little too well. I had to pick JB’s jaw off the floor and practically wipe the drool from his mouth.”

“You're one to judge,” she huffs out a sound laugh. “I seem to remember someone else’s jaw on the floor earlier tonight.” 

Why did she say that? Why is she such an idiot? Of all the things to say that was by far the most problematic. And the way he was looking at her now, poking holes straight into her well developed wall of indifference, was more than dangerous. 

The club lights dimmed and the song once again changed to something slower. Small beads of sweat were trickling down the sides of her face, her hair strands stuck firmly to her skin. Despite all her attempts at staying away, JJ was making it his sole purpose to infuriate her in all the best ways. 

They both moved together at the same time and he leaned in to whisper in her ear.

“Can you blame me?” 

The breathy tone of his voice sent chills down her spine and flushed heat into her cheeks. She needed to get a hold of herself and snap out of it. 

Instead she looked into his eyes once more and made no move to leave as he placed his arms at her hips. 

Kiara’s intention of mentally berating herself for letting JJ get this close quickly was lost as the scent of mint and sea salt and motor oil all combined deliciously to flood her senses. 

She was prepared for him to pull away, to laugh in her face and at her expense. At his little sister’s blind best friend who is so easy to mess with. But he didn’t. 

He was looking at her like she might’ve been everything he’s ever wanted in this life. Like he was a man dying of thirst and she was the tall glass of water he needed desperately.

 And that scared her more than anything. 

In all her time traveling and moving from place to place, she’s never been able to stay long enough to open her heart to anyone. Never felt like she could. But something about the slight dimples in this boy’s cheeks, the way his laugh echoes soundly wherever he is, the light cerulean that glimmers brightly at her, his golden strands pulled in every which way made her want to throw all her previous advice away. 

Kiara makes the choice to see where this is going, common sense be damned, and moves to wrap her arms around his neck. She begins to tangle her fingers through his hair as they sway to the music together. 

JJ is rapidly losing his ability to stay away from her, as his eyes drift down to her lips. 

No, no, no he can’t be looking at her lips right now. Not in the middle of this very public club, with his sister, her best friend, only a few feet away. 

What’s worse is that she watches him begin to move forward towards her, his breath shaky, and she can feel herself silently begging for it. For him to cross that line they’ve been dancing on for weeks. 

To prove if he tastes like she thinks he does. 

“Hey guys I want tacos!!!” Sarah slurs loudly, rushing up to them and interrupting their moment. Kiara pulls her arms from JJ’s neck as if she’s been burned and JJ reciprocates the action. 

Clears his throat and pulls his eyes away from her completely. She mourns the loss quietly. 

If John B has noticed anything between them he keeps it to himself, and Kiara thanks whatever force is out there that Sarah is reaching the level of drunk where she wouldn’t be able to spot the social cues if they were slapping her in the face. 

Bless her lightweight heart.

Pope had disappeared with some girl he met at the bar, another small saving grace for Kiara. As the most observant and smartest member of their little family, she was sure he would have them figured out in a second. 

JJ, recovering much quicker than she had, moved towards his sister and pulled her to his side. 

“Aww Sar Bear, is it munchies time of the night already?”

“Don’t judge me, you know you want fish tacos from Geechee's too!” she hollered and swayed on her feet as if the ground was moving around. 

“Damn sis, I should not have let you have that third marg,” he concluded softly and wrapped her arm around his shoulder. “You can’t handle your booze for shit,” JJ chuckled warmly. 

Kiara watched as Sarah leaned her head on his shoulder and nuzzled into his neck. “I want tacos Jayyyyy!” 

“Ok, ok we will get you tacos,” he and John B both laugh and continue moving her towards the front door. 

Kiara is frozen where she stands. It’s like a shock to her system, a shot to the heart just how deep Sarah and JJ’s love for one another runs. She can’t be the reason that’s ruined. She wants to believe she isn’t selfish enough to do that, but she is being absolutely careless if tonight was anything to go by. 

As her legs finally moved and carried her out of the club and towards where the Twinkie was parked, she swore to herself from now on she was cutting off whatever was going on with JJ. No more stolen glances and no more flirtatious banter. For the sake of everyone involved, it was better this way. 

“What do you think: Legally Blonde or Clueless?” Sarah calls from the floor, remote in hand. She is sitting in her pink bean bag chair and surrounded in a pile of fuzzy blankets, a must for all Sarah Cameron movie night sleepovers. 

“That is an impossible choice, how dare you make me choose!” Kiara replies playfully, moving to sit on her own purple chair, a bowl of popcorn and two white claws in her arms. 

Kiara found that as much as she enjoyed going dancing at The Flamingo, surfing at Rixon’s, or chilling at the chateau, these nights were her favorite. When she and Sarah were able to curl up together in their coziest pajamas and watch romcoms until the early hours of the morning. 

It was the time when she felt closest to her best friend. There were no secrets between them, well except maybe that she had developed a tiny little harmless crush on her brother but that doesn’t really count because Kiara was taking care of that. 

Something about the darkness in the middle of the night brought out the vulnerable in them both. They would talk for hours on end and Kiara still felt like she could keep going. It was a powerful and intoxicating feeling, to constantly be in the presence of someone so magnetic who pulled the very best out of you, who made you feel special. 

As it was, they hadn’t quite gotten to that part of the night yet and there was still a decision to be made. 

Kiara thought about the movie for a moment watching her best friend wiggle her eyebrows up and down playfully. 

“I vote Elle Woods tonight, I’m in the mood to watch the patriarchy burn in flames,” she explains with ease. 

“Aren’t you always?” Sarah responds with a hearty laugh.

“Yeah fair point,”

“Bend and snap it is! I was secretly hoping you’d pick this one,” she admitted with a smirk. 

“What! You should’ve just said that,” Kiara responded after laughing. 

“Where’s the fun in that? I was trying to test if we had psychic powers,” Sarah’s grin was bright and wide. 

This is what made her so remarkable. Sarah got Kiara on a level no one ever had before, but more than that she was able to bounce back and forth playing on the different facets of her personality effortlessly. When she needed to, she was strong and confident, ready to defend the ones she loved from harm. In other times she was soft and sweet, relaying the inner contents of her heart unapologetically. And tonight she was chaotic and wild, letting loose and having fun. 

It was in these times Kiara saw so much of JJ in Sarah. 

She was thinking about this when of course, said boy decided to barge into Sarah’s room and interrupt their sacred girls night. 

“Sis, have you seen my lighter? I can’t find it anywhere,” he called as he began to tear around her room. 

“JJ, when have I ever touched that rusty old thing? Why would I even have it?”

“I don’t know, but I’ve looked everywhere else!”

“Not sure if you noticed, but Kie and I are kinda in the middle of a movie night right now so can you please leave,” she asked kindly, with only a hint of annoyance in her tone. 

“Oh hey Kie, didn’t even see you there,” he threw out a mock salute in her direction, making the briefest of eye contact, before turning back to pull open Sarah’s vanity drawer. 

Well ouch. He could at least acknowledge her existence

“Jonathan James Maybank! Get out of my stuff and my room or I will force you to wear a face mask! Kiara will help me hold you down,” Sarah shouted, getting up off her beanbag and moving towards JJ. 

“I absolutely will. That is something I need to see,” Kiara agreed with a teasing laugh. 

“Wait, which one are we talking here? Cause I’m not opposed to a good charcoal mask, but that aloe eucalyptus shit is slimy as fuck. Why would anyone want to put that on their face,” he shivers and shakes his head. 

“JJ!!” 

“Ok yep I’m going! Enjoy the brainless chick flicks,” JJ calls over his shoulder, rushing towards the door and out into the hall. 

“Don’t disrespect Legally Blonde, I know where you live, Maybank!” Kiara shouts out before she can stop herself. Brainless? Elle Woods? Please, as if!

“He is so infuriating, like where are his boundaries?” Kiara asks, turning to grab the remote and resume the movie. 

“We’ve been working on boundaries for what feels like ages now. I’m not sure he’s getting the hang of it,” Sarah concludes in between mouthfuls of popcorn. 

“You think?” 

They are able to finish the rest of their movie in peace and decide to start on Clueless just because they can. Kiara reaches her hand into the bowl where it rests between them and notices it dangerously low on popcorn. 

“Hey Sar, I’m gonna go grab us more popcorn, you want anything,” she asks while standing and stretching her arms out. 

“I wouldn’t say no to another white claw if you’re offering,” she smiled warmly at her. 

“I’m on it, be right back.”

Kiara made her way down the spiral staircase of Tannyhill. Normally she would feel on edge in the house, given the nosy nature of Sarah’s stepmother and Ward’s strict enforcement of a curfew, but lucky for her they were out of town on a business trip. Leaving the house blissfully empty, well except for JJ. 

As she placed another bag of popcorn into the microwave, already familiar with where everything is kept in the kitchen, she turned back to open the fridge and was startled to see said troublemaking blonde leaning against the wall, staring silently at her. 

“Jesus you scared me! Warn a girl will you?” she huffed out, clutching her hand to her chest in an attempt to catch her breath. 

“Come on Kie, where’s the fun in that?” 

He was so infuriating. And that damn smile didn’t help anything. 

“So were you just gonna stare at  me in the dark like a creep or?” she shot back, regaining her confidence and moving to grab another drink for Sarah. Anything to keep her hands busy and her eyes off of him was a welcome distraction. 

 “Don’t flatter yourself, you happen to be in the room where all the food is. A man’s gotta eat,” he shrugged and walked past her towards the pantry. 

“At…2 in the morning?” Kiara turned to look at the clock on the stove and then back at him. “What are you doing up anyway?” 

“Well see it’s kinda hard to sleep when the sound of drunken laughter and cheesy pop soundtracks are blaring through the walls,” he smirked and she rolled her eyes. She knew for a fact that his room was far from Sarah’s, on the opposite side of the stairwell in fact. 

She knew that wasn’t the reason he was up. 

“No, actually I just couldn’t sleep. I’ve never been able to sleep very well,” he shrugged and continued constructing a poor attempt at a sandwich. Kiara watched his eyes dart around and his fingers twitch, realizing there was more to the story. And damn her rules about staying away from him she wanted to know more. 

She wanted to understand what makes him get close enough to her that they almost fucking kiss in one moment and then be a complete asshole to her in the next. 

“Why, do you have insomnia or something?” she asks softly, not wanting to push him too far. She had a feeling he would shut down on her. 

“Nah,” he shook his head firmly and leaned against the wall opposite of her, crossing his arms across his chest. The action highlighted the muscles in his biceps and she was trying very hard not to make it seem like she was looking. 

Kiara was a damn hypocrite is what she was. 

“I dunno, I just can’t sleep a lot of times when it gets quiet and still. Maybe I’m not used to it,” 

And there it was. The elephant in the room. The question that has been gnawing at Kiara’s brain and tugging at her heart for the past few weeks. Ever since Sarah let her in on how she and JJ found each other, she wondered what his life had been like before. 

Throwing all caution to the wind she decided to go with blunt honesty once again and see where that got her. 

“Sarah told me how you guys found out you were siblings. I’m sorry about your mom, that sounds awful,” she frowned genuinely and studied his reaction. 

He seemed on edge slightly at the mention of the woman who abandoned him, but he spoke back all the same. 

“Yeah I mean it is what it is. I don’t even really remember her at all. And unfortunately I know my father so hey can’t blame Georgia for moving on to bigger and better things.” 

Kiara wondered if he always did that. Made the things he’d been through seem like nothing, like no one should bother concerning themselves with his problems. 

“What is your dad like? If you don’t mind me asking,” she added reassuringly. She had no intention of forcing anything out of him. 

“Umm not great. Used to come home most nights drunk out of his mind and took all that anger out on the thing closest to him. Before she left it was mom, and then after…”

He didn’t need to say any more. Kiara’s throat clogged uncomfortably and tears began to gather in her eyes at the mention of someone laying their hands on the boy in front of her. 

Who was wild and crazy and infuriating yes, but under all that boisterous exterior was a boy who had a heart of gold. Who would do anything for his best friends and his little sister based on everything Kiara had seen. 

How could his father, one of two humans given to him in this life that was supposed to protect and love him do that. And how could his mother just leave him with that monster knowing full well what he is capable of. 

“My god Jage, I’m so sorry. You didn’t deserve that,” she choked out, wiping the small tears from the corners of her eyes. 

“Lucky for me, when Sarah found out she immediately made me come live with her. And things have been much better ever since,” he smiled fondly as he talked of his sister. 

“She’s all the family I’ll ever need,” he confessed in such a sure tone, like it was the only truth he believed.

“I see how close you two are. I envy you,” she admits and breaks her gaze from him to look away. 

“What do you mean?”

“I don’t have any siblings. I’ve lived in fourteen different cities and towns all across the country. I’ve never been anywhere long enough to make family and friends of my own. Not until now.” Once she forces herself to look into his eyes, understanding graces his features. 

He nods his head like he knows how that feels. To be alone in the world because of your parents' choices. 

“That’s why my friendship with her, with all of you, is too important to risk. I can’t lose any of you.” Kiara hoped to convey the importance of keeping things strictly platonic between them. She wouldn’t be the reason they blew up. 

In all of their hushed conversations, the moon serving as the only light illuminating their faces, they had gotten closer together. JJ was no longer pressed against the wall, but moving closer and closer towards her. 

“I get it, Kie. I do.”

But clearly he didn’t, and clearly whatever lies she was trying to feed herself weren’t working either because she found herself glancing down at his lips. Exhaling shakily, they both leaned in slowly and were inches away from closing the distance between them-

“BEEP BEEP BEEP” the chime of the microwave rang through the kitchen causing them to break out of their mutual haze and rip apart. 

Damn the fucking popcorn, damn the universe for doing everything in its power to keep her from finally knowing what JJ Maybank tasted like. Clearly it wasn’t a battle she was meant to win. 

She poured the piping hot popcorn into the bowl and began heading back upstairs to where she was sure her best friend was starting to get antsy. 

Before she left the room she turned back towards JJ and took comfort in the thought that he let her in. Let her see a side of him that no one except the people he was closest to got to see. Kiara felt honored. 

“Hey JJ, thanks for sharing with me. I know that couldn’t have been easy. I’m glad you have people that care about you in your life now,” she smiled sincerely and didn’t wait for him to respond before going back upstairs. 

She walked back into Sarah’s room to find her best friend passed out on her chair, her nose twitching in that adorable way it does when she’s in deep sleep. 

Kiara laughs softly at the sight and pulls the fuzzy blanket they had been sharing up to cover Sarah. She turns the tv off and settles herself on her chair, turning to face the dreaming blonde. 

Even in slumber, Sarah manages to be the most beautiful, angelic girl Kiara has ever seen. She wonders what Sarah might dream about, if she spends half as much time thinking about Kie as Kiara thinks about her. Either way before Kiara’s eyes drift closed, she finds herself thanking her lucky stars she found Sarah and JJ that night at the party. 

In hindsight, the rundown store front should’ve been an indicator that this probably wasn’t a place to be trusted. There were solid metal bars on the windows, the wooden frame of the door was cracked and rotted in certain places, and trash littered all along the side of the road. 

People are the literal worst  

Kiara squinted in the sun to read the sign on the wall. She’s not sure anyone named ‘Barracuda Mike’ should be trusted to poke a needle into her skin. 

“Are you sure about this Sar? This place looks way less legit than it did online,” she asks in a concerned tone while moving to face Sarah. 

“Come on Kie, where’s your sense of adventure?!” she cheered and moved closer towards the door. There was that same sparkle in her eyes that JJ gets when he has a dangerous idea. 

“Why can’t we just go to the dude that gave you and JB your tattoos?” 

“Billy is out of town, but he swore to me that his cousin was just as good. Plus if it’s terrible then at least we suffered together right,” she offered with a sugary grin, bumping her elbow into Kiara’s. 

She couldn’t argue with her there. 

“Alright fine, you’ve convinced me! But if I get infected or something I’m blaming you,” 

“That’s fair,” she agreed with a giggle and pulled open the door. 

The inside of the parlor was equally as rundown as the outside, and there were several skull figures lining the walls. It looked like they walked into a sketchy Spirit Halloween store in the middle of October. 

“Can I help y’all?” a gruff older man asked from the back of the room. 

Sarah, always friendly and lovely wherever she went, yet another quality Kiara admired in her, immediately piped up to answer the man. 

“Yes sir! My name is Sarah, and I’m looking for Billy’s cousin Rick? He said that he’d be able to do some small tattoos for us?” 

“That’s me,” the man said with a smile, standing up to move towards them. “Did you girls have a design in mind?” 

Kiara and Sarah had thought about it for a while now, the initial idea to get matching tattoos encouraged by some late night tequila drinking a few weeks ago. Kiara thought that for sure in the light of day Sarah would come to her senses and shake off the crazy idea. Why would she want to permanently brand herself to a girl that could leave her at any sudden moment? 

But throwing a wrench into all of Kiara’s well developed insecurities, Sarah was still eager to do it. 

They settled on a small sea turtle that would go on their wrists, because what else could perfectly sum up how they met and everything they meant to each other. It was turtles and their love of the environment that bonded them for life so it felt a fitting symbol. 

Sarah explained to Rick what they wanted and he led them to his corner. “Who’s up first?” 

“Me, please,” Kiara replied confidently. The quicker she got this over with the better. 

“Do you want me to hold your hand? Be moral support?” Sarah asked warmly. Kiara didn’t hesitate to grab her hand and link their fingers together. 

The loud buzzing of the needle filled her ears and she focused on Sarah’s hands to make the time pass. Sarah squeezing her hand three times, which was their way of saying ‘I love you’, helped dull the pain she was currently enduring. 

It didn’t last too long before they switched seats and Kiara was the one holding Sarah’s hands. 

When Rick was finished, he cleaned their wrists off one final time and slapped a seal onto both of them. 

“Leave that on for a couple days and you should be good to go.”

“Thank you so much! They look amazing! What do you think, Kie?” she bubbled while holding her wrist close to hers so their turtles looked like they were almost kissing. 

“I love it,” she smiled. 

Even though it probably hurt more than anything she’s ever experienced, safe from when she broke her arm playing soccer in fifth grade, Kiara was so glad Sarah had convinced her to do this. That now she would have a permanent mark on her body forever, proof that she did have a friend in this world who really knew and loved her for who she was. 

She couldn’t stop looking at it and running her fingers over the back of the turtle shell all the way home. 

“You did WHAT?” John B shouted, running his hands through his hair as he looked at Kiara and his girlfriend like they’d grown three heads. 

“Babe calm down. We just went to a cousin of Billy’s, why are you going all overprotective mom on me?” Sarah quipped from the Chateau couch.

“Maybe because they probably don’t sterilize their equipment Sarah! Oh god I can see it now, your wrists are gonna get infected! We need to go to the store right now and get aquaphor,” Pope rambled profusely as he paced the floor.

“Exactly! Why didn’t you at least tell me you were going?” 

“I don’t know because I didn’t think you’d flip out!” Sarah defended herself firmly. 

“Oh I’m not flipping out. If you think I’m flipping out just wait till JJ hears about this!” John B shoots back and throws his arms in the air. 

“Hears about what?” JJ calls as he enters through the front door. 

This man has the shittiest timing. 

“Why don’t you ask your sister and her bestie what they were up to today?” John B prompts, crossing his arms over his chest. 

JJ scrunches his eyebrows in confusion and moves to look at Sarah and Kiara on the couch. He quickly notices a small black mark on both of their wrists and a patch of redness surrounding it. 

“You guys got tattoos? That’s sick,” JJ laughs in approval. 

“See! I told you he wouldn’t care! It’s just you for some stupid reason. And by the way acting like Ward is a major turn off babe,” Sarah yells loudly. 

“Yeah ok ask them where they got it,” 

Sarah’s features become laced with guilt and she turns to pout at JJ.

“Uh oh you are giving me the puppy dog eyes, where did you go? Tell me it wasn’t Kildare Ink…Sarah!” 

Sarah winces and Kiara rolls her eyes. “So it might have been Kildare Ink…”

“Sarah! You KNOW that place gives people infections!” JJ shouts, now just as worked up as his best friend. 

“And you, you were ok with this?” He turns his questions onto her. 

“How the hell was I supposed to know!? I trust Sarah,” she shrugs her shoulders. “Plus I don’t see why it’s any of your business what I do with my body!” 

“Oh for Christ's sake, it’s not that-“ JJ huffs out.

“No really, you both are acting ridiculous. It’s just a tiny little tattoo, we are gonna be fine. We have a Pope anyways, do you really think he’ll let that happen?” Sarah asked, trying to calm her voice down. 

“Not on my watch,” Pope calls from the computer where Kiara is sure he’s doing as much research as needed. 

As angry as JJ made her in this moment for questioning a choice that has nothing to do with him, she couldn’t help but be so fond of this group of people. Humored by the way John B and JJ are so protective of Sarah, even if they show it in dumb ways, and Pope, the mediator and logical one who is able to diffuse their conflicts with ease. 

“By the way I found some antibacterial soap to use, do you want it in light purple or mint green?” Pope chimes in once again.

“Ooo purple!” Sarah cheers happily and claps her hands together like a child on Christmas morning.

“Sar, a little focus would be lovely!” JJ snaps his fingers in front of her face. 

All of the sudden it’s just too much and Kiara bursts out laughing. 

They all stop their bickering and turn to look at her, bewildered at her reaction to the turn of events. 

“I’m sor- sorry guys this is just fucking hilarious,” she says in between fights of laughter.

Pretty soon Sarah is joining her, her infectious giggle echoing off the chateau walls. Even JJ and John B eventually give in and begin laughing as well. 

“Sorry we were being stupid,” John B admits after they all quieted down. 

“It’s ok, we are used to it by now,” Sarah responds with a smile and they all get up to head down to the boneyard. 

“You know, if you wanted to get a tattoo you could’ve just told me, I know a guy,” JJ divulged as he took his spot next to her. 

“Of course you do, do you have a guy for everything,” she laughs in response and tilts her head towards him teasingly. 

“Pretty much, you name it I gotcha,” he smirks as he bumps his arm into hers playfully. He moves it all too quickly in favor of running to catch up with Pope and tackle him, leaving Kiara wishing he’d stay and make that warm floating feeling come back. 

Kiara made the assumption that once they all got to the bonfire, they’d play out their normal Saturday night antics. John B, Pope, and JJ would challenge each other to see who could chug their beers the fastest while she and Sarah would dance and twirl under the moonlight. She’d let whatever concoction found its way in her cup settle comfortably in her veins. Perhaps indulge herself in some not so subtle glances at those big ocean blue eyes. 

If she was sober enough, she’d force them all to help her pick up red solo cups and other trash dumped along the beach because she’d be damned if they saw littering on a massive scale and did nothing. Sarah was always eager to hold trash bags open and easily the best one to convince her brother to help. 

But not this time. 

Tonight for some reason, the Pogues had decided to ditch tradition and venture out on their own. Pope was talking to some people from his math club, looking perfectly content amongst fellow intellectuals. 

Sarah had hung around Kiara for a while, but eventually even she pulled John B away from the beach and off into the darkness. 

And Kiara didn’t mind, she really didn’t. I mean she never expected Sarah to stay glued to her side at all times. This one night though it would’ve been really helpful to have a distraction in the form of a human golden retriever and extremely chaotic lightweight to take care of. 

To keep her eyes away from the sight in front of her. 

JJ Maybank was currently in the middle of a large crowd gathered around the designated sand dance floor, arms wrapped around a skinny blonde girl Kiara had never seen with him in her whole time of knowing him. 

It was torture to sit on this log, drink in hand, and pretend it didn’t bother her to see him with someone else. She couldn’t take her eyes off of his fingers. The way his hands traced the girls back and shoulders. His steady laughter trickled in the air and towards the blonde's ear. The bright grin he flashed her way that she thought was only reserved for her. Apparently she had been wrong about a lot of things.

To be fair, Kiara had done this to herself. She had pushed him away every time he toed their flirtatious line or was brave enough to genuinely open himself up to her. It hurts her to think that she may have lost that for good, that JJ doesn’t open up to just anyone and she’s effectively crushed that from happening ever again. 

Because as much as she likes him, she loves his sister more. She would do whatever it took to preserve Sarah’s friendship and keep that golden shine of affection pointing her way, even if it broke her and JJ’s hearts in the process. 

Chugging the rest of the vodka in her cup, Kiara moved to stand and make her way over to the keg, where some tall brunette had been eyeing her for the past couple minutes. She figured watching JJ wistfully and pining after something she could never have was a terribly shitty way to spend the night. Not when she could continue to drink and have fun with a perfect stranger. 

“Do you wanna dance with me,” she asked firmly over the loud thump of the music while pouring herself some beer. 

“Absolutely. You’re a direct one aren’t you?” the guy chuckled smoothly and gave her a pretty smile. 

“I know what I want,” she shrugged and pulled the very Kook looking guy onto the dance floor. It made sense when he told her his name was Ryan, because that was exactly the boring, clean cut energy he was giving off. Objectively, he was an attractive guy in a preppy-frat boy kind of way.

But his hair was dark chestnut instead of golden blonde. His eyes were a faint green instead of cerulean blue. He was missing dimples in his cheeks and there weren’t holes and tatters in his stupid cargo shorts that all had a story to match. No backwards red cap that looked about ready to give up. No metal rings on his fingers or chains gracing his tanned neck.

She tried hard to push away thoughts like those because they only made it harder to breathe and tightened the ache in her chest.

Ryan had no rhythm whatsoever Kiara was quickly learning. He was awkward and never quite decided on a place to set his hands, which was starting to get on her nerves but she tried to push through it. She almost pulled herself from his arms until out of the corner of her eye she saw JJ twirling his knock off barbie around closer to the fire. 

If her face fell further at the sight, she did her best to recover quickly and suddenly Ryan was a fine dancer. 

She pressed herself into him even further, opting to turn and settle her back against his chest and angle her head towards his face. His eyes seemed to light up at that and they continued to move together. 

The one time she dared to sneak a look across the sea of people, those ocean blue eyes were wide and glassy for only a fraction of a second as they met hers before he steeled them firmly and turned back to his fling. 

It felt like the air was being slowly sucked from her lungs. 

She tried to push her feelings down as far as she possibly could, focusing on the guy behind her and the booze coursing through her system, but it was futile. Here she was locked in a silent standoff with JJ where their only weapons were random strangers and waves of tension that rolled between them and god she was so tired. 

Kiara was so tired of pretending this was nothing and acting like the tension between them wasn’t mere seconds away from destroying her. Over the last couple months as she’s gotten closer and become family with everyone, it has been impossible for her to let herself go there with him. 

Because she knows if she did, it would lead to something more. 

Or maybe it wouldn’t. Maybe JJ would be perfectly content without whatever flavor of the week graced his presence while he flirted and teased his little sister’s best friend on the side. Maybe this was all some sick game to him. 

Her mood became even more melancholic at that notion and realized no amount of grinding on this guy she was never going to see again would change that, so as soon as the song ended she put space between her and Ryan and turned around to face him. 

“Thanks for dancing with me, but I’m not really feeling it anymore so I’m gonna go,” she explained and pointed her hand towards the opposite side of the party. 

“Woah woah hold on, what’s the rush? I thought we were having a good time?” he chided confidently, reaching out and grabbing her arm to pull her towards him. His grip was strong and the tone of his voice sent chills down her entire spine. 

“We did, and now I’m leaving so if you could let me go asshole, that would be fabulous,” she fumed while ripping her arm away from him. Since she had several drinks in her, she figured what the hell might as well use this as an opportunity to verbally accost this idiot, but she never got the chance before JJ appeared behind him and grabbed his shoulder roughly to pull him away from her. 

“Is there a problem over here?” he spit out darkly in a tone that sent shivers down her spine.

“No JJ, don’t!” Kie shouted, already figuring out how this was going to end. She watched the fire reflect in his eyes. 

“No problem, just don’t understand why it’s fine for this tease to dance up on me like a slu-”

JJ swung his fist hard into the guy’s jaw before he had a chance to say another word. He had him pinned to the ground in a matter of seconds and was violently thrashing his knuckles all over his face. Blood and cuts from JJ’s several metal rings now scattered his face, as people crowded around them shouting various encouragements and recording with their phones.

“Jage stop! Please!” she begged, trying to break him out of his fury filled trance. 

“Woah, dude that’s enough ok!” John B shouts out and lunges to pull JJ off of Ryan’s whimpering frame. Pope quickly grabs at his other arm to help, while Sarah breaks through the crowd and pulls Kiara away from the fight. 

“Are you alright?” her best friend asks lovingly, placing her arm around her shoulders and squeezing tightly. 

“Show’s over people! Back to your own lives please!” Pope yells at the crowd of teenagers who soon grow uninterested in the lack of action going on. JJ shoves himself out of John B’s arms and turns back towards Ryan. 

“Come near her again and I promise, it won’t be good for you friend,” he snarked out coldly, glaring at the guy still struggling to stand in front of him. 

“No actually, I’m not alright,” Kiara answers Sarah in a heated tone. “What were you thinking?” she shouted, turning towards JJ. “I was fine, I had it handled! I didn’t need you to come in with your hero complex-”

“Oh cause it looks like you had it handled Kie, when he grabbed you and all the color drained from your face!”

She turned away from him and inhaled deeply. After trying to gain her composure she walked away from their group and the blonde in particular who was the source of all her anger and frustration. 

Because he couldn’t leave well enough alone, JJ followed her down towards the water and it was her final straw.

“Leave me alone JJ!”

“No Kie! What the hell were you thinking?” 

“It doesn’t matter! JJ it’s not your job to save me from assholes who can’t take a hint!” She berated while gesturing her arms out wildly. Finally sparing him a glance, she can see the conflict in his eyes and she can see the way he’s preparing himself for a fight. 

“Well sorry I just want you to be safe!” he shoots out indignantly. 

“That’s not your concern! I don’t need you to defend me because I’m not Sarah! I’m not your little sister!” Kiara fumes at him, pointing up to where her best friend probably was watching this disaster play out. 

“No, you are definitely not,” he professed in a much softer tone than she was expecting. All at once the same fight he was building up was gone. And in its place something far more delicate and dangerous. In all of their arguing, they had somehow found themselves with only inches of space between them. 

Even in battle they couldn’t help but gravitate towards one another. It was like a steady beacon of light in a dark ocean, always calling them home. 

JJ moved slowly towards her causing her heart to thump loudly in her chest. He let out several exhales as his eyes dragged from hers down to her lips. Unsurprisingly all the games and the back and forth they’ve been playing these past few months left them both with no more patience. 

They didn’t waste another second as they met in the middle and crashed their lips together. Kiara’s head was clouded in a lust filled haze as she chased his lips again and again. All caution was thrown to the wind now and it felt damn good to be in his arms. He tasted like mint and cheap beer and his cousin’s weed they always smoke at the end of a good night. JJ wrapped his arms around her waist to pull her impossibly closer and she found herself tugging at the strands of hair on the back of his neck. 

They reveled in the fact that finally everything they were feeling was allowed to come to the surface and break free. 

Unfortunately once they pulled away, opting to catch their breath as they leaned their foreheads together, reality surged back into her mind. 

Sarah

Leave it to Kiara to find the best friend she’s ever had in this life and then lose her just as quickly because she couldn’t keep her hands or lips to herself. She has royally fucked up and she doesn’t know how Sarah will ever forgive her. 

The guilt spirals in her mind and she audibly gasps, pulling herself as far away from JJ as possible. She presses her fingers to her mouth and begins shaking her head furiously. 

“Kie-”

“No, no. What have I done? I can’t, we can’t-” she urges as tears begin to cloud in her eyes and threaten to fall. 

JJ looks as though someone has taken a dagger straight to his heart. It isn’t long before he too has tears building in his eyes. His lips turn downward and his face falls to the ground. 

“Yeah. Ok.” he sighs as if residing himself to a disappointment he is all too familiar with. 

“I’m sorry, I have to go,” Kiara rushes out and before waiting for his response or watching him be even more filled with sorrow than she thought was possible, she turned around and ran in the direction of the other side of the island. Towards the house she may not ever be able to step foot in again because of what she’s done. 

At this point, even pretending she was able to sleep seemed pointless. Kiara had spent the last several hours memorizing every textured crack, every minute dip on the ceiling of Sarah’s bedroom. Watched the moonlight reflect through her rose gold curtains and onto the bed, the floor, the shelves. 

The observation gave her mind something tangible to do as Sarah’s soft snore filled the room. 

Sometime after she stormed off the beach, John B and Pope reappeared at Tannyhill, both boys on either side of Sarah to keep her upright. They tucked her into bed as she whined loudly about a crab or something. When her drunken conversation shifted to the subject of her brother and where he was, Kiara’s stomach churned violently and it took everything in her to keep her food from making a reappearance. 

Sarah passed out immediately and the boys left to go comfort JJ she assumed. Pope’s sole sympathetic glance before he made his way out of the room was her only modicum of consolation in the wreckage she had created. 

Now she wasn’t just going to lose Sarah, she was going to lose all of them. 

Her heart shattered into a million pieces at the thought and she finally let herself sob into the quiet night. 

It would’ve been easier if her parents decided to go back on their word and rip her from the Outer Banks. At least then she would’ve had someone to point to and blame for the excruciating pain she felt. 

But she had no one to blame but herself. 

The last thought invading her mind before her eyes drifted closed that they all would’ve been better off if she had taken one look at the sunshine duo and ran the other way. 

In the light of day, Kiara knew what she had to do. She knew that it would be awful, as if ripping the protective shield off of her heart and opening herself up to attack and isolation once again, but she had to tell Sarah the truth. She prided herself on being honest if nothing else. 

Fuck maybe she wasn’t as truthful as she thought, considering all the ways she’s kept her feelings for JJ buried and hidden far away from Sarah and the rest of the group. She hasn’t been honest the second she laid eyes on him. 

But she could be honest now. She knew what she was going to lose. 

Taking a few deep breaths, she turned to face her best friend from her spot in Sarah’s king sized bed. The early morning sunlight filtered into the room, casting a delicate glow on her skin. How someone looks that beautiful as they sleep, Kiara will never know. 

She almost didn’t want to break the peace of the morning. 

Maybe Sarah could feel eyes on her, could sense that Kiara couldn’t bring herself to get it over with because it was at that moment that the blonde rolled over and moaned lightly. 

“What time is it,” she groaned while pressing her palms to her eyes and trying to get her wild, bed-head hair out of her face. 

“Ten,” Kiara responded shortly. 

“Damn, my head is fucking killing me. Word of advice, don’t mix tequila and whiskey,” she giggled out warmly and moved towards her bathroom. 

“I’ll take your word for it. Do you want some tylenol or something?”

“My hero,” Sarah called and peeked her head around the corner to shoot a charming and grateful smile Kiara’s way. 

If only you knew

She gave the meds a second to kick in and let Sarah get up and around. 

“What do you think about brunch? I’m in a serious mood for avocado toa-”

“Sarah. I have to tell you something,” she cut her off anxiously, ringing her hands together and falling into her bad habit of picking the skin around her nails when she’s worried. 

Sarah’s face shifts from blissfully content to apprehensive as she scrunches her eyebrows together. Her hazel eyes widen like a Disney character’s would. 

“What’s wrong Kie? You’ve seemed off all morning? Was it because of that douche from last night?” she questioned concerningly. 

“I mean yeah for sure. But, it’s more than that I…”

“You can tell me anything,” Sarah smiles reassuringly and moves to rest her hand on Kiara’s shoulder. Offering a small squeeze of comfort that was all the motivation she needed to finally get it out. 

“No like I REALLY messed up this time Sar. I don’t know how you’ll ever forgive me,” Kiara begins to tear up despite her best efforts to avoid crying. 

“Hey, hey don’t cry. Whatever you did it can’t be worth these tears. What’d you do? Kill someone? Because if so, I am more than willing to help you hide the body. I have friends in high places,” she shrugs with a smirk. 

A small burst of laughter escapes her lips at Sarah’s unseriousness in the face of her emotional mess. 

“No, I didn’t kill anyone. But you might want to in a minute…”

“I highly doubt th-”

“I kissed JJ!” Kiara blurts, unable to keep it in any longer. She places her head in her hands, effectively covering up her eyes from seeing Sarah’s reaction. From seeing the joy drain out of her features and be replaced by deep betrayal. 

She prepared herself for an onslaught of things. Angry insults hurled at her for what she had done or maybe for Sarah to break down crying and ask her how she could do this. 

But none of it came. 

Instead the blonde’s bright giggle infused the space between them. Kiara looked up in disbelief to see her best friends so overcome with amusement she practically had tears coming out of her eyes. It was a jarring, if not slightly alarming sight. 

“Oh god, I’m sorry it’s just too good. I was wondering when you two were gonna get your shit together,” she huffed out while wiping the corner of her eyes. 

“Wait, so you aren’t mad…”

“Kie, of course I’m not mad. I get I’m a blonde and all but I’m not stupid! I can read between the lines and I’ve never seen my brother look at someone the way he looks at you.” She smiles easily. 

“Although if you guys had held out for like a week longer, I would’ve won money so maybe I’m a little upset about that,” she teased and rolled her eyes fakely. 

“What?” It was Kiara’s turn to laugh. 

“Pope, John B, and I all had a bet going to see how long it would take for you to get together,” she relays like it was second nature. General knowledge amongst everyone what was going on. 

“So you guys all knew?”

“Umm yeah girl, we are usually in the room when you two drool over one another. But seriously, I’m happy for you! I think you both deserve this and I couldn’t pick better people for my brother and my best friend. Just don’t hurt each other please, I refuse to pick sides,” Sarah emphasizes and pulls Kiara into a hug. 

“I can’t believe this. I was so worried you’d hate me forever and that I was going to lose you and all the Pogues,” Kiara broke down and began crying in her arms. 

“Kie, there’s nothing more important than our friendship. I have never met or been around someone who gets me like you do. If you fall for my dumbass brother in the process, hey I won’t hold it against you. You are stuck with me for life,” she runs her hands against her back soothingly before pulling back to meet Kiara’s eyes again. 

“God, I love you Sarah. I don’t know how I managed without you,” she laughed sincerely through her tears. 

“I love you too! Now, wipe your face because I still want foodddd,” Sarah sings playfully. 

It takes a moment for Kiara to accept what has happened. That in one single conversation, Sarah not only didn’t push her away forever, but affirmed the very thing she’s been so terrified to admit. So desperate to stuff away. 

That despite the immature jokes, the quick wit, and the hot headed protectiveness, she loves JJ Maybank. And if she allows herself this, she could finally have that love she never thought she’d get. And in her case it was even better, because Sarah came with that. She made it clear that she had no intention of going anywhere. 

She wasn’t sure if this was a dream, but if it was she hoped no one ever woke her up. 

“Oh and one other thing, please don’t have sex anywhere near me. I’d prefer to keep my hearing intact thank you very much,” she quipped. 

“I think we can manage that,” Kiara laughed in response and grabbed Sarah’s hand to lace their fingers together. She squeezed three times out of habit and pulled her towards the door.

“Let’s go get you a mimosa.”

‘Ok, you can do this. Just go in there and tell the fucking truth,’ Kiara thinks to herself as she paces outside of JJ’s room. She knows for a fact he’s in there because she can hear his loudass. Because she’s practically Sarah’s roommate from the amount of time she’s spent at Tannyhill, she knows he only plays music really loud when he’s upset. When there is something on his mind he can’t shake. 

Kiara can’t imagine what is running through his mind but there’s only one way to find out. 

She puts her fist to his door and pounds loudly several times. After the music continues for another minute or so, she rolls her eyes and knocks again. 

“Jeez what do you want Sarah?!” JJ shouts as he rips the door open. His face widens at the sight of her and soon a melancholic sadness overtakes his face.

“Hi,” Kiara calls out softly, hoping he won’t slam the door in her face.

“Sup,” he responds feigning nonchalance, a futile effort at this point considering his eyes said everything he couldn’t. The immediate way they glazed over at the sight of her, filled with so much hurt and disappointment. She couldn’t fucking stand it. 

“Can we talk?”

He moves to the side and gestures for her to come in.

She realizes this is the first time she’s ever been in his room. It’s actually how she pictured it would be. Various posters of bands and movies and famous surfers littered his walls randomly. There were piles of clothes strewn all over the floor in disorganized chaos, pizza on his desk she didn’t want to even guess how old. 

She moved towards the back of the room where his desk was, a large window right above it with a view of the water. Several pictures of him and the boys were in frames, but Kiara’s favorite sat in the very heart and center. It was him and Sarah, clearly at some sort of gala or fancy party based on their outfits. She had her arms wrapped around his neck, head tilted towards the stars catching her in perfect mid-laugh. JJ was looking at her so fondly, smiling ear to ear as he soaked in his sister’s happiness. 

It was the perfect picture. It was who they were. Two of the most kind-hearted, fun-loving, and loyal souls she has ever met. She admired the picture for a while, tears beginning to form in her eyes. 

“That was at the Island Club’s Christmas party. We got so drunk that night,” he confessed with a laugh as if reliving the memories in his mind. 

“I love this picture. You both look so…so happy,” Kiara settles on and turns to face him. 

“Jage I need to-”

“No Kie, we don’t have to do this. You can save the ‘we can’t be together’ speech, I already know what you’re going to say. You don’t want to hurt Sarah and your friendship is the most important thing I get it. Totally understand. So we can just pretend it never happened and-”

Kiara was tired of even entertaining his self-deprecation any longer, so she cut off his rambling by pressing her lips to his once more. 

This kiss was entirely different from the one last night. Last night was all passion, like a blazing fire whose flames burned wildly out of control. They were both desperate to release all of the built up tension and aggression they felt towards one another. It had been easy then to get lost in the feel of hands pressed to her lips, his tongue exploring every inch of her mouth. The subtle yet satisfying way he bit her bottom lip. 

Now, all that was left was an ocean wave of pure bliss washing over them. With the freedom and knowledge that if they let themselves have this, they could do it all the time. JJ didn’t stay connected to her long before he was dragging himself away in shock. 

He met her eyes, questioning what the hell she was doing. After everything last night, she couldn’t blame him for being confused. For wondering how she had changed her mind so quickly and decided he was something she felt was worth the risk. But she needed him to know now exactly what he was worth. 

Before she could make him understand the swirling thoughts in her heart, he closed the space between them this time, clearly unable to resist her. They kissed like they’d done it for years, a well practiced give and take. The scent of his mango kiwi vape flooded her senses as he ran his fingers through her curls and moved her impossibly closer to him. 

He kissed her like he’d been waiting all his life to do so, and like he would never get to again. 

Kiara was going to do all in her power to make sure that wasn’t true. 

By the time they pulled away, they both were thoroughly wrecked and grasping at air to catch their breath. JJ’s lips were swollen and had a tint of her strawberry gloss smudged on them. She couldn’t help but laugh and reach up to wipe it off. 

“If you would’ve let me finish,” she emphasized with a pointed and teasing look, “I would’ve told you that Sarah’s ok with it. Us. I told her about everything this morning and she laughed in my face. Said she was happy for us,” Kiara finished with a bright smile on her face as she watched JJ light up in front of her. 

“Wait, really?”

“Yeah, I was surprised too, but I shouldn’t have been. I mean it’s Sarah. She only ever wants the best for us,” she beams. “And you, are the best for me, Jage,” she said firmly with zero traces of uncertainty.

“I’m so sorry I pushed you away. I was just scared that after all this time of living in a million different places, I was going to lose the only and best friends I’ve ever had. But that was stupid. Because I almost lost you,” she frowned and reached out to clasp her hand in his. He eagerly held her hand and intertwined their fingers together. A perfect fit. 

“It’s alright Kie, I get it. I wouldn’t give up Sarah’s love for anything either,” he relented and nodded his head gently. 

Kiara’s heart burned. He still wasn’t getting it. 

“No JJ. That isn’t fair to you. There shouldn’t have to be a choice between being friends with Sarah and being with you. You matter just as much to me as she does!”

“I love you.” She says simply, hoping her voice sounds more confident than she feels. 

His eyes go wide and he looks up at her quickly. In a semi state of shock. 

“I know that probably freaks you out and given all the shit you’ve been through in your life, I wouldn’t blame you. But it’s true. You annoy me so much sometimes I want to slap you senseless, and you tease me to the ends of the earth. You drive me absolutely mad anytime you open your mouth or wear the color blue because it brings out the ocean in your eyes. When I see another girl in your arms I want to die because I-”

JJ surges forward at her and cuts her off in another searing kiss. 

“What the hell is with you not letting me finish?” Kiara huffs out, frustration the only emotion she can convey as her head spins. 

JJ grins mischievously and picks her up off the ground, wrapping his hands around the back of her thighs to keep her steady. Kiara lets out a surprised giggle and watches his eyes glint in the light as he looks up at her. 

“Oh I’m gonna let you finish, don't worry babe,” he whispers tauntingly in her ear. A chill runs steadily through her entire body at the thought. 

She snorts out a laugh and tilts her head even closer towards his lips. 

“You are such a dumbass.”

“Yeah, but I’m your dumbass. I love you too Kie,” he professes while pressing his forehead to hers and breathing deeply. 

“Damn, I never thought I’d get to say that,” he chuckles lightly. 

Kiara’s heart lurches at the thought. That they both were so blind and hell bent on not making things weird for their group they almost lost each other in the process. 

“Well, feel free to say it as many times as you’d like now,” she smirked and fluffed some of the wild strands of his blonde hair with her fingers. 

“Nah, I think I have something better in mind.”

The sound of their joint laughter filled the room as he threw her gently on his bed, Sarah’s only request lost in favor of her boyfriend’s eyes memorizing her. The way his hands traced every inch of her body and his lips grazed the most delicate of places. 

It wasn’t long before the shrill of Sarah’s voice could be heard over the sound of their matching heartbeats.

“GUYS ARE YOU SERIOUS RIGHT NOW? YOU HAD ONE RULE!”