Chapter Text
The Outer Banks
Rafe Cameron was born there, and for most of his life, he figured it would be the same place he would die, eventually, when the time came. What he never pictured was meeting the girl who exceeded his dreams, and falling in love with her. He also never pictured himself joining said girl, her best friends, and his little sister on a quest to find some secret treasure that had been hidden for hundreds of years.
He definitely didn’t picture traveling overseas regarding said treasure, and he knew for a fact being held hostage by a crime lord because of a fucking diary that led to said treasure was not on his bucket list of things to do before he died. It also wasn’t on Kiara’s list, and Rafe would be damned if she ended up dying in this godforsaken place alongside him. Rafe didn’t care much about what happened to him, but his girl was a different story. He'd do anything to protect Kiara. The crime lord and his little minions would find that out soon enough.
Perhaps you all are a bit confused on what exactly Rafe, Kiara and friends had gotten themselves into. Maybe it’s best to go back to the very beginning of when everything started.
June
A storm was coming. It wasn’t as if the island hadn’t seen its fair share of hurricanes over the years, so this was just another regular day. However, this was the first big storm since Rafe had decided to live on his boat instead of in his father’s house. He had moved out about two months ago, and it was the best two months of his life. He didn’t have school to worry about anymore, and Ward wasn’t always on his ass about one thing or another now that he was out of sight and therefore out of mind. It was nice. Just him and the water, and sometimes Kiara when her parents got to be too much and she would find her way to the pier and on the boat always with food or something else as if she needed to bring anything to stay.
However, with the storm coming, Rafe was reluctantly moving back to Tanneyhill for a few days to ride it out. That would be fun. The upside was that he would get to see Wheezie more. He missed hanging out with his baby sister. He and Sarah had also become closer believe it or not with him living on his own. They no longer acted like they hated each other because truly, Rafe realized he never actually hated Sarah, she just annoyed him to no end when they were under the same roof. They'd hung out a few times since he had moved, and it was good. They were starting to get each other. Seeing a therapist once a week also helped. Kiara had encouraged it, and Sarah too once she had found out. It was…enlightening to say the least.
There was still some shit that Rafe needed to work out. Like how the hell he was supposed to live under the same roof as Ward and Erik. Erik Cameron was the son of Warren Cameron, Ward’s younger brother. Warren, who was now in prison for fraud and embezzlement, had asked Ward to take Erik in when Erik’s mother could no longer handle the teen acting out. Erik had just recently turned eighteen, and had one more year left of high school, so his parents insisted he stay with his uncle.
To say Rafe and Erik didn’t get along was an understatement. Rafe never liked the kid, and that definitely wouldn’t be changing anytime soon. There was always something about Erik that got under Rafe’s skin. Perhaps the apple didn’t fall far from the tree given the predicament his father was currently in. Rafe kept reminding himself it was only for a week, if that. He could get through it with no problem.
Or so he thought.
Kiara roamed through the new house on Figure Eight that was currently under construction. It was definitely one of the Kookiest houses she had ever stepped foot in, and the house wasn’t even finished being built yet. Sarah wasn’t far behind as she went on about all the things they could do over the summer as a group. The boys were outside on what would be the deck, drinking beers and talking shit like always.
“This place used to be a turtle habitat, and now they’ve ruined it.” Kiara stated as she moved to step outside. “And who the hell needs towel warmers?”
“They’re actually really nice, especially in the winter time. Stepping out of the shower and into a warm towel is everything.” Sarah added with a smile, only for the rest of the group to look at her as if she were an alien.
“Shutup, you Kook.” JJ teased, throwing an empty beer can in Sarah’s direction. She dodged it before picking it off the ground and throwing it back at him.
Looking up at John B who was standing on the edge of the roof with a beer in his hand, Kiara sighed. “Could you please not kill yourself?” Having three boys as her best friends definitely made her mother hen of the group whenever they did stupid shit.
“And don’t spill that beer!” JJ warned. “I’m not giving you another one.”
Of course right after JJ said that, John B did end up dropping it. Sarah and Pope were busy pretending to shoot each other with the drills they'd found until Pope noticed one of the security cars drive up.
“Hey, uh, security’s here. Let’s wrap it up.” Pope informed, putting the drill back where he found it with Sarah doing the same.
John B turned, looking out at the parking lot. “You boys are early today.”
“Let’s go boys and girls.” Sarah giggled making her way over to the exit.
“Alright, humpty dumpty, let’s roll.” JJ and John B started making their way down to the others. “Gary, is that you? Good to see you, Gary.”
“JJ just get your ass down here!” Pope ordered the blond. JJ continued to talk shit as he climbed down.
Kiara shook her head as they waited for him and John B. “Now, you’re just asking for it, Jayje.”
The five started running throughout the unfinished house to get down to the back entrance avoiding the two security guards chasing after them. John B and Kiara were the first ones down, running to get in the Twinkie, starting it up and driving down the street to pick up the others. Sarah came next, climbing over the fence with no problem, and hopping into the van making her way to the front seat.
“Go Pope!” JJ yelled as he ran behind the other boy. “Go, go, go, go!” Pope climbed the fence, tripping on the way down as JJ made his way over right behind him. “Get up, P.”
“Let’s go boys!” Kiara urged, holding the door open for the two.
The boys jump in, and John B continues driving down the street through the neighborhood.
“Check out Gary gunning for a raise.” Pope laughed as Gary, the security guard, continued to chase after the Twinkie on foot.
“Come on Gary!” JJ moved closer to the open door telling John B to slow down.
“Guys, stop.” Sarah spoke up.
Kiara agreed, though it was funny to watch the older man trying to catch up to them. “You’re gonna give him a heart attack.”
Ignoring the girls, JJ continued to taunt Gary, dangling a beer out in front of the man. “You’re so close, Gary, so close.” Tossing the full can of beer at him, Gary dodged it, slowing down. “They don’t pay you enough, bro.”
The boys continued to laugh, and Sarah shook her head.
Kiara figured things had gone far enough. “JJ stop.” She told him, tugging on his arm. “Stop.”
“Aw, come on, that sort of initiative is just begging to be punished.” JJ finally sat back in his seat.
“You guys are seriously the worst. Poor Gary is just trying to do his job.” Sarah protested as Kiara closed the van door all the way and they continued down the road.
So here’s the scoop, Kiara and Sarah were both technically Kooks. They were the rich kids who grew up on Figure Eight. For the first few years of Kiara’s life she was a Pogue until her parent’s restaurant took off and they were making bank from all the tourists who came throughout the year to the island. Then, when she was seven, her and her parents moved into a luxurious house on Figure Eight. For Sarah, she had been a Kook since the day she was born. Her mom’s family had been rich as fuck for generations, and her dad had worked his way up. The girls had become best friends after Kiara came back home from being in boarding school for her eighth and ninth grade years.
John B, Pope and JJ had always been Pogues. They grew up on the working class side of the island, free of fancy yachts and golf courses. They all had to work for what they had instead of relying on their parents or their trust funds to get it. All three boys had been best friends with Kiara, or Kie as they called her, since she had shared her fruit snacks with them during snack time in kindergarten. Since then, they were all pretty much inseparable. Even Kiara being sent away for two years couldn’t break them apart.
Between the boys, the only one with reliable parents was Pope. Heyward and Regina owned Heyward’s Seafood which provided seafood for the entire island. They had basically adopted JJ considering his situation wasn’t ideal for a kid. JJ’s dad pretty much took his anger and frustration out on the boy every chance he got. Once the Pogues found out what was happening, they all offered to have him stay with them. Except Kiara’s parents weren’t keen on having a teenage boy in the house with their teenage daughter that wasn’t blood relation, and soon after that, John B's dad went off to sea searching for something, and well JJ staying with the Heyward’s just made the most sense in the end, especially considering how the two felt about each other. John B's parent situation was interesting to say the least. His dad, Big John, disappeared at sea nine months ago. It was a true mystery given that no one truly disappeared at sea these days. He hadn’t given up hope that the older man would come back one of these days. Until then, his uncle was supposedly his legal guardian, however Uncle T left a few months ago heading to Mississippi for a job, so John B was on his own at the moment. Which is how the chateau became the Pogues main hangout spot.
Kie was either at the chateau or with Rafe on the boat whenever she needed to get away from her parents. Pope and JJ were there whenever they wanted to hookup and not have to worry about Regina or Heyward walking in on them. Pope’s parents had given JJ his own room, but found most nights he slept in Pope’s room cuddled up with the other boy in his single twin bed. It was safe to say that the most loving parents award definitely went to Pope.
A storm was coming.
Hurricane Agatha was heading straight for the island, and everyone was instructed to take shelter in the safest place possible, however, John B, Pope and JJ were surfing of all things, and Kiara was at Sarah’s when she should have been at home.
Which is why when Rafe found his girlfriend in his old room, he wasn’t as happy as he would have been on any other day.
“You’re supposed to be at home, Kie. Didn’t you listen to the news? A damn hurricane is coming.”
Kiara shrugged, flipping through the pages of a magazine as she lay across the bed. “I’m with you. I’m safe. My parents aren’t even home yet, they’re still at The Wreck.”
It was starting to rain pretty hard outside, the sound of raindrops pitter pattering against the windows echoed throughout the room.
“Get your stuff. I’m taking you home.” Rafe ordered.
Kiara pouted. “Why can’t I stay here?”
Running a hand through his hair, Rafe sighed. “Because I don’t want your parents to think you’re missing out in this storm.”
“No one’s home, and I don’t want to be there alone.” Kiara sat up revealing the real reason why she didn’t want to go home.
Rafe softened at that. “Tell you what, I will take you home, and stay, at least until your parents get there.”
Kiara smiled, hopping up off the bed, hugging Rafe and kissing his cheek. “You’re the best.”
“Yeah, yeah, put your shoes on so we can go.” He lightly smacked her ass, getting a giggle from Kiara as she moved to put her shoes on before grabbing one of Rafe’s jackets out of the closet.
By the time Rafe and Kiara made it to her house, it was pouring down raining, and the wind was starting to pick up speed. Kiara’s parents still weren’t home, so the couple ran for cover from Rafe’s truck to the side door of the house. They were still drenched by the time they made it inside, heading straight upstairs to Kiara’s room.
“It’s freezing.” Once the cold air from the air conditioner hit Kiara in her wet clothes, goosebumps started to form on her body. She quickly started removing her wet clothes, going to her bathroom and turning the water on. “Shower with me?” She looked at Rafe who was standing in the bathroom doorway watching her.
“Why do I feel like you had this whole thing planned all along?” Rafe eyed her, licking his lips.
“Because I absolutely planned this entire thing. The hurricane and all was me getting you here so you'd have absolutely no where else to go.” Removing her jeans, Kiara was dressed in nothing but her bra and panties now.
Rafe took off his jacket and shirt, kicking his shoes off and stripping down to his underwear before stepping fully into the bathroom. “I should’ve known you were trying to seduce me.”
“Trying is the wrong word because I think my methods are actually working, Cameron.” Kiara smirked. They were merely inches apart now. “These need to come off.” She ordered, hooking her finger in the band of his boxer briefs.
“You first.” Rafe added lowly, lifting a brow as Kiara unhooked her bra, taking it off and letting it fall to the ground with the rest of her clothes. Stepping out of her panties, she looked at her boyfriend expectantly.
“Your turn.” Kiara urged, waiting for Rafe to do as told.
Keeping his eyes on her, Rafe removed his underwear, stepping out of them.
Kiara bit her bottom lip, eyeing him. “Looks like someone’s excited to see me.”
“Get in the shower right now.” Rafe practically growled.
Kiara lifted a brow, but didn’t say anything further as she did as told. Rafe followed, stepping under the warm water as Kiara pulled him in, connecting their lips. The storm going on outside was long forgotten as their moans filled the air.
Rafe ended up spending the night at the Carrera’s to wait out the storm, however when Kiara woke up the next morning he was already gone. There was a note left on her pillow instead. Kiara smiled to herself, picking up the folded piece of paper.
Morning Beautiful,
The power was out when I got up, so yes I left you a note like we’re straight out of a fucking romcom. Don’t act like you don’t love it, cuz I know you do. Meet up with you later today? I’m gonna make sure the boat’s good and help my Dad with some stuff, but after that I’m all yours. Love you. And before you say love you more, that’s not possible.
- Your Future Baby Daddy
Letting out a giggle, Kiara pushed the covers off, getting out of bed and checking the lights. They came on as usual which meant the generators had in fact started working. Even though she thought of herself as a Pogue, Kiara knew she had access to things her best friends didn’t. They were supposed to meet up for a wellness check in about an hour or so, which meant she needed to get ready.
After showering and getting dressed, deciding to let her hair air dry, Kiara headed downstairs to find something to eat before she had to head for the pier.
“Morning, Mom.” Kiara greeted the older woman, giving her a kiss on the cheek as she passed by the kitchen island.
Anna sat her coffee mug on the counter, watching her daughter go through the refrigerator grabbing a yogurt. “So, I saw Rafe leave this morning.” Giving Kiara a look, she waited for an explanation.
“Yeah" The teen started slowly as she moved to grab some granola from the pantry. “He stayed because of the storm.”
“He could’ve slept in one of the guest rooms Kiara.” Anna stood up to put the dirty dishes in the dishwasher. “Now, I’m not gonna ask if you two had sex last night because that’s a given.”
“Mom!” Kiara looked at her wide eyed, and Anna held her hand up.
“What’s gonna happen if you end up pregnant? Because I can assure you, your father and I will not be raising another child.”
Kiara shook her head. “That’s not gonna happen, Mom. Can you please just stop?”
Anna sighed, squeezing the dish towel in her hands. “You know when I was your age, I thought the same thing, but here we are seventeen years later.”
Rolling her eyes, Kiara grabbed her breakfast, suddenly not in the mood to eat there anymore. “Yeah well I’m not you, Mom. I’m going out for the day.”
“And just where the hell do you think you’re going?” Anna protested.
“Pogue wellness check because my friends and I actually care about each other.” Kiara moved to head upstairs and grab her stuff. “As much as I love having this conversation, maybe we can save it for another day.”
“This conversation is not over young lady. Your father and I are going to talk to you, and lay down some ground rules.”
“Looking forward to it, Mom.”
Over in The Cut, John B woke up to the roof leaking, no cell service and the power out. JJ was half asleep on the pull out bed where he'd crashed for the night. John B headed outside to check the damage. The storm had certainly done a number on things. Trees were uprooted, branches and rubble were scattered about. He was supposed to be meeting with DCS today as they were investigating his living situation, however that definitely was not happening. It seems the big man upstairs was on his side today. It was the perfect day to go fishing.
Pope was busy washing the deck in front of Heyward’s when JJ and John B came up on the boat.
“Well, look who we have here.”
“Toodeloo!”
The boys called out, grabbing Pope’s attention.
“We have a safety meeting.” John B announced. “Attendance mandatory.”
“Naw, I can’t. My Pops got me on lockdown.” Pope stated just as Heyward was making his way over to them.
JJ started to say something before being interrupted by Heyward.
“JJ, you little bastard, you didn’t come home last night.” Heyward eyed the blond not looking happy at all.
“I slept at John B’s. He would’ve been at home all alone if I hadn’t.” JJ put on his best innocent face. “I was just being a good best friend.”
“Uh huh, how ‘bout you tell Regina that. She was up half the night worried sick about you.”
“I promise I’ll make it up to Mama H. I’ll be back home tonight, but right now we gotta steal Pope.”
“Yeah, we need your son.” John B added slowly steering the boat.
Heyward frowned. “The hell you do! Both of y'all got shit to do. Pope you need to stay, and JJ you need to get yo ass up here and help clean up.”
“Later, Pop!” JJ looked at Pope, urging him to hop on the boat.
“Get in the boat.” John B told the other boy.
“Just make a run for it.” JJ told his boyfriend.
“Boy if you get on that boat-“ Pope jumped on the boat defying Heyward’s orders. “Bring yo ass back up here!”
“I promise I’ll do everything tomorrow, Dad. The both of us'll help, I promise.” Pope added, including JJ who had his back turned to them.
“When you two get back, the both of y’all are gonna clean shrimp. You gonna clean fish. You gonna clean ya dirty ass rooms-"
“Love ya Pops!” John B picked up speed. “I’ll make sure they both come back in one piece, I promise.”
“All three of y'all are a pain in my ass!” Heyward shouted.
Kiara smiled seeing the boys pull up in the boat. “Mornin' boys.”
“Mornin'"
“Whatcha got?” Pope asked, looking at the cooler she was carrying.
John B slowed down a bit. “You got some juice boxes?”
Kiara nodded. “Ya know, just some yogurt, some carrot sticks.”
JJ held his hand out to help her onto the boat. “How ‘bout my kinda juice boxes?”
“Yeah"
The four headed out on the water, looking for the best place to fish. Pope took over driving the boat, and John B asked the question that had been on his mind since they picked up Kiara.
“Hey, Kie, have you heard from Sarah today?”
Taking a sip of her beer, Kiara shook her head. “No, but I mean the phone lines and stuff are down so…”
“Right.” John B opened his own bottle. “Just checking.”
“I mean we could always go by there.” Kiara suggested.
“Naw, I’m sure she’s fine. I’ll catch up with her later.”
“Okay” Kiara didn’t say anything more. The back and forth thing Sarah had going on with John B and Topper was getting pretty old. Both boys had feelings for her, and she was playing both of them like a fiddle.
As soon as JJ showed everyone his ‘party trick’ things went a bit haywire. Pope semi crashed the boat and JJ almost broke his back from the way he landed in the water.
“Pope, what did you do?” JJ asked after finally catching his breath.
“It was a sandbar. The channel changed.”
“Yeah, no shit.”
The sandbar actually ended up being a sunken Grady-White. After swimming down and checking out what was there to explore, John B found a motel key, which of course meant the four had to go figure out what the key led to.
However, what they didn’t notice was the dead body of Scooter Grubbs floating not far from where the boat had sank.
Things were only just beginning.