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I'm not your blood father Jay.
The words are spinning inside his head as he runs down from the lighthouse ignoring his dad yelling at him that there's more he wants to say to him.
Not his dad. Chandler Groff...his biological father.
He was driving the boat back to his h-their house.
Chandler’s face and Larissa’s portrait keep replaying in his head. The first time he saw..him, a total stranger and the portrait of a woman who was supposedly his mother.
This is a mess.
He finally makes it back to Poguelandia tying the boat with the rope.
The others were probably already gone. To Charleston with the twinkie.
He walks on the dock, the familiar path to the house and not really to his surprise Kie was outside in the garden taking care of her plants and her crops.
She stayed back for him. They weren’t like Sarah and John B who are literally always attached to the hip but they always looked out for each other through small touches and gestures.
But Kie stayed back for him.
“JJ. Where have you been? I’ve been worried sick. I called you and texted you a million times.”Kie asks when she sees him her hands on her waist.
Worried and angry.
Yeah he deserved that.
“Long story. Where are the others?”He answers his expression probably gave him away that something was going on. He was all jittery and anxious pacing up and down.
Damn it.
“Almost here, why? “ Kie asks her eyebrows furrowing in concern but as he suspected she saw that he was not okay. She continued as she gets closer to him, “Babe hey, what happened?”
“Nothing.” He answers trying to not to break under her lingering gaze.
“Don’t lie to me.”She says shaking her head pursing her lips.
He looks down trying to collect himself. His lip almost quivering trying not to cry.
Kiara steps closer, until there’s barely any space between them. She holds his face in both her hands now, her thumbs gently brushing across his cheeks as she stares into his eyes.
“Jay, I’m here for you. Whatever it is we'll figure it out together.” She says her hands still holding his face.
He opens his mouth to speak, but his voice catches.
“I saw my dad last night. Found him hiding at Barracuda Mike’s house. Earlier I got a letter from Wes Genrette and it said I should talk to my dad.” JJ’s voice trembles.
What? He’s back? What happened Jayj?” Her eyes widening and he can see an emotion in her eyes. Fear. For him.
Then she continues.
“JJ did he-“Her voice cracks at the end not able to finish the sentence.
“No!No, he didn’t do anything.” He immediately answers but he feels a lump in his throat. Saying it out loud will make it reality.
How is he supposed to deal with this?
”That’s not all though. He said-his voice shaking, "he told me that he’s not my real dad. That Wes Genrette is my grandfather which makes..Chandler Groff my father.”He finally lets out.
“What? But how? That sounds-"Kie starts saying.
"Insane? Yeah that's what I thought at first too but the reason I went to see my dad was because I got letter from Wes Genrette and the letter said to go talk to..Luke. Do you remember the rumor about Larissa? The one who drowned with her baby?”,Kie nods without interrupting him as he continues, ”Supposedly that baby is me. She's my mother and Groff is my father." JJ answers in one breath.
Kiara freezes, shock rippling through her. She opens her mouth to speak, but no words come out. The gravity of the situation is overwhelming. JJ stares at her, eyes welling with tears as his lip quivers uncontrollably.
"Like? He must be messing with me! Right? He just came back for money! That's what he does. He always ruins everything good I have in my life and now he's doing it again. Goddamn it." JJ’s breathing becomes erratic, and despite his best efforts, the first tears spill over.
Everything I have you freaking ruin. The words he said to Luke the day he helped him get off the island ring inside his head.
His lip trembles, and he clenches his fists by his sides, as if trying to hold himself together. But the mask cracks, and he falls apart in front of her, his body shaking with the weight of it all. His hands reach for his face, but he can’t wipe away the tears fast enough. His voice quivers, the raw pain spilling out.
Kiara can’t stand seeing him like this. Without a word, she pulls him in, her arms wrapping around him in an instinctive embrace. She holds him tightly, her fingers running through his hair as she presses her cheek against his. She feels him tremble against her, and her own heart shatters. She wants to take the pain away, but she knows that right now, the only thing she can offer is her presence.
“JJ… it’s okay. You’re okay. I’m here. You don’t have to figure this all out right now. You don’t have to carry this alone.” Kiara says softly.
JJ’s breath hitches, and for a moment, he doesn’t speak. He just clings to her, his hands gripping her back like she’s the only thing keeping him from falling apart completely. His lip quivers again as he presses his face into her shoulder, trying to steady himself, but failing. He lets the tears fall freely, his body shaking in her arms.
Kiara pulls back just slightly to look at him, her eyes full of compassion. She reaches up, cupping his face gently, wiping away his tears with her thumb. His lip continues to tremble, but she doesn’t pull away. Instead, she leans in slowly, resting her forehead against his.
“Jayj, look at me. You’re still you, JJ. No matter what. You are still the person I love, the person I’m here for. This… this doesn’t change that. And I’m not going anywhere. I’m with you, okay?”
She leans in and kisses him, not with urgency, but with the gentleness of someone who understands the weight of the moment. It’s a kiss that says everything: I’m here for you, I’ll stand by you, even when things feel impossible. And for the first time since he walked through that door, JJ feels a glimmer of relief—a small but important reassurance that he doesn’t have to face this alone.
When they pull apart, JJ's breathing is still uneven, but there’s a slight calm in his eyes. His lip is still quivering, but it’s softer now, not from fear or pain, but from the security of knowing Kiara will be there, no matter what.
“Come on. You’ve been up all night, you need to get some sleep. ”Kie breaks through the quiet.
“I’m not tired.” JJ says quickly.
Kie just gives him a look .
“Fine. Let’s go then.” JJ sighs.
“At least until the others come back. ”Kie grabs his hand lacing their finger together and giving him a squeeze.
Once they get to their room JJ lets go of her hand turning to her.
He leans down, his face still drawn with the weight of everything that’s just come to light, but there’s something softer in his eyes now. He reaches for Kiara, his hand gently cupping her face as he presses his lips to Kiara’s forehead. The touch is slow, filled with quiet affection, and it lingers for just a moment longer than usual—almost like a silent promise that no matter how lost he feels, she’s right here, holding space for him.
Kiara’s eyes flutter shut for a second, the warmth of his kiss sinking into her skin, and she smiles softly up at him. Her heart aches for him—she knows this isn’t easy, and she can feel the storm still raging inside him. But in that simple gesture, she also feels the reassurance that even though he’s unraveling, they’re still a team.
He pulls back just enough to look at her, his expression weary, but there’s a hint of something more in his gaze—a quiet gratitude, a sense of comfort in knowing she’s there.
"I just need a minute," he murmurs, his voice low and rough, and he gives her a small, almost apologetic smile. "I’ll be right back, okay?"
Kiara nods, her hand brushing against his arm as he turns to head toward the bathroom. The soft sound of his footsteps fades as he enters, the door clicking shut behind him. Kiara watches him go for a moment, her heart still full of love and concern for him.
She understands. He needs space to process, to breathe, to let the tension in his chest ease. But she’s here, in their room, just waiting for him. She trusts that when he’s ready, they’ll face this together.
She sits on the bed for a moment, her fingers running over the edge of the sheets, lost in thought. The weight of everything they’ve just learned, everything JJ’s feeling, is still fresh. The idea that his whole sense of identity is shifting—that his father isn’t who he thought he was—is a huge thing to carry. But Kiara’s not going anywhere. She’ll stand by him through it, even when he doesn’t have all the answers.
After a few moments of quiet, she hears the sound of water running in the bathroom, the soft rush of the shower starting. She exhales, her gaze still on the door, as though it’s the threshold between this moment of uncertainty and the one where they face it together.
Kiara knows they’ll have to talk more, and he’ll need time. But she also knows that when he walks out of that bathroom, she’ll be here, ready to listen, ready to hold him—no matter how many pieces of himself he’s still trying to put back together.
The sound of water running gradually fades, and the quiet that settles over the room feels heavier than before, laden with the weight of everything JJ has just learned, everything he’s still trying to process. Kiara can feel the tension in the air even though the space between them is still undisturbed.
When the bathroom door creaks open, she lifts her gaze from where her hands rest on the blanket, her heart skipping a beat as she sees JJ emerge, his damp hair tousled, dressed now in a simple, fitted t-shirt and sweatpants. His shoulders are slumped like the weight of the world is still pulling at him. He pauses just inside the doorway for a second, his gaze flicking over to Kiara as she sits on the bed.
She’s already looking at him, her eyes soft, filled with concern, but also with something steady—something grounding. He can see it in the way she’s holding space for him, no words needed, just the quiet understanding that she’s there for him, no matter what. He moves toward the bed, the silence between them comfortable, though there’s still a lot left unsaid.
When he reaches the edge of the bed, he hesitates for a second, unsure of how to start or what to say. His chest feels tight, and though he’s tried to breathe through it, the truth is still lodged in his throat. The revelation that Chandler Groff is his real father—it still doesn’t feel real. It’s hard to even say it out loud, let alone come to terms with it.
Kiara watches him closely, her heart aching for him. “JJ...” Her voice is soft, like a lifeline in the silence. She knows he’s struggling, that the weight of everything is pressing down on him, but she also knows he’s trying to hold it together, trying to make sense of it all. He looks at her, and for a moment, all he can do is nod. There’s a flicker of something behind his eyes—uncertainty, pain, but also a quiet gratitude for her presence.
He doesn’t say anything at first. Instead, he climbs into the bed beside her, his movements slower than usual, almost tentative. When he lies down next to her, he turns toward her, his body still tense, his mind racing through a hundred thoughts at once. But when his eyes meet hers, he feels a flicker of peace.
Kiara gently scoots closer to him, her hand resting lightly on his chest, feeling the steady thrum of his heartbeat beneath her palm. He’s still so fragile, so caught in the storm inside his head, but she’s here—he’s not alone. As they lay there, the quiet comfort of the moment enveloping them, Kiara shifts slightly, her hand still gently resting on his chest. Her voice is soft but steady, a reminder of something important, something they'd promised each other long ago.
“Do you remember what I said to you on the boat when we were returning to Kildare?” she asks, her words a quiet whisper against the stillness between them.
JJ’s eyes flutter open at the sound of her voice his lips tilting up, and he meets her gaze, his mind still tangled in everything that's happened, but the words she’s about to say feel like an anchor.
Kiara smiles gently, her fingers brushing through his damp hair. “Whatever happens, we're gonna handle it together. Like we always do.”
His hand reaches out to find hers, their fingers intertwining naturally, like they’ve done a thousand times before. The simple touch comforts him in ways he didn’t even realize he needed. He clings to her hand, his grip tight but not desperate. It’s a silent plea for reassurance, for something to hold onto in the chaos of his thoughts.
He feels the weight of her words settle deep into his chest, a warmth spreading through him, a sense of reassurance that no matter how tangled the path ahead seems, they’ll face it side by side. The promise they made to each other on that boat so long ago isn’t just a distant memory—it’s something they still live by. In that moment, with Kiara by his side, he believes it more than ever.
As Kiara’s words linger in the air, JJ’s heart tightens, not with the same overwhelming confusion that’s consumed him, but with something gentler—something he hasn’t said enough, but that feels more true in this moment than ever before.
“I love you,” he says quietly, his voice thick with emotion. It’s simple, but it carries everything he’s feeling—the gratitude, the relief, the love that he’s always had for her, even when the world around them feels uncertain.
Kiara’s gaze softens, her eyes shining with affection as she leans in, her lips pressing gently to his. The kiss is brief, tender, like a promise that, no matter what happens, they’ll hold onto each other. When they pull away, JJ feels a calmness wash over him that he hasn’t felt in days.
"I love you, too," she whispers, her voice a gentle echo of his own.
They stay like that for a moment longer, their foreheads resting against each other, breathing in sync. Then, in the quiet of their room, with the weight of everything still there but lighter now, they finally drift off to sleep.
In each other’s arms, the chaos of the world fades away. All that remains is the steady rhythm of their hearts, a quiet certainty that, whatever the future holds, they will face it together.
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JJ’s eyes flutter open slowly, the warmth of the sunlight brushing against his skin. He shifts slightly, taking in the peaceful weight of Kiara’s head resting on his chest, her hair spilling across his shoulder. She’s still asleep, her breaths even and steady, and for a moment, the world feels right. Safe.
JJ reaches up and gently runs a hand through her hair, the memory of last night’s revelations still raw but made bearable by the quiet strength of her presence. Kiara shifts slightly, waking up to the gentle rhythm of his heartbeat beneath her ear. She looks up at him, her eyes still heavy with sleep, but bright with the unspoken comfort they share. JJ smiles, a small, tender curve of his lips that feels like the first true breath of the day.
“Hey,” she whispers, her voice soft and groggy with sleep.
“Hi,” JJ replies, his smile matching hers, eyes sparkling as he leans down to press a gentle kiss to her lips. The kiss is slow, unhurried, a simple reassurance that they’re both still here, still safe in each other’s presence.
The soft hum of the Twinkie pulling up outside breaks the peaceful moment bringing them back to reality.
JJ sighs, pulling Kiara a little closer as the warmth of their embrace settles into the space between them. He doesn’t make any move to get up, enjoying the way the world feels just a bit more manageable with her here.
"Looks like they’re back,” Kiara says, running a hand through her hair and letting out a small sigh.
She glances at JJ, his expression shifting from content to a mix of nerves and anticipation. They both know the others will have stories to share—good, bad, or somewhere in between.
JJ hesitates for a moment, his eyes flicking toward the window as the voices of their friends float through the air. He nods slowly, pulling himself up and running a hand through his tousled hair.
“Yeah. We should. They’ll want to know we’re okay too.”
They step out of the room together, Kiara’s hand finding his as they walk down the hallway. They can hear the soft murmurs and footsteps before they even reach the front door. When they step out, John B., Pope, Sarah, and Cleo are gathered. They look exhausted.
And...what's that smell?
"The moment they see JJ and Kiara, the chatter pauses, and a sense of relief settles between them.
"Hey you too. We didn't know if you were asleep or not."
JJ waves at them forcing a smile.
Kie turns to him grabbing his hand giving it a squeeze. Reminding him she's there for him before turning to the others.
"Hey. What happened in Charleston and what’s that smell? Are you all okay? Kiara asks worry evident in her voice but also wrinkling her nose because of the smell.
"We went inside a catacomb. Full of rats and water. Me and Pope got trapped in there." Sarah continues.
"They were looking for the same thing we were. They got it. We almost drowned. John B and Cleo got us out in time."
“Oh my god.” Kiara says with wide eyes.
"Yeah it was scary as hell. The mission failed spectacularly." John B responds.
I’m-we’re glad you’re okay. "Kie replies.
"What were you two up to while we were gone?" Pope chimes in as he looks at them and then turns to JJ who's been more quiet than usual.
"Sleeping." Kiara replies.
"Is that what we call it these days?" John B raises a teasing eyebrow
"Shut up JB. I'm serious. JJ didn't come back all night. I only saw him this morning." Kie replies.
"Oh.” John B responds with a frown. Most probably confused by the half explanation.
“So, what happened J? You left a note about running an errand and didn’t come back all night? "John B asks.
“John B.” Kie says shaking her head.
Kie turns to JJ with a look I’m here if you want to tell them now.
“Jayj, do you want to..?” Kie trails off.
"Guys what's going on? You're freaking me out." John B asks concern evident in his voice.
Taking a shaky breath, he turned to face the rest of the Pogues. “Last night, I got a letter. It was from Wes Genrette,” he began, the words sounding heavier than he’d anticipated. “It said to go talk to my... to Luke. I found him hiding out at Barracuda Mike’s house, and he told me something that changed everything.” He swallowed hard, the silence pressing on him as they all leaned in, waiting.
"Luke? You saw Luke last night? Bro are you okay? "Pope asks with wide eyes.
Kiara reached out and squeezed his hand, offering him a soft, understanding smile that said it all. She was here, she knew the truth, and she wasn't going anywhere.
"He didn't do anything. It's more what he told me that really messed me up. He told me that he’s not my real dad,” JJ said, voice barely above a whisper. The room seemed to freeze, and he could feel the weight of their shock, confusion, and disbelief washing over him. “Wes Genrette is my grandfather. That means... Chandler Groff... Chandler Groff is my biological father.”
The silence that followed was deafening. Pope’s eyes widened in shock, his mouth opening as if to speak but no words came out. Cleo looked between JJ and Kiara, trying to process the revelation. Sarah’s hand flew to her mouth as she glanced at John B, who looked like he’d just been punched in the gut.
“What the hell…” John B muttered, his voice low and rough. He looked at JJ, searching his face for any sign that this might be a joke. But there was none—only the raw truth that JJ had just laid bare.
Kiara moved closer, her fingers tightening around JJ’s as if anchoring him in place. “JJ, I’m here, okay? We're all here for you. No matter what you decide or what happens next, you’re not facing this alone,” she whispered, her voice resolute.
Pope ran a hand through his hair, trying to keep himself composed. “Wait, so that means... Chandler Groff is your father?” His voice cracked slightly, a mix of awe and worry. “But why would Wes Genrette tell you this now? What does it mean?”
JJ looked up, his eyes meeting Pope’s, then John B’s, and finally Sarah’s. “I don’t know what it means,” he admitted. “But it changes everything, doesn’t it? It makes me wonder what kind of mess I’m really stepping into.”
"You’re still one of us, JJ. Nothing changes that. "John B says with conviction.
"Damn right" and "exactly" are thrown out amongst the group.
The room was still heavy, but there was a small, tangible shift in the air as the rest of the Pogues closed in around JJ. They didn’t know what the future held, or what this new truth would bring, but for the first time in what felt like forever, JJ felt a spark of hope. It wasn’t much, but it was enough to fight for.
“Thanks, guys,” he said, his voice rough but steady. “It means more than you know.”
Kiara leaned in, pressing a gentle kiss to his temple. “We’ll figure this out. Together.”
It was them against the world.
"Can we go inside now please? I need to get this smell off me. I'm going first sorry Pope." Sarah says urgently as she runs to the bathroom.
The rest of them walk back inside after Sarah, sitting in the living room.
The room was quiet again, the shock of JJ’s revelation settling into a heavy silence. The Pogues, now armed with the truth, exchanged glances that spoke volumes. Questions raced through their minds, but the biggest one loomed large: Can we trust Groff?
John B rubbed the back of his neck, the tension in his shoulders so tight it was like he was preparing for battle. “Okay, so we know the facts. Chandler Groff is JJ’s biological father, and Wes Genrette is his grandfather. But that doesn’t mean we know anything about what Groff is really capable of.”
"You're right John B. We don't know if we can trust Groff but we can worry about him later. We have much more urgent things to worry about. The court hearing is tonight and we have no money for a lawyer what are we going to do?" Sarah answers after she comes back out of the shower.
"Uhm, I have something to tell you guys. Jayj, please don't freak out.. ''Kie chimes in.
"Why would I freak out, Kie what happened you're scaring me." JJ furrows his eyebrows.
"Nothing really happened. I'm fine. Yesterday when I stayed back to wait for you. I also kept the bait shop open. Rafe showed up. He started-"Kie went to say but she got cut off by none other than her boyfriend himself.
"I'm sorry what? Rafe showed up at the shop when you were alone? What did that bastard do did he hurt you?"JJ started rambling.
"JJ slow down. He didn't do anything. He just started saying saying that he wanted to talk to Sarah and then he started spitting out how the shop is on a chopping block and I asked if he was behind that. He said no. Then he just came across from me at the registry and started saying how he's on our side and how I did him wrong, supposedly because of Barbados, stealing his boat to get to you guys but then he said that he's on my side. As if I would believe any bullshit coming from him. I don't know it sounded like a fucking threat it freaked me out to say the least. Anyway he didn't do anything I had a knife, one of Cleo's knives under the registry and grabbed it in case he tried anything. He didn't I promise. He just gave me his business card saying he could help us with the court thing and then he left."
"I'll kill him." JJ spit out.
"You're not killing anyone J.I need you out of jail yeah? Besides, I handled it. "Kie responds.
"I should've been here.If something had happened I wouldn't have known about it.My phone was off. I 'm so sorry Kie." JJ replies his hands running through his hair.
"It's okay JJ. You couldn't have known that Rafe would show up.The important thing is that I'm okay. I'm okay. "She repeats softly.
"Thank god." JJ says back.
"Hey tortoise and the tortoise you want us to leave you two alone or are we allowed to be here?"John B teases.
Kie rolls her eyes.
JJ flips him off.
"Some things never change." Pope chuckles.
JJ clears his throat.
"Back to the court thing. What are we going to? I doubt Rafe will be any help. We can talk to the surfers and the people from the cut. Maybe they'll back us up. "JJ says.
"That's a good idea rude boy. We don't really have any other options right now. "Cleo chimes in.
"Let's do this shit."John B says
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After they came back from the beach talking to the surfers and the people from the cut. JJ and Kiara sat together on the old, worn-out couch, an island of comfort amid the chaos of their minds. The cushions were pressed between them, soft and familiar, and the faint smell of chamomile tea lingered in the air from the mug in Kiara's hand. The warm light of the early afternoon streamed through the large windows, casting a gentle glow across the cozy living room. The familiar hum of the outside seemed far away, muted by the thick walls and the deep sense of quiet within.
Kiara was curled up, one leg tucked under her and the other draped over JJ’s lap. Her fingers fidgeted with the hem of her shirt, the nervous energy in her movements betraying the calm in her voice. JJ, leaning forward with elbows on his knees, exhaled slowly and looked up at her with eyes that held both concern and quiet determination.
"I don’t want to lose it, Kie," JJ said, his voice barely louder than a whisper. He looked at the small, worn rug beneath them as if it held answers, but it only offered its usual muted pattern in reply.
Kiara’s gaze softened as she met his eyes. She reached out, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear, her other hand squeezing his fingers in a tight, reassuring grip. “We won’t lose it. We can’t,” she said, more for herself than for him. The hope she tried to inject into her words was tinged with desperation.
JJ squeezed her hand back and let out a shaky breath. The house had been more than just a home to them—it was a symbol of their shared history, a space they built together, filled with laughter, secrets, and dreams. It was where they came back to each time the world felt too heavy. The idea of it slipping through their fingers was unbearable.
“I just… what if it’s not enough?” he said, glancing at the door as if expecting someone to burst through and deliver the bad news.
Kiara shifted, snuggling closer to him and placing her head against his shoulder. “We’ve been through worse, JJ. I know it feels like everything’s on the line, but we’re not alone. We have each other. And if we lose this, it’ll hurt, but we’ll find a way to keep going.”
JJ let out a small laugh, though it was watery and cracked. He tilted his head and pressed a kiss to the top of her head. “You’re the strongest person I know. I don’t say that enough.”
Kiara’s eyes glistened with unshed tears, and she pulled back just enough to look at him. “And you’re the reason I’m strong,” she said, voice breaking, but with the hint of a smile.
"Come on baby we both know you've always been strong. I'm just here for the ride. "JJ smiles slightly.
"You're such a dork."Kie shakes her head against him.
"But you love me."JJ grins.
"I do. But just for the record, you're stronger than you know Jayj." Kiara says softly, the gesture light and playful, as she poked JJ in the side. “You know you’re stuck with me, right? Whether you like it or not, Maybank.”
JJ’s eyes widened with mock offense, but the corners of his mouth twitched up into a smile he couldn’t contain. He reached out and pulled her a little closer, his fingers brushing the fabric of her shirt. “Oh, I’m well aware, Kie. And honestly? I wouldn’t have it any other way.”
She tilted her head back, her eyes meeting his, and for a moment, everything else disappeared—it all melted away in the warmth of the moment.
"Damn right you wouldn't."
He smirked, leaning in so their noses almost touched. “Good. ‘Cause you’d have to drag me kicking and screaming to get rid of me.”
Kiara laughed again, this time a little louder, and JJ’s heart swelled at the sound. He was right where he wanted to be, and no matter what happened next, he knew he was exactly where he was meant to be. Stuck with her. And that was more than enough.
“Good,” she whispered back, a smile playing on her lips. “Because I wouldn’t want it any other way.”
With that, JJ’s smirk softened, his gaze dropping to her lips. JJ’s fingers gently cupped Kiara’s face, his thumb brushing across her cheek as he closed the distance. Their mouths met in a kiss that was gentle at first, slow and full of everything they couldn’t say out loud. It was a promise, a reminder that no matter what came next, they were here, together.
Kiara’s hands rested on his chest, feeling the steady beat of his heart beneath her fingertips. She responded to the kiss with a soft sigh, the kind that said more than words ever could. It was a kiss that spoke of promises kept, of the peace they found in each other’s arms, of a love that was quiet but unbreakable. Kiara’s hands found their way to his collar, pulling him in closer as JJ’s arms wrapped around her, anchoring them both in the moment. The world outside may have been uncertain, but in that instant, with their hearts racing in perfect sync, they knew they were exactly where they were meant to be.
As they pulled back just enough to look at each other, JJ smirked, eyes glistening with emotion. “See? Stuck with me forever, Kie.”
Kiara’s eyes sparkled as she let out the cutest snort he's ever heard. JJ leaned in again, his hand tangling in Kiara’s hair as he drew her closer. Their eyes met for a brief moment, sharing a silent understanding before his lips found hers in a second, deep kiss. This time, it was full of a quiet intensity, a mix of passion and reassurance that spoke of everything they had been through and all that they still hoped for. His fingers moved through her hair, the touch gentle but grounding, as if to remind her that he was right here, with her.
Kiara’s hands settled on his waist, holding him as she let herself melt into the kiss. The world outside seemed to blur, the only thing that mattered was the warmth of him, the feeling of being safe and loved. Their breaths mingled, their movements slow and perfect, as if they had all the time in the world.
Their bodies pressed closer, JJ’s hand sliding to the small of her back, pulling her in until there was no space left between them. Kiara’s fingers found their way into his hair, holding him as their kisses grew more urgent, full of unspoken words and promises of forever. His hands go from her back to her ass squeezing it lightly and Kie gasps against his mouth. The room around them blurred, the creaking of the old couch and the distant sounds of the world outside fading to nothing.
Kiara’s eyes met his, a soft smile on her lips . “I love you,” she whispered against his lips, the words barely audible but more powerful than anything else she could say.
JJ’s face lit up, eyes glistening as he whispered back, “I love you too, Kie.”
Their foreheads rested together, the world around them fading as they stayed in the small, perfect bubble they’d created. The warmth of their breaths mingled, their hearts pounding in unison. For just a moment, everything else seemed so far away—court hearings, worries, the uncertainty of what came next. In that moment, there was only them.
JJ’s fingers traced the curve of Kiara’s jaw as his eyes searched hers, taking in every detail, memorizing the way her lips curled into a soft, content smile. He leaned in once more, their noses brushing as he whispered, “I’m never letting you go.”
Kiara’s laugh was quiet but bright, and she pressed her lips to his in a kiss that was soft and full of promise. It was a silent vow that they would face whatever came next, together.
Kiara’s eyes met his, a playful glint sparkling in them. “You better not,” she said, her voice teasing but sincere.
Before JJ could reply, a loud, dramatic cough interrupted them, making them both jump.
“Am I interrupting something?” Sarah’s voice was filled with amusement, her eyes dancing as she looked at the two of them. John B stood behind her, arms crossed and smirking, the corners of his mouth twitching up in a knowing grin.
Kiara’s eyes shot open, and she let out a small laugh as they break apart, breathless and with hearts pounding, her cheeks turning pink. JJ leaned back, exhaling a shaky breath as he ran a hand through his hair, trying to regain his composure.
“Uh, yeah, “A little.”" JJ said, eyes narrowing at the teasing pair. "No" Kiara said at the same time.
“Can’t you guys take a break?” Sarah replies her expression half-annoyed, half-amused. John B stood behind her, arms crossed and a grin spreading across his face. “You’re both whipped, and it’s actually kind of gross.”
Kiara turns, her cheeks flushed as she glanced at them. JJ exhaling a shaky breath as he ran a hand through his hair, trying to regain his composure.
“Come on, guys,” Sarah said, shaking her head. “We need to get moving, the court is starting soon. The world doesn’t revolve around you two, no matter how cute you are.”
JJ wrapped an arm around Kiara’s shoulders, pulling her close as he let out a sigh. “You’re lucky we love you,” he said, his voice low enough only she could hear.
Kiara looked up at him, eyes soft and fond. “I know.”
John B laughed, nudging Sarah as they headed for the door. “Come on, lovebirds. We need to get going.”
JJ exchanged a quick glance with Kiara, the warmth of her words still lingering between them. “Alright, alright. We’re coming,” he said, a grin forming as he reached for Kiara’s hand, squeezing it briefly.
“We’ll pick this up later,” he whispered, and Kiara’s smile was all the answer he needed.
The court hearing.
What could go wrong.. besides losing the house?
Little did they know..
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