My entry for day 10 of our Christmas Calendar.Find all the information here.

Summary:Reader feels like it’s time for the Pogues to finally have a nice Christmas and sets up a secret santa party … only things don’t go as planned.

Likes, reblogs, comments are all much appreciated. I am German. Sometimes I get the tense wrong or make mistakes. I am useless when it comes to punctuation. Go easy on me, please.

It’s a well-known fact, that the downside of Pogue life is being ignored and neglected. That sentiment also extends to Christmas and all that comes with it. 

While figure 8 is decked out in lights and tinsel and garland, the most you’ll find at the cut is a wreath or two hung up on a door and maybe a poinsettia perched on a windowsill.

“ This year it’s gonna be different! “ (Y/N) exclaims as she steps out of the Chateau and plops down on the couch next to JJ, who’s taking a long drag from his freshly rolled blunt.

 “ What are you talking about? “ Kie asks, holding her hand out and waiting for JJ to pass the joint to her. “ I mean, whatever it is I’m in, just wondering. “ 

“ Christmas. “ 

“ Christmas? “ Pope asks, eyebrow raised in question.

It’s no secret that both Pope and Kie have lucked out in the parents department. The Haywards are as loving as they come. And while Kie loves to paint her parents as the evil villains in her origin story, they’re really just looking out for her. Sure, their worry might be a bit misplaced sometimes, but It comes from a place of deep unconditional love.

That’s something not all of the Pogues can say about their parents.

“Yes, Pope. You heard me right. Aren’t you guys tired of feeling - sad?  I am. Look I know we like to pretend that it doesn’t bother us and that Christmas is just a day of the year like any other. But let me be honest, because that’s what we do right? Pogues are honest with each other. ”

The group nods in unison.

“I want a nice Christmas for once. I want a tree and I want lights and good food and music and fucking hell, I think we deserve a present too!”

“ You have a plan. “ It’s not a question that leaves John B’s lips, it’s an observation. Living through shared misery makes you really get to know someone. Not just their pretty sides, all the grime and the sadness and the secrets hidden in the furthest corner of their heart. The Pogues can read each other with just a glance. 

“ What about a little Pogue Christmas party? “ 

“ I’m — “ 

“ I know Pope, “ she interrupts him as he’s about to shoot down the idea. “ I know you have a full plate on Christmas day, so does Kie. I was thinking about Christmas Eve. We already have the lights out in the backyard thanks to JJ and the Hot tub incident. “ 

“ You’re welcome, “ the blond boy chimes up next to her, a satisfied grin on his lips and blue eyes sparkling with the power of a hundred frosted Christmas lights. 

“ I was thinking maybe Kie could bring some leftover from the Wreck so all that’s left is a tree and presents. “ 

JJ raises his hand as you would in school, signaling a question coming (Y/N)’s way.

“ Yes, JJ ? “

“ How are we gonna pay for the presents? May I remind you, both John B and I lost our jobs recently and I have about 3 dollars to my name so … “ 

“ That’s why I suggest a secret Santa. That way everyone gets something but everyone only has to buy one gift, and it doesn’t have to be anything expensive or fancy either. It’s the thought that counts. “ 

She looks around the group of friends, eyes meeting different shades of blue and brown and hazel. None of them seem too convinced. And really it was a long shot. But there’s a nagging in her heart, clawing at the walls of her chest, knocking against her ribcage. A distant longing that long lay dormant and asleep inside her but something has awoken it and no matter how much she tries to ignore it, she can’t. 

Maybe everything changing so quickly lately has her confused. Maybe seeing John B going after what he wants, Sarah and the gold and his father’s legacy, has opened her eyes a little. That things don’t have to be bad. That you can escape a life no matter how restricting and gloomy it is. 

And maybe the blond boy next to her has played a part in all of this too. Everything considered he should be bitter and angry and hold more hate inside himself than any other person on this earth. Life has shown him nothing but cruelty. JJ though, despite it all, is one of the softest people she knows. He’s got a heart filled with warmth and joy and so much love for his friends. Where life should’ve made him spiteful and mean it only made him loving and loyal. And while sometimes his actions end in a bit of a disaster, they always come from a place of care and unfiltered, all-consuming love for his friends, his family.

So does he not deserve a nice Christmas? Does he not deserve one night of feeling like he is enough, like they all are?

“ What do you guys say? “ 

For a moment they are quiet, contemplating her words over and over and her heart sinks knowing they don’t really want to. Maybe this is all a joke to them, maybe it doesn’t mean shit. But it does to her. So where’s the harm in trying. Right? 

And then she feels the soft touch of JJ’s hand against her shoulder. It’s barely there. If a whisper was a touch this would be it. But it doesn’t have to be more. It’s all it needs to be. It’s a reassurance, a promise, a hug, all in a soft little touch.

“ Sounds fun to me, “ he says and shrugs his shoulder before taking another drag of his joint. “ I mean, I don’t have anything else to do on Christmas Eve. You guys? “ 

He regards his friends with determined eyes. 

“ Sure, why not. “ John B shrugs and lifts his beer as if to toast on it. “ You’re right. We deserve a night of decadence. “ 

“ Guys, not to burst your bubble but I doubt whatever will be left is gonna be a decadent meal, “ Kie chimes up, lips screwed up in disappointment. 

John B takes a sip of his drink and lets out an amused chuckle. “ JJ’s been chewing on moldy toast the other day, everything’s a feast to him.“

“ I would fight you because that was rude but you aren’t wrong so I’ll let it slide. “ 

“ Very generous of you, good sir. “ 

“ You’re welcome, Darling. “ 

“ So, you guys are in? “ 

They all agree with various degrees of enthusiasm. It doesn’t matter though, not right now. They might not understand her reasoning, hell they might not even be excited. They’re in though. They agreed. They see how important it is to her, how much she longs for this one night of normalcy. And they show up. They’re there when it matters. 

“ Let me just write down our names real quick and then we draw. See who gets to buy who a present. And no cheating, guys. This stays anonymous until the party. And no switching either. John B, do you think Sarah wants to join in? “ 

“ Yeah, “ he responds, his brown curls bouncing chaotically as he nods his head in approval “ I’m sure she’d like that. To be included. “ 

(Y/N) has to admit that it was a little weird at first, to add another person to their tight-knit group. Especially someone like Sarah, who never had to deal with any of the issues the Pogues are raised with. Someone who never had to choose between putting food on the table or paying the electricity bill. Someone who never had to look in the mirror and tell themselves that sometimes a parent’s love is a handprint on a cheek. 

Someone who’s never had a Christmas without presents or a tree or lights or a family to spend it with.

But as much as she tried, she couldn’t help but fall in deep platonic love with the blonde. Sure, maybe she’s never had to deal with the same problems but she had her own issues, her own trauma. And maybe it’s not so much what you’ve been through that matters but how you grow from it, how you overcome it, how you find closure, and what you let it shape you into. That they all have in common. They overcome it together, with the help of each other and depending on the love and care their friends provide. So it only feels right to include her in this.

A few minutes later one after the other all the Pogues pull little scraps of paper from JJ’s hat, unfold them and without fail, each of them has a little smirk on their lips as they read the name of whoever it is they’re getting a present for. There’s something so comforting and familiar about their friendship. Something that is hard to explain to anyone that doesn’t live it. That isn’t included. All of them are so distinctly themselves and yet their bond is unwavering and can’t be broken so easily. 

“ I’m glad you guys decided to trust me in this. I can’t wait for Christmas Eve, “ (Y/N) exclaims before her gaze wanders to the clock on the wall. “ And on that note, I have to leave. My shift starts in 30 minutes. John B, I trust you give Sarah her piece of paper without peeking. “ 

“ Cross my heart, “ he answers and follows his words with his fingers painting an invisible cross on his chest. “ No peeking.” 

“Hey,” JJ speaks up, “think you can give me a ride to my place? ”

“Sure. Always”

As they sit in the car, driving through the sparsely decorated neighborhood, (Y/N) feels JJ’s eyes watching her intently.

“What’s up?”

“Hmm?”

“Why are you watching me?”

“Just wondering.”

“ ‘bout what?”

“Why is this so important to you? You never usually cared about Christmas”

(Y/N) takes a breath, tries to put her thoughts and feelings into words. It doesn’t really make sense to her how can it make sense to him? But truly If anyone will understand it’s JJ. 

“ I’m not sure, I just remembered the Christmases when I was little and mom was around. We didn’t really celebrate then either but she’d put me in the car and turn the radio all the way up as they played Christmas songs and we’d drive through figure 8 and look at the lights. And every year she said one day she’d give me a Christmas like that. I think seeing John B. finally going for what he wants and deserves and seeing him trying to make his dad proud. It made me think about what I wanted and what my mom would want. So yeah … it’s silly, I know.”

“Nah, it’s not,” JJ replies and reaches over to gently ruffle her hair. “It makes sense. I don’t really remember much of my life when mom was around but I remember this one Christmas when dad was working on some ship so he wasn’t around and she was - happy. And she’d make us pancakes and draw a Christmas tree with whipped cream on it. We were so happy that morning, I’d give everything to feel like that again. I get it.”

JJ doesn’t talk about his mom, ever. It’s an unspoken rule in their friendship. Partially because he doesn’t have much to talk about and partially because it breaks his heart, to know that despite how much his dad hates him, he’s the parent that stuck around. Not his mother. Not the woman who’s supposed to love him most.

At least John B. was left with one loving parent. 

So to hear him be vulnerable with her, sends an indescribable warmth through her whole body.

“Hey J, thanks for agreeing to this and having my back. Not sure the others would’ve said yes if it wasn’t for you.”

“No biggie. I think it’s a nice idea. And you’re right, we do fucking deserve something nice for once.”

His fingers keep softly stroking the back of her head, combing through her hair and making a calm settle in her bones.

“Can I tell you a secret?” She says, heart beating just a little too fast.

“Always.”

“Out of all of them, you’re my favorite.”

“That’s good. Cause you’re my favorite too.”

Sometimes there are moments when she thinks that there could be more. More than friendship. More than longing looks and fleeting touches and loving words sitting in the car driving down the cut. And then she remembers that they are friends and if something were to happen, the consequences could end all of it. What if it ends badly? Is she ready to give up their friendship for a maybe?

Not yet. Maybe not ever. So she’ll stay in this limbo with him, coming close but never arriving. Watching and waiting for something that never comes. Letting herself indulge in the what-ifs only in her dreams.

There’s a single window decked out in Christmas lights as they make their way to JJ’s place and it makes her smile. Maybe she isn’t the only one feeling the holiday spirit.

The backyard sparkles with lights, as the friends sit by the fire, bundled up in blankets, holding onto their steaming mugs of spiked hot chocolate. John B. licks the last drop of gravy off of his plate. When they agreed on Kie bringing leftovers, they hadn’t expected her to bring by a full-on feast. Ham and potatoes and gravy and pie. Maybe, (Y/N) thinks, maybe Kie’s dad doesn’t hate them all that much after all. None of this food seems like leftovers to her. Maybe it’s him feeling generous on Christmas eve or maybe it’s him having pity on the kids who never had a proper Christmas. Whatever it is, she’s entirely grateful.

“Time for presents?” (Y/N) asks, slightly bouncing in her seat which earns her a soft smile from JJ. If only she was brave enough to ask for more. To reach out her hand and take it. To tell him and see where it goes.

“Sounds good to me,” Sarah replies before pointing to a bag full of presents wrapped in all kinds of bright patterned wrapping paper. “As you know we had Wheezie wrap them so the wrapping skills or lack thereof wouldn’t give away the surprise.”

“Okay so you open your gift and then guess who you got it from and whoever gifted you will reveal themself. Got it?” (Y/N) explains, looking around her group of friends who all nod in understanding.

“Good, let’s see, this one is for John B.,” she says and hands the gift over to John B. who rips off the paper in one swift motion.

“Oooh Condoms and a - piece of paper?”

“Turn it over,” JJ explains, masking his words with a comically fake cough.

“It’s a - self-made coupon for a one-time board waxing. Now I wonder who that’s from.” John B. rubs his chin in mock consideration. “I’ll go with JJ?”

“Yeaaah Bree, you got it. You’re welcome by the way.”

“Uh - thanks I guess.” John B. Says and pulls the next gift from the bag. “This one is for Sarah”.

With a smile on her face, the blonde unwraps the package being met with a beautiful silver frame that holds a picture of her and John B. cuddled up to each other in the hammock taken sometime in summer, the light of the setting sun veiling them in a gorgeous golden glow. 

“Awww I love this. Well since you’re the only one who always carries around the camera I’m gonna say this was from (Y/N)?”

The girl nods “yup. I’ve been meaning to give you that picture for a while and then I found this vintage frame at the thrift store and it just all fell into place.”

“Thank you, that’s so sweet. I love it. Okay, the net one is foooor, JJ!”

“Ooh give it here,” JJ exclaims and wiggles his fingers in excitement. “Let’s seee. A sixpack and some board wax ayyy. Nice.”

“Hey look at that, you can use it to wax my board when I cash in my coupon” John B. pipes up earning him a raised middle finger from JJ. 

“How about no? You can have one of my beers though." 

"So nice. A true Christmas miracle.”

“Mmmh. Okay, so I’m not sure who got me this, maybe John B.?”

“Nope”, the brunette boy replies. “Wasn’t me. ”

“That was me.” Pope chimes in. “Thought about getting you a book but I thought this was more fitting.”

“Thanks, dude. Love it. Okay who next, ” JJ fumbles the next package from the bag. “This one’s for Kie.”

The girl gingerly opens the package to reveal a dainty silver chain with a cute little turtle pendant. 

“That’s adorable! ”

“And it’s handmade from a local business!” Sarah exclaims, which makes the group fall into a fit of laughter.

“What? Oh.”

“Yeaah. So I guess this one’s from Sarah,” Kie says between giggles. “Next one is for - Pope!”

He opens his gift, an engraved leather-bound notebook, rightly guessing that it’s from Kie.

“Next one is for - me again?”

The group looks around, each of them more confused than the next. 

“Yeah man, that’s from me. I got you.” John B. announces.

“No, I got Pope,” Kie disagrees.

“I guess we both got Pope?" 

"Then who did - oh fuck”

An uncomfortable, almost sad silence falls over the friends as they realize who must’ve been left out. 

“I guess I forgot to write down my own name. It’s no big deal really.” (Y/N) says and though she tries really hard to sound unbothered. 

“Hey I have two you can have this one,” Pope proposes holding the present out to her.

“No that’s okay. John bought it for you.”

Pope nods, his lips pulled into a sad smile “you sure?”

“Positive.”

While they fall back into a careless conversation fueled by the spiked chocolate and the Christmas spirit running through their hearts, (Y/N) can’t help but feel her own heart breaking a little. 

Before she can dwell on it for too long, she feels JJ’s hand gently rest on the small of her back, rubbing soft, comforting circles into her skin. It sucks, it really does but it feels just a little bit better when she’s this close to him.

Pope unwraps a box holding an ugly patterned tie. So he can look “professional,” John B. says.

They finish their chocolates and as the fire dies, so does the party. One by one they leave or retire to their rooms, getting ready to spend Christmas with their families or in Sarah and John B’s case, with each other.

And in the end, it’s only (Y/N) and JJ left. looking at the dimming embers glowing faintly. 

“ I’m sorry, (Y/N). I know you wanted this so badly and then we fucked it up and you didn’t even get a present. “ 

(Y/N) shrugs, trying not to let it show how much it really hurts. How angry she is at herself for messing this up.

“ I mean, it’s my own fault. I forgot to write down my name. And anyway — I got to spend tonight with the people I love most and you all had a good time and that’s really all that matters. “ 

JJ pulls her closer and places a kiss on her head which makes her forget about everything for a second. About her fuck up. About all the heartbreak she’s ever felt. About how unfair life really is. It all melts away and she wishes, oh she wishes he could do it again. And again. And again. Over and over until no wounds are left and the cracks in her heart are healed and life doesn’t feel so shit anymore.

“ Hey, Luke’s gone and I don’t really wanna be alone on Christmas eve. Wanna stay at mine? “ 

She wonders how anyone could say no to that. Not to JJ and his gorgeous blue eyes and that sparkle of — something that keeps looking back at her.

So she says yes. Of course, she says yes. It will always be a yes with JJ. Always. 

JJ’s bed is soft. It’s so soft she wonders if he misses it while he’s staying at the Chateau. It’s like sleeping on a cloud. The pillows smell like ocean air and JJ’s shampoo. It all smells of JJ. Warm and familiar and comforting. It smells like home to her. He’s home to her. So it’s no wonder (Y/N) falls asleep approximately 10 seconds after her head hits the pillow.

It isn’t until the notes of Queen’s “Thank god it’s Christmas” echo through the small house, that (Y/N) is shaken from her slumber.

“ What the fuck? “

Gripped by curiosity, (Y/N) makes her way down the hall and turns the corner to the living room when her jaw drops. 

The whole living area is decked out in hundreds of thousands of sparkling Christmas lights. Like an ocean of colors, a sea of stars. There’s tinsel hanging from the doorways and garlands strung along the ceiling. 

“What in the -”

“You’re up!” JJ steps into the room, two plates in his hand piled with what looks and smells like delicious sweet pancakes and a smile on his face that puts all the lights to shame.

“What time is it?”

“ um like 11:30 or something.”

“And you’re making pancakes?”

“Yes. For us. For our Christmas Party,” he says like it’s the most obvious thing. Like its not strange at all.

“Our party is over JJ.”

“No, it’s not! It’s our party and it starts now. See we got the lights,” he gestures around the room then shakes the plates in his hand slightly. “The food" 

Placing the food down on the table he makes his way to the corner of the room where a sickly looking yucca plant sits covered in tinsel and sparkly plastic ornaments. 

"Here’s our very own tree,” JJ announces, a wide smile gracing his face. He is so proud of this, his enthusiasm and excitement radiating from him and pulling (Y/N) into the deep with him. There’s just something about a happy JJ that makes you feel the joy too.

“When did you make this”, she asks and gestures around the room.

“While you were sleeping.”

“Jay …”

“And I even got you a present.”

“JJ, You - ”

“No, listen! You were so excited about this and then you didn’t even get a present. I know you said it’s not a big deal but I could tell how much you were beating yourself up over making that mistake. And look if anyone, we know best that Christmas isn’t about the materialistic things. But you deserve a little something for setting this up for us and for making us happy and giving us the only Christmas some of us will have this year. I want you to be happy too. I thought since your mom never gave you the figure 8 Christmas extravaganza, I’ll try to. Pogue style of course.”

“You made this, for me?”

JJ nods and though she can’t be entirely sure due to the lights casting colors all across the room, she’s fairly certain there’s a light shade of pink dusting his cheeks.

“I also got you a present. I - I didn’t wanna give it to you with the others around since we said no gifts only the secret Santa ones. But um … I made this a while ago. After that one time I fixed your car I had some scraps and some time left and yeah. ”

The present he hands her is messily wrapped in brown paper. There’s no glitter or fancy patterns or anything. But it doesn’t need any of that. It doesn’t really even matter what it is. JJ made this for her. He put time and effort into something just for her. It sends her heart pounding in all the crazy beautiful ways. 

As the paper falls away, she can finally make out what it is he gifted her. While it’s got a few rough edges, it’s a surprisingly delicate flower. There are log nuts and scrap metal welded together to create something so beautiful, so intricate. 

“You made this for me?” She asks, voice but a whisper. When all your life you learn that people are selfish and cruel, the little things can shake your entire world. Leave you breathless. 

“Mmhm. Remember I took that welding class once.”

“But you made this, for me,” she repeats her words, trying to emphasize what this really is about. What it is that makes her heart do twirls and pirouettes.

“I told you, you’re my favorite. You deserve this.”

And then the world comes crashing down like a meteor, full force headed for impact.

“I have nothing for you.”

JJ shrugs and she can tell he means it. That he isn’t looking for anything. While he always liked to joke and fantasize about riches and fortune, JJ was never someone that cared all too much about any of that. Even his wildest dreams usually only extended to a little surf hut and enough free time to see the world. No big cars or houses or anything fancy.

“You’re here. Honestly, this is the best Christmas I have had in a long time. I’m not alone for once so — “ 

“ Still. There must be something I can give you to say thank you. Something you want. “ 

JJ lets out a mix between a chuckle and a scoff. As if whatever thoughts have conjured up is but the silliest thing he has ever heard in his life. The most delusional of all thoughts. Maybe it is, but she wants to hear about it anyway. Because even the chaos feels weirdly calm coming from JJ. Sometimes, (Y/N) thinks, it’s not about avoiding the storms, not about outrunning them, it’s about who’s by your side while you brave it. It’s about holding on to the people that go through the storm with you. About those that hold your hand while the dust settles and that pick you up as you assess the damage.

“ What’s that reaction for? “ 

“  I uh — what I want I don’t want like this? “ 

“ Huh? “

“ Out of pity. Because you feel bad. I gave you something because I want to make you smile and not because I expect anything in return. Especially not what I want. “ 

He casts his eyes downward, almost as if he’s embarrassed. But JJ is never embarrassed, right? He’s not bashful or shy. 

Or maybe he is.

“ JJ, “ she approaches him again and softly lifts his chin to level his face with hers. His blue eyes could rival the ocean waves crashing outside in both how bright they are and how much emotion and power seems to be caught in them. “ Tell me what you want. “ 

“ You. “ 

It’s a whisper in the dark. A secret shared. A heart ripped from a ribcage and presented to the only person that keeps it beating. It’s a silent dream come true. 

It’s two teenagers who have never known love, finding a safe place in each other surrounded by an ocean of lights.

“ And I know it’s ridiculous and silly and dumb as shit because we’re friends right and it can’t happen. No Pogue on Pogue macking. I know the rule, fuck I MADE that rule. But I just — you are all I can think about and it’s not just because you look smokin’ in a bikini. It’s everything about you, even the things that drive me crazy. So if I could wish for anything for Christmas, anything at all, I’d ask for you. For us to be more than friends. But I understand that isn’t possible, like — I get it. I — “ 

His words get swallowed by the taste of her lips on his. Time stops for a second, or speeds up, or — really nothing about the passing of time fundamentally changes but as he realizes what’s happening and lets himself fall headfirst into this feeling of joy and belonging, it makes it seems like the world has stopped spinning for a second. His hands find their way to her face, pushing a few strands of hair out of the way, and he deepens the kiss. 

Britney Spears sings a cheesy pop song telling Santa she’s been good this year, as JJ pulls away but keeps (Y/N) close. Holds onto her as if he’s worried life is playing a trick on him and will pull her away any second now.

“ Was that a pity kiss? “ 

“ Did it feel like a pity kiss? “ 

“ No. That felt really good. “ 

“ JJ, “ (Y/N) explains, “I’ve been into you for way longer than I like to admit. I just never thought you felt that way about me. “ 

“ I think I did. For a while. I just — I don’t know what it’s supposed to feel like. You know I don’t have the best examples. Big feelings scare the shit out of me. “ 

“ Me too. I think they might be worth it though. “ 

“ Yeah, I think you might be right. Hey would you look at that,“ he exclaims and points above their heads where a fake holly branch dangles from a sparkly red garland. “ A mistletoe.” 

“ Uh, that’s — that’s not a mistletoe.” 

“ It’s called suspension of disbelief, okay? It’s impossible to find mistletoe on the OBX on short notice.” 

The two of them fall into a fit of laughter and for once life doesn’t send a storm their way, no gray clouds or harsh winds or downpour. Just a clear night sky and a thousand of twinkling lights shining alongside the stars.

And when he kisses her again and again and again, she thinks maybe there are Christmas miracles and maybe they aren’t made from magic but from love.

“ Hey,” JJ whispers against her lips as he pulls away for a second. 

“ What is it? “ 

“ It’s midnight. Do you know what that means? “ 

“ Hmm? “ 

“ It’s Christmas. “ 

“ Merry Christmas, JJ. I hope you like your presents. “ 

“ Yeah, “ he says and pulls her for another kiss. “ I love my presents. “ 

And when they manage to pull themselves away from each other and sit down by the kitchen table sharing pancakes and whipped cream, (Y/N) figures that this is love. 

It’s not handprints on a cheek, it’s not tears on a pillow, it’s not fancy gifts or decorated gardens.

It’s holding each other through storms and pain and heartbreak, through breaking waves and undercurrents. 

It’s sharing traditions and making your own. 

It’s promising to be better, to do better, to love more and harder and more openly.

Love is a kiss under the mistletoe. Pancakes at midnight. Whipped cream sprayed in the shape of a crooked star. A room full of lights. Bad Christmas music. It’s laughter. And friendship. And hope.

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Summary:JJ & (Y/N) have been best friends since kindergarten. Now that they’re older, it’s painfully obvious to their group of friends that they have feelings for each other but are too scared to admit it. Said group of friends has finally had enough and decides to give them a little nudge. 

TW/CW:JJ Maybank x Reader, best friends to lovers, a couple suggestive comments, 

Requested?:Nope 

Word Count: 989 

A/N:I day dream way too much while I work and last night’s shift was a long boring one. This imagine helped me pass the time. 

Prompts:None 

Hanging with my best friend JJ and our other Pogue friends is always entertaining. This time, however, the power is out and we have no trouble to get into. JJ and I had plenty of dastardly ideas but no one in the group bit the bait. So here we sit, twiddling our thumbs and praying the power would arise from the dead. 

Kie sat up suddenly, “What about spin the bottle? But just like kisses on the cheek or something?” 

Everyone looked around at each other but Pope was quick to dismiss the idea, “No, the last time we played that, John B and Sarah sat there macking for an hour just for shits and giggles.” 

“Okay, fine. Truth or Dare then. One person spins the bottle and they get to truth or dare whoever it lands on. Then the person who was just challenged gets to spin next,” Kie shot back. No one seemed to object so Kie grabbed the bottle and spun it. 

A few rounds went by of playful truths and easy dares before the bottle finally landed back on Kie who was dared to do a handstand without using the wall as support. It was obviously very easy for her. She quickly completed the handstand and then spun the bottle. It almost landed on John B to JJ’s right but Kie in a not-so-subtle rigging bumped it back a bit to land on JJ.  

JJ raised an eyebrow, “That was rigged but go ahead.” 

Kie had to contain her giggles before asking, “Truth or Dare.” 

“I’m not some pansy, give me a dare,” comes JJ’s quick response. 

“I dare you to kiss (Y/N) on the lips,” Kie shoots out. 

I’ll be honest here, it’s not that I don’t want JJ to do the dare, but I’m sure he doesn’t want to do it so I feel the need to speak up in an effort to save myself some embarrassment, “Ah, but the rule, Kie. No pouge on pouge macking.” 

John B is the first to speak up this time, “Well as Pogue President, I hereby deem a macking session between JJ Maybank and (Y/N) (Y/L/N) to be lawful due to the fact that JJ and (Y/N) were best friends before they were pogues.” He shoots JJ a look that says he knows they’ve got us cornered so JJ leans forward on the couch and rests his head on top of mine as I sit in front of him.  

He picks his head up and looks at the side of my face as I glare at Kie, “Yay or Nay, Tiny?” Looking up at him, I nod so he slowly leans forward before our lips connect and, as cliché as it sounds, fireworks erupt. When we pull apart, I prop my face up in my hands in hopes of hiding the blush.  

JJ leans back into the couch for a moment and takes a deep breath before quickly leaning back forward and whispering in my ear, “X marks the spot.” The code phrase for, “meet me at our secret place.” Our secret place is this little alcove just down the beach from here that we found when we were kids. It quickly became our favorite getaway and we pinky promised to never share it with anyone else. He and I get up and head for the door, “We’ll be back later,” JJ mumbles amongst the whoops and hollers of our friends. 

We walk down the beach, side by side in silence. The awkward tension between us hangs thick and my stomach twists itself into knots as my brain assumes the worst. However, when we finally duck into the alcove JJ pulls me into a hug, “They did that to force us to stop dancing around the bush about the feelings we have for each other.” 

I nod into his chest, “I know.” 

As we release each other I look up at him with a giant grin on my face, “I’d like to upgrade my subscription to JJ Maybank from standard to premium please.” 

He laughs wholeheartedly with a smile on his face, “I can do that for you. However, you’ll need to submit a valid form of payment. Although, I should inform you that at this time, kisses are the only acceptable method.” I stand up on my tiptoes and kiss him for the second time tonight. As he pulls me close, I slip his phone out of his pocket, pull away, and pretend to check his notifications, “You have an email. It says, ‘Congratulations, JJ Maybank you have won a free premium subscription to (Y/N) (Y/L/N).’” He grins at me as I hand him his phone back and we begin making our way back to The Chateau hand in hand. 

We’re almost there when JJ pulls me closer and throws his arm around my shoulders, “By the way, you’re not sleeping on the couch anymore.” 

I look up at him with mock surprise, “Oh really? Is that some perk of my premium membership?” 

He nods, “Yup, as a premium subscriber you get an all-expenses-paid stay at the JJ Maybank Bed and Breakfast. Betcha can’t guess what the breakfast part of that entails.” 

I shake my head and giggle at him, “JJ, is your head in the gutter again?” 

He shrugs, “It never leaves the gutter, babe.”  

Once we hit the porch of The Chateau, JJ opens the front door for me. I step into the living room before him and can feel his eyes on my ass but I don’t mind. It is in fact included in his premium subscription. Once we both plop down onto the couch and join the conversations of our friends, he throws his arm back around my shoulders and I snuggle into his side. This of course does not go unnoticed by our friends who erupt into a chorus of awwws and a great big, “Fucking finally!” from Kie. 

Masterlist

Pairing: JJ Maybank x reader

Prompt:The reader is the first one to offer up a hug for anyone that needs one, especially to her boyfriend JJ. Who of which notices this one day and tries to change this and is met with an unexpected reaction.

Warmings: Negative body image

             Listening to Kie talk about the fight she just had with her mom, tears fall down your best friend’s face. You were hanging out with the guys at the Chateau when Kie barged in with steam coming out of her ears. It is the same fight as always. Her mother doesn’t approve of her choice in friends. The only one she seems to like is you but is still skeptical because you are a born kook choosing to be a pogue. It is a fight you are all too familiar with from your own mom.

“Aw Kie. I am so sorry.” You get up from beside JJ and wrap your arms around her warm sun-kissed skin. “If you want you can tell your mom you are staying at my place. My mom already things I am staying at yours. We can just chill here tonight.”

             As if on cue you feel your phone buzz in your back pocket. The power is still out on this side of the island, but kook territory is fully functional again. You don’t think it is fair and you spend a great deal of time using as little technology as possible. The phone is an agreement you have with your mother. As long as you have it on you, you can remain off of house arrest and get to hang out with your friends. Your mom is even less of a fan of your friends than Kie’s mom.

Have fun tonight sweetie! I am happy to see you are hanging out with the right sort of people tonight. - Mom

             You roll your eyes as a flame ignites all your repressed anger. Lately there have been so many things on your mind. Almost all of them because of your mom. She constantly gets on to you about your friends and most of all your boyfriend. She doesn’t seem to understand what is wrong with the kook boys from school. No matter how many times you explained to her about how awful they are she insist that they are still better than JJ. If only that was the only problem.

“Hey babe,” JJ’s voice breaks you from your thoughts. “Everything alright?”

“Yes,” you smile away your pained expression brewing below the surface. “I am perfect.”

             A beautiful smile spread across JJ’s features. All your problems and insecurities are washed away by this one boy’s smile. You would give anything to make sure this smile stays at all times. He deserves unimaginable happiness.

             Looping your arms around JJ’s neck, he responds immediately by placing his arms around your waist. You allow yourself to break his beautiful smile by lightly pressing your lips against his. You shiver despite it being 90 degrees Fahrenheit outside. JJ pulls your body in closer and your fingers twirl the hair at the nape of his neck. It has always been easy for the two of you to get lost with the other, despite the company.

“Ew gross.” Pope wines and Kie quickly joins in.

“I won’t stay the whole night if you two keep doing that.” Kie attempts to threaten but ultimately fails with her laughter.

             The two of you rejoin the rest of the party as John B goes on about the treasure again. But JJ is only half listening. His eyes are trained on you the entire time, watching your movements. JJ knows that you tell him the majority of your problems at home. It is a rule you two have, no secrets when it comes to family drama. It had been your idea because you were scared the JJ would lose it from living with his father. But JJ is worried that you aren’t telling him everything due to the shit he deals with at home. That maybe some how you feel like your problems aren’t as important.

**

“Mom I’m home!” You shout from the door as you take off your shoes.

“In the kitchen! Did you have fun with Kieara?” You mother shouts back.

“Yeah! I’m going to go unpack and shower.”

             Making your way up to your bedroom you quickly undress and hop into the warm shower. Feeling the water wash away the sweat from the night of no air conditioning. Normally you wouldn’t mind because in the morning you all usually go for a swim but the boys all had to work today. The plan is to meet up afterward and head out on the boat. Making the shower a little pointless but you don’t care. Your mother would prefer to keep the furniture spotless of any impurities.

             Stepping out of the shower you search for your towel before realizing that you left it in your bedroom. Huffing in frustration you attempt to air dry as you run your fingers through your hair for any last remaining tangles. As the steam begins to clear from the room, you are better able to see yourself in the mirror. Instantly you wish the steam would come back as your mother’s comments flood through your mind.

“Be careful of what you eat (Y/N),” your mother sings. “You’ve started gaining some weight this last month. We all know that men like a women with a perfect figure.”

             Your eyes fall on your arms. Then your stomach. And finally your thighs, which you are most insecure about. You’re whole life you have struggled with the way you look but since finding the pogues it hasn’t mattered as much. You know JJ loves you just the way that you are. Yet there is still a little voice inside your head telling you otherwise, your mother’s voice.

             Feeling overwhelmed you make a break for your room. The cool air clings to your partially wet naked body as you fly down the hallway. Closing the door behind you, you grab for your robe and wrap it around your body. Making sure it is secure you head toward your drawer for your swimsuit but stop in your tracks as you find JJ sitting on your bed.

“I thought you were working till two today.” You say slightly out of breath.

“They let me off early and I thought I would surprise my girl.” JJ’s smirk does not let up. “Didn’t know I would get such a great welcome.”

             You try to smile it off. All those thoughts you wanted to leave behind in the bathroom. If only water could wash this away as easily as it does sweat and dirt. If only life could be a bit more simple, for everyone. Apparently JJ notices your unease as his smirk slowly disappears from his lips. A more concerned and gentle expression paints itself across his face.

             JJ notices your tear-filled eyes and flushed cheeks. Even from taking a shower they usually do not remain red for very long. He can even notice that your smile is slightly off. JJ has made it is job to keep a smile on your face and knows when they are real or not. It is hard to get passed him.

“Y/N what is wrong?” JJ slowly climbs off your bed. “Don’t say nothing because we know that isn’t true. We have that rule, remember?”

Walking slowly to you, JJ wraps his arms around you in a hug. The first hug in a long time that someone is giving you. Normally you are the ones giving hugs to others, to comfort them. For the first time in a very long time, you are receiving a hug. There is a reason for this. Not able to hold back any pent-up emotions, tears spill from your eyes like waterfalls. Cries and gasps for air escape your lips. The walls you have built up are collapsing all from a hug, JJ’s hug. The perfect hug.

You have no idea how long you have been crying but the slight headache from dehydration tells you a very long time. JJ lifts you up from the ground and lays your small frame on your bed. Without breaking his hold on you he situates his body next to yours. Now you lay partially on him, JJ’s arms still wrap around you rubbing small soothing circles over your robe.

             Once you calm down enough you begin to tell him everything, and not once does JJ’s hold on you loosen. You tell him about your fights with your mom like Kie has with her mom. About how she ridicules you for having a pogue as a boyfriend and constantly introduces you to men that belong on the kook side of the island. That she has threatened to send you to boarding school for your senior year because according to her you are a wild child that needs discipline. Finally ending with how all you want to wear now are big baggy clothes because your mom has pulled at the ever so slow unraveling of a thread you have holding away your insecurities about your body.

             JJ’s mind reels as he comprehends everything you tell him. He knew something was up but he had no idea how much you have been carrying around. Mentally he hits himself for not being more attentive or being distracted by too many other things. JJ can’t find the right words to say. What does one say about things that they can’t change for the person they love that is hurting? What does Y/N normally say to him?

“I love you (Y/N),” JJ whispers as he kisses your forehead. “Nothing can ever change that.”

             These were the only words he could say. But from now on he makes a vow to himself to check in more to your needs. To hug you more often. A real hug, not one of those quick hugs from behind and spin you around types. Meaningful hugs. The type you give him any time he has gone home for a bit, or slightly seem off, or just simply to give one. JJ feels like there is so much power in your hugs. He always feels like you are helping him hold himself together through your contact. That is what he wants to do for you. Even though he can’t do much to help with you and your mom, he wants to help you feel like things are holding together.