「 ✦THE POUGES ... AND ELI✦ 」

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THE MORNING LIGHT STREAMED THROUGH THE kitchen windows, casting a golden hue over the cozy space. The scent of crispy bacon, fresh coffee, and something sweet—maybe cinnamon—filled the air, making the house feel warm in a way Sutton hadn't felt in years. The sound of Rachel humming softly as she flipped pancakes and the occasional clatter of utensils against plates made for a strangely comforting start to the day.

Sutton sat at the small dining table, curled up in one of the chairs, her hands wrapped around a steaming mug of coffee. Across from her, Zach was already halfway through his plate of food, looking more relaxed than she'd seen him in months. He leaned back in his chair, sipping his coffee like it was the best thing he'd ever tasted, while Eli sleepily poked at his scrambled eggs with his fork.

Max, the German Shepherd, sat loyally at Eli's feet, his ears twitching at every small movement, waiting for something to drop. Sutton reached down absentmindedly to scratch behind his ears, smiling when he leaned into her touch.

Carl stood by the counter, scrolling through something on his phone, his expression unreadable. Sutton wasn't sure she'd ever get used to seeing him like this—present, actually making an effort. It was so far removed from the way she remembered him growing up. She wasn't ready to trust it completely, but she couldn't deny that this—sitting around a table with her brothers, eating breakfast without feeling like they were walking on eggshells—felt good.

Rachel moved fluidly through the kitchen, flipping pancakes with ease before turning to grab the orange juice from the fridge. She was wearing an old college sweatshirt and had flour dusting the sleeve, but she looked happy. Content. Like this was just another normal morning for her.

Carl finally put his phone down and cleared his throat. "Alright, listen up." His voice had a hint of something unfamiliar—almost excitement. "I lined up a house tour for today. It's beachfront, good neighborhood, plenty of space. We'll go check it out this afternoon."

Sutton's fork paused midair. "Beachfront?"

Carl nodded. "Figured if we're going to do this, we should do it right. Start fresh. No bad memories, no bullshit—just ocean, space, and maybe a little peace and quiet for once."

Eli perked up, his tired expression replaced with something lighter. "Wait, like, right on the beach?"

Carl smirked. "You'll have to see for yourself."

Eli looked over at Zach, eyes wide with excitement. "Can we get surfboards?"

Zach, still chewing on a bite of pancake, shrugged. "We don't even surf."

"We could learn," Eli shot back, grinning now.

Carl chuckled. "Let's start with a house first, then we'll talk surfboards."

Sutton exchanged a glance with Zach, who raised an eyebrow but didn't say anything. She knew exactly what he was thinking—Carl actually putting in effort was unexpected. But the idea of a house by the beach, away from everything that had poisoned their lives before... it sounded almost too good to be real.

Rachel, seemingly picking up on Sutton's hesitation, set a plate of pancakes down in front of her and offered a reassuring smile. "It's a fresh start, sweetheart. You all deserve that."

Sutton swallowed the lump in her throat and nodded, forcing herself to smile back.

Zach pushed his chair back with a scrape against the hardwood floor, stretching his arms overhead with a yawn. "Alright, I gotta hit the road if I'm gonna make it back to the city in time," he said, tossing his crumpled napkin onto his empty plate. "Traffic's gonna be a bitch."

Eli groaned dramatically from across the table. "You just got here."

Zach smirked, ruffling Eli's hair as he stood. "Yeah, well, some of us have jobs and responsibilities."

Eli rolled his eyes. "Lame."

Rachel laughed as she carried her coffee cup to the sink. "I should head out too. Got a million things to do today. Do either of you need a ride?" She glanced between Sutton and Eli.

Carl shook his head as he pushed his chair back. "I'm taking Eli with me to see the house." His tone was casual, but there was something underneath it—pride, maybe? Like he actually wanted to do something fatherly for once.

Eli sat up a little straighter. "Really?"

Carl nodded, reaching for his keys on the counter. "Yeah. Figured you should see it for yourself. You're the one who's gotta live there, after all."

Eli's excitement was obvious, though he tried to play it cool. "Nice."

Sutton, finishing the last sip of her coffee, set her mug down and glanced at Rachel. "Can you drop me off? I'm meeting up with some friends."

Rachel smiled. "Of course. Just let me grab my things."

Zach was already heading for the door, slinging his bag over his shoulder. "Try not to miss me too much, Eli," he teased.

Eli flipped him off, making Zach chuckle as he ruffled his hair one last time. "Love you too, kid."

Sutton followed Rachel outside, the warm morning air already carrying the scent of salt from the ocean. She hesitated before getting into the car, glancing back at the house for a moment. Carl and Eli were standing by the truck, talking about something, and Max had trotted over to them, tail wagging. It was a simple scene, something that wouldn't mean anything to anyone else—but to Sutton, it was everything.

A fresh start. A home that wasn't built on fear and manipulation.

She exhaled, pushing those thoughts aside as she climbed into the passenger seat.

Rachel started the car, glancing over at her with a knowing look. "Big plans today?"

Sutton smirked, staring out the window as they pulled onto the road. "Something like that."

Rachel pulled up near a stretch of beachfront houses, half of them still under construction, skeletal frames standing against the morning sun. The salty breeze blew in through the open windows, ruffling Sutton's hair as she stared at the unfinished homes.

Rachel shifted into park and turned to face her. "You sure about this?"

Sutton raised a brow. "What, meeting up with my friends?"

Rachel exhaled, drumming her fingers against the steering wheel. "Just... be smart, okay?" Her voice was gentle, but the underlying concern was clear. "I know you're trying to figure things out, but don't let a bad night push you into something reckless."

Sutton smirked, unbuckling her seatbelt. "Don't worry. I'm not running away to become a pirate or anything."

Rachel didn't look convinced. "Just—call me if you need anything."

Sutton gave her a two-finger salute before hopping out of the car. The second her feet hit the sand-covered pavement, she felt the shift. She was stepping out of one world and into another, leaving behind the polished perfection of Kook life for something messier, something real.

Rachel watched her for a second longer before sighing and driving off.

Sutton turned toward the closest unfinished house, its framework open to the ocean breeze. The wood smelled fresh, the scent of sawdust still heavy in the air. She stepped inside cautiously, her boots scuffing against the unfinished floorboards.

"Hello?" she called out, her voice echoing through the empty space.

For a second, there was only silence. Then—

"Up here!"

A familiar voice rang out from above.

Sutton looked up toward the exposed beams and saw a figure move near the top. She huffed out a breath, shaking her head. Of course they were on the roof.

With a smirk tugging at her lips, she made her way toward the unfinished staircase. If she was going to do this—really step into this world—then she might as well go all in.

Sutton climbed the unfinished staircase carefully, her fingers grazing the wooden railing as she ascended. The scent of sawdust mixed with the salty air, and she could hear the faint crash of waves just beyond the house. The morning sun was climbing higher, casting golden streaks through the open beams, illuminating dust motes dancing in the air.

The second floor was just as unfinished as the first—some walls had yet to go up, and tarps were draped over sections of the floor where construction was still underway. Sutton could hear laughter above her, easy and carefree, a stark contrast to the knot of tension still sitting in her chest from the night before.

She found a ladder propped up against the side of an open frame, leading up to the roof where the voices were coming from. She rolled her eyes. Of course, they couldn't just hang out inside like normal people.

Still, she grabbed the sides of the ladder and started climbing.

The closer she got, the clearer the voices became. JJ was laughing about something, his voice carrying over the wind, followed by Pope's exasperated groan. Kiara's voice chimed in, playful but firm—probably reigning JJ in before he took things too far. And then, the one voice she hadn't heard yet—John B.

Sutton hesitated for half a second before pushing forward.

When she finally hoisted herself onto the flat portion of the roof, she was met with the sight of the Pogues sprawled out on a few blankets, a half-eaten bag of chips sitting between them. JJ was lying on his back, a cigarette hanging loosely between his fingers. Pope was leaning against a wooden beam, flipping through a magazine like he wasn't listening to the conversation in front of him. Kiara was perched on the edge, arms draped over her bent knees, her sunglasses pushing her hair back. And John B—

John B was leaning against the frame, staring out at the ocean, his profile sharp against the morning sun. He looked relaxed, but Sutton could see the way his fingers tapped against his thigh—a nervous habit she had memorized long ago.

"Sutton Hayes, the kook princess," JJ called out, sitting up and grinning as he took in her presence. "Didn't think we'd see you on this side of the island again."

Sutton smirked, wiping her hands against her jeans before stepping closer. "Yeah, well. I figured I'd make a grand entrance."

Kiara turned, tilting her head as she assessed Sutton. "Rough night?"

Sutton let out a dry laugh, stepping over JJ's outstretched legs to sit next to Kiara. "Something like that."

Kiara didn't push for details, but Sutton knew she'd get the full story out of her eventually.

John B finally turned around, his gaze settling on Sutton with something unreadable flickering behind his eyes. "Didn't think you'd take me up on that offer," he admitted, rubbing the back of his neck.

Sutton arched a brow. "And miss out on prime beachfront property?" She gestured around the half-finished house. "I'd be a fool."

John B huffed a laugh, but there was something else in his expression. He wasn't just surprised to see her—he was trying to figure her out.

JJ stretched his arms above his head, popping his shoulders. "So, what's the deal? You running away from your castle for good, Princess?"

Sutton rolled her eyes. "Not a princess."

JJ smirked. "Could've fooled me."

Pope finally set his magazine down and glanced between them. "Alright, so what's the plan?"

Sutton blinked. "Plan?"

JJ grinned. "Yeah. You didn't come all the way down here just to sit on a half-built roof with us degenerates."

Sutton leaned back on her hands, staring out at the ocean. The waves were steady, rolling in and out like clockwork, a reminder that no matter what chaos was happening in her life, the world kept moving.

"I don't know," she admitted. "Just... needed to be somewhere that didn't feel like I was suffocating."

Kiara gave her a knowing look, nudging her shoulder gently. "Well, you're in the right place."

For the first time in a long time, Sutton felt something settle in her chest. She wasn't sure what was next, but for now, sitting here on this unfinished house with the Pogues, the salty breeze tangling through her hair—she felt like she could breathe again.

Sutton let the ocean air fill her lungs as the Pogues settled back into their spots, the easy chatter resuming around her. For a moment, she just listened—JJ making some wild claim about nearly wrestling a gator, Pope immediately shutting him down with facts, and Kiara rolling her eyes but grinning anyway.

But then there was John B. He wasn't laughing with the others. He was watching her.

She felt the weight of his gaze and turned, catching the way his brow furrowed slightly, the way his mouth was set like he was trying to work through something in his head.

Concern.

It was all over his face.

"You good?" he asked finally, his voice low enough that it didn't cut through the others' conversation.

Sutton forced a smirk. "I'm here, aren't I?"

John B didn't look convinced. "That doesn't mean you're good."

She wanted to deflect, to brush it off with some sarcastic remark, but this was John B. He knew her too well. And no matter how much distance she had put between them, no matter how much history sat between them, part of her still wanted to collapse into that familiarity.

Still, she shrugged. "I just needed a change of scenery."

John B studied her, his fingers tapping idly against his knee—that habit again. She knew what he was thinking. He was thinking about how she used to tell him everything. About how she never used to hold back like this.

But before he could push further, JJ cut in.

"So..." JJ drawled, stretching out his legs and shooting her a slow, mischievous grin. "Does this mean you're officially back on the fun side of the island?"

Sutton narrowed her eyes, trying to read his tone.

JJ wasn't usually careful with his words, but there was something almost hesitant in his voice. Like he was testing the waters.

Oh.

He was trying to gauge if she was really back. If she was just visiting for a moment of reprieve or if she was staying.

Sutton smirked. "That depends. What's the 'fun side' up to these days?"

JJ let out a breath of relief, his grin widening. "Oh, you know. The usual. Getting into trouble, pissing off Kooks, maybe a little light felony here and there—"

Pope groaned. "JJ."

JJ threw his hands up. "Okay, fine. Misdemeanor."

Kiara snorted before turning to Sutton, her smile warm, more genuine. "Honestly, we're just happy to have you back. It's been... weird without you."

Pope nodded in agreement. "Even JJ noticed."

JJ scoffed. "That's rude. I feel things, you know."

Sutton rolled her eyes but found herself smiling. It felt... easy. Natural.

Kiara nudged her shoulder, eyes bright with curiosity. "So, what's been going on with you? I feel like I haven't seen you in forever."

Sutton hesitated.

She could tell them the simple version—Oh, you know, same old, same old—but they wouldn't buy it. Kiara especially wouldn't.

She sighed, stretching her legs out in front of her. "It's been... a lot. Eli got hurt, my dad's back in the picture, and my mom's acting like everything is fine when it's not. And then last night..."

She trailed off, shaking her head.

Kiara frowned. "What happened last night?"

Sutton clenched her jaw, debating how much she wanted to say. But the memory of Rafe, the coke, the girl in his lap—it was still fresh. And the things they said to each other? The way he had cut her down with cruel precision?

It still stung.

She swallowed hard. "Let's just say I finally got the reminder I needed about who Rafe Cameron really is."

JJ sat up a little straighter. "Oh, this sounds juicy."

John B, however, looked less entertained. His jaw tightened slightly, his gaze darkening. "Sutton—"

"I don't want to talk about it," she said quickly, shaking her head. "Not right now."

Kiara gave her a long look but nodded. "Okay. When you do, we're here."

Pope nodded in agreement, and even JJ, for all his usual antics, looked a little more serious than usual.

Sutton exhaled slowly. She hadn't realized how much she needed this—needed them.

Maybe she wasn't sure what was next. Maybe she didn't know if she was staying for good or just passing through.

Sutton smirked, crossing her arms as she eyed JJ skeptically. "You want me to do what?"

JJ grinned, his blue eyes flashing with mischief. He pointed up toward the wooden beam that stretched across the top of the scaffolding, a good ten feet off the ground. "Walk it."

She snorted. "Yeah, okay."

"I'm serious," he said, leaning back on his hands. "You used to be fearless, Sutton. What happened?"

Kiara groaned. "JJ, you're such a child."

But Sutton barely heard her. JJ's words hit a nerve. You used to be fearless.

She was still fearless. Wasn't she?

John B, who had been leaning against the edge of the half-built house, shook his head. "JJ, come on. You can't just dare her into doing something dumb."

JJ smirked. "Since when does Sutton back down from a challenge?"

Sutton rolled her eyes, but there was something about the way he said it that made her pulse spike. A flicker of something stubborn and reckless woke up inside her.

"You're all talk, Maybank," she shot back, stepping toward the scaffolding. "I'll do it."

John B straightened, his expression instantly shifting. "Sutton."

She ignored him. JJ whooped as she climbed onto the metal frame, her fingers gripping the bars as she pulled herself up. The wooden beam was wider than it looked from the ground but still narrow enough to require careful footing.

JJ grinned up at her. "That's what I'm talking about!"

From the ground, Pope groaned. "This is such a bad idea."

But Sutton wasn't backing down now. She straightened, her balance adjusting as she took her first step onto the beam.

The wind was stronger up here, the salty air whipping through her hair. Her heart pounded, but adrenaline surged through her veins, overriding any hesitation.

Then the scaffolding creaked.

She froze.

Below her, John B cursed. "Alright, that's enough. I'm coming up."

"Don't be such a mom, John B," JJ called.

John B ignored him, already hoisting himself up onto the scaffolding with ease. Sutton was halfway across the beam now, her arms slightly extended for balance. Her breath came a little quicker, her muscles tensed.

"Just take it slow," John B said, stepping onto the beam behind her.

She glanced over her shoulder. "I don't need a safety net."

"Yeah, well, too bad," he muttered. "Because I'm not letting you crack your head open just to prove a point to JJ."

She smirked but didn't argue. She knew John B well enough to know he wasn't going back down until she was safely off this thing.

The beam wobbled slightly under her next step, and she sucked in a breath, feeling her stomach flip. John B was right behind her now, close enough that she could hear him breathing.

"You're good," he murmured. "Just keep going."

It reminded her of when they used to do stupid stunts as kids, daring each other to climb trees, jump off docks, or balance on narrow ledges. Back when things were simpler.

Sutton took another step. Then another. She was almost to the other side when a stronger gust of wind hit, making the beam tremble beneath her feet.

Her stomach dropped.

Her ankle wobbled.

John B's hands were on her waist before she could fall.

"Got you," he breathed.

Her heart slammed against her ribs as he steadied her. For a second, she just stood there, frozen, feeling the heat of his hands, the closeness of him. She turned her head slightly, and their eyes met—his steady, calm, but intense.

She swallowed hard. "I had it."

"Sure you did," he said, voice soft. But he didn't move his hands.

The moment stretched, thick with something unspoken.

Then JJ's voice rang out from below. "Are you guys making out up there or what?"

The tension shattered.

Sutton rolled her eyes and stepped off the beam onto the wooden ledge. "You wish, JJ."

John B let out a breathy chuckle and followed her down.

When Sutton's feet hit solid ground, Kiara clapped her on the shoulder. "That was insane. But I have to admit, it was kind of badass."

Pope shook his head. "You guys are going to give me an ulcer."

JJ just grinned. "See? You've still got it, Sutton."

She smirked, but her pulse was still racing, and she wasn't sure if it was from the adrenaline or the way John B had looked at her up there.

The salty breeze tugged at Sutton's hair as she stepped onto the narrow wooden beam, her arms outstretched for balance. Below her, JJ grinned up from his perch on the scaffolding, a beer in one hand and a mischievous glint in his eyes.

"Atta girl," he called. "You got this."

Sutton rolled her eyes but kept moving. The beam was worn, slightly warped from the coastal air, but she had made it this far. She wasn't about to let JJ get the satisfaction of watching her back out.

"You better not fall," Pope said, watching her with a mix of amusement and concern. "That's like a three-story drop. I give you... one-in-three odds of survival."

"Great," Sutton muttered.

"You should've bet on me," she shot back, smirking down at him.

JJ laughed. "Oh, I did. I bet you'd fall."

"Asshole," she muttered, but she was grinning.

Kiara shook her head from where she was sitting on a pile of lumber, sipping her drink. "Can you please not kill yourself?"

"She's got it," John B said, but he was watching Sutton closely, arms crossed over his chest.

She took another step. The old wood creaked slightly beneath her foot, and she swallowed.

JJ took a swig of his beer. "Man, this place is gonna be unrecognizable soon. Did you hear about the high-tech shit they're putting in these houses?"

"They're gonna have Japanese toilets with towel warmers," Pope chimed in.

"Of course they are," JJ scoffed. "Because why wouldn't they?"

"This used to be a turtle habitat," Kiara muttered, shaking her head. "But who cares about the turtles, I guess?"

Pope raised his beer. "I can't have cold towels."

Sutton let out a breath, shifting her weight carefully. "You guys aren't helping."

JJ grinned. "Come on, princess, just one more step."

She rolled her eyes and moved forward, but the second her foot hit the next plank, it shifted.

Sutton sucked in a sharp breath, her ankle twisting awkwardly. She flailed for balance, heart lurching into her throat—

And then John B was there.

He moved fast, grabbing her wrist before she could tip too far. His grip was strong, steady, grounding her.

"You good?" he asked, his voice low.

She nodded quickly, her heart still hammering. "Yeah. Thanks."

John B didn't let go right away. His brown eyes searched hers, something unspoken passing between them. For a second, it felt like everything had slowed. The way his fingers pressed against her skin, the way he was looking at her—

JJ clapped his hands, shattering the moment. "Aaaand that's why I always say Sutton shouldn't be trusted with heights!"

Sutton scoffed, shoving JJ's shoulder when she hopped down to the scaffolding beside him. "Shut up."

JJ just grinned, tipping his beer at her. "Hey, don't spill that, by the way. I'm not giving you another one."

Sutton shot him a glare but couldn't help the smirk tugging at her lips. She crouched slightly, arms outstretched for balance as the wooden plank wobbled beneath her feet.

"Come on, princess. I thought you had better balance than that!" JJ called, beer in hand, grinning up at her.

Kiara scoffed, shaking her head. "Can you please not kill yourself?"

Sutton huffed out a breath but kept walking. A little further, just to prove she could.

And then—

"Hey!"

The sharp voice cut through the night.

Sutton stiffened.

JJ groaned. "You've got to be kidding me."

"Hey, uh, security's here," Pope muttered, already backing toward the edge.

John B exhaled, dragging a hand through his hair. "Let's wrap it up."

"Boys are early today," JJ added with a shake of his head. Then, without warning, he jumped first, landing hard on the scaffolding below.

John B glanced at Sutton. "Ready?"

Not really. But she didn't have a choice.

With a deep breath, she followed.

The wooden planks rattled beneath their weight as they scrambled down the unfinished scaffolding. Sutton's heart was still hammering from the near fall—and maybe from the way John B had caught her—but now it raced for a different reason. The last thing they needed was to get caught trespassing.

"Move your asses!" Kiara hissed, already halfway down.

Pope was right behind her, dropping onto the sand with a soft thud.

JJ, of course, was taking his sweet time. "Gary, is that you?" he called out mockingly, cupping his hands around his mouth. "How's the wife, man?"

"JJ!" John B shot him a warning look as he hopped off the last rung of the scaffolding and landed beside Sutton.

"You're asking for it!" Pope hissed.

"Yeah, yeah," JJ muttered, finally making his way down.

The security guard—Gary, apparently—was moving fast, flashlight beam cutting through the dark like a spotlight. "JJ, I swear to God!"

"Well, that's our cue," John B said, grabbing Sutton's wrist and tugging her into a run.

She barely had time to catch her breath before she was sprinting, the cool night air whipping against her face. The others were right behind them, their footsteps kicking up sand as they bolted away from the construction site.

"This way!" Kiara yelled, veering left toward the dunes.

Sutton's pulse pounded in her ears as she ran, her legs burning from the effort. Behind them, Gary was still shouting, but his voice was growing fainter.

They reached the dunes and skidded to a stop, ducking behind a cluster of sea oats. Sutton was breathing hard, her chest rising and falling as she tried to steady herself.

"Well," JJ said between breaths, "that was fun."

"You have a really screwed-up definition of fun," Pope shot back, hands on his knees.

JJ just grinned, still completely unbothered.

John B turned to Sutton. "You okay?"

She nodded, still catching her breath. "That was—" She let out a small laugh, shaking her head. "—kinda insane."

"Welcome back to the Pogues," Kiara said, nudging her shoulder.

Sutton smiled, something warm settling in her chest.

JJ raised his beer like a toast. "To Sutton surviving yet another questionable JJ dare."

"Barely," Pope muttered.

Sutton rolled her eyes but couldn't help smiling. Maybe she was a little reckless for going up there, but standing here, under the moonlit sky with them, she realized something—

She had missed this.

The Twinkie jerks forward as John B slams on the gas, leaving the security guard cursing in their dust. Sutton grips the edge of her seat as the van bounces over a pothole, laughter and adrenaline buzzing in the air.

JJ twists in his seat, watching the guard panting behind them. "Man, that guy really thought he had us."

"You almost let him have us," Pope says, shoving JJ's shoulder.

JJ shrugs. "Had to make it interesting."

Kiara groans, throwing her head back. "One of these days, you're gonna get us banned from the entire island."

Sutton exhales, still catching up to the chaos. This was what she missed—pure, reckless, wild moments where nothing else mattered. It felt good.

John B smirks, eyes on the road. "So, where to now?"

JJ stretches his arms behind his head. "The Chateau, obviously."

Sutton glances at him. "Still the go-to?"

"'Course," Kiara says. "You'll see—nothing's changed."

Nothing's changed.

Sutton wondered if that's true.

────

The night had settled in, the air thick with smoke and laughter. Inside the Chateau, the Pogues lounged around, the dim glow of string lights casting warm shadows across the room. The scent of salt air and weed mixed together, creating the kind of atmosphere that made everything feel distant, weightless.

JJ leaned back on the couch, taking a slow drag before passing the joint to Pope, who hesitated for a second before accepting it. John B sat on the floor, back against the armrest, lazily sipping from a bottle of cheap beer. Sutton and Kiara were curled up together in the corner, legs tangled as they whispered, their hushed voices lost in the hum of conversation and the soft strumming of JJ's out-of-tune guitar.

"Okay, so spill," Kiara nudged Sutton's knee, her eyes gleaming with curiosity. "You've been back one day, and you're already keeping secrets. What's going on in that head of yours?"

Sutton exhaled, staring at the fraying fabric of the old couch before meeting Kiara's gaze. She chewed the inside of her cheek, hesitating. Her pulse quickened. She hadn't told anyone—not Zach, not Eli, not even herself fully—but it felt different with Kie. Kie was safe.

"Promise you won't hate me?" Sutton's voice was barely above a whisper, her fingers tightening around Kiara's wrist.

Kiara, slightly dazed but still sharp, lifted her pinky without hesitation. "Pinky promise."

Sutton took a breath, her voice quieter now. "It was Rafe."

For a moment, Kiara didn't react, blinking as if she hadn't heard correctly. But then, realization hit. Her expression shifted from confusion to shock, and then something unreadable—something Sutton couldn't quite place.

"Rafe?" Kiara hissed, leaning in closer like Sutton had just confessed to something illegal. "As in Cameron? As in actual spawn of Satan?"

Sutton swallowed hard. "Yeah."

Kiara pulled back slightly, staring at her like she'd just grown another head. "Sutton—"

"I know."

"No, do you?" Kiara's voice was sharp now, though still low enough to keep the others from hearing. "Do you really?"

Sutton nodded slowly, her stomach twisting. "I just—" She shook her head. "It happened, Kie. I can't change it."

Kiara looked away for a moment, exhaling as she ran a hand through her hair. Sutton braced herself for the judgment, the disappointment—maybe even anger. But when Kiara looked back at her, her expression softened.

"Did he hurt you?" Kiara asked, voice quieter now.

Sutton shook her head. "No. It wasn't like that."

Kiara studied her for a long time before finally sighing. She took Sutton's hand again, squeezing it tight. "Okay. I don't hate you," she said, a teasing edge to her voice now. "I do think you have absolute garbage taste in men, but we already knew that."

Sutton laughed, a little too breathy, a little too relieved.

"Thanks," she murmured.

"Don't thank me yet," Kiara said, smirking as she reached for the joint in Pope's hand. "Now you have to tell me everything."

Sutton took a deep breath, knowing once she let everything out, there was no taking it back. Kiara was locked in, watching her with sharp eyes, waiting for the full story.

"Alright," Sutton muttered, running a hand through her hair. "I'm gonna tell you everything, but you have to pinky promise you won't hate me."

Kiara held out her pinky without hesitation. "Promise."

They linked fingers, and Sutton let out a slow exhale. "Okay. So, , before everything went to shit, Olivia dragged me to this party at Tannyhill. I didn't even want to go, but she was being relentless. I was already pissed at her because of what happened with JJ."

Kiara's brows furrowed. "Wait—what happened with JJ?"

Sutton hesitated, then dropped it. "She tried to get with him."

Kiara's jaw dropped. "Olivia? With JJ?"

"Yeah," Sutton confirmed. "She was all over him at that party, and the next morning, she was acting all smug. I think they slept together, but JJ won't admit it."

Kiara whipped her head toward JJ, who was obliviously flicking a lighter, grinning to himself. "Are you serious?" she muttered.

Sutton nodded. "I straight up asked him, and he just laughed it off. Gave me that little 'what do you think?' smirk." She rolled her eyes, mimicking JJ's expression. "So, yeah. Who knows?"

Kiara looked like she was about to throw something at JJ, but she held back. Instead, she took another hit before refocusing on Sutton. "Alright, I will be circling back to that, but keep going. What happened at the party?"

Sutton hesitated again, but this was Kiara—if anyone would understand, it was her.

"Rafe happened," she admitted, voice quieter now. "That night... I lost my virginity to him."

Kiara's lips parted slightly in shock. "No fucking way."

Sutton groaned, dropping her head in her hands. "I know. It was so stupid. I was pissed at Olivia, pissed at John B, and Rafe was just there, and he—he has this way of getting under my skin. And I let him. We were drunk, and it just... happened."

Kiara blinked, taking it in. "So that's why things between you and Rafe are so—"

"Complicated," Sutton finished for her. "Yeah."

Kiara didn't say anything for a moment, just absorbing it all. Then, she nudged Sutton with her knee. "That's not even everything, is it?"

Sutton huffed a laugh. "No. There's more." She lowered her voice. "You know Weezie, right? Sarah's little sister?"

"Yeah?"

Sutton leaned in. "She has a crush on my little brother, Eli."

Kiara's eyes widened. "Shut up."

"I wish I was kidding," Sutton whispered. "She's been all shy around him. It's actually kind of cute, but if Rafe finds out? Game over."

Kiara snorted. "Oh, I would pay to see that reaction."

Sutton smirked before sighing. "And then there's Evan. You remember him, right?"

Kiara wrinkled her nose. "Evan. The guy who's always trying way too hard to be a Kook?"

"Yeah. He's been texting me."

Kiara groaned. "Ugh. Why?"

"I don't know!" Sutton shook her head. "I'm not into him, but he keeps finding excuses to talk to me. And then there's Wes, the dealer."

Kiara's eyes narrowed. "What about him?"

Sutton hesitated, then shrugged. "Let's just say he's trying to be real friendly with me lately. And I don't think it's just for business."

Kiara gagged. "Disgusting."

"Tell me about it." Sutton flopped back on the couch, exhaling. "So, yeah. That's everything. My entire disaster of a life."

Kiara was quiet for a moment, then burst out laughing. "Jesus, Sutton."

Sutton groaned. "I told you you'd hate me."

Kiara shook her head, still laughing. "No, no—I don't hate you. I just can't believe how much drama follows you."

Sutton sighed, shaking her head. "Yeah. Tell me about it."

Sutton leaned back, exhaling a long breath. "Alright, enough about my mess. Give me an update on your end. What's new?"

Kiara shrugged, flicking ash off the joint. "Not much." Then, as if it was the most casual thing in the world, she added, "JJ kissed Pope."

Sutton choked on air. "What?!"

Kiara smirked at her reaction. "Yeah. It was some dumb dare. Pope was mortified, but JJ played it off like it was nothing. Honestly? Funniest shit I've seen all week."

Sutton shook her head in disbelief. "Jesus Christ. You guys can't leave him alone for five minutes without some kind of chaos."

Kiara grinned. "Tell me about it."

Sutton gave her a pointed look. "And what about John B?"

Kiara's smirk faded slightly. "Still sad."

Sutton frowned, guilt pressing against her chest. "I figured."

Kiara nudged her. "Hey, don't go spiraling. He'll be fine. He just—he really liked you, you know?"

Sutton sighed, running a hand through her hair. "I know. And I did like him. I just—I had to end it. After everything with Eli... I couldn't be with someone who made me question if my family was safe."

Kiara nodded, understanding. "I get it."

They sat in silence for a beat before Kiara smirked again. "Oh, and we're throwing a party tonight."

Sutton raised a brow. "Oh yeah?"

"Yeah. And we've got a bet going—how many kisses can JJ get before the night's over?"

Sutton groaned, already picturing the absolute disaster this was going to be. "Of course you do."

Kiara grinned. "We put the over-under at seven. You wanna place a bet?"

Sutton laughed, shaking her head. "No, but I will be watching this mess unfold."

Kiara threw an arm around her. "That's all I ask."

────

The party was in full swing, music blasting, the smell of weed and cheap beer thick in the air. The Chateau was packed—Pogues inside, Kooks scattered along the edges, everyone caught up in the reckless energy of the night. Sutton weaved through the crowd, barely taking a sip of her drink before John B appeared at her side again, like a damn shadow.

"You having fun?" he asked, his voice close to her ear over the music.

Sutton gave him a look. "John B, you've been following me around all night."

He smirked, running a hand through his sun-bleached hair. "Maybe I just missed you."

Before she could respond, JJ came barreling up to them, slightly buzzed, a shit-eating grin on his face. "Alright, alright, listen up—I'm at six!"

Sutton barely had time to process that before she lunged forward, grabbing JJ's face and crashing her lips against his. The kiss was fast, playful, a statement more than anything. When she pulled back, she smirked. "Seven."

JJ staggered back, eyes wide. "Oh, damn, Sunshine, you just made my night."

But before anyone could react, Sutton turned on her heel and yanked John B toward her, kissing him too. This one was different—longer, deeper, full of old feelings and unsaid words. When she pulled away, she met his stunned gaze, smirking just slightly. "Now you're at one."

A few people cheered, JJ whistled, but Sutton barely heard it. Because when she turned around, her stomach dropped.

Rafe.

And some of the Kooks.

Standing at the edge of the party, watching her. Furious.

Rafe's jaw was clenched, his eyes locked on hers, the muscle in his cheek twitching. Topper was beside him, arms crossed, shaking his head like he knew this was coming. Olivia stood there too, arms crossed, her expression smug, like she'd just won something.

Sutton's heart pounded in her chest.

Well.

Shit.

The air between them was thick, heavy with something Sutton couldn't quite name. Rafe hadn't moved, but his stare was enough to make her feel like she had done something very wrong.

JJ, still grinning from the chaos, threw an arm around her shoulders. "Sunshine, that was legendary." He turned to John B. "Hey, don't look so heartbroken, bro. You're on the board now!"

John B barely reacted, still staring at Sutton like he was trying to figure her out. But Sutton was too distracted, her pulse hammering as she locked eyes with Rafe.

He was pissed.

Topper muttered something to him, but Rafe didn't acknowledge it. Instead, he lifted a beer bottle to his lips, taking a slow sip—still watching her.

Sutton swallowed.

"You good?" Kiara's voice cut in beside her, low enough that only she could hear.

She nodded, too quick. "Yep."

Kiara didn't buy it, but before she could press, JJ tugged Sutton toward the firepit. "Alright, my new favorite person—if you're giving out kisses, I think Pope might cry if you don't give him one too."

Pope immediately held up his hands. "I'm good, thanks."

Laughter rippled through the group, but Sutton barely registered it.

Because when she glanced back toward where Rafe had been standing—he was gone.

And that should've made her feel better.

But somehow, it didn't.

Sutton's eyes scanned the crowd, her heart racing a little faster. The night felt like it was spinning out of control, and all she could do was try to hold onto something, anything, to steady herself. The laughter and the chaos of the party faded in the background, and it was like the world narrowed down to one person—Rafe.

She quickly shifted her attention back to the group, pretending to be engrossed in the banter around the fire. JJ was acting like a clown, trying to pull Pope into some ridiculous dare, while Kiara was sitting cross-legged, shaking her head and smiling at the boys.

But Sutton couldn't stop thinking about what had just happened. The way she kissed JJ—how it was impulsive, wild, and yet somehow... freeing? The moment with John B, the way his eyes softened, like he didn't know whether to laugh or cry.

And then there was Rafe. She hadn't missed the way he clenched his fists, the way his jaw tightened as he watched her.

"Hey, you alright?" Kiara's voice cut through her thoughts again, this time more concerned.

Sutton glanced at her, managing a small smile. "Yeah. Just... thinking."

Kiara raised an eyebrow. "You sure?"

Before Sutton could respond, JJ walked over, a cocky grin plastered on his face. "Alright, so who's up for round two of the kiss count?" His voice was loud, almost too loud, as if he were trying to make a joke out of the tension still hanging in the air.

Sutton glanced at him, her stomach doing an odd little flip. "Seriously, JJ?"

JJ flashed a mischievous grin. "Hey, what can I say? I'm just trying to make sure you're having a good time."

Sutton rolled her eyes but couldn't help the small laugh that escaped her. Her gaze flicked back to the spot where she'd seen Rafe last, but he was still gone.

"Where's Rafe?" she asked, her voice slipping before she could stop it.

Kiara tilted her head, her eyes narrowing. "Don't think he's in the mood to party tonight."

Sutton frowned. "I didn't mean to..." She trailed off, unsure of what she was even trying to say. She had no idea why she cared.

"Relax," JJ interjected, throwing an arm around her shoulders. "Rafe's a big boy. He can handle himself."

But Sutton wasn't so sure. She knew Rafe, or at least she thought she did. He didn't handle rejection well—especially not from someone like her.

"Well, I'm not doing this again," she muttered under her breath, more to herself than anyone else.

"Doing what?" JJ asked, clearly not hearing her.

She sighed. "I'm not playing any more games. Not with you, not with Rafe... not with anyone."

Kiara seemed to understand, nodding slowly. "Sometimes, it's okay to just... be. You don't always need to make a scene or have everything figured out, Sutton."

Sutton met her gaze, and for a brief moment, she felt understood. The weight on her chest lightened just a fraction. But then the familiar buzz of tension returned as she heard the faint sound of footsteps behind her.

She turned around, heart hammering, and there he was—Rafe, standing in the shadows near the edge of the party, watching her.

His eyes were dark, unreadable, but the coldness in his stare made her feel like she was standing on the edge of something dangerous.

For a moment, no one moved.

Then, Rafe stepped forward, his voice low but clear enough for her to hear. "You think that makes a difference?"

Sutton froze. "What?"

"You think kissing JJ makes me care less?" His words were sharp, cutting through the air. "You're just messing with me, Sutton."

Her pulse quickened. "I didn't—"

"You didn't think it through," Rafe interrupted, his anger barely contained. "But that's fine. You're just like everyone else, right? Playing the game. Getting attention."

Sutton's breath caught in her throat. "You don't know anything about me."

"I know enough," he snapped. "And trust me, you're not the only one who can play these games."

The words stung more than they should have, but Sutton didn't let him see that. She stood tall, her fists clenched, and took a deep breath. "Maybe I'm not the one playing games," she said quietly, looking him dead in the eye. "Maybe you are."

For a long moment, neither of them moved. Then, without another word, Rafe turned on his heel and disappeared into the crowd, leaving Sutton standing there, heart racing, unsure of what the hell just happened.

"Guess that was a little tense," JJ remarked, his voice teasing, but there was an undercurrent of something else there—concern?

Sutton didn't answer. She couldn't. All she could do was stand there, her mind racing with everything she hadn't said, everything she hadn't figured out yet.

And the night, just like everything else, felt like it was spinning out of control.

Sutton exhaled sharply, willing herself to shake off the moment. The night was supposed to be fun, reckless—one of those parties where nothing really mattered. But Rafe had a way of making everything feel heavier, like he could pull her into his orbit without even trying.

"Come on," Kiara nudged her, breaking the spell. "Let's get another drink. You look like you need one."

Sutton gave a weak laugh, grateful for the out. "Yeah, sure."

They wove through the crowd, past drunken laughter, beer pong games, and JJ bragging about his ridiculous kiss count. John B was still lingering nearby, watching her in that way that made her chest ache a little. She ignored it.

At the makeshift bar—really just a folding table covered in half-empty bottles—Kiara poured them both strong drinks, and Sutton took hers gratefully.

"Okay," Kiara said, leaning in. "That was intense."

Sutton sighed. "Yeah, tell me about it."

Kiara took a sip of her drink. "So... you and Rafe. What's actually going on?"

Sutton hesitated, swirling the liquid in her cup. "Nothing. I mean, we've always kind of... circled each other, I guess. But it's not like that."

Kiara gave her a look. "Sutton. He looked like he was about to murder someone when you kissed JJ."

Sutton scoffed, shaking her head. "He's just—he doesn't like when things aren't in his control. That's all it is."

Kiara hummed, unconvinced. "Okay, but do you like him?"

The question hit her harder than she expected. Sutton opened her mouth, then closed it. Did she?

Before she could answer, JJ came stumbling over, grinning wildly. "Sutton, you owe me for that kiss, by the way. I think Rafe might actually try to kill me now."

Sutton rolled her eyes. "Please. Like you weren't loving every second of it."

JJ smirked. "Guilty as charged. But, uh..." His grin faded slightly, and he scratched the back of his neck. "For real, though. You good?"

Something about the way he asked made her pause. JJ, for all his chaotic energy, had a way of noticing things.

She forced a smile. "Yeah. I'm fine."

JJ didn't look convinced, but before he could push further, Pope appeared behind him, looking exasperated. "JJ, we literally just talked about not instigating fights, and now Rafe looks like he's about to explode."

JJ threw up his hands. "I didn't do anything!"

Pope gave him a pointed look.

JJ sighed. "Okay, fine, maybe I did a little something."

Sutton groaned. "JJ."

"Relax, relax," he said, waving them off. "He's not gonna do anything tonight."

Sutton exchanged a glance with Kiara, who raised an eyebrow. That wasn't exactly comforting.

Before she could respond, a voice cut through the noise.

"Sutton."

She turned, and there he was. Rafe.

Her stomach twisted, but she kept her face neutral. "What do you want?"

Rafe stepped closer, his expression unreadable. "A word."

Kiara immediately shifted beside Sutton, ready to intervene. "Not happening."

Rafe barely looked at her. "Wasn't asking you, Kie."

Sutton glanced between them, then exhaled. "It's fine. Just—give me a minute."

Kiara didn't like it, but she nodded. JJ looked ready to throw himself into the middle of it, but Pope dragged him away.

Once they were alone—well, as alone as they could be at a party—Rafe studied her. "You trying to prove a point or something?"

Sutton crossed her arms. "What are you talking about?"

He let out a humorless laugh. "Come on, Sutton. You think kissing JJ and John B in the same breath was subtle?"

She refused to let him get to her. "I don't owe you an explanation."

His jaw tightened. "Never said you did."

There was a beat of silence, charged and heavy.

Then Rafe took a step closer, his voice low. "Just don't pretend you don't know what you're doing."

Sutton swallowed hard. "And what exactly am I doing, Rafe?"

He stared at her for a long moment, then shook his head, a smirk ghosting over his lips. "You tell me."

And then, just like that, he turned and walked away, leaving her standing there, pulse hammering, hating that somehow, he still had the last word.

Sutton wasn't going to let him walk away this time.

Before she could even think about it, she was following him, grabbing his arm and yanking him back.

"Oh, no. We're not doing this," she snapped.

Rafe turned, annoyed, but his smirk was still there, barely. Like he was amused that she was chasing after him. "Doing what, Sutton?"

"You know exactly what."

She was breathing hard, alcohol burning in her veins, heart racing. Rafe was standing too close, and the music from the party blurred in the background, but she only saw him.

His eyes flickered, scanning her face, but he was still playing it cool. Still acting like he didn't give a damn. "You're gonna have to be more specific."

Sutton let out a bitter laugh. "Oh, come on, Rafe. Is this funny to you? Was this all just some game? You got what you wanted, so now you get to act like none of it meant anything?"

Rafe's jaw clenched. "What are you talking about?"

"Was it all just a game to you?" she demanded, her voice rising. "Was it all just about getting my virginity? Did you really just use me as another conquest?" Her words cut through the ambient noise, raw and desperate.

Rafe's jaw tightened. "You think—" he began, but she cut him off with a harsh laugh.

"Don't 'you think' it, Rafe. I saw the girl on you. I saw you with her. You think that doesn't mean anything?!" Sutton's eyes blazed with indignation as she stepped closer, her chest heaving with emotion. "How dare you treat me like I'm just some piece of your twisted game!"

His face contorted, a mixture of anger and something like regret. "It wasn't—" he started, but she wasn't having it.

"You left me hanging, Rafe! I trusted you, and you used that—used me—just to prove something, like it was some stupid dare!" she screamed, her voice echoing in the sudden hush around them. "I was vulnerable, and you saw that as an opportunity! Was that all you cared about? My virginity? My body?" Her eyes flashed with tears of rage and betrayal.

Rafe stepped forward, fists clenching at his sides. "You think I did it for a game? You think I didn't feel anything?" His tone was harsh, defensive. "I didn't plan it. Things just... happened. You know how I am."

Sutton's laughter was bitter. "I know exactly how you are, Rafe. I know you're selfish—always playing by your own rules, manipulating everyone around you. And tonight, with that girl on you, you made it crystal clear that you never cared about me. You just cared about proving some point."

He recoiled as if her words struck a physical blow. "That's not fair," Rafe spat, his voice low and dangerous. "You know my life isn't as simple as you make it out to be. I wasn't trying to hurt you."

"Then what were you trying to do?" she demanded, tears glistening in her eyes as anger bubbled over. "Was it just a conquest to you? A way to get even? Or did you just need to feel like you were in control?" Her words were laced with disbelief. "Because if you cared about me at all, you wouldn't have let that happen. You wouldn't have thrown my trust away for a cheap thrill!"

For a long, heavy moment, the only sound was the crashing of waves in the distance and the muffled thump of the party behind them. Rafe's face was a mask of conflicted emotions—regret, anger, and something else Sutton couldn't quite read.

Finally, he whispered, "I—I'm not the same person I was." His voice cracked under the weight of his admission. "But I never meant to hurt you, Sutton."

"Then prove it," she challenged, her voice trembling but fierce. "Prove that you're not just another selfish, heartless player. Prove that whatever feelings you have for me aren't just a game."

He opened his mouth to respond, but the words died on his lips. Instead, he looked away, silent, the tension between them thick and unyielding.

Sutton stepped back, wiping away a tear as the harsh reality of the moment crashed over her. "I don't know if I can ever trust you again, Rafe," she said, voice barely above a whisper. "But I won't let you play with my heart anymore."

Before he could answer, the distant hum of the party and the voices of their friends began to pull them back into the night. With one final, pained look, Rafe turned and melted back into the crowd, leaving Sutton alone in the aftermath of their confrontation—a confrontation that laid bare everything she'd tried to bury: her vulnerability, her anger, and the bitter truth that some wounds might never fully heal.

-

The sun was barely up when JJ was jolted awake—not by a hangover, not by someone yelling, but by something much worse.

A weight slammed into his chest, knocking the wind out of him. Then came the wet, slobbery assault on his face, sharp claws digging into his sides.

"Jesus Christ—MAX! Get off me, you psycho!" JJ groaned, shoving at the massive German Shepherd currently trying to eat him alive with affection.

Max let out an excited bark, tail wagging like a helicopter blade as he happily licked JJ's face, completely unfazed by the boy's protests.

From the kitchen, Rachel's voice rang out, laced with amusement. "Oh good, you're up."

JJ groaned, managing to shove the dog off enough to sit up. His head was pounding, his clothes from last night still clung to his body, and now he was covered in dog slobber. "Barely."

Rachel leaned against the counter, sipping her coffee with a smirk. "Max has a thing for idiots who pass out on my couch."

JJ scoffed, rubbing his face. "Yeah, well, tell your damn dog I'm a guest."

Carl appeared in the doorway, eyeing JJ with disinterest before tossing something at him. A T-shirt. JJ barely caught it.

"Change. You stink like beer and regret," Carl grunted before heading back outside.

JJ blinked, then looked at Rachel. "Friendly family you got here."

Rachel just laughed. "Welcome to the house of chaos."

JJ barely had time to process Carl's gruff exit before another voice cut through the room.

"Well, well, well. Look who survived the night."

JJ groaned as Sutton strolled into the kitchen, arms crossed, looking far too amused for how early it was. She was already showered and dressed, unlike JJ, who still reeked of last night's bonfire and regret. Zach was at the counter, making coffee like he owned the place—because, technically, he did, in a way—while Eli sat on the couch, lazily scrolling through his phone.

Sutton grabbed a banana from the counter and leaned against it. "You look like hell."

JJ, still rubbing sleep from his eyes, shot her a glare. "And you look like someone who needs to mind their business."

Rachel smirked from where she was making toast. "I figured if I had to deal with one Cameron reject, might as well make it a full set."

JJ scowled. "I'm not a Cameron reject."

Rachel shrugged. "Close enough."

Zach snorted. "At least Rafe didn't kill you last night. That's a win."

JJ groaned. "Oh, great. So everyone saw that?"

Sutton raised an eyebrow. "Yeah, dumbass. You were literally in the middle of the party. And, oh, I don't know—maybe the part where I kissed you and then immediately kissed John B after might've made it a little worse?"

JJ shot her an unimpressed look. "Gee, you think?"

Eli finally spoke up, barely looking away from his phone. "Yeah, Rafe looked like he was ready to commit murder."

JJ ran a hand through his hair, still trying to shake the grogginess. "Awesome. So, what? He's gonna jump me next time he sees me?"

Rachel set down her plate, looking at JJ more seriously now. "If I were you, I'd be more worried about what Ward's gonna do than Rafe."

The room went quiet for a second. JJ stiffened.

Zach frowned. "What do you mean?"

Rachel glanced at Sutton, then back at JJ. "I know Luke."

JJ's stomach dropped. "What?"

Rachel shrugged, like it was nothing, but her eyes said otherwise. "I knew him before he became... whatever he is now." She hesitated before adding, "And if Ward knows who your dad is, that's a whole different problem."

JJ clenched his jaw. "Great. Just what I needed—another goddamn problem.

Zach furrowed his brows, his gaze bouncing between Sutton and JJ. "What do you mean about Rafe and Sutton?"

JJ stiffened for half a second, but Sutton was already rolling her eyes, exhaling sharply like the whole thing was ridiculous. "Nothing. Rafe's just pissed because I embarrassed him in front of his friends."

JJ, catching on fast, leaned back in his chair and shrugged. "Yeah, you know how he is—big ego, tiny tolerance for taking an L." He smirked. "And your sister kinda bodied him last night."

Zach's suspicion didn't fade immediately. His eyes narrowed slightly, flicking between them like he was trying to decide if they were full of shit. But after a long beat, he just huffed, shaking his head. "Jesus. He's so dramatic."

Sutton forced a laugh. "Tell me about it."

Across the table, Eli barely looked up from his phone, only half-listening. But then he suddenly perked up, casually tossing out, "Where are you guys going today?"

JJ didn't even look up. "Out with the Pogues."

Eli tilted his head, considering that. "Cool. I'm coming."

Both JJ and Sutton immediately responded, in perfect sync:

"No."

Eli scoffed, leaning back in his chair. "Why not?"

JJ shot him an unimpressed look. "Because you're a baby."

Eli made a show of gasping. "Oh, wow. Age discrimination. Should I call someone?"

Zach, distracted by his coffee, didn't even glance up. "You're fourteen, dude. Take the loss."

But Eli wasn't done. He took another sip of his drink, then, ever so casually, said, "It's fine. I just thought it'd be funny, considering, y'know... you and Rafe have that weird thing."

Sutton's stomach dropped.

JJ choked on air. "What?"

Eli smirked, watching their reactions like a cat toying with its prey. "Come on. You two are always... weird."

Zach finally looked up, interest piqued. "Weird how?"

Sutton didn't hesitate. "You can come."

Eli blinked. "Wait, really?"

JJ whipped his head toward her. "What?"

Sutton gave a stiff nod. "Yup. You can come."

Eli's grin stretched wider. "Huh. Okay, then." He leaned back, obviously pleased with himself.

JJ dragged a hand down his face. "Oh, this is gonna be a nightmare."

Sutton gripped the wheel of her old Jeep TJ, knuckles tight as she navigated the bumpy roads toward the Chateau. The top was off, letting the humid Outer Banks air whip through the open cabin, but it wasn't enough to drown out Eli's nonstop commentary from the backseat.

"Why does this thing ride like a tractor?" Eli complained, gripping the roll bar dramatically. "Is there, like, actual suspension, or are we just bouncing on hopes and prayers?"

JJ groaned, slumping further into the passenger seat. "Oh my God, will someone shut this kid up?"

Eli ignored him, leaning forward between their seats. "Oh, and by the way, I've been meaning to ask—how many girls did you kiss last night? Or was that just a cover for your fragile little ego?"

JJ whipped his head around. "I will throw you out of this car, I swear to God."

Sutton snorted, adjusting her sunglasses. "You're the one who wanted to keep count in the first place."

JJ pointed at her. "You started it."

Eli sat back with a smirk. "So, no answer? Got it."

JJ turned toward Sutton. "I'm begging you. Drop him off at a gas station."

Sutton just rolled her eyes as she turned onto the dirt path leading up to the Chateau. The old house came into view, the familiar sight of the dock stretching toward the water. She barely had the Jeep in park before Eli flung himself out of the back, his eyes lighting up.

John B had just stepped onto the porch, and when he spotted Eli, his face broke into a grin. "No way. Little E, is that you?"

Eli smirked, strolling toward him. "I see you finally gave up on the whole mustache thing."

John B let out a booming laugh, pulling Eli into a quick hug. "Man, it's been forever. How the hell did she let you out of the house?" He nodded toward Sutton as she and JJ climbed out of the Jeep.

Sutton shrugged. "He blackmailed his way in."

JJ dragged a hand through his hair. "And it's already the worst decision I've ever made."

John B just laughed, shaking his head. "Alright, let's hit the water. We'll grab Kie and Pope on the way."

They made their way down the dock, where the HMS Pogue was bobbing gently in the water. Eli's eyes lit up as he hopped in, looking around with interest. "You sure this thing doesn't have a hole in it?"

John B clapped him on the back. "Welcome aboard, kid."

Sutton rolled her eyes but couldn't help the small smile tugging at her lips as they untied the boat and pushed off from the dock. The motor roared to life, and soon, they were cutting through the water, the salty air thick around them.

As they sped off toward Kie and Pope, Sutton leaned against the side, letting the wind whip her hair back, knowing that today was only going to get more chaotic from here.

The boat skidded across the water, the salty air whipping through Sutton's hair as she stretched her legs out, her boots propped up on the seat across from her. JJ was standing near the front, one foot on the console like some kind of self-appointed captain, while John B navigated toward Pope's dock.

Eli sat next to Sutton, looking more at ease than he had in days. She nudged him with her shoulder. "Ready to ruin Pope's day?"

Eli smirked. "Always."

John B slowed the boat as they neared Pope's dock, the wooden planks stretching over the water. Pope stood there with his arms crossed, looking deeply unamused.

"Well, look who we have here," John B called, smirking.

JJ let out a triumphant whoop, raising his arms like they had just pulled off some great heist.

John B continued, "We have a safety meeting. Attendance mandatory."

Pope groaned. "I can't. My pop's got me on lockdown."

JJ immediately grabbed the radio mic and mimicked static. "Come on, man. Over."

John B grinned. "Your dad's a pussy. Over."

From inside the house, Heyward's voice rang out. "Oh, I heard that, you little bastard!"

JJ snorted. "We need your son."

"Yeah," John B added. "Island rules. Day after a hurricane's a free day."

Heyward narrowed his eyes as he stepped out onto the porch. "Who made that up?"

JJ scratched his head. "Uh... the Pentagon, I think. We have security clearance."

John B nodded. "I have a card."

Heyward scoffed. "Think I'm stupid?"

Sutton smirked. "We plead the Fifth."

Heyward shot her a look. "Girl, don't think I don't know you're just as bad as these fools. You and JJ together? Chaos."

Sutton grinned. "I have no idea what you're talking about, Mr. Heyward."

"You're corrupting my boy," Heyward continued, pointing at Eli. "I see him running around with y'all, gettin' into all kinds of trouble. Keep my little Elijah outta this."

Before Sutton could say anything, Eli—her sweet, innocent, should-be-recovering baby brother—casually flipped Heyward off and said, "Kiss my ass."

John B choked on a laugh. JJ doubled over, smacking the side of the boat in delight. Pope looked absolutely horrified.

Sutton's eyes widened, and she immediately swatted Eli's arm. "Dude!"

Eli just shrugged, still smirking.

Sutton turned back to Heyward with an apologetic smile. "Sorry, Mr. Heyward."

Heyward just shook his head. "Mmhmm. That's what I thought."

John B leaned over, whispering, "Get in the boat."

JJ nodded. "Make a run for it."

Pope hesitated before throwing a quick glance at his dad.

"Boy, if you get in that boat—" Heyward started, but Pope was already hopping over the side.

"Go, go, go!" JJ hollered as John B revved the engine.

Heyward shook his head. "You'll clean shrimp, clean fish—"

"Love you, Pops!" Pope called as the boat sped away.

"You gonna clean your dirty-ass room!" Heyward yelled after them.

"We'll bring him back in one piece, promise!" John B called back, laughing.

"I don't like your friends!" was the last thing they heard as Heyward's voice faded into the distance.

JJ turned to Pope, smirking. "Welcome aboard."

Pope shook his head, muttering, "I hate all of you."

Sutton ruffled Eli's hair. "You're gonna get me killed."

Eli grinned. "Worth it."

JJ cackled. "That's the spirit, little Elijah."

Sutton groaned, already regretting this entire day.

────

Author's Note:

Don't worry - we'll get Rafe and Sutton back real fast.