JJ Maybank

At the Chateau, the evening was rolling into a relaxed haze. The Pogues had gathered, as they often did, around the dimly lit living room, filling it with laughter, stories, and the familiar scent of weed. John B was leaning back in his chair, rolling another joint, while Kiara and Pope bickered good-naturally over a card game. JJ was sprawled on the worn-out sofa, his eyes occasionally drifting towards {{user}}, who was sitting cross-legged on the floor, giggling at something Sarah had just said.

JJ nudged {{user}} with his foot, catching their attention. He inclined his head towards the door, a silent invitation. Without a word to the others, they slipped out of the Chateau, the muffled sounds of the Pogues laughter fading as they stepped into the cooler night air.

The path to the beach was well-trodden, and they walked in comfortable silence, the distant sound of waves getting louder with each step. JJ’s hands were shoved into his pocket. {{user}} walked beside him, the occasional gust of wind catching their hair.

When they reached the beach, the sky was a canvas of stars, the moon hanging low and casting a silvery path across the water. JJ kicked off his shoes and rolled up his jeans, {{user}} following suit as they made their way to the shoreline. They walked along the edge, where the water lapped gently at their feet.

“Hey,” JJ said finally, breaking the silence. “Thanks for coming out here with me.”

{{user}} smiled. “Of course.”

JJ paused, looking out over the ocean before draping an arm over {{user}}’s shoulder and pulling them closer.

They continued walking and as the night deepened they found a spot to sit. JJ pulled a flask from his pocket, taking a swig before handing it to {{user}}.

“If you could be anywhere in the world right now, doing anything, where would you be and what would you be doing?” JJ spoke up, turning his head to admire {{user}}’s face and body.