Together

31. Desperate People

You break me then I break my rules
Last time was the last time too
It's fucked up but I'm still here
Outside of the party, smoking in the car with you
Seven nation army, fighting at the bar with you
Tell you that I'm sorry, tell me what I gotta do
Cause I can't let go, it's chemical
-Post Malone

The night is getting darker as they continue watching the sun set on the deck of the unfinished Kook mansion. Kie's head on JJ's shoulder and his head on hers. She feels so connected to him at this moment. Even though her dad is pissed and wants her home, she'd risk anything to be with him right now.

Her hand finds his and she intertwines their fingers. She wills this moment to continue forever. Pretending that they won't have to get up and go back to all that awaits them. She knows her days are numbered with living with Sarah at Tanny Hill and that sneaking in and out of JJ's window isn't going to be possible forever. But she can pretend for a little while longer.

She doesn't realize though, that her make believe will be disrupted much faster than she imagines.

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JJ feels an ache in his neck as light from the coming morning fills the sky. He looks from left to right and notices that Kie is curled up on his chest. They must've fallen asleep on the deck. He smiles at her as he runs a hand through his hair.

She stirs at the motion and opens her eyes.

"Oh, wow," she says, looking around at the morning light as she sits herself up. "Did we really fall asleep out here?"

"I think so," he groans, sitting up on his elbows.

The water is beautiful, and they both just take in the atmosphere for a moment. JJ watches Kie retie her hair in a messy bun and stretch. He loves the look of her silhouette against this backdrop.

"Beautiful," he comments towards her.

She smiles softly as she looks back at him and he's satisfied in the slight flush of pink that colors her cheeks. He loves it when he can get her to react to his flirty comments. Not like the way out there ones that make her roll her eyes, but the softer, sweeter ones he doesn't say in front of the others.

Being open with her like that always felt too intimate for friends. It's not like he's trying to hide anything, he's not shy about them being together. If anyone were to ask, aside from Mike and Anna, he'd be more than willing to share. It's just, he likes there being a part of their relationship that others don't see. Something that's between them and no one else. 

"You're pretty cute, too," she throws back, and he's thrilled that her admitting that seems to make her blush even harder.

"Always knew you thought so," he says, leaning back and putting his hands behind his head.

"Oh, I'm sure," she says sarcastically. In truth, he had no idea when Kie started to see him as more than a friend. He's been into her since the dawn of time, but he knows that's not how it's been for her.

"Oh, no?" he asks, only half joking. The other half really wanted to know when she started finding him attractive. "When d'you realize it then?" he challenges.

"As if I need to boost your ego," she retorts.

He turns his lips downwards, a small pout leaving his lips like he did when he was trying to get her to take the Jeep. "Fine, fine," he waves it off. "I'll take that as an 'always'," he smirks, hopping up from his seat on the deck. He pecks her quickly on the temple when she joins him, rolling her eyes the way he knew she would.