bonus chapter
800k special

Dorota was getting married and Athena was ever so slightly freaking out.

Dorota decided she didn't want a big wedding, considering she nor Corey had a lot of family. And so Dorota wanted a tiny wedding, one that she put her maid on honour in charge of planning. And who was her maid of honour?

That's right!

Miss Athena Josephine Cameron herself. Athena had tried her best to get what Dorota wanted, to make sure her wedding would be perfect. Which was hard considering all Dorota said was that Athena could do anything she felt was right because she trusted the girl's judgement.

But Athena was getting there. She had gotten the flowers, helped Dorota pick address, got bridesmaid dresses for herself and Corey's two sisters, helped order tuxes, convinced the Carrera's to cater the function. She had put Sarah in charge of hair and makeup and Kie was on music duty.

All Athena had to do was find a venue, which she had done... until they cancelled. Which caused Athena to have a total of three breakdowns before JJ had a rare stroke of genius and suggested that they'd hold the wedding in Bluebell cottage's huge back garden. Athena had smiled brightly at the idea, kissing her boyfriend happily before she bounced off to continue planning the day.

Now, it was the morning of Dorota's big day and Athena seemed to be the one with last minute jitters. She had been pacing back and forth all morning, triple checking everything was in order.

The blonde rushed towards into the room where Dorota was getting ready, looking over at where Sarah was applying makeup to the woman's face, music in the background drowning out their laughter.

Athena smiled softly at the sigh, looking over at Corey's sisters, who both sent her a smile.

"Thena! Hair time!" Sarah suddenly exclaimed, catching sight of her sister.

"No, I have to—"

"Nope." Sarah shook her head. "You need to get ready, come on."

Athena let out a sigh, moving over to sit in the chair that Sarah was stood behind. The blonde let out a small breath as Sarah began parting her hair.

Athena turned to Dorota, who was smiling softly at her, "I hope it's all okay."

"As long as Corey is at the end of the aisle and you're next to me, it will be." Dorota reassured her, placing one of her hands over Athena's. "I mean there has only be one thing wrong with this morning."

"What?" Athena's eyes widened, fear covering her features.

Of course she had messed this up! Of course she had! Dorota was the one person who cared most about her, who had been with her through everything. She was Athena's best friend, her family. And Athena had already messed up what was supposed to be the greatest day of her life. Oh God! She couldn't do this, she—

"You haven't been here." Dorota cut off Athena's overwhelming thoughts. The blonde looked over at Dorota in shock. "I didn't pick you as my maid of honour so that you could stress yourself out to the brink of insanity. I want you here, with me. That's all I want for the morning of my wedding."

"Really?"

"Of course." Dorota exclaimed. "I want my happy Athena back, seeing you stressed makes us all stress—"

"Oh yeah, I think all of JJ's hair is gonna of fallen out by the end of today." Sarah stated, making eye contact with her sister in the mirror. "He's stressed for you and worried about you, not a good combo."

"I didn't mean to freak everyone out." Athena let out a small sigh. "I just want it to be perfect."

"As long as I get married today, it will be." Dorota shrugged. "I don't care about everything else."

"It's going to be perfect." Athena smiled.

"Good."

"And I will stop stressing everyone out." Athena told them.

"Good." Sarah nodded, curling her hair.

When Sarah had finished curling her hair, she tied half of it up in a bow, pulling a few bits out of the front to frame her sister's face. Athena smiled at her, already having done her makeup.

"I'm going to go put my dress on." Athena informed them.

"I can't wait to see it." Dorota stated.

Athena rushed into her room, grabbing her dress from where it was hanging in the wardrobe. Dorota had firmly stated that because Athena was the maid of honour she had to have a different dress to Corey's sisters.

So, while they were wearing full length blush pink dresses that matched the bows in their hair, Athena had a full length dress with ruffle details at the hem.

It had a corset bodice that accentuated her curves and a side front slit – something that she was hesitate about until Dorota told her how much she loved one of her dresses with a slit in it. It was made from rose printed chiffon and layers of lace, and a lace up bow that was accented with a beautiful bow.

She paired it with a pair of strappy silver heels, looking at herself in the mirror as she let out a breath.

The girl hadn't let anyone see the dress, not Dorota, not JJ, not Kie or Sarah, not even Pope. She wanted it to be a surprise – well a surprise for Dorota, and the others weren't allowed to see it until Dorota did.

Athena took a deep breath before she stepped out of her room. Dorota caught sight of her immediately, her mouth dropping in shock as she stood up.

"Oh my god..." She breathed out.

Athena panicked. "Do you hate it? I can—"

"No, Athena, you look incredible." Dorota smiled. "You look perfect. This dress is exactly what I imagined for you to wear today."

Athena laughed softly, hugging the woman tightly. "You have to go get changed."

"Okay, okay."

Dorota hurried out of the room to get changed into her wedding dress. She returned not too long later, and Athena nearly burst into tears.

Dorota looked stunning. Athena never thought that her dream of leaving Outer Banks with Dorota so they could start a new life would actually happen – and yet, here they were.

They were still in Outer Banks but they both had had their fresh starts. Both Dorota and Athena had found love, found a person who knew every single thing about them, the good, the bad and the ugly, and still wanted to be with them anyway.

Athena had started her charity, helping multiple people already reroute their life and get off the cut.

Dorota was pregnant! She was starting a family, a real family, with a child that would feel nothing but unconditional love and support until the day it died.

They had done it.

And Athena was so unbelievably happy.

"Do not cry or you'll make me cry!" Dorota's warning broke her out of her thoughts.

"I'm not crying." Athena shook her head.

"Didn't think so." Dorota narrowed her eyes before she smiled.

Athena laughed, moving to link their arms. "Let's go get you married."

The group all made their way to the back garden, everyone now in their seats. Athena had done some last minute stressing and demanding when Dorota was getting changed, forcing everyone to go be in their places.

Dorota's father met her at the end of the aisle, out of sight of the rest of the guests. The man greeting Athena before moving over to talk to his daughter.

Corey's sisters walked down the aisle first together, bouquets in hand and smiles on their faces as the familiar instrumental of 'invisible string' by Taylor Swift played out.

Athena felt a figure next to her, the blonde turning to come face to face with her boyfriend.

"I hear I stressed you out." Athena stated.

JJ looked over at her, freezing for a moment before letting out a small laugh, "Pressure of perfection got to me too I guess, I know how this going well means to you."

"It does..." Athena glanced back at Dorota, who held the biggest smile Athena had ever seen on her face. "But it's already perfect."

JJ nodded, "You look breathtakingly beautiful."

Athena blushed, shrugging. "You look alright too, I guess."

JJ shook with head with a laugh, linking arms with his girlfriend. "Come on."

Athena laughed softly before the two began walking down the aisle. Athena looked around at everyone who was there, Dorota's family, Corey's family, the Carrera's, the Hartman's, the Heyward's and the Pogues: Pope, Sage, Kie, Sarah, John B and Cleo.

Everyone was smiling.

And the decorations were perfect and Corey was at the end of aisle, a nervous smile on his face.

Athena let out a breath of relief as JJ leant down to whisper in her ear. "You did great."

Athena nodded. "Yeah."

The two reached the end of the aisle, separating from each other as JJ moved to stand behind Corey and Athena moved to the bride's side.

She turned to watch Dorota walk down the aisle, glancing at Corey ever few seconds. The man was on the brink of tears as he watched the woman he loved the most in the world walk towards him in the most beautiful dress he had ever seen, and Athena swore she had just watched the two fall madly in love with each other all over again.

The ceremony went quickly, the two giving their heartwarming vows, and before she knew it Athena was giving her mandatory maid of honour speech.

"Uh... wow where to begin?" Athena started, microphone in hand as she looked out at the tables of people in her backyard. She glanced at Corey and Dorota, who were sitting on a sweetheart table separate from everyone else. "When I agreed to be Dorota's maid of honour, I thought this job would just entail me wearing a nice dress and sitting around looking pretty. Spoiler alert, it doesn't. And when I agreed to plan this wedding, I thought it would be a breeze, and it was... for the most part. But when she informed me, I had to make a speech as well, I was in shock. This wedding was already taking so much out of me, what else could she want, more money my soul? Moral of the story, don't agree to be a maid of honour, people."

Athena paused as everyone began to laugh. She joined in for a few moments before she let out a breath.

"But... on a more serious note, I have not had the easiest of upbringings." Athena turned to look at everyone with raised eyebrows, them all murmuring in agreement with her. "When I think of family, I think of the people who have always been there for me, for the people who love and support me unconditionally, no matter what. I think about those who know me the best, and even though we are not related by blood, you, Dorota, are my family, and sometimes you feel more like family than my blood relatives... sorry Sarah, I love you."

The crowd laughed once again. Athena sent her sister a smile, before turning back to Dorota.

"Dorota, you are the one person who has stuck beside me through everything. From being bullied, to depressive episodes where the only thing to get me out of bed was your tea, to watching crappy soaps at god knows what time in the morning, to all the shit that has happened in the last year and bit, you are my one constant. And... I never thought that our plan of getting of OBX and starting anew would come true, but it has, and, as much as it pains me to admit, but I think firing you was the best thing I have ever done." Athena stated.

The girl looked over at Corey, "Because it brought you Corey, and he is the greatest thing that has ever happened to you. I have never seen you this happy in the entire time I've known you, and I am so happy that you have found love and happiness and I'm so happy for the both of you. And I just want to thank you, for all being there, because I wouldn't be stood here today if it wasn't for you and everything you've ever done for me. I wouldn't be the person I am today, so thank you, Dorota, for everything... and thank you, Corey for telling her to come back last summer to see if I was alive because otherwise JJ and I wouldn't have this house right now."

Cue everyone's laughter once again.

"And I hope you two have a wonderful life together, and I can't wait to see the adventures you go on and how this progresses... I also hope you have a spare bedroom in your new house because you are not getting rid of me that easily." Athena finished with a smile, tears in her eyes that she refused to let fall – unlike Dorota, and most of the other people in attendance, who were full on crying.

Dorota jumped up from her seat, moving over to stand in front of Athena, holding her face in her hands, "You, my darling darling girl, are the greatest thing to ever happen to me. And I wouldn't change anything we've done together for the world."

"I love you." Athena told her.

"I love you more." Dorota responded, pulling her in for a hug.

The crowd clapped as the two hugged before Athena pulled away. She sent a smile to Corey, who returned one just as bright before she turned and walked back to her seat.

She sat next to JJ, as the night continued, and before they knew it, it was time for the first dance. Dorota and Corey made their way onto the dance floor, spinning each other around with wide smiles.

JJ leant into Athena, "Is it everything you hoped it would be?"

"It's so much better." Athena told him with a smile. "Thank you for all your help."

"This was all you, baby." JJ shrugged. "I am proud of you."

"And I you." Athena responded easily.

The song ended, and a new one began, Dorota grabbing the microphone from its stand, "Hi, everyone, um... this next dance is for all the fathers and daughters here today, so, please join us for this dance."

Dorota took a hold of her father's hand, the two stood in the middle of the dance floor swaying together. Mike came and dragged Kie away, the girl going with an eye roll but a smile on her face. Mr Hartman grabbed Sage's hand and pulled her to the dance floor as well. Heyward made eye contact with Athena but the girl shook her head and gestured to Cleo, to which he nodded and dragged the newest pogue to the dance floor with him.

Athena let out a small breath, looking over at Sarah, the two holding the same facial expression. The blonde moved over to sit next to her sister.

"What if we—"

"Dance with us?" Two voices stopped Athena's question. The sisters looked up, coming face to face with their boyfriends, but instead John B was stood in front of Athena, and JJ in front of Sarah.

"What?"

"Your dad can't be here." JJ explained.

"And we're the closest things you've got to brothers, being in laws, y'know." John B shrugged, before he put on a mocking tone. "Can I have this dance?"

JJ hit his best friend as Athena laughed. "You may, but don't make fun of my boyfriend."

"Sorry." John B held his hands up in surrender before he pulled Athena to the dance floor, JJ doing the same to Sarah. John B stopped, stepping away from Athena and tipping an invisible cowboy hat towards her. "Miss Cameron."

Athena curtsied. "JB."

Athena placed her hands on his shoulders, the boy's hands on her waist as they swayed in time to the music. Athena looked over to see JJ and Sarah doing the same, and she couldn't help but smile at the sight. She had always hoped that her boyfriend and twin sister would get along, and this just proved that the two did, that they were destined to be siblings of some sort.

"Um..." John B spoke suddenly, making Athena look up at him. The boy let out a small breath, "I know I'm a bit of dick sometimes, that I say the most stupid things and upset you... I apologise for all of that."

"It's no worries, JB." Athena reassured him. "It's all in good fun, I know you don't mean half of it, just sibling bickering, right?"

"Yes, it is, but... I just want you to know that I don't mean it, any of it." John B shook his head as he spoke. "You are incredible, kind, smart in a weird way and you make JJ so happy, you make us all happy, and you bring out the best in us and keep things light, give the best advice. We appreciate you, Athena, I appreciate you. And I just want you to know that you're the best sister I could ask for."

Athena's eyes watered as she smiled, "You're the best brother I could ask for. I'm really glad my sister fell in love with you."

"I'm really glad my best friend fell in love with you." John B responded. "Although I'm sure we were destined to be siblings so we would've found each other."

"Hell yeah we would." Athena nodded.

The song ended, and the two stepped away from each other, making their way back to the table. Athena rushed over to where Pope stood, wrapping her arms around him.

"Pope!"

"Athena!"

Pope hugged her back tightly, although he was slightly confused at the random display of affection. Athena pulled back, smiling up at him.

"I love you." Athena told him. "I want you to know that."

"Of course I know that." Pope nodded. "You wouldn't survive without me."

"And that's a fact." Athena laughed. "But you wouldn't survive me either."

"I was definitely be dead or in jail for killing one of these lot." Pope replied with a nod to their friends. "I love you too."

"Good." Athena smiled at him.

"Oi, what are you two chatting about over there!" Sage's voice shouted, waving the two over to their table.

Pope and Athena shared a look before moving over to join them, Athena sitting in between JJ and Kie while Pope sat with Sarah and Cleo.

"Athena was just telling how I'm her favourite." Pope shrugged.

Athena's mouth dropped at his word as everyone gasped in shock, turning to face her.

"I can't believe this!" Sage exclaimed.

"What about me?" Kie pouted. "You told me I'd always be number one."

"Hey, I'm her sister!" Sarah reminded them.

"I'm basically her brother!" John B chimed in.

"I'm her boyfriend!" JJ stared at them all incredulously. "Clearly I'm her favourite."

"Uh, she's already said I'm the best pogue." Cleo tilted her head. "That makes me her favourite."

"No, it doesn't." Sage sent her a look. "What about everything we've been through, Athena!"

"You've been through!" Kie repeated with narrowed eyes. "What about us! What about date book?"

"Look at what you've done." Athena looked over at Pope who shrugged with an innocent smile.

"Attie..." JJ spoke up, making her turn to face him. "I'm your favourite right."

"I—"

"I'm her favourite." A new voice stated, the group turning to see Heyward stood behind the blonde.

Athena nodded. "He definitely is."

"Copout!"

"Shut up Sage!" Athena exclaimed with a small laugh.

"You did amazing at planning this wedding Athena, I'm proud of you." Heyward told the girl, pressing a kiss to her hair before leaving the group once again.

"Thanks Heyward, love you." Athena called after him.

"Love you too, kid." Heyward shouted back.

"I also think Athena is Heyward's favourite." John B informed them all. "I don't even think he says I love you to Pope."

"Athena is definitely his favourite." Pope agreed.

"She is." Heyward's voice carried in the wind.

They all burst out in laughter. Athena looked around at her friends, all laughing and talking together at a wedding for the union of her favourite people in the world, a wedding she planned, in her back garden of all places.

This was Athena's end goal in life. Pure happiness, surrounded by the people she loved and cared about the most.

Surrounded by her family.

"This will be us next." JJ whispered in her ear.

"I sure hope so." Athena replied with a smile.

"It will be." JJ nodded firmly. "I love you, I'll always love you."

"Till we're food for the worms to eat." Athena quoted her current favourite song, Everywhere, everything by Noah Kahan featuring Gracie Abrams.

"Till our fingers decompose." JJ added.

"Keep your hand in mine." Athena intertwined their hands. JJ leant forward and pressed his lips to her for a short, sweet kiss, both of them smiling into it.

"Attie, I'm going to love you until we're lights in the sky." He stated as she leant her head against his arm.

"Good, because I'm not going anywhere." Athena responded.

And as the night settled over them, the group continued to laugh and chat amongst themselves, Corey and Dorota joining them for a little while before they had to go home, leaving only the pogues in a huge garden all alone.

And, suddenly, it felt as if they were all at the chateau again, all of them home again... but they weren't, because if there was one thing they had all learnt it was that home was not a place but a person – or in this case, a group of people.

And as for Athena and JJ... just like that first night on the chateau porch, after Athena had cleaned up John B's party wombs, the two stared up at the sky together, and just like that night, the stars seemed to light up their faces as if there was a spotlight on them from god himself, making his presence known to the couple because, they now knew, they were special.

And just like that night, Aphrodite, sat up above them, watching them with a close eye but now she wore a beaming smile on her sweet face at yet enough successful love story created.

( 💌 ) isobels notes
okayy so i wasn't going to do a bonus chapter for the gap between season three and four because im not sure what the writers are going to do flashback wise for the 18 month flashforward but then i saw that this book hit 800K READS and i was like WTF!!! I LOVE ALL OF UOU!! and i just had to write this
which was good for me because i miss athena so fucking much like what?!?!?!
ANYWAYS I HOPE YOU ENJOY THIS CHAPTER BECAUSE I ENJOYED WRITING IT SO MUCH
THANK YOU ALL FOR 800K READS I NEVER THOIGHT MY SILLY LITTLE OBX PLOT WOULD GWT THIS MUCH ATTENTION AND I LOVE ALL OF YOU SO MUCH I REMEMBER WIRTING MY 200K SPECIAL AND I NEVER THOUGHT ID GO ANY FURTHER THAN THAT BUT HERE WE ARE I ADORE ALL OF UOU THABK YOU FOR SUPPORTING ME
ROLL ON SEASON FOUR FR
I WANNA THANK ALL OF YOU FOR SUPPORTING ME AND COMMENTING AND READING AND VOTING
I LOVE ALL OF YOU AND ALL THE PEOPLE THIS BOOK HAS BROUGHT ME
IF IT WASNT FOR THIS BOOK I WOULDNT HAVE MET MY FAV GIRL ANISA (-JOBESLVR )WHO HAS PUT UP WIH ALL OF MY SAD EDITS AND SPOULERS ILYSM!!!
so yeah just... thank you i'm unbelievably grateful for ALL of you
and this is the dress athena is wearing in this chapter
and dorota is now married ugh i love them all so much!! this chapter takes place in the 18 months flashforward btw