(aurora's outfit for this chapter)

It's bright and sunny, the early morning breeze rustling the palm trees, and the birds chirping their familiar songs. The sky is a brilliant shade of blue, and the water is calm, gently lapping against the shore. Aurora Kincaid is still passed out in bed, on her side facing the wall, her red hair sprawled across the pillows. She's a peaceful sleeper, a stark contrast from the boy beside her, who's sleeping with one leg dangling off the edge of the mattress.

JJ Maybank, Aurora's best friend and a hurricane rolled into one, is snoring softly, his tousled hair falling into his face. They're both still dressed in the same clothes they wore yesterday, having stayed up late last night playing video games. He's the first to stir, waking up slowly and rubbing the sleep from his eyes.

He propped himself up on one elbow and glances at Aurora, a smile tugging at his lips. She looks peaceful, a far cry from the girl who'd been yelling at him, accusing him of cheating, a few hours ago. Her brow is smooth, her expression relaxed, and her chest rises and falls with slow, steady breaths. JJ leaned in and brushed a strand of hair away from her face, careful not to wake her. He can't help but admire how beautiful she is, even when she's not trying. His heart swelled with love, and he presses a soft kiss to her temple, unable to resist.

Suddenly, the sound of the alarm clock fills the room. JJ groaned, reaching over to try to hit the navy colored alarm clock covered in beach themed stickers. He missed a couple times, too lazy to actually get up and turn it off. Finally he managed to shut it off, flopping back down on the comfortable bed. He looked over at the red head and scoots closer, turning to lay on his side to spoon her. His arm snaked around her middle, holding her close as he buried his nose into her shoulder, inhaling her familiar scent. She smelled like vanilla and coconut, and it reminded him of home.

JJ's voice is raspy from sleep, but his tone is playful as he teases, "Wake up, Red." Aurora stirred slightly, burying her face more into the pillow. 

"No," She murmurs, eyes still closed. "Sleep is good. Waking up is bad."

JJ chuckles, his breath tickling her ear, and he nuzzles her neck. "Hey, you promised we'd go surfing this morning, remember?"

"Ugh, I regret promising that," Aurora grumbles, burrowing deeper into the blankets. "Can't we stay here and be lazy?"

"I'd love nothing more, but I know you. You'll get bored eventually. And complain like 'Oh JJ, I'm so boooored! Let's go do something!'" He dramatically mimicked her voice, playfully tugging on a strand of her hair.

She rolls her eyes, giggling as she swats his hand away. "I don't sound like that."

"'I don't sound like that'." He mocks, earning another eye roll. "See? Sounds pretty accurate to me." He teased, grinning as she glared at him over her shoulder, despite the sleepiness she felt. 

Aurora turns to face him, her sleepy eyes narrowing. "You're impossible, you know that?"

"And yet, here I am, still your best friend." JJ shot back, his grin widening.

She shakes her head with a smirk, stifling a yawn. "Fine, fine. But if I fall asleep on my board, it's on you."

JJ laughs, stretching his arms before hopping out of bed. "Deal. I'll even fish you out if you start drowning."

"Well, aren't you so sweet." Aurora chuckled, kicking the covers off and getting up, the cold wooden floor causing her to shiver. She let out a surprised yelp when she's suddenly swept up into the air, and thrown over JJ's shoulder.

"JJ!" She gasps, clinging to him. "What the heck, dude!?" 

"We're burning daylight," JJ chuckles, striding across the room and out the door. "We gotta get moving, Red." As they got closer to the kitchen, JJ finally set her down, and she immediately started chasing after him, attempting to punch him. He had quickly dodged her, laughing as he ran into the kitchen where her mom was finishing making dinner.

"Mom, save me from your wild daughter!" JJ exclaimed dramatically, hiding behind her.

"Hey, I'm not wild!" Anessa pouted as she ran into the room after him.

Farrah rolls her eyes, glancing between the two with a fond smile. "Oh no, I'm not getting involved. You brought this on yourself, Jay."

Aurora slid on the hardwood floor trying to stop a little too late, bracing herself for bumping into the wall she realized she was getting closer to. But instead a solid, strong figure had stopped her from sliding, and she glanced up, beaming at seeing her dad.

"Careful, starfish. Last thing we need is a trip to the hospital." Dawson said, kissing the top of her head. A wide smile tugged on Aurora's lips at the nickname her dad had for her. He had called her "starfish" ever since she was little because of her love for the ocean, the way she would cling onto rocks when swimming and exploring, and because of how stubborn she was. Just like a starfish. It was also because she loved starfishes too, and her room was covered in starfish themed items.

"Sorry, dad. I didn't think you were still here." She admits, turning around to hug him. "You're normally gone by now."

"Had to see what all the commotion was about, starfish." Dawson chuckled, wrapping his arms around his daughter for a quick squeeze. He gave her an amused look before glancing over at JJ, who was attempting to look innocent, leaning casually against the counter.

"Hey, Mr. Kincaid. How's the weather?" JJ asked, shooting him a grin.

"I thought I told you to stop calling me that," Dawson rolls his eyes. "How many times have I told you to just call me Dawson, kid?"

JJ shrugs, smiling cheekily. "At least a dozen."

"Yeah, so start listening," Dawson teased, reaching over to ruffle JJ's hair.

"That might be hard for him." Aurora giggled, and JJ pouted, giving her a mock offended look.

"Hey! I listen." JJ defended, his hands coming up in defense.

"To half the things we say, maybe." Aurora retorted with a grin, moving to hide behind her dad when JJ tried to retaliate.

"Okay, you two. Behave." Farrah chastised, setting down a stack of pancakes on the table.

"Yes, ma'am." They both immediately stopped messing around, looking at her sheepishly as they sat down.

Dawson chuckles, walking over to his wife and pressing a kiss to her cheek. "I have to go, baby. Duty calls."

"You're lucky you're so cute." Farrah sighs, leaning into him. "Stay safe, okay?"

"Always do, honey." Dawson promises, squeezing her waist. "I'll be home in a few days." He kissed her forehead, before turning and giving Aurora a hug and a kiss, before moving to JJ and clasping his hand, giving his arm a squeeze.

"You kids behave, alright?" He warned, raising an eyebrow.

"Always." JJ grinned, gaining a look from her dad.

"Mhm. So says the troublemaker." Dawson shakes his head, grabbing his suitcase. "I mean it, guys, behave. Stay safe, don't do anything stupid, and be careful, alright?"

"Dad, we're gonna be fine. It's just the weekend." Aurora rolled her eyes, a hint of amusement on her lips.

"I'm a dad. I worry. Deal with it," Dawson said, giving them a smile and a wave. "See you in a few days."

"Bye, dad!" Aurora called, watching him leave the house.

"Now, eat. And then you can go surf. Deal?" Farrah smiled, sitting down.

"Deal." Aurora agreed, starting to dig into her breakfast.

****

After a delicious breakfast, the duo had grabbed their boards and headed out to the beach. They made sure they were prepared before hitting the waves. Aurora's phone was tucked into her bag, her sunglasses perched on top of her head, and the sunscreen was slathered on every inch of exposed skin. She'd even packed a change of clothes and towels, knowing that the odds of staying dry were slim.

"You ready?" JJ asked, looking at her with a grin.

"I'm not sure," Aurora admits, glancing at the ocean warily. "Last time, I wiped out a lot. I'm still learning."

"That's okay," JJ assures, gently squeezing her shoulder. "Everyone starts somewhere. And this is a pretty calm day, the waves aren't huge. Just try and catch one and go from there."

"I'll never get to be as good as you at surfing though, Jay." She sighs, shaking her head, fidgeting with one of the bracelets she wore. "You're practically a natural."

"Hey, don't do that." JJ set his board down, turning to her to put his hands on her shoulders, and making her look at him. "Everyone is a beginner once. Even I was, remember? And look at me now. You can be as good as me, if not better, if you put your mind to it. And, Red, you're determined, you don't give up. So if anyone can do this, it's you."

She gives him a small smile, biting her bottom lip. "Really?"

"Definitely," JJ says firmly, a soft smile on his lips. "You've got the skills, and the determination. You just have to practice, okay? Don't sell yourself short. And even if you don't get the hang of it, that's okay. You're still an amazing surfer, and you have the patience to learn."

"Thanks, Jay. I needed that," She says softly, looking into his bright blue eyes. "I appreciate you believing in me."

"Always, Red." JJ promises, dropping a kiss on the crown of her head. "Now, let's get out there. Show me what you've got."

She nods, a determined expression crossing her face. "Okay, let's do this."

They paddle out into the waves, feeling the spray of salt water on their skin. As the swell of the ocean lifts them up, they both pop up on their boards, catching the wave and riding it to shore. The feeling is exhilarating, and Aurora's heart pounds with adrenaline as she managed to keep her balance.

She grinned triumphantly as she glided toward the shore, riding the wave with newfound confidence. When she reached the shallows, she hopped off her board and turns to see JJ watching her with a proud smile from a few yards away, still riding his own wave as he cheered loudly for her which made her beam.

"Red! That was f***ing amazing!" He calls out, paddling over to her as she splashes through the shallow water, her eyes sparkling with excitement. "You just did that!"

"I actually did it!" Aurora laughs, her cheeks flushed with a mix of pride and exhilaration. "I didn't fall this time!"

JJ holds out his hand for a high-five, and she smacks it enthusiastically, both of them grinning like kids. "See? I told you! You're a natural." He told her, grabbing her shoulders and spinning her around in the water as they laugh.

"Well, I had a pretty great teacher." She teased, giving him a playful nudge.

He smirks, winking at her which made her giggle. His smirk widens at the sound he loved so much. "Yeah, yeah, I know I'm the best." His voice is full of mock arrogance, but his eyes are warm and proud.

They spend the rest of the morning catching waves, each time Aurora's confidence growing. JJ cheers her on, giving her tips when she needs them and just letting her have fun when she's nailing it. As the sun rises higher in the sky, they eventually drag themselves back to the shore, exhausted but exhilarated. Flopping down on the sand, Aurora stretched out her arms and closes her eyes, the warmth of the sun on her face. JJ lied down beside her, both of them content to just be still for a moment, listening to the gentle rush of the waves.

After a few minutes, Aurora turns her head to look at him with a warm smile. "Hey, Jay," She murmurs softly, earning a hum from him that let her know he was listening. "Thanks for today. Not just for the surfing but...For being here. For always being here."

He opens his eyes and looks over at her, his expression softening. "Always, Red," He murmurs, leaning over to kiss the side of her head. "There's nowhere else I'd rather be." She smiled fondly, feeling the warmth in her chest spread. She leaned her head on his shoulder, closing her eyes as the breeze blew across her face. He was always there for her, through everything. And she would always be there for him.

****

After spending the morning surfing and sunbathing, the duo went to hang out with their friends for the rest of the day. Aurora had went with JJ on his bike when they went to the Chateau, a home away from home for all the pogues. The pair found the other three, John B, Pope and Kiara, already inside the house, sprawled out on the sofas.

"What's up, guys?" Aurora asked, walking into the living room and dropping down onto the couch next to where John B was laying. She had kicked his legs off that were taking up most of the space so she could sit down. She then let him lay his legs on her lap, her arms resting on top.

"Nothing, just chillin'." John B shrugged, leaning back against the cushions. "How was surfing?"

"Awesome, as always." Aurora beamed, looking over at JJ, who had come in and sat down on the coffee table. "I didn't fall once!"

Kiara grins, reaching over to fist bump her. "Nice. You'll be a pro in no time."

"Yeah, right," Aurora laughs, shaking her head. "I'm still a long way from being a pro."

"No, she's totally right." Pope nods, sitting up from his spot on a chair near the couch. "Statistically speaking, with enough practice and dedication, it's entirely possible."

Aurora grins at him, feeling touched. "Aw, thanks, Pope. Here," She pulls out something from her purse and reaches over to Pope. It's a sticker that had a star and a quote 'you are a star' and she stuck it on his shirt. "For my favorite math geek."

"Aw, thanks, Red." Pope grinned, a slight blush on his cheeks as he looked down at the sticker.

That was something everyone loved about their sweet, red-headed friend. She would randomly give people stickers or little gifts, and always encouraged and complimented people.

"What about me, Red?" JJ pouts, leaning forward. "Where's my sticker?"

Kiara rolls her eyes, chuckling as she continued to mess with the ukulele she held. "So dramatic."

JJ sticked his tongue out at her, before looking back at Aurora expectantly. She had already got one out, giggling as she leaned over to place it on his cheek. It was a sticker of a little cartoon wave with the words "surf's up!" written in bright blue letters. JJ grinned as she pressed it onto his cheek, reaching up to touch it.

"There you go, surfer boy." Aurora teased, leaning back with a satisfied smile.

John B chuckles, sitting up more so he could look at her. "You two are ridiculous."

"You're just upset you don't have an awesome sticker, bro." JJ remarked, making the other three laugh.

"Yeah, I'm devastated." John B deadpanned, shaking his head. Though to be honest, he really was a little jealous. He didn't care if it was childish, he wanted a sticker.

Aurora giggles, reaching over to pat his arm. "Don't worry, I got a good sticker for you." She promised, reaching into her bag and pulling out another sticker. This one had a little sun wearing sunglasses with the words "Stay Cool" underneath it.

John B's face lit up as she leaned over to stick it on his arm. "Now that," he said, grinning, "is what I'm talking about. Thanks, Red."

"See? Now you're apart of Aurora's Awesome Sticker Club." Aurora grinned, sitting back and patting his knee. He smiled at her and ruffled her hair.

Kiara pouts, pretending to look hurt. "And what about me? Am I not awesome enough to be in the club?"

Aurora grins, reaching into her bag again and pulling out a sticker. "Of course you are, Kie." She told her, leaning over John B to place the sticker on her as Kiara leaned over to meet her half way. The sticker she gave Kiara had a turtle wearing sunglasses. She knew how much Kiara loved turtles, and had thought it was fitting.

"Oh, I love it." Kiara beamed, her eyes lighting up. "Thank you, Rora."

"Anytime, Kie." Aurora grins, turning back to face the group. "So what's the plan today, guys?"

"Going fishing," John B suggests, stretching his arms out with a grin. "We can head down to the marsh and see what we can catch."

"Fishing, huh? Sounds like a chill day," Aurora replies, her eyes twinkling as she leaned back on the couch. "Count me in."

****

After they all got ready, they head out to the docks nearby where their boat HMS Pogue is docked. It's a little worn down, but it's their home on the water, and it's seen them through plenty of adventures.

The group piled onto the HMS Pogue, each taking their usual spots on the boat as John B started up the engine. Aurora settled near the edge, dangling her hand over the water and watching as the boat cut through the marsh, the morning sun glistening on the surface. She always liked watching the water when they first headed out. The way it flowed, the colors that would appear when the light hit it, the calmness. It was soothing. Despite the marsh looking murky and while others saw it as gross, she could appreciate the beauty in the small things, like the lily pads floating on the water, the fish swimming around the boat, the occasional bird swooping down for a catch.

Her friends always admired how she could find the beauty in the smallest details, no matter where they were. It was one of the many things they loved about her. She was able to look at the world through a different lens, seeing things that most people couldn't, or simply ignored. It was refreshing, and something they wished more people would do.

"Hey, be careful, Rora." Pope calls out worriedly when he saw how close to the edge she was. "I don't want you falling in."

"'M fine, Pope," Aurora chuckles, not bothering to look back as she reached her hand down to the water to let it glide over her fingers. "I won't fall in, don't worry." She watched while the water ran between her fingers, fascinated by the way it rippled.

"Pope, chill. If Red does fall, she can swim." JJ chimed in, glancing over at Pope from his seat, giving him a reassuring grin.

"Well, yeah, obviously. But still, accidents happen." Pope muttered.

"Okay," Aurora scoots back from the edge finally, grabbing the towel she brought with her. She bunches it up, laying her arms and head on it, making sure she was safe enough from the edge, but still able to see the water. "Better?"

Pope gave her a small smile, nodding in relief. "Much better, thanks."

Aurora winked at him playfully, and he rolled his eyes, though he couldn't hide his amusement. The group settled into a comfortable silence as the boat continued to glide through the marsh. The hum of the engine blended with the gentle sounds of nature all around them—the distant calls of birds, the splash of fish, the rustling of leaves. For the Pogues, this was home, and there was nowhere else they'd rather be. 

Eventually John B stopped the boat in a good fishing spot. Aurora stayed put, content with just laying there as her friends started to fish. Her gaze fell back to the murky water, watching the gentle ripples dance beneath the boat's wake. The sound of the fishing lines being cast, the occasional splash, and the murmurs of her friends talking about their catches or lack thereof, blended together in a soothing rhythm. Aurora felt at peace here. The world felt quieter, more manageable, when she was surrounded by these people and the endless stretch of water.

"Hey, Rora," John B calls out, gaining her attention. "You should come try to catch some fish."

She hums, tilting her head to look at him with an amused expression. "Nah, I'm good, John."

"Aww, come on," John B pleaded, his tone slightly whiny. "Please?" He gave her a hopeful smile, his puppy dog eyes on full display.

"Not the puppy dog eyes." She complains, covering her face with her hands as she shakes her head. "That's not fair, John."

"Come on, Red." JJ chimes in. "It'll be fun."

Aurora sighed, looking at him through the gap in her fingers. Oh no, JJ was using his puppy dog eyes too. "Noo, don't you start too." She complained.

"Guys, come on, back off." Kiara was her savior, coming to her rescue. "She doesn't have to fish if she doesn't want to."

"Yeah, guys, listen to Kie." Aurora sighs in relief, giving Kiara a grateful smile. "Thank you, Kie. I appreciate it."

"No problem." Kiara grinned back at her, winking at her before going back to her phone. John B and JJ exchange dramatic, exaggerated looks of disappointment, but Aurora can see the twinkle of humor in their eyes. They knew she wasn't really going to fish anyway, she was never really a fan of fishing, but they couldn't resist the opportunity to tease her.

"Fine, fine," John B relents, holding up his hands in mock surrender. "We'll leave you to your peaceful, non-fishing world."

"You better," Aurora grumbles, narrowing her eyes at him. "If you want another sticker, that is."

He holds his hands up higher, chuckling. "Okay, okay, I surrender. No more teasing."

Aurora beams, happy with her victory. "Good." She turned back to the water, letting herself drift off once more, letting the sounds of her friends chatter blend together and soothe her. She was lucky to have found such a great group of people who accepted her and never judged her. They had a connection, an understanding, that couldn't be explained. She loved them, and she knew they loved her. No matter what.

She grabbed something from her purse, smiling as she placed a sticker on the egdge right in front of her. It was a simple sticker, one that read "Wild and Free," with a small bird flying across it. She thought it was fitting for them she thought. They were pogues, they were ignored and neglected but could do whatever they wanted. See, the way Outer Banks is, there's two sides to the island. Figure Eight side where the rich and upper class people lived, those are called kooks. And the Cut side, where the poor and middle/lower class people lived, those are called pogues. Pogues because those are at the bottom of the food chain, but they didn't mind. 

In fact, they embraced it. They didn't have the fancy things the Kooks had, but they had each other, their freedom, and the island's beauty, which was more than enough for them. The sticker was a reminder of that—of who they were and how they didn't need to fit into anyone's idea of success to be happy. They were wild, they were free, and they were proud of it.

"Nice sticker, Red." John B commented, seeing the sticker she had placed on the edge of the boat. There were stickers of hers scattered all over the boat, and this was just one of many.

"Thanks." Aurora smiles, looking up at him. "Thought it fit. Ya know, us being pogues and all."

John B chuckles, nodding in agreement. "Definitely."

"Yeah, and that's why we're the best." JJ added, his tone filled with pride as he grinned over at her.

"Heck yeah." She grins back at him. "Pogue forever."

"Pogue forever." JJ echoed, reaching over to do a handshake with her the two had came up with when they were kids. It was simple, but it was their thing, and they both loved it. JJ turned back to fishing and Aurora settled back into her spot, her contentment returning as the sound of the boat engine idled in the background. She let the peace of the moment wash over her again. It was days like this, surrounded by her friends and the beauty of the marsh, that made her feel truly free.

The Pogues didn't have much, but they had everything that mattered to her—each other. The camaraderie, the freedom to be themselves, and the bond they shared was everything Aurora needed to feel complete. The world outside could be harsh, but in this little corner of the Outer Banks, life felt simple and perfect. She watched the others, happy to just be in their company, knowing that these were the moments that would stay with her forever. Even if they never caught a single fish, the day would still be one to remember.

A/N i already love aurora & jj & her with the rest of the pogues so much <3