Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Whoever said family matters most has never met Luke Maybank and JJ Maybank.

JJ Maybank is known as the bastard father’s son in Outer Banks. Everyone knows what happens behind closed doors. No one tried to stop it though, they didn’t have the power. No one had power in Outer Banks besides the Cameron Family.

But why would that matter to them? The Maybanks were the lowest of the lowest in Outer Banks. They were bottom feeders compared to the sharks.

“You get your ass back here, you worthless shit!” Luke’s gravelly voice boomed, his big figure chasing after a smaller one. JJ didn’t heed his demand, his only thought was getting out of the house.

If you could call it a house. It was more like an enlarged shed.

JJ’s legs were already aching in pain from Luke’s brutal attack. He knew there had to be splinters in them, Luke had beat him with a broken piece of wood.

The young Maybank hurried across the small kitchen, the door was right there. Come on, JJ. Just a few more steps. JJ was close to the coffee table when he felt a heavy weight dragging him down.

No!

“Get off me!” He seethed, arms flailing about, trying to prevent Luke getting a grip on him. The older groaned in annoyance at the kid. “Stop fucking moving, you brat!”

Just as Luke gets a grip, JJ lifts his head and bites hard on the other’s arm. Luke wails in pain, releasing his grip and checking his arm. There were teeth indents and blood streaming down. “Oh you’re gonna get it now.” He promises.

Not waiting, JJ hurries to his feet, nearly stumbling as white hot pain explodes all over his body. He ignores it for now, his main goal was getting out. The young Maybank finally reaches the door and rushes out, ignoring the sticks and stones digging into his feet.

He didn’t have time to put shoes on. There wasn’t time to stop or hesitate when it involved Luke Maybank.

JJ reaches the pavement, exhaling for a brief moment before starting up again. He didn’t have the time to take a break. For all he knows, Luke could be chasing him. It was unlikely but there was still a small chance.

The blonde ignored the looks directed towards him. He knows how he looks. Busted lip, black eye, bleeding from multiple areas. He didn’t look pretty. It didn’t help that he was only in cargo shorts.

Summer in Outer Banks was always extra hot.

Exhaustion was starting to catch up to JJ, he could feel it. His legs were getting sore, his chest hurt from the heavy breathing, his head swam. He likely got a concussion when Luke slammed him into the wall.

JJ pushed and pushed, kept running to get further and further from Luke. He didn’t care if he passed out in an unknown area, he just wanted away.

If he was honest, he should’ve been aware of his surroundings. If he was, he would’ve heard the swerving of a truck coming his way. He could’ve moved out of the way.

He didn’t.

The truck had actually screeched to a halt, nearly hitting him. “Oh my god!” A shrill voice exclaims, JJ didn't know who they were, all he knew was that his vision was starting to get blurry.

“Are you okay? That’s a stu-” before the voice could continue, JJ plummeted to the pavement as his body finally shut down. The last thing JJ saw was a blonde female running his way before everything went black.

-- -- -- -- --

Sarah hurries to the teen, fearing he’d get in worse shape if he doesn’t get help soon.

“Oh god, oh god.” She tries to reel her head around what she just witnessed. This guy came out of nowhere and she nearly hit him with her brother’s truck! “Fuck.”

She kneels down to the blonde, shocked at his weight. Sure, Sarah worked out, but she shouldn’t have been able to easily pick up a teen male. “I’ll get you help.” She tells the passed out teen, knowing he isn’t conscious to hear her.

She ignores the onlookers, she was used to the looks, and gently lays the boy in the backseat. After making sure he’s securely placed, she rushes to the drivers, jumping into the truck and speeding off.

Sarah knew she had to hurry, the boy looked really out of shape. He looked at death’s door, for god’s sake!

As she drove, she quickly messaged Kie, her personal worker, to be in the living room when she got home. She was gonna need her specialties to help the teen.

Small groans leave the boy’s mouth, Sarah clocking her eyes to her rearview mirror. He was still passed out, but it seems he’s a little responsive at least.

That’s a good thing, she tells herself as she finally reaches her driveway.

She doesn’t bother parking properly, she has a human in severe pain with her. Sarah quickly gets to the backseat, picking up the guy, wincing when he lets out a pitiful sound of pain.

“I’m sorry, I’m sorry.” She slams the door shut, hurrying but being careful, to her front door. She struggles a bit with the handle, but once it’s open, she bumps her hip to swing the door open.

“Kie!” She shouts, hoping Kie was in the living room and wasn’t told another task. “I’m here!” Sarah sighs in brief relief, making her way towards the voice.

The second she appears in the doorway, she hears Kie’s shocked gasp. “Oh god, what happened? Who is he?” Sarah shakes her head, laying the teen on the couch. She can deal with the damage later.

“He just appeared out of nowhere in the street. I nearly hit him!” Sarah finally explains, standing beside Kie. “Can you help him?” She looks at the boy, pain and fear reflecting in her eyes.

“Uh, yes. I- I need Cleo to help though.” Sarah nods, rushing to the pool, where Cleo was cleaning it. “Cleo, Kie needs help inside.” Cleo didn’t question the blonde, merely nodded.

As the two girls get into the living room, Sarah hears her brother’s door open. “What the hell is all the screaming for?” He asked, voice angry and cold, as he came down the stairs.

His eyes quickly notice the passed out teen on the couch. “Who the hell is this?” Sarah wished she could give an answer. He resists the urge to roll his eyes, before walking to stand beside Sarah.

“He just showed up and I almost hit him with the truck.” She says once more, exhaling heavily as her heart starts slowing down. She hadn’t realized she was holding her breath til now.

“He’s in really bad shape, Sarah.” Kie notifies, checking over the male. Sarah was afraid of that. “Just.. please help him.” Kie and Cleo nod, before getting to work.

Sarah finally removes her gaze from the boy to her brother. “Ward’s not going to like this.” He tells her, which she already knew. Ward Cameron hated strangers uninvited in his house.

“I couldn’t just leave him out there! No one was going to help him.” She argues back, crossing her arms glaring at her brother. “Sarah. It’s not our part to protect or help anyone.” She resists the urge to groan.

“Remember what Ward said?” She nods.

“No one gets helped or protected unless they’re in the family or they work for us. I know, I know, but…” she trails off, rubbing at her face, giving up her point. There was no point. Once Ward hears about this, he was going to kick the boy out to the streets again.

“Look.” She looks up at him. “At least he’ll be in better condition once he’s gone. He probably got into a fight and it won’t happen again.” Sarah wanted to believe him. She really did.

“What if it does?”

“For fucks sake, Sarah!” The sudden shout makes the girls jump at it. “He’s a lowlife. You’re lucky I’m not fucking kicking him out myself.” She is. Rafe never did anything for anyone. He was a selfish one man show. He hated owing people. People owed him, not the other way around. “Just finish here. Once he’s awake and Ward deals with him, he’s gone.”

Sarah prays that maybe that won’t be the outcome. She feels there’s more to this boy than shown.

Chapter Text

Ward wasn’t happy. The second he saw the boy, he nearly yelled his head off. Sarah might be his favorite, but he swears she sometimes presses his buttons.

After the yelling match, which was more accurately Ward scolding Sarah, the boy finally awakens. They all watch as he slowly realizes his surroundings. The second he does, he doesn’t hesitate to get up, crying out as pain swarms his body.

“It’s best if you don’t move so fast.” Kie tells him softly, the boy’s poor fearful expression getting worse. He once again tries getting up, but stumbles back onto the couch a moment later.

He didn’t dare look where the Cameron’s stood, fear preventing him. No one’s ever been inside their house, but just by the decor alone, it’s easy to tell where he is.

The question is though, how did he get here? Last he remembered was collapsing as a girl ran his way.

Sarah, noticing his confused expression, speaks up. “I brought you here.” He stays motionless for a moment, before finally nodding softly. JJ didn’t want to speak out of turn, in case he endures their wrath.

“Look, kid.” Ward starts. “You’re lucky my daughter got you here, or else you’d likely be dead.” Better than going back to Luke, JJ thinks to himself. “But you’re all good now, so you can leave.”

JJ didn’t think twice before hurriedly exclaiming, “no, please!” The boy covers his mouth real fast, cursing himself in his head. He didn’t mean to speak out loud, he was just so terrified of going back to that house.

He can feel everyone’s eyes on him. Now I really am going to die. “What’s your name?” JJ blinked at the question, it was so out of the blue. He didn’t answer, fearing he’d fuck up again.

“I asked you a question, boy.” Ward’s sharp tone had JJ tensing up all over. “J- JJ Maybank, Sir.” He stuttered out, groaning internally. He hated when he stuttered, it was yet another clear sign he was scared being in their presence.

Who wouldn’t? This was the Cameron Family! The fearless and ruthless mafia of Outer Banks.

“Maybank’s boy?” He nods, keeping his eyes on the floor. JJ now knew he really was going to die. Luke always fucked up with the Cameron Family. He was in so much debt with them, JJ would be dead before even he could pay it off.

“Your father owes me quite a lot.” JJ knows this.

“He’s such a lowlife bastard that he’ll never be able to pay it off.” The boy doesn’t know why he’s being told this. He’s surprised he hasn’t been kicked out yet. Were they playing with him?

Were they trying to make him seem safe before they threw him back to hell?

“I have a proposition.” Sarah and Rafe looked at their father, shocked. Ward never makes propositions to anyone. He was a man who got paid or you’re dead. It didn’t matter if it took your whole life.

“Look at me, kid.” JJ gulped before lifting his face to look at Ward. Ward looked scarier in person than in the papers or news. “We both know Luke will never pay off his debt.” He starts. “So here’s what’s going to happen.”

Everyone watches in anticipation to see what he was going to say.

“You’ll be Rafe’s, my son, personal worker.” Rafe opens his mouth to quickly shut down that idea. “I don’t need him! I work just fine alone.” Ward sends a cold look his way, Rafe snapping his mouth shut.

His teeth clashed in doing so. Rafe already knew he’d hate whatever transpired after today. In his 21 years of life, he never once had a personal worker. Sarah did, Kie, whose parents own The Shack.

Sarah knew Kie’s parents were struggling with the restaurant, robberies happening often. So when Sarah came in one day, she offered Kie to be her personal worker, in exchange for her family keeping the place safe.

Ward didn’t like the idea at first, but again, Sarah was his favorite. She got whatever she wanted whenever she wanted.

Cleo was later hired to babysit Wheezie. She was new to Outer Banks, having worked on a boat before her hire. When she got abandoned by her captain, Terrence, she tried finding work but kept getting rejected.

It was actually Ward who hired her. He doesn’t like outsider filth roaming free on his land, so he hired her to babysit Wheezie. In exchange she gets food, a roof over her head, and a bed.

Pope got hired next. Just like Kie, his family’s shop had troubles, but it was finance problems vs robberies. Rose hired him, she felt the house needed more manpower in it.

Pope never felt more grateful for the Cameron Family than at that moment. His parents kept telling him not to agree to it. Sure being poor sucked, but working for the mafia was worse.

He didn’t care. Pope wanted his family to not go bankrupt and keep their store.

The only one who had a different story was John B. Sarah and him had been secretly dating after she broke it off with Topper. It was arranged since childhood that Topper and Sarah would get married once she’s eighteen.

She’s hated the agreement her whole existence.

When Ward found out they were dating, he was livid, completely enraged. He had actually punched John B the first time they saw one another. The only reason he didn’t kill him was because Sarah cried out for him to stop.

She explained how Topper was an asshole just after the family, something about revenge for his father’s death. She didn’t love him, at least not like she used to. Sarah was happy when Ward warned John B, that if he broke his daughter’s heart, he’d be dead.

Ever since, they’ve lived together in the house.

“Work for you?” JJ really needed to shut his mouth. “Don’t question me, boy.” Ward warned. “Yes, you’ll be working for us. You do a good job and you won’t have to die. You’ll work to pay that bastard off.”

JJ feels like maybe dying by Luke’s hands was a better outcome than this.

Chapter Text

If you asked JJ, he wished he could’ve said they allowed him to heal before starting. But they didn’t, well, more like Ward didn’t.

It was seven in the morning when Ward came into the guest bedroom, JJ’s room now, and woke him up. “Get up, you’ve got work to do.” JJ almost groaned and rolled over to get more sleep, before recalling everything that has happened in the last 12 hours.

Right, I work for the mafia now. JJ wonders if god hated him or something. Who goes from an abusive home to the mafia? JJ Maybank, that’s who.

JJ didn’t even get any information about what being Rafe’s personal worker intelled. There were no warnings, rules, or expectations. Nothing. He was working with a blank slate.

He gets up from the bed and heads to Rafe’s room, which is right next to his. JJ knocks on the door, calling out, “Rafe, it’s time to wake up!” He could hear groaning and grumbling on the other side.

He knocks again. “Go away!” JJ flinches at the loud voice of Rafe. Any yelling reminded him of his father. The guy he was paying off debt for, with his life basically.

He knocks once more. He’d rather not deal with Ward’s wrath if he doesn’t get Rafe up. “For fucks sake!” Rafe rips the door open, glaring harshly at the younger male.

JJ short circuits for a second as he notices Rafe’s only in black boxers. Rafe was muscled, there was no doubt, with that eight pack. His shoulders were broad, but not so much that it didn’t fit his body shape.

JJ watched how his arm muscles clenched as he crossed them over his chest. When he heard the older male clear his throat, he realized he was staring. What the hell, JJ? You’re straight, stop checking this guy out!

“You can leave. I don’t need you.” He says. “In fact, you can fuck right off out this house.” JJ knows Rafe disapproved of Ward’s idea, but the blonde knew if he didn’t take it, he’d die by Ward or Luke.

Neither option was a good one.

“Uh..” the boy didn’t know what to say.

The older sighs heavily, going to slam the door close when JJ quickly stops it. He shouldn’t have. The door crushes his hand, pain erupting all over his hand.

The younger screams in pain, eyes automatically filling with tears. It hurt like a motherfucker, if JJ was honest. “Well look what you fucking did!” JJ flinched at Rafe’s shout.

“I d- it w- you slammed the door on my hand!” The slap echoed within the hallway. The younger blinked rapidly at the force, trying to right his dizziness again. He still felt lightheaded from yesterday.

Rafe grips JJ’s jaw tightly, causing the blonde to wince in the increasing pain. The cold stare coming from those blue eyes felt like hell. “Don’t ever fucking raise your voice at me again.” Rafe seethes, teeth bared.

When JJ didn’t do anything, the older grips tighter. “Do you understand?” JJ nods the best he could with the hold.

“Speak, dumbass. You aren’t fucking mute.”

“Yes.”

Rafe suddenly grins, anger completely forgotten. It gave JJ whiplash. “Yes what?” He asked. JJ just blinked at him, confused on what Rafe’s asking of him.

“Fucking useless. You address me as Sir. Got it?”

“Yes sir.” Rafe nods, pushing him away from the door. “Well since I’m already up, you can walk me to the kitchen for breakfast.” JJ didn’t know why he had to do that, it wasn’t like Rafe didn’t know where his own kitchen was.

Instead of smart mouthing back, JJ merely waits for Rafe to get dressed. As he stood outside the room, awkwardly might he add, a dark skinned male walked out of the bedroom across JJ’s.

“You must be the new guy.” It didn’t sound like a question. When JJ nods, he smiles brightly at him. How can someone smile like this when in this house? “I’m Pope, I work the grounds and make the food.” JJ nods again.

“I’m sorry, by the way. Rafe’s the worst of Boss’s kids. I wish you all my luck.” After that, Pope nods his head and walks down the stairs. JJ seriously doesn’t understand how his life got to this.

The sound of Rafe’s door opening made JJ stand up straight and look at it. Rafe came out in a simple white t-shirt and grey sweatpants. His hair seemed combed through and he looked slightly less angry.

“Come on, idiot.” The younger didn’t wait a second before walking in front of Rafe. JJ was really glad every house had their living room and kitchen connected. If it weren’t the same for the Cameron’s he knows he’d be lost.

Once they get into the kitchen, Rafe passes JJ and takes his seat. It seems like they’re the last ones here. Pope was already making breakfast. Kie and Cleo were sitting at the table. Sarah and some guy seated in front of them, JJ wonders who he is. Rafe was seated closer to Sarah and the guy than Ward, who was seated at the head, his wife and youngest by him.

JJ felt awkward just standing there like a statue. “Idiot.” Now JJ felt embarrassed at whipping his head to Rafe, basically answering to ‘Idiot’ like it was his birth name.

“Come here.” The younger male ignores all the looks his way as he walks over. Once he’s stood beside Rafe’s seated form, Rafe merely snaps his fingers and points to the floor.

JJ didn’t know what that meant.

“Kneel on the floor.” Red heavily spreads across JJ’s cheeks at the degrading words. He wants me to kneel? “Rafe, stop being an asshole.” Sarah says, a scowl on her face.

Rafe chuckles, turning to his sister. “He works for me, Sarah. Not you. He has to listen to my every word.” Rafe snaps his fingers again. “I don’t like repeating myself.” Filled with humiliation to the brim, JJ slowly kneels down on the floor.

JJ has barely started his day and he already wants to book it. He does not like the feeling of being humiliated. He had enough of that from Luke.

JJ kept his eyes on his hands, which were anxiously fiddling in his lap. He knows Rafe is doing this out of defiance of his father. He just wished he didn’t have to be the object of his game.

The younger suddenly felt a tight grip on his hair, pulling his head up. There was a fork with a piece of pancake on it. “Open.” JJ does as told, opening his mouth, allowing this asshole to feed the pancake piece into his mouth.

He didn’t dare look anywhere but Rafe. Even though the older was grinning, he’d rather see that than deal with the embarrassment of seeing everyone else. He didn’t want to see their reactions to this degrading scene.

That’s how the rest of breakfast went. Talk would fill the kitchen as Rafe would occasionally feed JJ pieces of his food. The younger wished he could say he was grateful to be getting food. But he wasn’t, not if it meant being hand fed like a dog.

The blonde left out a silent breath of relief when breakfast was finally over. He had been seated on his knees for an hour, they were already sore again.

Although breakfast was done, JJ didn’t move when Rafe grabbed his plate and put it into the sink. He was not ready to find out what would happen if he did.

It seemed to be the right move. Rafe came back and nodded his approval. “Good boy.” JJ was ready to throw the older across the room. “Up, we’re going to my room, I have things to do.” The younger gets up, still ignoring everyone else, and follows Rafe upstairs.

JJ has never been so humiliated in his entire life. And that’s saying something considering who his father is.

“I’m going to shower.” Rafe announces once they’re inside his bedroom. “Go sit on the bed and wait for me.” JJ does as told, sitting down and watching as Rafe tossed off his shirt.

If JJ thought his front side was good, his backside was better. As Rafe opened his closest doors, his back muscles rippled. JJ never knew he could find a man’s body attractive.

Whoa, he is not attractive! Get a hold of yourself, JJ. The blonde shakes his head, clearing his thoughts of whatever that was. He didn’t realize he had zoned out when suddenly he felt Rafe’s legs touching his knees.

JJ looks up into those stormy blue eyes again. A gasp escaped his lips before he could stop himself. It seemed Rafe noticed, if not for the smirk covering his lips. “See something you like?” There goes the blush again.

“No. I’m straight.” Rafe raises a brow, his smirk growing. “Oh?” JJ nods, shuddering when Rafe’s fingers graze a line up his stomach before wrapping loosely around his neck. “Right, of course. No man would want your filth near them.”

Rafe steps back and heads into the bathroom, leaving JJ and his thoughts.

I wanna kill this asshole.

-- -- -- -- --

JJ has never really seen Rafe’s anger. Aside from his yelling and the slap. But this, this is different.

They were at the boneyard, JJ had wanted to stay at the house, but Rafe of course didn’t allow that. JJ was just happy Sarah and the others were here, so he technically wasn’t alone.

Anyhow, back to Rafe. Everyone was drinking, I mean it’s a party, who wouldn't drink? JJ would’ve snuck himself a beer if Rafe hadn’t just handed him one. He watched the keg guy pour it, just to make sure it wasn't roofied.

They were all merely hanging out, minus Rafe who wandered off somewhere. It was fine, and for the first time in a while, JJ actually felt relaxed. But of course, it couldn’t last. It never could last.

It started with drunken shouts from somewhere close to the water, which wasn’t far from where JJ sat. It was clear who it was between, Rafe Cameron and Topper Thornton.

“For god’s sake!” Sarah hurries towards the scene, John B, who’s name JJ found out when Rafe yelled it, following after. “Oh shit.” Kie says, following after them. JJ watched as Cleo and Pope soon follow too, JJ hurrying to catch up.

“Rafe! Topper!” Sarah’s voice reaches his ears as he finally pushes through the crowd. He got there in time to witness Topper landing a mean punch to Rafe’s jaw. JJ swears he hears his teeth click at the harsh impact.

Sarah keeps screaming for them to stop, but they ignore her. JJ can see she’s distressed, but not knowing how to help besides screaming. John B tries to go in and pry them apart, but stops quickly when Topper clocks his jaw.

Sarah holds John B in her arms, checking the damage as the fight continues. “He deserves it! Filth trash taking you from me!” Topper yells, glaring at John B. That gives Rafe a perfect opportunity to grab his waist and slam him into the water.

“You were the asshole who kept cheating on her! You only wanted her for her fucking body!” Rafe yells, landing punch after punch on Topper’s face. “Yeah! And she was good.” Another punch.

Blood was spreading on Rafe’s hand and Topper’s face by this point. JJ was honestly scared Rafe would end up killing the other male. Topper knees Rafe, swapping their positions and slams his face into the water.

“Your sister’s a fucking slut anyways!” Realizing Rafe can’t get a moment to throw Topper off of him, JJ runs over. “JJ!” He ignores the others' cries, tackling Topper off of Rafe.

They tumble into the water, blood and salt water mixing together on the impact. JJ quickly throws a punch Topper’s way but gets blocked. “Who the fuck are you!?” Topper doesn’t bother waiting for an answer before punching JJ.

His nose would definitely be broken after this.

“Idiot! What the fuck are you doing?” Is Rafe seriously yelling at JJ? JJ threw himself at Topper to stop him and he’s getting yelled at. It makes no sense.

JJ opens his mouth to yell back, but never gets the chance. He’s suddenly headbutted, dizziness quickly hitting him. He really wished he could’ve had time to heal.

JJ stumbles onto his feet, trying to keep standing. It doesn’t work. Just as he stands up straight, his body falls back into the water, vision going black.

The blonde really wished he could stop passing out.

Chapter Text

When JJ comes to, he sees Kie by his bedside. “Morning.” She greets, handing him a cup of water. He goes to grab it, but winces in pain. “Right, your hand. Here.”

She adds a straw to the cup, JJ grabbing it with his left, for easier access. “That punch damaged your hand more. If Rafe hadn’t injured your hand before, you would merely have scrapes.” Kie throws out.

She mentions the door slam incident like it was nothing. It probably wasn’t to the others. It seems they worked here longer, so they would know about Rafe’s temper.

“You have a fractured hand, a broken nose, and some scrapes and bruises.” She lists off, sitting down on the bed. “You know, you’re the first person to fight Rafe’s fight.” JJ silently blinks, asking himself why he did.

It would make his now more miserable life less miserable. He’s Ward’s son, it would get you killed, JJ thinks to himself, shaking the thought off. “After you knocked out, he grabbed you and started yelling at you. Calling you a dumbass and everything.” JJ chokes on his water at her words.

“I helped him, when I didn’t really want to, and he yelled at me?”

“That’s Rafe Cameron for you.”

JJ doesn’t think he’ll ever understand him. Not that he wants to.

She pats his leg, giving him a soft smile. She was a pretty girl, that if under different circumstances, JJ would ask her out. He doesn’t know the rules about dating co-workers, since that’s what they basically are, within the Cameron family.

Probably a huge no, if he thinks about it.

She was definitely his type. Strong headed, held her own, a nice smile, everything. She looked like she didn’t let her life ruin her. She was an angel in a devil’s world.

“Anyhow,” she says, knocking JJ out of his thoughts, “Rafe’s waiting for you in his room. Best not to keep him waiting.” She gives him one last smile before walking out of the room.

“Christ, first he yells at me and now he requests me when I’m injured. Can’t I get time to heal first?” JJ asked no one, as he was alone in the bedroom. Deciding it’s best to not keep him waiting, JJ gradually gets up from the bed.

Pain riddles his face and hand, the movements not helping. Fuck, JJ curses to himself. He just wants to sleep for the next five years. Okay JJ, you’ve survived 17 years of this shit, you can deal with it.

The blonde eventually gets out of the bedroom, trying his best to ignore the pain. With every movement it just keeps getting worse and worse. Where’s magic healing when you need it, JJ chuckles at his thoughts before groaning.

Laughing hurts.

He opens Rafe’s door, seeing the older male sitting on his bed. “Kie said you needed me?” JJ asked, not making a move to get closer. Just walking literally next door hurts. He really needs to get proper rest to heal.

“You’re coming with Ward and I today.” The younger didn’t like the sound of that. “May I ask why?” The cold look is answer enough. Rafe stands up and walks towards JJ, causing JJ to step back. It went like this til JJ is pressed against the door and Rafe is looming over him.

“Let me tell you something.” Rafe begins. “You are not my bodyguard, you are not my friend, and you’re not my boyfriend.” He pauses. “That’s gross.” JJ doesn’t provide that with a response. “You are here to listen and obey me, okay?” JJ nods.

“So next time I get into a fight and I don’t tell you to interfere..” he trails off, gripping JJ’s jaw tightly like yesterday morning. “Don’t. Fucking. Interfere.”

Rafe lets go, before straightening up again. “Now get dressed, we have somewhere to be.”

-- -- -- -- --

If anyone asked if JJ would ever see a man whimpering, gagged and beaten to a pulp, he’d say no. Seems that answer has changed today.

JJ didn’t recognize him, so he doesn’t bother trying to know who he is.

Ward pulls the gag out, the man’s sobs loud in everyone’s ears. “I will ask you one more time, Damon, where is the shipment?” Damon merely stays quiet, aside his sobs of pain. JJ felt bad for the guy.

Even though he likely betrayed the Cameron family, it still sucked to see someone beaten down. JJ knows the feeling, he feels it all the time with Luke. Weak, pathetic, and broken. It was never a good feeling.

When Damon still didn’t answer, Ward grabs the pliers again, pulling the now 4th fingernail, off the guy. His wails filled the room, blood dripping from his fingers. He has six more times to answer.

“Make this easy on yourself. Tell me about the shipment.” This man must be brave, because with how close to death he looks, he still stays silent. Ward groans, going to pull another nail when Rafe stops him.

“Let me try something.” JJ feels chills run down his spine at the stoic voice. In the past two days, he’s heard his angry voice, cold voice, annoyed voice, and tired voice. He’s never heard this stoic voice.

It gives JJ the creeps.

It happened so suddenly JJ had to blink to make sure he saw it right. Rafe just ripped the man’s ear off with the pliers. JJ felt like he was going to be sick. Sure he’s been beaten before, beaten people, but this is straight torture.

“Now, t- shut up, tell me- shut your fucking pathetic wailing up!” The man doesn’t, so Rafe pulls off his other ear. JJ feels nauseous now. He goes to turn away, but Rafe snaps his fingers. “Don’t look away.”

JJ fights all his instincts to go against him, before keeping his eyes on Damon. Rafe grins, a manic look on his face, before turning to look at JJ. “Damon here, has leaked about a shipping containment of drugs. It was meant to be here a week ago. It never made it.” JJ doesn’t understand why he’s being told this.

“Now,” Rafe taps Damon’s face with the pliers, “he has to pay for it.” Damon starts shaking his head back and forth, broken pleads falling from his mouth.

Rafe tuts at the man as he grips his hair roughly, keeping his head in place. “It’s your first time here, so, I thought I’d give you the honors.” JJ’s eyes widened at the other’s words.

Was he seriously asking me to kill someone!?

Rafe’s loud laughter filled the room, sounding manic. “I’m kidding, Idiot. You’re too much of a sissy to kill someone.” He mocks, making JJ’s face heat up in embarrassment. “You’ve done us well Damon, but in the end you ultimately betrayed us.”

Rafe grabs his gun and shoots him right between the eyes. Damon falls back, body thumping onto the floor. JJ could feel his heart racing, fear gripping his body whole. He just watched someone die, in front of him.

He just witnessed a murder. What the fuck!? Was all that was running through his head. He knows he shouldn’t be surprised, he is now working and living with the mafia. They do things like this for breakfast.

To witness it firsthand is something entirely different.

Before JJ realizes it, he’s bent over and throwing up his small breakfast onto the pavement. He’s never felt so sick in his entire life, ever.

“Jesus, you pussy. It’s just a dead body, get over yourself.” JJ turns and glares at the other. “Just a dead body!? I just witnessed your murder a man!” JJ doesn’t care that he’s raising his voice, he had to get that out.

Rafe’s amused expression turns into a cold one.

“Would you like the same fate?” He asked seriously, stepping closer to the pale teen. JJ starts shaking his head profusely before it’s gripped. Rafe grazes his cheek with the gun. “What did I say about speaking?”

“To speak up.”

“Good boy, now.” He puts pressure on JJ’s cheek, causing pain to riddle his cheek. He still had a bruise on his cheek from two days ago. “I will warn you one last time, don’t raise your voice at me. Okay?” JJ goes to nod, but stops himself seconds before.

“Yes sir.” Rafe smiles.

“Take him. I’ll deal with pussy boy here.”

JJ just wished Rafe would call him by his name. All these names were so degrading, but he guesses that’s just how Rafe operates.

The gun taps JJ’s cheek twice before being removed. “You need a fucking shower, you smell like throw up.” Gee, I wonder why you ass, JJ thought sarcastically to himself.

Externally he says, “okay.”

Chapter Text

It’s been a week since the murder incident. Which is what JJ is calling it, cause that’s what it was. A murder. Rafe calls it justice.

JJ hasn’t been to any more “justice streaks” the past week. All week has been the usual. Be degraded during all food hours, get hit once or twice a day, get yelled at all the time, and Kie patching him up.

She once joked about him being danger prone. She says she’s never seen anyone with this much damage, aside from Rafe. JJ didn’t like the comparison, Rafe was a psycho, JJ wasn’t. He just works for the psycho.

Right now, the only Cameron home was Wheezie, the others out doing business. It was the first time JJ was away from Rafe, not counting when they sleep or he walks away at parties.

“So,” Pope begins, turning to look at JJ, “is it everything you dreamed?” JJ knows he’s being sarcastic, to which JJ rolls his eyes.

“Oh yeah, love being degraded every day for that psycho’s fun.” John B snickers, patting JJ on his shoulder. JJ can now understand why, if hired, no one would wanna work for Rafe.

He was completely crazy.

Two days ago, JJ had woken Rafe from his nap, he had a meeting with Ward, and the man threw a pocket knife at him. It ended up slicing JJ’s right bicep. He subtly glared at Rafe that whole day they interacted.

JJ’s only been here a week and he already wants to throw himself, or better yet Rafe, out the window. He considers the others lucky, they didn’t have to endure Rafe’s wrath every second of every day.

“Well, they won’t be home for two more hours, so enjoy your freedom while it lasts.” Cleo says. She was sometimes hard to understand with her accent, but JJ got the gist of her words most times.

“He’s just such an asshole. Like he has serious issues, and instead of getting him help, Boss’s just like “here go kill someone.” It’s insane.” The others nod in agreement to his words.

“Sarah told me he wasn’t always like this.” JJ turns to John B, eyebrow raised in interest. “Really?” He asked. John B nodded, “something happened when he was a kid, messed him up. She never told me what, but I’m not surprised. People like Rafe don’t want anyone knowing them personally.”

I wonder what happened.. Maybe someone he loved died? It was the most logical explanation, traumatic experiences alter one’s brain. He would know. JJ shakes his head, scoffing to himself.

“Can we stop talking about him? He ruins my life daily, I don’t need him doing it when he’s away.” The others drop the subject, respecting the blonde’s request.

JJ swings his feet in the water, they were all laying by the pool, watching the water ripple. “Hey, Pope. Your parents own a store right?” Pope nods his head, smiling at the mention of it.

“Is it as good as everyone says?” He teasingly asked, getting a handful of water splashed his way. He sputters it out, laughing when Pope glares his way. “No but, seriously. Is it?”

“Yeah, mostly for all the fresh foods. Though when I worked there, before here, it was exhausting. Cleaning seafood almost daily is a pain.” Pope complains, grimacing like he can still feel the aches he used to get.

“I guess being the cook is both beneficial and painful.” Kie teases, nudging Pope in his shoulder. JJ watched as Pope grins, nervously chuckling. Does he like her? JJ didn’t want to know, he felt he’d hate the answer.

“What was your life like before this?”

JJ busies himself with the water. He didn’t want to talk about it. They didn’t know who JJ’s father was, not really, he didn’t need them to know. “Not much to talk about.” He finally says, ignoring their eyes on him.

JJ was probably gonna sound crazy, but he’d rather endure Rafe every day than ever go back to Luke. Luke was his father, the person who was supposed to protect him, care for him.

Rafe was a mafia leader’s son. They had no relationship outside of work. His pain is different from Luke’s. Luke’s was always personal, Rafe's was just boredom.

He di-

Stop thinking about him!

“I’m gonna go to my room.” He stands up and hurries away, not wanting to be questioned. Sure he grew closer to them, but that doesn’t mean he wants to share his life with them.

Once JJ makes it to his bedroom, he promptly drops onto his bed and goes to sleep.

Sometime later, he wakes up to the feel of someone tapping his cheek. As he opens his eyes, he gets a full view of Rafe’s face. “Fuck!” He startles, jumping up, causing the two to headbutt.

“Damn!” Rafe exclaims, rubbing at his forehead. “God, you scare easily. How did you survive your father for this long?” JJ almost tells him to fuck off, but he really doesn’t want to deal with another wound.

“Do you need something?” JJ finally asks, sitting up against the bed’s headboard. “Yeah. You’re attending a party with me.” JJ reels in her anger at his words. Another fucking party, really? “Why don’t you just go by yourself?”

JJ finds himself pinned to his bed, a hand wrapped around his neck. Rage flares within the storm of those blue eyes. “You’re coming with me because I said you are. Final decision.”

“Yes sir.” JJ chokes out, as Rafe puts a slight squeeze against his neck. “Shower and get dressed. Let’s hope tonight you don’t play bodyguard again.” Rafe seemed to still have not let that go.

“And dress nicely.” He tells him as he walks out the door. JJ wanted to call out to him, request to not attend the party but he knew it was useless.

Guess he’ll start getting ready.

— — — — —

It was a club.

He had wondered how he, a 17-year-old boy was gonna get in, but privileges of Rafe Cameron. He could get into anywhere with anyone, it seems.

This definitely wasn’t his scene. The music was way too loud, too many bodies crushed against each other, the smell of sweat filling the air, and the sticky feeling of another’s body.

JJ didn’t like it at all. If he could, he would walk out those front doors. He had lost Rafe the second they walked in, but he made sure to keep him within eye view at all times.

Not cause he cared but because Rafe was his ride home. He did not need to be left behind.

As he was watching the crowd, someone sat beside him. He turned to see a girl around Rafe’s age, smiling at him. She was sitting at the edge of her stool, leaning towards JJ.

The teen couldn’t tell if she was drunk or not, but it was likely. “Hello sweetie.” She says, leaning even closer to JJ. He tried scooting to the other side, but the stool was only so big. If he moved anymore he’d fall right off.

Too close, JJ thought to himself as he suddenly felt her hand on his arm. “Y’know, Rafe” she starts, taking a sip of her drink, “is going to be his own downfall, and then we’ll reign.” The words sent shivers down JJ’s spine.

Was she threatening Rafe? It sure sounded like she was. She sends him one last smile before walking off. He didn’t think twice before scanning the crowd for Rafe. There he was, and there she was, heading his way.

The teen hops off his seat, weaving through the sweaty crowd, apologizing when needed. Every time he got closer it just felt like he got further. He finally reaches them, and he looks shocked to find the woman in his arms.

“Ah, Idiot.” JJ wants to punch him. “Idiot, Addison. The birthday girl.” The teen blinks for a moment, trying to process his words. “Sir, she just threatened you!” He exclaims, to which Addison snickered and Rafe lets out a boasted laugh.

JJ wanted to hear it again. It was different from his maniacal laughter. It felt genuine.

“Oh god, you really are an idiot.” He mocks. “I told Addison to do that. I wanted to see how you’d react.” JJ glares at the other, hands clenching into fist.

Next time I won’t say anything, you pompous asshole.

“I’m leaving.” He says, to which makes Rafe switch up real quick. His laughter stops and his face goes back to the usual cold look. “You’re not leaving anywhere without my permission.”

“I’m not your fucking pet, Rafe.” JJ spits out his name, not caring if it angered the older male. He was so done with him. He should’ve just ran out the house or let himself get thrown out. If he knew he’d have to endure Rafe, he would rather deal with Luke.

JJ doesn’t even look back, he merely starts walking away. He ignored the calls of ‘Idiot’ from the older male, making his way towards the exit. Anything was better than being near Rafe right now.

Famous last words, he thinks to himself.

Famous last words, indeed.

Chapter Text

JJ takes a deep breath as he finally gets outside, the chilly night air calming down his anger. He doesn’t know how Rafe can get under his skin so easily, but he hated it.

Just as he was about to start walking, someone bumped into him. “Watch where you’re going, man.” He knows that voice. “Oh ho, well if it isn’t Rafe’s new toy.” JJ clenched his jaw, turning to walk away and ignore him.

Topper didn’t let him leave. JJ felt himself be grabbed and slammed into the club’s alley wall. “Ah ah, where do you think you’re going?” The shorter male tried trashing in the hold, but it was useless. Topper had him trapped.

“I don’t have the time to deal with you, Topper.” JJ seethes, he kept wiggling to try and get out. It was a useless effort. Topper leans down close to JJ’s face, sneering at him. “You humiliated me, filthy trash.”

You get beat in one fight and now you feel humiliated, walk in my shoes one day.

He tilts his head, his sneer turning into a smirk. “For trash, you sure have a nice face.” Topper’s words made chills run down his spine. JJ now knew he definitely needed to get out. He didn’t want to know where this would go.

“Get off me.” The blonde grounds out, increasing his efforts. Topper merely slams him harder against the wall, JJ groaning at the pain starting in his head. He really should stop getting slammed into things, it wasn’t good for his head.

Topper grabs JJ’s jaw and suddenly he feels their lips pressed together. The blonde tries to pull away, disgust filling his veins. He was alone, trapped, and now Topper was kissing him.

“No!” JJ tries harder to get out of the other’s hold but it just wasn’t working. He didn’t want this, he didn’t want to believe this was happening to him right now. He felt like he was going to throw up.

“Stop fucking moving.” Topper growled, grabbing JJ’s neck and keeping his head against the wall. JJ could feel tears welling up, fear and disgust shadowing his whole body.

Sure he’s been beaten half to death, been starved, used as an ashtray, glass thrown his way, and much more, but never has he been sexually assaulted. He felt so weak within this moment as Topper forced his tongue inside his mouth.

Horrible cries escaped his mouth at the feeling, air getting trapped with no way to breath. He was being restricted from his air flow and he was panicking, he felt close to passing out again.

Come on JJ, get out of this! He scolded himself, hearing his father’s voice in his head. “God you’re fucking pathetic. I ask you one thing and you fuck it up! God damn useless.” JJ sobs as one of Topper’s hands goes under JJ’s shirt, his cold gross hands pressing against the other’s skin.

The teen wanted to leave this situation. He should’ve just stayed with Rafe, even if he was angry. At least he wouldn’t be out here with Topper feeling him up and kissing him.

Just as Topper bites at JJ’s lip, the weight of him disappears. The blonde didn’t know what happened, all he knew was that he wasn’t being touched anymore.

He tries focusing on his surroundings, scared that someone worse was taking Topper’s spot. As he zones into the outside world, he finally hears the impact of skin on skin.

He sees Rafe holding Topper by his shirt collar, a death glare on his face. Topper had a bloody lip, seemingly from Rafe’s fist, which had blood on it. “You disgusting bitch!” Rafe screamed in Topper’s face.

“You know the rules! You don’t touch what my family owns. Do you have a death wish?” Topper wasn’t able to get any words out before another punch comes his way.

Rafe threw punch after punch, blood spraying his fist and Topper’s face. JJ couldn’t move nor speak, he wanted to tell Rafe to stop, to pull him away, he didn’t want someone’s death on his hands.

All JJ could do was sob as he watched Topper get brutally beat. He wasn’t crying for that bastard, he was crying to what happened to him. He was sexually assulted.. He was actually sexually assulted.

It felt so surreal to JJ.

“What, no one can play with him? I used to play with Sarah.” Another punch. Topper spits out the blood filling his mouth, before grinning. “Oh I see. You just want him for yourself, you selfish bastard. Bet he’s a good fuck!” Topper spat out, getting thrown to the pavement and kicked in the ribs.

“He’s straight you dumb fuck!”

“That’s what they all say.” Another kick.

JJ’s body suddenly collasps to the floor, shaking as sobs kept pouring out of his mouth. “Please..” the boy pleaded, wanting Rafe to stop. He didn’t want to witness another death. Not after what just transpired merely moments ago.

Rafe didn’t seem to hear him as he kept kicking the younger male. “R-Rafe.. S-stop, please.” Rafe had lifted Topper again when he turned to look at JJ. The poor teen was a wreak.

Tears were falling down his face, blood covered his lips, he was shaking so much like a leaf in the wind. Rafe turns around and slams Topper against the wall. “Ever touch him again and you’re dead.” He coldly states. “Got it!?”

Topper nods.

Rafe scoffs at him, dropping him to the floor and walking over to JJ. He kneels down and raises his hands to show he wasn’t going to touch him. He would normally never do this, he never helped people without a personal gain.

But something about seeing JJ like this made his heart ache.

“I’m going to pick you up, okay?” JJ shakingly nods, allowing Rafe to grab him and pick him up princess style. The younger takes in a breath, trying to calm his racing heart.

“You’re lucky I have a small moral compass or else he’d be dead.” Rafe tells him.

JJ softly scoffs, gripping tight to Rafe so he wouldn’t fall at any given moment. “W-what moral compass, you a-asshole?” Rafe chuckles, shaking his head at the other’s words.

“The century old question, Idiot.”

The younger tried scowling but he felt so drained from Topper. All he really wanted was some sleep. Like a week’s worth of sleep. That would be fantastic.

“Get some shut eye, kiddo. I’ll get us home.” At that, JJ promptly leans his head on Rafe’s shoulder and passes out. The older male looks down and sighs. “I might hate you, but no one deserves that.” He tells the younger male.

Rafe finally gets to his truck, placing JJ into the passenger seat, heading over to the drivers. “We’ll be home soon, idiot. Then you’ll be safe.” Those were his last words before driving away from the club.

Chapter Text

Rafe places JJ on his bed, making sure not to jostle the boy too much. He needed his sleep, he went through something traumatic. Rafe stares at the blonde, wondering one question the whole time.

Why did I help him?

“What are you doing to me?” He asked out loud, before sighing. “Nothing. You’re doing nothing. I saved you out of obligation. You’re nothing but a tool for me to use.” Rafe stands up, rubbing at his face.

He needs to stop. He needs to not get close to this boy. He was clearly fucking with his head.

Rafe leaves the room, almost crashing into Sarah. “Jesus, Sarah. What the hell are you doing?” He asked, his heart racing at the sudden presence of his sister. “What did you do to him?” She asked, anger clear in her voice.

He scoffs, rolling his eyes. “I didn’t do anything to him. Now if you’ll excuse me.” Rafe goes to side step her, but she grabs his arm, stopping him. He gives her a cold look, before casting a glance at her hand.

“Let me go.” He snarls. “Not till you tell me what the hell you did to JJ!” He rips his arm out of her grip and slams her into the wall. He grips her throat tightly, glaring at her.

Ocean blue on stormy blue.

“I. Didn’t. Do. Anything!” He growls out, yelling the last word. Sarah claws at his arm, trying to get out of his hold. Rafe hasn’t landed a hand on her in months. Not since Ward has been training him to take over.

“Rafe!” John B yells, pulling him off and checks on Sarah. His eyes checked around her, making sure she wasn’t hurt too badly. She sputters out coughs, nodding at him, letting him know she was fine.

“What the hell, Rafe!” John B turns to Rafe, who was seething to the bone. His head was screaming at him, so much was running through he couldn’t get a thought in. It was like everything was on a speed track.

Rafe merely walks to his room and slams the door. The click of the lock let the two know he wasn’t in the mood to talk with anyone. If he even wanted to. Which he never did.

“Fuck!” The young man screamed, throwing his lamp at the wall. “God damnit!” He smashes his wall mirror, throws everything off his dressers, kicks and punches at his walls. “Fuck.” He breathes heavily, sliding down his wall, tugging at his hair.

Rafe stares at the floor, heart racing rapidly in his chest. He took some deep breaths, trying to calm himself down but nothing was working. He felt like he was having a full blown panic attack.

He hasn’t had one of these since-

No, no thinking about that. Never think about that.

He groans loudly, tugging harshly at his hair. “Come on!” He brings one hand to his chest, beating it. “Fucker, come on!” He pounds it again, and again, and again. “You are not weak! You are not pathetic!”

“Man up!” He yelled.

“Man up, Rafe.”

“But fa-“ Ward slaps the young Rafe across the face. His eyes watered as Rafe blinks rapidly, the stinging pain flowing through his cheek.

“Man the fuck up, Rafe. You are not a god damn pussy!”

“Shut up!” Rafe screams, slamming his eyes shut. “Shut up, shut up, shut up!” Rafe slams his head against the wall, ignoring the oncoming headache.

He was so in his head, he hadn’t heard someone pounding on his door. “Rafe!” It sounded like Sarah. Why would Sarah be calling him? “Rafe, open the door!” No, no it’s not her. I just want it to be.

“Damnit Rafe!”

“Shut up! You’re not real! Sarah would never care about me!” He cries out, suddenly aware he was crying. When had he started crying?

No one cares for me. Why would they? I’m a broken man. I do nothing. I am nothing.

He shakingly stood up, walking to grab his keys and walking out the room. “Rafe!” He ignores his sister, rushing down the stairs and walking out the house. He needed to be away from anyone and everyone.

Rafe gets into his truck and drives off. He just needed to be alone.

-- -- -- -- --

“Barry!” Rafe pounds on the trailer door, voice loud enough to probably wake up a whole block. The door opens, a tired looking Barry standing there. “Do you know what time it is?”

Rafe merely slams himself through, not caring for the other’s words. “I need a pick me up.” Rafe tells him, not letting the other get a word in. “This couldn’t have wait-“ Barry gets cut off when Rafe presses a gun to his forehead.

“Do you have any or not?” Barry gulps, nodding his head slowly. He doesn’t take his eyes off as he makes his way to his bed. He opens a duffle back, shifting through the bottles of pills, rolls, and more.

Barry finally finds a bag, handing it to Rafe. The man nods, reaching into his pocket to throw the money at him. Rafe doesn’t even say goodbye as he walks out the trailer, glad to finally be out of it.

He always hated being anywhere near it. But Barry was the only good dealer. At least the one that wouldn’t cross the Cameron’s cause no one paid him much like they do.

Rafe climbs into his truck and hurriedly sets a line, sniffing it up. Sighing in relief, Rafe leans against the leather seat. Brain quietened and body relaxing, he finally feels like he can breathe.

He felt nice. He didn’t feel burdened or broken. He didn’t feel weak or ashamed. He felt great.

He doesn’t know what he was thinking earlier. Worrying about that boy. He walked out of that club. He allowed himself to be vulnerable. Nothing was Rafe’s fault. All Rafe did was save him. And it wasn’t for a morality call.

Rafe merely saved him cause he’s his tool. And a tool that’s rusted can’t be used anymore. Everyone knows this.

No more personal talking. No more teasing. No more nothing. Rafe would not be stooped down to that filth’s level of emotions. Rafe was a ruthless, selfish, cruel man. Nothing more. Nothing less.

Rafe Cameron is a man who won’t be brought down.

Chapter Text

JJ awoke to sunrays shining through the window. He softly groans, turning around to block the sun and get more sleep. He snuggles into the pillow, a soft smile playing on his lips.

He suddenly jolts up, eyes frantic as he looks around. He presses his hand on his chest, heart rapidly beating. The memories of last night rushed through his head, making him feel nauseous. “Oh god.”

He grabs the trash can and throws up into it. JJ felt so disgusted with his body. He can still feel Topper’s hands all over him. His lips, his body, his fingers. It made his body crawl.

The blonde wipes his mouth before dropping back down onto the bed. He brought the covers over himself, cocooning the warm covers around his body. He wanted to sleep for the next five years.

He wanted to forget everything that happened last night. He wanted it erased from his memory.

The sound of his door slamming open made him jump. “Leave me alone.” He grumbled, not bothering to check who it was. He didn’t care, he didn’t want to see anyone. “You don’t tell me what to do, mutt.” JJ merely stays quiet.

He should’ve known Rafe would act like this. Like he didn’t grow feelings to make sure JJ was safe.

“Get the fuck up. Go shower. We have breakfast in 10.” JJ didn’t move. He didn’t care for what Rafe just said. If Rafe was going to act like this, then JJ wasn’t going to give him an ounce of gratitude.

It seems they were back to square one.

“Did you hear me? Have you gone deaf after last night?” JJ shuffled more into his bed, squeezing his eyes shut. Rafe just had to push, hadn’t he? Cause he’s a psycho who has no feelings. JJ doesn’t know why he thought he would, even for a moment.

He hears Rafe sigh, before the door shuts. JJ relaxes, thinking Rafe left the room. He should’ve known better. The blonde is suddenly being pulled from the bed and slammed into the wall.

Rafe’s hand was wrapped tightly around his neck, eyes blazing with fury. “When I tell you something, you do it!” JJ chokes out gasps, hands trying to pry Rafe’s hand off him. “You don’t have a will here! You are mine to toss around! You are mine to control!” Rafe yells.

JJ could feel himself losing consciousness, eyes blurring with tears, black filling his vision. He was going to die here, by the hands of a psychopath. He was going to die by the hands of the mafia.

It was almost laughable.

Rafe drops him, watching as the younger male takes in lungful gasps of air. He watches him struggle for a moment before kneeling down and grabbing JJ’s chin, lifting his head to look him in the eyes.

“Now. Go get showered. You had a disgusting creature on you last night.”

With that, Rafe walked out of the bedroom, leaving JJ alone. The boy sat there silently sobbing as he stared at the floor. He was a fool to think one lapse from Rafe would mean anything for them.

-- -- -- -- --

“Pet.” JJ clenched his jaw, knowing the name was to spite him. “I need a refill.” Rafe shakes his empty beer bottle. Addison snickers, green eyes gleaming as they watched JJ.

“Right away, sir.” JJ grabs the bottle, reeling in the effort to not slam it on his head. He ignores the grin Rafe has as he tosses it into the trash and grabs another from the cooler.

“Here.” Rafe nods, grabbing the beer from his hands. JJ tries not to flinch at the touch, both the aggressive nature from Rafe, and feel of Topper were still in his head. He felt gross being touched in any manner now.

JJ walks over to where Kie and the others were. Pope was busy with tending the grill, but Kie, Cleo, and John B were free to talk with. “Hey, Sarah told me you two got in late last night.” Kie says, looking at JJ.

“Yeah, had too much to drink.” JJ answers, voice void of any emotion. He didn’t want to talk about last night, ever. He never wanted to experience it again.

“Are you sure?” Cleo asked, worry shown in her eyes. “You didn’t seem good this morning.” JJ smiles grimly, letting out a small laugh. “Yeah, I’m all good. Just realized Rafe is who he’ll always be.” JJ turns his gaze to Rafe.

“A sick selfish man.”

“Amen to that.” They all cheered their own beers, laughing as a small bit spilled. JJ knew his life would be fucked the moment he got appointed this job.

He just never knew he’d find even the smallest amount of happiness. “I’m glad to have you guys.”

“Aw, he does have a heart!” John B teased, to which JJ rolled his eyes at him. “Yeah yeah, whatever dude.” Sarah suddenly dropped down beside John B, eyes brimming with happiness.

“Are you excited about Friday?” She asked, shaking John B with glee. John B laughs, calming his girlfriend down. “Yes, I am. It’ll be fun.” Kie and Cleo nod, expression’s all happy.

“What’s happening friday?” JJ asked.

“Oh! Right, of course. You’re new.” I didn’t need to be reminded but, thanks. “Every 15th of July, we have a party. It’s called Midsummer. It’s basically just where the rich and the other mafia families can mingle. It’s one of the few times we’re all civil.” Sarah explains, which makes JJ wonder why anyone would be happy about that event.

“Sounds.. dangerous.”

“It’s in the rules that there should be no bloodshed whatsoever. Even to workers, Like you guys.” She says, waving her hands to gesture towards JJ and the others.

“It still sounds like a bad idea.”

“Come on, JJ. You could use a night of relaxation.” Cleo says, the others nodding along. “Plus you’re kinda obligated to go. You do work for Rafe.” Sarah says apologetically, to which JJ appreciates but doesn’t make him feel better.

“Right. Guess I’ll clean up nice for Friday.”

The others cheer at his words, even though it was kinda forced onto him. Maybe he can relax on Friday, ignore his thoughts and anything Rafe. He’s sure he can try and not run into trouble.

He hopes so at least.

Chapter Text

“No.. stop..” JJ muttered in his sleep, tossing and turning. His heart was racing, trying to fight off Topper, like he tried that night. Nothing was working.

“No!” JJ sobs, thrashing around in his bed, trying to get the other off. “Please, stop!” JJ jolts awake, gasping for air, heart pounding against his rib cage. He brings a shaking hand to his heart, pounding loud in his ears.

The teen groans, rubbing at his sweaty face. “Fuck.” He mutters out, untangling himself from the sheets. He needed to get some air, being in the bedroom wasn’t helping him.

He looked at the clock, it was midnight. “The clock strikes twelve, except I never had a good life that turns back to horrible.” JJ says to himself, before walking out the bedroom and walking down the stairs.

He probably shouldn’t be walking around this late, but he couldn’t sit in that room. He hated feeling enclosed whenever he had nightmares. It never helped his mental state after having one of them.

He walks into the kitchen, almost screaming when he sees Wheezie sitting at the table. “What the hell are you doing up?” He asked her, his voice barely above a whisper.

“I could ask you the same thing. There’s rules against workers being up late.” She tells him, raising a brow at the older. “I don’t even know the rules. No one bothered telling me, I just learn as I go.” The brunette scoffs at his words, rolling her eyes.

“I’m not even surprised. Rafe never likes telling anyone anything around here.” Wheezie explains, before going back to the first question she asked. “So, what are you doing up?”

“Couldn’t sleep. You?”

“Same. Y’know just cause I’m 13, doesn’t mean I don’t have issues that keep me awake at night.” JJ gave her a confused look. “I never said-” She cuts him off.

“Everyone thinks just cause I don’t help the mafia, I don’t have problems. But I do.” The blonde doesn’t know why he’s being told this, but he ends up pointing his head to the outside patio. “I like looking at the stars to clean my mind.”

The two walk outside, sitting down on the chairs, looking out at the sky. “I don’t think anyone doesn’t have problems.” JJ tells her, casting a glance her way. “Everyone has issues, even those who ignore them.” JJ clears his throat, looking back at the stars.

They stay silent as they both watch the stars, the silence washing over them. This is the first time since being here that JJ actually felt at peace. All it’s been was just horrible, and that’s not even counting everything Rafe’s done to him.

“What are you two doing out here?” JJ and Wheezie whip around to see Sarah. She looked tired, as she was rubbing her eyes. “We couldn’t sleep.” JJ answers her, slight fear coursing through him at being caught by yet another Cameron.

“Oh. You do know-” JJ nods, cutting her off. “Wheezie informed me. I just needed some air.” Sarah nods, grabbing a seat and sitting beside JJ. JJ’s starting to realize Pope was right, Rafe’s the worst out of Ward’s kids.

Sarah was kind, caring, even if she had her moments. Wheezie was your typical spoiled brat but she didn’t really have the mindset of a mafia member. Must be Rose and Ward’s doing, being the youngest, they probably didn’t want her a part of it, yet.

“I love looking at the stars.” Sarah says, before pointing at a constellation above them. “That’s the Big Dipper.” She sadly smiles as she speaks, before continuing. “My mother.. She used to teach me the stars.”

JJ turns to her, opening his mouth before closing it again. He wanted to ask her, but he felt that would be imposing. He wasn’t their friend, not really, he was working for them. That didn’t give him the right to know anything personal about them.

So instead he asks, “why don’t you tell me, I know nothing about the stars.” He was happy to see a genuine smile gracing her lips at his words. So, for the next hour Sarah tells Wheezie and JJ about the stars, their name origins, the myths behind them.

“I think it’s time I head back inside.” JJ says, getting up from the chair. “Before someone else catches me. Goodnight, you two.” They bid him goodnight as well.

JJ makes his way upstairs, almost crashing into someone. When he looked up, he felt fear flow through his whole body. He knew he shouldn’t have jinxed himself.

“What are you doing up?” Rafe asked, voice gravelly, almost like he himself just woke up. JJ opens and closes his mouth like a fish out of water. He couldn’t find the words he needed to speak.

Rafe snaps his fingers in JJ’s face. “You really need to learn to fucking speak.” The blonde shamefully looks down, embarrassed once again, all by Rafe. He seems to always make JJ embarrassed and he was sick of it.

“Get some fucking sleep, Pet. We have to go shopping later today.” JJ didn’t even protest the name, he wasn’t in the mood to be hit. He honestly didn’t want to sleep either, but he had no choice. He doesn’t know what would happen if Rafe found out he didn’t sleep.

Chapter Text

Waking up at seven in the morning still wasn’t sitting with JJ. It didn’t help that he couldn’t sleep much after he went back to sleep earlier that morning.

So, current mood, horrible and tired. It got worse as the day went on.

He took a shower and walked out the bedroom, knocking on Rafe’s door. “Yeah, I’m coming.” Rafe sounded grouchy again, but when did he not? JJ waited outside his door, nodding at Pope as he passed by.

It didn’t take long before Rafe opened the bedroom door. He was dressed in a simple black tank top and dark grey sweatpants. “Let’s go.” JJ started the path towards the kitchen, Rafe following behind.

He didn’t stop at the entrance like before, he knew how this went now. He walked towards Rafe's seat and kneeled down onto the floor. He stopped complaining externally about the humiliation of it, but that didn’t stop his thoughts internally.

As usual, conversations went around the table. Wheezie was talking about her friends, Cleo, Kie, and Sarah were talking about doing a girls night, Pope and John B were talking about going surfing sometime soon.

The only tense conversation was between Rafe, Ward, and Rose.

“Have you thought about the proposal?” Ward asked, looking at his son. Rafe didn’t answer at first, feeding JJ a piece of french toast. “No.” He finally says, turning his gaze to his father.

“You do know this would mean great things for us.” Ward tells him, anger already edging into his voice. “She’s a lovely lady, Rafe.” Rose says, a fake smile on her face. Even from where JJ kneeled, he could hear the false words.

“I’m not marrying Nicole Cottingham. The mafia in Charleston can find someone else.” Rafe grounds out, jaw clenching at the mere thought of marrying her. “Rafe. This is a chance to have peace between us. You are the heir to this family.” This makes JJ confused as he remembers learning about Sarah and Topper’s arranged marriage.

Maybe it was out of convenience.

“And as I said, I’m not marrying her.” Rafe pushes his plate away. “I’m done with this conversation.” Ward slams his hand onto the table, causing everyone to jump as the dishes rattled. “Sit, Down.” Rafe scoffs, getting away from the table.

“Rafe Eugene Cameron!” Rafe freezes, nails digging into his palms. JJ could tell Rafe was close to punching his father. He honestly wishes he would. Ward walks over to Rafe and slaps him across the face.

JJ’s eyes widened, gasps fell out of the girls mouths. “Dad..” Sarah calls out, knowing if she doesn’t stop this it will become a full out brawl. “Don’t get into this, sweetie.” Rose tells her, pulling her down back into her chair.

Was no one gonna stop this?

Ward grabs Rafe’s chin, his fingers digging into the flesh. Rafe was sure there’ll be bruises there later today. “You don’t walk out on me, ever!” Ward seethes, eyes blazing with anger.

“Do you understand me?” Rafe swallows the blood flooding his mouth. “Yes sir.” JJ’s never heard Rafe sound so small before. The oldest Cameron looks at Rafe in disgust before throwing him to the floor.

“Clean him up, Maybank.” JJ looks between Rafe and Ward. He knows he should listen to Ward, but Rafe hasn’t told him anything since breakfast started.

“Did you no-”

“Pet, get up.” JJ keeps his eyes down as he gets to his feet, making his way towards Rafe. He didn’t wait a second before helping Rafe up and leading him out the kitchen. Once they were out of the other’s views, Rafe pushed JJ away.

“Go get dressed, I can handle myself.” JJ watched as Rafe walked up the stairs before sighing. He waits till Rafe slams his own door before heading to his bedroom.

“Seems I’m not the only one dealing with days of cruelty.”

-- -- -- -- --

“No.” JJ’s starting to realize shopping with Rafe is torture. It’s been a good hour and Rafe said no to every single outfit so far. JJ doesn’t know what makes it so special, they’re all just black suits.

“Maybe black just isn’t your color.” A store clerk says, walking over to the two. Rafe looks at her with a bored look, before looking back at JJ. “What color do you think then?” She looked surprised at his question.

Rafe was never one to ask other’s opinions. Though she guesses it has to do with that this is Rafe’s personal worker. “I would say maroon. I’ll go grab one real quick.” JJ quickly gets out of the suit he’s currently in.

He doesn’t know how anyone can wear suits so much. In the last few weeks, JJ’s seen Ward and Rafe in so many suits, it’s almost like they don’t wear anything else.

“Here you go, Mr. Cameron.” She hands Rafe the suit, before walking away to tend to another customer. Rafe silently hands the suit to JJ, who internally groans at having to put on yet another suit.

This better be it or else I’m burning this store to the ground.

JJ walks back into the changing room, throwing on the black button up, ignoring the bruises and scars littering his chest and stomach. He then throws on the jacket, sliding the pants up next.

He fixes the creases before fully looking at himself in the mirror. “Whoa.” JJ actually thought he looked good, for the first time in a long time. The clerk was right, the color did suit him.

JJ walked out, threw his hands out and spun to show Rafe. “So?” He asked once he was facing Rafe, noticing how Rafe was just staring at him.

Rafe’s eyes trailed down his whole body, eyes darkening as they landed back on JJ’s own. JJ felt his heart stutter at the act, confused at the reaction. He’s never seen this look on Rafe before.

“It’ll do. Change and then we’re leaving.” Rafe stands up and walks away, leaving JJ alone. The younger scoffs before doing as told, changing and putting his regular clothes back on.

As he walks out the changing room, he runs into someone. “Whoa there, sorry. That was my fault.” A deep voice apologizes, hands holding JJ up from falling. JJ tensed at the touch, wiggling to get free.

The stranger throws their hands up, a chuckle escaping their lips. “Didn’t mean to run into you.” JJ finally looks up to find himself staring into green eyes. “Name’s Hunter Kingsley.” Hunter says, holding his hand out.

JJ merely stares at the hand. “No touching, got it.” Hunter looks around before looking back at JJ. “You here alone?” JJ shakes his head, stepping away from the man.

“I never got your name.” Hunter says as JJ starts to walk away. “Uh.. JJ.” He didn’t want to say his last name in case this guy knew his father. “I’m assuming it’s short for something.” Hunter follows JJ to where the clerk and Rafe were waiting.

“Yeah, look I gotta go.” JJ throws his thumb to where Rafe was at. Hunter looks over and his face changes real quick. Calm and smiles went to cold and stoic. “You shouldn’t hang around him.” Hunter whispers to JJ, who now just realized he was leaned into his space.

“I uh..”

“Rafe Cameron is bad news, if you ever need to get away from whatever he has on you, call me.” Hunter then slides a piece of paper into JJ’s hands before walking away.

JJ blinks as he watches Hunter walk out the store. What the hell just happened? JJ asked himself, looking down at the paper. There in fact was a phone number. JJ pockets it into his pants, before making it to the counter.

“Who was that?” Rafe asked, pulling out his card to pay for the suit.

“No one important.” JJ answers, feeling the paper in his pocket, which now oddly felt heavy. This guy knew Rafe, but everyone knew Rafe. He was a Cameron after all, everyone knows the Camerons.

But the way he spoke, it felt different.

The blonde shakes off the feeling, grabbing the bag being handed to him. “We now need shoes. Come on, Pet.”

Shopping really was torture.

Chapter Text

John B and Pope were in JJ’s bedroom, helping him with his look. “It isn’t that serious guys. I’m not even the center of attention.” JJ tells them as they make sure there are no creases in the suit.

“You might not be but you now represent Rafe, which means you have to look clean and nice.” Pope says, fixing the cuffs of the suit. “Kie, Cleo, and John B are the same way.”

“I’m only different since I’m not embedded to any of the Cameron siblings. I work for the whole family. John B is also a little different, since he’s dating Sarah.” Pope tells him, stepping away and checking him over.

“You’re missing something.” John B notes, grabbing his wrist. “A watch. Hold on.” John B walks out of the room, leaving Pope and JJ alone. “I still don’t like the idea of all the mafia groups together in one room.” JJ has had a bad feeling about Midsummer since it was mentioned.

“It’ll be fine. One of the main rules during Midsummer is no weapons.” JJ scoffs at his words. “Since when do weapons prevent a brawl breaking out?” John B returns before Pope could answer his question.

“Here.” John B helps to put on the watch, stepping back to look at the full image of JJ. “You actually look decent for your kind, Pet.” JJ takes a deep breath before turning, halting at what stands in his doorway.

Rafe weirdly looked nice in a coral blue suit. JJ expected bright colors to look bad on Rafe. That man almost always wore dark shades, he’s never really seen lighter shades on Rafe. This was a new look on him.

“And you look nice for a piece of shit.” JJ grins as anger fills Rafe’s eyes. “You’re lucky it’s Midsummer.” Rafe seethes before calming himself down. “Come on, the others are waiting.” The guys all walk out, heading down the stairs.

There at the door were the rest of them. “Rose looks like lady liberty.” JJ whispers to Pope, who softly snickers before covering his mouth to keep it silent. “I’ll see you guys around.” Pope walks out the doors, heading towards the grill.

“And the hosts of this year's Midsummer, the Camerons!” A voice bellows out. Ward and Rose lead the group, their kids following after, and then JJ and the others. JJ stood by Rafe’s side, following after Kie, Cleo, and John B.

He once again was lost to the customs of how Midsummer worked with workers. It seems he would have to follow the others' leads. As they all bowed, smiles plastered on their faces, the party continued on.

“Go mingle, just don’t start shit.” JJ hurriedly makes his way towards Kie. “Hey, JJ.” She greets, a pretty smile gracing her lips. “Hey, Kie. So, how do these things work for us?” JJ asked, really wanting some insight at least. He was tired of being so lost.

“Well, we can mingle around and just relax. But we are still working, so we can’t just walk off. It’s one of the few times we have freedom.” She says, patting JJ on his shoulder.

He tenses at the touch, smiling sadly as Kie takes her hand off. “You’ve been tensing around being touched for a while now. Is everything okay?” The worry in Kie’s voice made him sick. He never wanted to make Kie worry.

“Yeah, just nerves.” He could tell Kie didn’t believe him but lets it go. “I’m gonna go find Sarah, I’ll see you around.” JJ nods her goodbye, grabbing a glass of scotch off a waiter's plate.

He gulps it down in one go. “Whoa there tiger, slow down.” Hunter’s voice reached JJ’s ears. JJ looks up to see Hunter standing in front of him. “Nice to see you too, tiger.” JJ coughs into the cup, before pulling it away.

“The name’s JJ.” He tells Hunter. “Oh I know, I like tiger more.” JJ nods, not caring to wonder why this guy just now nicknamed him. They didn’t even know each other.

“So, since you’re here, I’m assuming Rafe likes you? He never invites anyone to these.” Hunter says, leaning closer to JJ. JJ felt his heart pick up at the closeness, like it did at the store the other day.

“Um. I work for him.” He finally gets out, watching as Hunter’s expression turns to surprise. “You work for Rafe Cameron? Wow, we must be in hell.” Hunter laughs, getting a slight smile out of JJ.

“How about we go somewhere more quiet?” JJ nods, even though his whole being is yelling at him no. Hunter grins, holding out his hand. JJ looks at it before hesitantly grabbing it. He’s never held a guy’s hand before.

For some reason his heart was beating rapidly, like it was in a race and trying to win. JJ doesn’t know why he’s reacting this way, it feels like it does when he talks with Kie. No, that’s impossible, I don’t like guys.

“Here we are.” Hunter accounces, JJ looking around to see they were in a gazebo, which was a little aways from the party. “This is better. Much more quiet.” Hunter says, leaning against the railing.

JJ follows his actions, looking out at the ocean. The moonlight lighting up the otherwise dark ocean. “So, which are you? Mafia or rich?” JJ asked, getting a chuckle from Hunter. “Now that’ll ruin the fun of me being mysterious, won't it?” Hunter grins, turning his gaze to JJ.

He does look good in the suit , Hunter thought to himself, giving JJ a once over again. “That’s a nice look on you.” Hunter compliments, watching in satisfaction as a blush spreads across JJ’s cheeks.

“Uh, thanks.”

“You don’t take compliments well, do you?”

“No, not really.” JJ admits, a small laugh escaping his lips. “I’m not used to them.” Hunter frowns at the younger’s words. “That’s a shame, you’re a fairly attractive boy.” JJ whips around, eyes wide.

“Wh- stop lying.” JJ stutters out, a nervous laugh leaving his mouth. There was no way Hunter was being serious. Hunter leans closer to JJ, until their faces are mere inches apart.

“I’m not lying, tiger. Anyone would be lucky to have you.” Hunter’s breath brushed over JJ’s nose and cheeks as he spoke. The blonde could feel his heart beating again, much like it did the other two times.

Why the hell am I reacting this way?

“Can I admit something to you?” Hunter asked, knocking JJ out of his thoughts. “Oh sure.” JJ says, gasping as Hunter leans closer to his ear. “I really want to devour you.” He whispers, shivers running down JJ’s body.

He’s never heard anyone admit something so lewd to him before. In fact he’s never heard anyone admit anything to him, either it being a crush or something like this. JJ wasn’t known for being the most attractive among his peers.

JJ suddenly felt Hunter’s hands grabbing his waist, pulling him flushed against the older male. “I’m sure you’d sound so pretty.” JJ felt his whole body get hot at his words, weirdly enough not wanting to leave his hold.

He usually recoiled at anyone’s touch.

“JJ? Is that you?” JJ jumps away from Hunter at hearing Sarah’s voice. “Uh, give me a moment!” JJ hurriedly walks away from Hunter, beaming a smile as he stops in front of Sarah.

“What is it?” He asked, body racked full of nerves. He didn’t want Sarah knowing anything that transpired just then. He doesn’t even know what it was himself.

“Rafe’s looking for you. He asked me to find you.” Sarah says, looking at JJ and then the gazebo. “Were you with someone?” She asked, crossing her arms and raising a brow.

“Wh- n- no! Why would you think that?” The blonde laughed, poking at JJ’s chest. “Someone’s sneaking around!” JJ swats at her hands, glaring at her antics. “I’m not. I just needed some air from the party.”

“Uh huh, whatever helps you sleep at night, JJ.” Sarah grins, eyes bright with glee. JJ rolled his eyes, starting to make his way towards the party. “Whoa hey, JJ!” Sarah catches up to him, clearing her throat.

“I won’t say anything, I promise. It’ll be our secret.” She holds out her pinky, a gleeful smile on her lips. “There’s nothing going on but sure.” JJ wraps his pinky around hers. “Our secret.”

Chapter Text

“Morning, tiger.” JJ found himself smiling at the text message. JJ had texted Hunter last night when Midsummer came to an end, and now Hunter was texting him good morning.

“Morning.” The blonde gets out of bed, making his way towards the door. He was still tired after last night, but he needed to start his day. “Morning, Pope.” JJ greets like he does every morning now, the dark skinned male smiling in turn.

Just as JJ’s about to knock on Rafe’s door, it opens. “I won’t be needing you today. Ward and I have business all day.” Rafe then walks past JJ, leaving the younger behind.

JJ stands there before making his way towards the kitchen himself. It was the first time JJ wasn’t at Rafe’s beck and call all day. He didn’t know what to do with himself.

“JJ, come sit here.” JJ takes a seat beside Sarah, almost melting into the chair. They were comfortably cushioned, JJ could get used to this, but he knew it was useless.

“Pope, make JJ a plate, please.” Sarah requests, Pope nodding his head. “Since Rafe will be gone for the day, you get to hang out with me today.” Sarah says, grinning his way.

That felt like a relief from the last few weeks with being under Rafe’s rule. JJ was happy to get a break for the first time since being here. Pope places a plate in front of JJ, giving him a fork. “Eat up, I already have plans for us.”

As they talked, JJ actually enjoyed his time at breakfast. It felt like he was an actual human instead of a puppet being pulled by Rafe’s strings. He felt like he actually had freedom for the day.

Once he finished his breakfast, Sarah stood up. “Do you know how to surf?” She asked, picking up his plate and hers as well. “Uh, yeah just haven’t gone in a while.” He admits to her.

“Good, we’re going surfing today. Go get changed and meet me at the car.” JJ nods, heading upstairs and checking through his drawers for swim trunks. As he did so, his phone went off.

He checks to see a message from Hunter. “You doing anything today?” JJ quickly texts back. “I’m going to the beach.” He sends the message before typing another one.

“Wanna come along?” He then tosses his phone to put on his swim trunks. He looks down at his shirt before deciding to keep it on. He doesn’t want anyone seeing the damage done to his body. Not more than they already have.

He picks up his phone to see a new message. “Sure, I’ll see you there.” JJ had a feeling today would be a great day.

-- -- -- -- --

“Haven’t in a while my ass!” Sarah shouts as she watches JJ clear the wave with no mistake. JJ sits down onto the board and paddles his way back over. “I guess it never left me.” He says, laughing when Sarah slaps his chest.

“Oh okay, not like you could be a winning champion.” She says, Hunter nodding along with her. Kie and Cleo were on the beach, while John B and Pope were waiting for another wave to ride.

“Come on guys, I’m not that great.” JJ didn’t understand all the praise. He honestly wasn’t that great. “Dude, you wiped all our asses!” Pope says, the others agreeing with him. JJ sheepishly laughs, rubbing at his neck.

“Don’t be so modest, tiger. You were amazing.” Hunter praises, giving JJ a squeeze to his knee. JJ felt goosebumps rise at the contact, his heart racing again. He really needs to figure out why he reacts like this with Hunter.

“Let’s put it to the test then.” Sarah says, waving the other boys over. “We’ll all catch the next wave, and whoever lasts the longest is the winner.” JJ sighs, but nods nonetheless. It would be fun to see if he really was better than them.

He hasn’t touched a surfboard since he was a kid. Luke never let him have any fun after his mother. But JJ wasn’t with Luke anymore, he was with people worse. Well, the only worse are Ward, Rose, and Rafe. Everyone else was okay.

They actually felt like friends.

“Alright, lets go catch us a wave then!”

They all lined up and waited for a wave to come their way.

“Here we go, boys!” They all start paddling towards the wave before simulately jumping onto their boards and riding the wave. It was a good few seconds before Pope fell into the water, Hunter following after.

John B held out for a good while before he wobbled and fell in. “Looks like it’s just us two!” JJ shouts, looking over at Sarah, who seemed greatly concentrated. “I swear I’ll beat you, JJ!”

“Then let’s see it, Sarah!” They then both go silent as they gradually ride the wave. Just as it was getting close to crashing back into the water, Sarah lost her balance and fell in. “Woo! Haha!” JJ cheered loudly, throwing his arms into the air.

It wasn’t the best move as he himself ended up toppling into the water. He swims up to the surface, gasping in air as he slumps onto his board. “Look at you, mr champion.” Hunter said, grinning at the younger.

“Alright alright, I’ll take it.” Hunter nods, paddling next to JJ’s board. “Good, cause I think it’d be awkward to give Sarah a celebratory kiss.” JJ’s eyes widened at Hunter’s words. Before JJ could do anything, Hunter leaned closer and kissed JJ’s cheek.

JJ pulled away, fear gripping his body. He felt his heart racing and body getting clammy with nerves. “JJ?” The younger ignored him and paddled to the shore, getting onto the sand and taking a deep breath.

He rests his hand over his beating heart, trying to calm himself down. He hasn’t been touched like that since Topper. He isn’t Topper, he was just celebrating. JJ told himself, before opening his eyes.

He didn’t even realise he closed them.

“Hey, you okay? I didn’t mean to overstep.” Hunter says, wanting to comfort JJ but not knowing if touch was okay right now. “Y-yeah I’m fine. Just uh.. Just spooked me, that’s all.” JJ tries to give him a passable smile, but he can tell it didn’t give the effect he wanted.

“Are you sure?” Hunter asked.

“JJ!” Sarah hurries over and grabs him, leading JJ away from everyone else. “Hey, what was that?” She asked, trying to capture his eyes. He was looking anywhere but at Sarah.

He hasn’t spoken to anyone about what happened that night. The only ones who know are JJ, Rafe, and Topper. He didn’t want anyone knowing, he was afraid they’d blame him.

That’s how it always was. He was blamed for whatever happened to him. It was never anyone else’s fault. Rafe didn’t blame you. His traitorous brain told him, making him groan internally.

“I’m fine, Sarah, really.” JJ finally says, looking her in the eyes. “Thank you for caring.” Sarah lets out a relieved laugh. “Of course I care, you’re part of the family now. Even if it’s by working for my psycho of a brother.” Sarah pulls him into a hug.

“Think of it like being siblings.” She says, as JJ slowly returns the hug. “I’ve never had a sibling before.” He admits, voice small and quiet. Sarah rubs at his back, making sure not to touch the scars.

“Well then I’ll be the best non-related sibling ever.” She promises, pulling away from the hug and lifts her pinky. “I promise.” JJ chuckles before connecting their pinkies together. “Cool. Now let's get back to the fun.”

Sarah might not be JJ’s related sibling, but maybe they could have a sibling bond.

That’s something JJ can hold onto with this hell hole of a life.

Chapter Text

A week has passed since JJ met Hunter and he still doesn’t know what these feelings are. He knows they are the same he gets with Kie, but there’s no way he likes a guy.

He’s been straight his whole life, he hasn’t liked a single guy, at least not until Hunter. “God, what does this mean?” He mutters, dropping his head onto the table. “What does what mean?”

JJ turned his head to look at Rafe. They were at the Country Club, Addison and some others with them. JJ didn’t want to be here, for multiple reasons. He was stuck with Rafe’s snobby friends, Topper and Klece were a few tables from them, and everyone here looked at JJ with disgust.

“Nothing.” JJ mumbles, looking away from Rafe. He sighs, lifting his head from the table knowing soon enough Rafe will be pissed about it. “I know that face.” Addison’s sister, Michelle, says.

“Awe, poor boy is confused about his feelings!” She pouts, bringing a hand to her heart. “Who is she?” She asked, now seemingly interested in JJ’s life. He’s only ever met Michelle on one other occasion, and she had ignored him.

“No one, there’s no- nothing.” JJ really is starting to dislike how much he stutters nowadays. “Oh boo, come on! I love getting people together.” Michelle pleads, pouting even more at her words. “It’s best to give her what she wants. She won’t stop otherwise.” Addison says, a grin on her lips.

“Him, having relationship problems? Okay, cause that’s believable.” Rafe laughed, gaining a snicker from the guys at their table, while the girls rolled their eyes. “Of course he would. Look at him, he’s so cute. Who wouldn’t want him?” Michelle notes, making JJ’s cheek burn.

“Oh that’s even more cute!”

JJ wished she’d shut up. “Alright, I’ll bite.” Rafe says, turning to look at JJ. “So, who is she?” JJ opens his mouth to say Kie, but finds himself hesitating. I like Kie, don’t I? “Um..” JJ couldn’t get her name out of his mouth.

“Oh don’t tell me, is it a guy?” A guy said from beside Rafe. The disgust was clear in his voice. JJ felt oddly pissed off at the tone of voice. “And what if it is, asshole?” JJ found himself snapping back, to which Rafe retaliated with grabbing JJ’s hair.

“Don’t talk back to anyone like that. You hear me, Pet?” JJ winces as his grip gets tighter. “Yes sir.” Rafe nods, releasing his hold. JJ rubs his head, the pain still lingering there at his scalp.

“Of course your first ever worker would be a fag.” The same guy said. “You just have the worst luck, man.” Rafe slams the guy’s head against the table, the dishes rattling at the impact.

“Call him that again, I dare you.” JJ looked between the two, shocked at Rafe’s reaction. He expected Rafe to laugh at his words, agree even. “Apologize.” Rafe seethes, putting more pressure on the guy’s head.

“I-I’m sorry! I’m sorry!” Rafe releases his hold, righting the cups that had moved with his action. “Good, only I can talk to him like that.” JJ resisted the urge to roll his eyes, of course there was a motive behind his action.

Rafe wasn’t a good man. JJ doesn’t know why he keeps thinking he’ll change. It’s been a month since the deal and yet JJ oddly keeps having hope Rafe would act like the way he did that night with Topper.

JJ really should let it go. There was no way Rafe would ever go back to that. It was a lapse in his judgement, JJ knows this. Rafe’s made it clear there was nothing, not even the slightest bit of friendship after that night.

“Wait. The only guys you’ve interacted with is Pope, John B, and that one guy from the store.” Rafe suddenly notes, looking at JJ. “I knew it isn’t John B, cause he’s dating my sister, and I’m pretty sure Pope likes Kie or Cleo.” Well that confirms my suspicions weeks ago.

“His name is Hunter.” JJ seethes, anger filling his body. He didn’t like how Rafe didn’t even care to know the guy's name. “Hunter. Such a nice name.” Rafe said sarcastically.

“Well, girl or guy, it doesn’t matter. What matters is, why are you having problems?” Michelle asked, beginning the conversation back to the main point. JJ sighs, subconsciously messing with his ring.

“I never liked a guy before.” He admits, hating the vulnerability coming with his confession. “Well that’s okay. What makes you attracted to him?” She asked, allowing JJ to think about it.

“Well, he isn’t bad on the eyes, he actually makes me smile, and laugh, which I haven’t done in so long. He doesn’t push my boundaries, he’s patient, kind, caring.” JJ hadn’t realized he was smiling when he spoke, at least until Michelle squeals.

“You’re smiling so much! You must really like him. He sounds like a gentleman.” She says, beaming at the seams. It was like she was more excited about JJ’s new liking than JJ.

“Speaking of likings.” Addison suddenly interrupts. “How’s the marriage going with Nicole?” Rafe throws her a disgusted face. “Nothing is going. I told Ward I wasn’t going to marry her.”

“You do know if you don’t it will cause war.” Addison states, giving Rafe a pointed look. “You think I don’t know that?” He exclaimed, slamming his fist onto the table. “Then why are you protesting?”

“Cause I can!” Rafe yelled, glaring at Addison. “That’s not a good reason.” She says, glaring right back at Rafe. “Why do you even care, you’re not part of this. You aren’t part of any mafia family, Addison.” She scoffs at him, shaking her head at him.

“You’re right, I’m not. But I thought as your friend, I was allowed to care. But fine, go to war. See if I care then, asshole.” Addison stands up and walks away, Michelle looking between JJ and her sister. “Text me any updates.”

She throws a piece of paper his way before running after her sister. Awkward silence follows after, leaving JJ getting nervous. He doesn’t know what’s going through Rafe’s head right now, and he was kinda terrified.

“Well th-”

“We’re going home.” Rafe cuts JJ off, which let JJ know he was angry. Although Rafe cut JJ off a lot, his voice held so much anger in his tone. It would be idiotic to not know he was angry.

They both silently leave the restaurant and start their way to Rafe’s truck. “Well well, if it isn’t Rafe and his fuck toy!” Topper’s voice sounded, Klece’s laugher following after.

“Topper, it’s best if you leave.” Rafe’s cold voice made shivers run down JJ’s spine. He hears it so often, but it still makes JJ terrified. “And why should I? I mean, I guess you really are selfish.” Topper says, getting closer to the two.

“Lying about his sexuality just to keep him to yourself.” Rafe turns around to glare at Topper and Klece. “Yeah, bet the fag begs for it. Cocksucker.” Klece said, laughing at his own words.

JJ shrinks on himself, all he could think about was that horrible night. He subconsciously backs up until he finds himself pressed against Rafe’s chest. JJ really wanted to leave this place, now.

“I won’t warn you again, Topper.” Rafe states, curling his hands into fists, getting ready. Topper raises his hands in surrender, a smirk on his lips. “Just wanna say,” he starts, locking his eyes with JJ’s. “Hunter isn’t all he seems.”

Topper and Klece walk away, leaving an angry Rafe and a confused terrified JJ behind. “Fucking annoyance.” Rafe climbs into the truck, honking his horn when JJ didn’t move.

“Get in, dumbass.” JJ quickly gets into the truck, shutting the door.

Topper’s words kept replaying in his head. “Hunter isn’t all he seems.” What could Topper possibly mean by that? Or was he lying to get under JJ’s skin? Yeah, that’s it. He’s just playing with me.

JJ hopes he’s right.

Chapter Text

JJ supposes it would’ve happened sooner or later.

Rafe had sent JJ on a beer run, giving him his card and shooing him off. This was the first time Rafe sent him off on his own, without him or a guard or someone.

JJ walked into the store, smiling at the cashier, before making his rounds around to find the snacks and beer Rafe wanted. The blonde honestly should’ve expected what happened next to happen. Maybe he hadn’t since he’s been gone a month now.

“JJ?” The blonde tenses at the voice of his father. Shit! JJ stayed silent, maybe Luke was drunk and wouldn’t recognize him in this state. “I know that’s you, boy.” JJ sighs, before turning around and facing the older Maybank.

“Hi dad.” JJ says, hating how small his voice is whenever he speaks to his father. “Where the hell have you been? You just left your old man like that?” Luke asked, getting closer to JJ as he did.

JJ steps back, quickly getting cornered into the wall. JJ kinda wished Rafe was with him today. “I asked you a question!” JJ flinched at the sudden yelling, swallowing down a lump in his throat.

“I- I’ve b-been somewhere else.” JJ stutters out, gripping to the basket he had in his hands tightly. He doesn’t know how he can be so scared of Luke, but can somewhat defend himself against Rafe.

Guess that’s the thing about fathers, they’ll always be scarier than anyone else.

“Somewhere else. Yeah where, some bitch’s house? Probably a fucking sex toy for them.” Luke spits out, making JJ shrink even more on himself. “N-no.” The blonde really wishes he could walk away and just get back to the Cameron’s house.

“Then where, boy?”

“The Cameron’s!” JJ spills, clapping his mouth shut right after. He hadn’t meant to say that, not knowing if he was allowed. Luke starts laughing at him, face red and tears filling his eyes.

“Oh that almost sounded believable.” Luke said through his laughter. “Like the Cameron’s would ever take you in.” Feeling brave, JJ whips out Rafe’s card, shoving it in Luke’s face.

“Then what the hell is this?” He seethes, gasping when Luke rips the card from him. “Well I’ll be. You pick pocketed Ward’s son. I knew I taught you well.” JJ sputters as Luke starts walking away, with the card.

“I didn’t! Luke, give it back!” JJ drops his basket, running after his father. “Nope, I’ll be using this now, thanks kid.” JJ groans, reaching out to grab the card, when Luke elbows his face.

The younger cries out in pain, blood flowing down his nose. “Fucking ungrateful bastard.” Luke snarls, turning around and grabbing JJ’s shirt collar, slamming him into the store’s wall.

“I said thank you, appreciate it and don’t provoke me again.” Luke pulls away, but JJ wasn’t leaving until he had Rafe’s card back. Who knows how Rafe would react.

“Dad, I’m serious, I need that back.” JJ pleads, going to grab it again, earning a punch to the stomach for his efforts. Luke throws another to his face, and then another, and another. Blood was spilling between the two males.

Luke drops the card, more focused on JJ than anything else anymore. “How many times are you gonna be ungrateful!?” Luke wraps his hands around JJ’s neck, cutting off his airway.

The younger Maybank chokes, scrambling to pull Luke off of him. He was not going to die by his hands. “L- Dad, p-pl-please!” Tears started filling his vision as they fell down his cheeks.

“Hey!” Luke was suddenly torn away from JJ, who took in lungfull gasps of air. His vision was blurry but he could see it was Hunter who saved him. Hunter punched Luke once, twice, and a third time before turning to JJ.

“JJ!” Hunter rushes over, holding his head up. “Can you hear me?” JJ nods, though his head hurt and his vision was still fuzzy. “Shit, you might have a concussion.” Hunter pulled out his phone, seeming to text someone before pocketing it back.

“I’m gonna get you out of here.” Hunter tells JJ, who seems out of it. Hunter scanned the floor, finding Rafe’s card. He picks it up and pockets it too, before picking up JJ.

“I’ll get you somewhere safe, don’t worry.” Those were the last words spoken before JJ promptly passed out.

Chapter Text

Rafe checked his watch, making sure he checked the time right. He did. It’s been two hours since he sent JJ out on the beer run. He should’ve been back at least in 30 minutes.

“I’ll text him.” Sarah says, already typing away at her phone. She paced around the room, nervously chewing at her nails. It wasn’t like JJ to not be back. Sure he probably saw this as a chance to leave, but it seemed unlikely.

He has nowhere else to go.

“He hasn’t even opened my message.” Sarah decides to call him instead. The call automatically goes to voicemail. “Okay, no. Something is wrong.” She says, throwing her phone onto the couch. John B pulls her into his arms.

“Hey, take a breather. We’ll find him.” He promises her, soothing her down by petting her hair. Rafe looks at his watch again, another five minutes have passed since he last checked.

“What store did you send him to?” John B asked Rafe, who was oddly silent this whole time. “The one right in town. Where we always go.” Rafe tells him, not once looking away from his watch.

“Then we should go check it out.” John B suggested.

“Not now.” Sarah looks at Rafe, tears in her eyes. “Are you serious? It’s been two hours, Rafe!” She cries out to her brother, who merely shakes his head. “He probably got distracted by something. We’ll wait another hour and then we’ll go check.”

Sarah groans at her brother before grabbing her keys. “I’m gonna go look for him. You can sit here and be the asshole you always are!” She stomps out of the house, slamming the door shut.

John B looks back and forth before following after his girlfriend. “Emotional woman.” Rafe scoffs to himself.

“He’ll be fine, she can worry all she wants. I don’t have time for that.”

-- -- -- -- --

JJ groans, slowly blinking his eyes open. He looks around to see he’s in a med room of some kind. “Oh, you’re awake.” JJ looks over to see Hunter beside him. “W-where am I?” He asked.

“You’re at my house. My friend patched up your wounds.” JJ goes to sit up, but winces when white hot pain riddles his body. “Slow down there, tiger. You got hurt pretty badly. You had to get stitches.”

JJ blinks at his words, before looking down at where Hunter was pointing. There in fact were stitches on his lower stomach. When did I get hurt enough for stitches? JJ doesn’t remember that happening.

“Why did I need stitches?” JJ asked, looking back at Hunter. Hunter sighs, leaning down on the bed, looking right at JJ. “That man, the one beating you, stabbed you.” Hunter tells the younger male.

JJ doesn’t remember getting stabbed.

“But I di-” Hunter cuts him off. “You did, you must’ve not felt it with the other pain you felt. It’s normal. Also with that concussion, you likely don’t remember everything clearly.” Hunter explained.

It would make sense. It has happened before, all of that actually. “R-right, yeah.” JJ says, smacking his lips together. “Water, here.” Hunter hands JJ a glass of water, JJ giving Hunter a smile as he sips away at the nice coldness of it.

“You’re fine now, though. My friend got you all fixed up.” Hunter says, grabbing JJ’s hand, relieved when he didn’t pull away. JJ finishes his water before remembering he passed out. “How long was I out for?”

“A couple hours.” JJ jolted in the bed, looking around frantically for his phone. “Where’s my phone?” Hunter grabbed it from his pocket, showing the damage. “Damn it.” JJ cursed.

“Yeah, it got crushed in the fight between you and that guy.” JJ groans, rubbing at his face, ignoring the pain from his face. “I need to text Rafe. Shit, he’s gonna be so mad.” The younger already got fucked up by Luke, he doesn’t know if he can handle Rafe.

“Here, you can text him from my phone.”

JJ grabs Hunter’s phone and quickly types in Rafe’s phone number. “Hey, I got into a scuffle but I’m fine. I’ll be back soon.” He clicks send, sighing in relief, hoping he didn’t have anyone worry about him.

“Good, Sarah ran out not that long ago to look for you. Where are you?”

“I’m at Hunter’s.” He saw Rafe’s text bubble show up and disappear a few times before a message finally popped up. “Text Sarah the address, she’s already out.” JJ did exactly that, hurrying to text Sarah.

He hated the thought of making her worry. Just as he sent the text, she called him. “What the hell happened!?” He pulls the phone away from his ear at her shrilling voice.

“I got into a fight, it’s fine. I’m fine now. Just, come pick me up.” JJ wanted to go to his bed and never leave it again. “You’re fine? Oh I so believe that, JJ.” Sarah takes a deep breath before speaking again.

“That doesn’t matter, I’m just glad you’re alive. I’ll be there soon.” Sarah then hangs up, JJ handing Hunter his phone back. “Thanks.. For saving me.” JJ says, Hunter smiling at him. “It’s no big deal, anyone would’ve done the same.”

“No, no they wouldn’t have. But thank you for being one of the rare ones who would.” JJ climbs out of the bed, stumbling before Hunter helps balance him. “It’s best if you rest once you get back.” JJ nods.

He will be resting as long as he can. He hopes it’s enough to where he’ll feel better.

A honking sound comes from outside, letting the two males know Sarah was out there. “Well that’s my ride.” JJ walks out the front door, with the help of Hunter. As JJ opens the backdoor, he turns to Hunter.

“Thanks, again.” JJ leans up and kisses Hunter’s cheek. “I’ll see you around.” JJ climbs into the car before closing the door. Sarah starts her way back home, casting glances every once and while to look at JJ.

“I’m fine, Sarah. I just need rest.” Sarah nods, turning her attention back to the road. JJ leans his head against the window, thinking back to his conversation with Hunter.

“That man, the one beating you, stabbed you” Did he get stabbed though, cause he swears he didn’t. “Also with that concussion, you likely don’t remember everything clearly.” JJ shakes his head, looking out the window.

Now wasn’t the time for thinking. His head hurt, it was time for rest.

Chapter Text

JJ looks at the stitches, poking at it. He winces as pain follows after the touch. He kept repeating the fight over and over, but he never recalls Luke stabbing him. It made no sense.

His bathroom door opens, making him jump. He tries to quickly hide the wound, but Rafe already sees it. “What the hell?” He asked, voice angry. “It’s nothing.” Rafe has a look of disbelief on his face.

“Right, nothing. How the hell did that happen?” JJ ignores his question, walking past him into his room. “Did you come in for a reason?” JJ asked, going to his closest to change for the day.

“Yeah no, we are not doing that.” Rafe grabs JJ’s arm, stopping his movements. “How did you get that?” JJ's jaw tightened in anger, annoyed at Rafe’s behavior. He rips his arm from Rafe’s hold, glaring at the older male.

“You don’t get to act like you care. You clearly don’t, so don’t bother asking.” The blonde goes back to grabbing clothes, feeling Rafe’s eyes on the back of his head. He took off his shirt, riding through the pain as the skin pulled.

He throws on the t-shirt, throwing his other one in the dirty hamper. The whole time he could feel Rafe’s eyes burning a hole into his body. He changed into jeans next, thanking his lucky stars Luke hadn’t hit his legs this time.

Once JJ was dressed, he sat down on his bed, grabbing his shoes. As he tied the laces, he felt Rafe walking closer to him. The younger male merely ignores his presence, continuing to tie his laces.

“Pet.” JJ tightens the laces, nearly cutting off his blood flow. “Pet, look at me.” Rafe’s tone of voice was a clear indication to not mess around, but JJ didn’t care. JJ just wanted to get the day over with.

Rafe, growing irritated, grabs JJ’s jaw and lifts his head, forcing eye contact. “I swear, it’s like you want to be punished.” The blonde tries to jerk his head out of the other’s hold, but he knew it was effortless.

“I did come here for a reason.” Rafe suddenly says, giving JJ whiplash at the sudden change of topic. “I have a meeting with a buyer and I need you to tag along. It’s time you learn how deals go around here.” Rafe releases his hold, running his thumb across JJ’s busted lip.

“Get some make up from Sarah, you can’t look fucked up.” He adds pressure to it, making JJ hiss in pain. “We’ll be leaving in 15, so you better hurry.” With that, Rafe leaves JJ alone in his bedroom.

“Why are you so god damn confusing?”

-- -- -- -- --

Hunter grinned, leaning back against his chair. “Is it working?” The person beside him asked, getting a nod in answer. “It’s working perfectly. Poor guy doesn’t even know he’s being a spy.” Hunter laughed, shaking his head.

“Oh such a vulnerable naive kid. He’ll never last in this world.” Hunter watches as the little red dot leaves the house and starts heading away. “Get a team ready, ambush them when I give the signal.” Hunter tells the other person, who nods before walking out the room.

“JJ, you are amazing. You really are.”

-- -- -- -- --

JJ shifted from side to side, making Rafe glare his way. “Stop moving, you’ll fuck this up for me.” Rafe roughly grabs JJ by his arm. Causing the boy to hiss at the pain, not making the effort to escape it, it would be useless.

“All you’re gonna do is watch. You will not speak at all. Got it?” JJ nods his head, before clearing his throat. “Yes sir.” Rafe hums in approval, before turning his head as a car pulls up in front of them.

A man dressed to the nines stepped out of the car, walking over to where they stood. “You have them?” Straight to business it seems. “They’re in the bed of the truck.” Rafe tells the man, who nods at one of his men.

The guy walks to the truck, opening the bed and checking all the guns were there. “Everything is here b-” a gunshot sounded, making all of them scramble for coverage. “You traitor!” The man accused, pointing a gun at Rafe.

“Me? You choose this location!” Rafe shouted back, his own gun pointed at him. Another round sounds, hitting Rafe’s truck near JJ’s arm. JJ jumped, crashing into Rafe. who held him to prevent him from moving.

“Well it sure as hell isn’t me!” Another gunshot goes off, shooting the shouting man in his arm, his gun falling to the floor. “Fuck!” Rafe pulls JJ with him, getting to the truck’s door. “Can you drive?”

JJ shakes his head. “Well today you’ll learn! Get inside and start driving.” JJ hurries into the truck, turning on the ignition and starts backing up before making a u-turn.

Rafe jumps into the truck, rolling down the window and keeps his gun trained around him. “They’re shooting from somewhere, but where?” He asked to no one in particular.

JJ continues to drive away from the dock, trying to make sure he doesn’t crash. A bullet shoots through the window, hitting JJ in the shoulder. “Ah!” He screams in pain, gripping tighter to the wheel. “Don’t focus on the pain, just focus on getting us out of here!”

Rafe’s eyes catch movement on one of the shipment containers, shooting a few rounds that way. Only one bullet clips the person, the sound of her shouting let him know.

“S-sir..” Rafe turns to look at JJ, who was slumping into the seat. “Shit shit, don’t pass out on me you fucker!” JJ tried glaring at Rafe, again getting yelled at for no reason, but he felt the blood loss getting to him.

“Fuck.” Rafe takes the wheel, just as JJ passes out. “You really have horrible timing, kid.” Rafe drives like a madman, trying to hurry home so JJ can get tended to.

“You are so danger prone, it almost surpasses me.” Rafe says as he parks his truck. He climbs out and grabs JJ, running into the house. “Kie!” He shouts, keeping his hold on JJ, so he doesn’t slip.

Kie comes running in, her brown eyes widening at the scene in front of her. “Med room now.” She nods, fastly walking towards the med room, Rafe right at her heels. “Place him on the bed.” Rafe does as told, making sure not to move him too much.

Once he’s placed, Kie starts checking over him. She cuts off his shirt, gasping in shock at the state his body is in. “What the hell happened out there?” She asked, throwing away the short and checking on the bullet wound.

“He only got shot, the other stuff is from something different.” Rafe tells her, before rubbing at his face in irritation. “Someone ambushed us, but I don’t know who. I don’t even know how anyone knew where we were meeting!”

Kie stops her frantic movements before looking at Rafe. “I need you to leave. I need quiet to work.” Rafe weirdly got angry at her, before realizing she was right. She needed her space to work.

“Call me when he wakes up.” Rafe leaves with those words. He had to figure out who ambushed them and how they figured out where they’d be.

Chapter Text

It’s been a day since the whole ordeal happened, and Rafe strictly prevented JJ from leaving the house till he was fully healed. Which meant JJ was basically on house arrest.

“It’s like he’s keeping you in a cage.” Hunter said over the phone, to which JJ laughed. “Yeah, he really is. But it’s for my health anyhow. So, kind of a good thing.” JJ sits up more in bed, the movement causing his wounds to flare up.

“You doing any better?” The older male asked. “As good as I’ll get with a stitch still healing and a bullet wound healing.” The blonde says, getting comfortable in his bed. He hasn’t really left it much unless Rafe called for him.

“I wish I could be there with you.” Hunter says, a sad tone in his voice. JJ sighs, picking at the blanket strings, pulling it from the frays. “I do too but Ward doesn’t like people uninvited into his house.” JJ tells the other.

“That sucks, tiger.” JJ nods, even though Hunter couldn’t see him. “Yeah it does, but that’s the rules.” Knocking came to his door, interrupting their conversation. He knows it isn’t Rafe, he never knocks.

“Come in.” He calls out to whoever it is. It was Sarah, with a plate of food. “I figured you might be hungry.” She tells him, walking over and handing him the food. It was a simple club sandwich. “Thanks Sarah.”

“No problem, I hope you get better soon.” Sarah nods her head before walking out, leaving JJ alone with Hunter again. “Hey, I gotta go, enjoy your food. I’ll text you later.” JJ bids Hunter goodbye, before Hunter hangs up.

“Looks like it’s just you and I, sandwich.” JJ chuckles to himself, I’m going crazy, I’m talking to my food. He thought to himself as he took a bite of the food. Flavors flood his taste buds, making him moan at the taste. It felt like heaven to eat this.

Just as he takes another bite, the door gets thrown open. JJ doesn’t even spare Rafe a glance as he continues to eat his food. “How well do you know Hunter?” JJ finally looks at Rafe, confused by the question. It was so out of the blue.

“I mean, not really. I’ve only known him for a couple weeks now.” Rafe nods, walking further into the room, taking a seat on JJ’s chair, scooting closer to the bed. “Why?” He asked.

“I have reason to believe he was behind the ambush.” JJ scoffed at him, rolling his eyes. “Look, I don’t care if you’re jealous or not, that is the most obscured accusation ever made.” Rafe raised a brow as he crossed his arms.

“Jealous? Why the hell would I be jealous of Hunter?” Rafe asked, eager to see what the younger’s answer would be. “Because he has my attention. You don’t have me to yourself anymore. And everyone knows how much you love keeping things to yourself.”

“You’ve been here a month, don’t go acting like you fucking know me, Pet.” Rafe snarls, glaring at the blonde. He takes a breather before continuing with his statement. “It’s possible he’s a spy for one of the other mafias. It would make sense to get close to you, considering you’re working for me.”

JJ didn’t want to hear this.

“Nothing like this has happened before. Not till you showed up and definitely not till Hunter showed up.” Rafe notes, leaning against JJ’s bed, his hands close to JJ’s legs. “Think about it, Idiot.” Oh back to that name, are we? 

“I don’t want to hear this. You just want me to only be paying attention to you. This won’t work on me.” Rafe groans loudly, rubbing at his face. “For once, can you listen to me without retaliating and being a brat?” Rafe seethed.

“Clearly no! Cause that’s all I am to you! A fucking burden.” JJ yells at the other. “Ever since I’ve been here all you’ve done is treat me like trash! I get you’re pissed at Ward for making this deal, but trust me, I never wanted this either!” JJ pushes his plate to the side, standing up to be at eye level with Rafe.

“You have told me nothing but keep saying I was nothing more than a tool for you to use! I am tired and sick of it! I am a human fucking being! I don’t care if I am working under you, I am a human being. I would expect to be treated like one!”

Rafe stared at JJ in surprise, never expecting him to yell at him like this. “So no, I don’t think Hunter has anything to do with that ambush.” Rafe grabs JJ’s hair, making him kneel to the ground. “You actually grew some balls, Pet.”

“But listen to me, I know this is what it is. Hunter is using you.” JJ felt tears well up in his eyes, and he can’t tell if it’s cause of Rafe’s words or the pain coursing through his body.

“No he’s not.”

“Fine. You want to believe he isn’t using you, go ahead.” Rafe pulls JJ closer, their faces inches apart from one another. “But let me warn you.” His voice went cold as he spoke his next words. “Secrets never made anyone happy.”

Rafe releases his hold, standing up and heading towards the door. “Don’t come to me if I end up being right. Maybe it’s time you learn that everyone uses everyone. There’s no happy ending for people like us.” Rafe slams the door shut, leaving JJ to cry alone.

Chapter Text

Hunter grazed the bullet wound, being careful with his hands. “Does it still hurt?” He asked, casting his eyes to JJ’s. “Not much anymore, it more just stings.” He says, looking around his face.

It’s been four days since the ambush, and Rafe’s been colder than usual to JJ. His anger became rage, his words became meaner, his hits harder. JJ felt like he was stuck in another Luke situation.

“What happened?” JJ gave him a confused look. “Exactly happened, you never told me the whole story.” JJ pulls his legs up to his chest, holding them in his arms as he recalls what happened.

“Rafe and I were meeting a buyer.” The blonde starts. “It was going fine, the guy’s men were checking the truck bed. And then next thing we know, shots are being shot at us.” JJ looked down at his shoulder.

“One ended up hitting me. But there was something I remember about one of the shooters.” Hunter watched as JJ kept his gaze on his shoulder, not making eye contact. Hunter kept his face calm and collected, wondering what JJ was going to say.

“It was a female. Rafe had managed to hit her, and she cried out in pain.” Hunter hummed in acknowledgement. “But there was..” JJ trailed off, before laughing to himself. “I’m probably just thinking crazy.” Hunter places a hand on JJ’s hand, making the younger male look at him.

“What is it?”

“Well it’s just.. the voice sounded like Addison.” Hunter has a confused look on his face. “Which is crazy, and then I have Rafe telling me you caused the ambush and that I-”

“Rafe said what?” Hunter asked, cutting the younger off mid ramble. JJ opens and closes his mouth, mouth suddenly feeling dry. “H-he said that he has reasons to believe you caused the ambush.” JJ stuttered out, scanning Hunter’s face for anything.

“Which is again, crazy. Rafe’s just a jealous asshole, now that someone else has my attention.” JJ laughs, waving his hand in the air. Hunter pulled JJ inside a hug, rubbing his back slowly, to calm the other down.

“I can tell you now,” Hunter lifts JJ’s chin, making eye contact with the younger male. “I had nothing to do with the ambush. I’m not in the mafia, tiger.” JJ snickers, before speaking. “So you’re just rich.” Hunter gives him a confused look.

“Remember at Midsummer, how I asked if you were the mafia or rich part of the party?” Hunter nods, now remembering that conversation. He winces internally, knowing this boy was already falling if it meant he remembered a simple tease like that.

“Well then, guess I’m not so mysterious anymore.” Hunter teased, a grin on the lips. “Nah, you’re still much of a mystery. I barely know anything about you.” Hunter ruffles the blonde’s hair.

“Guess you gotta figure me out, tiger.” JJ goes to speak up when his phone goes off. He was so happy when Sarah bought him a new one. He fishes his phone from his pocket, sighing when he sees the ID Caller name.

“It’s Rafe. I gotta answer this.” JJ answers the call, pressing the phone to his ear. “Where the hell are you?” Wow, no hello, or hey, nope, alright. “I’m..” JJ trailed off, casting a glance at Hunter.

“Don’t tell me you’re at Hunter’s place.” JJ couldn’t lie about that. He can hear Rafe cursing to himself over the phone. JJ knew Rafe would be pissed about it, but it wasn’t like Rafe had the right.

Like Rafe’s said many times. They aren’t friends, or anywhere close. Rafe has no reason to be so pissed off about where JJ was. Aside from his theory about Hunter. His brain tells him, to which JJ shakes off.

“I’m picking you up.” JJ goes to protest but then Rafe hangs up, ending their call. He sighs, rubbing at his face before pocketing his phone once again. “Rafe’s picking me up.” JJ wanted to scream at Rafe, punch him too, cause his behavior is so uncalled for.

“Hey, it’s not like he can stop you from seeing me. He isn’t your dad.” Hunter says, reassuring JJ. JJ wanted to believe him, but he felt like that wasn’t true. Rafe owned JJ, Rafe ruled JJ’s life.

Hunter pulled JJ into another hug, kissing his hair. “We’ll figure something out, alright?” JJ nods, jumping in his skin when a honk comes from outside. JJ sighs, pulling away from Hunter, giving him a smile.

“I’ll see you.” JJ says, walking out the front door before Hunter calls out to him. JJ turned around confused, wondering what Hunter needed. Hunter pulled JJ into him and pressed their lips together.

JJ froze on instinct before slowly relaxing into the kiss. Hunter tilted their heads for a better angle, opening his eyes to stare at Rafe. This naive boy, oh how well you’ll shatter.

Hunter pulled away, “sorry, just.. been wanting to do that for a while now.” JJ felt his whole body heat up, his cheeks turning a red color. The younger was speechless, not knowing what to say or do. Rafe honking his horn again knocked him out of his stupor.

“Uh, I should go. I’ll see you.” JJ scrambles into the passenger seat, waving Hunter by as they drive off. Rafe waited til they were a few houses away before smacking JJ upside the head. “Ow! What the hell?”

“Are you fucking serious!? Kissing him!”

“I don’t have time for your fucking theories.” JJ spits out, looking away from Rafe. The older male sighs deeply, gripping tightly to the steering wheel, knuckles turning white.

“Fine. Tell me this.” Rafe starts. “What happened the day I sent you to the store?”

“I saw dad.” JJ says, voice quiet as he recalls the events that happened that day. “He laughed at me, saying how good I did for pick pocketing Rafe Cameron.” JJ bites his bottom lip, twisting his ring around his finger.

“I tried getting your card back but he walked away. So I followed him out the store. When I tried grabbing your card, he elbowed me in the face. He called me ungrateful and slammed me into the store wall.” JJ lets out a shuddering exhale.

“He punched me, a couple times in the stomach, and then Hunter came and ripped him off me. He had said he was gonna get me somewhere safe before I passed out.” JJ finishes, looking over at Rafe.

“What happened after?” He asked. “I woke up in a med room of sort. He told me how he brought me to his house. That’s when I noticed the stitching.” JJ says, pointing to where the scar now laid. “I asked how I got it, as I don’t remember anything needing stitches.” JJ nervously looks at Rafe before looking away, not wanting to see his reaction to his next words.

“He told me, my dad stabbed me, said I couldn’t remember cause of my concussion.” Rafe slams down on his breaks, whipping his body around to face JJ. Rafe groans, wondering how someone could be so idiotic. “That’s it. We’re going home and Kie is gonna look at that.” He says in a serious tone that leaves no argument.

“You’re just gonna open my healed wound? Are you crazy!?” Rafe grabs JJ’s face with both his hands, pressing their faces closer together, their noses brushing at the action.

“That fucker lied about what happened. You didn’t get stabbed by your father. He made that wound for a purpose and I am going to figure out why.” Rafe pulls away, starting the drive again.

“You really are so fucking naive. You’re like those girls who plead their lovers to tell them pretty lies.” Rafe scoffs, pinching his nose at the other’s vulnerability. JJ didn’t want Rafe to be right, not when he started to like Hunter.

He knows if Rafe is right, he’d be crushed.

Chapter Text

“Are you insane!?” Sarah stared at her brother, wondering where his thoughts went when he called for Kie. Thank you, JJ thought to himself, looking between the other three occupations of the room. “Like have you actually gone insane? You’re just gonna open JJ up all based on a theory?”

Rafe looked close to punching someone. “Sarah, I know I’m right about this.” He tells her, voice harsh as he turns to look at her. “Yeah, and what happens when you’re wrong?” Rafe clicks his teeth.

He doesn’t say anything back to her. “Kie, proceed.” Kie gives JJ an apologetic look, before nodding her head. The blonde lets out a shuddering exhale, laying down on the bed. “Here, bite this.” JJ bites down on the belt, the taste of leather hitting his senses.

He swears if Rafe is right, he wouldn’t ever trust anyone ever again. He finally felt like he had a good thing in his hell hole of a life. He didn’t know what he’d do if it got ripped away from him.

If Rafe’s wrong..

“I’m sorry.” Kie whispers to him before starting to make the cut. JJ bites down hard on the belt, a groan full of pain emitting from his lips. Sarah covers her mouth, preventing herself from throwing up. She swears she’ll punch Rafe if he’s wrong.

She didn’t like to see JJ like this.

JJ felt his eyes filling up with tears, hands gripping the sheets tightly. It hurt like a motherfucker. He’s never felt pain like this, not even when he got shot. And getting shot sucks.

“Okay, I’m gonna look now.” Kie says, giving JJ a heads up. He shakinly nods, giving her permission to proceed with her work. “What exactly am I looking for?” She asked, switching her gloves for new ones.

“It should be either a chip or capsule. It’s very easy to notice once you feel it.” Rafe tells her, not once steering his gaze away from the open wound on the younger male. He can already feel his anger boiling.

He should’ve known something was off about Hunter the second he saw him. But he didn’t, and now he’s paying for it. He knew this was a bad idea from the start, but Ward was insistent.

Kie looks down, relieved and yet feeling worried. She pulls her hand away, pulling her gloves off and putting yet another clean pair. She licks her lips before grabbing a needle and stitching string. “There wasn’t anything there.”

Sarah hits Rafe, anger in her eyes. “I fucking you told!” Rafe didn’t bother to stop her, just let her hit him over and over. Rafe can’t bring himself to look JJ in the eyes once the news was announced.

JJ now was tearing up for a different reason. He knew Rafe didn’t trust him, but this felt different. It felt like Rafe couldn’t bring himself to even try.

He pulls the belt away once Kie was finished with the stitching. “It’s best you don’t move a lot, at least until it heals.” She tells him, to which he silently nods. He watches as Kie cleans up her area, walking out.

“You seriously need help, Rafe.” Sarah whispers harshly, hitting him one last time before leaving the two males alone. The silence was deafening, the tension in the room heavy between the two.

“Was it so hard for you to trust me?” JJ asked, voice cracking as a tear fell down his cheek. He felt like an idiot for crying over this. He knows how Rafe is, he can’t keep expecting something different. So why do I keep hoping?

“Trust can hurt you.”

JJ laughed, tears falling down more. He couldn’t stop them even if he tried. “Yeah, well so can not trusting someone.” JJ sits up in the bed, trying to catch Rafe’s eyes.

“Look. I don’t trust people and for good reason.” Rafe finally locks eyes with the younger. “I’m not letting this go. There is something going on with Hunter and I will find it.” JJ scoffs, shaking his head in disbelief.

“I can’t believe you.” JJ covers his face with his hands. “God, every time I try to make you seem good in my head, you just keep throwing it away. I know now I can’t keep doing that.” Rafe stares at the other confused.

“You are not a good man, Rafe Cameron. And now I know that’ll never change.” JJ goes to stand, but wobbles, almost falling to the floor if it wasn’t for Rafe balancing him. “Let go of me.” JJ seethes, glaring at the other.

“You’re right, I’m not a good man. But I protect the things that are mine.” JJ tries to push Rafe off, but the other was stronger. “I’m not yours. I just work for you.” Rafe grips tighter to JJ, who glares even harder.

“I won’t stop until I show you who Hunter really is.”

JJ wiggles out of his grip, finally pushing him away. JJ honestly can’t believe this man. “Have fun with that. You were right about one thing, though.” Rafe stares at the other as he speaks.

“There is nothing between us. And there never will be.” Rafe felt his heart stutter at the words. He’s never felt so unnerved by words like this. Rafe’s heard these words by many people, even said them himself. For some reason, hearing it from JJ felt different.

“At least you finally got that through your head. Have fun getting your heart broken.” Rafe leaves with those words, leaving JJ alone. JJ groans loudly, rubbing at his face. “God, why do you make me feel this way?” He asked himself, before shaking it off.

“No, JJ, no more. He is no one. Rafe is a selfish self-centered asshole. Nothing good can come from him.” JJ looks down at his restitched wound. “He’s wrong about Hunter, I know it.”

Then why do I feel like Rafe’s right?

Chapter Text

“Hunter.” He turns to look at who entered the room. “Hey sis.” She clears her throat before speaking again. “You asked for me?” She asked, leaning against the doorway.

“Today’s the day.” He tells her, standing up and walking towards her. “He’s innocent in all of this, Hunter. He doesn’t even know anything. We’ve seen that the last couple weeks.”

“He works for Rafe, it doesn’t matter if he knows something or not.” Hunter places his hands on her shoulders, giving her a smile. “He’s valuable enough. We can use him for our benefit.”

She sighs, before nodding. She knows Hunter is right, but she felt like it was wrong. JJ was an innocent bystander in this. He wasn’t a part of this world, let alone this war.

“Go get ready, Rafe’s got a lunch planned. JJ will be there, you remember the plan?” He asked, moving away from the younger. “Yes. I do.” She says, putting on a brave face for her brother.

“Good. Go, you don’t want to be late.”

-- -- -- -- --

JJ moves his food around, ignoring the conversation around him. He didn’t want to be here, he didn’t want to be anywhere near Rafe. He tried his hardest to ignore the other, but working for him made it hard.

The blonde knows Rafe hasn’t let his pursuit go. It’s been a week since and he still is insistent that Hunter is up to something. “JJ.” He looks up to see Michelle calling him. “Yeah?”

“You okay, you seem a bit down.” JJ braves a smile, before nodding. “Yeah, just.. It’s nothing.” The blonde goes back to his food, hoping Michelle got the hint to leave it alone.

“Hey, let’s go get some air. You look like you could use it.” Michelle says, giving the other a smile. JJ almost said no, but he knew it was really his only chance to have a moment away from Rafe.

“Sure.”

I’m so sorry, JJ. Michelle thought to herself as the two walked outside the restaurant. JJ sighs deeply, taking in the outside air. “I actually needed this. Everything the last month and a half has just been crazy.” JJ admits to her, looking over at Michelle.

He notices she’s fidgety and looks nervous. “Hey,” he places his hand on her shoulder. “You okay? Maybe you’re the one who needed this more than me.” He jokes, though it didn’t break the tension like he hoped.

She locks eyes with him before smiling sadly. “I’m sorry, JJ. I hope you can forgive me.” The blonde grows confused at her words. “Sorry? For wh-” before he can get the rest of his words out, someone is grabbing him.

He tried fighting the person off, but they pressed a small towel to his face. No! JJ wiggles around, trying to get out of the other’s hold but it was useless. They were stronger than him, and the substance on the towel was getting to him.

His vision starts to get blurry as he watches Michelle look away. The last thing he sees is her mouthing “ I’m sorry” before he passes out.

“The fish and the lure. Always a perfect combination.” Michelle brings her teary eyes to look at Hunter. “I hope you’re happy about this.” She says before walking away, leaving Hunter with JJ. “I am sis, I really am.”

Chapter Text

Hunter watches as JJ groans, finally going to the waking world. He leans on his knees, waiting for him to realize where he’s at. The blonde blinks away the drowsiness, going to rub his eyes but realizes he can’t.

He looks down to see his hands are chained to the chair. Panic floods his body, trying to pull the hold, even though it was useless. He finally looks in front of him to see Hunter there, sitting in another chair.

“Hunter what is- where-”

“Shh. All will be answered soon, tiger.” Hunter says, leaning back against the chair. “You know, Rafe is a hard person to get under.” Hunter starts, watching as JJ keeps trying to get out of the chains. “Stop struggling, you’re not getting out of it.”

JJ takes a deep breath, before facing the other male. “Why am I here?” He asked, trying to mask his internal panicking. “Like I said, Rafe’s hard to get under. But you..” Hunter trails off, standing up and patting JJ’s cheek.

JJ moves his head away from the touch. “You were the perfect bait. I always thought Rafe was a heartless asshole, but then you showed up.” JJ laughs at his words.

“Rafe doesn’t care about me.” Hunter stands in front of JJ, grabbing his face. “He won’t come looking for me. You would’ve just done better by attacking him head on.” JJ tells him, watching as Hunter grins.

“See that’s where you’re wrong. He does care about you, he just doesn’t want to admit to himself. I’ve seen the way he looks at you.” Hunter caresses JJ’s cheek, watching in satisfaction as the younger glares at him.

“Rafe thinks he can hide behind the tough heartless act, but when it comes to you.” Hunter leans down closer to JJ’s ear. “He lets it slip.” The older moves away, watching as JJ once again tries wiggling out of the hold he’s in.

“You’re just saying that. You think I’m dumb enough to reveal anything?” JJ spits out, anger overriding the panic. He was angry for Rafe being right, he was angry for being a fool, he was angry at Hunter. He was angry at everyone and everything.

“Fine, don’t believe me.” Hunter goes to the door, opening it before he speaks again. “I’ll just have you watch as I kill Rafe in front of you.” JJ tires even harder, the words striking fear in him.

“No!” JJ screams out as Hunter walks out the room, the door closing, sounding loud in the room. “Fuck!” JJ slumps down in the chair, feeling defeated. “Don’t come for me Rafe, please. Be the heartless bastard I know you are.” He pleads to himself.

-- -- -- -- --

“Michelle.” Hunter calls out, stopping his sister where she was. “What?” She asked, not even masking her anger this time. She hated what she had to do, she actually liked JJ.

“Don’t get pouty. You knew this was the plan the second I staged that run in.” Hunter says, ignoring the glare she sends his way. “Did you make a believe lie as to why JJ wasn’t back?” He asked.

“Yes, am I done here?” Michelle just wanted to go back to her room. “Yeah, just tell Nicole to get ready. We need her for the next part of the plan.” Michelle nods, walking away from her brother.

“You’ll get what’s coming for you Rafe.”

-- -- -- -- --

JJ glares as a guy walks into the room, a plate in his hands. “Figured you’d get hungry.” He says, setting the plate on JJ’s lap. “I can’t eat like this.” JJ says, moving his hands in the chains.

The guy raises a brow. “Yeah, that’s not gonna work on me. You can lean down and eat like the dog you are.” He says, going to walk out the door before JJ calls out.

“I won’t move from my chair.” JJ pleads, hoping it would get the guy to listen. JJ needed to get out himself, he wasn’t about to put anyone else in danger.

The guy sighs before walking over and unlocking the chains. JJ simply grabbed the plate before quickly slamming it against the other’s head. “Fuck!” JJ gets to his feet, slightly stumbling as dizziness washed over him.

“Oh no you don’t.” The guy grabs JJ, slamming him into the wall. JJ scrambles in his hold, fear taking hold of him. He would not endanger anyone, he wouldn’t! “Get off me!” The blonde knees the other, taking his leave as soon as his grip loosens.

JJ runs out of the room, scanning the area. He was in a house he didn’t recognize. Where the hell am I? The blonde ran down a hallway, hoping it would lead him to an escape.

He turns a corner only to run into someone. They grab his shoulder, a chuckle leaving their lips. “Oh come on, tiger.” Fear chilled shivers ran down JJ’s body at the voice. “You really thought you could escape?”

“Please, just let me go.” JJ hated how small he sounded with his pleading. All of this felt like with Luke, where he couldn’t escape and just felt so weak. “I can’t do that. Sorry.” Hunter didn’t sound apologetic at all.

“Looks like I have to guard you myself. See you when you wake up.” Hunter punched JJ hard, quickly knocking the younger out. “You really like making my job harder for me, huh?” Hunter asked the knocked out teen.

“Time for phase two.”

Chapter Text

24 Hours Ago…

Rafe watched as JJ and Michelle walked out, something in the back of his mind feeling off. It’s probably nothing, Rafe told himself, shaking the feeling off before turning to Addison.

“You’ve been distant lately.” She says, making sure to keep his eyes on her. “I really haven’t. I’ve just been busy.” Rafe says, tapping his fingers against the table. That nagging feeling wasn’t leaving him.

“Too busy to hang out with your best friend?” Addison asked, a pout on her face. Rafe goes to look back at where JJ and Michelle left, but before he could Addison grabbed his attention.

“Look, I wanna say sorry. I acted like a bitch last time we hung out. I shouldn’t have pressured you about the marriage.” Rafe raised a brow at her. He’s known Addison since middle school, he’s never seen her apologize for anything.

“It’s whatever. It doesn’t matter cause it’s not happening.” Rafe says, going to look again, seeing only Michelle walk inside. Worry and fear grip him, as well as confusion. Why would he be worried and fearful? “Where’s JJ?” Addison asked, a look in her eyes Rafe couldn’t figure out.

Michelle seemed on edge when asked the question. “He said he wasn’t feeling too well. So he said he’d head back home.” Michelle says, taking her seat again, ignoring Rafe’s eyes on her. She hoped it would be believable enough.

“Awe, that sucks. I hope he feels better.” Addison says, a sad look on her face. Rafe looked beside him, where JJ should be. That nagging feeling just kept getting worse and worse. He stands up and pulls away from the table. “I think I’ll head back also. I’ve got some business to take care of.” He hurries out, ignoring Addison’s call of his name.

He should’ve known something was wrong the second Michelle took JJ out. JJ wasn’t feeling off, he was perfectly fine earlier that day. Something was really wrong.

Rafe gets into his truck and dials Sarah. The second ring goes through before she answers. “Rafe? Aren’t you at lunch?” Sarah asked. “I was- that doesn’t matter now. Is JJ home?” Rafe asked, worry lacing his voice.

“No. Why would he be? He was out with you.” Rafe cursed as the words left her mouth. “Get everyone in the living room now. I’ll be home soon.” He hung up as Sarah tried asking more questions. He didn’t have answers but he had a theory.

-- -- -- -- --

“Rafe, what is going on?” Sarah asked the second he came into the living room. He was actually glad Sarah listened to him, as everyone was in the living room. “We’ve been infiltrated.” He says, pacing the floor. He’s never felt like this, never felt worried for another person.

Why was JJ different?

“What?” John B asked. Rafe kicked at some clatter on the floor. He couldn’t think straight. Someone who he.. who he.. fuck. Rafe Cameron actually cared about someone, and now that person was in danger.

The consequences of feelings.

“We were out at lunch with Addison and Michelle. Michelle and JJ walked out to get some air and then she came in without him.” Rafe rubs at his face, trying to calm down.

“I asked her what happened and she said that JJ felt sick so he came home.”

“But he didn’t.” Sarah says, slightly flinching when Rafe turns to her. “Obviously not, Sarah!” Rafe yelled, worry and fear amping up his anger. Rafe was pissed off. Pissed that someone did all of this under his nose, that he actually got attached to someone and caused them danger.

Rafe stopped pacing and stared for a moment. “They’re all part of it.” Rafe whispers to himself, his anger becoming even worse. “They’re all fucking part of it!” Everyone watched as Rafe lost his cool in front of them.

Sure they’ve seen him angry but this was different. This was anger fueled by other emotions. “JJ had his phone on him. Can you track him?” He asked Sarah, who nodded slowly. “Good, do it. We need to find him. Now.” Sarah grabs her phone and does as told.

“John B, Pope, once she has his location you’re coming with me.” The two looked at each other before looking at Rafe. “Wouldn’t other pe-” Rafe cuts them off. “No. I can’t.. Right now everyone in this room are the only ones I can.. trust.”

They all looked at him with wide eyes. They’ve never heard Rafe ever say he trusted someone. Not even his family. “JJ’s really changed something in you, huh?” Sarah asked, getting a glare in turn.

“They’re targeting someone who works for me. That’s a liability to everything. There’s nothing more.” Even Rafe can tell he’s lying, but he doesn’t want to admit anything to himself. Not yet.

He didn’t need these confusing feelings getting in the way of this mission.

“Found him!” Sarah gives her phone to Rafe. “Why the hell is he in Charleston?” Pope asked, looking over Rafe’s shoulder. Everything hits all at once as soon as the words leave Pope’s mouth.

“Truck now.” Rafe gives Sarah her phone back, walking off leaving the others shocked and confused. “Are you coming or what!?” John B kisses Sarah before following out, Pope following after him.

“We’ll stay here and keep track of JJ.” Sarah tells the other two girls, who nod at her words. They would get JJ home safe, no matter what.

Chapter Text

“Wakey wakey.” Hunter says, patting JJ’s cheek. The younger groaned, head pounding as he blinked away the drowsiness. He was yet again chained to a chair, but he was in a basement of some kind.

“Welcome back to the land of the living.” Hunter’s face was close to JJ, making the younger jerk his head back. It was effortless, since he has nowhere to go. “Addison, go ahead and start.” JJ watched as Addison walked towards him, a blow torch in her hand.

Fear gripped at him. He was going to get tortured by these people. JJ automatically started struggling against the chains, the motion effortless. “There’s no point in struggling. You won’t get out of here.” Hunter tells him, just as his screams fill the space as Addison brings the flame to JJ’s skin.

JJ thought cigarette burns hurt, but the actual flame is much worse. His body was withering in pain, the smell of burning flesh hitting his nose. He couldn’t even get words out with his screaming.

Addison glares at him, holding him down to keep him from struggling. “You’re making it worse by moving.” She says, bringing the torch to his leg, burning his thigh.

He hadn’t even realized he was only in boxers until now. They had a whole canvas to work with. “If you never worked for Rafe, none of this would be happening to you.” Hunter says, walking around JJ and placing his hands on his shoulders.

“The naive boy, JJ. Wanting to be loved so badly he’d take the first chance there is.” JJ’s tears came down fast, both by Hunter’s words and the pain. Addison switched to his other thigh, his voice becoming hoarse as the screams kept coming.

“As soon as I made that run in with you, I did my research. Abusive dad, dead mother, horrible home life. Got saved by the pretty blonde. Started working for Rafe.” Hunter pulls JJ’s hair, a wail leaving his lips as more pain riddles his body.

“It was actually really sad how easy you fell for me.” Hunter chuckles darkly in JJ’s ear. “And not only that, but you actually started liking Rafe. The king of no feelings!” The laugh that left Hunter made JJ sick.

“But here’s the real surprise.” Hunter pulls tighter on JJ’s hair. “He actually fell for you too.” Addison had by that point given JJ five burn marks, switching to a blade.

He couldn’t even flinch anymore when the slices started. A couple on his chest, some on his legs, his arms. If he didn’t die by the torture, he’d surely die by blood loss.

Hunter suddenly slams their lips together, the younger male trying to get away. He didn’t want this again, not ever. “Stop struggling you little shit!” Hunter slapped JJ across the face, a loud sob escaping his lips.

He wished he could plead with Addison to stop, to go against Hunter. He knew it was useless. Hunter caressed JJ’s cheeks, a grin on his lips. “Rafe was right about one thing.” The topic change made JJ get whiplash.

“I did put a tracker in you. Just not where Rafe thought. This,” he says, pressing hard on JJ’s healed stitching. “Was merely to throw him off.” Hunter grabs another knife, cutting at the back of JJ’s neck, causing the younger to silently sob.

He felt Hunter’s fingers dig in and grab something out. A chip was suddenly in his face. “That’s where it was the whole time. It’s useless now. Since Rafe will be dead and we can end this whole war.” Hunter throws the chip on the ground and stomps on it.

“W-” JJ takes in a deep breath. “W-why are you doing a-all of this?” He asked, trying to ignore the pain to speak clearly. “Rafe kept refusing Nicole’s proposal. We needed this so we could kill the Cameron family and be the top mafia.” Hunter says, his face full of rage, moving Addison aside to stand in front of JJ.

The older male digs his fingers into JJ’s cheeks. He leans down and licks the blood spilling from JJ’s cuts. The younger felt sick to his stomach. He was violated by Topper, but this felt so much worse.

“So, when he kept refusing, my siblings and I thought of a plan. You just happened to come in at the right time.” JJ shouted in pain as Hunter bit down on a burn mark. Hunter licked from his thigh up to his chest, biting his nipple.

New tears started falling down his cheeks. JJ felt trapped, like he would never get out. Maybe he wouldn’t. He didn’t even know where he was, how was anyone else supposed to?

“What better way to kill the heir to the mafia than use someone he cares about as bait.” A chime suddenly sounded in the room. “Nicole says she’s with Rafe. They’re headed here.” Addison says, showing Hunter the text message.

“Great. Continue with him. I’ll bring our guest of honor.”

Chapter Text

Rafe looked at the text from Nicole. “I have something to show you, meet me at this address.” The message had a pin link attached to it. “We’re taking a detour.” Pope and John B didn’t question him about it.

He drives to the pinned location and sees it’s a neighborhood. He parks the truck when he sees Nicole on the sidewalk, waiting. “You aren’t alone. That’s fine.” Nicole climbed into the truck, causing everyone inside to tense.

“Don’t get so tense, boys. I’m not the dangerous one here.” Rafe scoffed at her words. “Why are you doing all of this anyways?” He asked as she hands him her phone. The address was the same one JJ was last seen at.

“You’re seriously asking that? You kept refusing the marriage, Rafe. We’ve been at war for years. This was the last straw.” She stated, like Rafe was an idiot. Rafe sighs harshly, gripping tighter to the steering wheel.

“What will I see when I get there?” He was afraid of the answer. “That’ll ruin the surprise, Rafe.” That answer made him even more nervous and angry. JJ had been missing for nearly 24 hours, who knows what Hunter or anyone else could’ve done to him.

“None of this would’ve happened if you just agreed to the marriage.” Rafe didn’t speak, he knows she’s just baiting him. He wasn’t concerned about anything except JJ. He needed to know he was alive. He didn’t need his death on his hands.

He doesn’t know what he would do if he’s gone.

“Rafe, this can all end if we still marry. JJ can be back in that house safe and sound.” Nicole says, trying to get him to agree. Maybe saying JJ would be back would get her what she wants.

Nicole didn’t even want to have that trash’s blood on her hands. She only agreed to Hunter’s plan because she knew it would get Rafe to agree. “Rafe, you can-” Rafe cuts off John B.

“He’ll be safe?” Pope and John B look at each other both thinking the same thing. Was Rafe serious about this? Nicole grins, not even hiding anything anymore. She just wanted the marriage, she didn’t want anyone dead if she’s honest.

“He’ll be safe, Rafe. You have my word.” Nicole says seriously, locking eyes with him in the rearview mirror. “Rafe, this is stupid!” John B says, trying to get through to Rafe.

Rafe knows that, he does, but if Nicole is being truthful, is going to keep her word. “I’ll decide once I see JJ.” Nicole nods, satisfied with the answer for now. She was finally getting everything she wanted.

-- -- -- -- --

They all climbed out of the truck, coming face to face with Hunter and Michelle. “So glad you could join us.” Hunter greets, a sickening grin on his lips. Michelle didn’t even look at them.

Rafe’s jaw tightened at the mere sight of Hunter. He reeled in the urge to punch or kill the other man. “Where is he?” He asked, getting straight to the point. “Follow me.”

They all follow the other two into the house. It felt so weird being in the enemy's territory like this. There weren't rules holding them back from attacking one another. It could end in bloodshed if either side really wanted it to.

The second the basement door opened, blood and burned flesh hit their senses. Pope looked sick, John B looked worried and sick, meanwhile Rafe just felt pure rage. He was going to kill everyone in this household if he finds JJ’s dead body.

The sight that they saw made them feel angry and sick. JJ was a broken mess.

Burn marks littered his legs and arms, cuts on his chest, arms, and legs. There were visible teeth marks, as well as bruises. He had a black eye, bleeding nose, and a busted lip. Dried and still bleeding blood covered his body.

He looked dead and that didn’t sit well with Rafe.

Rafe tries to get to him but Hunter holds him back. “Ah ah, not yet.” Addison walks over to JJ, lifting his head. “Look who’s here to see you.” She says, turning his head so he looked in the direction of the others.

“No. Y-” JJ coughed, his voice hoarse and broken. “You n-need to leave.” He pleaded, ignoring their expressions on their faces as he said that. “Like hell we are.” John B said, angry at the other’s words. They didn’t come all this way just to fail.

The second Rafe feels a gun at the back of his head, everyone froze. “No!” JJ screamed, ignoring the pain as he struggled in the chains. Addison digs her fingers into an open cut, a cry leaving his lips.

She holds his head to keep his eyes on the scene. “I told you his death would be on your hands, tiger.” Hunter says, pressing the gun even harder against Rafe’s head. “Walk in front of him.”

Rafe does as told, walking in front of JJ, Hunter following right behind to keep the pressure. “Kneel.” Rafe’s jaw tightens, but he kneels down, coming face to face with JJ.

“You shouldn’t have come.” JJ cries out, voice cracking as he speaks. His throat felt raw with all the wailing and screaming he did as Addison tortured him. “Like I was gonna leave you in their hands.”

JJ shakes his head. “I’m a nobody, Rafe. My life means nothing to anyone in this world.” Tears started falling down his cheeks again, JJ’s almost surprised he can even still cry. Rafe grins, shaking his head.

“That’s not true.” Hunter rolls his eyes at the conversation. He clicks the gun, making JJ freeze as the threat becomes even more real than before. He didn’t want Rafe dying, not for him. There was no reason, Rafe was an important person, JJ was just a broken boy his sister saved.

Rafe takes a deep breath before speaking. “I accept.” Everyone besides John B, Pope, and Nicole got confused by his words. “On one condition.” He never once takes his eyes off JJ.

He knows what he’s agreeing to is going to break their hearts, but he needs JJ to be safe. Even if it means never having him the way he finally thinks he wants JJ.

“No one touches JJ ever again.”

“Rafe-” Nicole cuts Pope off. “Agreed. Hunter let him go.” Hunter looked at his sister. “What? I am not backing out of this!” He seethes, glaring at her. “He’s agreed to the marriage.” The words strike JJ’s heart, his eyes widening at Nicole’s words.

“I’m sorry.” Rafe mouths, hoping one day JJ can forgive him. JJ being safe mattered more than Rafe’s feelings about the boy. “If this blows in our faces, they’re both dead.” Hunter promises, taking the gun away from Rafe’s head.

Addison takes the chains off JJ, to which Rafe automatically pulls him into his hold. He kept whispering apologizes as JJ weakly glared at the other male.

“Next month it will happen.” Nicole says, not caring for anything but her marriage. It was finally happening. She was getting everything she wanted. She would be the mafia queen alongside Rafe Cameron, an achievement everyone wished they could have.

“Fine.” Rafe seethed, picking up JJ. He didn’t say anything else as he walked out, John B and Pope following after him. The next month will be hell for everyone involved.

Chapter Text

When they got back, safe to say, everyone was pissed at Rafe. He knew what he did was stupid, but he didn’t care. All he cared about was that JJ was finally home and safe. He would never be hurt by them again.

He instructed Kie to look after him while he healed. Once it was just Sarah and Rafe, she grabs his arm. “Come on, let’s go to the roof.” Rafe silently followed her, knowing she wanted to speak with him alone without anyone hearing.

Once they get to the roof, she slaps his shoulder. “God, Rafe. This is the stupidest thing you could’ve done! You’re giving them everything they wanted.” She scolds, not even holding in her annoyance and anger.

“I did it to keep JJ safe, Sarah. What else was I supposed to do? Hunter was going to kill me and then JJ!” Rafe shouted, throwing his hands in the air. He already broke his own heart, along with JJ’s, he didn’t need Sarah berating him for his decisions.

“Jesus.” She utters, rubbing at her face. She pulls him into a hug, sighing softly. “You really like him, huh.” It wasn’t a question, it was a statement. It was something Rafe couldn’t deny himself anymore. “It was never supposed to be like this.” Rafe whispers as he hugs her back.

“Feelings will do that to you, Rafe. They’re unpredictable.” Rafe holds her tighter. “What the fuck did I do?” He asked, voice soft and quiet. Sarah holds on tighter as well. “You broke your own heart to keep someone safe.”

Two people with two broken hearts. It was almost laughable. Rafe never wanted a worker, never liked getting close to people, never did feelings. JJ appeared in his life and threw it for a loop. Everything Rafe was, beaten down by a boy.

“Maybe we can still salvage this.” Sarah says, pulling away slightly from the hug. “There’s nothing, Sarah. Hunter already threatened to kill us if anything were to fuck this up.” Rafe couldn’t do anything to fuck this up.

“Like your life on the line ever stopped you before. Sure JJ’s is too, but your feelings for each other can overcome that.” She cups Rafe’s face and smiles at him. “We will figure something out, okay?”

Rafe sighs, nodding at her. He hopes she’s right, he doesn’t know what he would do if he goes through with this marriage. “You can stay in my room tonight. Wheezie, you, and I. We could all use a sibling day.”

Rafe nods in agreement. He could definitely use some sibling time. He needed to forget everything he was, just for one day. Forget the marriage, the threat, everything.

“Let’s go get Wheezie.”

-- -- -- -- --

Kie, Cleo, Pope, and John B all huddled into JJ’s room, not wanting to leave him alone. The last thing JJ needs is to be alone after all he endured the last 24 hours.

He winced as Kie cleaned the cuts. It was silent for a few moments, the only sound was their breathing and JJ’s winces and moans of pain. No one knew what to say, not knowing what would be helpful.

“He agreed.” JJ whispers, wishing he wasn’t as heartbroken as he was. Even though it was to keep JJ safe, he didn’t like it. JJ didn’t deserve to be saved, not if it meant this.

Kie smiles sadly at him. “JJ, his reasoning-”

“I know. I do, but it’s.. He shouldn’t have done that. He never wanted this and now cause of me, he has to.” JJ flinches as Kie checks over the burns.

“I never should’ve ran from Luke.” Everyone looks at him. “None of this would’ve happened if I had just stayed.” Cleo shakes her head. “You’re right, but then we would’ve never met you. You actually brought a new light to all our lives.” She tells him, the other agreeing.

“Ever since you’ve been here, Rafe’s been different.” Kie says, starting to stitch up the cuts. “Sure he’s still himself, that’ll never change, but he’s gotten a bit better. He’ll be a better boss than Ward.”

“And if we try our hardest, with you by his side.” JJ laughed, groaning when it caused pain to flare up in his body. “Like that would ever happen. He only sa-” Pope cuts him off.

“Dude, I’ve never seen Rafe save anyone. He’s a every man for himself kinda guy. But you, a mere lowlife like us, he saved you. He put his life on the line to save you.”

The seriousness in Pope’s voice made JJ look at him. He wants to believe him, but Hunter’s words were still echoing in his head. He was right, he was desperate for love, even grabbing it at the first chance.

“It doesn’t matter anymore, anyways. He’s getting married.” His friends, he can call them that now, he thinks, all groan at him. “We have a whole month to figure something out.” Cleo states, everyone agreeing with her.

“JJ, you're our friend, we will do anything to prevent this marriage.” John B says sternly, like he was serious about it. Maybe he was, JJ wouldn’t put it past him. He’s seen John B when he put his thoughts to action.

“No one’s gonna be happy about it.”

“Who cares? It’s stated that Rafe becomes boss a week before the marriage is finalized. Once he becomes boss, he can do whatever he wants.” John B tells him, which makes JJ look at him.

“And what happens if he doesn’t change his mind?” He asked. “Rafe would rather die than marry Nicole. He’s been against the idea since Ward first brought it up.” JJ knows this, he’s witnessed the arguments over it the past two months and a half.

“Okay, a month.” JJ agrees, his friends all beaming bright smiles. “We’ll make everything right, we promise.” JJ hopes they’re right. They only had a month, so much can happen in a month.

Chapter Text

Ward claps Rafe on the shoulder, a joyous laugh leaving his lips. “About time you finally got your head on straight.” Rafe bites the inside of his cheek to prevent him from snapping at Ward.

“We need to start preparations.” Rose said, grinning from ear to ear. “Yes, we do. We’ll do everything, you don’t have to worry.” I do when it’s not a wedding I even want.

“Right.” Rafe sniffles before getting out of Ward’s hold. “I’m going to my room.” He doesn’t bother waiting for their answer, instead he hurries out of the living room.

He makes his way upstairs, but instead of going to his room, he walks over to JJ’s. He doesn’t bother knocking and walks inside, finding JJ sitting in bed with a book in hand.

Rafe could feel his blood boiling at the state JJ’s in. All because of him. If Rafe just agreed to the marriage in the first place, none of this would’ve happened. JJ wouldn’t be carrying wounds made by that bastard.

“You just going to stand there or did you need something?” JJ asked, looking over at the older male. Rafe licks his lips before sighing, “how are you?” It was a stupid question to ask, but Rafe didn’t know what to say.

“Me? Oh, I’m doing great. The first time someone showed interest in me used me. I have gotten somewhat sexually assaulted twice, I got kidnapped and beaten and tortured. And now the man I l-” JJ suddenly cuts himself off, kissing his teeth before shaking his head.

“My life has been fucked the second Ward appointed me this job, Rafe.”

“I know-”

“You know? You’re half the reason it’s fucked!” JJ shouted, glaring at the other man. Rafe curls his hands into fists, staring right back at JJ. He knows JJ’s right, of course he does. Rafe hasn’t been the best, not at all, to JJ since the start.

“God, sometimes I wish Sarah never found me.” The confession makes Rafe’s heart break. “None of this would be happening.” JJ almost sounds broken as he keep speaking.

“I wouldn’t have been used, or touched in that way, I wouldn’t be paying off a-”

“Do you wish we never met?” Rafe knows that’s selfish of him to ask, but he wants to know the answer, so badly. They stare at each other, heavy silence drowning them.

“Sometimes.” JJ admits. “And the other times?” Rafe walks closer to the bed, not once breaking eye contact with the younger male. “I wished we met under different circumstances.” JJ whispers as they were mere inches apart.

“I don’t want to marry her.” Rafe says, voice just as soft as JJ’s, like they were admitting secrets to each other. “I needed you safe, so I agreed.” JJ moves around in the bed so they’re face to face.

“Why? I’m nothing to you.” JJ said.

Rafe leans down and presses their foreheads together, staring right into JJ’s blue eyes. “You’re everything to me.” Rafe heard the hitch of breath from JJ, his eyes holding confusion in them.

“B-but I-”

“There’s a lot I need to atone for, lord knows I do. And I will do everything to do so. I’ll give you time also, after everything, you need to heal.” Rafe cups JJ’s cheek lightly, being mindful of the bruises.

“Physically and mentally.”

Healing takes time after all, I just hope it doesn’t take too long and I lose you completely. Rafe steps back and releases a breath he didn’t know he was holding.

He starts his way towards the door, when JJ calls his name. “Yeah?” He asked. “A lot can happen in a month.” JJ says, a tone in his voice Rafe can’t catch. “Yeah, a lot can.”

Rafe then walks out and heads to his own bedroom, locking the door and dropping onto his bed. “A month. That’s all the time I have.” Rafe says to himself as he buries his head in his pillow.

“A lot can happen in a month.” Rafe runs the words through his head over and over. A lot can happen in a month, but what things will happen in the real question.

Chapter Text

“How are you feeling?” JJ raised a brow at Sarah. “Psychically, how are you feeling psychically?” JJ snickers at her. “Been better. Still sore, but besides that, mere pulls and aches.” JJ finally says.

“At least something is okay.” JJ could almost laugh at her, but he knew it would only cause more pain. Since the whole ordeal, he’s been subjected to bed rest. By both Ward and Rafe.

He hated it.

He never liked sitting in one place for a while, but he wasn’t in the best condition right now. Sarah snaps his fingers in front of his face, making him look at her. “You zoned out, I’ve called your name like three times.” JJ graces her with a smile.

“Sorry, being cooped up isn’t my favorite pastime.” He says.

“That’s understandable. I don’t think anyone likes it. It can get boring.” JJ nodded in agreement with her. It wasn’t just that for him though, he didn’t have much to get him by. So anytime he was left to his thoughts, all he can see, hear, and feel is what Hunter and Addison did to him.

He wanted to forget it all. He’s never felt so weak in front of anyone, even his own father. They made him feel like a little kid, who couldn’t fight back. He hated it.

Sarah’s touch brought him back to the present. “Want to go for a swim?” She asked. “I don’t think Kie would be happy about that.” JJ answered. “Fine, I will enjoy the pool, you have fun being boring.” Sarah joked before getting up from the bed and walking out the room.

JJ laid in the bed for a few moments before the door opened again. It was Rafe.

Rafe closes the door and sits down on the bed, not looking at JJ. It doesn’t surprise him, JJ wasn’t looking the best right now. Scarred and bruised all over. JJ wouldn’t want to look at himself either. He hadn’t really either, anytime he went to the bathroom he’d ignore the bathroom mirror.

He didn’t want to see what laid on his body. He didn’t want to be reminded, even though his mind always reminds him.

“How’s everything going with the wedding preparations?” JJ saw Rafe’s jaw tighten at his words. “I don’t want to talk about that.” Rafe finally looks at him, but only his face. His face was better than the rest of him.

“I should’ve done something earlier.” JJ shakes his head but Rafe continues on. “I knew Hunter was the one, I knew it. I even told you, but I didn’t do anything until it was too late. You got hurt, JJ.” Rafe clears his throat.

“It tore me inside and out to see you like that. So helpless. I know you’re stronger than that.”

JJ wanted to laugh at him, but he didn’t want to irritate his already pained body. “Maybe if I realized how I felt..” Rafe stares into JJ’s blue eyes, seeming to search for something. For what? JJ didn’t know. “I know we put you on house arrest, but here.” JJ grabbed the book from Rafe’s hands.

“I thought you needed something to not be so bored around here. Life’s more exciting outside of four walls.” JJ looks at the book, before lifting his gaze to Rafe again. “Thanks.” JJ finally says after a few seconds of silence.

Rafe nods his welcome, before grabbing JJ’s hand, just holding it. JJ lets him, not used to the kind touch of Rafe. Which is a sad thing to think about. Rafe wasn’t a good guy, not really. He’s been there first hand to know the pain Rafe can cause. The humiliation. The anger. The danger.

Rafe was a person hard to figure out, but maybe that was one of the reasons why JJ found himself attracted to him.

It seems anywhere JJ went, trouble found him. But maybe, for the first time, Rafe wouldn’t be the trouble that could get him killed. And that’s saying a lot, considering who Rafe was as a person.

“I have some business to attend to these next few days, so you won’t see me a lot.” Rafe tells him. JJ didn’t know why he was being told this. “If you need anything, just ask Sarah. She’ll get you anything you need.”

That’s when it hits him.

Rafe was trying to atone.

“Yeah, thanks.” JJ seemed to not have many words today. How could he? If he started talking, he likely would start breaking down, and he was stronger than that. At least that’s what he told himself.

“JJ look I-” Rafe cuts himself off, sighing to himself. Instead of speaking again, he lifts JJ’s hand and presses a kiss to it. It seemed to spell everything out for the two of them. JJ lets a smile appear on his face.

Rafe smiles back, small but real.

He finally pulls away, standing up and walking towards the door. “I’ll see you in a few days.” Rafe then walks out, leaving JJ alone with the new book he has. He looks down at it and realizes it’s a classic book.

Rafe would be the one to have a classic. This makes JJ want to know more about Rafe. He doesn’t actually know much about him at all. Maybe these coming weeks he’ll learn more. If everything works out. He chastised himself, ignoring the growing anxiety at the mere thought everything wouldn’t.

"It'll work out. It has to."

Chapter Text

Rafe stared at the papers on his desk, words blurring. He needed a break. He pushes the papers aside, leaning back against his chair, and sighs heavily. It’s been a few days since the agreement and so far, all it’s done is give him a headache.

He wishes the damn rules were different. He never wanted to marry anyone, if he was honest. He wasn’t a relationship guy. He was always a player, just messing around with girls. Hell, he never once thought of a guy the way he thinks of JJ.

He never saw himself having a relationship. Yet here he was, falling for a guy. Wanting a relationship with one. JJ really changed his life in so many ways he never thought possible.

When JJ first appeared in his life, he thought he’d be another face among everyone else in Outer Banks. But then he got assigned a job, and then became closer to everyone in the house. Even got close to Rafe.

Which never happens.

And now. Now Rafe was dealing with a marriage he didn’t want, and trying to fix any hardships with a guy he couldn’t be with currently. Life really liked testing Rafe.

Knocking at his office door knocking him out of his thoughts. “Come in.” The door opens to reveal Sarah. She gives him a small smile before closing the door behind her and taking a seat on the small couch near the wall.

“It’s been hectic these last few days.” It wasn’t a question.

“I wish I didn’t have to do any of this.” If there was anyone Rafe could be vulnerable with, it was Sarah. He might not show it a lot, definitely not the last few years, but Sarah was his favorite. She was easy to talk to when you wanted someone’s views on something that wouldn’t be biased.

“I know, Rafe. I was in the same boat with you almost a year ago. Remember?” He nods, because he does. Just the mere thought of Topper makes Rafe’s eyes twitch in anger. Not only for the way he treated Sarah, but for what he did to JJ.

He rubs at his face. “Why couldn’t it have been easy like you?” See gives him a look that spoke it all. It’s because Sarah was also Ward’s favorite. She could get away with anything and wouldn’t get consequences for it.

“How is he?”

Sarah sighs, “as good as anyone can be cooped up in their room.” Rafe silently winces at her tone. He knows he told JJ to stay put, mostly to keep him from straining any damage, but also for protection.

“I’ve seen his collection of books increase.” She teased her brother, who rolled his eyes at her. There wasn’t much Rafe could give to JJ, at least without Ward and Rose suspecting anything. He couldn’t go on dates with him, nor take a sudden vacation to get away.

Books were his next best bet.

Besides, JJ seems to really enjoy them.

“Every book added is a step closer. It’s all I can offer given current circumstances.” Rafe tells her, to which she nods. “Soon.” Soon, but how soon is soon? Soon as in next week? Soon as in it’s too late? There were still almost three weeks before the wedding. Almost two weeks and a half before he finally took over.

Rafe groans softly, rubbing at his face, keeping his hands covering his face. “I just can’t not worry about everything that could go wrong.” Rafe announces, which Sarah can understand. There’s a lot riding on this marriage. If nothing goes according to plan, everything falls apart.

“Well, what do we have so far?”

“Ward’s already arranging a meeting to let the council see if I’m fit to lead. So that’s one step closer. And then of course there’s the training program to make sure I have all I need to lead. Which not only leaves me less time with JJ, but less time with planning.”

“Don’t worry about that when you go. I’ll handle all of that. John B and I already have plans to get JJ there. As we know the only way to make this happen that won’t cause a war.”

Rafe nods. He knows, but right now, he wishes he didn’t. If he wants this all to go according to plan, JJ needs to be ready. If you’re part of the mafia world, it’s normal. If you’re not, like JJ, it’s the most world shaking choice ever to be made.

“If he doesn’t.. we know what will happen.” Sarah says, the tension high in her voice. Rafe removes his hands and stares at her. He recalls the time he killed the traitor in front of JJ. How he teased him about JJ killing him, and how the poor boy paled and threw up.

How was he supposed to be ready in under three weeks?

“Work hard. I can’t.. JJ will be ready.” Rafe says it with such confidence, that even Sarah has some belief. She just hopes Rafe’s right. Usually people had months to prepare, but JJ sadly didn’t have that privilege.

“We will.” She promises before walking over and resting a hand on her brother’s shoulder. “Start once I leave for the program. Train him day and night. I know he’ll complain but he needs it.” Sarah nods, agreeing with Rafe.

They both wish there was more time. That they could plan this more thoroughly. But time wasn’t on their side. They needed this all to get done before the wedding.

“I promise.” Sarah says, giving his shoulder a squeeze before nodding her goodbye and leaving him alone. He leans down on the desk, running his fingers through his hair. He needed it all to work out, or nothing would be okay.

Chapter Text

JJ flipped the book over, almost laughing. It was yet another one Rafe had gifted him. This one definitely spoke volume to their life. It was a dark romance mafia book. “Idiot.” He softly mutters, flipping it back over to look at the cover.

Knocking came at his door, making him look up as it opened. “Hey.” Sarah greets, smiling at the other blonde. “Hey, how’s everything?” Sarah wants to tell JJ everything, she really does. But Rafe specifically told her not to. At least not until he leaves for the program.

“As good as it can be. Come, you need some outside time. We can sit on the balcony.” JJ almost sighs in relief at her words. She is right, he does need some outside time. He’s been stuck inside the house for nearly a week and a half.

He keeps the book in his hand, deciding to read it while talking with Sarah. “New gift?” He nods, following her upstairs to the third floor, and outside to the balcony. They both sit on the circle couch, taking in the fresh air.

“Feels good.” JJ comments as he opens the book. He starts reading, and Sarah allows him the silence. She merely watches him, smiling when he smiles, wondering what made him laugh when he does. She hasn’t seen JJ this expressive in positive emotions in a while.

It feels nice to see.

After a few minutes of his reactions, she finally decides to ask. “What’s so funny?” JJ simmers down his laughter to be able to answer her. “The main character, Cara, is her name. She had snapped at her love interest, Nolan. He was faking a dangerous situation to see how she’d react.” Sarah raises a brow, wondering how that was funny.

“Rafe did the same thing to me. I was angry at him for it, and hated how he tested me like that. But now seeing it played from an outsider view, I can kinda see how it was funny. She even slapped him! I wished I had done that. I just walked away.”

And then you got kissed and almost groped without your consent.

JJ shakes the thoughts away, not wanting to ruin his mood. “I bet hitting Rafe would be anyone’s highlight of their day.” Sarah says, joking along with JJ. “More like life.” He joked back, which ended with them cackling in laughter.

As quickly as it started it ended with JJ wincing. “Oh, sorry!” He waves her off, smiling at her. “It doesn’t hurt as much anymore but it’s still sore. At least the marks are fading.” She nods, patting his shoulder. “So what I’m hearing is, this is just the straight version of you and Rafe.” She teased, delighted in the blush that covers his cheeks.

“Can’t really be us if we aren’t together.” He says, which they both know is true. “Doesn’t mean it isn’t. They’re not together, yet. And it’s the same for you and Rafe.” JJ knows that’s true also. This story really was touching on their life.

It was almost like someone knew and decided to make a story about it. Just changing names, locations, and events.

“I wish I could surf. I miss it.” JJ suddenly says, looking out towards the ocean. “Well, maybe once this is all over, you can.” He nods, the words bringing yet another smile on his lips. He really missed the ocean, the calming of the waves and freedom surfing brings him.

He couldn’t wait to go back out there again.

Being one with the ocean, like he always did. It made him feel so much closer to his mother. Even if he never knew her, he just had that feeling she loved the ocean as much as he does. He had to get it from somewhere.

It definitely wasn’t from Luke.

“Do you think if you never saved me, we would be here?”

Sarah hums, thinking on it. “Maybe. Probably not in this way, but I think life has plans for everyone. Could it have been an easier way, maybe. But we won’t know. This was how it went down, why question other possibilities?”

“Yeah, maybe. Life’s been hectic ever since I was a kid, it almost all feels surreal.” He says, placing his book down. “Especially these last few months.” Sarah nods, like she understands, and maybe she does. Sure she grew up in a dangerous world, but that doesn’t mean she always had it like that.

“Well, whatever happens, we’re here. All of us.” It’s a promise, a promise JJ hopes she can hold. Who knows what the future holds for any of them. Anything can happen, and being part of this world, danger can turn deadly.

“Worrying about the future isn’t something we have to do. It’s the present that matters.” And those words stick to JJ, like it’s the meaning of life. Possibly because they are. Everyone always worries about the future, they sometimes forget about what they currently have. Good or bad.

“You’re right.” JJ shouldn’t shoulder all the issues about the future, not right now. He should worry about what is current. Which is his own pain, what he and Rafe are, and the wedding. Everything else, dangerous or not, can be a future JJ worry.

He just hopes everything works out in the end. That his life isn’t trapped in a cycle of bad and badder. He has this hope, that soon everything will be fine. And that hope, it what gives him purpose. But also the people he’s met.

He knows he wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for Sarah. He’d likely would’ve died in that street. He wouldn’t have met his friends, or Rafe. Sure there were bad things happening, but there were also good things. And that’s his focus. The good things he has in his life. And maybe, just maybe, that’s all he needs.

Chapter Text

JJ stared out at the calm waves of the ocean, the saltwater smell filling his lungs. This was really the only time he felt at peace. JJ technically wasn’t supposed to be here, but he was getting suffocated in the house.

So, he did what every teenager did. Snuck out.

He took a deep breath, just allowing the calm to wash over him. He’s felt like he hasn’t felt this calm in so long. Ever since the proposition almost three months ago, his whole life has been chaotic and stressful.

“Kie will be really pissed if she learns about this.” Rafe said as he took a seat beside JJ. “I needed to get out.” JJ explains, to which Rafe merely hums.

“I know the feeling.” The two then went silent, just enjoying the soft sounds of the wind and waves. The moonlight was the only source of light, making the nearly dark water shimmer silver.

JJ sighs softly, turning to look at Rafe. His hair was messy, likely just woke up, bags were under his eyes as well. His blue eyes were dark, the same storm waving in them like always. But calmer.

“Why did you agree?” JJ watched as Rafe clenched his jaw, before slumping down onto the sand. “The truth?” Rafe asked, looking over to see the other nod. “I wanted- needed you safe.”

“But why?” JJ stressed out the last word. The sudden tenison drowned them in waves, it was choking them at that one question. Rafe lifted himself from where he laid, pressing his forehead against JJ’s.

He lifted his hand and brushed his thumb across JJ’s bottom lip, causing the younger to release a sharp breath. “I can’t lose you, JJ.” They could both feel the air shift with something heavy, something yearning between the two.

“All you ever wanted was to lose me.” JJ whispers, afraid that speaking any louder would break the moment. A soft chuckle leaves Rafe, before he speaks up. “Not anymore, not ever.”

They both wanted to bridge the gap, but neither made a move to do so. Their hearts ached for one another, but they felt if they crossed this line, everything would change between them.

They wouldn’t be worker and boss. They wouldn’t be two reluctant boys forced into working together. They’d be.. something more. A force that would be unbreakable.

There were so many problems ahead of them. So many issues, that if they crossed this line, it would likely make everything worse. Was it really worth it? Was it all worth it to cross this last line?

“Is it worth it?” JJ asked. He never once broke eye contact with the older male. He wanted to see the truth in his eyes as well as hear it from his voice. “Everything is worth it, if it means you’re with me.”

JJ’s expression showed pure shock at the admission. This Rafe was something completely different. Or, maybe this was always a side of Rafe, just one he rarely showed. The Rafe that felt this intensely but never knew because he never had someone to feel this way about.

“But what about the wedding?” That was still hovering over them. Not including Ward. If they pursued this, it would have to be hidden until Rafe got his new position. And they still had the wedding to deal with. Not counting what JJ has to do to prove his worth.

“All we have to do is wait until I take over. Once I do, I am legally allowed to break the contract. Anything else that comes after, I’ll deal with.” Rafe laughs, beaming a soft smile. He knows he’s keeping one last thing a secret, but he won’t let it swallow him whole.

Once he knows JJ is ready, he’ll tell him. Then and only then, can they finally be together. “We’ll deal with it. Cause it’s you and I.”

That was all JJ needed before crashing their lips together. Rafe blinked at the sudden movement before kissing the younger right back.

Rafe’s kissed many girls in the past, but kissing JJ was like nothing before. It filled him with so much, that he felt like he was drowning in it. It was like his life finally made sense in the fucked up world.

It felt like being home.

Rafe cupped JJ’s jaw, bringing them closer, if that were possible, kissing harder. He never wanted to lose this feeling, not now when it was in his grasp. He would burn the world to keep this feeling.

He would burn the world to keep JJ.

Everything will work out, he thought to himself as he allowed himself to get lost in the kiss. Everything will work out.

Chapter Text

“Why are we doing this again?” JJ asked Sarah as she set up in the gym. “Because, if we want you safe, we have to get you fit.” JJ raised a brow at the reasoning, but let it go. He wasn’t going to question free fighting lessons.

“Oh and by the way.” She says dropping the bags down before turning to JJ. “This is only phase one.” JJ mentally shuddered at what was in store for him. Sarah pulls her hair into a high ponytail before grabbing two pairs of boxing gloves.

“Put these on and get into the ring.” JJ does as told, making sure the gloves were tight enough. He climbs in and just simply stands there. Sure he’s fought before, but it was all instinctual and out of fear.

“Oh jeez, you’re like a fawn. Here stand like this,” Sarah moved into a semi-crouch stance, legs spread apart, fists at the ready. JJ follows suit, giving her a ‘does it look okay?’ look. Once her nod of approval is made, she makes her first move.

“Fuck!” JJ cried out, wanting to rub his side at the sudden attack. “First rule, never get distracted.” Duly noted. JJ gets into stance again, this time making his own move. It was quickly blocked by Sarah, getting another jab into the side.

"You hurt.” JJ comments, already feeling a sweat gather on his brows. Sarah smiles at him. “Good, it’s meant to. Rule two, try and keep the least possible weak spots open.” She then showed him another stance, him copying her correctly.

“This time, try blocking your side.” JJ nods, letting her run at him before he twirled around her and punched her shoulder. She huffed in pain, rolling her shoulders. “Good, that’s a good move.” She praised, which had JJ smiling at her.

They went again, and once again JJ was able to block her attack before turning around and doing his own. It honestly wasn’t that hard, considering some moves he already knew from fighting beforehand. It did help though that it was more tactical than just instinct.

This went on and on for about two hours before Sarah called time for a break. They were both huffing and sweating by the end of the two hours. “I don’t think I’ve ever fought for that long.” JJ says as Sarah handed him a cold water bottle.

“Well, there’s a difference between fighting and training. Training takes longer.” She said, downing her bottle. “And it’s a good thing it does. It helps you get stronger and better. Sure street fighting is good, but practiced fighting is more practical.”

JJ has to give her that, cause she was right. His street fighting got him out of situations, but in the long run, he could die one day by doing that. Fighting like this could give him a fighting chance at living. Even though it seems lately he’s near death every day.

“Hey, um.” JJ clears his throat, running his fingers through his hair. He doesn’t know why he’s nervous. It was just a simple question. “Where’s Rafe?” He finally got out, not looking at her. For such a simple question, he felt like his world was tilting.

Sarah was quiet for a few moments before answering, “at council and then he’ll be leaving for a few days.” Well that was vague as fuck. That didn’t give JJ any information. What was the council about? Why was he leaving? Where was he going?

It seemed all the questions were written on his face, because Sarah sighed. “I can’t tell you. I wish I could, but what Rafe’s doing is only known by the council and the family.” She tells him, placing a comforting hand on his arm. “The Cameron family. By blood. So no, before you ask, John B and the others don’t know.”

He wanted to yell, maybe throw something, whatever just to let out these pent up emotions. His life these last few months have been a whirlwind of emotions, some he’s used to, some that are new. It was like no matter which way he went, something new or normal was right there to attack him.

Doesn’t help that only two days ago Rafe and him kissed and now he’s gone. Was Rafe leaving to think things through? Was he leaving for something important? There were so many questions that didn’t have answers and it was starting to crush JJ.

“Come on, let’s start again.” JJ was almost glad she said that. He needed to have an outlet and needed to stop thinking. All now he needed to focus on was training. Everything else can be worried about on a later date.

Chapter Text

JJ stares at the gun in his hand. He didn’t know if he wanted to drop it or not. The only times he’s seen guns used was in horrible situations. “I feel like phase two should be phase five.” JJ comments as he turns to look at Sarah.

“You can’t always rely on your hands, JJ.” She says, before waving her hand so he would get into position. He does, already noticing his stance is off. Sarah walks over and rights his footing and tips his shoulder correctly. “Now, you’ll look through this here,” she says, pointing at the small u shaped like thing on top of the gun.

“Okay, now try taking a shot.” JJ takes a deep breath before pulling the trigger. He wants to wince at the bad aim, but he isn’t surprised. JJ’s never once held or used a gun before. This definitely felt like a further phase but he wasn’t going to question Sarah.

“Don’t get stiff. You lock up and you fuck up.” JJ wondered if it was meant to rhyme or not but it made sense. The blonde sighs, before righting himself again and taking aim. He waits til he feels he can shoot correctly and shoots. It hit the paper person this time at least.

“That’s a start.” JJ knew it was simple praise, but he prided in it nonetheless. “Again.” Sarah sat back and watched as JJ shot the gun until he ran out of bullets. Once he was done, he put the gun down and clicked the button to bring it towards him.

It wasn’t too bad, but he would need more practice.

“That’s not too bad for your first try.” Sarah walks over and takes the paper down, clipping in a new one. “Let’s try again.” JJ can already feel the ache in his shoulder, but withstands it. He wants to get better, because Sarah is right. JJ can’t always rely on his hands to get him out of sticky situations, especially now that he’s with the mafia.

This went on for another hour before Sarah called it quits. JJ looks between his first to his last. It was better, but still not the best. He isn’t surprised though, considering this is his first time ever using a gun.

“You’ll get better with time. This here,” Sarah says, waving her hands around, “is you proving your worth.” JJ nods, rolling up the papers, walking out of the shooting range with her. “What’s with all of this anyways? You or anyone else didn’t start this until recently.”

Sarah knew he’d ask this soon enough. It’s been three days since she started this with him, sometimes John B joining in to help. She wishes she could tell him, but it was per the rules. JJ wouldn’t know the purpose of all of this until it was time.

“You’ll know in time.” Is all she says, leaving JJ wanting to ask more questions, but knew he wouldn’t get any answers. If Sarah wanted to be mysterious about this, he’d allow her. He technically didn’t have any right asking them, but he knew Sarah would be kind enough to at least give him an answer.

The drive back home was in silence, both in their own thoughts. JJ kept itching to ask about Rafe, but he didn’t want to bother Sarah. He knew whatever Rafe was doing, it would help them along. He just knows it in his heart. He just hates that he hasn’t spoken to Rafe in nearly a week.

JJ headed upstairs to his bedroom, dropping down onto his bed. He looks around, letting out a small laugh. It’s weird, that this room felt more lived in and like him than his bedroom at Luke’s place. He felt like he had a life here.

Maybe he did. He’s been here for nearly four months now, and he felt more at home here than anywhere else. He had friends, a sister figure, and a.. whatever Rafe was to him. His life wasn’t like this before becoming Rafe’s personal worker.

Knocking came to his door, knocking him out of his thoughts. “Hey,” Pope said, popping his head inside. “John B and I are going to surf, if you want to join us.” JJ didn’t waste a second before jumping from his bed. He’s been nonstop training with Sarah, he feels like he hasn’t had time to relax or rest.

JJ quickly changes into swimwear and walks down the stairs with Pope. They met John B out front, climbing into his Valkeswagen. JJ has once asked why John B had this kind of car when he was in the family. He said it was a safekeep from his life before meeting Sarah.

“How’s training going?” Pope asked. “A lot, but I think it’s worth the trouble. It’s better than laying around waiting for Rafe like a lovesick fool.” They laugh, before John B speaks up. “Hey man, you’re good for him and he’s good for you. Being a lovesick fool isn’t all bad.” JJ shrugs, a small smile on his lips.

He just sometimes wished Rafe would show up one day and it would all finally be over. They could finally be together with no worries and just figure each other out. No trouble from Hunter and his siblings, no trouble from Rose or Ward, no trouble from Luke.

Just them.

Soon, JJ tells himself as they pull into the beach. They climb out, grabbing their surfboards and heading towards the ocean. JJ laid down on his board, just basking in the feeling washing over him. He’s missed the ocean. Having to be on bedrest and then head thrusted into training, with few breaks. It made him restless.

“Feel good?” John B asked, swimming towards him. “It feels amazing. I haven’t felt this relaxed in nearly a week.” JJ answers, sitting up and taking a deep breath. “Being in the ocean has always had a relaxing feeling to it. It’s like the world fades away and all there is, is me and the vast waters.” John B raised a brow.

“Wow, never thought of it that way.”

JJ shrugs. Not many people think the way he does, not really. A life like this, most people wonder how JJ’s even still alive. JJ sometimes wonders how he’s even still alive. He hasn’t had a normal day in his life since childhood. Until recently, his life has been complete hell. The only time he felt like himself was whenever he was in the ocean.

“It’s nice to have a safe space in a life like mine.” JJ eventually says.

“Yeah, guess you’re right.” JJ looks over at John B. “How was it for you? Coming here, becoming a part of all of this.” John B hums, thinking it over before answering. “It was tough. I didn’t have much growing up. My mom walked out on us when I was a kid, and my dad was obsessed with taking down the Camerons.” That was a shock to JJ.

“He used to be a cop, before the station deemed him unstable to work. It wasn’t long before he started going off the rails.” JJ blinks. He didn’t expect this kind of story from John B. Maybe there was more to his story than JJ originally thought.

“So, what happened?” He asked.

“Ward killed him.” That was more of a shock. “Ward killed your dad?” John B nods, clearing his throat. “I was pissed off when I found out. Sarah didn’t want to believe it, not really. She knew her father was crazy, but she never expected him to kill my dad. At least not really.” John B explained.

“I wanted to kill him for it. Even if my dad wasn’t the best, he was still my dad.” JJ wishes he could say the same. “But in the end, I grieved and soon enough learned a lot more about him. Ward didn’t only kill him because my dad was trying to take them down. He also killed him ‘cause he was secretly giving information to the Kingsley’s.” JJ tensed up at the name.

That family really was everywhere weren’t they. It’s like JJ can’t escape their grip anymore.

John B pats JJ’s shoulder, giving him a smile. “We will take them down, once and for all.” He promises, and all JJ wants to do is believe that. He really does, but there was no telling what would go down in these few days.

All they really had was hope.

Chapter Text

The night Rafe finally came home, JJ felt all kinds of emotions. He was relieved, angry, and happy. JJ automatically ran and hugged Rafe, who nearly stumbled back by the sudden weight of the other male. The others chuckle at JJ’s reaction but knew it was warranted after the month they’ve had.

Rafe sighed contently, hugging JJ back. The last few days were torture. Both having to handle and deal with their own things and being away from each other. Their life was like a ticking time bomb, but they were glad to finally be back with each other again.

“So, how’d it go?” Sarah asked once the two stopped hugging. Rafe raised a brow at her. “Passed.” He grinned, looking at the others. “You’re looking at the new boss.” They all laughed in relief, glad at least things were moving along finally.

The toll of the wedding had been dragging all of them down, and it wasn’t good for any of them. Getting the news that Rafe got officiated into the new boss was the best thing they could’ve gotten. The last thing they needed to do was announce his new status and his relationship with JJ.

Rafe looked at JJ, a soft smile forming on his lips. He cupped the younger’s cheek and pressed their foreheads together. “There’s one more thing.” He said, his stomach turning at the mere thought. He takes a deep breath before moving away from the blonde.

“He’s trained?” He asked his sister, who stiffly nodded back at him. His eyes shifted to John B, who nodded as well. He trusted his sister, but extra confirmation never hurt anybody. Rafe looked back at JJ, who wore a confused expression on his face. “Ward will never accept our relationship.” Rafe says, biting his bottom lip before shaking his head. “Not normally, and there’s only ever one way for him to agree without breaking any rules.” JJ wondered what that could possibly be.

Without speaking any more words, Rafe grabs JJ’s hand and drags him upstairs. JJ was even more confused, wondering what could account for such privacy. Privacy wasn’t a huge thing within the Cameron Family, not a lot at least. So one thing JJ can conclude, this was something Rafe wanted to say to JJ only.

Once they were in Rafe’s bedroom, Rafe closed and locked the door. He let go of JJ’s hand and started pacing the room. JJ felt himself becoming nervous, as he’s never once seen Rafe act like this before. It was like Rafe would rather be doing anything else but be here and telling whatever it is to JJ.

“Rafe-” said man stopped abruptly and turned to JJ. Rafe takes a deep breath before finally opening his mouth. “There’s one more thing that needs to happen before I announce everything on Monday.” Rafe runs his fingers through his hair. JJ felt like a child waiting for his parents to get to the point.

What could possibly cause Rafe to act like this?

“Which is?” JJ asked. He hated all the waiting. It’s all he’s done for the past month. Waited for Rafe to become boss, waited for the news to come, waited for Rafe to come back home, waited for his wounds to heal. He was tired of waiting for anything anymore. They were so close to ending everything.

“Sarah and John B have been training you for a reason.” JJ nods, already knowing this. “I know. Sarah told me it was so that I could keep myself safe.” Rafe laughed bitterly. He should’ve known she would tell JJ that above anything else that would’ve fit just as right. It wasn’t wrong, but it wasn’t right either.

“It wasn’t the whole truth.” JJ felt his body turn cold, like someone dumped ice water all over. After everything they’ve all been through, they didn’t even decide to tell him the whole truth? “Why wouldn’t she tell me the truth?” JJ asked, clenching his jaw.

Rafe, seeing the reaction on JJ’s face, quickly walks over and grabs JJ by his shoulders. “I told her not to say anything. It wasn’t something you could’ve handled yet. I honestly don’t think you can handle it now, but we’re running out of time.” JJ could feel his heart thudding against his chest.

Something was seriously wrong here if Rafe thinks he can’t handle whatever this was.

“What is it, Rafe?” JJ asked.

Rafe squeezed JJ’s shoulders before nodding. “The only way Ward will accept our relationship and won’t cause a war between us and Kingsley’s is..” Rafe trailed off, looking away from JJ. “You have to kill your dad, in front of Ward and Mason.” As soon as the words left his mouth, JJ let out a choked sound.

JJ hated his father, sure, but killing him? JJ never once ever thought about killing someone let alone went through with ever even trying. Hell, when Rafe had joked about JJ killing that trailer months earlier, he had thrown up.

Was that seriously what John B and Sarah trained him for? To be able to handle a gun and to work up the courage to kill his dad? All because of what, so Rafe and JJ could finally get their happy ending!? It felt like total bullshit!

“There has to be another way.” JJ felt his stomach turn when Rafe shook his head. “I’m sorry JJ, but there isn’t. Killing your last living family member is a rite of passage when it comes to things like this. It not only gives us right to you, but shows you’re ready to be by my side.” JJ laughed, shaking his head.

“No- I-I’m not- you’re talking about murdering someone, Rafe!” JJ shoved him away, looking at the other in disbelief. This could not be happening right now. Rafe did not just admit JJ had to murder his father to appease some fucking mafia rule.

“If there was another way, I wouldn’t even think about telling you this but there isn’t.” Rafe said, watching as JJ kept shaking his head. JJ walked backwards until he collapsed onto Rafe’s bed, staring up at the ceiling. Rafe merely stayed standing, not knowing what to do to comfort JJ.

Being told to murder your family member is never an easy thing to hear. Especially if you aren’t part of this kind of life. JJ’s only been here for almost a year now, but he still is getting used to many things about the mafia lifestyle. Some things were easy, some were hard.

But this was something so out of left field, JJ felt like he was dreaming.

“JJ-” JJ cut him off.

“You wanna know something about me?” The question threw Rafe off. He hadn’t expected that to come out of his mouth. Maybe some yelling, or anger, or something. Not this question. Maybe he was in shock and he needed to use this to distract himself.

“Sure.” Rafe answered.

“JJ isn’t my real name. It stands for something.” Rafe had assumed much, but hadn’t figured out what it stood for. “My full name is Jackson Groff Maybank.” Rafe looked at JJ shocked. Groff. That name was so unique that there was no mistaking it. Everyone in the Mafia world knew about Groff. He was a ruthless Mafia leader that other leaders feared him. Then one day he vanished off the face of the earth and no one's heard from him since. To know Groff had a kid and not only that but it being JJ was a shock of the century. Rafe wondered if JJ's mother wrote that in her journals but decided to not ask right now.

It wasn't a good time.

“Luke’s not your real father.” Rafe said, shock showing in his voice as he spoke. “I learned about Groff when I was thirteen.” JJ says, sitting up and looking at Rafe. “I found some old journals in the floorboards. My mother wrote them and hid them, knowing one day I’d find them.” JJ shakes his head, running his fingers through his hair.

“I never knew her. All I have left of her is her journals. I don’t even know what she looks like.” JJ felt his throat tighten up as he continued speaking. “I remembered the anger and joy when I learned Luke wasn’t my real dad. I was angry that I was left with such a man. I blamed her at first.” The blonde laughed wetly, ignoring the silent tears falling down his cheeks.

“But I kept reading and soon enough I learned one thing.” JJ takes a deep breath. “I never had a good father. Luke was an abusive asshole. Groff murdered my mother. Guess danger runs in my blood.” Rafe walked over and pulled JJ into his arms as the younger of the two started sobbing into his chest.

“So sure, I might hate the thought of murdering someone, but I’m dangerous. I can be dangerous.” JJ lifted his head and looked Rafe dead in the eyes. “And if I have to kill Luke to finally have my happy ending, then so be it.” Rafe sighed, leaning down and pressing a chaste kiss to JJ’s lips.

“I wish there was another way.” Rafe whispered. JJ nods, knowing Rafe would’ve chosen anything else if possible. JJ wasn’t a killer, probably never would be, but it didn’t matter right now. All that mattered was Rafe and JJ finally being able to be together. And if JJ has to be a little bit dangerous then so be it.

“Let’s get some sleep. We’ve got a long weekend ahead of us.” Rafe led JJ to lay down in the bed, climbing after him. Neither of them got undressed, just laid beside each other, holding on. They just wanted the comfort of each other and nothing else.

Soon enough everything will be settled. JJ just needed to think about his future with Rafe and everything will be okay. He will have his new found family and lover by his side. He would have defeated the Kingsley’s and finally be free from Luke. He just needed to focus on the good things and all will be fine.

Chapter Text

It was in a meeting hall when the choice JJ was given came crashing down. Both the Camerons and Kingsleys were on both sides of the meeting hall. Mason was all prideful power meanwhile Rafe was stoic and giving nothing away.

The Kingleys thought they were finally getting what they wanted. Little did they know it would never come to pass. They didn’t know about the plan Rafe had told JJ. The choice Rafe had given JJ. The heavy choice of life.

Ward was a silent looming shadow, waiting for what would unfold. Rafe had spoken to him the night before, ignoring the looks Ward had given him when he explained what would go down on that fateful day. A week right before the wedding. The Cameron mafia belonged to Rafe now, he had the final say in every decision.

The Kingsleys thought it was a simple meeting about the wedding. The wedding that would never come to play.

Sarah placed a subtle comforting hand on JJ’s arm, knowing it was time. JJ gave her a small smile, letting her know he was ready for this. Sarah nodded back, removing her hand and clasping her own with John B’s, needing the comfort of her own lover.

“What the hell is this!?” Everyone’s eyes turned to the doors. There in the arms of Rafe’s men, was Luke Maybank, thrashing and seething. JJ felt his heart pick up at the sight of him after months. Their last interaction was something he didn’t want to repeat. Not after months away from those abusive hands of his.

The men pushed Luke further into the room, grabbing his shoulders and slamming him onto his knees in front of JJ. Luke tried to get them to release their grip, but it was useless. JJ watched as Luke huffed and puffed before he lifted his head and made eye contact with JJ.

“Well if it isn’t this little bastard. Is this your doing?” Luke asked. “You fucked your way into their saving graces and what, you’re using it to get rid of me or something?” Rafe settled next to JJ, looming dangerously over Luke. One wrong move and this whole ordeal will plummet.

JJ looked over at Rafe, a silent command to stand down. Usually Rafe would have glared at JJ for that, showing him his place, but that was a different Rafe. This Rafe simply clenched his jaw and relaxed his stance a little. He knew JJ could handle this.

“What is this!?” Hunter sneered, anger clear in his voice. No one answered him as Rafe handed JJ his gun. It was sentimental really, JJ using his lover’s gun to kill his father. Almost like a symbolic way of Rafe saving JJ from Luke, forever.

“Tch. You’re not man enough to kill me, JJ.” Luke spat at JJ’s feet, instead of getting a reaction, all JJ did was stare coldly into Luke’s eyes. “Maybe not before, but after months of being with the Camerons, a lot has changed.” JJ said, kneeling down and tapping Luke’s chin with the gun.

“And I didn’t fuck my way through their saving graces. Unlike the cheap whores you buy, I actually have people who care about me.” Luke laughed in JJ’s face, clearly not believing him at all. Luke had this one sight of JJ, a scared broken boy who couldn’t stand up for himself.

JJ was about to prove him wrong.

“Any last words?” JJ asked as he stood back up and pressed the gun against Luke’s forehead. Luke sneered, a smirk on his face, still thinking JJ was bluffing. “Yeah.” He said, his eyes shifting to Rafe. “Hope he was a good lay, you faggot!”

The bang sounded so loudly in the meeting hall, it seemed to echo in all of their ears. It definitely made JJ’s ears ring with how close he was to the sound. The blood splattered on the floor and on JJ, covering him in the crimson color of his father’s blood. The blood he once thought his own, but never was.

Didn’t matter, Luke was still an asshole father who abused JJ for his own entertainment.

It was symbolic that JJ would kill him. End the abuse in the most brutal way JJ would ever think to do.

It was silent besides the heavy breathing of JJ, who now was slightly shaking as his actions settled in. He nearly stumbled back in shock, but Rafe was right there, holding him up right. Rafe grabbed his gun back before it could slip from JJ’s grip, holstering it back.

“It’s over. It’s okay.” Rafe whispered into JJ’s ear, soothing the overwhelmed boy in his arms. JJ couldn’t even begin to think let alone answer Rafe, but that didn’t bother him. Rafe knew this would be hard on JJ, he was just glad he was here to keep him steady.

Mason nodded at one of his men. He came over and opened an envelope, and pulled out the arranged marriage certificate. Hunter and Nicole scrambled in shock, both spewing words of confusion and anger. Rafe handed JJ off to Sarah, walking over to Mason, grabbing the certificate and bringing out a lighter.

Hunter and Nicole watched in horror as Rafe brought the lighter to the piece of paper, and watched it catch fire. Rafe merely stared coldly into their eyes, watching with satisfaction as finally this Kingsley marriage drama was over.

As the final ashes flew to the floor, Nicole screamed. “This wasn’t supposed to happen!” Filled with rage, she grabbed her own gun and pointed it at Rafe, making everyone else lift their own guns. “If I can’t have him, then this low life can’t either!”

It was like everything went into slow motion. Nicole shot her gun, the bullet aimed at Rafe’s heart. JJ didn’t hesitate before pushing Rafe out of the way, the bullet lodging into JJ instead. Screams and yells filled the meeting hall. JJ gasped out heavy cries of pain, crumbling to the floor.

“No! No, no! JJ!” Rafe kneeled down, lifting JJ into his lap, brushing his hair away from JJ’s eyes. The blue eyes that reminded Rafe of the ocean, so light yet dark at the same time. They were now blown with fear and shock. “Hey, hey, I’m right here.” Rafe gasped out, taking JJ’s hand that was shakingly reaching for him.

“Get them out of here!” Rafe snarled as his eyes never once left JJ’s. “Now!” Rafe’s men hurried to follow the order, making sure no more shots were fired. Rafe was so focused on JJ, he hadn’t even noticed Sarah was kneeled beside him.

“Rafe..” Rafe shook his head, not wanting to hear anything. “He-” Rafe choked on a sob, taking note he was crying and hadn’t even realized it. “H-hey..” JJ choked out, slowly and shakingly bringing a hand to cup Rafe’s cheek, wiping the tears away.

“Don’t move, for fucks sake, JJ!” Rafe snapped, more so worried than angry. “Why would you do that!? What were you thinking!?” Sarah nodded at Cleo to get the car, meanwhile Kie, Pope, and John B kept a protective circle around them. Even if the Kingsleys were gone, it didn’t mean they wouldn’t try and finish the job.

“I wasn’t. You know me, Rafe.” JJ laughed, voice scratchy and coughing as he laughed. “I’m im-impulsive.” Rafe cried and laughed at JJ’s words, shaking his head as Sarah kept JJ from bleeding too much, waiting for Cleo to come back.

“Y-you know..” JJ sniffles and groans as he shifts a little, trying to get comfortable, even though it was fruitless. “This is the second time I-I’ve go-gotten shot because of you.” A breathy laugh fell from his lips, which had Rafe shaking his head. “Funny that both times it was the Kingsleys.” Rafe covers JJ’s mouth, not wanting him to talk anymore.

Cleo ran in seconds later, doors open wide. “The car is ready.” Rafe and John B lift JJ in their arms, keeping him steady as they move as quickly as they could without hurting JJ even more. They took a minute to get JJ comfortable in the back, laying his head on Rafe’s lap, as Sarah had JJ’s legs on her own.

“You’ll be okay. You are not leaving me, not yet.” Rafe whispered into JJ’s hair, as he kept petting his hair. JJ removes Rafe’s hand, interlocking their fingers. “Y-You won’t get r-rid of me that easily.” Were the last words that fell from JJ’s lips before he passed out.

The only sound in the car was Rafe’s constant calling of JJ’s name.