the perfect girl → outer banks ₁

[ 041 ] the need.

THE PERFECT GIRL.

chapter forty-one, the need.
[ season two, episode five ]

THUNDER CRASHES ABOVE THR CHÂTEAU, EACH DEAFENING BOOM ECHOING THE STORM OF EMOTIONS THE POGUES FEEL. Lightning flashes illuminate their devastated faces through the windows. They've been back at the Château for about an hour, the horrifying knowledge sitting heavy in their guts, if John B is convicted, he'll face the death penalty. The words still hang poisonous in the air, unspoken but consuming every thought.

Rory sits curled into herself on the outdoor couch in the enclosed porch, knees pulled tight against her chest as if trying to physically hold herself together. Her eyes are swollen and red-rimmed from crying, tears having carved glistening paths down her cheeks. A dark purple bruise blossoms on her bicep where Thomas grabbed her earlier, the finger marks clearly visible against her sun-kissed skin.

When JJ had first seen the bruise forming, his entire demeanor had transformed, face draining of color before flushing with rage, jaw clenching so hard a muscle jumped in his cheek. He'd nearly bolted from the Château, shoving his gun into the waistband of his shorts with trembling hands, muttering threats under his breath. It had taken all of Rory's pleading, her fingers digging into his arm, to keep him there.

The memory still flashes in her mind as rain pounds against the roof. Another crash of thunder makes her flinch.

"I'm gonna testify under oath. I was there," Sarah speaks up, her voice cutting through the tense silence. Her eyes are determined despite the fear evident in the way she twists her fingers together. "I just need to get a hold of my sister."

Rory lifts her head, nodding slowly in agreement. "So am I," she murmurs, voice still rough from crying. She tilts her cheek against her knee to look at JJ, seeking comfort in his ocean blue eyes. "I'm gonna testify too."

JJ releases a slow breath through his nostrils, the sound almost lost beneath the patter of rain. His eyes lock with Rory's, a thousand unspoken words pass between them in that single moment, a language only they understand. His gaze softens when it meets hers, but hardens again as he glances at Sarah. "Sister?"

"Kie, do you have your phone?" Sarah asks, extending her hand. Kie immediately hands over her cell without hesitation. "Wheezie is the only other person that knows Rafe wasn't home that day."

JJ's jaw drops, eyes widening slightly as disbelief crosses his features. "Wheezie?" The name comes out incredulous, almost like a laugh but without any humor.

"I don't know what else to do," Sarah exclaims, voice cracking with emotion. She moves into the Château, sinking down onto the couch with Kie's phone clutched in her trembling hands. "I got us into this mess. I'm gonna do my best to get us out."

JJ scoffs, the sound harsh and biting. "Wheezie? Yeah, that'll work." The sarcasm drips from every syllable.

Rory bites the inside of her cheek hard enough to taste copper, watching as JJ yanks his hat off his head in frustration. His blonde hair sticks up wildly in all directions as he runs one hand through it, making it worse. She can see the desperation building in him, recognizes the signs of his mounting anxiety, the way his chest rises and falls too quickly, how his fingers can't stay still.

"Well, she's right about one thing. We gotta do something," JJ continues, voice rising with each word. "Our boy is PO-dub right now, okay? He's held captive by the enemy, maybe even scheduled for execution." His hands gesture wildly as his volume increases. "Are we just gonna sit here!?"

"What's the plan? We start by kidnapping Shoupe?" Kie asks sharply, standing to her feet, crossing her arms over her chest.

"Maybe, like, that's not the worst idea actually," JJ replies, a dangerous edge to his voice that makes Rory's stomach knot with worry.