Danny wanted to try and let loose. He really did. The Boneyard was the perfect place to do so, and he normally would, but, he couldn't stop worrying about the cash and the implications behind it. He hasn't been able to rid the anxious crease between his brow since earlier.

He had a drink clutched in his hand as the condensation dripped beads down his wrist, but he couldn't bring himself to raise it to his lips.

He sighed and tossed the cup away from him. He watched the beer seep into the sand and allowed the music to drown out his thoughts. He let his thumb run rhythmically across the back of a shell as his eyes wandered through the party goers to check on his friends.

John B was chatting up a few touron girls by a palm tree, a drink in hand. Everyone was smiling and laughing, a classic reaction to the boy when he spoke. He was a natural people pleaser, able to read the crowd and mold them like putty in his hands. It's why Danny has never seen him without a pretty girl clinging to his arm.

Pope sat with a girl on a piece of driftwood. Danny didn't have to be within ear range to know he was talking about bodies and their natural functions. Danny didn't know if Pope realized that conversations about cadavers were something that you didn't have with strangers, or if that's all he can think of because he was nervous. Danny thought it was somewhat funny, in a Pope kind of way.

He wanted to stop his eyes from wandering over to JJ, but it's like he was a beacon, summoning all of Danny's attention to him. He didn't want to watch JJ, because if he continued to, then he'd want to go interrupt and hang out.

The words kept replaying in his mind, like the silent melody of a music box haunting his consciousness. And Danny didn't know how to turn it off.

You always come and swoop in and ruin it.

Normally, with words like that, Danny would pay no mind to. Because he doesn't care what anyone else thought of him. He does what makes himself happy no matter the consequences, or who he stepped over to get there. He was unapologetically outspoken, arrogant, and kind of a dick when he wanted to be. A holier-than-thou attitude in certain circumstances.

But not with JJ.

With JJ, he'd sell his soul to the devil if it meant it would put a smile on his friend's face.

"Hey," the voice broke him from his reverie.

He looked up and saw Kie sitting on the driftwood log that lay beside him. She was smiling softly down at him, her cheeks naturally rosy from the alcohol.

"Hey," Danny replied lazily and forced his eyes to stay on her form and not stray back to JJ.

She stepped off the log and sat down adjacent to him, her legs crisscrossed as her hands played with the white sand.

He watched the grains flow through her fingers, making a small pile underneath. The action was therapeutic and it calmed the incessant droning of the music box in his head.

"You look gorgeous tonight, Kiara," Danny said placidly and began to mimic her actions, grabbing a handful of sand for himself.

She smiled lightly. She may always play off his compliments, but he knew she appreciated them. Their friendship consisted of flattery and appreciation, Danny's way of making sure that Kie felt dignified and cherished. Her year at the Kook Academy took its toll and she was left absolutely miserable, but Danny was there to pick her back up and make her realize her worth.

"So," she said and tilted her head to the side, the wind blowing strands of hair around her like a halo.

Danny furrowed his eyebrows and tilted his head to copy her, not knowing what she wanted.

"So?"

She sighed and nodded her head in the direction of the crowd. "JJ is with Jenny again . . ." she trailed off and fixed her gaze on Danny, who has yet to wipe the frown from his face.

"Mm-hmm," Danny hummed but seeing the two felt like a kick to the stomach, and he didn't understand why the crushing, heavy feeling constricted around his chest when he saw them.

As if JJ could sense Danny's eyes, he lifted his gaze and their eyes met for a fleeting moment. JJ smiled briefly and then turned away, directing all his attention back on Jenny. Danny had to force the scowl off his face.

The music box is on full volume and he squeezed his eyes shut momentarily.

"Aren't you gonna go over?"

He looked up and breathed deeply, sheepishly looking over at Kie, trying to carefully push down the suffocating feelings deeper and deeper so he never has to experience it again. "Do I do that a lot? Ruin it?" His voice is small and full of insecurity, yet thinly veiled behind aloof indifference on the subject matter.

"Yeah," she said, not realizing the implication behind her words, and Danny angrily rubbed his hands down his face.

He didn't want to ruin anything for JJ. Danny wanted the world for him and if that meant that Danny wouldn't be in it, then that's what he'd do, no matter how much it hurt.

"So you're not going to go?" Kie asked, baffled by Danny's reluctance.

Danny mumbled, "He gets mad when I do."

"So what? He does it to you sometimes." Kie chuckled lightly. "And since when did Daniel Sarver give a crap about what other people thought?"

"I don't," he replied indignantly, a pout brimming his features as the sun's setting rays highlight the pair.

She leaned back and rocked forward, her hands holding her kneecaps. "Right."

It's silent between the two. The sun set completely and Danny could feel his mood dampening with it. He sat stiffly against the palm tree and stared at the crashing waves on the shore in between the legs of the dancing crowd.

"D," Kie said delicately, leaning her body towards Danny, "It's okay to like him, you know? None of us care."

Danny couldn't help but feel a wave of melancholy wash over him and squeeze his throat. He rubbed at his chest to try and lighten the invisible chains constricting him and cleared his throat.

"I know, but I don't," he whispered and tore his gaze away when he saw her sympathetic stare. "And he doesn't either. I'm not ruining that."

***

"Hey!" JJ called brightly and slapped his arm around Danny's shoulders, pulling him down to match his own height.

Danny stumbled at the contact and turned his head to a slightly intoxicated JJ, who sported an ear-splitting grin.

"Hi," Danny said tentatively as he surveyed the proximity for Jenny, ready to flee the moment his eyes caught her figure.

JJ abruptly wrapped Danny in a bone-crushing hug and Danny loosely wrapped his arm around him in return, confused by the sudden affection.

"What's going on?" Danny asked when JJ had yet to let go. He stiffened when he felt JJ's breath tickle the side of his neck.

JJ pulled back and smiled lazily, his eyes hooded with alcohol. "I haven't seen you all night." He shrugged as an answer.

Danny nodded slightly and he tried to smile, but it appeared to be more of a grimace.

JJ's eyebrows instantly furrowed and he placed his hand on Danny's shoulder. "What's the matter?" He looked around to see if he could find the cause.

Danny instantly shook his head and placed his hand on top of JJ's. "Nothing. Nothing," he appeased, feeling guilty for making JJ worry over him when it was his own fault in the first place. If Danny never ruined things, he wouldn't even be in this mess.

"You sure?" JJ questioned suspiciously. "Because that line between your eyebrows tells me otherwise."

Danny's fingers immediately reached up and smoothed the skin between his brows as JJ chuckled.

Danny saw the redhead over JJ's shoulder beginning to walk toward the two. He tensed. "Well, I'm gonna go see John, B," he said and turned around stiffly.

JJ bent at the waist and grabbed two cups and followed the boy, "I'll come. I want him to try this."

"Yo, what's up? I got this for you," JJ said and held out the drink to John B as the three stood in a circle just off to the side of the bonfire. "Want it?"

"For me?" John B asked and pointed to himself. He looked at Danny with raised eyebrows and Danny motioned for him to take it.

"Yeah," John B said. "I'll take a sip."

JJ turned to look at Danny but caught a glimpse of a girl behind him. He ripped the cup out of John B's grasp and walked to the girl. "Oh, wait. Hey, hey. Hey, Sarah!"

Danny and John B share confused glances and turn around to follow JJ. He stopped Sarah from walking away. She appeared uncomfortable but tried to remain polite.

"Sarah, can I interest you in a tasty Milwaukee beverage?"

She shook her head briefly. "No, thanks." She attempted to walk away.

JJ goaded, "Is it not fancy enough for you?"

"No," she insisted, not wanting to make a scene. "We were just leaving."

She smiled briefly at Danny in greeting and took hold of Topper's hand.

"Dude, let it go," Danny mumbled, not wanting to start something just because JJ wanted someone to try his shitty beer. He tugged at JJ's elbow and JJ would have retreated if it weren't for Topper always wanting to dig at the Pogues.

"Hey, you know what?" Topper started and stepped in front of Sarah. "I'll take it. I'll—Thank you, man. I appreciate it."

"That's a nice suggestion, Topper, but I didn't ask you," JJ taunted with a mocking smile on his lips. "If you said pretty please, maybe, but you didn't."

"Oh, pretty please," Topper mocked lowly with a faux courteous attitude.

JJ ignored the boy and shifted his attention back to Sarah. "Yeah. Sarah." He held the drink out.

She glanced at Danny, worry lingering in her gaze but he faced JJ, ready for anything to happen.

"Pretty please?" Topper drew sarcastically and stepped closer, holding out his arms.

"You can have it."

Topper slapped the cup from JJ's grip, splashing the contents all over the boy. "She doesn't want it, you—"

He's cut off when JJ rushed forward and took fistfuls of Topper's button-down shirt and pulled him close.

"No! Whoa, whoa, whoa!" Danny yelled and pushed back Topper as John B dragged JJ away. Pope and Kie rushed to the group.

"You're so funny, man," Topper said and tried to walk closer, but stopped when he saw Danny's heated glare. Topper scoffed and instead yelled, "Dirty Pogues!"

Before Danny could stop it, John B whirled around and sent a forceful shove at Topper.

"Dude!" Danny yelled and tried to pull his friend back.

"We're supposed to be incognito, remember?" Pope stressed and put his hands on the top of his head, and watched the scene with wide eyes.

Sarah watched anxiously and reached to catch Topper's wrist as he stalked forward revengefully. "Babe, babe, babe, babe," Sarah pleaded.

Topper landed a punch on John B's jaw which sent the boy to the sand. Topper then kicked John B's stomach, launching him further into the water.

"This is exactly what was supposed to not happen!" Danny cried and he and Pope share panicked glances and JJ held Danny's forearm. Danny couldn't tell if it was a comforting gesture or a secured grip to hold him back.

"Hey, John B, don't make me drown you like your old man, all right?"

The crowd began to chant and the excitement elevated when John B tackled Topper into the water.

"John B, let it go!" Pope yelled as he watched his friend continue to fight.

Kie shouted, "Stop, you guys!"

That was Danny's breaking point. He was already on edge from the money that they found, but the Kooks coming to a Pogue party looking for trouble was enough to make him snap.

So, when Topper started to dunk John B's head under the waves, Danny lurched forward bringing his knee to his chest and extending his heel into Topper's side, sending him flying into the water.

"You good?" Danny questioned briefly. John B answered with a grateful nod.

Topper pushed himself upright and wiped the water from his face. "Is that what you wanna do, Danny?" Topper commented darkly, his fists clenched tightly by his sides.

Danny could hear the yells from his friends a few feet away, wanting him to stop, but Danny had no intention to do so. He wanted to end this. Right here, right now. He was itching for a fight of his own.

Danny nodded as he slowly stalked closer to Topper, who instinctually took matching steps backward. The waves lap against their shins. Danny was surprised by the intensity of the rage brimming in his veins.

Topper went after John B; that meant war.

"Yeah," Danny answered, his voice grating and low, only meant for Topper's ears. "This is exactly what I want to do." As soon as the final word filtered past his lips, he swung and sent Topper into an incoming wave.

Topper sputtered for air and then crashed into Danny, his arms wrapped around Danny's midsection and pulled him to the water.

Danny blinked harshly, trying to clear not only the stars from his vision from when his head hit the sand but also the waves crashing over him. He groaned when knuckles collided with his mouth.

He spit and felt blood run down his lip and drip off his chin.

Danny reared his elbow up and connected with Topper's cheek and pushed the boy off of his body. He stood and they look at each other, waiting for the first move.

There are about four feet between them, but before Danny could walk forward, JJ was blocking his path.

JJ pressed his back against Danny's chest and glared at Topper, raising the gun in his hand.

Topper blanched and held his hands in the air, staring wide-eyed and panicked.

JJ clicked the safety off, the noise freezing the motions of those around the three. "Yeah, you know what that is," JJ warned. "Your move, broski."

The once invested crowd fled with frightened cries at the sight of the weapon.

"Chill, dude!" Pope yelled frantically.

Danny breathed deeply, now trying to catch his breath after the adrenaline of the fight wore off. He felt JJ's other hand press against his stomach, holding him back and keeping him steady.

"JJ! Stop! Put the gun down!" Sarah begged, fearful of what he will end up doing.

"Did you say somethin', Princess?"

Topper swallowed thickly and continued to keep his hands raised. He caught the eyes of Danny, who in turn bared a wicked smile. "We're good. We're good."

"Kie! Can you check your psycho friend, please?" Sarah implored and looked at the girl with wide eyes.

JJ stepped away and walked onto the sand. He raised the gun in the air and shouted to the rest of the partygoers, "Okay, everyone, listen up! Get the hell off our side of the island!"

He shot twice in the air and fearful yells replaced the shots.

Danny waved mockingly as Topper ran past the boy and fled with Sarah.

"Are you crazy? You idiot!" Pope fumed and pushed JJ out of anger.

"Stupid! Why would you do that? It's not worth it!" Kie added and pointed her finger at him in outrage.

"You're gonna jeopardize everything!" Pope yelled in exasperation as JJ rolled his eyes.

"Hey!" Danny said and stomped toward the three. "Don't fucking yell at him!"

Danny pulled JJ's shoulder and pushed the boy behind his back to shield him. He met glares with Kie and Pope, both of who shrunk back under his now intimidating stature.

"He had a gun—" Pope tried to reason as he pointed at JJ.

Danny moved his head to meet Pope's eyes and to further block his glare at JJ. "So what? I didn't see you two doing anything! So don't try to make him feel guilty for actually helping stop the fight!"

He huffed as his shoulders moved with every breath. The group fell silent, shocked by his outburst, but not by him defending JJ.

He turned around to look at JJ. He could see the almost imperceptible shaking of JJ's hand. Danny reached out and grabbed the gun and tossed it in the sand.

"I need a hug," Danny requested lightly and held open his arms, water dripping off his body. "Please?"

He knew JJ would never ask for comfort, especially not in front of the rest of the group. So the only way that Danny could think of helping him, would be to act as if he needed it himself. Something he's been doing for as long as they were friends.

JJ crashed into Danny's arms, knocking him a step back before he was able to stabilize himself. Danny wrapped his arms over JJ's shoulders, pulling him close and holding him steady. JJ pressed his forehead to Danny's shoulder and let out shaky breaths, allowing Danny to soothe his anxieties.

"We're okay," Danny whispered. He unlatched after another minute.

He turned his head and rubbed his eyes. He spit the remaining blood in the sand and ran his hands through his hair to rid some water. He steeled his face with newfound determination.

"All right, here's what's happening," he said and looked at each of his four friends. "Laying low isn't an option anymore, so the best thing we can do now is to keep our mouths shut. We need to clear out before the cops arrive, 'kay? Kooks probably already ratted, so clean up, stop bitching, and let's go. What's done is done."

***

They went back to the Chateau and made sure John B would be okay. Pope then drove the van and dropped off everyone, before driving back to stay with John B.

"Thanks, Pope," Danny mumbled and staggered out of the van, his body already beginning to ache like it always does after a fight. "I'll see you guys later."

He goes to slide the door shut, but JJ stopped it from closing. He stepped out and began to walk toward Danny's backyard.

Danny and Pope shared questioning looks before Danny just shrugged and closed the door. Pope drove off.

Danny slowly walked down the side path, careful to avoid the overgrown hydrangeas. He let his finger run over his busted lip, and he pulled back when it stung more than it normally did. He rounded the corner and saw JJ looking down at his crossed ankles as he leaned against the back wall beside the deck stairs.

Danny wordlessly typed in the code on the handle and unlocked the basement door. He stepped in and flicked on the light. He took off his shoes and sand poured out and onto the tiles. He sighed and then became aware of how uncomfortable his half-dried clothes felt against his body.

He shed his shirt and dropped it by his shoes. He'll worry about it tomorrow. He closed the door and locked it back up. The AC instantly cooled his body and the hair on his arms stood straight.

He renovated the basement to turn it into his bedroom. He convinced his mom he was afraid that the trees would fall and crash into his room and he'd only feel safe in the basement, but really it was because it was easier to sneak out of. He suspected that his mom knew that as well.

He searched the dark room for JJ, but the light from the bathroom stole his attention. He silently made his way over and leaned his forearm in the door opening.

"Whatcha doin'?" Danny asked.

"The hell's it look like I'm doing?" JJ muttered and continued to gather the first aid materials from under the sink.

"Not sure," Danny mused sarcastically and walked to sit on the edge of the jacuzzi tub. He rested his forearms on his knees and watched JJ pull out a washcloth, rubbing alcohol, and cotton balls. He washed his hands and then wet the washcloth.

"I can just clean up in the shower, JJ. I don't need you to be my nurse."

"Shut up," JJ quipped and walked closer to Danny.

Danny laughed and raised his hands in surrender.

JJ's lip curled in disgust and he said, "You have blood in your teeth."

He gently grasped Danny's chin with his forefinger and thumb, inspecting the damage done to his lip.

Danny raised an eyebrow and took the cloth from JJ's hand. "That's kinda what happens when you get punched in the face."

He pulled his head back and JJ's hand fell back to his side. They stared at each other, yet Danny couldn't figure out the implication behind JJ's expression. It's not one he's ever seen before.

JJ rolled his eyes and moved over to the walk-in shower. He turned the nozzle and water sprayed down from the ceiling showerhead, bringing steam instantly.

"Just take a shower," JJ said and walked out of the bathroom.

Danny furrowed his eyebrows but stood up. He moved sluggishly to the sink and frowned when he saw his reflection.

His hair stuck in wild directions and a trail of dried blood formed down his neck. Shit. He'll end up needing to throw away his shirt.

Danny raised the cloth and pat his lip, wincing when it hit a tender spot.

"Ouch," he groaned and dropped the rag on the counter. He bent at the waist and placed his elbows on the granite, and his head in his hands. He sighed deeply, thinking of how because of tonight, the summer will probably only bring unwanted trouble with the police and the Kooks.

He straightened with a jolt when a hand touched his back. He saw JJ's amused smile in the reflection of the mirror.

"Gotcha," JJ laughed and set the clean pair of sweatpants and t-shirt on the edge of the sink.

Danny narrowed his eyes and grumbled, "Hilarious."

He closed his eyes and raised his hand to rub his forehead. He was tired after a long and eventful day and wanted to sleep for longer than eight hours for probably the first time in his life.

"Do you have a concussion?" JJ asked and stepped closer to see how Danny's eyes would react to the light.

Danny straightened and turned around to lean against the sink as he crossed his arms to face JJ. He shook his head, "No, Doctor JJ. Just the lip." He swatted away JJ's hands that came to rest on his cheeks so he could peer into Danny's eyes.

"You're a terrible patient," JJ monotoned and grabbed the cloth to wet it again. He rung it out over the sink and gently wiped away the blood on Danny's skin. "And you need my help desperately," he added and motioned to Danny's skin.

Danny leaned back to further himself from the washcloth, "Jesus! That's freezing."

JJ scoffed and took hold of Danny's wrist to stop him from pushing away. He continued with his work, but Danny stepped around JJ, running further into the bathroom with a light laugh.

The steam nearly filled the bathroom, and Danny had to squint through the water vapor to make out JJ's unamused scowl. JJ walked forward and motioned Danny to come closer.

"Run it under warm water," Danny demanded and pointed at the sink.

"You're a literal child," JJ said with an eye roll, but he complied nonetheless.

Danny smiled and gladly walked closer to him. He leaned in close to JJ and jut out his chin with a satisfied smirk. "I'm ready, Doctor."

JJ wordlessly cleared the blood and lightly wiped at the cut on his lip. "Dab it with the rubbing alcohol when you're finished showering," JJ instructed, forcing the words quickly out of his mouth.

"I'm gonna head out now," he added, his eyes darting away from Danny's gaze as he walked to stand under the bathroom doorway.

"What? Why?"

JJ rubbed the back of his neck and kept his eyes pinned on the jacuzzi to the right of Danny. "I knew you wouldn't want to take care of your lip, so I only stayed to clean it up for you."

Danny stuffed his hands in his pockets and stared at JJ pointedly, "You're just gonna walk home?" He paused and peered at his bare wrist for emphasis, "It has to be after midnight by now."

JJ nodded and lifted one shoulder in a half-hearted shrug.

"Just stay over. Why are you being weird?"

JJ raised his eyebrows and gestured to himself, "I'm not being weird." He laughed after, trying to sound sincere but it was definitely weird.

Danny's lips tinged to a frown. "That was weird, JJ."

JJ opened his mouth to protest but Danny cut him off and walked forward. "Please? I don't want you to go. Just stay."

JJ sighed and glanced over his shoulder at the door, and then back at Danny's wide, pleading eyes.

"Please? For me?"

"All right."

*****

Thanks for reading!!

What do you guys want to see in here? Any specific scenes coming to mind?

Xoxo, R