𝐅 𝐎 𝐔 𝐑 𝐓 𝐄 𝐄 𝐍
pogue chauffeur

At this moment, JJ Maybank felt like this was the lowest he could go. When he was younger, his greatest fear was his father and what he knew Luke Maybank was capable of. However, as he got older and learned to defend himself, he realized it wasn't his father that sprouted undescribable fear. It was the thought of becoming him.

After being locked in a jail cell, then presented with restitution, he knew his biggest fear had been brought to the surface. JJ Maybank was becoming his father.

With a shaken demeanor and thought-filled head, he sat across from his best friend. The two had driven the HMS Pogue out in the middle of nowhere with an abandoned dock and uninhabitable space of land after he had retrieved his friend ( John B having been missing for the short while ).

The blonde pogue was clearly shaken up, John B could tell. However, he felt like his news would overcome that, so he continued. He sat atop a large boulder rock while JJ leaned against another.

"First, I almost get strangled to death by Kooks," the blonde continued, elbows resting on his knees. "And now I'm on the hook for 30 grand. We should just dip."

"Okay. Where do you wanna go? Hm?" John B shrugged, knowing JJ's words didn't mean much when he couldn't act on them.

The blonde thought for a second, then shrugged, turning to his best friend. "Yucatan." He offered.

John B was quick to scoff, a humorous smirk on his lips. "Yucatan."

JJ's jaw tensed as his friend's lack of judgement. "No, I'm dead serious right now. Surf all day, then we can just live off lobsters we catch with our bare hands."

The brunette pogue had to admit, the dream sounded great, but it wasn't possible. Logically, they could never achieve that, and John B knew he had to start thinking realistically now that he had a plan to find the gold.

"You just wanna leave 'cause you got your ass beat?" John B huffed, shaking his head at the incredulous suggestion. His friend visibly tensed, eyes locking with the dirt beneath him and jaw ticking.

"You didn't see the photos." JJ mumbled, eyes trained on the ground.

"Think about it." John B proposed, standing up to convince his friend. "They're willing to kill for the gold, then it's gotta be out there."

"Have you lost your mind?" The blonde's voice unintentionally raised, and he had to take a deep breath to calm down. "One hundred years, man. One hundred years, people have been tryin' to find this Royal Merchant, and no one succeeded. You think you're gonna be the one that actually finds it?"

The Routledge boy wanted to listen to his friend. He wanted to be convinced that he was going down the wrong path, and if he didn't stop now, it would all be for nothing. But, something inside him was telling him that he couldn't stop until he avenged his father's dream. Until he went through with his thought-out plan.

"When will you get it in your thick skull?" JJ questioned, jamming his finger into John B's chest. "If you keep goin' down this road, you're gonna end up just like your dad!"

John B knew it wasn't JJ's intention to hurt him. In fact, he was trying to warn his friend. But John B's heart still wretched with a slight pain as he shoved his friend back in retaliation.

"I can't give up, JJ!" He shoved, JJ reeling back at the unexpected contact, but he let his friend continue nonetheless. "The last time I saw that dude, we got in an argument,"

John B was now inches away from JJ, their eyes staring into each other's. JJ held guilt behind his cerulean ones while John B's held a type of retaliation.

"And then he took all of our rent money and dipped for this Royal Merchant," John B sighed. "And then I told him he was a shit father, and you know how the rest of the story goes."

Ever since Big John Routledge had been declared lost at sea nine months ago, it weight both JJ and John B down for obvious reasons. It was the boys father, he was the one person who remained constant in his life. As for JJ, Big John's role in his life wasn't far from a father-figure.

So, when John B reminded him of their departure, JJ tensed, eyes falling to the ground. They both held a mutual understanding, but neither of them spoke on it.

The brunette turned around, running his hand through his hair, stressed.

"Bro, that wasn't your fault," JJ reminded, but it came as no use to the self spiral that the Routledge boy was enduring.

"It doesn't matter whose fault it was, JJ!" John B retorted, turning back to face his friend. "Do you not understand that?"

JJ's head dropped at his friends sudden outburst, feeling just as bad as his friend was feeling. He felt sympathy, while John B felt guilt.

"I can't give up on the hunt, man." John B decided, knowing nobody was strong enough to change his mind. "I don't care who's out there, who's gonna try to kill us. Do you understand that?"

"You know that." John B lowered his voice, realizing he may have came off too harsh towards JJ. Without another word, the Routledge boy turned on his heels, moving to collect his bag off of the ground.

"Look," John B sighed, stopping in his tracks and turning halfway. "I get it. You wanna dip. Whatever. But, all you gotta do is bring the letter to her."

"Dude!" JJ shouted, growing annoyed at his friend's determination to finish what his father started. "No! Are you really that desperate? Dude, this is a Kook you're talking about! Have you lost your mind?"

"No, I haven't," John B huffed, taking a step towards his friend. "This is our chance to finally figure this out and find the gold."

"John B!" JJ yelled, trying to pull his friend out of his nonsense. "A Kook! We don't even know if she knows gullah."

"Of course, Meredith Waters knows gullah," John B shrugged. "At least her father does. If he does, we can translate this letter and find the gold."

"You can't be serious," the blonde scoffed, rolling his eyes. "If this is such a big deal, why can't you do it?"

"I don't even know her!" John B's voice raised an octave higher, knowing she was more likely to help a boy she knew rather than a boy she's never spoken to. However, JJ was fully convinced that Meredith Waters wasn't going to help. After all, she was a Kook. "JJ, come on, man."

JJ scoffed at his friend. "This isn't worth it," the blonde tried persuading his friend.

"Look," the brunette shrugged, walking off towards the HMS Pogue, leaving his friend to contemplate his future actions. "This is the plan. You comin' or what?"

He then tossed his backpack into the boat, turning around when he didn't hear footsteps. "400 million, JJ. How is this not worth it? How much do you own in restitution?"

Just like that, JJ was convinced. He desperately tried to persuade his friend away from death, but if he could prevent himself from becoming his father any further, he sure as hell was going to try. Besides, it wouldn't hurt to pay a visit to a certain girl who had been on his mind.

So, with the plan to present the letter to Meredith that John B and Sarah had found at the archives and get the translation, JJ followed after his friend, a sense of pride overcoming him. He just hoped it all would work.

When Meredith woke up in the morning, she desperately tried to shake the feeling of the headache that was approaching. Whether it be due to the drinks she had the night before or the drastic amount of thinking she did, she wasn't sure. But what she was sure of was she had to get rid of the pain before Midsummers.

If she wasn't in perfect condition before the night they had all been waiting for, her mother just might wake the devil.

She groaned, sitting up from her bed and taking her hairtie out of her hair. The girl dropped her hands in the duvet cover, eyes blankly staring at her wall. When she said she didn't want to get up, it was an understatement. However, she knew her mother would surely come and find her if she hadn't heard from her yet.

After all, the Waters family was always one to plan ahead and excel to the highest standards. Of course, it was their role as the richest and most respected family on Kildare Island.

Soon enough, Jenna was walking into her daughter room with her wallet and makeup bag. "Oh, good. You're awake."

"Yup," Meredith hummed unenthusiastically, eyes droopy and body weighing her down under the covets.

"Well," Jenna gave her daughter a questioning glare when Meredith remained under her duvet, feeling no sense of excitement for the upcoming event. "What are you just sitting there for? You have places to be."

"Not til after noon," the girl reminded, but there was no point, Jenna was already tugging the covers off and freshening up the pillows.

The older woman laughed humorously but quickly dropped her smile. "Get up. Seriously, Meredith."

Meredith rolled her eyes, having no choice but to get out of bed as her mother tugged her blankets away from her grasp. "God, I get it."

"I have to pick up our outfits from the dry cleaners," her mother informed, moving to open the cream colored drapes. "You'll have to go to your appointments alone. It is already paid for."

"You aren't coming with me?" Meredith tilted her head, sitting on her window bench as her mother freshened up her bed for her.

"No," Jenna shook her head. "You will be fine. I have to go to the country club to help with last-minute adjustments. I'll be back before the party."

"Mom," the daughter groaned, following Jenna down the stairs and towards the kitchen where the air smelled like freshly brewed coffee. "How will I get there?"

"Call one of your friends," the older woman shrugged, knowing Meredith had an endless number of people who she was able to push around like pawns on a chess board. "Or, even better, take Sarah with you. Maybe she could drive."

"Sarah's busy," Meredith lied. However, she wasn't technically lying, seeing as she had yet to get in official contact with her best friend - who was still nowhere to be found. "Can I take Daddy's car?"

"No, you can't." Jenna scoffed as if was the most absurd thing to ever be said. "Are you crazy? You know the rules."

"I don't have anyone to take me!" She whined, running her poorly manicured hands down her face. "Are you serious? You really can't take me?"

"I'm sorry," Jenna shrugged, taking a sip from her coffee mug. "I have places to be, I can't miss the last minute set ups, Meredith. I mean, you could ask your father, but it's likely he will say no. If not, you can manage."

At her words, Meredith let out an incredulous scoff, eyes rolling. She couldn't believe what she heard. Her mother scheduled the appointment for her and wasn't even willing to adjust her plans to take her daughter to the places she needed to be. It was ridiculous!

"Whatever," She shook her head. Meredith got up, walking down the hallway to her father's office, where he spent his time in the morning before leaving for work. She made sure to knock before entering, and when she heard her father's voice on the other side of the glass door, she opened it.

"Hi, dad," She smiled softly, sliding the door closed behind her.

"Good morning, sweetheart," Michael smiled, closing his file that was open on his desk. Meredith didn't think anything of it, knowing her father was very private and discreet about his business work. "Are you excited for tonight?"

The girl shrugged, holding back her various complaints. "Eh, I guess. Are you?"

"Well, Ward is being crowned at the Knight of Rhododendron. He deserves it," Michael mused, sliding the file away from him and folding his hands. "Got any plans before the party?"

"Actually," Meredith smiled, sitting on the leather chair across from him. "That's what I came to talk to you about."

"Is everything okay?" He questioned, sitting up in his seat patiently, waiting for his daughter to continue.

"Oh, yeah," She assured. "It's just that Mom has places to be, and I don't have a ride to my hair appointment that she scheduled. She wants me to ask Sarah, but Sarah's busy."

"And I'm assuming you guys are friends again?" Michael tilted his head in confusion, not having been caught up in his daughter's life since his epic break with Ward's research. He felt almost guilty that he had been distant, but he would try to make it up to her. However, she didn't know how much he adores his car.

"Yeah, we are," Meredith confirmed, and Michael noticed how her smile grew. He, in fact, everyone, had always known Sarah and Meredith were better off when they were together than apart, and it wouldn't take them long for them to realize. Clearly, their oblivion was becoming clearer. "But she's busy, and I don't have a ride. And I know you won't let me take your car,"

At her words, Michael's eyebrows raised, knowing he couldn't deny it. "But, I was wondering if you could take me?"

"What time are these plans?" Michael questioned, sliding the folder back into the drawer and locking it. Ever since she was little, Meredith could remember seeing her father lock his desk drawers whenever he left his office. At first, she was far too young to know any better. But, now, it made her skeptical.

"Noon." Meredith muttered, watching as her father's face turned from one of content to disappointed. "What? Are you busy then?"

"I hate to say this, but yes." Michael watched as his daughter sighed, lips turning down in disappointment. She knew he had a job, a very important job, she was just stupid to think he would put her before it. "Ward and I have to meet before the party. I also have to make returns at the hotel."

"What time is that?" Meredith retorted. She didn't mean to sound rude, but her words came out as defensive.

"Around that time." He pursed his lips, knowing she would hold a grudge against him for putting his business first. He always did. That was what he knew best. "I'm sorry, sweetheart. I wish I could, really. You just -"

"Know how important your work is," Meredith finished his sentence. The same sentence she had heard so many times before. "Yeah, I get it."

Michael's heart hurt at the sight of his daughter so clearly disappointed in him for not trying hard enough to put his family first. It was, however, the name that he adored above all. As much as he wanted to change his mind, he knew Ward was counting on him to show up. So, his expression remained stoic as his daughter rounded his desk.

"It's alright, Daddy," Meredith smiled, leaning down to press a soft kiss to her father's cheek. Yes, he may have disappointed her, but he would always be the man she looked up to. "I get it. Thanks, anyways. I'll figure something out."

Dropping her hand from his shoulder, she turned around to leave him alone in his office. "Hey," he muttered, causing her to turn around. "You have fun, alright?"

Meredith didn't bother opening her mouth. Instead, she gave him a curt nod. She left her father in the silence of his office with his thoughts. Little did she know, his thoughts were a lot more dangerous than she could ever imagine.

It had only been an hour since her parents both left the Waters house and went their separate ways. Now, she sat in her bedroom, eyes trained on the ceiling above her.

She thought about Rafe and how he managed to convince her parents to be her escort. Sure, it wouldn't hurt to look as if she had an escort to the human eye, but she still wished it could be someone else. Anyone else.

Meredith knew she would eventually have to find someone to take her to her appointment because heaven forbid she didn't show up at all. Just when she started thinking of her list of people, a small ticking noise came from her window.

Cautiously, the girl jumped up at the noise, sitting up on her bed. Nervously, she advanced towards the window, eyebrows pinched together.

She opened the door to her balcony, moving slowly to the edge. Her jaw dropped open as her eyes lay on JJ Maybank, pebbles in his hand. "What the hell?"

She scoffed, crossing her arms defiantly. "I'm sorry? What are you doing here?"

"Uh, good question," he muttered nervously, causing the girl above him to scowl, eyebrows furrowed.

"You can't be here!" She shouted, hands on the balcony railing. "Actually, what are you even doing here?"

When he didn't answer, she raised her brows expectantly, hoping he would eventually. However, his eyes were still trained on hers, and he almost regretted showing up. He knew that the second he saw her, he would wish he never did because then she wouldn't be in his mind.

"Uh, well," his eyes looked everyone but into hers. "I sort of need help."

"Help?" She chuckled, shocked that the Island's most stubborn pogue was requesting help from her. "Are you... is this a joke?"

"Ha, ha, yes, I'm finding it hilarious," he retorted, tone just as judgmental. "Look, I just need something from your dad's office."

"My dad's office?" She repeated, still shocked by the sudden visit, much less the fact that he all of the sudden wanted to be near her. "What?"

"Yeah, uh, your dad's office," JJ nodded. "It's a long story, but I kinda need your help."

"So first you need my help and now you kinda need my help?" Meredith smirked, finding his desperation amusing. "Gonna need to be a little more specific, Maybank."

"No, I can't tell you," he revealed, causing an annoyed expression to appear on her face. "It's not really your business."

"Oh!" She shouted, a laugh bubbling to the surface. "You want me to help you with something that you can't even tell me about? Yeah, bye." The ebony-eyed girl began walking back, hands reaching for the door, but the desperation in his voice caused her to halt.

"Wait!" JJ shouted. "Wait, I'm sorry. Just I need your help." He pleaded, eyes glancing into hers. "It's kinda urgent."

Now that Meredith thought about it, she realized it was suspicious. Out of nowhere, a Pogue was showing up to her window in desperate need of help, requesting to look inside her father's office. Then, he insists that he can't tell her. She found the situation sketchy, and she wasn't sure if she could willingly let a Pogue into her father's office, much less help him with context.

"Aw, is JJ Maybank begging for my attention," She teased, causing the boy to groan in frustration. "That's cute."

"I don't have time for this," he sighed. "Can you please just help?"

The girl thought about his offer, and she realized she could use her help as leverage to get what she wanted. A smirk appeared on her lips, and JJ almost wished he could slap it off. "Well, what's in it for me?"

"For you?" He questioned in bewilderment, almost shocked that she had let her selfishness show. "This isn't about you!"

"Then I'm not helping!" She shouted back, voice just as loud. But, JJ knew better than to let her walk away when knowing she considered helping. She just needed a little push.

"Alright, alright!" He rolled his eyes, internally groaning. "What do you want?"

"What do I want?" Meredith smiled, finding the situation all too amusing for the pogues liking. Nonetheless, she still pondered what she could get him to do for her in return for her help. Then, it suddenly hit her.

After all, Meredith did need a ride to her appointment, this was just the perfect opportunity. "You have to take me to my Midsummers appointments."

"What?" His voice raised an octave higher, quickly regretting his decision. "No! This isn't some field trip!"

"Well, it's too late now," She smirked, resting her elbows on the railing. "You already offered. And, if I'm gonna help you, then I might as well use it to my advantage."

"Kooks," he mumbled, shaking his head in disbelief. "No! I'm not following the kook princess around to be her person chauffeur."

"Then I'm not helping you," She shrugged. "You never even told me what you needed anyways, or what this is about. Why should I trust you?"

The blonde pogue had no other choice but to roll his eyes, rage simmered inside of him. Since the second John B mentioned involving a Kook, he knew it would be a horrible idea. He knew it would ruin the plan and, not to mention, bring out some serious anger issues within him.

"I'll take you to your stupid appointment," the second the words left his mouth, he wished they hadn't. However, his heart couldn't help but warm at the sight of her smile. "This better not take all day."

"Eh, it will." She laughed, closing her balcony door and collecting her phone from her nightstand. Meredith Waters knew how bad of an idea it was to be running around with a Pogue, and she knew how disappointed her parents would be to know what she was doing.

But after all, she was her father's daughter. She would do just about anything to get what she wanted.

authors note!
some jj and john b pov, also, this all is happening after john b and sarah went to the archives and found the letter just an fyi.