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○ 〇 ○

○ 𝟎𝟎𝟐 ○

○ practically perfect in every way ○

○ 〇 ○

Juno stood up once she and Sarah were done talking. The faint scent of nail polish cut through the usual sea smell that would creep in through Sarah's window as the girl slipped her shoes back on. Sarah was leaning against her doorframe watching her friend.

"Hey, are you sure you don't want me to pick you up? I'm sure Topper won't mind making a stop, it's no big deal," Sarah offered.

The girl looked over to her, watching as the setting sun cast a glow over her. She didn't realise just how long she had been at Sarah's until that moment.

Juno shook her head as she removed her phone to text her boyfriend, letting him know of the plans for the night. "Nah, it's fine. Seb's going to want to drive me once he hears I'm going. You know how he is."

Sarah didn't bother to hide her eye roll as she crossed her arms. "Yeah, I do. He's not all that subtle about wanting to stake his claim."

Juno laughed lightly, although it didn't quite reach her eyes. "That's not what he does."

"Then what is it, June?" Sarah asked, her concern clear.

Juno hated the question. Just like everything with Sebastian, it was easier just to sidestep and push through. "I'll see you there, okay?"

Sarah frowned but knew not to push it further. Stepping away from the wall, she nodded, "Okay, just text me when you get there. I don't wanna be bored the whole night."

The girl laughed but agreed, before heading out the door. She rode her bike home quietly, thinking about the night ahead. They hadn't had a bonfire in a while, let alone one hosted by the Pogues. Juno wondered whether or not there was some sort of occasion. 

The streets were quiet, too, just the sound of people cleaning up making its way to her ears every now and then. The breeze was cool on her skin, distracting her from the thoughts that threatened to ruin her good mood.

Juno had been dating Sebastian for almost two years. He was sweet and he cared about her. He made her feel seen and helped her to feel like she belonged.

Sometimes, though, he could just be. . . a bit much. Sarah was one of the only ones who ever said anything about him being 'protective'. Juno wasn't sure whether that meant that Sarah was imagining it or that she needed to run.

She brushed off the thoughts when she arrived home, parking her bike out on the porch. Once she was inside, she put her bag down and returned to her room to get ready for the night ahead. 

Juno rifled through her wardrobe with practised efficiency, sorting her way through all of the different items until she found what she'd been searching for. She removed a pair of denim shorts and a cropped white tank top, holding them up with a curt nod. It wasn't the usual Kook-level fancy, but it would do for a bonfire. Thinking that there was a chance for a swim - if the waves weren't too rough - she also picked out a bikini. She selected one of her favourites, a soft baby blue set she'd bought last summer. 

Juno didn't waste any time, stripping out of the clothes she'd sweated through earlier, and tossing them into her laundry basket. She put on the clean bikini, tying it tight. She then pulled her tank top over her head, adjusting it before slipping into the denim shorts.

Once she was dressed, she assessed the outfit in front of her mirror. Her hair, though slightly messy, sat in its usual tight curls around her shoulders. Juno grinned, unable to help the soft chuckle that escaped her lips as she realised that she hadn't lied to Sarah; this outfit really was just a cleaner version of what she'd been wearing before.

Juno was comfortable, though. Whenever she wasn't in her Kook attire, this is how she preferred to dress. Neat enough for any occasion and beach-ready at a moment's notice. She was never really dressing to impress anyone, not even Sebastian.

Hearing the front doorbell ring, Juno grabbed her phone and bag and left her room. As she descended the staircase, she could hear the soft hum of conversation. Rounding the corner, she saw her parents standing in the foyer with Sebastian, chatting with smiles on their faces as if they were old friends. 

Her parents' approval of Sebastian was obvious to anyone, the two making it clear in everything they did - their warm smiles, the way her father clapped him on the back as if he was already family. Juno knew that it was another reason why she excused some of his behaviours. Sebastian was easy. Sebastian made sense. 

What the Beaumonts lacked in money in comparison to the Sinclairs, Sebastian made up for in charm and wit. He was the kind of boyfriend her parents could brag about at charity luncheons and club dinners. 

"Hey, babe," Sebastian greeted when he spotted her approaching them. The smile he donned was like muscle memory for him, practised and perfect. He walked over and slipped an arm around her, leaning down to kiss her on the cheek.

"Hi," Juno responded softly, reminding herself to smile as she allowed herself to settle into his hold. She felt like she was putting on some sort of show. Juno turned to her parents with a small smile, "I won't be home too late."

"Don't rush. Enjoy yourself, sweetheart," her father replied, his tone reading as pleased. He then gave Sebastian a nod, playing strict even though they all knew he loved him. "Look after her."

"You know I will, sir," Sebastian assured, his smile as charming as ever. When her parents slipped back into the living room, he looked down at the girl, his easygoing charm fading. "I thought you'd be ready. Go and get changed and we'll head off."

Juno took a step back, confused as her eyes flickered briefly to her outfit. "I did get changed," she told him, her voice projecting her uncertainty.

Sebastian laughed lightly, but he didn't sound amused. His brows raised like she had been tricking him. "Good one, Juno. Seriously, though - come on. The others are already there. Go and put on that white dress or something."

Juno could feel her stomach twist and she considered saying something. However, when she went to speak, nothing came out. The girl couldn't find the energy to argue. It wasn't worth it.

"Fine," she mumbled, turning and heading back upstairs. She stalked across to her wardrobe, frustration eating away at her. She yanked open the wardrobe, almost ripping the aforementioned sundress as she took it off of the hanger. Pulling off the shorts and top, she went over to her mirror while she slipped the dress on over her bikini.

Juno Sinclair, the Kook Queen of Kildare stared back at her, ready to attend the festivities with her knight. Poised and pretty, just how Sebastian liked her. 

"You're pathetic," she told herself bitterly, jaw clenched to keep from crying. She should have told him no. Why couldn't she say no?

The sound of the bedroom door startled her momentarily. Juno had muscle memory of her own, switching out her look of frustration for a soft smile. Sebastian walked in, strolling across the room with his usual easy confidence. His fingers traced the thin straps of the lacy, white sundress, a look of approval on his face. 

"There's the Juno I know," he grinned as his fingers trailed their way down her side to settle on her hip.

Using the hand on his hip, he drew her towards him and kissed her. Juno kissed him back, but the motion felt so rehearsed. It was as practised and polished as everything else in their relationship.

The Juno he knew.

Who even was that? Juno didn't even know. 

No, she did. It was the Kook. The golden girl. The perfect princess of the Sinclair empire. The girl who had everything. The girl who made sense.

So why did she feel so empty?

Sebastian broke the kiss and took hold of her hand, lacing his fingers with hers and he led her to the door. "Let's go," he said over his shoulder. "I need a drink."

Juno didn't argue, just let him guide her. She wasn't sure when the idea of being the perfect girl started to wear thin. She just felt like a trophy now, but she was losing her shine.

But, just like always, she followed.

○❂○

Juno sat by the fire, idly picking at her freshly painted nails. Sarah had chosen a sky blue polish earlier that day, matching the bikini hidden beneath the white dress Sebastian had insisted she wear. She tugged at the edge of her dress absentmindedly, the lace chafing and irritating her more than usual.

When she and Sebastian had arrived, they were met with wide smiles, loud greetings and the kind of exaggerated friendliness that seemed to follow them everywhere. Together, they were one of those couples - the ones others wanted to be seen with. Being their friend meant getting invited to all of the best parties, along with feeling like you were running in the right circle.

Sebastian, as usual, hadn't taken long to seek out the alcohol and his friends. Juno occasionally glanced in his direction, just so that she knew where he was in case she wanted to leave. He stood by the fire with Rafe, the two laughing at some joke she couldn't hear and probably didn't want to.

"You don't look like you're having a good time," a familiar voice commentated.

Juno's face immediately lit up with relief as she jumped up to hug Sarah. "I can't believe you left me on my own here for so long. You know these things are unbearable without you."

The blonde was wearing the dress she had told Juno she would. It was a lowcut, blue sundress with pink flowers printed across it. She looked perfect, just as expected - just like Juno.

"Sorry," Sarah laughed, though the was a genuine apology in her tone. "Topper promised a few people a ride, so we had a lot more stops than I expected."

Juno glanced over to see Sarah's boyfriend, Topper, making his way over to join Sebastian and Rafe. The two greeted each other like the best of mates, Sebastian pouring Topper a drink.

Juno couldn't help but wonder if any of them had the thoughts she had. Did they actually like one another, or was it an act? Kooks were practically professionals at pretending, plastering on smiles and playing their parts. 

Sarah's gaze followed Juno's, watching the three boys. "Sebastian looks like he's having fun."

"He always does," Juno mumbled, not really giving her much.

Sarah's eyes switched to her friend, picking up on the subtlest bit of tension. "Did something happen?"

Juno shook her head, rolling her eyes to try and play off whatever frustration she had allowed to escape. "No, it's fine. Let's grab a drink."

Her voice was light, but Sarah still hesitated at first, before nodding. She linked her arm with Juno's, leading her towards the makeshift bar near the bonfire. 

Their easy chatter was a welcome distraction to Juno, helping her to escape from her thoughts and the undercurrent of unease she was feeling. Juno felt just that little bit more like herself.

As the sun started to disappear below the horizon, the Boneyard came to life with music and voices. Pogues, Kooks and Tourons mingled, the lines between social groups dissolving within the haze of alcohol and music.

"Do you see that?" Sarah asked her friend, pointing out at the ocean.

Juno lowered her red cup and squinted, trying to spot whatever it was that had caught Sarah's eye. "No? What am I supposed to be looking at?"

"Come on!" Sarah giggled, grabbing Juno's hand and running across the hand, a mischievous glint in her eye.

She stopped at a large red buoy that had been abandoned on the shore. Putting her cup down, she scaled the side of it, climbing as high as she could before instructing her friend to do the same.

"Are you serious?" Juno sighed as she watched her friend, listening to the metal creak as she climbed.

"Yes, come on!" Sarah laughed, almost sitting on the top.

Juno groaned but followed, scaling up the side to be with Sarah. She stared out across the water, pushing her hair back out of her face. Just on the horizon was what looked like a large ship, its lights twinkling against the darkening sky.

"We should go on a cruise," Sarah grinned giddily, her voice hopeful.

"That actually sounds like fun," Juno smiled despite herself.

For a moment, it was nice just being there with her, pretending that they were just regular teenagers. They sat together atop the buoy, talking and joking, sharing things with one another that they need dared tell others. The word Kook didn't apply to them when they were on their own.

But, of course, Topper and Sebastian decided to come over and shatter the illusion.

"Sarah, what are you doing up there?" Topper questioned, reaching up to try and pull her down. "Come on, you're gonna fall."

Sarah swatted his hand away, unbothered by the possibility of injuring herself. She continued to stare out at the water, a distant smile on her face. She longed to be out there; to escape her upbringing and find something new.
"I'm okay."

Sebastian was on the other side, staring up at Juno, his tone less playful than Topper's. "Hey, Juno, come on. Get down from there before you hurt yourself."

"I'm fine," Juno insisted, holding onto the light on top of the buoy to steady herself.

Juno's eyes scanned the crowd, noticing that some people were starting to turn and watch, whispering amongst themselves. When Topper asked again, Sarah allowed him to help her down. 

Juno's chest tightened when she spotted people smirking as they watched. The last thing she needed or wanted was to be at the centre of some sort of drama. Especially one that ended up embarrassing Sebastian.

So, with a small sigh of defeat, Juno released the light fixture and allowed Sebastian to help her. Sebastion grabbed hold of her waist before lowering her down to the sand. He put an arm around her shoulder as they walked back towards the fire, making it clear to everyone who she was there with.

As they made their way back towards their friend group, Juno glanced over her shoulder to catch the gaze of Kiara, who was watching from her own group. Her cousin's expression was hard to read - a mix of disappointment and a touch of pity. Neither of which Juno wanted from her.

Juno was quick to look away. She knew what her cousin thought of her - so willing to play along with the Kook lifestyle. Kiara had stepped away from it all, finding her place with the Pogues.

Juno, however, had stayed. She slipped into the role with ease allowing it to shield her from life as she started to build walls of her own making. It was easy. It made sense.

That's what she told herself, at least.

——————————

(A/N)

Some more dynamics

Pogues are entering the chat in the next chapter!