❪ 𝗖𝗛𝗔𝗠𝗣𝗔𝗚𝗡𝗘 & 𝗦𝗨𝗡𝗦𝗛𝗜𝗡𝗘 ❫

𝖼𝗁𝖺𝗉𝗍𝖾𝗋 𝖾𝗅𝖾𝗏𝖾𝗇 ━━━━━━━━━━━━━
queen of the night. ╱ season one, episode four.
❛ 𝗂'𝗏𝖾 𝖻𝖺𝗇𝖽𝖺𝗀𝖾𝖽 𝗒𝗈𝗎𝗋 𝖻𝗋𝗎𝗂𝗌𝖾𝗌, 𝗒𝗈𝗎'𝗏𝖾 𝗁𝖾𝗅𝖽 𝖻𝖺𝖼𝗄 𝗆𝗒 𝗁𝖺𝗂𝗋, 𝗐𝗁𝗈 𝗐𝗈𝗎𝗅𝖽'𝗏𝖾 𝗄𝗇𝗈𝗐𝗇 𝗐𝗁𝖾𝗇 𝗍𝗁𝗂𝗌 𝗌𝗍𝖺𝗋𝗍𝖾𝖽 𝗍𝗁𝖺𝗍 𝗐𝖾'𝖽 𝖾𝗇𝖽 𝗎𝗉 𝗁𝖾𝗋𝖾? ❜

DISAPPOINTMENT WAS like a fungus, it grew and grew until nothing good comes out of the world around you. Kennedy felt that the exact moment they couldn't find the gold. It was like all the things they worked for and did weren't remotely worth it. Defeat laid heavy on Kennedy's chest as she packed away the drone into Riley's trunk, she could tell the pogues felt the same way. After they search the wreck three whole times, words began to fade away, and all that was heard were the waves crashing against the boat as they headed back to shore.

Seeing the disappointment laced on the pogues features felt like a stab to the gut, as much as it hurt her, it looked like not retrieving the gold hurt them more. She felt guilty, as she went back to her cushy and lavish house, they were meant to go home with broken dreams and useless hard work on their conscience.

Kennedy sat quietly in her living room after Riley dropped her off. There was a tension in her silence, a frustration that refused to go away. While she didn't try to get her hopes up about the gold, a small part of her wished they did find it. They could all start a new life away from the things that hold them back. Kennedy feels like she's back at square one. She has nothing that can separate herself from the people around her.

Disappointment ached in her body, looking hopelessly around the place that gave her so much pain. She didn't want to call this place home, simply because it wasn't. It was a dark house filled with an underlying tension that doesn't leave, it follows you from room to room, and there's no escape.

She fantasized about leaving this all behind, watching the anger fill her mother's face as she walked out with everything she owned. The satisfaction that would fill her bones, she could already feel the blooming smile bleeding onto her cheeks as she waltzed out of that shithole.

"Kennedy, what are you doing?"

The small girl jumped from her spot on the couch as she lifelessly sat, her mind in a faraway place. Turning, she saw the questioning glance from her brother. She sent him a smile, "Oh ya know, planning my own demise, the usual,"

The boy scoffed, plopping down next to her on the couch, "Did you hear about my boat?"

Kennedy tensed, trying to suppress the knowing look that was trying to spread across her features, "No, what happened?"

"Someone sunk my boat," Topper stated, eyeing Kennedy suspiciously.

"Shit really?" False surprise filled her face at his words, she knew this was coming, and damn, it was satisfying. "Do you know who did it?"

"No, there's no evidence but, I know it was those pogues," Topper ranted.

Kennedy sent him a shrug, "I'm not defending them, but maybe it was because you guys jumped Pope a few days ago,"

"I didn't know that was going to happen, Rafe just spazzed out,"

Kennedy sent him a glare, disgust filling her features, "But it sure as hell didn't stop you from playing along,"

"Why the hell are you defending those pogues, are you in on it?" Topper accused, jumping up from the couch to get away from his sister.

"Are you kidding me?" Kennedy hissed, standing to meet his glare, "I didn't do shit, I just don't like when innocent people get the shit beaten out of them,"

Topper suspiciously examined her, "You've been changing lately, I wouldn't put being friends with the pogues past you,"

"Maybe they're not bad people okay!" Kennedy exclaimed, anger finally bubbling over, "All this kook verses pogues is bullshit, every kook saying pogues are lowlives is bullshit when it's been the other way around for a long time,"

"Why are you defending these people? Last time I knew you despised all of them,"

Kennedy huffed, annoyance filling her tone, "Things change Topper, they aren't bad people, they are put in this box because they don't have money like us, that doesn't mean they are degenerates,"

"Why the sudden change of heart Kennedy, are you hanging around pogues?" Topper taunted, his eyes filling with distaste.

"Maybe," Kennedy clipped, hugging her arms into her chest, "They aren't bad people, I judged them when I shouldn't have,"

"They sunk my boat!"

"You guys jumped fucking Pope! Not to mention almost drowned John B!"

Topper glanced at her with hatred, "You can either be a pogue or a kook, you can't be both,"

Kennedy snorted in amusement, gripping her purse that was at the end of the couch, "Trust me, Topper, being a kook isn't a fucking prize,"

"I'll tell mom, she won't be too happy that you're hanging around pogues, not to mention you're ignoring Rafe like the plague,"

Kennedy froze, turning around to him with a look of hatred, feeling as if she got backed into a corner, "Do it, you think it will solve anything? It'll only make me hate you more,"

Topper paused, staring at her in amazement, "What the hell happened to you?"

"I got sick of this shit, that's what happened. There's nothing here for me, and I'm done with everything that being a kook has to offer,"

"What're you gonna do?" Topper questioned, his tone taunting, "Ruin your reputation? Just like Maggie did?"

Kennedy shrugged, throwing her purse over her shoulder, "If that's what it takes, abso-fucking-lutely,"

With those words and her heart pounding out of her chest, Kennedy stalked out of the living room. The words she had been aching to say finally escaped and gave her the momentum to stalk out of the house, with her brother's glare burning into her back.

The twins' relationship wasn't the best, they were different people and it was apparent, but this was only creating more of a divide. Kennedy couldn't help it, she wanted to be close to her brother, and to her family, but they just didn't want the same thing. He was fine with the toxicity while Kennedy fought against it, even if they were twins, they couldn't be more different.

The hot summer air hit Kennedy as soon as she walked out the door, with her lips twisted in anger, she slammed the door shut. She immediately knew the slam echoed throughout the vast house and it caused a sliver of satisfaction to soar in her veins. She ignored the heat that washed over her skin once she opened her car door.

She put her key in the ignition and the car roared to life, while she was backing out as a sour-looking Cynthia Thornton pulled in. Relief flooded her veins, knowing that she missed the wrath of the woman. She felt slightly bad for Topper, knowing that the boy was still in the house, but with the fight that just erupted between the two, the sympathy faded away.

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BEING INVITED TO THE outdoor movie night by Kie surprised Kennedy to the extent that she dropped her phone flat on the ground as she walked out of her favorite boutique. After throwing the bags in her back seat, she stared at the text for a good ten minutes, completely shocked that Kie still even had her number.

With her heart pounding, she accepted, hoping that this wasn't just a stupid joke to embarrass Kennedy. She prayed that it would work out, she knew groups of kooks would be there, and she knew her brother and boyfriend would be there. Entering with the pogues would be something that would change everything. She could already feel the beady glares from the people she once associated with and she wasn't even out of her car yet.

Dread filled her stomach, and all horrible possibilities filled her mind but she pushed it away, hoping that tonight would be fun, and she could maybe reconcile with Kie and have a friendship with her. Tonight maybe JJ would even acknowledge her existence, while she would usually wait for him to make the move, she was going to insert herself in his attention, even if he didn't want it.

Clouds painted the sky, taking the sun away and leaving murky and muggy weather to wash over the Outer Banks. Kennedy thought to pull her hair up into a ponytail, but she appreciated the curls that bounced when she walked. The sunglasses laid softly on her head as she stepped out of her BMW, slight eyes pulled to her getting out of her car, but most just walked by not acknowledging the small blonde at all.

Her vibrant multicolored tank top made people stare in envy, seeing her soft curves get hugged by the material. She never quite understood the jealousy people felt towards her looks, while she knew she was beautiful, she never thought it was to the extent to make others envy her. She appreciated how the outfit hung to her body like a second skin, and it was open enough to not make her sweat profusely on a muggy day like this.

She threw her purse over her shoulder, as she carried a beach chair under her arm, so she didn't have to sit on the grass and get her shorts stained. A smile sprouted on her lips seeing her lanky best friend sitting with the pogues.

Riley glanced up to see the small kook and sent her a small wave. Kennedy bounded over to the group, shock wafted over three as Kennedy openly walked up to them in public. She dropped her stuff next to Riley, "Hey, thanks for inviting me Kie,"

"Yeah no problem, thought you might want to hang out with us knowing that Riley was gonna be here," Kie replied, sending her a small glance before she went back to unfolding her chair.

The girl nodded but her attention was pulled towards a panicked Pope and a shushing JJ as they quietly conversed. Riley and Kie broke out into a conversation, making Kennedy shift more towards JJ and Pope with a teasing smile. She crouched behind them, humming, "I know what you two did,"

Both the boys swiveled to the girl in surprise, JJ sent her a glare, "I don't know what you're talking about,"

"Deny, deny, deny, I see you're still using the same methods JJ," Kennedy teased the boy, Pope sent him a questioning glance, but the boy ignored it and continued to stare at the girl, Kennedy continued, "I never thought you would actually do it, I'm really surprised,"

JJ watched her plop down next to him on the ground, his gaze examining her every move, "What's your angle Sunshine? Gonna have your brother and boyfriend jump us once we confess?"

Kennedy sighed, disappointment filled her chest, but she didn't let it show, "Come on Maybank, it's what the asshole deserves, I was the one who gave you the idea remember?"

"Kenn, we're getting drinks, you wanna come?" Riley asked, watching the girl jump up from her spot next to JJ.

"Yeah, I'll be right there," Kennedy replied, watching the two fade away into the crowd of people, she turned back to the boys, "I'm not on their side, I'm on yours, so don't accuse me of helping people I can barely stand,"

Kennedy jumped up to go meet the two, feeling the fleeting gazes of the boys as she blended into the people around her. People paid no attention to her as she walked towards the snack stand, relief flooded her veins as the feeling of invisibility washed over her. She sent Kie and Riley a smile as she met up with them in the line.

A set of eyes burned into the back of her head, they left a chill to run down her spine and it only solidified when the cocky voice of Rafe Cameron interrupted Kie's order.

"Hey Kie,"

The brunette turned to the boy with a look of annoyance flooding her features, she just sent him a glare as she handed the vendor her money. Riley and Kennedy stood stiff behind her, the Masterfield boy subconsciously inched himself in front of Kennedy so the kook would have to get through him first.

"Hey what's up?" Rafe continued nonchalantly as if the people in front of him didn't hate his guts, "How are you?"

Kie sighed, tucking her hand into her back pocket, "I'm fine,"

"Good, Good, um...tell your boy we know what he did,"

The brunette scoffed, "Sorry, what boy are you talking about?"

"Uh, he'll know," Rafe concluded, his eyes never leaving Kie's. The girl grabbed her sodas and walked away from the boy, Rafe sent her a cocky smile, "Bye,"

"Douche," The girl called back, not bothering to look at the kook.

Riley and Kennedy attempted to walk away from the boy without getting noticed. Getting a drink from the vendor seemed to be the last thing on Kennedy's mind. But the small blonde was stopped by a hand gripping her wrist.

She stopped, her whole body tensing at the touch. Her teeth gritted as she ripped her hand away from the boy. Her glare told him everything he wanted to know but he stopped her anyway, "What do you want Rafe?"

"I just need to talk to you for a minute,"

Riley immediately detested the idea as he gripped her hand tightly, but she squeezed him back as if to tell him to go back to the others. She didn't want to be dealing with Rafe right now, but maybe if she got him off her back right now, he wouldn't be apt to bother her all night. "Just go back with Kie, I'll be back in a minute,"

The Masterfield boy gave her a concerned look, but nodded nonetheless, turning his attention to the blond kook, "Fine, but if you touch a single hair on her head, I will beat the living shit out of you Cameron,"

The boy in question scoffed, sending him a taunting glare, "Aye aye captain,"

Riley huffed, glancing at Kennedy one more time before he stalked off back to Kie and the guys. Kennedy watched him until he sat down with the others. She and her soon-to-be-ex walked a little bit away from the snack shack, hoping to avoid attention, but she could already feel four familiar gazes glued to the two of them, "What do you want Rafe?"

"Never thought I'd see you hanging out with pogues, this a new charity project you're working on?"

Kennedy rolled her eyes, crossing her arms in defense, "Rather hang out with them than you assholes,"

Rafe's lips twisted into a scowl as he looked down at the girl, "You might want to watch yourself tonight, things are gonna get ugly princess,"

The blonde's stomach dropped violently as she glanced at Rafe incredulously, "Seriously Rafe, just drop the thing with the pogues, you guys will ruin a perfectly good night, just watch the movie and ignore them, fighting won't solve anything,"

"I'm not stopping Kennedy, this is revenge they deserve, I'm just saying, watch out, things are gonna get ugly and I don't want you to get in the way, I won't be there to protect you,"

"Trust me asshole, I don't need anyone to protect me, just stop ruining everything, seriously," Kennedy hissed, nothing but hatred filling her features, "You are making it harder and harder to stay with you, I can barely stand to look at you anymore,"

"I'm not stopping shit, if you don't like what you see, don't date me,"

Kennedy laughed without any humor lacing the tone, her icy glare made Rafe tense, "Trust me, I won't be soon,"

With that, the girl stalked away and back towards the four people whose eyes immediately left her small body as she headed back towards them. Her heart pounded with the threats that left Rafe, but she wasn't gonna back down from Rafe and his antics, if he touched any of them tonight, there would be hell to pay and she wouldn't hesitate to fight back.

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ALL EYES WERE glued to the film that played on the big screen in front of them. Not much had been said since Kennedy arrived back to the small group, people awaited what she had to say and she let out how douchey he was to her. Nothing out of the ordinary, but the truth is, Kennedy was on high alert, sitting on the end next to JJ, the small blonde was hoping and praying Pope nor JJ ever attempted to get up tonight. Kennedy knew the moment they got up, the kooks would be on them in an instant.

Kennedy knew she shouldn't have sat next to JJ, the confused gazes from Pope and Kiara confirmed it, but while everyone was moving around when she first got here, she didn't notice that Riley sneakingly dropped her stuff next to JJ. Kennedy felt awkwardness seeping into the air, but she just decided not to move because maybe she could stop the two boys from doing something stupid.

The soda can gripped in Kennedy's hand, lay half-empty as she played with the tab, flicking it lightly enough so no one was able to hear it except for her. The movie wasn't the most interesting thing on the planet, so Kennedy focused on things that she deemed more interesting, which meant JJ's side profile.

He seemed so tense and Kennedy just wanted to deep dive into his brain to understand what he was thinking. She prayed he couldn't tell her eyes were glued on him, but she knew he knew. The small smile that played on his lips throughout the night confirmed her fears.

Kennedy didn't know why he looked so ethereal in the shadows of the movie mixed with the moonlight. Her heart began pounding incessantly the moment her eyes fell on him. Maybe this was a sign, maybe she was finally ready. Life hadn't changed much, but she felt as if she had aged a million years.

The fights and emotions were finally getting to her, these days have been exhausting and it was all finally catching up to her. Leaning back on her chair, her eyes cast away from the blond boy and up to the stars above her. The clouds flooded away and left a soft starry sky that absorbed Kennedy's mind.

The night was peaceful, hearing the faint voices coming from the movie, mixed with the shining stars, it all gave Kennedy a moment of bliss she desperately needed. The cold nipped at her skin, the tank top doing nothing to cover up the chill that washed over her skin.

"Are you cold?"

Kennedy snapped her head towards the soft whisper, the blonde shook her head, not wanting the boy to know she was, but her teeth chattering gave it away, "N-No,"

JJ snorted quietly in amusement, leaning down to dig through his bag, he instantly pulled out a soft grey zip-up hoodie, "Here Kennedy, I'm not planning on using it anyway,"

Kennedy stared at the material, wanting nothing more than to take it, but something, a fear itching in her brain made her stop, "No JJ, I'll be fine,"

"Kennedy-"

"Seriously, I'm fin-"

"Sunshine just take the damn hoodie," JJ snapped quietly, sending her a warning glance.

The girl softly reached out to grip the material, with a small smile she poked her arms through the oversized sleeves, "Thanks,"

"No problem, Kenn,"

The nickname sent shockwaves through her heart, she hadn't heard it since last summer. It's crazy how one simple and common nickname can send someone into a spiral, just because he said it, anyone else it doesn't matter, but JJ, the feeling changes.

Observant eyes watched Kennedy's movements, she felt the gaze and tensed, turning her head, she met the rough glare set on Rafe Cameron's face. Snapping her back towards the movie, fear bubbled in her stomach. He was watching, he saw the small exchange, he saw the smile on Kennedy's face. It shouldn't be such a big deal, but it's Rafe. He'll freak out over the smallest of things, and she doesn't want JJ to feel the brunt of it.

Movement caught her eyes, and turning toward JJ and Pope, she saw them stand and walk past her. Kie also saw the shifting boys and turned to see what was going on, "Hey, where y'all going?"

The boys paused, turning JJ sent her a shrug, "We gotta wring it out,"

Kennedy grimaced, rolling her eyes at the boy's words, "Always a gentleman,"

JJ sent her a playful wink as they walked away, her words instantly catching his ear. Kie sent him a scoff, confused as to why they both had to go at the same time, "You gonna hold it for each other?"

"It's a typical man thing to do," Riley quipped.

Kennedy smiled at the sarcastic comment from Kiara and Riley, but the boys didn't reply and just walked past them and towards the back of the screen. Kennedy's features twisted in confusion, but she moved her attention back to the screen.

Minutes passed and Kennedy's stomach dropped, watching helplessly as Rafe, Topper, and Kelce headed towards where JJ and Pope resided. Kennedy jumped from her seat and moved towards Kie and Riley. The two jerked their attention away from the screen seeing the panicked emotions swirling through Kennedy's eyes.

"Rafe, Topper, and Kelce are headed to where JJ and Pope just went to,"

Riley groaned loudly, crouching up from his seat, "Oh shit, so this is what going down meant,"

"Fuck," Kie hissed, jumping to grab JJ's bag, "Let's go stop this before shit gets out of hand,"

The three hurriedly moved through the lines of people, anxiety pumped through Kennedy's veins, voices becoming more and more apparent as they got closer. She pulled herself further and further into the hoodie, the fear of what they would come across was getting to her. Grunts of anger and pain floated through the air, making Kennedy's body twinge in terror. Kennedy's stomach dropped seeing the two pogues get jumped by the three kooks who were thirsty for revenge.

Kie and Riley jumped into action, trying to pry Topper away from Pope. Both got instantly pushed back by the violent blond kook. His eyes were ferocious, and the animosity in his face made the small blonde freeze in dread, she had never seen her brother like this. Ever. Kennedy didn't even want to expand on her thoughts as she snapped her attention to her boyfriend attacking JJ. Without thought, she ran towards Rafe and Kelce, wanting the two kooks off of the helpless boy already.

On impulse, Kennedy jumped on top of Rafe's back, wrapping her arm around his neck to pull him back. He choked in surprise, her arm slightly cutting off his breathing. Her words were rough and jagged, "Get off him, asshole,"

An elbow harshly impacted Kennedy's stomach and the girl toppled to the ground, "Stay out of this Kennedy,"

The girl ignored the throbbing pain in her stomach and jumped back up, her angered eyes meeting Rafe's, she gritted her teeth, swiftly sending her fist straight toward his jaw. "Fuck you asshole,"

The boy stumbled back, stunned that Kennedy would ever do something so erratic. Her attention didn't stay on the blond kook for long, because she was instantly trying to pry JJ away from Kelce. But for the second time, Kennedy got ripped away from JJ. She tumbled to the ground roughly as Rafe pushed her away.

"I said, stay fucking back,"

A shriek slipped past her lips, as her body slammed into the dewy ground. Anger blurred her vision and red was all she could see.

"Kennedy, are you okay?"

The words from JJ didn't help calm her down, they were garbled and breathless as Kelce pulled him into a headlock. With her heart pounding, she stood up, eyes moving towards the other fight next to her. Kiara was off digging through the bag as Riley was trying to stop Topper from choking Pope.

Screams were heard, and angered words filled the midnight air. Kennedy couldn't keep up with it all, her body ached, her stomach ached, but she had to do something. Seeing JJ receive punch after punch made her heart twinge in pain. The boy struggled with the kook gripping him, he attempted to wriggle out, but to no avail, the grip wouldn't cease.

"Get off of him," Kennedy seethed, gripping Rafe's shoulder roughly, pulling and tugging with all her might.

Fire blazing to her right caught her off guard, letting go of the material of Rafe's polo shirt, she moved away from him, and the heat of the flames made her jump away. All began to be distracted by the fire, screams were heard behind the screen and panic filled the small field.

Harsh breaths were heard from Pope as he attempted to regain his breathing. Topper and Rafe moved away from the scene, but Kelce still kept a grip on JJ. Kennedy pushed with all her strength, sending the kook flying to the ground. "Let fucking go asshole,"

Adrenaline pumped through Kennedy's veins, running towards JJ, she impulsively cupped his face in a panic, "Are you okay?"

The boy nodded, coughing roughly from the lack of oxygen he had, in the headlock. Kennedy refused to let go of his face, assessing the damages. JJ gripped her arms with vigor, afraid that she would release him, he found her touch comforting as he tried to pull himself together. Blood was smeared around his nose and mouth, and the pain he was in made her heartache in her chest. She could tell Rafe's glare was burning right into the back of her skull, but she didn't care.

"Let's get outta here,"

Within seconds, the kooks had vanished, leaving the stunned and wounded pogues to fend for themselves. Kennedy attached herself to JJ, hearing him grunt every time he moved. The boy tried to move away, but Kennedy only gripped his waist, "Just let me help you dumbass,"

"I saw you get thrown to the ground, are you okay?" The concern lacing his voice made Kennedy's heart pick up pace.

Kennedy snorted, sending him a small glance, "Much better than you, that's for sure,"

"You guys need to get cleaned up," Riley concluded, watching the two boys limp lightly as they walked with the two girls helping them.

Kennedy's eyes widened in realization, "I know a place where you guys can get cleaned up and have a decent night of sleep,"

There was a few moments of silence, but JJ quickly sighed, "Alright Sunshine, where we going?"

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↝↝↝↝↝ 𝐓𝐀𝐘𝐋𝐎𝐑 𝐒𝐀𝐘𝐒... ↜↜↜↜↜

𝗕𝗔𝗡𝗡𝗘𝗥 𝗠𝗔𝗗𝗘 𝗕𝗬 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗟𝗢𝗩𝗘𝗟𝗬 silverfalcons 

HEY SHAWTYS IM BACK

THIS WAS A CHAPTER FOR SURE WAS SOMETHING!! FINALLY HAPPY TO HAVE THE MOVIE NIGHT DONE. KENNEDY PUNCHED RAFE!! AS SHE SHOULD!!

JJ and Kennedy will get some confession time next chapter but you didn't hear it from me
😳😳😳

Hope you enjoyed!

BUT IMPORTANT THING.

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