𝐘/𝐍'𝐬 𝐏𝐎𝐕

Storm was bouncing in her seat. Like, literally bouncing. She had her knees tucked up, her hands gripping the strap of her backpack, and every few seconds, she'd let out a tiny, excited squeal that made me fight back a laugh.

"You okay over there, peanut?" I asked, glancing at her from the driver's seat.

She turned to me, her hazel eyes wide and sparkling. "Are you serious? No, I am not okay! We're going to the Outer Banks set. THE Outer Banks set. Y/n, do you understand the gravity of this situation?"

I bit back a smile. "I mean, I've heard the show is kinda popular."

"Kinda?" She shot me a look that could melt glass. "It's, like, the best show ever. And you know that. Don't play with me right now."

I chuckled, reaching over to ruffle her hair. She ducked away, but the smile on her face stayed. "Relax, kid. Madelyn said the set's pretty chill today. You'll get to see everyone, maybe even get a few behind-the-scenes secrets."

She sucked in a sharp breath. "Secrets? Like, will they tell me if John B and Sarah are getting back together?"

I shot her a knowing look. "You really think they'd spoil that for you?"

She sighed dramatically, throwing herself back against the seat. "No. But a girl can dream."

The GPS announced our final turn, and Storm immediately sat up, craning her neck to look out the window.

We were in the lot behind the main set, a mix of trailers, equipment trucks, and crew members buzzing around. The energy was palpable, a blend of organized chaos and creative magic.

Madelyn had called me earlier, sounding genuinely excited to have us visit. She knew how much Storm loved the show, and despite everything going on lately—the media attention, the whispers, the pressure—Madelyn had insisted on giving Storm a day to just be a kid, to forget the noise and live in a dream for a little while.

I parked, and the second I turned off the engine, Storm was already unbuckling her seatbelt. I laughed, grabbing my bag and sliding out of the car. "Hold your horses, superstar."

"But—"

"Storm, breathe," I teased. "We're here. You're not gonna miss anything."

She rolled her eyes but followed me as I led the way. The lot was bustling with people, but it didn't take long to spot Madelyn. She stood near one of the trailers, her hair and makeup already done for her scene, and when her eyes met mine, her whole face lit up.

The second I stepped out of the car, I spotted Madelyn. She stood near one of the trailers, her hair perfectly styled for Sarah Cameron and a script tucked under her arm. She looked like a vision against the chaos of the set, her eyes lighting up the moment she saw us.

Her lips curled into a wide smile, and before I could fully shut the car door, she was already rushing over. I barely had a chance to brace myself before she wrapped her arms around my neck, her body pressing into mine.

"Hi, baby," she murmured against my lips, stealing a quick kiss that tasted like vanilla lip balm and sunshine. "Hi," I breathed, my hands settling naturally on her waist. "Missed you."

Her nose brushed mine, her smile softening. "Missed you more." She pulled back just enough to look over my shoulder. "Hey, Storm!"

Storm, who had been leaning against the car with a casual coolness, grinned back. "Hey, Madz. You look so... Sarah Cameron right now."

Madelyn laughed, slipping her hand into mine as she turned to face Storm. "I'll take that as a compliment."

Storm shrugged, trying to play it cool but her excitement was still obvious. "I mean, if you say so."

I smirked, giving Storm a light nudge. "Careful, kid. Your cool is showing."

She rolled her eyes but followed as Madelyn led us through the maze of trailers and equipment.

The set was buzzing with activity, crew members moving props, adjusting lighting, and running through lines. Storm's eyes widened, not in awe of the people, but of the set itself—the world of the Outer Banks brought to life.

"Yo, is that Twinkie?" Storm's voice was a mix of disbelief and pure joy as she pointed at the familiar VW van. Madelyn grinned. "Sure is. You wanna check it out?"

Storm hesitated for all of a millisecond before nodding eagerly. Madelyn waved over JD, who had been chatting with a PA nearby. His face broke into a huge smile when he saw us.

"Look who finally decided to visit!" he called out, jogging over. He pulled me into a quick hug, then leaned down to give Storm a fist bump. "What's up, superstar?"

Storm giggled, the sound a reminder of how young she still was beneath the bravado. "Just, you know, casually freaking out. No big deal."

JD chuckled, tossing her the keys to the van. "Go on. You know you wanna sit inside."

Storm's mouth fell open. "Are you serious?"

"Serious as a heart attack," JD grinned. "Just don't drive off with it. I don't think production would like that very much."

Storm's excitement was palpable, her energy radiating as she sat in the driver's seat of Twinkie. JD slipped into the passenger seat, his long legs folding awkwardly as he made himself comfortable.

"You know," JD started, glancing around the van with a nostalgic grin, "this thing has seen more action than half the cast. We've had stunt scenes, chase scenes—hell, I think we even had a makeout scene back here once."

Storm's eyes widened. "No way."

He chuckled, nodding. "Way. And you know what the coolest part is?" He leaned in, his voice dropping to a whisper. "There's a hidden button under the dash. Push it, and it makes this old girl sound like she's got a turbo engine."

Storm's jaw dropped. "You're kidding."

"Go ahead, try it," JD urged, pointing to a small, barely noticeable button. Storm's fingers found it, and when she pressed it, the van emitted a low, rumbling purr.

Her face lit up, her entire expression one of pure wonder. "This is the best day of my life."

JD shot me a wink through the window. "We aim to please."

While Storm and JD delved deeper into the van's secrets, I felt Madelyn lean into me, her arms wrapping around my waist as she rested her head against my shoulder, her breath warm against my ear. "You know, watching you like this... it's kinda hot."

I smirked, leaning back into her. "Oh yeah? What part?"

Her lips brushed the shell of my ear, a barely-there touch that sent shivers down my spine. "The part where you look so at home with my world. The way you love Storm. The way you just... fit."

I turned, her face so close our noses brushed. "You saying I fit in your world, Madelyn Cline?"

Her fingers tightened on my hips, pulling me against her. "I'm saying you make me want to pull you into my trailer and do very inappropriate things."

I bit back a grin, lowering my voice. "Oh? Like what?"

Her teeth grazed her bottom lip, a wicked glint in her eyes. "You want me to list them, or show you?". My breath caught, and I fought the urge to drag her away from prying eyes. "You're trouble."

She pressed a soft, lingering kiss to my lips, her voice a hushed murmur. "You love it."

I did. God, I really did. We stayed like that for a moment, the world around us a gentle hum. Her fingers drew small circles against my back, her touch grounding me. It felt like nothing else existed—just us, wrapped up in each other, sharing quiet words and soft kisses.

A voice broke through the haze, a teasing lilt to it. "Are y'all done being gross, or should we come back later?"

Madison stood a few feet away, arms crossed, a smirk playing on her lips. Carlacia was beside her, eyebrows raised in mock disapproval. Madelyn pulled back, not the least bit embarrassed. "Oh, please. Like you and Mariah don't act the same way."

Madison gasped, clutching her chest dramatically. "I would never. I am a lady."

Carlacia snorted. "Yeah, and I'm a nun."

Madison rolled her eyes before turning to me. "You surviving a day on set, or has Madelyn been too clingy?"

I chuckled. "I'm surviving. Barely. She's a little distracting."

Madelyn nudged me, but her smile was bright. "I'm not distracting. I'm affectionate."

"Affectionate, right," Madison echoed, winking. "We'll go with that."

Carlacia grinned, looking over to where Storm and JD were still sitting in Twinkie. "Looks like Storm's having the time of her life."

"She is," Madelyn said softly, her fingers lacing through mine. "And it's about to get better."

I straightened, my pulse quickening. This was the moment we'd been waiting for. Madelyn had been planning this for weeks, keeping it a secret from Storm. The director had agreed to let her be in a background shot, just a small cameo, but enough to make her feel like a real part of the show.

Madelyn slipped out of my arms, walking over to the van. "Storm? Can you come here for a second?". Storm poked her head out of the window, her face flushed with excitement. "Yeah?"

Madelyn held out her hand, guiding Storm out of the van and onto the set. "So, I have a question for you."

Storm's brows knitted together. "Okay?"

Madelyn's smile was soft but brimming with excitement. "How would you feel about being in a scene today?"

The world seemed to pause. Storm blinked, her mouth opening and closing like a fish out of water. "Wait. What?"

Madelyn bit back a laugh. "They need a background extra. Someone to walk through a scene. I thought, who better than my favorite honorary Pogue?"

Storm's hands flew to her mouth, a squeal escaping her that echoed through the set. "Are you serious?"

Madelyn nodded. "Very serious,". Storm threw her arms around Madelyn, nearly knocking her over. "Oh my God, yes! Yes, yes, yes!"

Madelyn laughed, hugging her back. "Alright, come on. Let's get you ready."

As she led Storm away, I stayed rooted in place, my chest tight with affection. Madison stepped up beside me, giving me a gentle nudge. "She's good for you, you know."

I nodded, my eyes never leaving Madelyn and Storm. "Yeah. She really is."

Carlacia leaned in, her voice soft. "You gonna marry her?"

The question lingered in the air, something I'd already talked about with Caleb and Lili. But the answer came easily, slipping past my lips without hesitation. "Yeah. One day."

Madison grinned, her arm wrapping around my shoulders. "Well, when that day comes, I call maid of honor."

Carlacia groaned. "Damn it, I was gonna say that."

We laughed, the sound light and easy. And as I watched Madelyn with Storm, her hand gentle on my sister's back, guiding her toward wardrobe, I knew this was more than just a moment. It was a glimpse into the future—a future filled with more days like this, more love, more laughter.

A future I was ready to fight for even with all the chaos going on.

. . .

The set buzzed with an easy rhythm—lights being adjusted, crew members weaving in and out of view, and cast members chatting as they waited for the next take.

I leaned against a nearby trailer, keeping an eye on Storm as she stood in the background of a scene. She looked so natural, blending in with the other extras, but the sparkle in her eyes gave away just how much this meant to her.

Madelyn stood close by, her arm looped around Storm's shoulders, and they giggled between takes. Watching them together did something to me—something soft and warm that settled right into me. It was the kind of contentment I never thought I'd feel, the kind that made everything else seem small in comparison.

"Enjoying yourself?"

The voice made my shoulders tighten. I didn't have to look to know it was Chase. His tone had that practiced casualness to it, the kind that seemed to always hold something else beneath the surface.

"Yeah," I said, keeping my voice even. "It's a good day."

He leaned against the trailer beside me, mimicking my posture. "For Storm, especially. Must be pretty cool, getting to see everything up close."

I nodded, not taking my eyes off Madelyn and Storm. "Yeah, she's having the time of her life."

Chase hummed, a low, thoughtful sound. "Not many people get this kind of access. You're pretty lucky."

I glanced at him, giving a tight smile. "I know."

"Madelyn's always been generous," he continued, his words smooth but with an edge. "She's got a big heart."

I didn't respond, letting the quiet stretch between us. Whatever game he was playing, I wasn't interested. He shifted, crossing his arms. "You know, this world—it's not for everyone. Madelyn's been doing this a long time, but you... well, it's different for you, isn't it?"

I took a breath, keeping my voice level. "I can handle it."

"Sure." His tone was light, but the patronizing undertone was hard to miss. "But can Storm? I mean, with everything going on online... it's a lot for a kid."

My jaw tightened, but I forced a slow, steady exhale. "Storm's stronger than you think."

"Good." He nodded slowly, as if he were considering something. "Because I've seen how this stuff eats people up. The scrutiny, the rumors, the way fans turn on you when they don't get what they want. It can break people." He turned his head, his smile sharp. "I'd hate to see that happen to you two."

The warning sat in the air between us, thick and bitter. I let it hang, refusing to react. He was looking for a crack, a place to wedge his words and let them fester. I wasn't going to give it to him.

"Is there a point to this conversation, Chase?" I asked, my voice steady.

He studied me, his head tilted slightly. "Just looking out for Madelyn. She's been through a lot. You know how it is—the more public things get, the harder it is to keep them real." His smile stretched, more of a grimace. "I mean, you wouldn't want her to regret anything, right?"

A pulse of heat moved through me, my fingers curling into fists in my pockets. "Madelyn doesn't regret anything."

"If you say so." He pushed off the trailer, his movements slow, deliberate. "But, hey, if you ever need advice on navigating all this... I've been around the block a few times. I've seen how quickly things can change. Plus, I did date her first."

I didn't answer. I just watched as he walked away, his shoulders loose, his back to me. The weight of his words lingered, curling around the edges of my thoughts.

Regret.

The word gnawed at me, sharp and invasive. I knew what he was doing—planting seeds, hoping they'd take root. He wanted me to question, to doubt, to look at Madelyn and wonder if I was enough for her. If this life, this love, was something I could hold onto.

I swallowed hard, forcing myself to focus. I wasn't going to let him get in my head. Not now. Not when everything I cared about was just a few feet away, laughing and living and looking at me with nothing but love.

But as I turned my gaze back to the set, watching Madelyn guide Storm through another scene, the whispers of his words remained. Quiet, persistent, like a dull ache that wouldn't quite go away.