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''JJ, you're not going to convince me you have a vagina just to get my Skittles.''

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THE AIR WAS warm and sticky as John B and I walked along the familiar path, winding past the thick trees at the chateau. John B was still moving a bit gingerly, his cast making his gait uneven.

We strolled along in silence for a bit, comfortable in each other's company, until I finally turned to him. ''You know, I could crash at your place for a while if you want. I mean, you've got a cast, and it might help to have someone around to do all the things you can't,'' I suggested, glancing over to gauge his reaction. ''Besides, maybe I can work at the country club for a bit, make myself useful.''

John B looked thoughtful, nodding slowly. ''You know, that's not a bad idea,'' he replied, the hint of a smile tugging at the corner of his mouth. ''I'll talk to Ward. Maybe he'd be cool with you hanging out more, especially since it'd be to help me.''

I shifted, feeling a little pang of guilt as I looked down. ''I'm sorry you're having to live with the Camerons in the first place, instead of with me and my dad. If things were different...'' I let the words trail off, thinking of the empty space back home, with just me and Dad rattling around a house that felt too big since Mom had disappeared. ''It's just... I wish you didn't have to deal with all this Cameron stuff. You should be with us.''

John B gave a little shrug, waving it off like it didn't matter, though I knew him too well to miss the flicker of sadness in his eyes. ''It's not your fault, Mave. Social services decided, and that was that. But, uh, it's actually not so bad.'' His expression softened, and I caught the faintest hint of pink creeping onto his cheeks.

I grinned, catching on immediately. ''Ohhh, right. Because you get to live with Sarah now, huh?'' I teased, nudging him with my elbow. ''Bet you're not complaining too much about that.''

John B blushed harder, trying to look away, but I wasn't letting him off that easy. ''Come on, admit it, Johnny. You're not just a little bit okay with it?''

He exhaled, looking sheepish, but a little smile broke through his embarrassment. ''Fine,'' he muttered, scratching at the back of his neck. ''We... kissed. And, um, I think I'm actually in love with her.''

My mouth dropped open in shock, and then I felt a huge, goofy grin spreading across my face as I shrieked. ''Oh my god, no way! Shut up! You did not just say that!'' I squealed, grabbing his arm and jumping up and down a bit. ''You're totally serious?''

He chuckled, his expression a mix of relief and amusement at my reaction. ''Yeah, I'm serious,'' he said, looking down at his feet, clearly a little embarrassed.

''This is insane! Johnny and Sarah Cameron, a real-life Kook-Pogue love story! I love it!'' I clapped my hands, barely able to contain my excitement. ''So, tell me more. Did you confess your undying love? Was there some dramatic moment? Details!''

John B's eyes widened, and he held up his hands, laughing. ''Whoa, whoa, I think you've heard enough. I can't tell you everything, Mave!''

I pouted, but I couldn't help but laugh, seeing how flustered he was. ''Oh, come on, Johnny! It's me!''

He shook his head, chuckling. ''Nope. That's all you're getting out of me. Sorry, Mavie.''

I laughed, letting the subject drop as I watched him, genuinely happy for him. ''All right, fine, keep your secrets. But... I'm happy for you, John B. You deserve something good.''

We both fell into a comfortable silence, the kind that comes only from years of friendship. 

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THE TENSION ON the porch was thick enough to slice through. Everyone was restless, shifting in their seats, or, like Kiara, pacing back and forth in visible frustration. The old boards of the porch creaked beneath her with each step. 

''No effing way!'' Kiara's voice rose, her face drawn into a scowl as she continued her pacing, arms folded tight. ''You brought her here? So what, she's just in on this now?'' She gestured at Sarah, who was perched on the edge of the couch beside John B, her jaw clenched as she met Kiara's gaze.

John B looked helplessly at Pope, who just shrugged. ''I dunno,'' he mumbled, his shoulders slumping. He clearly didn't have much faith in his own argument.

JJ, leaning against the railing, pointed to himself. ''Look, all I care about is her cut comes out of your share,'' he muttered, nodding at John B and Sarah, as if that settled things.

Kiara rolled her eyes. ''You know, I don't remember taking a vote on this. This is our thing. A Pogue thing.'' She took a deep breath, glancing over at Pope and me, hoping for support.

Pope shook his head. ''I gotta say, I'm just a tad uncomfortable with all of this,'' he muttered, giving John B a look.

''Yeah,'' I chipped in, crossing my arms as I leaned back against the porch railing. ''Even though she's cool and all, I'd like to voice some concerns.'' I glanced at Sarah, feeling a bit conflicted. Sure, I was happy for John B and his whole romance, but did he really know her well enough to bring her into something so important to us? A heads-up would've been nice, anyway.

Kiara shot me an appreciative nod. ''Thank you!'' she exclaimed, looking vindicated.

John B shrugged, casting a nonchalant glance at Pope. ''When are you not uncomfortable, Pope?'' he challenged.

Pope chuckled, shrugging back. ''I dunno. I rode here on the back of JJ's bike pretty comfortably,'' he replied with a smirk.

JJ laughed, slapping Pope's back. ''That's true. Most relaxed I've ever seen him.''

John B smirked, shaking his head. ''That's cute, guys.''

I couldn't resist jumping in. ''Are you jealous he's making out with Pope now instead of you, Johnny?'' I teased, grinning as Pope threw me an exasperated glare, though he didn't seem genuinely annoyed. John B just rolled his eyes at me, barely hiding a smile.

Kiara, however, wasn't amused. She turned her attention back to Sarah, her voice laced with irritation. ''You know, we were all extremely comfortable until you brought her here.''

Sarah crossed her arms, narrowing her eyes at Kiara. ''Stop talking about me like I'm not here!'' she snapped.

''Then leave,'' Kiara shot back, dead serious.

Sarah scoffed, her gaze flicking to John B, seeking backup. ''I told you,'' she murmured to him.

Kiara took a step closer. ''Told him what, exactly? That you're a liar?''

Sarah's eyes flashed. ''No, that you're a shit-talking bitch,'' she bit back.

JJ leaned over to me, barely whispering, ''Don't miss out on the gif, Mavie.''

I quickly pulled my phone out, ready just in case the girls started swinging, but my finger hovered over the screen. I wasn't entirely sure I'd hit record. They both looked on the verge, but no one moved.

''Everybody shut up!'' John B shouted, his voice slicing through the tension. He looked at Kiara, softening his voice as he tried to reason. ''Kie, you're my best friend, right?'' Then he turned to Sarah, hesitating as a small grin pulled at his lips. ''And Sarah, you're...'' He chuckled, shrugging. ''You're my...''

Sarah's eyes softened, and she leaned forward a little. ''Say it,'' she whispered.

''You're my girlfriend.''

The porch fell silent for a second, everyone processing his words. Pope mumbled, ''Ohh... that's new.''

Kiara crossed her arms tightly, glaring. ''She's your girlfriend now? What was all that talk about using her for information? Get a map, cut her loose!''

Sarah looked like she'd been slapped. ''You... you said you were using me?'' She turned to John B, hurt flashing across her face.

John B stammered, ''No...''

Kiara wasn't letting it slide. ''Yeah, you did.''

I leaned in, raising an eyebrow. ''Matter of fact, you even promised we'd cut her off, remember?''

''Yup,'' JJ chimed in. ''He did.''

John B shot both him and me a betrayed look. ''Oh really? Whose side are you on right now?''

I shrugged, grinning as I held up two fingers in a peace sign. ''Vagina solidarity or something like that.''

John B groaned, trying to defend himself. ''Look, love just... walked in, okay?''

Kiara let out a dry laugh. ''Oh, vomit.''

John B pressed on, his tone more serious now. ''I didn't expect it. It just—it kind of happened,'' he insisted, turning to Sarah, almost pleading. ''And I'm not gonna deny it. Right?''

Pope leaned toward me, muttering, ''Oh, that's corny.''

I chuckled. ''Oh, JB's officially whipped,'' I snickered, and JJ laughed beside me, fist-bumping as if we were officially declaring him done for.

 Kiara wasn't letting up. ''Cut the crap, John B. If she's in, I'm out.'' she stated crossing her arms. ''You're gonna decide. I'm very interested, actually. Me or her?''

John B's answer was immediate. ''Both.''

The silence that followed was heavy, punctuated only by Pope's low ''Oooh...'' as he raised his brows, glancing between John B and Kiara.

I smirked, letting out a soft chuckle. ''Threesome?''

Everyone shot me a look, but no one answered. Without another word, Kiara turned on her heel and walked away.

JJ leaned close, whispering with a grin, ''Went for the Hail Mary.''

Sarah stood up, taking a breath. ''It'll be cool, right?'' She glanced at John B but didn't wait for a reply. ''I'm gonna leave,'' she murmured, clearly upset.

''Sarah, don't,'' John B muttered, but she was already stepping off the porch.

''Gonna let y'all chat. Let me know,'' she called over her shoulder before disappearing into the night. John B sat down, looking drained, like the weight of it all had finally sunk in.

JJ clapped a hand on his shoulder. ''I'd just like to say, you handled that beautifully.''

I shook my head, tucking my phone back into my pocket. ''Honestly, with the arguments you've been given tonight, I'd give that response maybe... a solid three out of ten,'' I quipped. ''And I didn't even record it. Waste of a good fight.''

John B just sighed, rubbing his face, clearly trying to figure out how he'd ended up here.

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JOHN B TOSSED a water bottle over to Pope, who had just stepped into the chateau, looking worn out from the heat. ''What'd she say?'' he asked, leaning against the counter and eyeing Pope expectantly.

Pope caught the bottle with ease and cracked a wry smile. ''That you're an idiot.''

JJ snorted, crossing his arms and shaking his head. ''It's a no-brainer, man. You're picking Kie.'' He leaned back against the wall with the air of someone who thought the whole situation was straightforward.

''He's right,'' Pope chimed in, unscrewing the cap of his water bottle. ''How long have you known Kie, please? And Sarah? A few days?'' He glanced over at John B, as if the answer should be obvious.

John B mumbled, ''Mmm-mm,'' unable to meet any of our eyes.

I raised an eyebrow, watching him closely. ''How did she even become your girlfriend, man? You've known her for, what, three days and you're already in love?'' I asked, genuinely baffled. The whole thing had come out of nowhere, and even though I wanted to be supportive, I couldn't ignore how fast this was moving.

He shrugged, clearly exasperated. ''It just... happened, okay? I can't explain it.'' He looked away, as if trying to avoid any more probing questions, though we all knew that was unlikely with us.

Pope shook his head, dismissing the whole thing as he made his way over to the fridge. ''Well, good luck with that,'' he muttered, half under his breath.

John B hopped down from the counter, a new determination flashing in his eyes. ''You know what? I know this was my fault, all right? But it's our problem. I've got a plan,'' he declared, looking at each of us with the kind of intensity that told me he meant it. ''And you three shitheads are gonna help me out.''

I strolled over to John B's drawer, pretending to think it over, though I already knew what he'd kept in there. ''Depends,'' I said casually, popping open the drawer and finding exactly what I was hoping for. ''Do you have Skittles?'' I pulled out the bag, grinning as I held it up. John B had tried to pretend he bought them for himself, but I knew he stocked them just for me. It was sweet, in his own John B way, and I wasn't about to let on that I knew.

He rolled his eyes, watching me tear into the bag. ''Well, now that you've ransacked my stash, are you in?''

I popped a handful of Skittles in my mouth, savoring the taste. ''Okay, I'm in,'' I replied, but the moment was interrupted by JJ's hand darting toward the bag. I slapped it away before he could sneak any. ''Nice try, JJ.''

JJ pouted, holding up his hands in surrender. ''Unbelievable. Vagina solidarity, and you're still keeping 'em all for yourself?'' He grinned.

''JJ, you don't have a vagina,'' I pointed out, watching him as he crossed his arms, feigning offense.

''Well... there's something I need to talk to you about—''

I cut him off with a smirk. ''JJ, you're not going to convince me you have a vagina just to get my Skittles.''

Suddenly, John B groaned, throwing his hands up. ''Can we please stop talking about vaginas?''

I grinned, leaning back with a mock-serious look. ''Unless you've got a vagina you want to talk about—''

''Stop, okay? Jesus,'' he cut me off, rolling his eyes in exasperation.

JJ and I burst out laughing, practically doubling over as John B shot us a tired, long-suffering look.

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