Pogue Picnic

You up?

Kiara winced as the bright alert from her phone woke her. By the light outside she reasoned it had to be just past six am. She read the text message and had to double check the name before deciding to answer.

What are u, a creepy tinder match? Yes, I'm up. It's 6 am dude, do u need something?

She could be a little grouchy in the morning.

Half asleep, she watched as the ellipsis popped up, then down again, then up. What could JJ possibly want at this hour? she thought to herself, switching to social media while he took the time to respond.

Meet up on the Pogue? Usual dock?

She blew out a long breath of air glanced at the ceiling for a second before texting back.

Fine. Give me an hour. But this better not be another treasure hunt.

Kiara played with the bracelets on her wrist as she waited for the boys to show up. It wasn't even eight in the morning but the humidity was already sticking her hair to her neck, and she hastily tied it up. A few minutes later, she saw the HMS Pogue pull up to the dock, JJ running over to help her onto the boat.

She frowned as she realized that none of the other boys were there with him.

"What, do I have something on my face?" he asked, pulling out his phone to check.

"No, I just thought— where are Pope and John B?"

JJ's eyes widened and he flushed slightly, although she knew he'd probably blame it on the heat or a sunburn if she asked him.

"They're busy. I don't know, I just thought maybe we could do something."

Kiara paused and shrugged. "Um, okay. What were you thinking? Fishing?"

"Well actually," he started as he walked back to the wheel to steer them away from the dock, "I was thinking a picnic?"

Kiara felt her eyebrows shoot up to her hairline and coughed to mask her complete shock. "I'm sorry, did JJ Maybank just say he wants to go for a picnic?"

JJ pulled his glasses down from where they sat on his head, avoiding her pointed glanced. "What, I just felt like having a picnic. Nothing wrong with that."

They eventually reached a spot near the banks where he could anchor the Pogue, and he set about unfolding a small blanket. Kiara spotted the cooler and walked over to help him. He shooed her away.

"JJ, what—"

"Sit down, Kie. Just sit, I'll take care of it."

He brought out a small fruit platter, some beers and a plastic container. Kiara stared at. "What is that?"

He smiled and opened it. It looked like some sort of high end pasta dish. "I got this from work, it's so good, you have to try some." He gave her a plate and piled it on top.

They ate in silence, JJ occasionally giving her shy smiles then turning quickly to look at the water when she caught him.

They watched as the sun climbed higher in the sky, bathing in its warmth.

"So, you going to explain why you wanted to go on a picnic. With me?" Kiara asked the boy after a moment. He seemed in deep thought, his hair flopping in the gentle breeze.

JJ smiled but she could tell her was nervous from the way he played with his hands, smoothing them over his shorts. JJ Maybank was nervous. And not the nervous-golden-retriever energy he always had, but nervous like butterflies-in-his-stomach nervous. She could tell. She could always tell.

"I uh…" he clicked his tongue, looked over at her, then back at the water. "I don't know, Kie. Can't it just be a picnic?"

"What do you mean?"

He let out a long sigh then leaned his arms back, and Kie had to actively concentrate on his face.

"I just mean, like… why can't it just be two Pogues having a picnic?"

"Because this feels like it's supposed to be ro—"

"Don't say it Kie," he interrupted, the same flush creeping up to his cheeks. "I got it, okay? I know, no Pogue on Pogue whatever. So we can just keep it like this, right? Like, we're not doing anything wrong right now."

Kiara leaned closer to him, gently placing her hand on his shoulder. He looked up at her with a mixture of hope and fear.

"I know. It's just kind of complicated. I'm scared it'll change things, if we are… together," she said, testing out the word. She could see his eyes flicker between hers, trying to understand. "But maybe we can try. Just taking it really slow, you know? I just don't want to ruin the dynamic with the other guys."

He nodded quickly, turning to face her completely. "Yeah, I know. Don't worry, I won't, like, rush you, or anything. I promise, Kie."

She smiled as he slowly wrapped his fingers around hers, and they stared out at the waves that lapped against the boat.

Author's Note:

Hi everyone. I just wanted to thank you all for your reviews. I want to let you know that I do read them, and I take each and every one of them into consideration (if suggestions) and motivation (if compliments). I'm glad we can all go on these mini-adventures with our favorite Pogues. Thanks again!