Pope started to get suspicions of abuse in the Maybank Household when he realized just how much JJ actually slept over at John B's place. Every time Pope came over, he was greeted by both JJ and John B. JJ even had his own designated room with a drawer of his own clothes.

The Pogues were never allowed to go to JJ's house for any reason, Pope didn't even know where it was. That also increased his suspicions.

The scars the littered JJ's body was another hint. JJ didn't bother hiding them, sure he was self conscious but he was always surfing in his swim trunks or wearing sleeveless tops. There were long scars that covered his back and small marks, likely cigarette burns, in one spot over his chest. And there was also this really faded, but slightly pink, scar that was covered by his eyebrow. Pope only saw it in certain lighting or close up pictures.

Bruises were another giveaway. There were some days where JJ opted to just go fishing instead of swimming, or relaxed on the boat instead. No one every commented on it but Pope once saw the end of a really large purple bruise underneath his shirt when JJ was sprawled out at the bow of the HMS Pogue. John B was very subtle when gesturing to his friend to pull the shirt down.

After that, Pope paid more attention. In fact he briefly mentioned it to his parents. They brushed it off as just the Maybank kid getting into more fights. And while it seemed reasonable because of his last name, Pope knew JJ better than that. He doesn't just get in fights for no reason, it's always for protecting his friends.

One day while everyone was gathered at The Wreck awaiting their favorite food by playing a nice foosball tourney, their had to be three teams of 1 and a team of 2 in order for the lineups to work out. The teams were John B, Sarah, Kie, and them Pope was with JJ. After winning the semi finals against Kie, Pope and JJ were doing their celebratory dance. Pope raised his hand for a high-five and then it all went to shit.

JJ turned around towards Pope and wasn't expecting to see the large hand just mere inches away from his face. For a flash, all he saw was his dad and the background changed from dim lights and oily air to his beer-stenched house. JJ flinched violently away from the hand. Hard. Hard enough to stumble back over a short staircase that consisted of about 3 steps. His foot totally missed the first step and he toppled down the rest, land with a thud on the wooden floor below.

"Jay!" Both Kie and Sarah shouted, watching their friend disappear. What all four of them clambered down the steps, the entire restaurant was looking at them, but no one actually cared. "Shit dude you good?" Pope asks. "Sorry man, I didn't m–"

"It's fine. Pope. Guy's I'm fine." JJ interrupts quickly, already standing up.

"What even happened?" John B questions. JJ just shrugs. "Pope had is hand up and it surprised me."

Pope feel so so guilty but knows that JJ forgives him, even if it does nothing to ease his conscious.

Just then, with perfect timing, waiters appear with plates of food for the group. One shorter blonde women asks "Is everything okay over here? We heard a crash." After receiving a lot of non-commited grunts of confirmation as they dug in.

Pope keeps an eye on JJ, who had gone seemingly quiet since it happened.

Week's later, Pope's suspicions are confirmed when he is greeted by one of his best friends that just spent 25,000 dollars on a hot tub and lights in order to please his "family."

Whoop whoop! I'm done chapter 2! Onto the next one, I might use an alternative prompt but idk yet.

This one was actually quite short compared to the others haha.