Finding the perfect hurt/comfort fic for JJ from 'Outer Banks' is like digging for treasure—you know the gold is out there, but it takes some sifting. My absolute favorite is 'Anchor in the Storm' by saltywaves, where JJ gets hit with a brutal injury during a reckless stunt, and the Pogues rally around him while he struggles with vulnerability. The author nails his voice—that mix of bravado and hidden fragility—and Kiara’s quiet protectiveness is chef’s kiss. Another gem is 'Bruises Fade,' which explores JJ’s past with his dad in flashbacks while John B and Pope try to pull him out of a self-destructive spiral. The emotional weight hits hard, especially when JJ finally breaks down in the hammock under the stars.
If you’re into lighter angst with more banter, 'Saltwater Stitches' is a fun one—JJ gets seasick during a storm, and the others tease him relentlessly while still patching him up. The dynamic feels so canon, especially Pope’s exasperated medic mode. For something darker, 'Hold Your Breath' dives into JJ nearly drowning during a Kook prank gone wrong, with Kie and Sarah teaming up to confront the attackers. The aftermath scenes where JJ pretends he’s fine (but very much isn’t) wrecked me. Pro tip: filter by 'JJ-centric + hurt/comfort' on AO3 and sort by kudos—that’s how I found most of these!