It was a quiet afternoon on the Outer Banks, the sun casting a warm glow over the beach as you and Rafe found a cozy spot to have a picnic. He had planned this surprise outing, eager to spend time with you and help you take your mind off things. But as you looked at the spread of sandwiches, chips, and fresh fruit, a familiar feeling of dread settled in your stomach.
Rafe noticed the tension in your shoulders, the way your eyes darted from the food to the sand, and he leaned closer, concern etched on his handsome face. "Hey, you okay?" he asked gently, reaching out to brush your arm with his fingers.
"Yeah, I just... I'm not really hungry," you mumbled, avoiding his gaze. The truth was, the thought of eating felt overwhelming, and the anxiety tightened its grip on you.
"C'mon, you've gotta eat something," Rafe urged, picking up a sandwich and offering it to you. "Just one bite, for me?"
You shook your head, the lump in your throat growing as you felt the panic rise. "I can't, Rafe. I'm just... not hungry."
He studied you for a moment, his brow furrowing with concern. "I get that, but you need to take care of yourself. I want you to be okay," he said softly, his voice filled with warmth and understanding.
"I know, I just..." You hesitated, searching for the right words. "It's hard sometimes. I just feel... scared."
Rafe's expression softened, and he set the sandwich back down. "You don't have to be scared with me. I'm here for you, no matter what." He took your hand, intertwining your fingers, grounding you in that moment.
Taking a deep breath, you looked at him, his blue eyes filled with unwavering support. "What if I can't?" you whispered, vulnerability lacing your voice.
"Then we'll take it slow," he replied firmly. "We can just sit here and talk. You don't have to eat if you don't want to. I just want to be with you."
His words soothed you, a balm for the anxiety bubbling inside. You squeezed his hand, grateful for his patience. "Thanks, Rafe. I just don't want to disappoint you."
"You could never disappoint me," he said, his thumb brushing over your knuckles. "I care about you too much for that. Remember, you're not alone in this."
Tears welled in your eyes, a mix of gratitude and sadness washing over you. Rafe pulled you closer, wrapping his arm around your shoulders and drawing you into his side. You rested your head against his chest, feeling the steady rhythm of his heartbeat.
"I'm scared to eat, but I'm also scared to let you down," you confessed, the weight of your fears spilling out.
"Hey," he said gently, lifting your chin so you could meet his gaze. "You could never let me down. It's okay to take your time. I'm here for the ups and downs, remember?"
With a shaky breath, you nodded, feeling the warmth of his presence calming your storm. "I just wish it was easier."
"I know," he said, his voice steady. "But we'll figure it out together. We can take it one day at a time."
Rafe's words resonated deep within you, a promise that you wouldn't have to face this battle alone. As the sun dipped lower in the sky, painting the horizon with shades of orange and pink, you allowed yourself to feel a flicker of hope.
"Okay," you said softly, the weight on your heart feeling a little lighter. "One day at a time."
"Exactly," he said, his smile breaking through your uncertainty. "And I'll be right here by your side, every step of the way."
The two of you sat in comfortable silence, the picnic spread forgotten for the moment, as you focused on the sound of the waves and the warmth of Rafe's embrace. With him, you felt a little stronger, ready to face the challenges ahead, knowing you wouldn't have to do it alone.

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Rafe Cameron Imagines
FanfictionThe title says it all. started: 10/20/24 ended: 4/16/25