It was a warm night, perfect for a small gathering with friends. Rafe, Topper, and Kelce were all sitting around a bonfire in Tannyhill's backyard, the flickering flames casting shadows across their faces. You, on the other hand, were completely absorbed by the fireflies that dotted the evening air, running around the yard with an excited smile as you tried to catch them. The guys watched you, chuckling every time you missed and immediately tried again.
Rafe leaned back, a small smile playing on his lips as he kept his eyes on you. "Look at her," he murmured to his friends, a softness in his voice that he didn't even try to hide.
"She's like a little kid," Topper teased, nudging Rafe. "You sure she doesn't need a babysitter?"
Rafe rolled his eyes, but there was an undeniable warmth in his gaze. "Just because she's having fun doesn't mean she needs a babysitter," he defended, his tone gentle. "She's happy."
Kelce grinned, nudging him. "Happy with you, Rafe. I've never seen you this whipped, man."
Rafe shrugged, completely unfazed. "Yeah, well... she's my love. I'm fine with that."
Just as he spoke, you turned to the bonfire, holding your hands together, eyes shining with excitement. "Rafe! Look! I actually caught one!"
Rafe got up, walking over to meet you, and opened his hands so you could gently place the firefly onto his palm. The two of you watched it glow for a moment, and then it flew off into the dark.
You looked up at him, grinning from ear to ear. "Told you I'd catch one."
Rafe chuckled, leaning down to give you a quick kiss on the forehead. "I never doubted you for a second, my love."
But instead of letting you go, he wrapped his arms around you and pulled you back to the bonfire, keeping you close to his side. You nestled in, leaning your head on his shoulder as the fire crackled, creating a comforting soundtrack to the night.
"Anyone else want a drink?" Topper asked, getting up to grab something from the cooler. You perked up, your eyes lighting up as you nudged Rafe.
"Can I have a soda, Rafe?" you asked, giving him a puppy-dog look that always seemed to work.
Rafe smirked, pretending to think about it before he nodded. "Only because you caught a firefly."
As Topper handed you the soda, you gave Rafe a playful nudge. "See? Told you I could get what I wanted with a smile."
Rafe shook his head, laughing softly. "I guess I just can't say no to you, my love."
After a while, Kelce pointed out a group of fireflies that had gathered around the edges of the yard. You practically jumped up, catching sight of them, and Rafe's grip tightened on your hand.
"Hey, hey, slow down, my love," he said, a hint of protective worry in his voice. "You're going to trip over yourself if you keep running off like that."
You gave him a reassuring grin, squeezing his hand back. "Don't worry, Rafe. I'll come back in one piece," you teased.
As you raced toward the glowing bugs, he kept a watchful eye on you. Even from afar, you could hear him chuckle as you nearly tripped on a rock but caught yourself just in time.
"She's got you wrapped around her finger," Topper murmured with a smirk.
Rafe just shook his head, his gaze never leaving you. "Yeah, but I wouldn't have it any other way."
