It was a laid-back Saturday afternoon at Rafe's house, the sun streaming through the windows, casting a warm glow over the living room. You, Rafe, and a few of his friends—Topper, Kelce, and a couple of others—were sprawled out on the couch and floor, surrounded by snacks and a chaotic assortment of video games, with laughter and playful banter filling the air.
Rafe sat beside you, his arm draped casually over your shoulders, while he joked around with his friends, his laughter echoing in the cozy space. You loved being with him and the gang, their camaraderie infectious, but after hours of non-stop energy and excitement, you started to feel the fatigue creeping in. The noise began to blur together, and you found yourself zoning out as your eyelids grew heavier.
"You okay, my love?" Rafe asked, noticing your drooping eyes. He nudged you gently with his shoulder, a hint of concern in his voice. "You look a little tired."
You smiled up at him, doing your best to shake off the sleepiness. "I'm fine, just a bit sleepy," you admitted, stifling a yawn that threatened to escape.
Rafe grinned, his blue eyes sparkling with mischief. "You've been staying up late reading again, haven't you?" He knew you all too well; late-night reading sessions were one of your guilty pleasures, often leading to sleepy days like this one.
"Maybe a little," you admitted, your voice softening. "But it was such a good book!"
Rafe laughed lightly, the sound warming your heart. "You know, if you're too tired, we can take a break. I don't mind letting my friends entertain themselves for a bit."
The idea of curling up with Rafe sounded incredibly tempting. You snuggled closer to him, resting your head on his shoulder as he wrapped his arm around you. The smell of his cologne mixed with the scent of popcorn and soda from earlier, creating a comforting atmosphere.
"Guys, can you keep it down a little?" Rafe called out to his friends, who were still engrossed in their video game, the controller sounds punctuating the air. "Y/N's trying to nap over here."
"Aw, come on! Just one more round!" Kelce protested playfully, but you could hear the teasing tone in his voice.
"Yeah, let the poor girl rest! We'll be loud later," Topper added with a grin, his eyes flickering toward you, offering a sympathetic smile.
With that, the noise level dropped, and you felt yourself drifting off, lulled by Rafe's gentle touch and the warmth of his body. He began to run his fingers through your hair, a soothing motion that helped you relax even more. You closed your eyes, leaning into him, feeling the tension in your body ease.
As you started to drift off, you heard the sounds of the game in the background, but it slowly faded into a comforting hum. Rafe kept you close, a protective presence as you rested. Every so often, he'd glance down at you, ensuring you were comfortable, his fingers still moving in soft strokes through your hair.
A few minutes later, you stirred slightly, your eyelids fluttering as you fought the urge to sleep. Rafe's soft voice broke through your hazy mind. "Hey, sleepyhead, if you're too tired, just relax. I've got this," he whispered, pressing a gentle kiss to the top of your head.
His reassurance enveloped you like a warm blanket, and you let out a soft sigh. "I'm okay, just a little tired," you mumbled, though the words came out more like a confession than a declaration.
"Alright, but you don't have to pretend for my friends. They're used to me being a little extra protective anyway," Rafe said with a playful smirk.
You chuckled softly, feeling a wave of affection wash over you. "You? Protective? Never," you teased, giving him a playful nudge.
"Hey, I take my duties seriously," he replied, feigning offense but unable to hide his smile. "And I don't want you to miss out on napping just because they're too loud."
Rafe's friends, overhearing your exchange, gave you both amused looks. "We can switch to a quieter game if it helps!" Kelce offered, genuine concern evident in his tone.
"You guys don't have to change anything," you said, your voice sleepier now. "I'll be fine."
But Rafe wasn't having it. "Nah, let's play something else," he insisted. "You're the priority here." He pulled you closer, making sure you were snug against him, and you couldn't help but smile at his protectiveness.
As the group shifted gears and settled into a quieter board game, you felt a wave of comfort wash over you. Rafe's warmth surrounded you like a cozy blanket, grounding you in the moment. His fingers continued to run through your hair in soothing strokes, a gentle rhythm that helped you feel safe and relaxed.
With the sounds of laughter now subdued, you found it easier to let your eyes flutter shut. Rafe leaned down, placing a soft kiss on your forehead. "You can sleep, baby. I'll wake you up if anything exciting happens," he promised, his voice a soft lullaby.
You nodded, grateful for his understanding. As your breathing slowed, you surrendered to the pull of sleep, feeling utterly content. The warmth of Rafe beside you and the gentle chatter of his friends became a comforting backdrop as you drifted off.
Time passed, and you weren't sure how long you'd been asleep when you felt a soft nudge against your shoulder. Rafe's voice broke through the fog of sleep. "Hey, my love, you awake?" he asked gently, his breath warm against your skin.
You blinked, adjusting to the dim light in the room. "Mmm... what time is it?" you murmured, rubbing your eyes and realizing that the game had ended, and his friends were now engaged in casual conversation.
"Just a little while since you fell asleep," Rafe said, brushing his fingers over your cheek. "We played a quieter game while you rested. How do you feel?"
"Better," you replied, a sleepy smile spreading across your face. "Thanks for letting me nap."
"Always," he said, grinning back at you. "And hey, I saved you some snacks." He gestured toward a plate filled with your favorite treats, still sitting on the coffee table.
You sat up a bit more, now fully awake and feeling more energetic. "You're the best," you said, stealing a quick kiss from him before reaching for the snacks.
Rafe chuckled, watching you with a soft smile. "Well, I do my best for my favorite girl."
As you enjoyed the treats, the warmth of Rafe's presence made you feel like you could take on the world, even if you had needed a nap earlier. Surrounded by laughter and good friends, you knew that no matter how tired you felt, moments like this were what made everything worthwhile.
