Outer Banks Imagines ~ JJ and Rafe

Rafe ~ toxic

POV: you come back to OBX for a friend's party but you see Rafe and remember the abuse he put you through during your relationship.

Warning: verbal violence. toxic relationship

A/N: I wanted to bring to light these type of relationships. If you or someone you know is going through this, please don't stay. I know it's easier said than done but reach out to anyone. There are more people in the world who can help you. You are worthy of being loved and you deserve better. - L x

Note: I got this idea from tiktok @ elina_rafe

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The familiar shoreline stretched out before you, the waves crashing softly against the sand as you took in the place you once called home.

It had been months since you'd last set foot on the Outer Banks, months of putting distance between you and all the memories that haunted you here.

You'd rebuilt yourself, piece by piece, hoping to leave behind the pain that Rafe had caused. But the second you caught a glimpse of him, standing there by the beach with that all-too-familiar look in his eyes, it was like every wound reopened at once.

Your heart skipped a beat, and a chill ran down your spine as he noticed you, his gaze locking onto yours.

For a moment, he looked surprised, almost vulnerable, but you knew better than to trust that.

You remember the countless times you'd seen that same expression.

When he became overly jealous:

"You think I'm stupid Y/N?"

"Rafe, we're just friends from work."

"You think I believe that line of shit?"

"Baby, please trust me."

"Who you trying to protect hmm?"

When he manipulated you:

"What do you want from me Rafe?"

"I need to make sure the story is straight when the cops come to talk to you."

When he got controlling:

"Why do you have my phone? Give it back."

"No, I'm going to look through it because I don't trust you Y/N."

Every time he guilted you into staying with him:

"Please Y/N, please don't leave me, okay?!"

"I can't do this anymore Rafe."

"I'm going to change. Please. I love you!"

Whenever he got angry:

"Rafe, I need you to put the knife down."

"I mean, I'm sleeping under the same roof as a THIEF!!"

"Rafe..."

"And I have to take care of my problems tonight and you're one of them Y/N! Do you understand?!"

When he got obsessive and would leave multiple voicemails asking where you were:

"I'm going to find you Y/N. So you might as well tell me where you are now."

When he was overprotective:

"Rafe! Let me out! I'm wanna go home!"

"I'm not letting you out until you calm down Y/N. You're not going anywhere. This is your home now."

And especially when he gaslit you:

"Before me you were nothing Y/N. You were just some stupid Pogue."

"You don't mean that."

"So if anything, you should be thanking me no?"

"Y/N," he called, taking a few hesitant steps toward you. His voice was smooth, as if nothing had changed—as if he hadn't left you in pieces.

You took a step back instinctively, every hurtful word he'd thrown at you flashing through your mind, every hollow apology, every promise he never kept. Memories of nights spent alone, tears shed in silence, and the endless cycle of highs and lows came rushing back, each one cutting deeper than the last.

"Rafe, don't," you said firmly, your voice trembling despite your best efforts. You forced yourself to stand tall, refusing to let him see the crack in your armour.

He stopped, taken aback. "Come on, I'm just trying to talk," he said, his voice carrying that familiar edge that used to make you doubt yourself. "I've missed you, you know?"

You clenched your fists, the old pain mingling with a newfound anger that surged within you. "You don't get to say that, Rafe. Not after everything you put me through."

His face twisted in frustration, a flash of anger flickering in his eyes. "Don't act like I'm the only one who messed up, Y/N," he shot back, his tone defensive. "You weren't exactly innocent in all this."

The words stung, even though you knew better.

He was doing it again, turning it around, making you feel responsible for his actions. But this time, you caught yourself.

You took a deep breath, steadying yourself, the memories of sleepless nights and broken promises giving you strength instead of pulling you back.

"No, Rafe," you replied, your voice firm. "I may not have been perfect, but I know what I deserve. And it's not this. It's not you."

For the first time, he seemed at a loss for words. He stared at you, his expression unreadable, but you no longer cared. The power he once held over you was gone, replaced by a sense of relief and freedom you'd almost forgotten was possible.

Without another word, you turned on your heel and walked away, leaving him behind for good, reclaiming your life and everything he'd tried to take from you. As you stepped forward, each step felt lighter, as if with every stride, you were shedding the weight of the past.