Outer Banks Imagines ~ JJ and Rafe

JJ ~ why are you mad?

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The room was tense, shadows cast from the dim light flickering as JJ paced back and forth, frustration practically radiating off him. You stood by the door, arms crossed, both of you locked in a heated argument after Rafe hit on you at the party.

"It's Rafe. He does this all the time. Why do you even care, JJ?" You demanded, exasperation lacing your voice. "Every time I try to get close to you, you push me away. What's the problem now?"

JJ stopped dead, whipping around to face you. "Maybe because you make it impossible to forget about you!" he snapped, eyes blazing. "I can't just sit back and watch you with him."

You shot back, confused. "You don't get to decide who I spend time with!"

He clenched his fists, his voice rising, "You don't get it, do you? Rafe's dangerous, Y/N! And you're too stubborn to see it."

"Don't act like this is about my safety, JJ. This is about you not trusting me!" You were almost shouting now, feeling a mix of anger and hurt.

He let out a humorless laugh, shaking his head as he ran a hand through his hair. "I trust you more than anyone, Y/N and you know that. But it's not that simple."

You took a step closer, your own frustration boiling over. "Then explain it, JJ! Because I'm done with these games. You either tell me now or shut up."

His eyes narrowed, his voice dropping to a low, intense tone. "You really want to know why I'm acting like this?"

"Yeah, I do!" you challenged, meeting his glare head-on. "Why are you so mad?"

JJ's jaw tightened, and his eyes held yours in an unflinching stare. Then, finally, he took a deep breath and let the words spill out. 

"Because I'm in love with you."

The room fell silent, the tension shifting in an instant. Your heart skipped a beat, your mind reeling from his words.

You blinked, barely able to process what he'd just said. "You're... in love with me?"

His face softened, his anger melting away as he looked at you, raw and unguarded. "Yeah, Y/N. I am. I mean who wouldn't. Look at you." He says gesturing to you, "You're smart, you're kind, you're pretty."

You shook your head, still in disbelief, the intensity of the moment making you feel almost dizzy. "What? JJ... why didn't you just tell me?"

He laughed bitterly, looking away. "You think it's that easy? Loving you isn't easy, Y/N. It's like I can't breathe sometimes. I watch you with other guys, and it just... makes me want to tear their heads off for even looking at you. But I thought I'd ruin things if I said anything. I mean we've been friends since we were kids."

A flicker of vulnerability crossed his face, his defenses down in a way you'd never seen before. "And I thought I'd lose you if I did."

You softened, reaching out and placing a hand on his arm. "JJ, you don't have to lose me. I'm right here."

His eyes flickered with hope, and he let out a shaky breath, lifting a hand to cover yours. "I'm sorry I didn't tell you sooner," he whispered, his voice breaking slightly.

For the first time, there were no more walls, no more hiding. Just you and JJ, standing in the quiet aftermath, finally letting the truth hang between you. And you knew, somehow, that everything had changed.