Outer Banks Imagines ~ JJ and Rafe

Rafe ~ don't marry him

Gossip girl inspired

✦ . 　⁺ 　 . ✦ . 　⁺ 　 . ✦

You're standing in front of the mirror, taking one last look at yourself in your wedding dress, trying to keep your nerves in check. The sound of a knock on the door breaks through the silence, and you turn, expecting to see one of your bridesmaids.

But it's Rafe.

Your heart stutters as he steps in, shutting the door quietly behind him. He looks tense, his usual cocky smirk replaced with something more intense, almost desperate.

"Hey," he murmurs, his voice barely above a whisper. 

"Hey, what's wrong?" You ask, sensing the tension that's thrumming between you two.

He takes a step closer, his eyes searching yours. "Don't marry him."

The words hang in the air, and you feel your heart pound even harder. "What?"

"Don't marry JJ," he says, his tone steady, but there's an urgency in his gaze that makes you swallow hard.

"Rafe..." You try to stay calm, but his expression is breaking through every wall you've built up.

"Run away with me." His voice is softer, pleading, and he reaches out, his hand hovering close to yours.

"I have people waiting for me out there," you say quietly, glancing back toward the door.

"Yes, you do. And they would want you to do what makes you happy. But you won't be if you stay," he argues, his fingers brushing against yours now, sending shivers through you.

You fall silent, trying to summon the right words, but none come.

"Tell me I'm wrong," he challenges, his eyes never leaving yours. "Tell me you don't feel anything, and I'll leave right now."

You try, but the words catch in your throat. You look away, because the truth is too real, too raw, especially today.

"You can't, can you?" he murmurs, his voice barely a whisper. He steps closer, so close that you feel his warmth, his presence filling every inch of the room.

"Why are you doing this to me? Today, of all days?"

"Because it should be us in there, and you know it." His words are sharp, cutting through every layer of denial you've built around your heart.

You look back at him, your chest tight with every unspoken feeling between you. "It's not that simple anymore, Rafe."

"But you told me you love me."

You close your eyes, feeling the weight of that truth settle over you. "And I do. Of course I love you."

"Then what's stopping you?" He takes your hands in his, his thumb brushing gently over your knuckles.

"Rafe, if I run away with you, I'll be throwing away everything. I'll be giving up a life that's safe for something... unstable and reckless."

"Then I'll spend the rest of my life proving it to you," he says, his voice soft and steady. "So please, come with me."

You feel tears pricking at your eyes, and you're caught between every reason to stay and every reason to go. "I don't—"

"Say yes." His hand moves to your cheek, his thumb brushing away a stray tear.

You take a deep breath, letting the words settle in the silence between you. And finally, you meet his eyes, the truth so painfully clear.

"Okay."

His face lights up with relief, a glimmer of joy breaking through his desperate expression. "Really?"

You nod, tears spilling down your cheeks now. "I love you, Rafe."

He pulls you into a kiss, and you feel every hesitation, every doubt melt away. For the first time, everything feels right.