The rain had started just as the sun went down, the sky opening up and pouring in a way only a summer storm could. You'd been curled up on the couch, listening to the raindrops beat against the window, when you heard a knock on your door. You opened it to find Rafe standing there, soaked to the bone, a sheepish grin on his face.
"You're insane," you laughed, taking in the sight of him. His hair was dripping, plastered to his forehead, and he was clutching a bag full of snacks and a takeout container from your favorite Thai place.
"Maybe," he admitted, a hint of that smirk you loved tugging at his lips. "But I didn't think you'd mind the company. Plus, you know I'd never let a little rain keep me from you."
Despite his cocky words, there was a softness in his eyes that made your heart flutter. Without another word, you grabbed a towel from the bathroom, tossing it to him as you helped him shrug out of his drenched jacket.
"Let's get you dry," you murmured, toweling off his hair, laughing as he groaned and tried to dodge you.
Once he was (mostly) dry, he made himself comfortable on the couch, settling in like he'd lived there his whole life. You dimmed the lights, creating a cozy little cocoon against the storm outside. The thunder rumbled in the distance, but inside, with Rafe beside you, the whole world seemed to slow down.
He handed you one of the takeout containers, and you sat shoulder to shoulder, unwrapping the food together. The scent of spicy noodles and fried dumplings filled the room, mixing with the warmth from the blanket you'd pulled over your legs.
"So, how'd you know this was my favorite takeout?" you asked, raising an eyebrow as you took a bite.
Rafe shrugged, not quite meeting your eyes. "I pay attention sometimes," he said, but you could see the hint of a smile on his face.
"Is that so?" you teased, nudging him with your shoulder.
"Yeah, yeah," he muttered, his grin growing. "Don't let it go to your head. I just remembered, that's all."
But you knew better. For all his bravado, Rafe had a surprising way of remembering small things about you, things that no one else would have noticed. The fact that he'd brought your favorite takeout on a night like this, when he could've been anywhere else, didn't go unnoticed.
After you finished eating, he stretched out on the couch, flipping through channels before settling on a classic rom-com that made you laugh.
"Really?" you asked, raising an eyebrow. "This doesn't seem like your style, Cameron."
He shrugged, pulling you closer under the blanket. "Maybe not, but I figured you'd like it."
You felt your heart swell a little as you nestled against him, tucking yourself into his side. His arm wrapped around you, holding you close, and you could feel his warmth seeping through the fabric of your sweater. As the movie played, you shared popcorn, laughing at the silly jokes and over-the-top moments. Every now and then, he'd look down at you, his eyes filled with a softness you rarely saw.
"You know," he said quietly, his voice barely audible over the sound of the movie, "I don't think I've ever done this before."
"Done what?" you asked, glancing up at him.
"This," he said, gesturing around. "Just... stayed in. Spent the night doing nothing. It's kind of... nice."
You smiled, reaching for his hand and lacing your fingers together. "You don't always have to be doing something, Rafe. Sometimes it's okay to just... be."
He looked down at your hand in his, his thumb tracing gentle circles on your skin. "I know," he said softly. "But I think I only know that because of you."
Your heart skipped a beat, warmth spreading through you as you held his gaze. In that moment, you could see the vulnerability he kept hidden from the world, the side of him he didn't let anyone else see.
Slowly, he leaned down, pressing a soft kiss to your forehead. "I don't deserve you, you know that?"
You shook your head, smiling as you wrapped your arms around him. "I think you're better than you realize, Rafe."
For a while, neither of you said anything, content to just sit together as the rain drummed against the windows. You could hear the thunder rolling in the distance, feel the warmth of Rafe's hand on your back, steady and comforting. It was a kind of peace you rarely found with anyone else, a feeling of safety and belonging you didn't think you'd ever get tired of.
Eventually, Rafe shifted, reaching for the remote. "Alright, what's next?" he asked, flipping through the streaming options. "Rom-com number two?"
You laughed, nudging him playfully. "Only if you're up for it, Cameron."
He groaned, rolling his eyes dramatically but hitting play on another movie anyway. "Fine. But you owe me. Big time."
As the movie started, you felt yourself slowly drifting off, the warmth of the blanket and the sound of the rain lulling you into a half-asleep state. Rafe's arm was wrapped around you, his hand gently stroking your shoulder, and you could feel his heartbeat against your cheek, steady and calming.
Just as you were about to fall asleep, he whispered, his voice soft and almost hesitant. "Hey... you know, I've never felt like this with anyone else."
You blinked, feeling a warmth rise to your cheeks as you looked up at him. He looked nervous, his eyes searching yours as if he wasn't sure what to say.
"I've never felt like this either, Rafe," you murmured, your voice barely above a whisper.
A small smile tugged at his lips, and he leaned down, kissing you softly. It was a gentle, lingering kiss, one that left you feeling breathless and safe all at once. When he pulled back, he rested his forehead against yours, his eyes closed as he held you close.
As the night went on, you both fell asleep on the couch, wrapped up in each other. The storm continued outside, the rain washing over the world, but inside, everything was calm and perfect. And as you drifted off to sleep, you knew that this was exactly where you were meant to be—by Rafe's side, sharing quiet, rainy nights that you'd remember forever.
