The party at the bonfire was in full swing, the sound of laughter and music echoing across the beach. The flames crackled in the center of the crowd, sending sparks flying into the night sky. People danced, drank, and forgot their problems for the night. But not Rafe.
You stood near the edge of the gathering, watching him from a distance. He was tense, his jaw tight as he downed another drink. Kelce and Topper hovered nearby, laughing about something, but Rafe wasn't paying attention. His gaze was locked on Sarah, who was standing on the opposite side of the fire with John B and the rest of the Pogues.
"Rafe," you called softly, stepping closer to him.
He turned, his expression softening slightly when he saw you. "Hey," he said, his voice quieter than usual.
"What are you doing?" you asked, your eyes flicking to Sarah and then back to him. "Why are you staring at her like that?"
"She doesn't get to just show up here like nothing happened," he muttered, his grip tightening around the cup in his hand. "After everything she's done to this family..."
"Rafe," you said gently, placing a hand on his arm. "Tonight isn't about her. Forget Sarah. Let's just enjoy the bonfire, okay?"
He didn't respond, his eyes still locked on his sister. You could see the anger bubbling beneath the surface, threatening to boil over.
"Rafe," you said again, stepping in front of him to block his view. "Look at me."
His gaze finally shifted to you, and for a moment, the hardness in his eyes faded. "She thinks she's better than me," he said quietly. "They all do."
"That's not true," you said firmly. "And even if it is, who cares what they think? You're better than this, Rafe. Don't let them get to you."
For a moment, you thought he might listen. His shoulders relaxed slightly, and he let out a shaky breath. But then Kelce walked over, grinning. "Yo, Rafe, you see Sarah over there? She's all cozy with that Pogue boyfriend of hers."
Rafe's jaw tightened again, and you shot Kelce a glare. "Not helping, Kelce," you snapped.
Kelce held up his hands in mock surrender. "Relax. I'm just saying."
But the damage was done. Rafe's attention was back on Sarah, and you could feel him slipping away from you. "Rafe," you said softly, reaching for his hand.
"I'll be right back," he said, brushing past you before you could stop him.
Your heart sank as you watched him make his way around the fire, his movements deliberate and filled with purpose. You knew that look—he was out for blood.
"Damn it," you muttered under your breath, quickly following after him.
By the time you caught up, Rafe was already in Sarah's face, his voice low and dangerous. "What the hell are you doing here?"
"Rafe, don't start," Sarah said, stepping back as John B moved to stand in front of her.
"Or what?" Rafe challenged, his voice rising. "You think you're safe with him? You think he can protect you?"
"Rafe, stop!" you said, grabbing his arm and pulling him back. "This isn't the time or place."
He turned to you, his eyes wild. "Stay out of it, Y/N," he snapped.
"No," you said firmly, refusing to back down. "You're making a scene. Let's go."
For a moment, you thought he might listen. But then John B stepped forward, his expression hard. "Why don't you back off, Rafe? No one wants you here."
That was all it took. Rafe lunged at him, and chaos erupted. You screamed for him to stop, but it was like he couldn't hear you. The two of them grappled, fists flying, as people scrambled to get out of the way.
"Rafe!" you shouted, trying to pull him off John B. But he was too far gone, his anger taking complete control.
It wasn't until Topper and Kelce stepped in that the fight was finally broken up. Rafe was dragged away, his face flushed and his breathing heavy. You followed, your heart racing as you tried to keep up.
"What the hell was that?" you demanded once you were far enough from the crowd.
"He deserved it," Rafe muttered, wiping blood from his lip.
"No, Rafe," you snapped. "He didn't. You can't keep doing this."
His eyes met yours, and for a moment, you saw the guilt flicker there. But it was quickly replaced by anger. "I don't need a lecture right now, Y/N," he said, his voice cold.
You took a deep breath, trying to steady yourself. "I'm not lecturing you. I'm trying to help you."
"Well, maybe I don't want your help," he shot back.
The words stung, but you didn't let it show. Instead, you stepped closer, forcing him to look at you. "You're better than this, Rafe," you said softly. "I know you are."
His expression softened slightly, and he let out a heavy sigh. "I'm sorry," he muttered, looking away.
"I just want you to be okay," you said, reaching for his hand.
He squeezed your hand lightly, his gaze still distant. "I don't know if I'll ever be okay," he admitted quietly.
"You will," you said firmly. "And I'll be here until you are."
Rafe didn't say anything, but the way he held onto your hand told you everything you needed to know.

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Rafe Cameron Imagines
FanfictionThe title says it all. started: 10/20/24 ended: 4/16/25