Outerbanks Imagine

Dizzy - Rafe Cameron

The warm breeze of the ocean swept through your hair as you sat with your friends around the crackling bonfire on the beach. The firelight flickered, casting playful shadows on the sand, and everyone was laughing, sharing stories, and enjoying the perfect summer night. You had been feeling a little under the weather for the past couple of days, but you didn't want to ruin the fun, so you pushed through.

Rafe was by your side, his arm draped around your shoulders as he leaned into you, his warm presence comforting. You could tell he was watching you closely, a soft concern in his eyes that he always tried to hide. You had been a little quieter than usual, your usual energy replaced with a heavy fog of dizziness that you couldn't shake.

"Hey, you alright?" Rafe's voice pulled you out of your thoughts, his hand brushing against your cheek gently.

You gave him a weak smile, feeling a wave of nausea roll over you. "Yeah, just a little tired. I think the cold air isn't helping," you lied, trying to mask the truth.

Rafe studied your face for a moment, not buying it, but he didn't push you. Instead, he kissed your forehead and squeezed you closer. "If you need anything, you let me know, okay?" he said softly, his thumb rubbing soothing circles on your arm.

You nodded, but the dizziness was getting worse. The sound of the waves crashing against the shore seemed distant, and the laughter of your friends grew muffled. You tried to steady yourself, but everything around you started spinning, your stomach flipping uncomfortably.

"Rafe..." you whispered, gripping his sleeve as your vision blurred. "I don't feel so good."

Rafe immediately snapped into action. His face shifted from the usual carefree grin to something more serious. "Let's get you home, Y/N," he said, his voice firm yet filled with concern. Without hesitation, he stood up, gently pulling you to your feet.

"You're not feeling well?" Topper asked, noticing the change in your demeanor as he looked over.

"She's not feeling great, so I'm taking her home," Rafe answered, not bothering to explain further. He placed your arm around his shoulder, supporting you as you tried to steady yourself.

You barely made it to the car, the world around you feeling like it was spinning. Your legs were shaky, and all you could focus on was getting to the comfort of Rafe's car. He helped you into the passenger seat, buckling you in carefully before slamming the door shut and getting in the driver's seat.

"Y/N, hey, talk to me. You're okay," Rafe said, glancing over at you while starting the engine. His voice had a soft urgency, but it was clear he was trying to keep calm for your sake.

"Just dizzy," you muttered, pressing your fingers to your temples as the spinning sensation in your head grew worse. "I think I might pass out."

"Not on my watch," he said quickly, taking your hand in his, squeezing it tight. "We're almost home, just breathe, okay? Deep breaths."

By the time you arrived at Rafe's house, you were barely hanging on. Rafe rushed to your side of the car, quickly helping you out and supporting you as you stumbled up the steps to his front door. He got you inside and straight to the couch, making sure you were comfortable before covering you with a blanket.

You shivered slightly, your body feeling cold despite the heat of the summer air. "Rafe, I'm sorry, I didn't mean to ruin everything," you murmured, your voice weak.

Rafe immediately sat down beside you, brushing your hair out of your face. "Hey, don't apologize. You never ruin anything. I'm just glad you're with me. Now let's focus on getting you better," he said, his tone gentle but firm.

Just as Rafe was about to get you some water, the front door swung open.

"Rafe? Wheezie and I—" Rose's voice stopped short when she saw you on the couch, looking pale and exhausted. She walked in, her eyes widening with concern as she noticed the blanket you were wrapped in and the faint sheen of sweat on your forehead.

"Y/N? Are you okay?" Rose asked, immediately rushing to your side.

Wheezie, her younger sister, followed her inside, her eyes narrowing as she looked from you to Rafe. "What happened? She doesn't look good."

Rafe sighed, running a hand through his hair. "She's been feeling sick all day. It's been getting worse. I think the fresh air and being out at the beach didn't help. She's just a little dizzy, but I'm keeping an eye on her."

"Have you had anything to drink? You're dehydrated," Rose asked, kneeling beside you and gently feeling your forehead. "You feel warm, but you don't have a fever. We need to make sure you're staying hydrated."

"I'll get some water," Rafe said, getting up and heading toward the kitchen.

Wheezie, always trying to make light of any situation, sat down next to you on the couch and grabbed your hand. "Hey, at least you're not dying. I mean, you're probably just sick. Maybe we can watch a movie and make you feel better," she offered, trying to cheer you up.

You couldn't help but chuckle weakly, appreciating her attempt to lift your spirits. "Thanks, Wheezie."

Rose smiled softly at you, sitting down on the other side and rubbing your back gently. "We'll make sure you get better, okay? Rafe's right—just focus on resting and drinking water."

As Rafe returned with a glass of water and a concerned look on his face, Rose took the glass from him, helping you sit up a little as she gently fed you small sips.

"You're doing good, just take it slow," Rafe said, his voice soothing as he ran a hand through your hair. "I'll stay here with you all night. No rush."

Your eyes fluttered as the dizziness started to subside a bit, your exhaustion threatening to pull you under. You leaned against Rafe, feeling the safety of being in his arms. It was comforting, even with his stepmother and sister in the room, making sure you were okay.

"Thank you, Rafe... for taking care of me," you murmured softly, your voice low with gratitude.

Rafe kissed your forehead gently. "Always, Y/N. Always."

As the room settled into a calm, peaceful quiet, you could feel the weight of the night slowly lifting. Rafe's family, though a little unexpected in the moment, only made you feel more at ease. You could rest easy knowing you were in good hands, all of them watching over you, keeping you safe.

And as sleep finally overtook you, you drifted off knowing you were loved, cared for, and never alone.