Outerbanks Imagine

Migraine - Rafe Cameron

It started as a dull throb in the back of your head. You tried to ignore it, telling yourself it was just a little headache, nothing too serious. But as the day wore on, the pressure in your skull began to build, sharp and relentless. Your vision blurred, and every sound felt like a hammer against your temples.

You had hoped it would pass. You had hoped you could just lie down for a bit and let it subside. But now, as you curled up on the couch, squeezing your eyes shut and clutching a pillow to your chest, it felt unbearable.

You let out a low groan, your hand instinctively reaching up to rub your forehead, trying to ease the pain. But it only made it worse. It felt like someone was driving a nail through your skull.

"Y/N?"

You heard Rafe's voice calling from the kitchen, and despite how much it hurt to move, you forced your eyes open just enough to see him. He had been so attentive to you all day, but you hadn't told him how bad the migraine had gotten. You hadn't wanted to worry him.

But when he saw you now, your face pale and scrunched in pain, his concern deepened. He was at your side in an instant, his hand gently brushing your hair from your face.

"Hey, babe. You okay?" he asked softly, sitting down next to you. His voice was calm, but you could hear the concern laced within it.

You shook your head, biting your lip to keep from groaning out loud. "My head... it hurts so much," you whispered, closing your eyes again, unable to look at him any longer.

Rafe's face softened, and his hand moved to gently rub your back. "I'm gonna take care of you, okay? Just relax. Try to get some rest."

You barely nodded, your breathing shallow as the pain consumed you. Rafe didn't push you to say more, he just stayed with you, his presence a quiet comfort that seemed to ease the edges of your pain, even if only slightly.

You heard a knock at the door, followed by the sound of it opening, but you barely had the energy to lift your head.

"Yo, everything okay in here?" Topper's voice came from the doorway. You heard him shuffle in, his footsteps hesitant. "Rafe, man, Y/N haven't answered your phone all day. I've been tryin' to check in, see if everything's good with you two."

Rafe didn't look up, but his voice was low and steady. "She's not feeling too hot, man. She's got a bad migraine."

Topper's footsteps grew quieter as he moved closer, pausing for a moment before crouching down beside the couch. His expression softened as he took in your pale face, your eyes shut tight, and the way you were curled in on yourself.

"Damn, Y/N, I didn't know it was that bad," Topper said, his voice gentle. "You need anything? Water? Medicine?"

You didn't respond right away, feeling too overwhelmed by the pain to even form words. But after a few moments, you heard Rafe's voice again, soothing and calm.

"Y/N, babe, I'm gonna get you some water. Just stay here, okay?" he said, brushing a stray lock of hair away from your face before he stood up.

You weakly nodded, not trusting your voice to speak. Rafe stood up, but Topper lingered for a moment longer, still looking at you with concern.

"Hey, Y/N," he said softly, leaning over the couch to gently place a hand on your shoulder. "You're gonna be alright. Just hang in there. Rafe's got you, okay?"

You opened your eyes for a moment, just enough to catch his gaze, offering a weak smile in return. You appreciated his concern, but right now, all you wanted was the quiet comfort of Rafe beside you.

Topper, sensing that you needed space, stood up and backed toward the door. "I'll let you two be. Just... just make sure she's alright, man."

Rafe gave a short nod, his attention fully on you now. He turned his head briefly toward Topper. "I got it, don't worry. I'll text you later."

As Topper left, Rafe returned to your side, sitting down next to you again, his hand gently resting on your knee. He watched you for a moment, waiting for you to give him some kind of indication that you were feeling even a little bit better.

"I'm here," he murmured, his voice steady. "I'm not going anywhere, Y/N. Just rest. I'll be right here."

He carefully helped you sit up just enough to sip the water he had gotten for you, making sure you didn't spill any, then laid you back down gently. You had no energy left to do anything but let him care for you.

"Thank you," you whispered, your voice small and hoarse.

Rafe smiled softly, brushing your cheek with the back of his hand. "You don't have to thank me. I'm always gonna be here for you, Y/N. No matter what. We'll get through this together."

He lay down next to you, wrapping his arm around you protectively, holding you close in his warmth. The pain was still there, but with Rafe by your side, you felt just a little bit safer. A little bit more at ease.

He pressed a soft kiss to your forehead, then whispered, "You just focus on getting better, babe. I'll take care of everything else. I'm not going anywhere."

And as you drifted off into a light sleep, you let yourself believe him. Because with Rafe Cameron by your side, there was no storm too big, no pain too strong, that you couldn't face together.