Sunset games. Rafe Cameron

twenty three

TWENTY THREE
[23]
"thinkin bout you" frank ocean

Olivia woke up the next morning to the soft light streaming through Rafe's bedroom window. For a moment, she didn't move. She lay there, cocooned in the warmth of Rafe's arms, his steady breathing against her hair. It felt safe, a bubble of peace after the storm of emotions she'd been through. But as her mind woke up fully, the memories of the previous night flooded in. Her mind raced as she tried to piece together the night before, vaguely recalling how Rafe had walked her to the roof after a long night of partying and everything that had happened up there.

Rafe stirred, pulling her closer as he yawned.
"You awake?" he murmured, his voice raspy from sleep.

"Yeah," Olivia whispered, her fingers absentmindedly tracing patterns on his chest.

"You okay?" he asked, shifting so he could look at her. His blue eyes were filled with concern, the rough edges of his usual demeanor softened in the morning light.

Olivia nodded, though her throat tightened. "Just stress because what has been happening lately" she said honestly. " You know the pogues and everything. I'm stil...processing, I guess."

Rafe didn't push her. Instead, he pressed a kiss to her forehead . "Don't worry about them they are just being stupid , besides you don't need them you have me."

His words hit her harder than she expected, and she had to blink back tears. She sat up slowly, running a hand through her hair. "Thanks, Rafe," she said softly. "For everything."

"Stop thanking me," he said, smirking slightly as he propped himself up on one elbow. "I told you, I've got you."

Her lips curved into a faint smile, and for a moment, they just looked at each other. Then, Olivia swung her legs over the side of the bed. "I should probably get home," she said.

Rafe groaned, flopping back onto the bed dramatically. "Already? You're killing me, Vi."

She laughed for the first time in what felt like days. "You'll survive, Cameron."

He sat up, watching her as she gathered her things. "You're still wearing my shirt," he pointed out, a mischievous glint in his eyes.

Olivia glanced down at the oversized shirt and shrugged. "Guess you'll just have to deal with it."

Rafe laughed, shaking his head as he got up and pulled on a hoodie. "Come on. 'll drive you."

The car ride was quieter than the night before, but this time it was a comfortable silence. Rafe kept stealing glances at her as he drove, his protective instincts still on high alert. Olivia, meanwhile, stared out the window, her thoughts drifting. She thought about how much had changed in just a week-her relationships with the Pogues, her growing connection with Rafe, and how she was finally starting to feel like she belonged somewhere. It was messy, but it felt like she was finally figuring out who she was and what she wanted.

When they pulled up to her house, Rafe parked but didn't get out. "You sure you're okay?" he asked again, his tone serious.

Olivia leaned over, pressing a quick kiss to his cheek. "I'll be fine. Promise."

Rafe smiled, but his eyes lingered on her as she got out of the car. "Call me if you need anything. I mean it."

"I will," Olivia said, waving as she walked up the driveway.