Rafe Cameron Imagines

His Calm🤍

The Outer Banks buzzed with its usual summer energy—bonfires, laughter echoing down the shoreline, and music drifting through the night air. But none of that mattered to you tonight. You were curled up in Rafe's room at Tannyhill, the two of you stealing a moment away from the chaos.

Your legs rested across his lap as you flipped through a novel. Rafe sat quietly, his fingers tracing mindless patterns on your thigh, his eyes fixed on the far wall. The usual smirk he wore like armor was gone, replaced by a faraway expression that made your chest tighten.

"Okay, what's going on?" you asked softly, closing your book and setting it aside.

His gaze flickered to you, a faint smile tugging at his lips. "What do you mean?"

"I mean, you've been acting...weird. You're not usually this quiet," you said, shifting to sit up straighter. "Come on, Rafe, talk to me."

He hesitated, running a hand through his hair. "It's nothing. I'm fine."

You gave him a look, crossing your arms. "Rafe Cameron, do not pull the 'I'm fine' card on me. I know you better than that."

He chuckled softly at your persistence but still avoided your eyes. "I don't know, love. I guess I'm just...tired."

"Tired of what?" you pressed, resting your hand on his arm.

He finally looked at you, his blue eyes filled with an exhaustion that went beyond physical fatigue. "Everything," he admitted. "Tired of people only seeing me as this...screw-up. Like I'm just some rich kid who doesn't give a damn about anyone but himself."

You frowned, moving closer. "That's not who you are, though."

"Feels like it sometimes," he muttered, leaning back against the headboard. His hands found your waist, pulling you closer until you were sitting in his lap. "You know how people talk about me. Hell, even my own family doesn't believe in me half the time."

Your heart ached at his words. Rafe might have a tough exterior, but underneath it all, he was someone who craved acceptance and understanding. "Rafe," you said gently, cupping his face in your hands. "Listen to me. You're not the person they think you are. You're more than that, and I see it every day."

He closed his eyes, leaning into your touch. "What do you see?" he asked quietly, his voice almost breaking.

"I see someone who's trying. Someone who cares so much it hurts him. Someone who's not perfect but still deserves love," you said, your thumbs brushing against his cheekbones. "And someone who has a heart, even if he's scared to show it."

For a moment, Rafe didn't say anything. Then he let out a shaky breath and pulled you even closer, burying his face in your neck. "You don't know how much I need you," he murmured. "You're the only thing keeping me sane."

You smiled softly, wrapping your arms around him. "I'm not going anywhere, okay? You're stuck with me, Cameron."

He chuckled against your skin, the sound lighter this time. "Good. I don't think I'd survive without you."

You pulled back just enough to look into his eyes. "Stop putting so much pressure on yourself, Rafe. You don't have to have it all figured out right now. Just take it one step at a time. And let me help you, yeah?"

His lips curved into a real smile this time, one that made your heart flutter. "Yeah," he said, his voice steadier. "You're too good for me, you know that?"

"Nah," you teased, pressing a kiss to his nose. "You're stuck with me, remember?"

"Forever," he agreed, his arms tightening around you.

For the rest of the night, the two of you stayed in each other's arms, exchanging quiet words and soft kisses. The world outside faded, leaving just you and Rafe, finding solace in each other.