Sunset games. Rafe Cameron

twenty five

TWENTY FIVE
[25]
"rushes- frank ocean"

That night, Olivia found herself back at Rafe's house. The storm outside hadn't let up, rain pouring against the windows as the low rumble of thunder echoed in the distance. She sat on the edge of Rafe's bed, staring blankly at the floor, her thoughts spiraling. She couldn't shake the words JJ had thrown at her. We don't care about you. They echoed in her head like a cruel mantra, each repetition cutting deeper.

Rafe entered the room, a glass of water in one hand and a blanket in the other. His jaw was tight, the tension in his shoulders evident as he glanced at her. "Here," he said, setting the glass on the nightstand. "Figured you might need this." He draped the blanket over her shoulders and sat down beside her, his knee brushing against hers.

"Thanks," Olivia whispered, her voice hoarse from crying. She pulled the blanket tighter around herself, her fingers trembling slightly.

Rafe didn't respond immediately. He leaned forward, his elbows on his knees, his hands clasped together as he stared at the floor. The silence between them was heavy but not uncomfortable. It gave Olivia a moment to breathe, to process, though the weight of everything still pressed down on her.

Finally, Rafe broke the silence. "What they said to you," he began, his voice low but steady, "it's bullshit. You know that, right?"

Olivia hesitated, her gaze dropping. "It doesn't feel like it," she admitted. "They've always been my friends, Rafe. They were my family. And now.. they hate me. I don't even know who I am to them anymore."

"You're better than them," Rafe said firmly, his tone leaving no room for argument. He turned to face her, his blue eyes blazing with intensity. "You don't deserve that crap, Olivia. You never did. They're just pissed because you've outgrown their little bubble."

She bit her lip, the lump in her throat returning. "I just... I feel like I've lost everything. Sarah doesn't even want to look at me anymore. JJ" Her voice broke. "What if they're right? What if I don't belong anywhere?"

Rafe reached for her hand, his grip strong and grounding. "Don't ever say that," he said, his voice softer now but just as intense. "You belong here. With me. With people who actually care about you. And if they can't see how amazing you are, that's their loss. Not yours."

Olivia looked at him, her eyes brimming with unshed tears. For the first time all night, she felt a small glimmer of relief, like the storm inside her had eased just a fraction. "You really mean that?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

Rafe smiled slightly, his thumb brushing over the back of her hand. "Yeah, I do," he said. "And if they ever come near you again, I swear to God-" His voice hardened, his jaw clenching. "They won't get away with it. Not after what they said to you."

Olivia shook her head, her lips curving into a faint smile despite herself. "You don't have to fight everyone for me, you know."

"Oh, I definitely do," Rafe said, his grin widening.
"It's kind of my thing."

That made her laugh—a soft, shaky sound that felt like the first breath of air after drowning. "You're ridiculous," she said, wiping her eyes with the corner of the blanket.

"And you love it," Rafe teased, leaning back against the headboard. He tugged her closer, wrapping an arm around her shoulders. Olivia didn't resist; instead, she leaned into him, resting her head against his chest. His heartbeat was steady beneath her ear, a comforting rhythm that helped quiet the chaos in her mind.

They stayed like that for a while, the sound of rain filling the room. Olivia closed her eyes, letting herself sink into the moment. For the first time in what felt like forever, she didn't feel alone.

"Do you wanna stay here tonight?" Rafe asked eventually, his voice a low murmur.

Olivia hesitated for a moment before nodding.
"Yeah," she said softly. "I think I do."

"Good," Rafe replied, pressing a kiss to the top of her head. "Because I wasn't planning on letting you leave anyway."

Olivia laughed again, the sound lighter this time.
She tilted her head up to look at him, her smile lingering. "Thanks for being here," she said. "I don't know what l'd do without you."

"You'll never have to find out," Rafe said, his voice steady and sincere. He reached out to brush a strand of wet hair away from her face, his fingers lingering against her cheek. Olivia felt her heart flutter, a warmth spreading through her chest despite the lingering sadness.

She didn't overthink it this time. Instead, she leaned in, her lips brushing against his in a soft, tentative kiss. Rafe responded immediately, his hand cupping the back of her head as he deepened the kiss. It was slow and steady, filled with a kind of quiet intensity that made her forget everything else.

When they finally pulled apart, Olivia felt her cheeks flush. Rafe grinned at her, his expression equal parts smug and adoring. "Told you you'd look good in my clothes," he said, making her laugh.

"Shut up," she said, playfully shoving his shoulder. But the smile on her face lingered, a small reminder that maybe things weren't as hopeless as they seemed.

They spent the rest of the night talking about everything and nothing, their conversation weaving between lighthearted jokes and quiet confessions. By the time they fell asleep, Olivia was curled up against Rafe's side, his arms wrapped protectively around her. And for the first time in days, she felt like she could finally breathe.

Little talk!!!

HEY, IM BACKKK!!!
I'm so sorry for not posting but I'm back and I will be posting again so stay tuned 😉!!!
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-MAx