Drew Starkey Imagines

From Fire to Spark

You didn't slam the door this time. You just closed it behind you, quiet and final, like the argument that had sucked all the energy out of you.

You didn't cry either.

Not yet, anyway.

JJ's voice still echoed in your head. Shouting, pleading, cutting too deep with words that didn't mean to hurt but always did. You'd given him your heart, and he gave it back chipped, bruised, worn down from all the yelling, the jealousy, the explosions over the smallest things.

"I can't keep doing this," you had said, your voice shaking.

JJ didn't even argue this time. He just ran a hand through his hair, eyes red-rimmed and tired.

"We're like fire and gasoline," you whispered. "I'm no good for you, and you're no good for me."

He hesitated, then nodded. "I know."

And that was it. No screaming. No dramatic goodbye.

Just quiet heartbreak and a mutual understanding that love shouldn't always feel like surviving a storm.

⸻

Your feet led you to the Cameron house without thinking. Maybe out of habit. Maybe because Sarah always knew what to say when you couldn't find the words yourself.

You rang the doorbell, feeling the weight of the breakup sinking into your chest.

The door opened.

But it wasn't Sarah.

It was Rafe.

He stood in the doorway, messy hair, black t-shirt, light wash jeans, brows lifted when he saw it was you. His usual cocky smirk didn't come—not when he saw your face.

"You alright?" he asked immediately, voice low.

You offered a weak smile. "Is Sarah here?"

He shook his head. "She ran into town with Wheezie. Probably be gone a while."

You nodded, already stepping back. "Okay. I'll just—"

"Wait," Rafe interrupted, stepping forward. "You wanna come in anyway?"

You hesitated.

But something about the way he was looking at you—not just at you, but into you—made your defenses lower just a little. Rafe had always been like that with you. Even when he was arrogant with everyone else, there was a softness when it came to you. A quiet sort of care, tucked behind piercing eyes and smug charm.

"Yeah," you breathed. "Okay."

⸻

The Cameron house was quiet, sunlight streaking in through the tall windows. Rafe didn't ask questions at first. He just gestured to the living room, disappearing into the kitchen for a minute.

When he came back, he had a cold bottle of water and a soft throw blanket.

"I didn't know if you were cold," he mumbled, setting it down. "You looked... I don't know. Shaky."

You let out a breathy laugh and shook your head. "That obvious, huh?"

Rafe tilted his head, sitting down beside you—not too close, but close enough that you felt his presence like gravity.

"So?" he asked gently. "You wanna tell me what's going on?"

You stared at the bottle in your hands for a long moment before answering. "Me and JJ broke up."

There it was. The truth, laid bare.

Rafe didn't look surprised. Concern flickered across his face, but not shock.