Rafe Cameron Obx - Tumblr Posts

(S)CREAMINGG

VOLUME UP 🤭

@drewsbebe @drewstarkeyslut @rafescokewhore @rafeandonlyrafe @rafeinterlude @fratrafecameron @rafesdrew @rafescokenostril @sadfury @xxbutdaddyilovehimxx @fratrafecameron

WHATTTT!!!!!!

SLUT ME OUT

SLUT ME OUT

SLUT ME OUT

Okay so this is kind of insane 😆

✩ ABC's

𝐬𝐟𝐰 𝐚𝐥𝐩𝐡𝐚𝐛𝐞𝐭 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐫𝐚𝐟𝐞 𝐜𝐚𝐦𝐞𝐫𝐨𝐧 𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬: 𝐢𝐤 𝐢𝐭 𝐬𝐚𝐲𝐬 𝐬𝐟𝐰 𝐛𝐮𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞 𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐬𝐨𝐦𝐞 𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐮𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐬𝐮𝐠𝐠𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐬!

—‘A’ IS FOR AFFECTION (how affectionate are they?)

rafe is not perfect. it took him a while to give himself over to you and let himself be loved. when he’s comfortable, he will give you his all. he’s let you rest your head in his lap, he’ll play with your hair, he’ll shower with you and help you wash yourself, holding you to his chest for a few minutes as he revels in your company. rafe never knew how good it would feel to let someone in, and when he finally does, he never wants to let go. it’s constant kisses and cuddles and hugs, especially when you’re in the privacy of your home or bedroom. he’s not good with words, so he’ll try to show his love through physical acts like gifts, acts of service, or affection. his favorite way to prove his love to you is in the bedroom, because that’s what he’s good at, and what he’s used to. he’s comfortable with his abilities, so he knows how to best show you how much you mean to him when you’re sprawled beneath him, your beautiful features scrunched in pleasure.

—‘B’ IS FOR BESTFRIEND (what are they like as a bestie?)

out of everybody that he knows, he tells you the most secrets and facts about himself. in his eyes you’re his girlfriend and best friend. you guys watch your favorite movies together, you eat breakfast and dinner together, you laugh and joke around together. everything you do is with each other, and he wouldn’t have it any other way. why in the world would he need a ‘best friend’ if he already has you? eventually when you move in with him, he feels all giddy like a little boy, like he’s having a forever sleepover with his closest friend in the world.

—‘C’ IS FOR CUDDLES (how do they like to cuddle?)

before meeting you, rafe never saw the allure of cuddling - why would you want to be stuck to someone’s side all night, sweaty and uncomfortable? but now if you so much as even try to readjust yourself in his hold he’s gripping you tighter and pulling you towards him, muttering a “where’re you going?” he really can’t sleep without you by his side, and will almost always wake up if you get out of bed in the middle of the night to go pee. you’ll sometimes see him sitting up against the headboard, waiting for you to return (that is when he’s not following you to the bathroom to wait outside). he’s clingy when he’s sleepy, so cuddles are a constant must. his favorite is when you’re practically on top of him, legs intertwined and his arms wrapped safely around you. a close second is his head laying on your stomach with his body in between your legs and his grip around your waist secure and strong.

—‘D’ IS FOR DOMESTIC (settling down? how will they be helping out around?)

rafe is obviously the main breadwinner of the household. he has absolutely no problem if you want to work too, but he loves the idea of you not having to worry about money or finding a job. if you do work, though, you and him find a way to schedule cleaning days together. whenever you have days off on the weekends, you’re splitting up the chores between you two so that you can have a fresh restart for the week. he’s not a great chef so he always lets you make the food, but he’ll get up and clean the dishes and any mess left behind from your cooking. he also always makes the bed when you go get ready in the morning. as for settling down, ever since meeting you, rafe knows he definitely eventually wants to. but he’s in no rush because he’s so certain that you’re the one for him, so in his mind there’s no reason to speed it up because you guys have all the time in the world to be together.

—‘E’ IS FOR ENDING (how would breakups work out?)

you are not getting rid of this man. he’s in it for the long run. once he’s committed, breaking up is never even a thought in his mind - he will always try to find a solution to whatever problem you guys have, no matter how big or small. on the off chance that a separation does happen, he would be absolutely devastated. i think he would take it harder than you would, and he would definitely be the type to text you and say how much he misses you whenever he’s drunk. that’s why he would have to begrudgingly block you and cut off contact forever, for the sake of his sanity.

—‘F’ IS FOR FIANCÉE (how do they feel about commitment?)

again, before meeting you he didn’t see himself getting married and settling down. when your relationship gets serious, he finds himself deciding what type of ring you’d like, and sneakily trying to find your ring size. he doesn’t know when the shift happened but he knows it was because of you. because of you he finally sees a happy future for himself, full of laughter and peace. rafe never has to pretend to be someone he’s not around you. you know him inside and out (after a long while of dragging him out of the depths of his own mind), and he wouldn’t have it any other way. you saved him, and he couldn’t be more grateful that you came to him at the perfect moment in his life. he can’t imagine himself being with anyone else in the future. it’s you or nothing.

—‘G’ IS FOR GENTLE (how gentle are they?)

with you, rafe acts like you’re made of glass. he’s used to the roughness of his day-to-day life, so when he meets you and gets this sudden urge to treat you like a fragile antiquity, he gets a little confused. the first time he brushed your hair out of your face, his fingertips brushing against your skin softly, he felt as if he was possessed - where did rafe go and what happened to him? he finds himself needing to protect you. his arms are constantly around you or on you, his kisses are feather light when he’s feeling particularly soft and loving, and his mumbles of sweet nothings in your ear feel like a calming breeze washing over you. he never wants to subject you to the aggressive and angry demeanor that he’s used to portraying. rafe is gentle when he’s in love and i’ll stand by this.

—‘H’ IS FOR HUGS (do they like hugs?)

it took rafe a long time to get used to having someone be so gentle with him. he does enjoy hugs, but at the beginning it felt awkward, like he didn’t deserve the comfort he was receiving. it was almost as if he didn’t know what to do with himself. once he started hugging back, he began to get used to the feeling. the way your chest pressed up against his, the smell of your shampoo that wafted up to his nose, that feeling of safety and security that he had longed for all his life. now he never leaves without a kiss and hug goodbye. he doesn’t care who’s watching, or that his intimidating demeanor is at risk of crumbling - if he leaves without them he’ll genuinely start overthinking that you want to break up with him.

—‘I’ IS FOR I LOVE YOU (how long does it take them to say the ‘l word?’)

oh lord. this man didn’t even want to admit to himself that he was in love with you, let alone you. there was a never-ending battle in his head whenever you were around. why was he so obsessed with your perfume, and smile, and the way you walked? surely it wasn’t normal to be so enthralled with someone, maybe something was wrong with him, maybe he was getting a severe fever. when he finally caught on that he loved you he didn’t say it out loud for fear of rejection. rafe wished he could spoil you with affection like you deserved, and he so badly wanted to be the first one to say it, but ultimately you had waited long enough and you told him on your 6 month anniversary. he was over the moon, but he couldn’t say it back. as always you were patient and understanding, but he could see the disappointment in your face. that night he spent hours in between your legs, spelling out the words with his tongue over and over again as a way to make it up to you. when he was sure you were sound asleep, he whispered it into your hair ever so quietly, and unbeknownst to him, you heard it.

—‘J’ IS FOR JEALOUSY (how do they get jealous?)

he doesn’t necessarily get jealous, per se. he’s more mad at other guys for looking at his girlfriend. while rafe does get insecure that you’ll leave him for someone better at the beginning, after you’re in a long term relationship this fear will disappear quite quickly. for the most part he gets kind of pissed off if someone tries to flirt with you, but he has no problem telling them to get lost. i feel like he doesn’t get jealous often, but when he does he feels the need to be overly touchy and possessive. he’ll snake his arm around your waist and squeeze you to his side, he’ll grab you by the side of the neck and pull you in for a deep kiss. when you get home he’d make you feel good as many times as he felt was necessary, until he was sure you were satisfied and you both forgot what or who he was even jealous about in the first place.

—‘K’ IS FOR KISSES (what's their kissing schedule?)

anytime he wants and anywhere he wants (and you ofc). he’s not too fussy with where you decide to make out, as long as you’re comfortable with it. he really couldn’t care less if it’s in front of a thousand people or two, if he wants to show you some love, he will. the only thing he absolutely needs is a hug and kiss before he leaves to go somewhere, as i said before. other than that it’s whatever the moment calls for. sometimes he’ll pull you into a corner while you’re at dinner with his parents just to press kisses all over your face and neck. you’d warn him not to leave marks, to which he’d respond “missed you. jus’ wanna show everyone you’re mine”. he’s a little possessive when it comes to you, so a lot of the time when he blatantly makes out with you in the open it’s to show everyone that you’re both taken.

—‘L’ IS FOR LITTLE ONES (how are they around kids?)

rafe was never too good with kids, but he wasn’t bad, either. he remembers taking care of wheezie when she was a kid, but besides that he doesn’t have much experience. he definitely knows he wants to have kids eventually, especially when he sees you interacting with any younger relatives that you have. it’s so endearing to him, and it makes him feel like everything will be okay - that you’ll be a great mother, and he’ll grow up to be a good dad, nothing like his father. most of the time he likes to talk to kids as if they’re adults, as in he doesn’t really use a baby voice or dumb down his language for them. if you have younger siblings though, he’ll always bring them sweets and desserts when he comes over because he wants them to like him. rafe has this nagging feeling in the back of his head that he’ll end up like his dad, so he tries his hardest to be the complete opposite, and never ignores or neglects a child when they want his attention.

—‘M’ IS FOR MORNINGS (how will your mornings go?)

listen, rafe is no better than any other man. he’ll usually wake up with morning wood, and on days that you’re rushing and can’t do anything in the morning, he gets really tense and pent up. it usually makes up for a fun night though. besides that, you like to make breakfast together. after being with him for about a year he discovered that he loved the domesticity of it. one of you will make a coffee and the other will stay over the pan and cook something simple. other days he likes to order breakfast in and eat with you in the garden. whatever you guys do in the morning, it’s always together. you need a shower? rafe is joining, even if he already showered last night. you’re running errands? rafe is getting dressing and joining you as soon as possible. he just likes spending as much time with you as he can before he gets called into work later in the day.

—‘N’ IS FOR NIGHTS (how will your nights go?)

usually you’ll put on a movie, which is probably long forgotten in the background within 10 ish minutes (wink wink) and then rafe will put on a shower and help you get cleaned up. he’ll put your hair up for you and watch you do your skincare routine. on one occasion he let you put on a face mask for him, but he got too annoyed at it slipping down his face that he threw it in the bin and said “i’m never doing this shit again”. however he does like seeing how you do yours. it’s relaxing to him, the way the silence envelopes you both as you rub various serums and creams into your skin. on a good night, you’re in bed by 10 or 11pm.

—‘O’ IS FOR OPEN (when will they tell you about themselves?)

in all honesty if you were a stranger when he first met you, he would probably be somewhat open with you. you wouldn’t get the full story obviously - but he would allude to his family and problems occasionally. he found it easier to open up to someone who had little to no notions about him. if you were someone from the cut or figure eight, he would be pretty closed off. you would be struggling to find scraps of information that he would give you about himself. on one hand he felt bad, but on the other, he had to protect himself and his emotions. he was quite fragile when it came to letting people in, and his fear of rejection and abandonment is so huge that he wouldn’t be an open book with you until he was sure that you were there for good, and that you weren’t gonna leave him at any moment. i’d say he would start to tell you more about himself at least a few months in, but only if you were open with him, too.

—‘P’ IS FOR PATIENCE (how patient are they with you?)

rafe doesn’t consider himself a patient man. he gets what he wants when he wants it, and God help anyone who gets in his way. but when he looks at you, your perfect, glassy eyes staring up at him, he can never find it in himself to be mad. if you need “5 more minutes” to get ready, then so be it. if you’re nagging him about wanting something to eat, or wanting his attention when he’s busy, he’s immediately dropping everything to take you out or cuddle on the couch. if you’re getting on his last nerve in an argument, he’ll almost never yell. he’ll have an attitude and be petty, but he could never find in himself to get genuinely angry. you’re his baby, and when he thinks about how much you do for him and how patient you were at the beginning of the relationship when he was still closed off and moody, he immediately backs down and tries to calm down. everything he does is for you.

—‘Q’ IS FOR QUIZZES (how much do they remember about you?)

rafe’s memory isn’t too good sometimes, the result of years of drug and alcohol abuse. if you tell him you’re going out for dinner with your friends, he’ll most likely forget the next morning and ask you where you’re going. he doesn’t do it to be mean, it just actually slips his mind. he’s forgetful with smaller things like that, but if you were to ask him anything about you, he could recite it off the top of his head in under a minute. your favorite food, your most worn tops and skirts, the color of your nails that week, the shampoo scent that you always buy, your childhood pet. everything there is to know about you, he knows. rafe knows you more than you know yourself, and it feels like he’s a mind reader at times. he can read you when you’re uncomfortable, to which he would excuse you two and drive you home without you having to even ask. he knows when you’re upset, even if you lie and say you’re not. so to answer the question, rafe remembers everything important that there is to remember.

—‘R’ IS FOR REMEMBER (what is his favorite moment in your relationship?)

his favorite memory of you two is actually your first kiss. he remembers it like it was yesterday. you were sitting next to him on the beach, the party around you having died down ages ago. something about the way he spoke to you was entrancing. the way the flames danced across his features made him look all the more handsome to you. this was probably a week after your first date, and rafe felt nervous for the first time ever. he felt your knee brush against his as you sat on the sand next to him, and he thought his heart was going to give out - you were just so perfect. you made a joke that you thought was the funniest thing in the world, and you threw your head back as you laughed at yourself, the sound reverberating through rafe’s chest. he remembered thinking that if he didn’t kiss you now, he would explode. after a moment, silence fell, and he caught himself staring at your plush lips, the ghost of a smile still on them. his hands were in autopilot, fingers involuntarily brushing across your cold cheeks. he was so scared that he almost pulled away, but your desperate hands found the collar of his shirt and pulled him into you. as cliché as it is, when his mouth met your soft, warm lips, it felt as if he was finally coming home after years of being away.

—‘S’ IS FOR SECURITY (how protective are they of you?)

is this even a question that must be answered? you guys already know. rafe never wants to be over-bearing, but he can’t help it. ever since losing his mother and now father, he’s had this subconscious fear of people leaving or those he cares about getting hurt. he will always drive you wherever you need to be and pick you up when you call, even if you have your own car. don’t even think about letting anyone else take you home, because rafe will have absolutely none of it. it’s his job to take care of you and he takes it very seriously. at parties he’ll always make sure your drink is safe if you’re not paying attention, his mind wandering to the fear of someone spiking or drugging you. if someone is making you uncomfortable he will be next to you in the blink of an eye, staring daggers at them and yelling at them to fuck off. if he needs to he won’t shy away from a fight, but he’s been trying to cool off for you - he wants to be the mature and collected boyfriend that you need. all of that resolve crumbles if someone were to ever dare touch you (not that they would, knowing you and rafe were together); but on the off chance that a guy did try some shit like that, he’d be crumpled up on the floor in seconds.

—‘T’ IS FOR TRY (how much effort do they put into dates? special occasions?)

rafe pulls the whole nine yards. he likes to surprise you by planning intricate dates a few days in advance. whether it be a candlelit dinner on the yacht, or a picnic on the hood of his car, he always has something in mind. while he enjoys sitting at home and watching movies, he really likes spoiling you with gifts and trips to wherever you want to go. for your one year anniversary he brought you overseas to the place you had been rambling on about for months, saying how much you want to visit with him so that you could be tourists together. he likes thinking about someone else for once, and being with you gives him a purpose. rafe never really thought about using his money for luxuries and fancy clothes and restaurants, but ever since you two got together he has this incessant need to spend all of his cash on the best, most quality places for you. he not only wants, but he needs you to be satisfied and happy. if he’s not providing for you, then what is he even doing with his life (his words not mine😋).

— 'U' IS FOR UGLY (what's a bad habit of theirs?)

his temper. before it was his addictions, but with time and help from you, he was able to kick them. he wanted to be better for you, and he tried his hardest to become who you needed. but his anger is something that has always been a part of him. it’s never directed at you, although sometimes he will snap at you by accident, he apologizes not even a few minutes later. this is something he’s consistently working on, but when there’s people who think it’s fun to push his buttons, it’s hard to keep those emotions at bay. he grew up thinking anger and violence was the best way to deal with strong feelings, so now, as an adult, it feels impossible to think any other way. once you taught him that crying wasn’t a weakness, he’s felt slightly calmer - but he rarely lets the waterworks go, and if he does it’s only in the privacy of your bedroom where he can bury his face in your shirt and silently let it all out. every other time his stress is dealt with by yelling or swearing at everyone’s “incompetence”.

—‘V’ IS FOR VANITY (how insecure are they?)

in the looks department he’s pretty confident. he knows he’s attractive and he’s aware that other people know it too. he is, however, a really insecure person inside. he’s constantly thinking that he’s not good enough for you and that you’ll find someone nicer, better, calmer. rafe acknowledges that he’s not a saint, and he’s well aware of what people used to say about him behind his back - psycho, evil, crazy, you name it. sometimes he’ll lay awake at night and wonder what he did to deserve your kindness and love - but as soon as you come running into his arms, your face all happy and smiley to see him, his worries subside. you reassure him constantly, and you’ll continue to do so until he believes you.

—‘W’ IS FOR WHOLE (would they feel incomplete without you?)

again, this is not even a question. similar to how he is when he’s sleeping without you, he couldn’t imagine living without you either. if there’s an event or party he’s always bringing you as his plus one. if his friends want to go out on an all guys trip you will have to convince him over and over to not bring you, that you’ll be okay on your own for a while. but the truth is he knows you can handle being alone, it’s that he can’t. more times than not he won’t even ask the guys and just invite you along because “if i’m coming, so is she.” top and kelce would say they’re annoyed, but truthfully they’re just happy that rafe has someone else to deal with his antics so that they can sit back and relax every once in a while.

—‘X’ IS FOR XTRA (a random headcanon about them?)

he really wants you to teach him how to braid your hair. he doesn’t know what it is about playing with your hair that calms him down, he just knows that he loves it. rafe tried his best to watch tutorials, but when it came to actually trying on yours, he failed. so he asked you to teach him how, and he spent almost an entire night braiding and unbraiding your hair as practice. now, every time you go to bed, he offers to braid your hair for you so that it doesn’t get in the way of your skincare routine. you can never find it in yourself to say no, not that you want to.

—‘Y’ IS FOR YUCK (what are some things they dislike?)

i don’t know why but i have this headcanon that rafe is actually kind of picky with food. he eats most things, but there are certain foods that if he sees on his plate he’ll be put off. i think he’d hate mushrooms and carrots. it feels childish to him that he can’t eat some simple vegetables, but he can’t help the fact that he hates the consistency of them in his mouth. he also really hates when the tags of his clothes touch his skin, it irritates him and puts him in a bad mood if he can’t cut them off.

—‘Z’ IS FOR ZZZ (some of their sleeping habits?)

he’s a blanket hogger. i said it. he will deny it to no end, but the proof is in the pudding. if you’re hugging him from behind at night, you’ll constantly wake up with only a sliver of the blanket on you. he tries not to, but he’s so used to not sharing a bed with anyone that it’s hard to remember that there’s another person in need of a blanket, too. though he always makes up for it by pulling you into his side to warm you up - “y’don’t need a blanket. you got me.” he also absolutely has to be touching you in some way. as i said before, if you’re not tucked next to him at night, he physically cannot fall asleep.

𝐭𝐚𝐠𝐥𝐢𝐬𝐭: @sublimepenguinpeach-blog @rafesgiirl @lizzieolseniskinda @jenniferrvsesi @rubixgsworld @fals3-g0d @theoraekenslover @loveklimes @oneverytiredperson @onlyrealjoy @ihe4rttwd

©𝐜𝐫𝐯𝐩𝐭𝐢𝐝𝐠𝐟

just had the thought of rafe trying to massage bunny readers back but he got a little too rough :( and she gets teary eyed.

i wonder how he would react/apologize

ᡣ𐭩 •｡ꪆৎ ˚₊˚⊹ ʚɞ♡︎ ˚⋅.

small groans left your throat as rafe dug his knuckles into the tired muscle of your back. he always was a little heavy handed.

he was also big on getting you to be grateful, too. small slaps to your cheek if you forgot to say thank you, regardless of where you were — or being thrown over his lap if you dare complain about something he provided you with. you liked it, it kept you in check — and yet, in your hazy, often confused mind, it occasionally blurred your boundaries.

rafe was doing something nice for you. he was rubbing your back because you told him it was hurting after he’d held you in an uncomfortable position during sex for too long. however, your skin was tender and your muscles sore — his hands worsening your already seemingly feeble condition. but, he was doing something nice. you didn’t want to complain.

“jesus, kid— why you so tense? would you relax a bit?” he sighs, thumbs sliding down either side of your spine. truth was, he was pressing too hard and it hurt — but you didn’t want to say anything, so instead you bite the inside of your cheek, closed your eyes and hoped it would be over soon. your eyes flutter open, staring at the pillow.

“oh, sorry.” you whisper, sucking in a deep breath as if to prepare yourself for how it might feel on untensed muscles before reluctantly relaxing. you expect him to continue, but he’s still behind you for a second, suspicious, squinting eyes boring into the back of you.

suddenly his hands are back on you, but only to gently take your shoulders so he could lean over you and get a look at your face— but with the touch you involuntarily tense up again. he’s frowning when he peers round at you, taking one look at your glassy eyes and tense jaw.

“whats the problem? somethings up, baby i— i can feel it.” he murmurs, not needing to project his voice so much given the distance of your faces. you blink sticky lashes at him, figuring there’s not much use lying now. guilty, you cast your eyes down.

“the massage is just hurting a little.”

when you look up at him, his face has fallen a little. rafe was no stranger to ‘hurting’ you, technically — but there were limits. it was on purpose. a cause and response.

“i…hurt you?” he enunciates, like he needs to be clear on the matter.

“s’not too bad.” it comes out barely audible and he shakes his head, backing up.

“nah that… was an accident, you know that right? i… wasn’t trying to hurt you—”

now you’re nodding, eyes wide. rafe was always a tad dramatic, but you didn’t expect him to feel guilty or anything. “i know, i know.”

he sighs, raking a hand over his jaw before looking back at you. “tell me that shit next time, okay? jesus.” he sighs and you nod, still somewhat feeling a little ashamed. you stare foreward, but your embarrassment is interrupted by an uncharacteristically soft kiss on your spine, and then one on your lower back.

“m’sorry. are we cool? yeah?” he drawls, lips brushing your warm skin. you nod, hoping he sees. he does, and gently but with expected ease rolls you over to face him.

“a uh… a shower would do you good, c’mon.” he stands up straight, taking a step before looking at you, the ghost of a smirk on his face. “dont tell me you need to be carried.”

“i do.” you giggle, lifting your arms.

“uh-huh. should’ve fuckin’ known. lucky i like doing everything for you, huh?” he chuckles, lifting you to go.

ᡣ𐭩 •｡ꪆৎ ˚₊˚⊹ ʚɞ♡︎ ˚⋅.

can we have rafe try to grovel ?? :((((( shy reader deserves better !!! <3 https://www.tumblr.com/erwinsvow/751213087399510016/what-if-rafe-ever-hit-shy-reader-from-built-up?source=share

he will grovel!! side note i dont know how i feel about this its just for the sweet anon who wanted part two

the moment rafe shuts the door and traps you in the room, between his body and the wall, you know some part of you has just broken that you'll never fully be able to fix.

everything in your body tells you to look up at rafe and do something. slap him back, push him away, turn around and storm out of the room and try to at least show him you're just as mad as he is—but none of that actually happens.

hot tears keep spilling down your cheeks, and you stay frozen like that for what feels like forever, staring at the floor of rafe's bedroom. the sound of rafe's heavy breaths fills the space, though you can barely detect it over the way your heart is pounding in your ears.

you want to leave. but you don't know where you even would go. before the events of the last hour, there was no where you wanted to be more than wherever rafe was. and now, staring at the floor instead of up at the boy who you had gladly given your heart to only for him to snap it in half with his bare hands and deliver it back, you stay frozen, waiting for rafe. you are always waiting for rafe.

"kid, i-" you finally look up, through wet lashes and almost painful eyes fluttering slowly, and rafe stops talking the moment you do. you don't know why, but it doesn't take you long to figure it out. there's a mark on your cheek the size of his hand, probably an imprint from his ring too.

it's such a shame—you always loved that ring.

you snap out of your thoughts when rafe keeps talking, though there's still blooding rushing in your ears. he sounds muffled, his mouth moving and expression looking, you can only imagine, somewhat close to yours—sad and angry all blended together. you keep blinking slowly, listening but not really listening, waiting for him to finish so you can leave.

how stupid you must seem to him, and to yourself, you think pathetically. he just hit you, and you're waiting for him to finish, so you don't impolitely interrupt. you should drive straight from tannyhill to a therapist's office—though you think not even a licensed professional could help you figure out what exactly is wrong with you.

the thought makes you laugh, corners of your mouth turning up and a rush of air leaving your throat. half a laugh, half a sob. the gutting realization has just hit you—whatever was wrong with you, rafe was the only one in the world who seemed to understand you.

"baby?" rafe asks, and you actually snap out of it this time—looking up at your boyfriend, wondering if he knows you haven't heard a single thing he's said so far.

"i think i should go home," you reply, wondering where your keys are and where your wallet is. you don't keep track of these things anymore, usually since rafe drives you everywhere and pays for everything.

"okay. i'll bring you, just let me go get-"

"no, i-" you stop yourself—about to apologize again. everything running through your mind makes you choose your words carefully. "i'm gonna go home."

"you didn't drive here, kid. i picked you up, remember?" rafe looks back at you and you feel a fresh wave of tears take over. you hadn't remembered.

"oh."

"listen, kid, i'm so-"

"i'm going home," you repeat firmly, mostly to yourself. "i'll just-i'll walk."

"y'not walking. it's dark and-"

"rafe, stop." the way you say it, he actually listens. you don't sound like yourself, you can tell from the way he looks at you, rafe's face doused with concern and apprehension. you look away, turning to face the door. "i'll be fine. i need to go."

"c'mon, kid, don't go," he says, and every bone and muscle inside you wants to listen, to do what he says like you always do. you feel more hot tears coming up, stopping them seems impossible yet you know crying is useless. it already happened and the damage is already done.

you turn around from your position, knowing it's a mistake. rafe gets closer, his hands coming up to cup your cheeks. he holds your face like he always does, except there's one big difference—you flinch the moment he starts moving.

"baby," rafe says quietly, and everything in you stops for a moment. brain lagging, breath catching, even the tears stop for a second while you look up at your boyfriend. "i'm so sorry. i am so sorry. i fucked up, okay? i know i did, but please don't go."

"rafe, i can't stay," it comes out just as quietly, a notch above a whisper. "you hurt me." it comes out wrangled in a sob. rafe wipes away some of your fresh tears with his hands.

"i-i know. and i'm gonna regret it forever, but-" rafe stops, and you stop too. you chew on your lip nervously, realizing it's going to bleed from how much you're biting down. "can-can i at least bring you home? please?"

"okay," you give in-but you shouldn't have.

you don't even know how you're gonna explain the mark on your face to your parents, or why you're home so early when you said you were sleeping over. every movement feels exhausting—grabbing some of your things and walking down the stairs to getting into rafe's truck. the drive to your place isn't very long, only ten minutes, and you stare out the window the whole time. it feels like hours with the way rafe looks at you at each red light.

rafe pulls into your driveway and you look up at him expectantly, though you're not sure why.

"can you-can you turn the headlights off? i don't want them waking up," you say, after what feels like ages of silence.

rafe turns the lights off but doesn't say anything. it's not until you reach for the doorhandle that he does—it's almost muscle memory for him. he leans over you to pull the handle and open the door for you, but you flinch so hard when he moves that he can't even get the door. instead he looks back at you while you stare up at him. without any words, you both know what the other is thinking.

"goodnight, rafe," you say, your own hand on the door now.

"wait, kid," he says, and you stop your movement immediately. even in this situation, you can't help but listen. "can i see you tomorrow? please?"

"i don't think that's a good idea."

"c'mon. we-we have to talk about this. i can't just.. not see you. i'm gonna go crazy."

"i need to go rafe." the second you say it, you start feeling bad about it. it's so engrained in you—trying to avoid hurting rafe in any and every way possible, that the very idea of not giving him what he wants makes your chest ache painfully. "i.. i have to think about it."

he leans over, slowly this time so you don't get scared again, opening the door for you like he always does. you climb out, getting your bag and trying to pretend everything's fine until you get inside your room.

"good night, kid. i'll talk to you tomorrow."

without replying, you walk inside. rafe's truck stays in your driveway until you lock the door, and he doesn't drive away until minutes after.

surprisingly, you make it to your room before you start crying. and you don't stop crying until the sun comes up.

fairway femme fatale

bf!rafe x brattygf!reader (reader’s thoughts are pink, while rafe’s thoughts are blue!)

warnings: reader making rafe jealoussss, explicit language, sexual innuendos | masterlist

“Can you at least try to hit the ball?”, he complained.

“I am trying, Rafe!!”, you whined. Golf was much harder than you anticipated it to be - it went further than just wearing short skirts and driving around in a cart all day. Not to mention the people around you on the driving range, who all seemed to be pros compared to you.

You tried once more, hitting it, but only a few feet in front of you.

You heard him behind you, struggling to hide his laugh, and finally snapped, “Rafe don't laugh at me that’s not fair. You’ve been playing your whole life - I just started today and you promised to teach me and all you’re doing is laughing at me.”

He grinned, and you knew what he was thinking - she’s so cute when she’s pissed.

“Oh shut up, Rafe,” you scoffed.

“Didn’t say a word,” he raised his hands in defense.

“Have fun playing alone!”, you sarcastically smiled, shoving your club into your golf bag and spinning on your heels to walk back to the country club.

“Seriously? C’mon princess I was laughing because you’re so cute!”

“Right, cause that’s a normal reaction to seeing something cute - laughing at it,” you argued

He groaned, “You’re giving up before we even got off the driving range. After you didn’t respond, he made one last attempt to get you to stay, “I’ll buy you a drink at the halfway house?”

“I can buy my own drink, thanks Rafe,” you yelled back, before finally leaving him.

Ugh, this was such a waste of a good outfit.

˗ˏˋ ♡ ˎˊ˗

“How’re you and the kook princess?”, Kelce nudged Rafe, making eyes at Topper. It was a regular Saturday for them, all golfing before the usual Saturday night party.

“Yeah, she still likes you?”, Topper snickered.

Rafe’s eyes narrowed - since when have they been interested in hearing about his relationship with you aside from what you were like in bed?

“Yeah,” he nodded with suspicion, “why?”

Kelce squeezed Rafe’s shoulder, barely able to get out the sentence: “Cause your girl is on some golf instructor's dick right now.”

They both fell into fits of laughter as Rafe seethed. He didn’t expect to see you there, in your short white skirt that barely reached your tanned thighs, and your tight shirt that left little to the imagination, bent over the golf club with some random dude behind you, angling your hips in the right direction.

“Didn’t know she took golf so seriously, I thought you said that she sucked at it?”, Topper joked, still snickering at the situation.

“Shut up,” Rafe yelled, pushing Topper away and making his way toward you.

The closer he got, the angrier he grew: you were genuinely smiling and laughing - your swing was even better than it was before.

When on one swing, you hit it especially far, you jumped up and down, clearly excited.

You went for another swing, but just as the club came up, Rafe grabbed it, stopping you from swinging and ripping the club from your grip.

“Rafe!“, you yelled, pulling your big sunglasses off to look at him.

“Hey bud… next time you go around flirting with other guys' girlfriends, especially mine, you might wanna make sure their boyfriends aren’t here to see it.”

“Sir- I wasn’t-”

Rafe held him by the collar of his polo, “You really want to be lying to me, uh,” he paused, eying his name tag, “Jack?”

“Rafe! Stop, seriously,” you pleaded.

“Sir, I really would never-”, Jack pleaded, cut off by the harsh punch Rafe landed on his face.

“Jack,” he still held him by the collar, “here’s one thing y’gotta know about me. I’m- I’m a proactive type of person, alright?”

Jack fearfully looked to you for help, but that only made Rafe angrier.

“What, you need fuckin grammatical help from her? Ya don’t know what proactive fuckin means?” he groaned, “gotta teach everything to you pogues.”

“It means,” he gripped Jack’s collar tighter, “that before you make a move on my girlfriend, that I stop you before you get to do it.”

“I didn’t make a move on her man,” Jack choked out.

Rafe only responded with another punch to Jack’s face, knocking him onto the ground.

Jack writhed, complaining of the pain.

“What the hell is wrong with you?!”, you pushed at Rafe’s chest.

“Rafe, you really hurt him!”, you bent down to inspect the gash Rafe’s ring made near Jack’s eyebrow before he could drag you away.

“You’re hurting my arm, Rafe,” you whined as he pulled you along with him.

“Then walk faster,” he replied.

You let him take you to the parking lot but refused to get in the car with him.

“Would you just get in the car? I’m so sick of the dramatics with you!”, he yelled.

“Fuck you, Rafe.”

“How would you feel if I was all over some girl? Especially at a place like this - you know how bad that makes me look?”

“You just publicly knocked a guy out and you’re blaming me for making you look bad? You’re acting like he had me on all fours out there - he was teaching me golf!”

He paused, trying his best to not lose it on you. “Would you please, baby, just get in the car? I’ll get you a coffee or whatever and we’ll… we’ll figure it out, alright?”

“No. I don’t have anything to figure out. I’m calling an Uber.”

He opened his mouth to plead more but was immediately shut up by the stern look on your face. You walked away, busying yourself by texting your friends about the situation until your Uber arrived.

Do you want me to follow your Uber home to make sure you’re safe?

I’m really sorry sweetheart

You ignored his texts for a bit, deciding you were gonna ignore him. At least until tonight. He needed time to think.

I’m following your Uber home so don’t be scared of the driver

“So dramatic…”, you audibly sighed.

˗ˏˋ ♡ ˎˊ˗

“So he just punched the instructor just because he was teaching you golf?”

You nodded in response as you stepped into the party, the immediate smell of liquor and weed overwhelming your nose.

“That’s a little excessive,” your friend, Christa, responded.

“Tell me about it,” you laughed, making your way over to the drinks, where Topper, who was hosting the party, stood, flirting with some blonde girl.

“Ah the princess is here!!”, Topper slurred, a little wasted.

“We gotta get you some water, huh?”, you laughed, grabbing a white claw.

“Look,” you felt his hot breath on your neck, “Rafe feels bad, don’t be mad at him. Kelce and I were the ones who pointed it out to him, we didn’t think that it’d end up that bad.”

You shook your head, “Keep your nose out of our business, Top.”

He blinked, “jus’tryna help.”

Christa pulled you away for a song, and you two busied yourselves dancing for a bit. The person in charge of the AUX changed, and you and Christa grumbled, taking a break out on the deck.

Rafe, of course, was settled there in the corner, surrounded by a group of guys. You gave him a shy smile - yes, you were still mad at him, but you at least wanted to be cordial.

He blushed back, quickly getting up and making his way towards you, “Can we talk?”

You hummed and took his hand to pull him somewhere more private. He followed you upstairs, to the room furthest from the stairway, even stepping out onto the balcony so that neither of you would be interrupted.

You sat down, and he uncomfortably sat beside you - he was used to you sitting on his lap, in all honesty.

You looked down at your palms, suddenly nervous, but began nonetheless.

“The whole reason I was trying to learn golf was so that I could be with you doing something that I know you love. I don’t know… I figured it would be fun, you teaching me how to play.”

You looked up, and he nodded at you to continue. “So I went golfing with you. I was so excited - I picked out this really cute outfit with this juicy couture skirt and, and you just, shut me down.”

“I was really trying to learn, Rafe. I don’t do sports like that. I can do like… tennis and Pilates, but I’ve never done golf. And you laughed at me. And when I got upset, you didn’t apologize, you just laughed a little more and tried to bribe me with a drink.”

“I figured you didn’t want to hang out unless I was good at what I was doing. So I booked golf lessons. That was my second session, and I genuinely saw progress and was so excited to finally be able to play with you and show you how good I got. And instead, you just walked over and beat up the guy.”

“He was all over you,” he tried to reason.

You rolled your eyes, “do you not get it? I was trying to learn something for you because I love you and I want to have fun doing the things you love to do with you. The whole reason I did any of that was for you. The whole time that guy was teaching me all I was thinking was why couldn’t you teach me? And you probably could’ve, but instead, you chose to be jealous and mean.”

He stared at the beer in his hands, ashamed.

“I’m, I’m real sorry, sweetheart. I didn’t know that. I didn’t know any of that.”

“And then I got pissed that we were even fighting over something this stupid. And that some guy had to get knocked out because of it.”

The two of you were silent for a moment, listening to the buzz of the party below you.

“I’m sorry. I’m really, really sorry. I shouldn’t have laughed at you, and I shouldn’t have beat up that kid and I shouldn’t have grabbed your hand so hard pulling you away.”

You snuggled closer to him, his big arms wrapping around you and pulling you onto his lap.

“I’m sorry I always screw up…” he admitted.

“We all screw up,” you reasoned, “just not to the degree that you do.”

He put his head down, “I’m teasing you!!”

“No, you’re right,” he held onto you tighter, “I’m just lucky to have someone as forgiving as you.”

“You know what else you’re lucky to have?”

“What?”

“A girlfriend who still has a lot more to learn golf-wise and a ton of new outfits to wear golfing with you.”

He chuckled, pulling you in by your chin to kiss you. “Missed you,” he confessed against your lips.

“It’s been like… 5 hours,” you said in between kisses.

“5 long hours,” he corrected.

“You know what else is long and can go for 5 hours?”

He broke out in a laugh, “I just apologized for being a dick two seconds ago and you’re already horny?”

“I’ve been since I saw you beat up Jack at the driving range.”

“Me beating a guy up gets you all riled up?”, he teased, squeezing your ass.

“Mhmmm,” you hummed, kissing him and letting him carry you into the bedroom. You paused, pushing his chest back, “Y’know what else you’re lucky to have?”

“Hmmm?”, he kissed along your neck, waiting for your response.

“A girlfriend who gets turned on by everything you do.”

“Amen to that.”

“That was so hot when you followed me in the Uber”, you admitted, only because you were tipsy and missed him too.

He laughed against your chest, “I love you so much.”

taglist (message or comment to be added): @dasguccier @pradabambie @ijustwanttoreadlols @juniebugg

thanks for reading! send in requests 🌷 love you all

- angel

hi angel! i love your work so much and fell in love with bambi!reader, so i was hoping you could write something for me ^_^

can you pls pls pls write bambi!reader comforting rafe after he gets into it with ward? i feel like she’d know exactly how to comfort himmm (pure fluff pls, i read too much smut lmaooo)

warnings: ward cameron, arguing, shouting, a little bit of physical violence, poor rafe who deserves so much better, mention of murder (i’m not referencing peterkin), fluff, soft petting, words of affirmation

a/n: aww bambi!reader has been getting so much love, it makes my heart happy to know that you enjoy the works that she’s in <3

“you had one job, rafe.. one!” ward had been shouting at rafe for nearly an hour already, his face flush with anger. “you really have a way of fucking things up, huh? i should put a caution sign on your forehead.” rafe’s fist clenched as he listened to his father, trying his best to ignore the sinking feeling in his chest with every word that ward spat.

“i already told you that i couldn’t close out the business accounts and wire the money to a different one. apparently i’m not next in line to own cameron development anymore. ‘you know something about that?” rafe was in disbelief when he had to find out from a service representative that his own father took him off of the family business, something that he worked hard all these years for in order to prove he was worthy of running.

ward froze. he had forgotten about that. “were you ever gonna tell me, or were you just gonna be a coward about it?” rafe stood up, towering over his father with that crazy look in his eyes. “what you forgot to do before you faked your own death instead of facing your problems like a man, was take my name off of the inheritance of tanneyhill.” he laughed, “i own this shit now.” rafe stepped closer, backing ward into the wall. “get out of my house.” ward was seething, his hand coming up to fist rafe’s shirt.

“your house? i’m the one who worked like a dog to get us here.” ward said through gritted teeth, shoving rafe in his chest. rafe stumbled, scoffing out a laugh as he then pushed his father. “worked like a dog to get us here but you were more than willing to leave me here while you start a new life in fuckin’ guatemala.” rafe fought to keep his emotions at bay.

“leave. and don’t ever come back.” ward’s chest was rising and falling, both him and rafe glaring at one another. “you’re cut off. good luck keeping up with this place on your own.” ward smiled bitterly. “cut off?” rafe narrowed his eyes, “i’ve been cut off, dad. i haven’t used a cent of yours since i was nineteen. all this time i’ve been making money my own way, and a lot of it too. ‘seems like your old man brain forgot about that.” rafe nudged ward as he walked past, his father following him out of the master bedroom.

“i’m leaving. when i come back i want you out of here,” rafe grabbed his truck keys, his skin on fire as he looked up the staircase, “and by the way, asshole, i’m not by myself. i got the prettiest girl on the island on my arm everywhere i go.” ward watched as his son walked out the front door. rafe was seeing red the whole time he drove to your house, cursing under his breath as he recalled his father’s words.

“the fucking nerve that guy has.” he punched the steering wheel, nostrils flaring as tears pricked at his eyes. he was the only one who was there to take care of things when ward was ‘gone’. even going as far as committing crimes so his father wouldn’t face any kind of scrutiny. yet, there he was telling him that he was a fuck up.

rafe spent the next five minutes mumbling to himself, his hands shaking as he parked outside your driveway. you were curled up on the porch swing, an open book in your lap when he walked up the stone path. all it took was one look at your boyfriend to have you scrambling up from your seat, eager to soothe him in any way you can. “oh, ray, what’s wrong?” you guided him inside, locking the door shut before both of you made your way up to your room.

“it’s ward. he came back just to tell me shit about not closing the bank accounts under cameron development.” you knew all about rafe’s conflict with his father. from the way he favored everyone else over his eldest, to the constant nagging and insults. sitting rafe down on the edge of your bed, you couldn’t help the way your heart sunk at the sight of defeat in his shoulders, his eyes void of any emotion.

slipping his shoes off, you took your usual seat in his lap, stroking the outline of his jaw as he vented. “i’ll never be good enough for him. i killed for him goddamit, and what do i get in return? ‘i should put a caution sign on your forehead.’ rafe imitated ward’s voice from earlier. you blinked, pecking his cheek. “you’re an amazing son, rafe. shame on him for not recognizing that.” rafe stared up at you, his heart beating wildly in his chest.

you were the only one that looked at him with pure adoration, the only one who made him feel like he had a purpose. “i think you’re amazing, rafe. you don’t sit around, waiting to get things done, you’re so helpful, and so, so kind— to me.” he chuckled at the clarification, rubbing a large hand over your knee. “you think so?” he leaned his head against your chest, your arms coming up to hold him. “i know so.” you sighed, breathing in his scent.

“wanna be little spoon tonight?” your voice alone made him relax, his eyes fluttering shut.

“..yeah.”

Best Friend Rafe x Reader Boat Day

Warnings: None (yet), fluff, soft rafe, yearning

“AH! What are you doing here?!” You screamed in utter fright as you stepped into your room, only to see Rafe lying on your bed. You were fresh from the shower and not at all expecting a presence to be waiting for you. 

“You haven’t seen me in a week, and that’s how you greet me?” Rafe questioned as he sat up, resisting a smirk to rise on his lips as you were only covered by a skimpy white towel. You roll your eyes and sigh, a smile coming to your lips, moving to your vanity to do your after-shower rituals, not at all conscious of your lack of clothing because you and your best friend Rafe were used to such scenes. 

“Seriously, what are you doing here?” You questioned, eyes locking with ocean one through the mirror where Rafe studied you as you lathered your face with differing products. “I haven’t seen you in a week. What? You didn’t miss me at all?” He raised his brow, and you laughed at the pretend hurt on his face. “How were the Bahamas?” You asked and stood, disregarding his question, and instead went to your closet to find something to wear. “Fine. It’d be better if you came,” He shrugged and peaked as you tried to decide what to wear. Catching the way you bent down to wear your underwear and shorts, your body still covered by a towel. Any sense of boundaries in your friendship seemed to disappear after years of knowing one another. Rafe smirked as you stepped out of your closet wearing one of his shirts that you stole from him. 

You sat next to him in bed, “It was a family vacation; I didn’t want to impose.” You shrugged. “So what’d you do while I was away? Sniff my shirts because you just miss me that much?” You scoffed a laugh and rolled your eyes at the smirk on his lips. “Sure, yeah, I just stared into your picture, counting down the days until you came back.” You went along with his bit. Rafe bit his lip and hoped you were telling the truth, but alas, he could only dream. 

“No, I uh— I mostly just stayed home, baked a bit. And played tennis; there’s a new instructor at the club; he’s cute— really great at tennis, too.” Rafe was quick to grow tense at your words, jealousy quickly spiking in him. “But he’s gay, so…” You added, and that eased the green-eyed monster in him. “Hm, what you wanna do today?” Rafe asked, wanting to change the subject. 

“Mm… I dunno, I kinda want to go to the beach.” You say, and Rafe nodded, “Then let’s go,” he quickly said. “But I also kinda just wanna hang out here,” You said, indecisive. “Then let’s hang out here,” Rafe responded, willing to do anything just as long you were in his company. You sighed and pursed your lips. “I don’t know, you pick!” You exclaimed, Rafe amused by your inability to make even the most measliest of decisions. 

“Wanna go on the boat? We could sail around, get some food, and catch the sunset,” He proposed and smiled as you eagerly nodded. Going to your closet to change your attire once more, Rafe shuffled in your room to get one of your bags and pack some things he knew you would need. “What book do you want?” He asked as he placed some towels in your bag, already anticipating you’d want to bring a book for the day, as you always did. “The one by my nightstand!” You yelled from the closet, trying to decide what color bathing suit to wear. Rafe took the book into his hand and smiled as he saw that you used a photo booth picture of the two of you as your bookmark.

Rafe squired you around town, getting the necessary things for your day in the boat—a lunch from your favorite restaurant and a pint of your favorite ice cream. When you arrived at the marina, Rafe could practically feel your excitement. He was quick to disembark his truck and open the door for you, swinging your bag on his shoulder as he escorted you to his family’s boat. As the sun rose higher and higher and the view of the island drew further, you and Rafe decided to have your lunch, but before the two of you could eat, you stepped and appeared with a giant thing of sunscreen in your hands. 

“I wanna eat,” Rafe grumbled as you sat next to him, placing sunscreen on his face. Your soft hands sent chills down his spine no matter how blaring the island sun was. He kept on complaining, saying he didn’t need sunscreen, but it did nothing to hinder you from traveling your hands along his chest and back as you applied for protection from the sun. “Men don’t need sunscreen,” Rafe grumbled as he watched you apply more of the lotion on his forearms. “You say that, but even men are not immune to melanoma,” You chirped, “Okay, all done!” You said you applied sunscreen to yourself as well; Rafe was waiting for you to finish before he started to eat. 

“Can you get my back?” You innocently asked, handing Rafe the tube. Rafe swallowed as you turned your back to him. Trying not to succumb to his urges because it would surely be obvious from the swimming trunks he wore. Rafe messaged the sunscreen on your back and marveled at how soft your skin was, resisting his urges to ‘accidentally’ pull the string of your bikini top and let his fingers trail further your frame. “Al— All done,” Rafe struggled to say after a moment, taking his time to spread the lotion all over your back, savoring each moment you let him touch your skin. 

You nodded and settled to his side as they both started to have lunch, but first, you took out a baby wipe and cleaned your hands. Rafe smiled fondly as you held his hands to clean them. He just loved how you fussed over him, how you were the only one who genuinely cared about his well-being. 

The afternoon was spent with you and Rafe lounging on the deck of the boat. Rafe pointed your view to the setting sun, and your back was settled against his chest as you read him your book. Rafe had no idea about the words you uttered. All he focused upon was the feel of your frame flushed against his, your voice that soothed his mind, and the fantasy that perhaps one day, you two could be more than just mere best friends. 

I'll Come Running - R.C. - Masterlist (Complete)

"We all know there's only one person in this world that can control Rafe Cameron."

Warnings: angst, fluff, themes of abandonment, drug use, violence, sexual themes, alcohol use

Prologue

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Chapter 16

Chapter 17

Chapter 18

Chapter 19

Chapter 20

Chapter 21

Chapter 22

Chapter 23

Chapter 24

Chapter 25

Chapter 26

Chapter 27

Chapter 28

Chapter 29

Chapter 30

Chapter 31

Chapter 32

Chapter 33

Chapter 34

Chapter 35

Chapter 36

Chapter 37

Chapter 38

Chapter 39

Chapter 40

Chapter 41

Chapter 42

Chapter 43

Chapter 44

Chapter 45

Chapter 46

Chapter 47

Chapter 48

Chapter 49

Chapter 50

Chapter 51

Chapter 52

Chapter 53

Chapter 54

Chapter 55

Chapter 56

Chapter 57

Chapter 58

Chapter 59

Chapter 60

Chapter 61

Chapter 62

Chapter 63

Chapter 64

Chapter 65

Chapter 66

Chapter 67

Chapter 68

Chapter 69

Chapter 70

Chapter 71

Chapter 72

Chapter 73

Epilogue

Author's Note!

@droppedyourhnd

I'll Come Running - R.C. - Chapter 16

***

Rafe busted through the door of his house with Jessie's unconscious body in his arms. She had lost a lot of blood and her body was in shock, not to mention whatever internal damage could've been done.

"I need help!" Rafe demanded loud enough for the whole house to hear. "Clear the table."

Sarah quickly got rid of the stack of papers on the dining room table, secretly grateful it wasn't their fine china.

"What the hell is going on here." Ward asked in his pajamas, clearly woken up from his sleep. He was confused and a little upset.

"I need ice, gauze, any medical supplies we have." Rafe didn't have time for his stupid questions. His girlfriend was nearly beat to death and yes she was in Ward's house, big deal. Rafe didn't care.

"Rafe, what are you doing, why is Jessie-" Ward questioned angrily.

"I don't have time for your questions, dad!" Rafe exclaimed as he ripped off Jessie's tank top, leaving her in only her sports bra, examining her torso for any internal bleeding.

Sarah finally came back with a first aid kit fit for kooks. It folded out into what seemed like a billion different pieces and housed just about any medical supply you could think of.

"She needs air. She needs air!" Rafe said frantically as he scrambled for the small oxygen machine in the bottom of the kit. He wrapped the silicone dome around her face and made sure it had good connection with her mouth and nose. He began to lightly tap her face.

"Come on, Jess." He whispered. Rafe looked up at Ward, seeing he was still confused and still clearly upset. If Ward's suspicion was right, Rafe was still seeing Jessie despite his demands against it. How long had this been going on? How much had Rafe been hiding from him? He now noticed the bloody knuckles on Rafe. Ward knew Rafe had been much different the past month, but he couldn't put his finger on why. He lately had just seemed... gone. Ward finally connected it all.

"Rafe." Ward whispered as he swallowed the lump in his throat.

"Dad," Rafe sighed with annoyance, still holding the oxygen to Jessie's face. "Now is not the time." He reiterated sternly, with a look that could kill. Ward received the message. He took a step closer to Rafe.

"I want this pogue out of my house before I wake up." Ward commanded in an eerily hushed tone. Rafe didn't respond. He wanted to punch Ward square in the face right then and there but he had bigger things to worry about.

Sarah and Topper stood around the table waiting and hoping for Jessie to stir. Rafe admired Jessie's face, even bloody and bruised he still found her beautiful, and so undeserving of what she just endured. The thought alone made Rafe shed a tear as he laid his head on her chest in defeat. He choked back a few sobs but was unsuccessful.

"We'll leave you two alone." Sarah stated softly with an empathic look in her eyes as she pushed a still very confused Topper towards the living room and up the stairs.

"Come on, baby. Please." Rafe begged as he lifted his head and held a hand over the side of Jessie's face, careful not to touch any cuts or bruises when wiping her hair out of the way. He took in every detail of her, trying to remember everything as if this could be the last time he'd see her.

Jessie finally stirred, as she breathed a little heavier, eventually taking a labored deep breath. Rafe noticed immediately and stood up over her, tapping her face gently once more.

"Jessie, hey, hey, baby, it's me, Rafe. Come on, Jess." Rafe pleaded as he tried to crack a smile. If she was going to open her eyes that's the first thing Rafe wanted her to see.

She did just that, and moved her head to try and get her bearings. She looked around wondering where she was at, after a few seconds of blinking to clear her vision she realized exactly where she was at. She slowly put her hand towards her mouth, suddenly annoyed with the oxygen she so desperately needed minutes ago.

"Rafe," Jessie wheezed as Rafe took the hint and removed the oxygen mask from her. "What're we doing here?" She coughed out barely over a whisper. Those few words were enough to start a coughing attack for Jessie. She coughed and coughed with as much strength as she could and tried to roll herself over to help cough up the blood she had been choking on. Rafe understood what she was trying to do and carefully shifted her body to do so. Rafe knew she didn't have enough strength to carry on a conversation.

"Easy there." He smiled as he gently patted her back to try and soothe her. She finally stopped coughing and crashed back flat on her back and gasped for a much larger breath of air. Rafe could visibly see her ribs extend as her lungs filled with air. She was still dazed, probably concussed.

"You got in a fight with your dad. I don't know what it was about but I got there just in time to catch the end of it. He threw you out in the yard but I got him away from you. I brought you here so that I could take care of you." Rafe explained in a soft tone and kind eyes.

Jessie just sat there in silence locking eyes with Rafe. He could tell she was trying to think but she couldn't move her face that much.

"I don't need to be here." Jessie choked out as she continued to stare blankly up at the wall. Rafe noticed she was oddly unphased by what all just transpired, and this was the first thing she had on her mind? Rafe just gave her a confused look.

"Your dad... he's... he's not gonna want me here and-" Jessie stoppped mid sentence to attempt to get up, but to no avail.

"Woah, woah, hey, hey, don't you worry about my dad, he's-"

"Rafe..." Jessie interrupted with a look of defeat. She looked him dead in the eyes with remorse as she shook her head. "I don't need to be here. You don't need to be worried about me. This is too much."

Rafe was truly taken aback by Jessie's words, all of a sudden she seemed extremely concerned... about him? It was odd timing considering she was just beaten within an inch of her life.

"W-what are you talking about? Baby I-"

"You don't deserve this, Rafe... constantly being worried about my safety when I can take care of myself. And now you're risking your relationship with your dad and with the business, and... you don't need to be worried about me. This is all my fault." Jessie attempted to get up again, once again being brought back down by a much taller and much stronger Rafe.

"Jessie, stop. My dad is the one risking his relationship with me. It's not my problem that he can't get over his own feelings. I want to worry about you. I want to take care of you. You deserve to have someone to look out for you."

"Rafe, I don't need anyone to-"

"I know you don't... but that doesn't mean you can't have someone."

"Rafe..." Jessie squezed out with a sigh as she looked back up at the ceiling and swallowed the emotion she wanted to let out behind her words. She took notice that it even hurt to swallow. Instead she closed her eyes as if to mentally tell herself to stay focused. "You can't seriously think that this was going to work out between us? We're from two totally separate worlds. My problems are not something you should ever have to be concerned about. You've got too much going for you-"

"Jessie, please... just stop." Rafe whispered through a tinge of annoyance. Jessie picked up on it. She decided to let it go, mainly due to the fact that she was already tired again from the conversation.

"I'm going to get you cleaned up and then we'll go to-."

"He beat me over his drugs." Jessie mumbled with a distant look in her eye. "He found out I had been using them..." She trailed off with a terrifying glint in her eye and a cocky little smile that showed no remorse. Rage filled Rafe, yet he knew he couldn't let her see it, not tonight. He tried to shake it off. And yet he was also horrified by the fact that Jessie, still battered and bruised, revelled in the idea of pulling a fast one on her hell bent father. She truly wasn't scared of him... and that made Rafe scared of her.

"Ok well it doesn't matter. There's never a good reason to do what he did to you." Rafe explained, dropping the smile and exchanging a serious tone as he rubbed her head.

Jessie just nodded and let Rafe carry her to his bedroom. There he would clean up her cuts and ice her bruises.

"Does Ward know I'm here?" Jessie asked hesitantly, seeming to be scared of the answer. She winced as Rafe put the ice pack on her jaw.

"Yeah, but he won't be bothering us." He replied, too distracted by doctoring up Jessie's face.

"H-how? What'd you do?"

"I took care of it." Rafe interrupted, almost annoyed. Jessie noticed he seemed laser focused, like he wasn't afraid of anyone or anything at that moment. He seemed angry, but he had every reason to be. She couldn't help but push it.

"Rafe-"

"Jessie." he interrupted with clear irritation in his voice. Still, she never faltered.

"This isn't a summer fling anymore okay? You need to listen to me. You've gotten way too involved now... before tonight you're biggest concern with me was just picking me up after I passed out drunk in the yard..." Jessie slightly chuckled as she held an ice pack to her face. Her attempt at a laugh was cut short by the aching pain she felt in her ribs. Rafe wanted to act like he wasn't listening, but he was despite not making eye contact. "You're losing yourself trying to save me when I don't need saving. This has gone on for far too long and you need to forget about me while you still have your relationships still somewhat in tact. I should've never let it get this far. We're no good for each other... no... I'm no good for you. I just keep getting you into deeper shit." Jessie said as she hung her head in shame.

Rafe had made up his mind that he wasn't listening to any more of what Jessie had to say. Once he was finished he put away the first aid kit and walked over to his bedside table. He pulled out the little bag of white powder that Jessie knew all too well. Rafe sat down at his desk and concentrated on forming a line in front of him.

"I'll deal with your dad, tomorrow." Rafe said dismissively as he quickly snorted a line and cleared his throat after doing so. Jessie knew she couldn't argue, it would just make Rafe angrier, and he was already clearly on edge. She could see the monster she had made, and her guilt over that simple fact was the only thing that kept getting her to stay. She carried the weight real deep in her chest that if she left she might save Rafe from external disaster between his father and his business, yet she might just plunge him even deeper into wrecking himself on the inside. Still, it was unlike Jessie to give up, and she felt a personal responsibility to not give up on bringing back the Rafe she once knew, the Rafe she fell in love with. After all, what's the worst he could do to a girl who's already been hurt to the point of no return? Staying with Rafe was no longer for Jessie's benefit, it was for his.

"How many lines does that make today?" Jessie sassed with a click of her tongue and a venomous look that Rafe didn't care to turn around and lay eyes on. Rafe could tell she had felt better with her newfound confidence to be sarcastic. He just slowly turned his head to look at Jessie sitting on his bed in nothing but his oversized gray tshirt. Rafe was oddly attracted to the woman sitting in front of him. Even black and blue, she still managed to carry herself with enough strength to sass him. If she wasn't so hurt he would almost bet that she was teasing him. Still, he managed to let his wondering thoughts go and remain focused. 

"Really?" Rafe mumbled in annoyance. He played with his lips trying to articulate what he was going to say next. "You're really going to judge me now?"

Jessie knew he had a point. She used drugs herself, but she knew Rafe's use was getting out of control and he's been spiraling. Although this was definitely the time for a line, Jessie knew it wasn't the first one of the day. It never was anymore. She ceased the argument, feeling helpless.

"I want to take a shower." She sighed in defeat.

"Well go take a shower." Rafe replied with sass and pointed to his bathroom door.

Jessie got off the bed slowly, clearly still hurting from the beating she just endured. She walked over to the bathroom and shut the door. For the first time that night she looked in the mirror. God, she looked awful. Her eye was still slightly swollen and most definitely all shades of blue and purple. The cuts on her lips and head were not going to be fun to shower with. Most importantly, she was scared to be alone, even in the shower behind a locked door. All of a sudden the thought consumed her and she couldn't bring herself to even turn on the water.

Jessie opened the door back up slowly to find Rafe still sitting at his desk with his eyes closed and his head kicked back, she assumed trying to let the high take over.

"Will you shower with me?" Jessie asked quietly, a newfound shyness to her tone that Rafe immediately inclined his ear to.

Rafe could see the fear in her eyes and hear the concern in her voice. How could he say no to her, especially now? He dropped the tough guy act immediately and walked over to her.

"Of course, baby." He whispered as he tilted her chin upwards just enough to land a soft kiss on her lips for reassurance that he really wasn't mad at her. He was most definitely angry, but he'd deal with Ward and Luke both tomorrow. He decided to let it go for the night.

Rafe carefully helped Jessie undress, making sure not to hurt her too much when she had to pull her arms up to get his shirt off of her. Once they were in the shower Rafe handled her body with the most care she had ever experienced. Somehow, his touch got more gentle than it already was every other time before.

Despite Rafe's impenetrable hard exterior, Jessie was always his Achilles heal. Any time she needed him, he'd come running. And that night proved that once again to Jessie.

***

"I never forgot about that night, Rafe." Jessie whispered with her arm propped on the back of the couch and her head resting against her arm. They were now turned facing towards each other, the space between them slowly getting smaller.

"Me neither..." Rafe choked out through tears. "That was the night you begged me to leave you... and I didn't..." Jessie could tell he meant that last part to sting. "... and yet you left me anyways." Rafe whispered.

"You're not a bad man." Jessie assured as she looked Rafe in the eyes. She meant it sincerely, Rafe could tell. He had never heard those words before. All these years of chasing the approval and conditional love from Ward made him feel like the villain at times. He missed what Jessie gave him all those years ago: the understanding that he never had to earn her love. As he contemplated what that meant for him he visibly choked up, pulling his lips inward and letting a single tear roll down his face. He just nodded trying to show any sort of appreciation he could for what Jessie just said. He wanted to kiss her right then and there, but he knew she wasn't ready. He tried to remain neutral throughout this whole process, but his father was dead, and all he had left was his fortune, maybe, just maybe, he could have what he really wanted all these years. His Jessie back.

He quickly cleared his throat and wiped his nose swiftly to break the silence.

"We should get some sleep." Rafe proclaimed with a soft smile.

"Yeah, we should." Jessie replied.

They both got up and walked out of the living room. Jessie didn't know where in this big house Rafe would be sleeping, still she walked up the stairs to her room.

"Jessie..." Rafe called to her across the room. She whisked her head around.

"Yeah?" She asked with her hand on the stair railing and one foot already on the first step.

"If you need me, I'll come running."

Jessie remembered those words all too well, and knew Rafe never once lied about them. She smiled and nodded and went up to her room.

I'll Come Running - R.C. - Chapter 17

Rafe softly grinned like a little kid as he watched the love of his life walk up the stairs that night. He made his way to his room, which was on the complete opposite side of Jessie's, unbeknownst to her. The master suite was actually hidden behind one of the "pantries" on the far side of the kitchen. After all, this house did belong to Ward Cameron, who would have every reason to hide where he sleeps.

Rafe pushed the door open to the pantry that housed all the kitchen appliances, bypassed them to go straight for the shelf behind it. With a gentle nudge of one of the shelves upward he was able to unlock the secret door and push it open, revealing a lavish bedroom with a king sized bed, his and hers chairs at the end of it, and of course a massive flat screen tv overlooking it all. No windows of course, again, because it was hidden. Rafe didn't mind, but he did worry about Jessie being alone on the other end of the house not knowing where Rafe was. He had to shrug it off, after all, he had security.

Rafe fell into the soft bed wrapped in an all black feather down duvet. The day he had at first felt like a nightmare, but it eventually turned into a dream. More than that, a dream that he had dreamed of for four years. His love had finally returned, giving him a brand new reason to live again. Despite the last four years being filled with prestigious meetings, endless money, and proud father son moments, Rafe still never felt the same freedom that he did when he was with Jessie. Now he had a shot at that again, and he wasn't going to waste it.

The truth is, Rafe knew from a very early age that he was never meant for the life Ward handed him. He didn't like it. He felt trapped. He was trapped.

As Rafe laid in bed that night his mind wondered and he reminisced about him and Jessie.

***

It was the morning after Jessie was attacked by her worthless father. Jessie woke up wrapped in Rafe's arms in his bed. She was awoken by the sunlight peaking through the curtains. Shit. Normally she's gone long before the sun comes up, that way nobody knows she's been there.

Jess immediately shot up frantically, hurting herself in the process. Oh yeah, she was still very bruised. She winced in pain and grabbed her side. Rafe stirred at the sudden movement and snaked his arm once again around Jessie and groaned. He opened his eyes to see her sitting up, he matched her movements.

"What're you doing?" Rafe stuttered through a groggy voice as he put his arms around Jessie and buried his face in her neck, still clearly waking up. He also seemed to whine like a toddler.

"The sun is up and I'm not gone." Jessie hissed. "I should've snuck out of here before the sun came up like normal and now your dad is going to see me and-"

Rafe shut Jessie up by grabbing her jaw gently and kissing her passionately. It hurt Jessie a little bit but she didn't dare to complain. She grabbed the hand that was on her jaw and held it ever so slightly and deepened the kiss. As much as Jessie didnt want to, she finally broke away, leaving Rafe clearly annoyed.

"Your dad is going to see me." She said plainly as she threw the cover off of her to stand up.

"I don't care anymore, Jess. I'll deal with him. I'm not afraid of him anymore." Rafe simply stated as if it was a well known fact. Jessie stopped in the middle of looking for her clothes to turn back to Rafe. She had never heard him speak like that before. Even during nights like midsummers, Rafe still showed a reverence for Ward. This time the tone in his words just felt different, like a switch had flipped last night. Jessie didn't know if she liked it or not.

"You're serious?" Jessie asked looking at Rafe with furrowed brows.

"Yes, Jessie. I'm not afraid of any person that comes between me and you." Rafe assured her.

Jessie walked back over to the bed and leaned over it. "Well thank you." She said as she kissed him.

"You're welcome, baby." Rafe replied as he kissed her back. This time he was bound and determined to not break their kiss. He grabbed Jessie by her waist and pulled her back in the bed and on his lap. Jessie knew where this was going. She really wanted to say no but she just couldn't.

- - -

Once Rafe and Jessie finally decided to get out of bed and get ready for the day, Rafe led Jessie down their stairs and to the kitchen to make them something for breakfast. Rose was sitting at the counter reading something on her laptop as she sipped a cup of coffee. She simply eyed them both up and down and looked at Rafe in disbelief. The set of balls on him were impressive to come strutting through his father's house with his forbidden love.

"Your father is not going to be happy about this." Was all Rose could think to say in a very matter of fact tone.

"I don't care." Was all Rafe could respond with, not even glancing at Rose as he opened up the fridge. He got a few things out to make bacon, eggs, and what Jessie assumed were going to be pancakes.

"Oh, I forgot my phone upstairs. I'm going to go grab it." Jessie said as she walked out of the kitchen and down the long hallway.

Once she made it out of eye and ear shot of Rafe, she was met with long arms draped around her shoulders and a hand covering her mouth. She was then maneuvered around to face the mystery man and pushed up against the wall in the hallway clearly against her will. Ward's hand never left Jessie's mouth as he signaled for her to be quiet. Jessie couldn't help but fight back quietly as she squirmed and tried prying his fingers away from her mouth one by one, to no avail. It physically hurt her so much to fight, yet she never wavered.

Jessie wasn't scared, this was Jessie Maybank they were talking about, she was mainly irritated.

"If you want what's best for Rafe you have got to listen to me." Ward pleaded as he slowly took his hand from her mouth.

"You don't know what's best for Rafe." Jessie hissed back with disgust written all over her face.

"And what do you think is best for Rafe? Living the rest of his life with a dirty pogue like you? Sweetheart, he has so much more going for him than you realize. "

The nickname made her skin crawl.

"One thing he doesn't have with you is happiness. You have to know that-"

"But one day he will, if he just gives it time I will-"

That was all Ward could say before he was met with similar long arms around his neck. Ward could feel his breath slipping away as the arms, undeniably Rafe's, strangled him and pushed him against the wall. Jessie quickly moved out of the way, quick to catch her breath, slow her breathing, and hold onto her bruised ribs out of writhing pain.

Rafe held Ward against the wall and swiftly rotated him to face him, once again slamming Ward against the wall. Rafe was filled with so much anger he made it look easy. Rafe still hadn't blown off enough steam from last night so he was ready and looking for anyone to try something.

"You don't ever touch her again." Rafe mumbled, surprisingly calm and collected. His stare was distant despite looking his father right in the eyes. Ward and Jessie both noticed a shift in Rafe's demeanor. He used to fly into fits of rage, now his anger seemed more calculated, more subdued, and most certainly more intimidating. The idea of not knowing when Rafe could truly snap was one that kept Ward sunken into the wall behind him. He now couldn't help but take Rafe seriously.

Rafe moved one hand from Ward's shoulder to Ward's neck and slowly began to obstruct his air flow. Rafe came closer to Ward, breathing heavily but still seeming totally in control.

"If you touch her, if you speak to her, if you look her way, if you're in the same room as her, if you say anything about her, if you even think about her..." Rafe whispered, each phrase tightening his grip around Ward's neck and leaning in closer. "I'll know... and I will kill you. With no hesitation."

Ward could see that Rafe's diamond eyes had now turned to a storm blue. Truly terrified of what Rafe could have done in that moment, he simply nodded, clearly not being able to speak for the lack of oxygen. Rafe never let go of his death grip, not until he rendered his father unconscious, causing him to fall to the ground.

Jessie couldn't believe what she had just seen. Of course she wanted Rafe to rescue her, but never like this. His defense never came with such reckless abandon and clear disregard for life. Jessie was convinced Rafe was about to kill his father right there in that hallway.

Without a word, Rafe took Jessie's hand and led her out of the house, whisking her away on his motorcycle. Jessie didn't know where they were going, she didn't really care. She trusted Rafe, right? Of course she did, why would she doubt him now? After all, he loves her, he's proved that plenty of times.

Rafe eventually pulled up to Jessie's house. The screen door still in the yard from last night. Luke, however, was not.

"Stay here." Rafe demanded as he got off his bike.

Rafe walked into the house without a care in the world clearly on a mission. He swept the house to make sure nobody was there. Rafe went back outside banging the doors and stomping around the old wooden floors in the process.

"That old bastard knew what was good for him." Rafe commented as he leaned on the bike to be eye level with Jessie. He honestly was irritated at the fact that Luke wasn't there for him to pummel. But his serious face suddenly turned into a smile, a smile that was meant only for his Jessie.

"What're you thinking about?" Jessie returned his sheepish smile with a smirk. She could tell he was thinking. Suddenly she wasn't concerned anymore.

"You feel like getting out of here?"

***

To this day, Rafe never regretted his actions that day, the only thing he regretted in their relationship was being the reason Jessie had to leave. He went to sleep that night with memories dancing in his head.

I'll Come Running - R.C. - Chapter 18

Jessie woke up to the sun on her face and a view of the ocean. She had to admit, the view from her room was breathtaking.

Her phone buzzed and she realized it was JJ calling.

"Good morning." Jessie said kindly.

"Good morning, muchacho." JJ exclaimed so loud that Jessie had to hold the phone away from her ear a little bit.

"Why're you so happy?" She laughed. "Someone get laid?" She joked.

"I wish, but it sounds like you did last night." JJ retorted back.

"What're you talking about?" Jessie scoffed.

"Don't act all slick, we heard your conversations last night. 'You're not a bad man, Rafe Cameron.'" JJ imitated in a girly voice. "He bought that shit hook line and sinker! You're a genius, Jess. I knew we could count on you." JJ explained.

Jessie just giggled through the phone. Deep down she knew that what she said last night wasn't for show, it was all true. Rafe wasn't a bad man, never was. Whether anyone else could see it or not, Jessie knew Rafe was truly a victim of circumstance, always rightfully provoked to do the next bad thing.

"Just glad I could help, little brother." Jessie responded with an eye roll that JJ could hear through the phone.

"So what're you going to do today." JJ inquired.

"Oh I don't know, probably lure Rafe in with my bedroom eyes and then kill him in his sleep, since that's apparently what I do now." Jessie sassed.

"That's actually one of your better ideas." JJ declared, a very serious tone evident in his words.

"Oh whatever, JJ. I don't know what we'll do today, but keep listening."

"Ok, well, we have a flight back for you tomorrow morning. Do you think it'll be enough time?" Jessie had to ponder that. Tomorrow morning, already? Truth is, she wasn't quite ready to leave Rafe. She didn't know if she would ever be able to leave Rafe again. She knew it would kill him. Who was she kidding? She had a daughter to think about, she wasn't here for Rafe... was she?

"Uh, I'll have to get back with you on that." Was all Jessie could come up with.

"What do you mean? It's an easy mission, Jess. He's getting the money right?" JJ asked with a tinge of worry.

"I'm not completely sure, he hasn't told me how he's doing it, but... I'm trying." She sighed. JJ believed her.

"Alright, well just let me know sis. We've got your back."

"Thanks." Jessie smiled, "I'll talk to you later."

"Love you, bye." JJ answered.

That phone call with JJ snapped Jessie back to reality. She had a daughter to get back to, and a whole different life to live. She left Rafe for a reason. He was still using, she was pretty sure. Although, she hadn't seen him use since she'd been there. He also didn't seem strung out at all. Surely she didn't think this could work out, right? She had to remember why she was here: to get the money for the pogues and get the hell out of dodge. But there was something about Rafe that she couldn't shake, no matter how many years had passed.

Jessie made her way down the stairs, this time not caring to sneak as she walked into Rafe cooking over the stove, shirtless of course. Well that wasn't really helping Jessie's prior conversation with herself. So much for sticking to her guns, how could she when his guns looked like that? Calm down, Jessie. She took a deep breath.

"Good morning, beautiful." Rafe said with a smile as he swung from the stove to the island with a pan of bacon in his hands. He looked so content, like a little boy who had never been bothered in his life. How untrue that was.

Jessie remembered a morning just like this.

***

"Good morning, beautiful." Rafe grinned as Jessie rolled out of bed and into the kitchen of their airbnb. Rafe was making bacon, eggs, and pancakes.

Since the fight happened with Luke a few days ago, Rafe thought it would be best to take Jessie on a small vacation, really just anywhere to get Jessie's mind off of things... and Rafe's too for that matter. Rafe knew they were both tired of sneaking around and constantly worrying about their next move, so he decided this would be a good change of pace for them. Rafe had been working all summer with his dad so he was getting a cut of some deals, not to mention, he had a very decent side hustle of selling coke for Barry at parties.

"Good morning, handsome." Jessie replied as she stretched in the island seat she was sitting in. "Whatcha cooking?" She asked.

"Bacon, eggs, and pancakes." Rafe replied as he was focused back on the stove. "Is that okay?" He asked, hoping she liked that.

"Absolutely, it sounds delicious. I could eat a horse." Jessie joked.

"I figured you were hungry after such a long night." Rafe smirked. Jessie knew exactly what he was referring to. They did... enjoy each other's company. Jessie just blushed and giggled and looked down at the island counter in front of her, tracing the marble with her fingers.

"You know what would make these pancakes better?" Jessie inquired as she made her way to one of the cabinets.

"You helping me make these without my shirt on." Rafe whispered as he snaked his hand up her torso and around her waist, pulling her into him.

"Nooooo," she joked, trying to block the incoming kisses to her neck by tucking her head in her shoulder. "Chocolate chips." She replied with the bag in her hand as she spun around.

"Anything you want, baby." Rafe smiled as he kissed her. He took the chocolate chips from her and put a few in each pancake.

"More." Jessie scolded as she watched him over the counter. Rafe didn't even look back, he just laughed and put more chips in the batter.

Breakfast was finally made and they sat down to eat together.

"Thank you for my food. It's delicious." Jessie declared with a mouthful.

"You're welcome, babe." Rafe replied flirtatiously as he leaned in closer to Jessie. Jessie was still eating like she hadn't seen food in weeks. Granted, she never had anyone make her food like this. "Are you gonna stop eating long enough to give me a kiss?" Rafe asked softly, his face still close to hers. Jessie realized what he was doing, chewed her food as fast as she could, and kissed him. Rafe couldn't help but laugh, he found it adorable. Jessie normally wasn't one to give off adorable vibes, but when she was with Rafe she was comfortable enough to do so. He loved every second of it.

"So what do you want to do today?" Rafe asked. "There's plenty to do in Charlotte."

Charlotte, North Carolina was filled with things to do. Jessie was overwhelmed with the possibilities when she looked online, she had never been on a vacation before, so she was easily impressed. Rafe secretly wished he could've taken her some place better, but with so little time Charlotte was the best he could do. Jessie was more than thrilled with the choice.

"Well, we could go to the Botanical gardens, or go shopping, or go to the museums, and- ooh, there's also the NASCAR hall of fame and-"

"Slow down there, slick. What excites you the most?" Rafe asked. Jessie really couldn't decide, she loved the idea of it all.

"Hmm." Jessie thought as she tapped her finger against her face, which was healing much better now. "I choose... the botanical gardens."

Flowers? That choice really surprised Rafe. Jessie wasn't one to stop and smell the roses- literally. Nonetheless, he didn't dare argue. This trip was about her, and whatever she wanted, she got.

"Well then let's get going." Rafe demanded as he stood up from his chair and took their plates.

***

Jessie loved that trip. She needed that trip. She had to pull herself out of her thoughts to actually respond to the shirtless man in front of her.

"Good morning, handsome." She flirted back. Nobody said she couldn't flirt, right? Her muscle memory almost took over as she fought the urge to go up to Rafe and plant one on him.

"Made your favorite." Rafe smiled as he slid the plate in front of her.

"You remembered." Jessie exclaimed softly, truly shocked by the act.

"How could I forget?" Rafe shrugged as if it was the most well known fact.

"Thank you, Mr. Cameron." Jessie joked as she began to eat her food.

"Anything for you, Mrs. Cameron." Rafe responded, although he wasn't joking at all. Jessie didn't know how to respond, all she could do was try to ignore the butterflies. She hadn't heard anyone call her that in a very long time. After all, it was only Rafe who even knew to call her that.

"What are you doing today?" Jessie asked, "Hopefully you're getting me what I'm owed." She threatened, clearly trying to remain on task. Rafe wasn't phased.

"Actually, I was hoping you and I could have a day out." Rafe hinted.

Jessie didn't look up from her plate, instead, she just played with her fork as she tried to figure out Rafe's motive. Was he just stalling from getting her money? Did he actually want to spend time with her?

"That's not a very proactive way to spend your time considering I'm flying out of here tomorrow morning." Jessie stated plainly, never once looking away from her breakfast.

Rafe's face fell.

"Yeah, well, I want to spend every second with you that I can." He said with sadness, clearly wishing Jessie would get the hint. She had to continue to resist.

"Whatever." Jessie shrugged with a sigh as she went back to shoving the pancakes in her mouth.

"Some things never change." Rafe chuckled. "You still eat that like it's the last thing you'll ever eat."

Jessie took notice and suddenly became embarrassed and slowed down.

"After breakfast why don't you get dressed and meet me down here. I'll show you the Bahamas. Wear a swimsuit just in case." Rafe stated.

Jessie didn't argue, she really didn't want to. Besides, she knew this would be good for her as long as he didn't mix business with pleasure.

I'll Come Running - R.C. - Chapter 19

"You ready to go?" Rafe asked Jessie as she walked down the stairs dawning denim shorts and a grey cropped tee. Rafe opted for his usual tailored shorts and light pink shirt.

"Yep!" Jessie replied with enthusiasm.

"After you." Rafe suggested as he opened the door. Jessie was met with... his motorcycle.

"No security today?" Jessie asked.

"Don't need it." Rafe simply answered with a cocky smile. Jessie tried not to think too much into it.

"Just like old times, huh?" Jessie exclaimed as she hopped on the bike like no time had passed.

"Thats the plan." Rafe said. Jessie didn't know what Rafe had in mind today, but it sounded like he planned on taking a trip down memory lane.

Their first stop was the shops on the main strip.

"Whatever you want." Rafe proclaimed as he gestured towards the never ending outdoor mall. This was no typical mall, this was all the stores Jessie could only dream of affording. Any name brand designer she could possibly imagine was at her finger tips.

"This is not my preferred method of payment." Jessie sassed.

"You'll get your payment." Rafe replied as he looked out over all the stores with his hands in his pockets, he clicked his tongue deciding where to go first.

"I'm not going to buy anything, Rafe." Jessie insisted.

***

"I'm not going to buy anything, Rafe." Jessie stated as they shopped the streets of Charlotte. Rafe wanted so badly to spoil Jessie, but she wouldn't hear of it.

"You deserve it, baby." Rafe persisted. "Just look around, see if there's anything you just have to have. I'm sure there's something here."

Rafe and Jessie shopped for hours, stopping to get lunch from a local place and of course ice cream to follow.

Jessie had finally decided to pick up a few things. Nothing crazy, just a few shirts she liked and a new pair of tennis shoes. She probably needed those things more than she wanted those things. Still, she felt cheap. Rafe still insisted.

***

Jessie and Rafe perused the mall for what felt like hours. Jessie never really was much of a shopper, at least not for herself. Once she had her daughter she found every reason to buy things for her. She wanted to give her the world. Jessie found so many things on the strip that she wanted to buy for the little munchkin, but that was out of the question. Rafe had no idea that she had a daughter, and that was how it was going to stay.

"Hey, can you maybe go and grab me a drink real quick?" Jessie asked, having a plan in mind.

"Sure, don't go missing." Rafe joked as he walked out of the clothing store they were in, it just so happened to be one of the only ones that Jessie could afford on her own.

Jessie quickly went to the accessories and grabbed the adorable set of bows she had her eye on since she walked through the door. She could see them swishing in her daughter's hair, making her look and feel like an island girl. She loved the idea, she couldn't wait to see her again.

Jessie quickly went up to the register and bought them. They were discrete enough to fit into one of the bags she already had on her arm, so she stuck them safely under the ball cap she had already bought. With that, she excited the store.

She waited outside on a bench for Rafe to come back. Soon enough she saw him walking towards her with two bottles of water in hand. She gladly took one.

"Thank you." She said as Rafe took a seat next to her.

"Ready to shop some more?" Rafe inquired.

"Ugh, please no. I've had all the shopping I can take. Can we please move on to something different?" Jessie pleaded. Rafe just chuckled and nodded.

"How about we go sight seeing!" Jessie offered with excitement in her tone.

"What, like just drive around?" Rafe asked.

"Yeah, I always..." Jessie trailed off.

"You always what?" Rafe furrowed his brows loking closer at Jessie as they walked towards his bike.

"I always loved doing that with you." Jessie was hesitant to say it, trying not to give too much away and make Rafe think she was actually enjoying this day a lot more than she showed.

Rafe just looked down with a proud smile and nodded. He tried not to show his excitement when she said that, but he was secretly elated. He had her thinking... about them. More importantly about the good times they had.

"You know me personally, I think the good times far outweighed the bad in our relationship." Rafe casually mentioned in their walk.

"I wouldn't disagree." Jessie stated.

"Then why'd you do it? Why'd you leave? I mean sure we had our fights and I know I wasn't the best guy but-"

"Rafe." Jessie sighed. "Can we please just enjoy this day for what it is?" She stopped to look at him, hoping he would get the message. As much as she wanted to pour her heart and soul out to Rafe and explain to him why things went the way they did, she had to stay focused, and this was certainly not the time and place to do it.

Rafe just sighed in defeat as he nodded and looked at the ground. They continued walking.

After a few more hours of driving around, Rafe spotted a wildflower field up in the hills of the Bahamas. He didn't have to ask Jessie, he knew she would love to go up and see them.

***

"Look at all these beautiful flowers, Rafe!" Jessie exclaimed with excitement as they walked along the cobblestone pathway of Charlotte Botanical Gardens. The flowers were so tall they covered their heads... well, Jessie's head. Rafe could still see perfectly fine over the billowing flowers.

Jessie ran her hand gently along the purple wildflowers. As she turned back to look at Rafe she was met with a flower freshly picked for her. Rafe dawned a smile like a kid that picked a fresh flower for his first love. The act was so innocent and yet so intentional.

Rafe placed the flower in Jessie's hair, but not before picking off the long stem and saving it for himself.

"You know, I don't think we're supposed to pick these." Jessie joked. Rafe remained quiet but still smiling contently as he fondled with the stem in his hands.

"Give me your hand." Rafe said politely, never looking up. Jessie was curious but gave in. Rafe then slipped the knotted up flower stem on her left ring finger. Jessie didn't know what to say, she only blushed at the thought of marrying him one day. She pulled her hand away to admire the beautiful new ring, she thought it was as precious as gold.

"Marry me." Rafe said in the same serious yet polite tone. Jessie looked up at him and scoffed.

"Ha, yeah right, okay." She laughed as she looked back at her hand.

"I'm serious." Rafe never faltered. He grabbed her left hand and held it closer to his chest as he looked her in the eyes.

"Will you marry me?" Rafe asked, this time Jessie could tell he meant business.

Jessie's jaw dropped in shock once she realized just how serious he was.

"Wait, are you actually asking me?!" She asked with a childlike grin on her face.

"I mean I'd get on one knee but I didn't think you wanted me to make a spectacle of the whole thing." Rafe joked. He was right, this was the kind of proposal Jessie wanted, something simple and understated that didn't draw a lot of attention. Rafe remembered that from one of their many endless nights of conversations.

Jessie was still speechless, trying to decipher what all this could mean. "When?!" was all she could muster.

"When?" Rafe laughed, holding her hand a little tighter with both of his. "Whenever you want, baby. You set the date."

Jessie had so much running through her head, and yet all her thoughts were taken over by the thundering sound of...

"Yes!" Jessie said as she jumped up and down. She couldn't have imagined something so perfect. "Ugh, I love you." She implored as she wrapped her arms around Rafe's neck and held him tightly.

"I love you too, Jess." Rafe sighed into her. Rafe knew a long time ago he was going to marry Jessie, he was just waiting for the right time. He didn't plan the proposal by any means, but he knew it was the perfect moment. He never regretted it.

"I want to get married here." Jessie said enthusiastically.

"I'm sure that can be arranged. A destination wedding sounds great and-"

"No, I mean like I want to get married right here, in the gardens... right now." Jessie trailed off as she held Rafe's hands in hers with hopeful eyes. Rafe realized what she meant.

"Like today?" Rafe questioned as his eyes grew wide. He wasn't scared at all, just very surprised. Jumping into a decision like this was very out of character for Jessie, still, she nodded frantically in reply with a smile plastered on her face. "Are you sure?" Rafe asked.

"I've never been more sure of anything." Jessie started. "I want to go home and be Mrs. Rafe Cameron and there's nothing anyone can do to stop us!" Jessie exclaimed excitedly as she took Rafe's face in her hands and kissed him. He already loved the sound of that. Mrs. Rafe Cameron.

"But wait... don't you want your family here?" Jessie asked as she backed off her tip toes showing a dejected face, thinking that would be the one hang up. Rafe just shrugged with a twinkle in his eye as he cocked his head with a knowing smile. 

"You've shown me more love since I met you than my whole family has shown me my entire life... you're my family." Rafe answered honestly, oddly not showing any sadness in his voice, only hope for his future as he caressed the side of Jessie's face in his hand, rubbing his thump lovingly across her cheek. She leaned into the action with loving eyes as well. He had his family right here, and a party with just her in attendance was his absolute favorite. "Family doesn't make you apologize for leaving and growing up. You taught me that, Jess." 

Jessie was touched, yet she still wasn't the best with words, only opting for one simple phrase.

"Well let's do it!" Jessie exclaimed as she bounced up to wrap her arms arounf Rafe's neck. Rafe reciprocated with a slight chuckle and wrapping his arms around her waste. The moment was short lived when Jessie realized another snag in the potential plan. 

"But wait... we don't have rings." Jessie realized and slightly chuckled.

Rafe proceeded to come up with a quick solution. "I didn't need a ring to propose to you, we don't technically need rings to marry each other. All we need is someone to marry us and the certificate."

Rafe had a point. With that, Rafe and Jessie quickly left the gardens to go to the courthouse and get the required certificate. Lucky for them, the courthouse provided them with a list of names of people that could marry them on the spot. They didn't think very hard about that, simply calling the first person on the list.

Rafe and Jessie exchanged traditional wedding vows that evening as the sun set over Charlotte Botanical Gardens, the only witness being the minister, and that was just how they wanted it.

***

"These flowers are beautiful" Jessie claimed as she ran her fingers through the wild yellow flowers. Rafe followed behind her watching her glide through the field with the wind blowing in her hair. To him, she was truly a sight to behold.

"You remember the last time I took you to look at flowers." Rafe half-joked, not daring to look at her as he passed his hand along the tops of the flowers.

"Of course I do." Jessie answered with a smile on her face.

Rafe looked down and kicked the dust up with his feet, contemplating what he was going to say next.

"Do you regret it?" Rafe asked seriously. Jessie knew exactly what he was referring to. She could lie in hopes of making him hate her, but she couldn't lie to him, not about something that sacred, something that important.

"No." She simply said as she nodded her head. "Do you?" She inquired.

"Never have." Rafe said seriously with his hands in his pockets, not quite sure what to do with himself. He wanted to kiss her so badly, he felt that was the only way to keep him from doing that.

"Me neither." Jessie agreed as she walked closer to Rafe and looked him in the eyes. She didn't know really what she was searching for, yet she couldn't look away. The two of them sat in a comfortable silence as they stared.

"I never stopped loving you. I still do love you. You know we can do exactly what we did years ago and just forget everyone else and just... be together." Rafe confessed. Maybe this wasn't the right time and place to admit that but he couldn't hold it in any longer. Jessie simply nodded, looked down, and swallowed the lump that was in her throat. She wanted nothing more than to admit the same to him.

"I know you do. And I appreciate that. But Rafe, I can't." Was all Jessie could muster. It physically hurt her to leave the conversation like that, but not as much as it hurt Rafe. He looked off into the distance, feeling clearly defeated. Jessie just simply couldn't mess this up. She was on a mission, one that did not involve letting Rafe potentially wreck the life she worked so hard to create on her own. Rafe swallowed the lump in his throat, and Jessie could tell he was about to break. "Rafe I-"

"It's okay, Jessie, you don't have to say anything else. You don't have to apologize for leaving and growing up." Rafe said through watery eyes and a broken voice, barely able to utter the words. As much as it hurt him to not be able to have Jessie, he loved her enough to let her go, and at the end of the day his time was well spent giving her anything she wanted, even if that meant space the size of a chasm that would surely break his heart day after day until the very end. Once again, he saw Jessie act like his words were no big deal, and yet he had no clue just how much they wrecked her too. She didn't want to grow up without Rafe, but she had to, and she had to keep it that way. Much like she was accustomed to do from a very young age, she had to play it off like it wasn't the most gut wrenching words of her existence in order to keep the peace and her sanity.

"Let's go home." Rafe whispered as he slowly walked away. Jessie wanted to call Rafe back to her, but she knew that wouldn't end well. She opted to just follow behind him. Neither one of them wanted this day to end this way, but maybe there was still time.

I’ll Come Running - R.C. - Chapter 20

When they finally got back to the house it was clear Rafe didn't want to talk. He walked straight to his room but before he could get there he heard Jessie's voice.

"Rafe." She commanded. Her voice always perked his ears. Some things never changed. No matter how hard he tried, he couldn't ignore that sweet voice. Rafe stopped in his tracks, not daring to turn around and look at Jessie.

"Can we please not let it end like this." Jessie pleaded. She sounded on the verge of tears, maybe this really did tear her apart as much as it did him? He took notice of the desperation in her voice. Still, his heart hardened back like it did years ago.

"You've let things end way worse." Rafe spat, still looking at the floor in front of him as he tried to get his anger under control.

Jessie deserved that one. She couldn't argue, but she had to keep Rafe engaged. She convinced herself it was strictly for strategy. 

"Let's do something." Jessie hinted as she walked closer to him. "Let's... go find a party to crash or something... like we used to. Something to get our minds somewhere else." She whispered as she touched his shoulder to spin him around.

Rafe looked at Jessie with teary eyes and yet with so much rage. Jessie didn't flinch, she still knew Rafe better than anyone.

"Come on, Rafe. You know it'd be fun. It'd be good for us."

"You really think partying is good for us?" Rafe scoffed.

Jessie thought for a second. That is what got in the way of them in the first place, but it was also what brought them together.

"You always told me you wanted my freedom. You always said you appreciated my ability to just let go and have fun. Well now you have that freedom. Use it." Jessie whispered as she cupped the side of his face. Rafe couldn't help but calm down just a little when she did that. Maybe this wasn't such a bad idea after all.

"You've got 10 minutes to change and meet me back down here." Rafe commanded as he walked away.

Jessie breathed a sigh of relief. She was back in the game.

Jessie ran upstairs to find a cute dress in Sarah's summer closet. She opted for a short, satin, olive green dress with spaghetti straps and a loose v neckline. She wore her very old, very dirty converse, she knew Rafe would remember them.

Jessie slipped down the stairs, this time waiting on Rafe. Rafe came around the corner in a white button down shirt and some simple jeans. Rafe stopped when he saw Jessie, eyeing her up and down with lust in his eyes. He laughed when he checked out her shoes.

"You're still wearing those dirty old things?"

"You know I don't party without them." Jessie simply replied. Rafe knew she was right, she never was much for heels. Jessie extended her hand. "You ready to go?"

"I don't know where we're going but sure." Rafe exclaimed as he met his hand with Jessie's. Jessie tightened her grip and pulled Rafe out the door.

Neither one of them knew exactly where they'd end up, but they landed on a local hot spot, a hidden club down in the depths of the city.

Rafe and Jessie bellied up to the bar. Jessie secretly wanted her high noons, but she figured in a more upscale place like this, she better settle for an actual mixed drink. She decided on a Moscow mule, she did enjoy those from time to time.

"I'll have what she's having." Rafe said.

"Two Moscow mules please." Jessie asked kindly to the bartender. Rafe looked over at her inquisitively.

"What about your high noons? Not even a mai tai or..." Rafe furrowed his brows in confusion.

"This isn't exactly our old party scene, Rafe. This place calls for something a little more fancy than what we used to drink. I don't think we'll be drinking out of solo cups." Jessie joked as the bartender passed them both of their drinks.

"Yeah, but still... when did you start drinking stuff like this." Rafe questioned as he took a sip, not liking the very acquired taste.

Jessie laughed at his puckered face. "Since I grew up." She joked as she brought the copper cup to her lips.

"Well you've grown up alright, that tastes like something an old lady would drink." Rafe retorted as he puckered his lips like a child eating lemon for the first time. Jessie put her hand over her heart pretending to act offended.

"Well this old lady has still got it." Jessie sassed as she got off of her chair and tried to pull Rafe with her to the dance floor. Rafe stayed planted and looked at Jessie knowingly.

"You know I don't dance." Rafe slightly yelled over the loud music with a half smile. Rafe never was one to dance at parties or clubs or anything of the sort, the only exception was when he would get to slow dance with Jessie, and this clearly wasn't one of those times.

"You are in a city thousands of miles away from home in a club where absolutely nobody knows you. And you still can't find freedom in that and just get off your butt and dance?!" Jessie challenged Rafe with a knowing smile on her face. Rafe tried not to get lost in her longing eyes as he just smiled at her and shook his head no.

"I'll watch." He answered plainly.

"Oh I'm sure you will." Jessie scoffed followed by a smirk. With that, she left Rafe to sip on his drink. He took another taste, completely forgetting that he hated it. He was reminded very quickly as he tried not to spit it out.

"Hey man," Rafe waved the bartender over, "Can I get something different? Literally anything." Rafe laughed. The bartender understood the assignment as he chuckled.

"Whiskey on rocks coming right up."

Rafe admired Jessie as she weaved through the crowd of people. She didn't have a dance partner but she didn't care. She never did. That's what made Rafe fall in love in the first place. Just like the first night at the Island Club, Rafe watched Jessie's every move. Jessie knew Rafe was watching, and she intentionally calculated every move because of it. She was going to get him on the dance floor, no matter how long it took. This assignment had nothing to do with the gold, it was strictly for her pleasure knowing that she could still pull Rafe in, hook, line, and sinker.

After a few songs and a few more sips of her drink, Jessie made a few friends out on the dance floor. How could she not? Jessie loved this scene, she was never afraid of anyone. Rafe loved that she didn't care about social graces or being awkward, she genuinely had never met a stranger, and nobody was too good or too bad for her. After all these years and Rafe still couldn't have the freedom- the zest for life- that she had. He couldn't let himself be truly careless no matter how hard he tried.

An hour went by and Jessie still hadn't made her way off the dance floor for more than enough time to get a drink. She wasn't drunk by any means, not even tipsy.

"You're not drinking a whole lot?" Rafe questioned the next time Jessie brought herself back to the bar.

"I told you, I don't really drink much anymore."

That was true, Jessie really hasn't drank since she left, not enough to get drunk anyways. She didn't really miss it like she thought she would, but she most definitely still enjoyed the change of pace.

Rafe wanted to ask why, but he knew what the answer would be. She'd grown up. She'd moved on from her old life. Rafe couldn't say the same. Rafe hung his head a little lower with a tinge of sadness as he realized that him and Jessie were most likely in two different stages of life. Maybe there was no hope for them after all. Rafe began to think he'd just be holding her back if he tried to pursue her any further. He didn't know what specifically she was doing nowadays, but he could tell she was successful and happy in her own way.  Rafe loved her too much to mess that up.

"Are you ready to dance yet?" Jessie asked with annoyance as she pulled on Rafe's arm, successfully pulling him out of his running thoughts.

"Huh? Oh, no I'm still watching." Rafe replied with a smile as he quickly grabbed the lifeline that was his drink and gripped it tightly as he brought it to his lips.

By the look on Jessie's face she still didn't like that answer, and was clearly judging him for it, but she went back to dance with her newfound friends with a very visible huff and puff of annoyance.

"If I gave you every piece of me I know that you could drop it."

The song began to play and Jessie could once again feel her body move in a way that was all too familiar. The sway of her hips and the placement of her arms was like riding a bike. She let the music take over as she danced to the beat with perfect rhythm. As Jessie perused across the floor, every movement making Rafe's body ache with longing, she made sure to steal a glance over at her husband every chance she got. Jessie seemed to move in slow motion for Rafe, every movement seeming more isolated and intentional as the blue lights bounced off her dress and illuminated her skin perfectly. He watched her hair cascade and fall perfectly with every flip of her head along her exposed shoulders and trailing neckline. He noticed every little detail like her dress riding up a little too much for his liking or her body getting a little too close to the others around her. Jessie knew Rafe was undressing her in his mind, and that was how she wanted it. She missed the feeling of being Rafe's vice. She could see the hot anger welling up inside him, the same anger she used to see from him when they were teenagers and she was dancing at parties with him just lurking along the sidelines, waiting for his moment to intervene when a man got too close.

Rafe finally couldn't take it anymore. She knew what she was doing. He finally stomped out on the floor and took her hips in his hands to stop them.

"You know what you're doing." Rafe hummed with a clenched jaw. Jessie turned around to face him with a smirk, placing her hands on his chest and moving closer into him, still lightly dancing.

"Oh do I?" Jessie smirked as she fixed the collar of Rafe's shirt and unbuttoned the top button with one quick snap of her fingers. "Well you need to let lose." She stated as she looked directly in his eyes with just as much lust for him as he had for her. Rafe stood there motionless, not wanting to move, but scared to stay.

"If I showed you all my demons and we dive into the deep end would we crash and burn like every time before?"

Jessie turned around and placed Rafe's hands on her hips as she had one arm snaked around his neck. She swayed to the music as she leaned into Rafe, him enjoying every second of it. It was growing increasingly difficult for Rafe's hands not to roam.

Jessie spun around and wrapped her arms around Rafe's neck as she moved with the music. Jessie looked directly into Rafe's eyes, seeing he was having a hard time staying focused, she laughed to herself.

Rafe's hands couldn't help but explore her body more, moving up and down and any which way he could among the sea of people. Rafe clenched his jaw as if to not say something he'd regret. He began to squeeze Jessie's hips tighter in an attempt to release some of the energy he had pent up in the moment. Jessie noticed, and she didn't mind.

One thing is for sure, their chemistry never left. After four years, their bodies still moved together in perfect rhythm, and their flirting was timeless. Jessie still knew exactly how to get under Rafe's skin, and Rafe knew exactly how to get what he wanted.

Jessie began to close the distance as she connected her forehead to Rafe's, he leaned down a little to make it easier for her. Jessie tried to control her breathing, which was growing increasingly hard to do as she had been dancing for a long time.

"You still feel like partying wasn't the best idea?" Jessie smirked as she never broke eye contact with Rafe. He didn't say anything. Hell, he couldn't. What he wanted to say was not for anyone else to hear.

"If the only other options letting go, I'll stay vulnerable."

Jessie and Rafe couldn't help but listen to the message of the song playing above them. They both agreed in their hearts that they would rather  crash and burn by the hand of the other as many times as they could than forget about what they had.

"You know what we used to do after parties?" Rafe asked seriously.

Jessie just nodded with a sheepish smile. She knew where this was going. She couldn't fight against it any longer. She didn't want to let Rafe go, not again. She needed to stay vulnerable to save what they had.

With no more words left to say, Rafe pulled Jessie off the dance floor with her hand held firmly in his and left the club. Rafe secretly wished that they weren't on his motorcycle. At least then if they were in a chauffeured car like the night before, Rafe could do what he had been wanting to do all night. Instead, he had to wait until they got home.

I'll Come Running - R.C. - Chapter 23

Jessie didn't get much sleep last night, but she knew she would have to get up to make her flight, so she did just that. As she got ready and packed up her stuff she wondered what Rafe was thinking. Would he even say goodbye? Jessie knew better than to get her hopes up on that one. She would just be setting herself up for disappointment.

Jessie texted everyone to let them know that she would be flying home that day. After everyone was updated, she finally made her way out of her room. Although, the fear of impending doom almost kept her from leaving. She felt that Rafe was so mad that night that if she stuck her head out of her door she would see flaming arrows shooting down the hall. Despite the fear, she managed to make her way through the hall and down the long flight of stairs. The stairs felt like it took hours for her to reach the bottom, mainly due to her racing thoughts as she didn't see Rafe waiting for her. She didn't really expect him to be there, and yet it hurt her still.

Jessie stood awkwardly in the entry way, waiting for her cab to arrive. She looked around the beautiful house one last time, wondering if she was making the right decision. Maybe she should stay? After all, she didn't technically have the money yet. When would she be getting that? Is the deal off now that Rafe is pissed? Jessie felt she left too many questions unanswered, but she was suddenly pulled out of her train wreck of thoughts when she heard footsteps.

Rafe stomped in the entry way, two duffel bags in hand and not a trace of a smile or even a glance in his wife's direction. He plopped the heavy bags onto the large entry way table rather carelessly. He clearly seemed annoyed and a little angry. He wiped his nose and cleared his throat as he put his hands on his hips and looked anywhere except for Jessie's eyes.

"200 mil. Cash. Just like you wanted. I've called TSA. They won't have any questions for you when you run those through at the airport." Rafe plainly said. Jessie could tell he wanted to leave the room right after he said that, yet his body didn't seem to move. Rafe felt as if his body was planted right where he stood. Why couldn't he just let go already?

Jessie stood there with shame as she clutched onto her luggage even tighter. She dipped her head down looking at her dirty white converse and then back up at Rafe with guilty eyes.

"Thank you." Was all she could muster. "I-I have something to give you too."

Rafe was confused, what could Jessie possibly have to give him? He watched as Jessie reached in her shorts pocket. She pulled out a beautiful silver ring with a thin band of square diamonds and one large four prong princess cut on the top. Rafe recognized it immediately. It was the ring he gave Jessie a couple weeks after they had gotten married. Where Rafe got it from, Jessie never knew. However, Rafe couldn't forget.

***

"Yeah, come in here I've got something very special." Rafe persuaded a young lady with long blonde hair to come downstairs at a party at Toppers house. Jessie wasn't there of course, she hated kook parties. Rafe took this opportunity to push more product to get more money for himself and Jessie. At least that's what he told himself.

Rafe sat down on the basement couch as he displayed what he had to the potential buyer. The girl seemed oddly flirty with Rafe but he was clearly not interested, despite all the drugs and alcohol in his system, he was very aware that she wasn't his Jessie. He remained professional.

"I don't have any money." The young lady said as she leaned a little closer to Rafe and started rubbing his back. "Think you could spare me? Just this once?" She flirted. Rafe sat there motionless, all of a sudden he noticed the blazing silver rock on her finger.

"That ring looks pretty nice." Rafe smirked. "That should cover it."

The girl scoffed. "As if." She said as she clung to her ring clearly with disgust on her face.

"This is business, sweetheart. Either you want it or you don't." Rafe simply stated with a half smile. He was making too much money off of everyone tonight to care.

After a moment of pause the girl finally made up her mind, slipping the ring off her finger and handing it to Rafe.

"Have as much as you want all night." Rafe replied as he walked off.

"She overpaid." Rafe laughed with Barry as he exited up the stairs.

Rafe was leaving the party as he took the ring out of his pocket, admiring its beauty. As he sat up against his bike he couldn't help but think that Jessie deserved a ring like this. Ah, Jessie! Perfect! Rafe considered trading the ring in to see how much money he would get out of it, but why do that when he could just give it to her tonight? He knew she would love it, as long as she didn't know where he got it from.

With Rafe being so excited to finally put a real ring on Jessie's finger, he drove right over to her house, hoping she would be as excited as he was.

He knocked on Jessie's window like he always did. He really had hopes on spending the night at her house anyways. Jessie appeared shortly after with a smile on her face to let Rafe in.

"Hey!" Rafe said as he planted a kiss on Jessie's lips.

"Hey babe, what's got you so happy?" She asked apprehensively. Rafe just held Jessie in his arms as he looked at her and exhaled.

"I have something for you... it's a present." Rafe said with a childlike innocence.

"Oh yeah?" Jessie played along.

"Yeah... close your eyes." Rafe whispered. Jessie giggled a little, finding it funny and cute that Rafe made a little game out of whatever this was. She fully expected her favorite candy or something, but then she felt Rafe take her left hand and she felt a ring slide on her finger. She knew immediately and instinctively opened her eyes. Jessie looked down and gasped.

"Oh my gosh, Rafe! I-It's beautiful!" Jessie beamed. "H-How did you? Wha-? Did you kill someone for this or?"

Rafe just laughed and held Jessie closer. "Of course not, babe. I promise." Rafe answered as he put his hand over his heart.

"How did you get this?" Jessie couldn't let that question go unanswered. "I mean it's... it's huge!"

"Don't worry about it." Was all Rafe said with a smirk on his face. Jessie's face contorted to a sincere look of concern.

"You really didn't kill someone for this did you?" Jessie asked with a serious tone in her voice.

"No I didn't! I promise baby!" Rafe replied through laughter. Jessie believed him. For the first time in weeks it seemed like Rafe was actually clear headed, not mumbling and not strung out on coke. It felt nice, and Jessie didn't want to ask too many questions. She'd rather just enjoy the moment.

After Jessie stopped gawking at the rock on her left hand, she took Rafe's face in her hands and kissed him gently and yet with so much passion. She pulled away and connected her forehead to his.

"Thank you." Jessie whispered sincerely.

Rafe could tell she was truly grateful, and Jessie could tell that Rafe felt fulfilled by doing this for her.

***

Rafe took the ring from Jessie's hand and just admired it.

"Y-you kept it? After all these years... you kept it?" Rafe asked with his eyes brimming with tears.

Jessie just shrugged. "I'm your wife." She said plainly as if it was obvious. That's not the reason Jessie kept the ring, and she knew that. Deep down, she kept the ring because she felt it was her only connection to Rafe all these years.

Rafe wanted to say so much more, starting with the fact that Jessie needed to stop looking at him like that. He couldn't be upset when she looked like she wanted to cry and fall into his arms. It took everything in him to simply nod and walk out of the room, the ring getting lost in his fist.

And with that, Jessie realized that it really was the end. Rafe really wasn't going to fight for Jessie anymore, and she really wasn't going to fight for him. But the mission was complete right? Jessie thought she should be happy considering that's exactly what she came here for. She swore she wouldn't get involved past that... but here she was.

Jessie sighed and walked out of the house, having the concierge help her with her two new bags. She was then whisked away to the airport.

Rafe watched secretly from a kitchen window as the car drove away, a single tear rolling down his numbed face. He couldn't believe it. After years of dreaming of having Jessie back in his grasp, he blew it. No- she blew it. This was her fault. Rafe wondered if she meant what she said about the money. Was she really not taking any of it? Did she really mean it when she said that it turned into something more?

Rafe still wanted to ask many more questions about his daughter. When's her birthday? What did she look like? Does she know anything about her father? Rafe couldn't handle all the unanswered questions in his head. He shook his head as his lips quivered. He then put his hands on his head and began to hit himself repeatedly out of frustration. He couldn't believe he just let her go like that... and his daughter. That idea was still hard for him to wrap his head around, and yet despite the fact that he'd never even met Charlotte— didn't even know what she looked like— he couldn't help but feel like he was abandoning her by letting her mother slip away.

Rafe couldn't handle his own brain, he knew what he would've done in this situation before Jessie entered back into the picture... but Jessie wasn't here anymore.

Rafe rushed straight to his room and to his bedside table for that coveted bag of white powder. He stared at it for a moment, with tear soaked eyes, contemplating if he really wanted to do this or not. Of course he did. He may have promised himself years ago to quit if he ever had a shot at Jessie again, but that ship has sailed, and Jessie was the captain once again.

Rafe began to form a little white line that he was so familiar with. He did this through sobs as he just stared at the cocaine in front of him. He sat there for what felt like hours, playing with his fingers and letting the tears flow. His hands began to shake as he couldn't handle the urge anymore. Just as he was about to give in, he noticed the ring sitting on his desk. It was still in perfect condition, not a scratch, not even a speck of dust or cloudiness on the ring. Jessie must have put it away somewhere safe where nobody could find it... where she wouldn't remember it. Yet she still managed to know exactly where it was and take it to the Bahamas with her. Rafe wondered why? In his heart, he knew why. Jessie said earlier that it was because she was his wife, but that wouldn't have mattered to Jessie if she didn't still love him. God, she still loved him. He knew it too.

Through tears he hit the desk and stood up and cleared it off with one quick angry sweep. His lamp, his book, his coke, the ring, it all went flying as he cried uncontrollably. He couldn't do this. He couldn't go back to the life he once had. He had done life without Jessie before, and he wouldn't able to survive if he tried to do it again. Rafe knew what he had to do.

I'll Come Running - R.C. - Chapter 24

Jessie couldn't believe that was the end of her and Rafe once more. She rode to the airport thinking Rafe would call her or stop her somehow, but he didn't. She walked to the gate thinking that she would hear Rafe's voice call out to her as he ran to catch her, but she didn't. She thought maybe she would touch down in OBX and see Rafe already there, but that didn't happen either. Rafe never came. Jessie wondered if that was how Rafe felt four years ago when he realized he would never see Jessie again. How many days or weeks or months did it take him to no longer have hope that she would come running back to him? Jessie could never forget the endless calls and texts she got from Rafe when she first left, but she could never bring herself to block him. It didn't take long for her to get to Manhattan before she got a new phone, only giving JJ the number through the mail. Jessie wondered how many times Rafe called and texted the old number before he eventually gave up... did he give up? Jessie finally got a taste of her own medicine, and she couldn't help but feel even worse for Rafe. She was pulled out of her thoughts when her cab had arrived back at the Chateau, all the pogues running out and yelling things out of excitement. Unfortunately, their beaming smiles weren't enough to coax Jessie out of her sadness, but, as she always does, she put on a semblance of a smile. 

JJ was the first to get to the cab, as he opened Jessie's door, he immediately pulled her into a hug.

"Hey sis." JJ exclaimed as he breathed a sigh of relief. JJ was so happy to see that Jessie had made it back and that she was okay. Well, at least physically. Jessie tried to fake a smile and act like she was overjoyed to be back with the pogues, yet her heart longed to be in two different places: either with Rafe in the Bahamas or with her daughter back in Manhattan. She couldn't make up her mind which she wanted more in that moment. She managed a half smile to JJ and the rest of the pogues as she greeted them.

"Is this what I think it is." JJ said in disbelief as he pulled the two large duffel bags out of the cab's trunk.

Jessie turned around and nodded her head with a smile. She couldn't say exactly what was in it, obviously, the cab driver was still there and had no idea. But as soon as the pogues watched the driver pull away, Jessie began to speak.

"200 million. Cash money." Jessie said, not even looking at JJ as she kept her eyes on the taxi driver.

"Is he far enough away yet for us to celebrate?" John B asked nonchalantly.

"Nooot quuuuuite." JJ replied as they all waited for the driver to make the turn out of the driveway.

"Alright, he's gone." JJ said as he started running around the yard of the chateau like a chicken with its head cut off. All the pogues screamed and celebrated like they had found the gold all over again. They were elated, Jessie had never seen so much excitement. Jessie only giggled at the pogues, not truly being able to celebrate with them. Her mind and her heart were else where. As she watched the pogues celebrate she zoned out into her own world, thinking of Rafe and Charlotte. She didn't care about the money, she wanted the both of them, preferably together.

"Jess? You listening?" JJ asked loud enough to interrupt Jessie's racing mind.

"Huh?" Jessie replied as she shook her head, trying to focus back in.

"I was saying, you've gotta take some of this. You deserve it. You need this... for you and Charlotte." JJ answered as his voice got quieter. The pogues had reigned themselves back in as well, silently agreeing with nods. The pogues clearly wanted her to take her cut, but Jessie couldn't bring herself to do it. She may have gained a fortune, but she lost everything... again. It felt like blood money. She could never take it because she would be reminded of the painful memories of what it took to get it.

"No, really, I can't. I told you guys from the beginning I didn't want a penny and I still don't." Jess insisted. The pogues all tried to continue to convince her but Jessie only shook her head in defiance. "Seriously, guys. I can't, and I won't. Take it... enjoy it." Jessie said with a sincere smile on her face. Jessie genuinely wasn't jealous of this fortune the pogues now had, she was truly happy JJ had what he needed to get him through, that's all she ever wanted for him.

Sarah finally came forward, looking at Jessie with pity and curiosity.

"So... do I really... have a niece?" Sarah asked with hope in her voice. Sarah had been thinking about what this meant for her too. She was beyond excited.

Jessie only laughed and nodded her head yes. "Yeah... you all do." Jessie replied as she looked at all the pogues. They all began to tear up as they realized what this meant. Not only did they have their older sister back, the one that always believed in them and took care of them, but now they had a niece to spoil and love on forever. Now they all had a bond that could never be broken again. They all gathered around each other, forming one big hug and uttered words of love among each other. They were proud of what they had accomplished, and yet Jessie couldn't feel like a worse person. Despite her joy of finding an old family in the pogues once more, her heart was still missing something. She knew what it was, but she couldn't tell the pogues.

That night the pogues spent the evening still acting like nothing had changed. Despite being multi-millionaires, they partied like pogues, drinking beer, chilling in the hot tub, and just joking around like they were as poor as they came. They didn't know what tomorrow held, but for tonight, they were pogues.

"For the record..." Sarah began to speak as she sat beside Jessie on the porch. "I don't think Rafe's going to let his daughter go now that he knows." She said as she took a drink from her aluminum can.

Jessie just sighed and adjusted herself in her seat. "Yeah, I don't think so either. That's what I'm afraid of." Jessie admitted.

"Look, I get that Rafe's not perfect. And I completely understand why you left and didn't tell anyone. But Rafe never let you go. He still hasn't. He's tried to fill that void for years and has never been successful. I'm telling you, he can't let it go, Jess. And I don't think you should be afraid of that. I think this is an opportunity to get back what was lost years ago." Sarah stated.

"I don't know, Sarah." Jessie hesitated as she took a drink. 24 hours ago, she might have agreed with Sarah. But seeing how Rafe dismissed Jessie just hours ago, as if she was scum on the bottom of his shoe, really showed her that maybe he really hadn't changed.

"Well, I do. But maybe it's just some food for thought." Sarah said plainly.

Jessie definitely thought about Sarah's words that night as she lay in bed. Maybe Rafe really wasn't over her. But how long would it take for him to realize that and do something about it? Maybe she was the one that needed to make a move? After all, she was the one that left him, twice. But she had every reason to, both times! Jessie couldn't think about it any longer, it was making her head hurt. She opted to try and go to sleep.

- - -

"You sure I can't got with you, Jess?" JJ pleaded once more as he loaded Jessie's luggage into the cab. Jessie just laughed, thinking how sweet it was that JJ was so ready to meet his niece. He had been bugging Jessie all morning about it.

"I'm sure, JJ. I need some time with her, to explain some things that she deserves to know. I know she's only three but I need to prepare her with what she can handle. But I promise, as soon as I get settled back in, you'll be the first person I call to come and see her." Jessie assured. JJ understood, and with that, they said their goodbyes. This goodbye was much different— much better— than the first. This time there was a promise to see each other again, and to stay in contact. That's all JJ could ask for. Jessie said her goodbyes to the pogues as well.

"You let me know if there's anything I can do for you." Sarah said as she gave Jessie a warm hug. "And don't be afraid to reach out to Rafe, no matter how much you think he doesn't want to hear from you, I promise he does." Sarah said once more. She couldn't let that hope go, but that's mainly because she's seen how much Rafe loved— loves— Jessie, and she knows deep down without even talking to him, how much he still wants her. There were a lot of things about Rafe Cameron that Sarah could never quite figure out, but his love for Jessie despite years of heartbreak and distance, was one of the only things she was sure of. Jessie just tried to shrug it off and politely take Sarah's advice.

Jessie finally made it to the airport gate, once again repeating the same thoughts. Maybe Rafe would come running through that gate trying to stop Jessie from making the biggest mistake of her life. After this there was no going back. As she looked back one last time, she realized she was out of time. And with that, she stepped on the plane back to Manhattan.

I'll Come Running - R.C. - Chapter 29

Jessie and Rafe were finally done packing that evening. Charley of course had already been put to bed, allowing them time to get some stuff done.

"You've always been an over packer." Rafe joked as he walked into Jessie's room looking at the luggage full of clothes, shoes, and everything in between.

"I like to think I'm cautious." Jessie laughed back. It was hard for Jessie not to over pack when her entire life was filled with so much turmoil. Many a time her and JJ both packed their bags not knowing when or if they would return home. Jessie couldn't help but take that into her adult life. Rafe snaked his arms behind Jessie to pull her into a hug when he noticed a square, black book with nothing on the front of it sitting in her suitcase.

"What's this?" Rafe asked as he got an arm around Jessie to grab it.

"Uh, that's, uh, a photo album. I thought JJ would like to see some pictures of Charley and me over the years... and you too of course." Jessie explained. Rafe realized with everything happening so quickly, Jessie never really got the time to show Rafe stuff like this. Without a word said, Rafe jumped on the bed with the book in his hands in excitement.

"I want to look at every picture. Do you have any more?" Rafe asked. Jessie just laughed and looked almost embarrassed. At first Rafe was confused by the look, but then he realized.

"There's more in that suitcase isn't there?" Rafe smirked. Jessie giggled and nodded her head like a child as she rummaged through some clothes to find the others buried at the bottom. She pulled them out and jumped on the bed with Rafe.

That night Rafe and Jessie spent the next few hours looking through all kinds of photos, ranging from Jessie's pregnancy, Charley's birth, life in Manhattan, birthdays, and everything in between.

"You know, years ago a night like this would've been spent smoking your dad's weed or drinking or doing some other dumb shit." Rafe laughed as he closed the last album.

"Look at us, growing up." Jessie joked as she flipped her hair.

"Do you miss it?" Rafe asked a little more seriously. Jessie didn't need him to elaborate, she knew exactly what he was referring to.

"The late nights when all we had to worry about was who was sleeping in who's bed? Of course I do." Jessie answered with a hint of sadness in her voice. Rafe and Jessie always felt like the modern day Bonnie and Clyde in a way, always looking to get into or out of trouble and teaching each other every day what it means to be truly free and not care about what others think. They both had big reputations on the island— in totally different ways— and that's what always made them so dynamic.

Rafe just looked down in sadness as well and pulled Jessie's hand to his chest and held it.

"Look, I know things are different now." Rafe whispered. "But different doesn't mean worse. We can get back to us, Jess. We're going to find a new normal eventually, and we'll learn to love that new normal."

Jessie teared up. This was the Rafe she always believed in... the Rafe nobody else gets to see. Still, she couldn't let her guard down completely, as she knew that deep down Rafe was still trying to get clean.

"Yeah, I know." Jessie paused. "But sometimes deep down I do wish things were as simple as they were back then... even though they really weren't simple at all." Jessie laughed, her hand still being held tightly by Rafe's strong arms. Rafe laughed as well.

"I know, baby. It's always been me and you against the world, and look, that really hasn't changed." Rafe said. Jessie saw his point. Here they were in the same position they found themselves in years ago: trying to convince everyone that they were going to make it despite all the people who hated seeing them together.

"You know JJ's gonna be livid right? He's not going to accept that we're back together." Jessie proclaimed. Rafe scoffed.

"Well, yeah, I figured that." Rafe joked as he kissed Jessie's hand. "But it doesn't matter, nothing and nobody is going to separate me from my girls. I promise."

"Not even Coke?" Jessie had to ask. The thought has been eating away at her the second she decided to take Rafe back.

"Especially not Coke." Rafe replied more serious than ever as he looked into Jessie's eyes. Jessie nodded in response.

"Not even money?" Jessie asked again. Rafe just laughed, now holding onto both of her hands with his.

"I'm done chasing whatever the pogues dig up." Rafe said with a smile. Jessie couldn't help but snicker and nod her head once again. Jessie took a deep breath followed by a sigh of relief. Rafe could tell those thoughts had been weighing on her. He brushed some hair out of her face.

"You and Charley are my first priority. I'll make our money honestly with the company, and that's as far as it'll go. Besides..." Rafe smirked. "I still have that other half of the gold."

Jessie just scoffed and playfully hit Rafe's arm as if she couldn't believe he just said such a thing. Rafe took the opportunity to grab her arm and swing her over his body as he lay in the bed with Jessie on top of him. They were now in a full on play fight until Jessie grabbed a pillow beside her. Rafe playfully screamed but then Jessie quickly put her pointer finger up to her lips signaling he needed to keep it down.

"Our daughter is asleep in the other room." Jessie whispered through giggles.

"Well then we better keep quiet." Rafe smirked as he threw Jessie down on the bed.

- - -

Rafe had his driver pick him, Jessie, and Charley up at the airport and take them to their home In OBX. Their home... Rafe loved the sound of that. Although, he knew there was no way he could have him and his girls live in that house forever, there was simply too much baggage. He vowed to himself to find a house fit just for them, but for now, this would do.

"This is your new home." Rafe said to Jessie as he wrapped his arm around her as he walked toward the front door with Charley on his hip. "For now anyways. I promise some day soon we'll have a house all our own that we pick." Rafe assured as he went to unlock the front door.

Jessie entered through the front door, hit with a wave of nostalgia-- no, trauma. There was the same dining room table that Rafe slammed his fist against when he was fighting with Ward over Jessie, and there was the kitchen island where Rose so gracefully despised her presence, and how could she forget the long dark hallway where Ward threatened her.. and then Rafe threatened his father. Jessie tried to put it out of her mind. Rafe put Charley down to roam freely through her new home, which she gladly did through fits of laughter, screams, and claps.

"We're going to need to put away all the million dollar artifacts laying around." Jessie joked as she rubbed her hand worriedly against her forehead, although she was being slightly serious. Rafe laughed.

"We can make that happen, you wanna unpack and then head to JJ's? He still doesn't know you're here right?"

"Right." Jessie sighed, anxiety written all over her face. Rafe noticed and pulled Jessie into his chest for a tight hug. He laid his head on top of hers.

"Everything's gonna be alright, baby. We've done this before. If you really want I can stay here while you go over there with Charley so he can just meet her first." Rafe assured.

"No, I really think it'd be best just to rip the bandaid off, and Charley being there might keep him in check." Jessie stated through sad eyes. It broke Rafe's heart to see her so stressed. He leaned down to look in Jessie's eyes and cupped her face.

"Baby, I promise it'll be okay. I'll do all the explaining if you want me to. You don't even have to be there, you can stay here with Charley." Rafe explained with a softness.

"And just let you get a public beating for stealing what's rightfully the pogues, only returning half out of legal obligation, and then getting back together with the pogues' sister that you forced to run off because of you're drug induced rage? Yeah, no thanks, I'd like you alive." Jessie retorted not even slightly joking. Still, Rafe found it funny. "It'd be best coming from me... or at least the both of us." Jessie said as she looked into Rafe's eyes and held his arms as they were holding her face. Rafe just nodded in understanding. Without even averting her eyes, Jessie's sixth sense kicked in that the house was too quiet.

"Get out of whatever you are in Charlotte Renee." Jessie yelled. All of a sudden both of them heard what sounded like a heavy lid hit the ground and roll around until it came to a complete stop. Sure enough, the top of a beautiful mosaic vase was on the ground in the living room. Rafe was amazed.

"How did you do that." He asked.

"Mom things." Jessie answered with a smirk and a shrug.

- - -

Rafe and Jessie had arrived to the Chateau in Rafe's truck. The pogues exited the house confused because they weren't expecting any visitors, and especially not Rafe. Their confusion only grew when they saw Jessie hop out of the passenger seat.

At first JJ came barreling through the yard when he thought Rafe was the only one he would be seeing, but he stopped midway when he caught a glimpse of his sister coming from the passenger side.

"Jessie?!" JJ asked suddenly with a bright smile on his face. All the other pogues looked around at each other, still not completely sure what was happening, and didn't quite trust it. JJ, however, had quickly forgotten about the fact that Jessie most definitely just got out of the passenger seat of his arch nemesis' truck. He ran to engulf her in a hug, only to look over Jessie's shoulder and see Rafe stepping out of the truck as well. Rafe and JJ made eye contact. Rafe gave a look as if to say "not here, and not now." JJ returned the look with an expression of "what the hell?" Then again, JJ was never one to keep his thoughts only in his head, so of course he said exactly what he was thinking.

"What the hell is he doing here?" JJ yelled as he began to charge at Rafe. Jessie saw it coming and immediately got in front of JJ, putting her hands on his chest just long enough to catch his attention once more and make him stop.

"Hey hey hey, not right now. He's-"

"Not right now? Not right now, Jessie?! He stole from us! I'm gonna beat his ass!"

"JJ." Pope spoke up in disbelief, all the pogues were too busy looking at what was going on behind the two siblings to stop JJ from pummeling Rafe. Once JJ heard Pope's oddly calm demeanor he finally looked past Jessie, only to see Rafe holding Charley on his hip, clearly unsure if he was going to walk towards them or not. JJ began to tear up.

"I-Is that...?" JJ couldn't finish his sentence for choking on his words as his lips quivered.

"Yea, JJ. That's my... that's our daughter." Jessie answered as she turned to look at Rafe. Rafe still hadn't moved, he stood their with a stolid look on his face as if to say that he was not to be messed with while his daughter was around, especially not while she was in his arms. Rafe managed the perfect look of a mix between genuine desire to make things right, while also showing that he meant business. Rafe was proving to be an iron fist in a velvet glove at the moment. JJ received the message loud and clear from Rafe with no words needed, but he was still so conflicted on how to handle the situation.

"So you think you can just show up with my niece on your hip and think I won't beat the shit out of you? Really? That's some real cowardly shit hiding behind your daughter don't you think, kook?" JJ spat as he narrowed his eyes at Rafe. Jessie could tell Rafe didn't like that accusation, and she knew that if Charley wasn't there, he would've lunged at JJ wishing for a fight.

"My daughter is here to protect you, not me." Rafe simply said with a newfound cockiness to him as he strutted up to JJ, showing he wasn't afraid. Unfortunately, Jessie knew Rafe was right. He wasn't going to fight in front of his daughter.

"That's a load of horseshit!" JJ laughed at Rafe before looking back at Jessie with judgement written all over his face. "So what is he to you now, huh? Husband? Baby daddy? Ex thief?"

"Ex murderer?" Kiara butted in through gritted teeth and knotted up fists. All the pogues were just as furious that Rafe was even on their turf right now. Except for Sarah, she was still processing that her brother... and her beautiful niece... were standing right in front of her. Sarah couldn't deny that Rafe seemed different this time.

"Jess, you can't be serious." John B finally interrupted. "Are you seriously going to let him be around your daughter? After all that you know he's done to us?"

"Nah, screw that man." JJ exclaimed with anger imminent, now pacing back and forth. "How could you even let him back in your life, Jess. Knowing all that he's put you through?!" JJ grew more furious with every passing word. "You know how this ends, Jessie! You've seen this movie before, and I'll be damned if I let you ruin my niece's life on top of that, Rafe." JJ said this time through angry tears as he made his way to Rafe once more. Jessie stopped in front of JJ again doing the same motion as before.

"JJ," Jessie whispered. "I know this hurts you. I know that you're worried about me, and about Charley, but I promise, nobody has thought about this decision more than I have. Rafe and I are going to try and be a family again. We think Charley deserves that much, and I know that you would agree." JJ's tears suddenly dried up, and his face changed from one of worry to one of numbness.

"You really think he's changed?" JJ sniffled looking down at Jessie, already answering the question in his head. Rafe decided to step in.

"You can have it." Rafe said plainly, looking down at the ground, still standing a few paces away from JJ. "You can have it all. The gold. I don't care about it anymore." Rafe explained as he finally got close enough to JJ and the other pogues. "I just want my girls. I haven't used since Jessie walked through that door in the Bahamas, and I swore to myself years ago that if she ever walked back into my life for whatever reason that I would not give her a reason to walk back out. I've kept that promise. I beat her back to Manhattan to plead with her in person to give me another chance. I know I've messed up pretty damn bad and done wrong by you guys too many times, and I don't expect forgiveness overnight... or even at all. But I do hope that you'll understand that Jessie and I are not going to give up on each other anymore no matter what anyone has to say." Rafe's words were calm, cool, and collected. It was different for all of them to not see Rafe so hot headed, yet they took him just as seriously. JJ had no words, conflicted was an understatement. He couldn't get that night out of his mind, the night Jessie left.

***

"Where the hell is she, JJ!" JJ heard Rafe yell while he was inside sobbing. He was pulled out of his thoughts by the truck door slamming and hearing Rafe scream, clearly angry. He immediately pulled himself together and went outside to face the man he knew was the reason for Jessie's disappearance. In an odd way, JJ was hoping he would see Rafe that night.

"Man, I don't know where the hell she went." JJ exclaimed with annoyance as he threw his hands up in the air. JJ's eyes were still red and swollen yet his tears were nowhere to be found. Rafe really didn't care either way.

"Nah, nah, don't mess with me bro." Rafe demanded as he walked right up to JJ clearly in a mental tailspin. Rafe pinned JJ up against the porch post, one arm pressed hard against JJ's neck. JJ was breathing hard but was determined to not let Rafe see him sweat. That's how JJ always was.

"You're going to TELL ME WHERE SHE IS." Rafe screamed in JJ's face, clearly slipping further into a psychotic rage that he was becoming so accustomed to.

"Dude, I swear if I knew where she was I'd be there. She left because of you, you know-"

"Shut up!" Rafe proclaimed as he pushed his arm further into JJ's shoulders, beginning to obstruct his airflow. Rafe knew JJ was right. Jessie most definitely left because of him. He stood there for a moment looking at JJ. JJ couldn't pinpoint what emotion Rafe was feeling other than rage. Rafe finally let go, only to back away with balled fists as he contemplated what to do next. His breathing became heavier and heavier, the walls of his life feeling like they were caving in on him. His one steadfast that he had, the one he always had in his corner, was gone, and it was all his fault. Rafe felt like crawling out of his own skin, he had never felt so much rage. All the times he faught with his dad, hated the pogues, nothing could compare to the anger he had in his heart... this time only for himself. Rafe finally let it spill out the only way he knew how.

"SHIT!" Rafe screamed at the top of his lungs into the night air, not knowing or caring who it woke up. JJ jumped at the sudden outburst, how could he not? It was a blood curdling cry. After seeing that, he was secretly glad Jessie got away. JJ could only imagine what Rafe was capable of doing to Jessie when he was that angry.

"Did you hit her?" JJ asked calmly with balled fists as he looked at the back of Rafe, who was now staring off into the distant water. Rafe just took a deep breath and scratched his head, refusing to answer. He didn't hit her, but he came pretty damn close. He was afraid of himself in that moment.

"Did you hit her?!" JJ yelled, finally losing his cool. No answer was an answer for JJ, he knew exactly what Rafe meant. Rafe finally turned to look back at JJ, this time with an odd sadness in his eyes as he played with the skin on his lips. He put his palms up to his eyes as if to block out whatever he was thinking or feeling. He finally pulled himself out of it and looked at JJ with determination in his face.

"I'm not gonna stop looking for her." Rafe choked out as he pointed at JJ.

"Oh, you're gonna stop looking for her, Rafe." JJ threatened as he walked closer to Rafe. JJ matched Rafe's all too familiar calm but intimidating energy as he pursed his lips and broadened his chest.

"I'm never going to stop looking for her." Rafe said more determined. "I will find her!"

"If you find her, I find you. And I'll kill you. Do you understand?" JJ demanded as he got within mere inches of Rafe's face, now looking him dead in his bloodshot eyes. Rafe simply laughed, feeling as if they were just playing a game of dick measuring.

"Is that a threat?" Rafe joked with knitted eyebrows.

"That's a promise."

I'll Come Running - R.C. - Chapter 32

Charley laid on the bed, still trying to wake up, as Jessie and Rafe got ready in the bathroom connected to Rafe's bedroom. Rafe of course was done getting ready before Jessie was, so he decided to help Charley get ready for the day.

Jessie eventually walked outside the bathroom and over to Rafe's desk to put on her usual dainty necklace and island bracelets. As she was doing so, she noticed Rafe went over to his bedside table and opened the drawer to reveal a pistol. He then stuck it behind his back in his waistband. Charley was in the floor playing on the other side of the room, so thankfully, she didn't see the exchange. Jessie, on the other hand, noticed every move.

"You just have a gun laying around in your night stand?!" Jessie whisper-yelled as she came closer to Rafe. Rafe was a little taken back by Jessie's response, he scrunched his brows together, showing confusion.

"I had a gun there four years ago when we were together and you knew about it then? Why do you care about it now?" Rafe asked, genuinely just curious, not trying to seem defensive. Jessie just exhaled and looked over at their daughter. Words were not needed for Rafe to follow what she was communicating.

Rafe slowly nodded and looked back at Jessie with understanding. He took one step further and grabbed Jessie's hands.

"I know that this probably worries you, with it being so easily accessible, but, baby, you know it's for protection." Rafe whispered with sympathy as he looked in Jessie's eyes.

"But do you really have to have it so close to where our daughter is sleeping?" Jessie asked with just as much sympathy. They both were genuinely trying to understand their differences in that moment, which was something neither one of them would have been mature enough to do four years ago. Rafe sighed and looked at the ground.

"Yes, baby. If it's anywhere else and something happens I'm not gonna be able to get to it in time and protect you and Charley." Rafe explained gently, still holding onto Jessie's hands.

"But couldnt you just, like, put a lock on it or something?" Jessie asked once again, still trying to meet Rafe in the middle.

"Jess... you know that's not any better than putting it out of my reach.  Seconds matter and if I-"

"Okay, okay..." Jessie trailed off, getting slightly annoyed. Rafe sighed and brought Jessie closer.

"Just like you taught Charley not to touch hot or fragile things, we will teach her not to go to the bedside table. But even more than that, she wont be staying in here forever. She will have her own space and not many reasons to come in here eventually." Rafe assured as he hugged Jessie tight. Jessie just exhaled and nodded as she laid her head on Rafe's chest. She had to learn to trust him with these things, especially when it came to his daughter.

"I have her best interest at heart too, baby." Rafe whispered as he kissed Jessie's head. Jessie knew he was right, he couldn't live with himself if Charley ever got hurt, but that was the main reason he kept the gun there in the first place. Jessie decided to let it go.

"Besides, you know I've got too many enemies around here to walk around without something." Rafe joked as he pulled away from Jessie.

"That is not funny." Jessie said completely serious. She did not appreciate mob mentality, even though she knew as Rafe's wife she was more than apart of it now. Who was she kidding, she had been apart of mob mentality long before she even met Rafe, and that didn't change when she was in Manhattan. Rafe just giggled.

"I'm not going to let anything happen to my girls, I promise." Rafe said a little more seriously, but still with a smile in an attempt to lighten the mood. Jessie simply nodded in agreement and smiled as a silent thank you. With that, they were off to breakfast.

The three of them had arrived to a local breakfast spot right on the bay, overlooking the water. They decided against the Island Club, figuring that was still too much of a hot spot for them to be seen given that every wound was still fresh. Ward, Rose, and Wheezie's untimely death, Rafe's disappearance... and reappearance, Sarah's excommunication, oh, and now Jessie was back... with Rafe's kid. Yeah, too many questions for the young family to answer on their second day back home.

Charley loved her pancakes and bacon, and Jessie did too. Rafe enjoyed his breakfast sandwich.

"We need to get groceries after this, like seriously we have nothing in that house." Jessie laughed as she continued to eat her pancakes.

"Alright, we'll go to the store and grab stuff." Rafe agreed through bites of his sandwich. Rafe suddenly caught a glimpse of a man he knew all too well walking into the restaurant. His eyes went dark and his mouth went straight. Jessie noticed. Before she had the chance to ask or even look around, Rafe butted in.

"We have to go." Rafe said immediately standing up to grab his daughter. However, it was too late.

"Country cluuuub! Man, you back from the dead, aint ya? Where ya been?!" Barry, his drug dealer, well, ex drug dealer, came up to the table. In that moment Rafe made a mental note to make sure Charley was always sitting on his side with him from now on. Before Rafe could even spit out a vile answer, Barry realized who Rafe was with. As he looked over at Jessie his eyes became wide and his jaw dropped.

"Woah! Speaking of coming back from the dead?! How you been, darling? Man, haven't seen you since you were stealing your dad's coke."

"That's enough, Barry." Rafe insisted with a deadly scowl. Barry, of course, didn't listen. In fact, Barry didn't even glance Rafe's way after that remark. Instead he kept his eyes on Jessie.

Jessie didn't waver. It was as if something kicked in when she least expected it.

"I've been doing just fine, Barry." Jessie replied with a totally uninterested smile, clearly for show and a little sarcasm. Her and Barry went way back, further than Rafe and Barry did by a long shot.

"Who's this?!" Barry asked as if his face couldn't show more surprise, it certainly did. "Did you run off with some other man? Is that why you left all those years ago?! Man, I really started to miss you pickin up your dad's weed, I hated dealin with that son of a bitch."

"Barry, seriously cut it out." Rafe demanded, his face and voice growing more intense. That finally caught Barry's attention, and he decided to glance over at Rafe.

"What the hell you defending her for, Rafe? You remember how much you hated the bitch once she left, huh? She got you pussy whipped again?" Barry spat, with his hands becoming comfortable on the high top in front of him.

"You're not gonna talk like that in front of my daughter." Rafe said with even more fierceness as he got up out of his seat to tower over Barry. "And I never said that I hated Jessie." Rafe insisted.

"Daughter?!" Barry said a little too loudly for their liking, followed by uncontrollable laughter. "Wow, man! Your girl comes back from the dead to tell you you got a daughter and now all of a sudden you're mister clean cut business man? I'm not believin this!"

That was enough to set Rafe over the edge. He quickly grabbed Barry by his shirt, his fists becoming white and his jaw becoming clenched.

"Jessie, take her outside."

Barry didn't dare say a word, as big and bad as he thought he was, he didn't think it was smart to play in this moment. He knew what Rafe was capable of.

Jessie didn't protest either, immediately scooping up the toddler and going out to the dock to look at the water.

"Daddy!" Charley whined, wondering where they were going without her new best friend. Rafe pretended not to hear her cry. Jessie simply shushed her and walked speedily out to the dock to try and explain to Charley that they were just going for a walk.

"I don't fight around my daughter. But my daughter's not here anymore. So you got something else you wanna say to me?" Rafe threatened, breathing heavily with rage spilling over.

"Man why you playin house? You think you're better than me now? That bitch is using you and you know it. You better get a paternity test. She was worse than you ever were back then and you know it. She's always been cold-"

Rafe shut Barry up with a swift punch to the mouth, causing a cut on his lip. Barry attempted to fight back as he winded up a right hook but Rafe saw it coming from a mile away and dodged it, quickly coming behind Barry to put his other arm behind his back and slam him on the table in front of him.

"You don't talk about my wife like that." Rafe seethed just loud enough for only Barry to hear him. "I'm not your little bitch anymore. I don't need you. Understand?" Rafe let Barry back up off the table and quickly turned him around to face him.

"What do you mean? You not using anymore?" Barry asked with a sly smile through his bloody lips.

"Do I look coked out to you, bitch? No, I'm stone cold sober." Rafe whispered with a dangerous calmness in his voice and a smile that truly unsettled Barry. "So you're gonna leave me and my family alone. Got it?"

Barry stood there in shock, trying to take in all the information he was just given. Wife? Daughter? Sober? He forgot to respond but Rafe reminded him by bringing his hand to his neck and tightening around it slightly.

"G-g-got it. Got it." Barry choked out and threw his hands in the air.

"Good." Rafe replied as he let off of Barry. "And you ruined my girls' breakfast." He said as he pointed towards the mess behind him. With that, Rafe walked out as he fixed the collar of his shirt. He looked at the hostess.

"Our food's on him." Rafe calmly said as he pointed at Barry, not bothering to slow his stride one bit as he walked out of the restaurant. 

I'll Come Running - R.C. - Chapter 46

"You wanna go somewhere?"

The first words out of Rafe's mouth following his spell of silence shocked Jessie. She didn't expect him to command her so well with just one simple, hushed, sentence. Truthfully, Rafe didn't expect it either, yet he could see that it worked due to the knitted eyebrows and silence from his wife. He had to capitalize on the moment despite his clear shock that Jessie was in the state that she was in, so he asked her the question.

"What do you mean?" Jessie asked simply, not peeling her eyes away from Rafe clearly searching for an answer in the blue orbs. Rafe held his gaze as well, trying to fire back with the same fiery darts of lust and passion to entice Jessie further. It worked, as she was now hanging onto every word that fell out of his mouth, just like Rafe did a few minutes ago. He smirked in response and began playing with the ends of her long hair.

"You and me... taking a little trip... just to get your mind off things."

Despite Jessie always loving when Rafe played with her hair, she didn't budge, as she quickly figured out what he was doing. She chuckled darkly and looked away from Rafe with ease, taking another hit of her cigarette and blowing the smoke once more.

"I don't need to get my mind off of anything, country club." Jessie smirked, now looking back at Rafe. "But you sure as hell do."

Rafe wasn't happy that his initial plan didn't work, but he decided to roll with what he was given.

"But you're open to going somewhere right?" Rafe whispered as he looked at Jessie's lips and then back up into her eyes.

"Sure..." Jessie shrugged with a cocky smile that Rafe had a love-hate relationship with. "Where do you wanna go?" She asked with an eye roll. Rafe acted like he pondered the question, when in reality he had the perfect trip already planned out, a trip that hopefully would put Jessie's mind at ease and get her to open up again. He felt like he was back on his balcony four years ago, smoking with Jessie for the first time just to get her to stick around long enough to open up to him. Some things never change.

"Blue Ridge?" Rafe asked, his arms planted firmly around Jessie's torso. Rafe could see the wheels turning in his wife's head as she had the sudden realization what he was referring to. She chuckled lightly as she looked towards the ground.

"You're parents still have that cabin in the mountains over there? I thought that was just something you told me just to flex." Jessie joked. Rafe laughed in response.

"Yeah, we still have it... well, I have it." Rafe said softly as he licked his lips and brought his hand up to tuck Jessie's hair behind her ear. Rafe looked at her lovingly as if to silently plead with her to agree to go. "Just you and me, in the mountains for maybe a few days or a week or however long you want."

"But what about Charley?"

"The pogues can watch her." Rafe answered with a shrug as if it was no big deal. Jessie scoffed at the idea.

"Rafe, don't get me wrong, I trust JJ and the rest of them with Charley but... they don't exactly have experience taking care of a toddler longer than five minutes. It's a totally different thing to be in charge of her 24/7." Jessie explained with hesitation.

"We got her, Jess." Sarah interrupted as she propped herself up on the door behind them, drinking a cup of hot coffee. Rafe and Jessie both looked behind them to look at the girl that snuck up on them.

"Yeah, I would think between all five of us we could all have eyes on her." JJ said confidently as he made his way back outside. Jessie still wasn't convinced, now putting out her cigarette and looking back at Rafe.

"But what about safety... I mean, we're still kinda exposed with a giant ass cross made of gold and on the run from the cops." Jessie asked. Rafe didn't falter, he only tightened his grip on the girl in his lap for reassurance.

"I've got security. I'll have them take care of it. Charley won't even know they're here." Rafe assured in a soft, understanding tone. He was really going the extra mile. JJ knew Rafe had to seal the deal on getting Jessie away for a few days to get her to come to her senses.

"Come on, Jess. When's the last time you actually took a vacation without Charley?" JJ asked, now coming around and setting on the coffee table in front of the two. Jessie's reply was quick.

"Never."

"Exactly," JJ responded, "as much as it pains me to think of you two alone in the mountains together doing god knows what to each other... it really could be good for you." JJ reiterated, trying not to physically shutter at the godforsaken ideas in his head of his sister and Rafe. The two of them both just rolled their eyes and laughed at the blonde boy. Jessie looked back at Rafe one last time for reassurance.

"Okay." She sighed. Jessie could see the excitement all over Rafe's face as he pulled her closer and kissed her head softly.

"We leave today." Rafe said.

---

"Alright, baby. Mommy and daddy are gonna go away for just a few days but we will be back as soon as you know it! You get to spend a few days with Uncle JJ!" Jessie put on her best front to look excited as she hugged her daughter tightly in the driveway of the Chat. Rafe was loading their modest weekend bags in his truck, eventually making his way over to his girls.

"Yayayayay!" Charley cheered as she jumped up and down. It was just as hard for Jessie leave Charley with JJ as it was to leave her with Mama and Tom, she didn't think the goodbyes would ever get easier. She was at least grateful that Charley was excited and didn't seem to understand that her mom and dad would be gone.

"But mommy will call every night so she can see you and talk to you okay?" Jessie reassured the toddler. JJ and Rafe both looked at each other, knowing the call wouldn't be for Charley.

"Mommy doesn't have to call. Uncle JJ's got it alllll under control." JJ said cooly as he crossed his arms in confidence. Jessie just looked up and gave her brother a side eye. Rafe on the other hand, found the comment not only funny, but necessary.

"Mommy's gonna be a little busy." Rafe muttered as he leaned closer to JJ so only he could hear. He most definitely forgot who he was talking to though, and JJ quickly cut the comedy as he made a look of disgust.

"I could've gone my whole like without that image in my head." JJ simply said looking at Rafe with judgement. Rafe just snickered like a little boy and squatted down to be eye level with his two girls. He set his attention on his daughter with sincere eyes.

"If you need daddy, you tell Uncle JJ to call, okay? And I'll come running." Rafe insisted as he looked at Charley with a face that showed he meant business.

"Okayyyyy." Charley nodded frantically, still not totally gripping the gravity of the situation, which both of them were grateful for.

"Give me a hug, darlin." Rafe asked as he opened up his arms to squeeze his daughter tight and plant a kiss on her head. "You're gonna have fun with Uncle JJ and Aunt Sarah!"

"And Uncle Pope, Uncle John B, and Aunt Kie!" JJ joined in with a pointed finger.

Once hugs and kisses had been exchanged, Rafe helped his wife into the passenger side of the truck, then made his way back over to the driver's side. He eyed JJ with a playful yet somewhat serious look.

"Don't lose my kid." Rafe said with a finger pointed to JJ's chest. "Whatever you do to her, I do to you. Don't be a jackass."

JJ only saluted comically to the man in front of him with a clearly fake look of seriousness.

"Sir yes sir! Responsible adult reporting for duty!"

JJ's response did not make Rafe feel like he was any less of a jackass, yet he still knew he could trust him. Just because Charley might not be taken care of the way that Jessie and him would do it, doesn't mean that she wasn't in good hands. Rafe had to remember that. Rafe simply shook his head in response and got in the truck to begin a much needed short road trip to the quiet Blue Ridge Mountains.

Jessie wasted no time in striking up a conversation with her husband. She tried to make it seem casual, but it was anything but.

"So you wanna tell me the real reason you're taking me on a little mommy and daddy get away?" Jessie asked with a smirk on her face as she leaned back in her seat and propped her converse clad feet on the dash. Rafe always hated when she did that, but he knew better than to ever tell her she couldn't do something.

"We can't just get away just the two of us for a couple of days? I've gotta have a motive?" Rafe said jokingly as if he was offended. Jessie could see right through his little plan.

"Well... given that we just came off yet another series of traumatic experiences and we should most definitely be on the run right now, and yet you decide to make a pit stop to the Blue Ridge Mountains with just me in tow... yeah... I would say you have a motive." Jessie explained confidently, looking over at Rafe. He locked his jaw in an attempt to mask his annoyance that Jessie could never take anything for what it was, it was a defense mechanism for her, it's been what's kept her alive.

"I just... know that... you've been tense since everything happened..." Rafe trailed off as he grabbed Jessie hand over the console. "... and I just wanna give you time to decompress... no kids... no pogues... just me and you."

Jessie rolled her eyes.

"I'm fine, Rafe! I've been telling you this!" Jessie reiterated through evident irritation. Rafe wanted to strike back, telling her that she in fact was not fine, but he had to remember the objective of this trip: to get her to relax and be willing to take that guard down. Instead of argue with the brick wall that was Jessie Cameron, he simply opted to nod his head.

"Well then I'm glad, babe..." Rafe said through a fake smile as he brought the back of her hand up to kiss it gently. "Then let's just enjoy this little trip and maybe we can brainstorm where we're gonna go after this."