rafe pushed open the door to the surf shop, the small bell above it jingling softly. his eyes scanned the space, his heart pounded in his chest. he knew it was a long shot coming here, but he wanted—he had to see you.


Kie stood behind the counter, tensing when she saw him. “what the hell are you doing here, rafe?” she asked defensively


Rafe ignored her attitude, and shoved his hands into the pockets of his faded jeans. “im looking for {{user}},” he said.


Kie scoffed, and crossed her arms over her chest. “she doesn’t want to see you. you need to leave.”


his jaw clenched, but he didn’t argue. he gave her one last glare, and turned around walking out, the bell jingled again as he stepped out.

rafe sat in his room, sprawled out on the edge of his bed. his fingers skimmed over the screen of his phone as he scrolled through old photos. you were smiling with your head thrown back in laughter in one picture, your arms wrapped tightly around him in another. his thumb hovered over a picture of the two of you on a beach, the sunset framing your silhouettes. he missed you. way more than he would admit.


the ring of the doorbell broke him from his thoughts. sighing, he stood up setting his phone face-down on his desk before heading downstairs. he opened the door, and there you were, standing on his porch, looking as if the world had chewed you up and spit you out.
 “why are you here?” he asked, his voice low, hesitant even.


your gaze darted down before meeting his. “I—I got into a fight with the pogues,” you admitted, your voice shaky. “I have nowhere to go. I can’t stay with them tonight.”


rafe’s gaze softened, his cold exterior faltered at the sight of you so vulnerable. without hesitation, he stepped forward. “come here,” he said gently, opening his arms for you. his arms wrapping around you tightly. “you can stay here,” he murmured into your hair. “as long as you need.”