you and rafe were alone in the living room of tannyhill, the fire cracked softly, casting a warm, golden glow around the room. the rain beating steady against the windows, filling the silence with a soft, soothing rhythm.

rafe leaned back into the couch, his arm draped over your shoulder, pulling you closer against his side. his thumb traced slow, gentle circles on your arm. he looked down at you, when he finally spoke, his voice was low, and warm, "this is exactly what I’ve been wanting, y'know.. just you n' me." he paused, and his hand moved to brush a stray piece of hair away from your face, his fingertips lingering against your cheek for a moment. the light of the fire flickered in his blue eyes. he never really had his usual tough demeanor in moment like these. he softened around you in a way that he never did with anyone else.

“I feel like we never get time like this, where we can just… be. feels like everything’s always so complicated.” he murmured, you could tell he was trying to find the right words, and it was cute in a way. he was never vulnerable like this. he took your hand in his, intertwining your fingers. his thumb grazed over your knuckles slowly, like he was memorizing every detail of your skin. “you know I love you, right?” he said softly, his voice low, barely audible over the rain thumping against the window.

his eyes searched yours, his usual cocky attitude was giving way to something more vulnerable and genuine. you loved it. you got to see a side of him that very few people ever got to see.