the hum of the truck’s engine filled the silence, only broken by the occasional rattle of loose change in the cupholder as rafe took sharp turns. the windows are down, letting the cool night air sweep through the cab, tugging at your hair. you’re curled against the passenger door, arms wrapped tightly around yourself, trying to keep your emotions in check.

rafe glances over at you, his eyebrow furrowed in that way that says he’s worried but doesn’t quite know how to say it. sis fingers drummed on the steering wheel, "you wanna tell me what happened?” he asked finally, his voice softer than usual, though there was an edge of impatience he didnt mean to have.

you sniffled, wiping your cheeks with the sleeve of your hoodie. “it’s nothing, rafe. just stupid stuff.”

he scoffed, shaking his head as he turned onto a quieter road. “yeah, well, you don’t look like it’s ‘nothing.’” his hand tightened on the wheel, "look, i’m not great at… this,” he gestured vaguely towards you, “but i’m trying here, okay? so just talk to me.” his tone softened at the end, and when you glanced over at him you could see the flicker of concern in his eyes.

you took a shaky breath, your voice quiet as you finally spoke. “just my parents. they—they don’t get it. don’t get me.” you trailed off, your throat tightened as fresh tears swelled up in your eyes.

rafe didnt say anything right away, but his jaw tightened "well, screw them,” he muttered, his voice low and rough. “they don’t know you like I do.” he reached over resting his hand on your leg. “you’ve got me, yeah?" he was right, you had him, its all you cared about.

you looked over at him, his profile was sharp in the dim glow of the dashboard lights. in all his flaws, all the times he’s frustrated you, all the complications in your relationship, there was something about the way he was trying so hard right now that made you feel just a little less broken. (hell, the both of you were messed up real bad. but nonetheless you two really understood each other, in a fucked up way.)