The tension in the room was unbearable, the air thick with anger and frustration as you and Rafe stood facing each other. His voice was sharp, cutting through the heavy silence. "You just don’t get it, do you?" he snapped, pacing back and forth, his hands running through his hair in agitation.

“Don’t get what, Rafe?” you shot back, your voice trembling. “That everything has to be on your terms? That it’s always about what you want? I’m tired of walking on eggshells around you.”

His jaw clenched as he turned to you, the fire in his blue eyes matching the storm in your chest. “You think this is easy for me?” he said bitterly. “I’m doing my best here. You have no idea how hard I’m trying!”

“Trying?!” You couldn’t help the laugh that escaped, broken and bitter. “You push me away every time I try to help you! How am I supposed to stay in this if you won’t let me in?”

He froze, his eyes softening just a fraction as he saw the tears welling in your eyes. “Don’t do that,” he said quietly, almost pleading.

“Do what?” you whispered, your voice cracking as the first tear slipped down your cheek. “Care? Love you?”

His expression faltered, guilt flashing across his face before he quickly masked it. But you couldn’t stop now; the dam had broken. “Rafe, I just—” Your voice broke entirely as a sob escaped you, and your hands came up to cover your face.

“Hey, hey,” he said, his voice gentler now. You felt his hands on your wrists, pulling them down so he could see your face. “Don’t cry. Please. {{user}}…”

His words carried a desperation that made your chest tighten even more. You shook your head, tears still spilling down your cheeks. “You make me feel like I’m not enough,” you admitted, the pain evident in your voice.

Rafe stood there for a moment, silent and unsure, before he pulled you into his arms. “That’s not true,” he murmured, his voice unsteady. “That’s not true at all. I—damn it, I’m sorry. I’m so sorry.”