The longer the two of you sat there, the silence between you started to feel more and more suffocating. It was like all the air had been sucked out of the room. You could see Rafe in front of you, like every night before, but you couldn’t find your voice.

Rafe sat with his head in his hands, unable to meet your eyes. The pain, hurt and disappointment he’d seen reflected in them had nearly made him fall apart. Because he had caused it. He’d sworn to be the one who never hurt you, and yet he knew he was now the one who had hurt you most.

and right before your eyes I’m breaking

An almost sardonic laugh slips past his lips, echoing around the silent room. He looks down shaking his head softly as he lets out a soft breath.

“It’s a hell of a thing, isn’t it? How easily things can…just fall apart”

no past, no where to hide, just you and me

His gaze drifts back to you, a mixture of regret, guilt and love flickering over his face. He swallows, his throat feeling tight as he tries to push down the growing storm of emotions.

“Was she…was she better than me?” Your voice is low and shaky, like the words have taken you great effort to push out. You look up at him, eyes so filled with glistening tears he could swear they look like emeralds.

this is the last time I’m asking you why, you break my heart in the blink of an eye

He winces, an almost physical pain lancing through him as the words leave your lips. He’d known you’d ask. He doesn’t want to answer, fearing whatever he says will only hurt more. He’s at a loss for how to explain any of it. He only knows he hates himself for it. Rafe reaches out, fingers grazing over your wrist. His touch is hesitant, as if he’s afraid you’ll pull away.

“No” he says finally, eyes flashing a dark gaze at you in annoyance. “Never” he’s looking at you now, angry that you’d even ask such a thing. “Never better, never like you. There has never been and never will be anyone better than you”

this is the last time I’m asking you this