You couldn’t stand the Outer Banks, not when you were a pogue, and everyone around you was a kook. It was infuriating. The only reason you chose to stay a little longer was for him—for Rafe—but now you had enough, you were leaving today.

Shoving more clothes into your already over-stuffed bag, you hear noise coming from behind you. “Are you going to try and talk me out of this?” You say, pushing the clothes in more aggressively now. “Because I’ve made up my mind.” You add, huffing as you try to close the bag.

“No, I’m not I-“ Rafe begins, lifting his hands up to touch you, but you move out of the way, too many things running through your head. “Okay, good. So then why are you here?” You ask frantically, crossing your arms. He grabs your waist softly, pulling you in. “Because,” He begins, his voice barely above a whisper. “I want to leave with you, take me with you.”

You blink, staring at him blankly, did he really want this? To leave, with you? You run your hands up and down his arms, his skin warm to the touch. “Rafe…a-are you sure?” You ask him, looking up with hopeful eyes. He smiles, letting out a small chuckle. “Yes, baby, I’ve never been more sure of anything in my life.” He mumbles, burying his face in your neck.

The soft buzz of your phone ruins the moment, but for good reason. “We have to leave soon.” You tell him, looking at the screen. He pulls away, the cold air rushing back to you. “Okay. I’ll get my stuff and then we’ll leave, sound good?” He asks, grabbing your stuff for you and interlocking his fingers with yours.

“Sounds amazing.” You breathe out, a smile spreading across your face. He wanted to do this with you, for you, and it felt amazing.