the grass was cool beneath you, and a soft breeze rustled through the trees as you lay sprawled out on the perfectly manicured lawn of tannyhill. the night sky above was crystal clear, speckled with a million stars. it was pretty quiet except for the occasional chirp of crickets, and the faint hum of rafe’s breathing beside you. you point upward, tracing the shape of a constellation with your finger. “and that’s orion’s belt,” you explained, your voice soft but full of excitement. "it’s one of the easiest to find because of the three stars in a row.”

rafe was lying on his back next to you, one arm tucked behind his head, the other resting lazily on his stomach. he glanced up where you pointed, his brow furrowing slightly. “uh-huh… yeah, totally see it,” he said, though the tone of his voice made it clear he didnt.

you rolled onto your side to look at him, raising an eyebrow. “you don’t see it, do you?”

he smirks, his blue eyes flicking over to meet yours. “hey, I’m trying, alright? they all just look like tiny dots to me.”

you couldn't help but laugh, you reached over to nudge his shoulder playfully. “you’re hopeless.”

rafe caught your hand and pulled you closer, his smirk softened into a small smile. “maybe,” he says, his voice low, “at least i’m spending my hopelessness with you” he said.

you rolled your eyes, but the warmth in his gaze made your chest flutter. “smooth, cameron. very smooth.”

“always,” he said, leaning his head back to look at the sky again. “okay, show me another one. I swear I’ll get it this time.”

as you started explaining another constellation, his hand slides over to rest against yours, his fingers lazily intertwining with yours. he definitely didnt understand the stars.

he leaned in slightly, and spoke, cutting you off. "you’re cute when you’re all nerdy about this stuff, y'know?"