the faint hum of cicadas filled the quiet evening as you were laying on your back, staring at the ceiling. the room was dimly lit by a single bedside lamp, casting a warm glow over the scattered belongings that marked the chaos of your life. you were wearing an oversized T-shirt that hung loosely on you, one you hadn’t been able to let go of.



it was his.

**Rafe’s
****

“i love this shirt,” you mumbled softly, mainly to yourself. admitting it out loud made it real.
 across the room, JJ leaned against the doorframe, arms crossed, a drink in hand. he wasn’t paying much attention until he caught what you said. his gaze flicked to you, and his eyebrows furrowed slightly.


“does it still smell like him?” he asked, his tone casual but with a hint of curiosity.


the question hit you harder than you expected. you closed your eyes for a moment, letting out a soft sigh. your mind drifted back to a certain time, you were with Rafe, his arms wrapped around you as he wore this very shirt. he’d laughed at something you said, his smile bright and carefree in a way that seemed to exist only in those private moments.


you blinked, bringing yourself back to the present. “not anymore,” you said quietly, the ache in your voice betraying you.


JJ sighed, setting his drink down on the dresser and walking over to you. his movements were uncharacteristically slow and thoughtful as he knelt beside the bed, his eyes meeting yours with a mix of concern and understanding.

“come here,” he said softly, opening his arms. something about JJ’s presence felt steady, grounding.