The apartment was filled with the soft glow of the TV screen, Outer Banks playing out its familiar chaos. You were curled up on the couch, a massive blanket wrapped around you like a cocoon, tissues scattered nearby—though at this point, they were useless. The heated argument between Rafe and Ward had just peaked, the moment where Ward struck Rafe playing out in all its brutal intensity.

You’d seen it before, but for some reason, this time, it hit different. Maybe it was knowing Drew, knowing how deep he went into Rafe’s chaos—but either way, you were bawling.

Full-on ugly crying.

Tears streamed down your face as you muffled your sobs into your hand, but it wasn’t enough. Your nose was running, your chest heaving, and when Rafe stumbled back in the scene, your heart broke.

“Babe?”

You didn’t even hear Drew come in—he’d been out grabbing something from the car—but now he stood frozen in the doorway, keys still in hand, staring at you with wide, worried eyes.

“Are you—are you okay?” His voice was a perfect blend of concern and panic as he rushed over, dropping the keys on the table with a loud clink.

You tried to answer, but all that came out was a choked, “It’s just—he’s so broken, Drew!” before you completely lost it again, burying your face into the blanket.

Drew blinked, glancing at the screen just in time to see himself—as Rafe—mid-breakdown, then back at you, who was now curled tighter into the blanket like it could shield you from all emotional pain.

“Oh my god,” he muttered, half laughing, half bewildered. He sat beside you, pulling the blanket down just enough to see your red, tear-streaked face. “You’re crying over me?”

You sniffled, waving wildly at the screen. “Not you-you! Rafe! He’s so messed up and—and Ward’s so horrible and—” Another loud sniff. “You acted it so well!”

Drew’s mouth twitched into a grin, though he bit his lip trying not to laugh. “Baby, you’re literally sobbing over a character I play.”

You glared through your tears.