on the rocks (r.c)
My work is NOT to be transferred, translated, reposted or copied to any other sites without my permission. That is plagiarism. But you can re-blog the heck out of it on here :)
paring(s): Rafe x single!mom
summary: as the couple prepared for the wedding, problems began to arise between them, shedding light on a bigger problem. (Part five in the WILLOW SERIES)
warning: single parent, slight mention of shitty family
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The couple has been engaged for almost six months. They knew the process wouldn't be all sunshine and roses, but neither Rafe nor y/n prepared for the conflicts.
"All I'm saying, y/n, when we combine our finances, I can take care of you and Willow. You won't need to work some dumb assistant job." Rafe sternly spoke, hip rested on the counter. His wife to be sat at the kitchen, head bowed.
It was late, Willow asleep in her room, but the only time the couple could truly talk it through. "But I am your assistant. I love getting to work along side you and for you. I want to bring something to this marriage and help out." He tried to cut her off, but she persisted. "I want to work."
Y/n didn't want to sit around and be some trophy housewife. Working gave her purpose and fulfillment outside of her daughter.
"Babe all I am saying is you can persue painting and we would still have more than enough to live comfortably." For some reason that rubbed her the wrong way, setting off an undefinable emotion with her heart. Instead of blowing up, y/n took a deep breath and turned to him.
"Rafe, I think we need time to cool off and we can talk about it tomorrow after work. I just-" Rafe slightly huffed.
He wasn't sure when he got angry over this, but he let it fester deep within. Maybe it was something kelce said about Rafe needing to be the bread winner, or some kook socialite saying it's unprofessional for a wife to work for you. He just wanted her to live without any worry, even if it meant he had to work harder. "Yea. Sure. That works. I'll go."
Y/n's heart shook in fear with every short response he gave. The man shuffled for his keys and b-lined it for the door. "Rafe I-"
"Love you too. Bye." And he was gone. What happened? She knew the engagement put on more pressure, but the fights over things that seemed trivial were draining, if it wasn't work, it was education for willow, and if not living arrangements, it was honey moon details. It worried her how Rafe would just walk out first chance he got. Maybe he was trying to give her the space she needed but the lack of communication caused many restless nights and anxious thoughts. This would be another sleepless night.
It wasn't much different for Rafe. The large man sat in his spinning chair at the office. He was so accustomed to holding y/n tight as he drifted into slumber, his own bed felt foreign and he would much rather get some work done then waste time replaying every mistake that took place prior. Rafe's mind drifted to the painful look she gave him as he walked out. It's how he imagined his face looked when his dad would head to the office during his birthday celebrations or when he was sharing something with him. Why was this harder?
By the time the two made contact in the office, instant regret flooded the room. Y/n rushed to the tired man, rubbing her thumbs across his cheeks. "You didn't sleep here did you?" She already knew the answer due to the wrinkles in yesterday's clothes and dried drool on his cheek.
"I just had some things to finish up." It was half the truth. When he was at home, sometimes the temptations for past things haunted him. At the office, he felt in control. He never knew how to explain it to her, but sometimes he just needed this as a distraction.
"You're working more than usual, Rafe." Y/n's voice was stern yet caring. "You'd yell at me if I worked half as much as you have been."
His voice became defensive. "Of course I would. You have a kid."
Y/n physically reeled back. "Willow. Her name is Willow." It was the first time he made her daughter feel like a problem.
"That's not what I meant." Rafe appologized profusely.
"She's my kid. My problem? Is that how you see it?"
"Just listen, I didn't-"
"No, you listen to me Rafe. We talked about Willow. You said she was your daughter, that you loved her like your own. But it seems to be whenever it's convenient."
Worry etched every line of his face. "One time. I wasn't thinking."
Y/n's breathing became labored as she tried to remain calm. "That's not how being a parent works. Maybe I have more thinking to do."
"Wh- what do you mean?" Rafe stopped all motion and stared at his fiancé in fear. "You don't-"
"Maybe we just need more time. So you can either start thinking like a parent or realize you want out." Her heart shattered just thinking about the thought of losing him, but everything was overwhelming, the fights, the engagement, and much more. Maybe it was her insecurities, but y/n had to think for her daughters sake.
"Baby." His eyes watered. "Please."
As monotone as she could, y/n looked him dead in the eye. "I'm taking a sick day." With that she walked out, barely holding it together.
Rafe threw his papers off his desk, fighting the rage bubbling inside him. God why couldn't he think before he speaks. Rafe felt like the biggest fuck up possible. Did he really just lose the two best things in his life.
Ward happened to be on his way to drop papers off for his son when he saw his future daughter in law rush out. "Y/n!" He wasn't greeted with the typical smile and that worried him. "What's going on?"
Nothing prepared him for the words that answered. "I think I just broke up with rafe?" Her voice shook in question, unsure of the events. Tears began to pour out with no care who was in ear shot. Rafe was bound to hear the heart wrenching wails.
"What happened, Sweetheart?" He tried to consul the girl now in his arms.
"I have to go. I can't be here. Consider this my two weeks. I'm so sorry, I just-"
Ward could barely process what she was saying. "We'll work this out. I want you here at the company. You're a valued member."
"What about-" she couldn't bring herself to say his name.
"Take the next few days off, when your ready we'll talk. You can work through me from home." He didn't want to lose her and Ward didn't want his son to lose her completely either. She was the best thing to happen to the family.
"I don't know, I just need to leave." With that she rushed out, leaving the two Cameron's to share some heated words.
- It's been a week since y/n saw Rafe and the distance felt like a death sentence. She took Willow to the mainland to get them out of anything that reminder them of rafe. okay The poor younger girl didn't understand why he wasn't around, just that mommy was sad when she asked if he was joining. "I'm sorry mommy. Don't cry mommy."
Y/n ran a hand over her daughters hair, smoothing out the knots caused by the ferry ride. "It's going to be okay."
"Rafe will come back. He promised." More pain surged the mothers heart. Part of wanted to scream at Willow and say that Rafe had to much pride to reach out and he's the one who ruined it, but it would be the farthest from the truth. He texted her nearly any chance he could, leaving an abundance or voice mails. Sometimes he wouldn't even speak, just the shakey breaths and whimpers. She was the one running it. She chose to ignore him for the sake her own pride and dignity. The way she love Rafe terrified her, but she didn't want Willow to be more hurt.
All of a sudden her phone began to ring. She tried to ignore it, believing it was Rafe again but something deep down urged her to check. 'Ward Cameron.' Hee screen flashed.
"Hello, Ward."
"Hey sweetheart, how are you doing?" He kept his voice soft, noticing hers was shaking.
"I'm fine. Is there something that you needed?" Talking to ward seemed to be a lot harder for the only fact he wasn't his son.
"I know you're taking time off and spending time with Willow, but I was wondering if you could swing by the office so we can chat? Please. Willow is more than welcomed. You know I love her." Y/n let at a heavy sigh. She hasn't been to the office since she walked out on Rafe, but it was a Sunday and from what she heard he was visiting Topper.
"I think Willow would love to see you. We will head there when we get back."
"Good. Good. Well I will see you two then." She hung up and let anxious thoughts consume her.
Y/n's body shook as she gripped her daughter, stepping of the ferry and the whole way to her office. It wasn't long before she was unlocking the work place.
Willow began to squirm, looking around the space. "Rafe?" Her small voice called out.
"Shhh. He isn't here, Willow."
The child continued as she began to wail. "I want rafe. H- he promised he would be my friend. Why does he hate me?"
Y/n heart shattered. Rafe did love Willow. The mother knew it without a doubt. She had let her emotions cloud judgement and pushed him away. It was her own insecurities and she fucked it up. "He doesnt hate you."
"He said he would be my dad so people would be my friend." The mother set Willow down, allowing her to run and search the office in anguish. "He doesnt want me."
Ward heard the commotion, stepping out in sight. "Running in my office? You're lucky it's after hours."
"Papaw!" She sobbed, running to him.
"Hello, sweetheart. How are you doing?"
"I miss, Rafe." Ward's eyes fluttered to see the tear stained mother. "Where is he?"
Y/n tried to speak but feared she'd burst any second. There was no way she would embarrass herself infront of her boss. "He's been super busy. I'm sure he just hasn't had anytime."
"He doesn't love us, does he mommy?"
"Shh, baby girl." The mom did everything to console her daughter who was now a mess in her arms. "Please calm down." Within ten minutes, Willow managed to wear herself to a sleep.
"Poor girl, is missing her naps."
"I don't think that's the only thing she misses." Ward placed a warm hand on y/n's shoulder. "It's okay if you miss him too."
It was if that was all she needed to release all the buildt up emotion. Tears and cries poured out from every crack in her heart. "I didn't listen to him. I didn't want to listen to him."
Ward set Willow down on a comfy chair then tended to the mother. "Things are stressful it's bound to happen."
"I'm just so scared. What if he just changes his mind and dips? That would hurt way worse then right now. Willow is young enough she'll forget eventually." All of it was true, but she also didn't want to live without him. It's been hell for them and it would be a lot worse. Only Rafe would make it better.
"When rafe was about Willow's age, he played on an instructional soccer league. Every Saturday, he would kick around a ball with some other kids. Nothing to special. Around the same time, I started working those Saturday's." Ward scrunched his face to hide the emotions he felt. "The way he'd walk in with a smile until he saw me, then silently rush to his room. I don't think I'll ever forget that. I know he hasn't. He still brings up the first time and everytime I wasn't there. Kids don't really forget it, they bury it deep and it becomes who they are."
"What are you trying to say?"
"It's better to work on it. If you let this go, what lesson will that teach Willow? That people argue so you have to leave before you get left? I see fear in your eyes. Just talk to him."
"Is that why you called me here? To get me to talk to him?"
"You guys both are hurting and I worry about you both."
Y/n let out a shaky sigh. She knew Ward had only the best intentions and that he was right. Any anger she held onto was released through more silent sobs. "I think I ruined everything."
"I highly doubt that. Rafe looks at you as if you were the sun and stars. He stares at the picture of the three of you when dragged him with you the first time. He still loves you and where there is love, and only there can forgiveness take place."
His words brought hope as she frantically stood up. "I need to go talk to him. I can't keep running."
"I got Willow. She's more than welcome to spend the night." Y/n embraced the older man, still sobbing on his chest.
"Thank you." With that, the woman ran to her car and sped the whole way to Rafe's home. The living space he desperately wanted to bring Willow and herself into. A place he brought to show how much he loved them and appreciated them. The life she nearly denied him of.
But he hurt her feelings, dismissing her wants. Both parties really needed to communicate on this.
—
Rafe sat at his desk in a back room, tears streaming down his flushed cheeks. Where did things go so wrong? What happened? Sure he's been stressed with work and the wedding in a month. It was a large adjustment. He was just praying the pair could survive.
That's when he heard sniffling that pulled him from his thoughts. There she was, in her most purest form. Completely vulnerable and broken. "I'm sorry." She whimpered.
Rafe stayed speechless. "I'm so used to complete control. It makes me feel secure. I know what ever happens would be on me. But I also love working for you. I love watching your face light up when you complete a small task, how you hold my hand in meetings. I get to spend time with you in a different setting. But I don't want any of the that if I can't have you. If I can't guarantee you come home to Willow or me. I want you."
"Y/n. I love you. I don't like or agree with you ignoring me and not communicating that, but I have had time to think and really do some searching of what I want." She held her breath, fearing this would be the end, but he continued. "I also don't like you working for me. It feels so wrong when I see you as an equal. Much more than that. Fuck were litterally engaged." His eyes widened. "We are still engaged, right?"
"Yes."
"So be my partner. Don't work for me. Let's work together. If you want a day off, take it. You can do whatever you like. We do it all together. It is a family buisness after all."
"Rafe-"
"I mean it. What do you say?"
"Can we take tomorrow off?" Y/n sheepishly smiled.
"What do you have in mind?"
"An us day with Willow. And your family. And we could go on an adventure."
He grinned. "We could take a family trip to the mainland."
"Or maybe the courthouse?"