summary: after falling off a boat during a storm, you'd given up adventuring with the pogues. and dating all together. but the nightmares and panic attacks stayed with you all these years. you beared it alone, until an unlikely kook keeps showing up when you need help.
wc: 3.1k
warnings: 18+, alcohol, cursing, series with heavy subject matter and smut
a/n: ahh so close to the end, my plan is for the next part to be the finale! that is so crazy. thank you so much for taking the time to read this series that is so special to me and truly has come from my heart. let me know what you think!
banner: @/rumbleonthemill
table of contents: PART 1, PART 2, PART 3, PART 4, PART 5, PART 6, PART 7, PART 8, PART 9, PART 10, PART 11
The next boneyard party happens right before the tropical storm is expected to make landfall in the Banks. Everyone seems to have consensus to party one last time before they have to focus on cleanup. And going back to school. You’d spent the other day in the pool with Rafe, your comfort level high enough that he started playfully splashing you and pretending he didn’t. The weather had been deceptively perfect. Still was. It almost felt like a storm wasn’t coming.
But that did little to quell the nerves swirling in your gut. Your aunt had agreed to come with you to Tannyhill. You’d both be somewhere a little safer. Didn’t change that you’d have to settle your panic in a house full of people that weren’t your family. Didn’t change the fact that they’d all might see how broken you really were.
Rafe takes you in his Camaro, and the two of you hit the sand like you can’t tell everyone’s watching. His hand is around your waist, a possessive grip at your side. Pogues and Kooks all stare. Some are whispering. Some are glaring. Some are doing both. You can even hear some of them.
“Of course, she’d date a Kook. Whore.” A Pogue sneers. Heat rushes to your cheeks.
“Goldigger.” A Kook keeps his tone just low enough that he thinks Rafe can’t hear. Rafe’s grip somehow tightens more. Like he’d leave a mark.
“Rafe and his easy Pogue bitches, is it really that worth it?”
“Cameron can’t pull a Kook that’ll stick around.”
You look up at Rafe, gauging his mood and almost like you want reassurance. His jaw is clenched tight, mouth thin. Eyes stormy as they gaze straight ahead. But he doesn’t say anything. At least, not until you pass Gavin. He leans in close, his breath warm against your ear.
“If you want me to punch that kid again, just say the word.” He murmurs, smirking.
“You got one nice hit in. I think I’m good.” You admit, starting to fight a smile until you realize that’s exactly what you should be doing. Smiling. Having a good time despite what people think. Because it doesn’t matter. Shouldn’t matter.
Running into your friends by the keg makes that easier. They all hug you and say hello. But the undertone is icy. The only person who seems happy to see you two arm in arm is Sarah. And she’s the only one who actually greets Rafe. Cleo follows up and says hi to him as well, but no one else bothers.
Rafe doesn’t seem to mind. He fills a cup with beer, handing it to you and then filling one for himself. But he does almost chug it by the time you take two sips.
“Heard you’re staying at Tannyhill for the storm,” John B comes up to you now that Rafe has finally let you go, catching up with his sister. “I’ll be there too.”
“Chateau not strong enough?” You elbow him lightly. He chuckles.
“She’ll be fine. Got good old bones. I just don’t wanna deal with no power right before classes start.” He admits. Right. Classes. Summer almost over. You glance at Rafe again, feeling your heart twist painfully. You didn’t want to admit it, but not having him around constantly was going to really suck.
“Is Big John gonna hold down the fort?” You ask, shifting your gaze back to your friend.
“He’s off chasing some ‘treasure’ lead, I guess,” John B rolls his eyes. “Hopefully he finds somewhere to hunker down. He usually does.”
“Worked out for him so far.” You shrug, and he nods in agreement. But you felt bad for John B that his dad was almost never home. It’d caused more than one problem throughout his life and couldn’t have felt good. You knew he really loved his dad, despite everything. You give him a small side hug, which he’s happy to reciprocate. Family, like Rafe said. Not by blood, by choice.
And your sister by choice, Kiara, has walked up after a game of beer pong. Her normally warm brown eyes are flat and slightly narrow as she meets yours. You know her well enough to know she was either wary or worried. Or both.
You knew it would take a minute for her to be okay with the idea of you and Rafe. She wouldn’t easily accept him, nor should she. In high school, he was a menace. A bully. Had given almost every boy in your friend group a black eye or bloody nose at some point. So when she slightly pulls you aside, her words aren’t surprising.
“Everything okay with you and him?” She asks, still gripping your arm.
“Yeah, it’s good.” You nod and smile softly.
“Good,” She parrots. “You know I love you, right?” Her brow furrows. Her eyes search yours.
“Of course, I love you too.” You slide your hand so she can hold yours.
“I just don’t wanna see you hurt. If he does anything, even if it’s small and upsets you, you tell me. Okay?” She squeezes your hand.
“Okay, I will,” You promise. You hadn’t thought long enough about Rafe breaking your heart to realize that meant your friends would think there was hell to pay. None of them would take it lightly. Probably not even Sarah. The thought sent a chill down your spine. It felt like the delicate balance of Kook and Pogue was suspended between you two, and one wrong move would make it snap again. There was a sudden, added pressure with that realization.
Rafe realized your mood slowly shifted while the sunset. You’d seemed good at the start of the party, but the longer you chatted with your friends, the quieter you got. Your mouth was drawn tight, your eyes downcast. He didn’t quite know what was wrong. Did he not seem happy enough with your friends? Were you regretting being seen with a Kook? With Rafe?
He makes a last-ditch attempt to shift you over toward his friends. Top and Kelce seem to pick up enough, even in their drunk haze. They probably assume you’re nervous. But they joke around, talk shit about each other, anything to make you laugh. You do a little, but the vibe is still off.
“Wanna head out?” He whispers in your ear, hand on the small of your back. You nod, and he leads you away, taking care of all the goodbyes for you. Once in the car, away from the people and the noise, you let out a long breath. And finally talk.
“What are we gonna do when summer’s over?” You ask, your voice tight and quiet. Oh. That’s why you seemed off. The question he’d been avoiding.
“Uh, I-I um…” He starts, clearing his throat. “I got an offer for an internship in Durham.” You turn toward him, eyes lighting up.
“Really? That’s so exciting! Congratulations!” You grab his arm, giving it a squeeze. He feels a smile tug at his lips, but his next point wasn’t as happy. He forces it back, reaching for your hand. It’s cold against him, and he squeezes it like that’ll help.
“I’ll be driving between there and Raleigh, and I don’t know how much time I’ll have to come home if I wanna keep my grades up. But I wanna try to visit as much as I can.” He promises, eyes drifting from the road to you.
“I can visit too,” You say firmly. “I just need to save up for gas.”
“Don’t worry about that,” He shakes his head. “I’ll pay. And if anything happens to your shit truck I’ll pay for that too.”
“Rafe,” Your voice goes quiet again. “I can’t…you don’t need to do all that.”
“Well, I want to. So get the fuck over it.” He tries to sound authoritative, but his smirk gives him away. He can see you starting to smile out of the corner of his eye.
“Okay then. We’ll figure it out.” You muse.
“Yeah. We’ll work on it.”
“Guess we’re a thing, then.” You point out happily.
“A ‘thing’?” He raises a brow.
“Yup. The real thing.” You’re grinning now, and his smile widens at your expression.
“The real thing.” He echoes in agreement. It was a scary thought. But also a nice one.
He’s just walked in to Tannyhill behind you when Ward stops him, waving you away to unpack and change. He knew this was coming. With the storm on the way, he didn’t really give Ward time to consider hosting you and your aunt. He kinda just…had you guys pack and come over. Then he said something.
Rafe knew that Ward would never turn guests away to their face. Couldn’t mess with his reputation. So he played the ‘kind father’ act and welcomed you and your aunt with open arms. Rose had been setting your aunt up in one of the guest rooms upstairs when Rafe had snuck you out to the boneyard. This was Ward’s first chance to say what had been stewing.
“So, still with the Pogue, huh?” Ward says first. Because of course he does. Rafe doesn’t answer. “I told you, no more Pogues. But you can’t be bothered to think about your future. Ever. How are you gonna support yourself, Rafe? How is she gonna be a positive on your life?”
“Stop,” Rafe warns.
“I also told you to stop bringing her over to use our pool and you haven’t been listening. Why? Why, Rafe?” Ward’s blue eyes go wide.
“None of your business.” He mutters, fists clenching. Your panic was nobody’s business unless you wanted to share it.
“To spite me?”
“Not everything is about you, dad!” Rafe snaps, finding it hard to stay contained. Ward gives him a warning glare to lower his voice. But Rafe’s heart is pounding, heat flooding his body. “I like her, okay? That’s it. She’s a good person. She works fuckin’ hard. You used to be a Pogue, you know what that’s like and don’t pretend you don’t.”
Ward pauses for a moment, like he’s processing the words. He blinks quickly, taking a small step back from Rafe.
“She shouldn’t share a room with you, Rafe. She’ll take the first floor guestro-”
“Dad, that’s bullshit,” Rafe growls. His fury was really stirring now. Not having you sleep by his side was one thing. The thought of you trying to sleep alone when the storm hit physically hurt. “She’s an adult. I’m an adult.”
“And it’s my house,” Ward answers. “Under my roof, my rules.”
“You don’t get it, Dad,” Rafe is practically pacing.
“Enlighten me, son,” Ward rolls his eyes.
“She hates storms, okay? I mean, really hates them.”
“Most people don’t like big storms, Rafe,” Ward counters. “And like you said, she’s an adult.” Rafe glowers.
“Fuck you,” He says before he can think about it, enjoying the way Ward’s face slightly flinches at the words. “You made John B grovel for years just to have a seat at the fuckin’ Cameron table and God forbid I don’t want you to do that to her.” He storms off, ignoring his dad’s commands that to stay. If Ward wanted to throw being an adult back in his face, he could also end the conversation without Ward’s permission.
Once in his room, he finds you changing into one of his shirts. You look damn good, and it softens him a little. He has no idea how much of that you heard. Hopefully, not a lot. But he didn’t regret what he said.
“Rose told me I’ll be in the pink room downstairs.” You sigh.
“That’s bullshit,” Rafe hisses. You freeze, mouth parted and eyes wide, and he runs a hand over his face to calm himself down. “Sorry. But it is. You can stay up here.”
“I don’t wanna go against your dad when he’s the one letting me stay.” You wrap your arms around yourself like you’re cold. Rafe’s seen you do that before. When he helped you with your car and you asked for him to help you in the pool. He reaches toward you slowly, gently taking you into his arms.
“It’s not like he’d kick you out. Not when the storm’s about to hit.” Rafe murmurs into your hair.
“Let me just spend one night downstairs, okay? Just to get him to chill out a little bit.”
“Fine,” He tries to breathe deeper. To let the anger settle and fade. He wasn’t mad at you. Just his dad. “But you’re coming shopping with me tomorrow morning.”
“Shopping?” You pull away, eyes widening. “Rafe, the grocery stores are always insane right before a storm like this. Even in Figure Eight, right?”
“Not for groceries, dummy,” He says playfully, smirking at you. “To the mall. I need a few things. Won’t be crowded.”
“Okay,” You relent. “If you say so.”
He’d cashed the $250 check from the Enduro race and had a few ideas on how he wanted to spend it. If you’d let him.
One night in Tannyhill without Rafe feels strange. It emphasizes how large the house is. Each footstep or door closing seemed to echo across the house. And even in summer, you were still cold under two blankets. Your comfort was that John B and Sarah seemed to be right above you, and you could slightly hear their voices chatting as you drifted off.
Rafe takes you to the mall on Figure Eight right when the stores open. Barely anyone is inside except the employees, giving you a good look at all the stores. Saks. Brooks Brothers. Chanel. DIOR. The air smelled like real leather and expensive perfume, the glossy tile floor squeaking under your feet. All of the bright, warm lighting made up for the clouds rolling in.
He drags you into some kind of athletic store, veering right toward the women’s shoes. His bright blue eyes scan each pair displayed on the wall. You glance around at the soft lighting, the cute and almost impractical looking athleisure on the mannequins. Pulling a sleeve toward you, you check the price and have to restrain from gasping in shock. You turn back to Rafe, pretending to be nonchalant.
“Suddenly interested in women’s fashion?” You quip as he sets down a pink running shoe back on the display.
“I’m not here for me.” He rolls his eyes, picking up a gray shoe with a lot of cushion. You feel your stomach drop as all the blood rushes to your cheeks.
“Rafe,” You barely get his name out, having to swallow the nerves crawling their way up your throat. “I-”
“You need new running shoes. End of discussion. Try these on.” He grabs a box in your size, that he somehow knows, shoving it in your arms. And his voice is so demanding that you obey. They fit like a glove. Softer and more padded than anything you’ve ever owned. It almost feels like every muscle in your feet relaxes in relief.
For good measure, Rafe has you jog across the store. It’s a little embarrassing, but both he and the employee that came to assist seem to act like you’re doing this right. The shoes feel amazing. And Rafe won’t take no for an answer, bringing them to the cashier and taking out a wad of fresh bills.
“I’ll pay you back.” You try not to gape at the cash.
“No need,” He brushes you off. “This is my Enduro money. And we’re a ‘thing’.” He speaks like it’s final. Like there is no debate. And so much has happened between you two, your feelings so deep, that you can’t even form any thoughts in retaliation. Because in this case, it’s like he’s saying ‘let me be nice to you’. It doesn’t come off like he’s trying to buy you, like you’d owe him, which is what you used to be afraid of.
Rafe gets more excited than you after that. He talks you into a new party dress (on clearance per your request) and a nice brunch at a café. It feels like the color never leaves your cheeks, a funny feeling in your gut as your legs feel unstable. Being with Rafe would definitely mean getting used to gifts, it seemed.
The day starts out so happy that you’d almost forgotten about the storm until the sky turned black. The windows at Tannyhill shake with the wind, and when the rain hits, it seems to echo across the mansion.
You’re quiet at dinner. Anxiety prickling under your skin as Rafe watches you like a hawk. Ward is watching you too. You know you manage some polite small talk, but it’s like your brain isn’t there. You have no idea what you said. Your aunt knows the drill though, taking over the conversations at the table to let you rest. She gives you a look that tells you that you can leave the dinner table, but with the limited time you’ve gotten with the Cameron family, it doesn’t feel like you can.
You do hide in the bathroom a few times, trying to take some deep breaths. Until you come out again and Sarah whisks you into the home theater with Wheezie, putting on a marathon of Disney movies for the rest of the evening. Cuddled up on the couch with Sarah in the middle, no windows to show the storm outside, your heart settle just a bit.
But the real terror hits when it’s time for bed. The guest room on the first floor has a lot more windows than Rafe’s room. It’s loud and terrifying. Sleep would never come to you here. So against Ward’s wishes, you tiptoe off to Rafe’s room.
He’s awake and already standing when you enter the room, like he was just about to check on you. He says nice, soothing things, but you can barely hear him over the sounds of the storm. Your body is wired, every alarm going off at all the signs your brain has determined as extreme danger. You can feel the tears coming as he takes you into his arms again.
You feel pathetic. Broken. Even Wheezie was handling the storm better than you. Most of the island probably was. And you were keeping Rafe awake, burrowing into him under the covers. You wanted to call Pope again.
But Rafe was strong. Steady. Your anchor. Letting your tears stop and your breathing slow down. And when you thought about it, he was your reminder of how far you’d come. At the beginning of summer, you had never gone into the pool. Had never gotten close to the ocean. Had never been on a boat. Not since the incident. Now, you’d done all those things.
Healing isn’t linear, Pope once said. You were stronger than before. Even if you were having a hard time now. That was okay. You were safe in Tannyhill. With your aunt. Sarah. John B. Wheezie. And Rafe. The person who always pulled you back up to the surface when you were drowning. That thought is what finally lets you sleep.
Comment if you want to be in the taglist, and let me know what you think! Love you all so much! I have anons turned on if you want to ask questions or tell me what you think, and I can also do emoji anons if you message a lot!
pairing: vampire!Rafe x human!terminallyill!!Reader
summary: you move to a sleepy South Carolina town for more time. what you didn't expect was the possibility of forever. and then you meet Rafe Cameron. mysterious. dangerous. handsome. and unbeknownst to you, bloodthirsty. and the scent of you makes him feral. you could be his undoing, he could be your salvation.
wc: 2.7k
warnings: 18+ series with smut, violence, heavy subject matter. think TVD and Twilight lore, southern gothic vibes.
a/n: continuing thanks to popular demand! appreciate all of you, let me know what you think! I've got some (what I think) exciting smut and action scenes in mind hehehe
table of contents: PART 1
Rafe rarely smoked on his breaks. It was an easy excuse to get some time outside and scope who he could drink from. He needed it tonight, after your scent consumed him. It made him thirstier than he’d ever been. He felt like he was a newborn again.
His fingers hover over Paula’s name in his phone. He wanted to text her. She’d be heading home from her shift at the diner soon. But she wouldn’t smell like you. And she’d barely healed since the last time. He’d have to be careful. But seducing her was easy. He could tell she liked him.
Maybe the blonde from the hospital. Jenny? Janice? She was hot, and the fact that she clearly didn’t like him made her hotter. He’d put in the work to get her to go home with him. Sharpen his skills.
Your voice rings out to him, drowning out everything else. Ever since he turned, all his senses were heightened. But especially with you. Even in the bookstore, he could hear you. You were scared. Pleading. But he couldn’t sense another heartbeat in the store with you. Which could only mean one thing.
Once Rafe could tell no one else was outside nearby, he used his inhuman speed to get to you, opening the door to the bookstore as the sounds of you begging for your life and for love rang in his ears. He was right. A newborn vamp has you cornered. Rage courses through him, strengthening him as he tackles the newborn.
Mine, he thinks. His town. His humans. You are his. Your blood is his. Fangs sliding out, eyes black, he’s more than ready when the newborn springs to his feet. The newborn is strong, hunger driving him. But it’s no match for Rafe’s possessiveness.
Every hit from the newborn feels like pain, a new sensation for him every since he turned. But it just motivates him more. He returns every blow tenfold. He’d only ever fought one vamp since he turned. Someone working for his maker that had chased him on the Banks. It must have been his newborn strength that allowed him to get away. But it felt good to fight again. To feel pain.
The newborn gets more desperate, momentarily stronger than ever before. He tosses Rafe into a bookshelf, sending the furniture crashing to the floor. You panic. He can see it. You grab a bat from behind the register, like an idiot. Before Rafe can stop you, you swing the aluminum against the newborn.
It’s like hitting solid concrete. You drop the bat, whimpering in pain, your eyes wide as the vamp turns toward you. Hungry and feral. Rafe can’t have that. Can’t let him have you. He springs to his feet and launches forward.
“Mine.” He snarls to the newborn, and the second he gets the man pinned down, he takes the wooden stake from his back pocket and stabs him in the chest. Just like he’d seen only once before, the vamp disappears in a plume of black smoke.
Rafe allows himself a moment to recover, ignoring your shock. He can hear your heart pumping, blood rushing to your cheeks and hands. Delicious. But he can’t. No. You’re asking questions. But he can’t hear them over the sound of your heart. Over the feeling of your scent.
“What in the world is happening?” A new voice enters the battlefield. Rafe’s fists clench. He’d been so distracted and consumed he hadn’t even noticed the old broad coming down the stairs, eyes barely open as she closed her fluffy robe.
“Who the fuck is this?” He asks you.
“Mrs. Hawthorne. The owner of the bookstore.” You offer meekly. Your eyes are still wide. Heart hammering away. He can’t bring himself to care about how confused you must be. One thing at a time.
Rafe stalks toward the old woman. He knows she sees his fangs, his eyes, the spattering of vampire blood on the floor. His only solution is one of the lessons his maker taught him before he escapes. Compulsion.
He grabs the woman’s arm underneath her mauve robe sleeve. Stares into her eyes, blue and bright with fear. And once he feels her pupils lock, he speaks.
“You’re going to go back to bed and fall asleep. You’ll forget what you saw here. This is just a robbery gone wrong. That’s it.” He commands. When he lets go of the woman’s arm, she blinks rapidly a few times. Then she yawns, tightens her robe again, and heads upstairs. Muttering to herself about a bad dream.
Rafe turns back to you. You’ve backed away from him, figuring out you’re next. But you can’t outrun him. And you’re not strong enough to fight him off. He grips your arm, hearing your breath hitch as your warmth spreads through him.
You smell so good. He could bend his head down right now. Sink his teeth into your neck. Drink and drink and drink. He wanted to. God, he wanted to. But you were sick. And if newborns were finally wandering into town, he needed his strength. Suddenly remembering he was capable, he holds his breath to block out your scent, even though it’s still burned in his brain.
“This won’t hurt,” He promises to you in a way he didn’t with the old woman. He didn’t actually know if it hurt or not. But he wanted to reassure you. “Just gotta make you forget.”
“No!” Your voice forces out like you’re being strangled. Rafe freezes. “Please. Please don’t.”
“Have to.” He replies, confused. Why would you want to remember this? He was gonna make the fucked up shit go away. Why wouldn’t you want that? Did you really want to remember the terror? Your mortality? The realization that monsters are real? Seeing him like this?
“Rafe,” You plead his name and his mind momentarily goes blank. “Please. I-I’m dying. You just showed me there’s something beyond death.” The words come out of you like a gasp but they hit him like a blow to the chest. You did know you were dying. And what he became somehow brought you solace. As heartless as he was, he couldn’t take that away.
“You can’t fuckin’ tell a soul, you hear me?” He growls, willing his bite back to his voice.
“I won’t.” You promise. And he can feel the truth in your heartbeat. In your eyes. In the way you breathe. He releases you and you practically collapse to the floor, heaving to get air in your lungs.
“Robbery gone wrong. Some random out-of-towner. Got that shit?” Rafe lifts up the bookshelf easily.
“Got it.” You grit out between breaths. And he leaves you, wondering if he just made the second worst mistake of his life. The first being going into the marsh alone in the Banks. Where he met his maker. He didn’t know if that newborn signaled her return, or if it was a coincidence, or if something even worse was descending upon the town he had just started to call home.
You barely sleep that night, everything you saw swirling in your head like some kind of nightmare. But it was real. You felt the ricochet when you swung the bat, your wrists still hurt. You felt Rafe’s cold hand on your arm, tight and strong. You saw the fangs.
And the next day, you felt the effects of not sleeping. Your weak body ached. Exhaustion clung to every part of you. You didn’t wake from the nightmare. Because it was real. Rafe had fangs. So did the other man. Who died by a wooden stake, disappearing into the night. Vampires, just like the books you used to read.
The day is a blur, Sherrif Thompson taking a report about the robbery and asking questions. You don’t give anything about Rafe away, or what really happened. Mrs. Hawthorne doesn’t remember a thing, just like Rafe commanded. And somehow, there was only one security camera on this road and all it captured was the man no one knew walking into the bookstore.
At night, you head to Lucky’s. It’s a weeknight, so there’s no hostess to greet you and the only other person at the bar is an old man nursing a beer while he watches the news on TV. Rafe is at the bar wiping down the counters when you take a seat on the end. He immediately frowns.
“What can I get you?” He asks, but it’s impossible to miss the irritation in his voice.
“Just water.” You smile sheepishly. His light blue eyes seem to get icier as they narrow.
“What else do you want?” He demands. You know what he’s really asking.
“Was just a little curious about you. That’s all.” You shrug.
“Well, if you’re gonna come into my work and be ‘curious’ about me, you should at least order something.” He lowers his voice.
“Fine. I’ll have a Coke.” You relent. He fills up a glass with ice, then soda, sliding it to you.
“First question. Are you immortal?” You can’t help but smile. You know you should be scared, but for some reason this was all so exciting. Rafe looks like you just slapped him across the face.
“Are you fuckin’ dense?” He taps his head aggressively as if reminding you that you have a brain, his voice so quiet you have to strain to hear him. “Why would you ask me that here?”
“Oh, come on. No one’s really around.” You nod toward the old man who hasn’t even torn his gaze away from the TV once.
“Not here.” He mutters, wiping the counters again.
“Then go on a smoke break. The counters are clean enough.” You take a sip of Coke. He glares at you, but you don’t look away and instead raise a brow. You didn’t have anything to lose. You were already dying.
“Kane!” Rafe calls into the kitchen, waiting for the line cook to respond. “Smoke break. Back in 10.” He stomps out a side door and you follow. “You really have no fuckin’ self-preservation, do you?”
“Kinda hard to have if you’re already dying.” You quip as you watch him take out a cigarette. He dangles it between his lips again. “Gonna light that?”
“You said I shouldn’t smoke.” He counters. That gets a chuckle out of you.
“Just looks weird to hold one and not do anything with it.” You shrug. “But I appreciate it. Bad lungs, you know.”
“Most people don’t pay that much attention,” He rolls his eyes. “Now ask me your shit. Don’t got all day.”
“Are you immortal?” You ask again, looking at him expectantly.
“Don’t know. I left the person who turned me before I could complete the intro course.” He says dryly.
“But it takes a lot for you to die?”
“As far as I can tell. A stake to the heart will do it. So will fire.”
“Interesting. Do you feel pain?” You ask your next question. His eyes seem to gaze past you.
“Not unless I’m fighting another vamp, no.”
“Wow,” You breathe, and you know he doesn’t like the way you’re looking at him. You’re too excited. Too interested. He’s glaring. You try to even out your expression and your voice. “Do you drink human blood?”
“Yes.” He nods, gazing past you into nothing.
“How?”
“Blood bags. Or I drink from someone in town and make them forget. I don’t kill them.” He assures you. As if that would placate you. But you weren’t even afraid. You probably should be. But you weren’t.
“Do you want to drink from me now?” You ask curiously. Because maybe if he did, he’d turn you somehow. And you could live longer than you were projected, with no pain.
“You have no fuckin’ idea.” He growls. And that’s when you notice he’s holding his breath. You’re essentially torturing him. That makes your heart sink. That wasn’t what you wanted. He saved your life. He shouldn’t have to suffer for that. You’re about to tell him you’re done when he speaks first. “Don’t make me regret this. I can compel you whenever I want. Stay the fuck away.” He heads back inside, the door slamming behind him.
And it’s like he’s begging you to be afraid. To see him as some kind of demonic monster. But you don’t. You just see a boy who was dealt a beautifully horrible twist of fate. One that you almost wished you could have.
Thank you so much for reading, please let me know what you think! I really don't know if anyone would even like this but I'm so intrigued by vampire Rafe lol. Comment if you want to be added to the taglist!
blah. you’re usually decorating other people’s weddings considering your line of work, but what happens when it happens to be your boyfriends sister’s wedding?
context warnings. fluff purely fluff, strong language, in this household we accept sarah x john b, and strong language usage!
sarah was getting married this weekend to john b. the cameron family hadn’t approved, but then again, sarah did whatever she wanted without consequences from anyone.
the theme was babypink and ivory and she picked you to do all the decorations. you forced your boyfriend, rafe, to come along to help, claiming you needed, “manly hands” when you could’ve done it all by yourself, of course.
you just wanted to see him moan and brood.
“so? how do you think about my sketch?” your voice sing-song, tapping the eraser of the sharp yellow pencil on your plump bottom lip.
rafe muttered, “it looks like fuckin’ dog shit.”
your eyebrow raised with a snort slipping. “okay at least try to act excited for it.” one hand clutched the clipboard and the pencil, the other gesturing towards the decorations.
“your sister is getting married.”
“unfortunately.”
“this weekend.”
“i know. i dreaded it for weeks.”
you facepalm. “at least help me set up chairs.” you sigh. “you’re absolutely useless.”
rafe reluctantly swung plastic chairs over his broad shoulder, dragging them over to their designed spots as assigned on your paper.
“is this to your satisfaction?” he asked dryly, hands on his hips, looking unimpressed. you crossed your arms and popped a hip. “uh huh.”
you both moved efficiently throughout the afternoon, with rafe’s occasional grumbling like a toddler who’d been told they couldn’t gnaw on a poisonous crayon or chair leg.
currently you were on the phone with the cake planner. “yes. i saw pictures it looks absolutely delicious, i would like it with some more frosting though. she loves that. yes!”
rafe scowled from behind. his eyebrows pinched downward, mean mugging any party decorator that arrived to set items down. rafe even had the poor UPS driver scrambled back to his truck when he saw the irritable look rafe plastered on.
— + —
with exhausted hands and bodies, you and rafe collapsed on the ground. he was sweaty, body aching, his white polo drenched sopping wet. you exhaled heavily, your head spinning from how much you’d worked in the tannyhill heat.
a ping ringed from your pocket. you shifted uncomfortably on the poking grass, fishing your phone out your back pocket of the jean shorts, handing the unlocked device to him to so he could see the ultimate pictures of the decorated finished frosted cake. you’d figured he would have an opinion on it. a sarcastic comment or something.
he snatched the phone, eyes squinted. “hold on i need my glasses.” he shoved them on, a displeasured grunt escaping his tight lips. “that’s the damn cake they’re havin’? john b’s big head is right there!”
the cake was outright stunning with sarah and john b’s statues on top of it. you giggle, “yes. do you like it?” you mock with a grin. rafe threw his head back with the most serious, disappointed expression ever. “i’m not doin’ this bullshit with you. that’s the most—can i at least cut john b’s statue and eat the head?”
you pause. you turn your head, eyes searching his to see any signs or hints that he was joking but all you saw was sincere intentions.
your eyes widened the size of texas when you saw that he was absolutely serious about it too.
“you’re not allowed anywhere near a knife or cake. absolutely not, cameron!” you point at him and he just shrugged like he hadn’t just said the most outrageous thing ever. “worth a shot.”
All work belongs to @KODASALBUM 2026. Please do not copy my work, translate it, give to other websites or other platforms, or feed into any sort of ai. You’ll will definitely be blocked. Thank you for getting this far.
comments are loved and appreciated. this was going to be my tomorrow post but i decided to try it out today for two exact reasons. i have an exam tomorrow (wish me luck) and won’t be on all day, and i wanted to test out my new theme so lmk if you like it or not. enjoy <3.
summary: after falling off a boat during a storm, you'd given up adventuring with the pogues. and dating all together. but the nightmares and panic attacks stayed with you all these years. you beared it alone, until an unlikely kook keeps showing up when you need help.
wc: 2.3k
warnings: 18+, alcohol, series with heavy subject matter and smut
a/n: Rafe is down BAD for reader y'all. look at how far we've come! only a few parts left. love and appreciate every single one of you so much.
banner: @/rumbleonthemill
table of contents: PART 1, PART 2, PART 3, PART 4, PART 5, PART 6, PART 7, PART 8, PART 9, PART 10, PART 11, PART 12
Rafe keeps his arm latched around your waist, willing to stay by you all night if that’s what you need. But you’re handling the party surprisingly well. He’s introduced you properly to Top and Kelce, who are embarrassingly thrilled, as well as any Kook he thinks is worth a damn. Even with the constant barrage of people congratulating him on the Enduro race and buying him shots, you hold your own. Only bracing when someone rags on JJ. And after the first hour, he can see your shoulders loosen, your smile relaxed. You encourage him to celebrate with his friends, talking to some of the girls inside.
He’s had one too many shots along with his glass of whisky, his mind swimming as Top and Kelce chat about whatever girls they’re into. Regardless of your decent mood, his eyes find you constantly. Checking on you. Muscles tight like he was ready to spring into action in seconds.
“So, Rafe,” Kelce pats his shoulder aggressively, tearing his focus away from you as he grips his glass. “Seems like she’s the real deal.”
“Yeah.” He coughs awkwardly. Cheeks getting warm.
“What’s the plan once summer’s over? She’s at the community college, right?” Topper asks, and Rafe nods in response.
“I don’t know, man. I got a call about an interview for an internship in Durham.” He admits.
“Oh, sick, no way!” Topper takes his turn smacking Rafe on the shoulder. “My uncle’s company?”
“Yeah,” Rafe drawls, staring out at the ocean. “That’s not gonna give me much time to visit her. Like, commuting to Raleigh and Durham and then tryin’ to come back to the Banks. I don’t know. And I know she’s workin’ her ass off. I just…it’s not gonna be the same…”
“Come on, bro,” Kelce chides, offering him a smile. “It’ll be okay. We have technology.”
“Have any of you guys done the long-distance thing?” He asks in exasperation. But he already knows the answer. They shake their heads no.
“But Sarah has,” Top reminds him. “Just talk to her about it or whatever.”
“Yeah, if she can do it, you can.” Kelce encourages.
“Yeah,” Rafe straightens up as he nods again. He could do whatever she could. Maybe. “I’m just…I’m gonna fuckin’ miss her.” His voice goes quiet.
“Oh, shit.” Topper fights a grin.
“You’re fucked, bro,” Kelce covers his mouth, brown eyes going wide. “Cameron’s real fucked.”
And they were right. He was. He watched you talking to the girls, laughing and enjoying yourself. You may have been nervous around Kooks, but you didn’t look down on them. He could picture you by his side at parties at UNC. At Midsummers and whatever Kook shit Rose dragged him to. You’d look good with him, and he wanted you there. That thought made him more nervous than the Enduro.
“I’m gonna call my dad.” He announces suddenly, not wanting to process how in-deep he really was. He walks out to the mast, watching the ocean as he calls Ward. It takes a few rings, but his dad eventually picks up. Feeling himself smile, he tells him about the race and how well he did.
“Only second, huh?” Ward interrupts, and Rafe feels his stomach sink. “Who got first?”
“Maybank.” Rafe grits out.
“Lost to a Pogue. That’s too bad.” Ward says flatly. “What about internships? Make any progress?”
“Yeah, actually. Got an interview in Durham. Thorton Inc.” He thinks, just for one second, that his dad might like hearing that.
“Just an interview, no offers yet?” Ward presses, and just like that, Rafe’s mood sinks again.
“Just an interview.”
“With Topper’s help, I’m sure.” Ward is probably rolling his eyes. Rafe can feel it. “Well, hopefully you get it. Keep me posted. Gotta go, son. It’s late.”
“Bye.” Rafe replies, but Ward has already ended the call. He has to supress the urge to toss his phone overboard. The anger is boiling under the surface of his skin. Nothing he did was ever good enough. He would never get it right. And he’d probably fuck things up with you, too.
He needed to talk to you about what happens after summer. But it felt so ridiculously difficult. And all he could picture was him disappointing you. That pout you’d make and the way you looked so pretty when you cried, but it would be because of him. The feeling made him sick. But it seemed inevitable.
That’s why he’d been putting it off for so long. If he didn’t talk about it, it wasn’t happening. Each day could be easy. Fun. You’d be happy. That’s all he wanted. He didn’t want to think about not seeing you all the time. He didn’t want to think about you being hours away from him.
Because that hurt. And it scared him that it did.
The Kook girls that Rafe had introduced you to were much nicer than you expected. They asked you questions about college, shared high school stories about Rafe, and tried to make you feel included. But the longer the night went on, the more alone you felt with them.
You couldn’t relate. They talked about frats and sororities. Designer clothes and new phones and new cars. They gossiped about who was seen with who at places all over Figure Eight. It made you feel like a kid again, just trying to fit in when no one really wanted you there.
That little tiny warning sign happened again. The tightening in your chest. Feeling short of breath. Your social battery was hitting its limit. Your nerves growing. You excused yourself to the restroom, thankful a boat this big actually had one. Shutting the door, you immediately call the one logical voice as you try to keep your breathing even.
“Hey, homie!” Pope’s voice yells on the other end, making you hold the phone away from your ear. You couldn’t help but smile. “What’s up?”
“How drunk are you?” You question.
“JJ did buy us a bottle of Crown,” He admits. “But I’m great. How’re you?”
“Feel like I’m not fitting in,” You sigh. Your eyes start to water as you brace your free hand on the sink. “Kook world is crazy.”
“I believe it. But Sarah’s a Kook, and she’s awesome and adores you.”
“True. I just worry that Rafe…” You trail off, feeling your chest get heavy. As you tried to continue, your voice shook as the tears spilled out. “I worry that he won’t want me around or something.”
“I doubt that’ll happen.” Pope insists, and you can hear Cleo agreeing in the background.
“It’s easy for you to say. You’re my friend.” You counter.
“Okay, but I swear, literally, I have never seen Rafe like this. Even Sarah said the same thing. I think he really likes you. And I don’t think he’s gonna give a damn if you have a hard time and can’t do all the crazy shit he used to do in high school or if you can’t keep up with the Jones’.”
“Did Sarah really say that?” You feel your heart lift at his words. Things always sounded better coming from Pope. The most logical of the group.
“Yeah, not that long ago, actually. She said this is the most smitten she’s ever seen him. So, relax. The dude likes you. And who cares if the rest of the Kooks don’t?” Pope replies.
“Thanks, homie. Sorry to bother you, enjoy the boneyard and tell everyone I said hey.” You murmur. Pope says your name like he’s scolding you.
“You’re never bothering me. Okay? Never. But I will. Hope you enjoy the rest of your night.”
Even though Pope’s words did encourage you, the tears fall anyway. Your body’s release of the building panic and all the doubts in your mind. You let it happen, eventually wiping away the tears when someone forcefully knocks on the door.
“Sorry, be out in a sec!” You call, checking your reflection in the mirror. Your eyes were red, but your makeup was okay. That would have to do. You open the door to find Ruthie. Her face twists like you were the last person she wanted to see, before she takes in your expression. It was like the mask she always wore fell. A crease forms between her brows as her mouth drops at the corners.
“Jesus, Pogue. Are you good?” Her brown eyes widen. “Look, if he hurt you, I can take you home. Night’s still early-”
“God, no.” You shake your head quickly, brushing away her words. “He didn’t. I’m okay, thanks.”
Ruthie’s walls go back up, her eyes losing the second of softness and girlhood. Her face flattens, no longer creased with emotion. She was placing you back where you belonged in her mind. Not just a girl. Not just a person. A Pogue. She scoffs, sliding past you.
“You better check on him, then. He seems pissed. It’s making Topper all jumpy.”
It feels like your stomach falls. You’d wanted to go to Rafe for comfort, but you didn’t want to take him away from his friends or bring the mood down. You stride out back to the party, eyes searching for Rafe. Was he mad at you for panicking? Did he think you left? You find him looking out at the ocean, all alone against the rail. You take a deep breath before joining him at the most nerve-wracking part of the boat, your legs shaking.
“There you are.” He acknowledges, voice low.
“Sorry, got a little overwhelmed.” You admit as you try to smile. His eyes are cold and grey again. It makes a lump form in your throat that you try to swallow back.
“I get it,” He finishes off his whiskey. “Wanna bounce?”
“Sure, if you’re ready. You okay?” You ask tentatively.
“Just my dad. Can never do the right thing.” He rolls his eyes, walking back to the bar to drop off his glass. You follow. So, he wasn’t mad at you. That was a relief. But his dad had upset him.
“I’m sorry.” You murmur, falling in stride with him as he leads you off the boat. Once on the docks, he grabs your hand again, knowing you don’t like the unsteady ground with the water peaking through the boards.
He stays silent the whole drive back, but he still keeps your hand in his wherever he can. It makes you feel warm. Safe. That no matter what happened, he’d grown enough that he wouldn’t take his anger with his dad out on you.
You get ready for bed at Tannyhill like you had every night this week, grabbing a cotton shirt from his dresser that’s just long enough to cover you and brushing your teeth alongside him with a toothbrush he bought you. The mood is heavy. Both of you tired emotionally. But there’s a contentedness underneath. A little routine you’d built alongside each other, even if only for a few days.
Rafe pulls you to him under the covers, his chest bare and his heart beating strongly against you. With him holding you, it never takes you long to fall asleep. No nightmares haunt you tonight. But when you wake up to sunlight streaming across his room, you don’t feel any happier. Rafe’s parents were coming back today. That would put an end to your pretend moments of domestic bliss.
“One last breakfast?” Rafe mutters beside you, stirring awake. You nod, rubbing the sleep from your eyes.
Same as all the other days before, you make eggs and bacon and toast. Make the coffee. Try to focus despite Rafe peppering kisses on your neck, arms wrapped around your waist from behind.
“I’m gonna miss being here.” You admit with a sigh as you eat, watching Rafe from across the table.
“You’re welcome here anytime. You know that, right?” He glances at you as his expression gets serious.
“Thanks,” You blush. “But it won’t be the same with your parents and Wheezie back here.”
“Yeah, I know.” He grumbles, stabbing his bacon with his fork like it personally offended him. An alert goes off on his phone, startling you both. Rafe curses. You recognize the sound. National Weather Service.
“Storm?” You ask softly. Breakfast turns in your stomach as unease settles in. Rafe checks his phone nonchalantly, not a care in the world.
“That hurricane they kept talking about is getting closer. But it should be a tropical storm by the time it gets here.” He says it so easily, like the words mean nothing. And maybe they don’t in Figure Eight. People here have the money for stronger houses. For quick and efficient repairs. For generators, extra food, gallons of water. Your aunt’s trailer felt like it was one 95mph gust from blowing away.
“It’ll be okay.” He assures when he sees your expression, grabbing your hand again. You try to smile at him, but it’s not easy.
“Not in the Cut, it won’t. We were pretty fucked when Agatha hit. No power for weeks.” You admit, shuddering at the memory. The sound of the wind and rain hitting the trailer was terrifying enough that you still remember it like it was yesterday. Even if this storm cell weakened into a tropical storm, it would still be enough to do some damage. And trigger your panic.
“Stay here,” Rafe says simply. “And bring your aunt. We’ve got plenty of space here. Even if Sarah brings John B.”
“Rafe, I couldn’t impose. Would your parents be okay with that?” You feel your face get hot as you look away.
“Who the fuck cares?” He scoffs, dropping your hand. “They’ll get over it.”
“Okay,” You try to smile again and it’s a little easier this time. “I’ll pack up some stuff and bring her over.”
“Good.” He murmurs, bringing his chair closer to you as he wraps you in his arms. “I’ll keep you safe. Always.”
And his words sound like a promise he intends to keep.
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Military!Rafe Cameron x Military!Fem!Reader [ more rafe content ]
SYNOPSIS & WC─•❥ "If somewhere there is a heaven, this is as close as I will get"
WARNING(S) & A/N─•❥ swearing, parental neglect, military setting, just testing out an idea here kinda love it (y'all should totally listen to the song while reading)
THE military academy wasn’t a place anyone came to by choice. At least not the recruits in your battalion.
You were all there because someone, somewhere, decided you were broken and needed to be fixed.
For Rafe, that someone was his father.
You still remembered the day he arrived. You’d been sitting on the steps outside the administration building, rubbing your sore ankles after your first day of drill, when an SUV pulled up to the drop-off zone. Ward Cameron didn’t even get out of the car. He just unlocked the passenger door, tossed a duffel bag onto the gravel, and spoke a few harsh, quiet words before driving off, leaving dust hanging in the air.
Rafe had stood there in his fresh civilian clothes, jaw locked, hands balled into white-knuckled fists.
During those first few weeks of basic training, everyone stayed very far away from him.
Rafe was quiet, but it wasn't a peaceful quiet. It was an angry, suffocating silence that followed wherever he went. He didn't talk to anyone in the bunks, didn't make eye contact in the mess hall, and did his assigned chores with his lips pressed shut, face flat. If someone asked him a question, he’d glare at them until they walked away. The other recruits whispered that he was crazy, or just another asshole rich kid with a shitty temper.
But you saw something else when you looked at him.
You saw the way his eyes darted around when he thought no one was watching, searching for a danger that wasn't there. You saw that heaviness that hung over his shoulders that he couldn’t get rid of. You recognized it because you felt it every single day. Your own parents had shipped you off here after one too many arguments, one too many missed curfews, one too many suspensions, one too many fights, one too many drunken nights, one too many run-in’s with the law—deciding you were too difficult, too disappointing, too much to deal with.
You spent your first week silently crying into your mattress after lights-out, feeling like you were the only person in the world who didn't fit anywhere.
So watching Rafe sit alone at the far end of the long mess hall tables, picking at his food with his head hung low, you realized he was doing the same thing you were doing—building a wall so high nobody could get close enough to hurt him. Or to care.
Except you decided you weren’t going to let that stop you. For whatever reason.
It was a Tuesday morning, mess hall was loud, filled with the clatter of trays and the chatter of tired recruits. Rafe was sitting at an otherwise empty table in the back corner, shoulders hunched.
You took a deep breath and carried your tray over, ignoring his curious stare as you pulled out the metal chair across from him and sat down, staring at him with a lopsided, yet nervous, smile.
Rafe’s jaw clenched and he huffed before glaring at you. "Seat’s taken," he grunted.
You just breathed, shrugging. "Doesn't look taken to me," you said, pulling your orange juice closer and leaning back. "There are actually eight empty chairs here."
"I'm sittin’ here," he said, his tone a warning. "Go sit with someone else..."
"Mmm…nah," you said, taking a bite of toast and smiling at him. "I like the view over here. Plus, you look like you need the company."
Rafe stared at you like you had just spoken in another language before he paused and scowled, grabbing his tray and standing to leave, but you just giggled, calling after him, "See you at drill, sunshine!"
He didn't turn around, but you saw the way his neck flushed red.
YOU didn't give up. The next day, you sat across from him again. He ignored you again, staring at the wall behind your head, but you didn't care. You rambled about how awful the morning run was, about the drill sergeant’s accent, and how the coffee tasted like rusted nails.
On Thursday, when you were assigned to cleaning the equipment shed together, Rafe spent the first thirty minutes in silence, wiping down training gear.
"Y’know," you said, leaning against a stack of wooden crates and tossing a rag over your shoulder, "if you scowl any harder, your face is gonna get stuck like that… ‘s what my mom used to say anyway."
Rafe stopped wiping down a pack as he slowly turned his head toward you, eyes narrowing. "What's your problem?"
"Don't have one," you said lightly. "What's yours?"
"You," he snapped, taking a step toward you, trying to look intimidating. Rafe was tall, broad-shouldered, all muscle, and his buzzed hair made him look more authoritative—he held himself like someone who was used to pushing people around. "Why are you followin’ me around 'n shit? What d'you want?"
You didn't shrink back, just looked up at him, a small, teasing smile playing on your lips. "I don't want anything.” You told him. “Jus’ think you look lonely. And I'm lonely…” You said, tone still teasing but he didn’t miss the way your face fell in the smallest of motions before you picked it back up like it was nothing. “So we might as well be lonely together."
Rafe blinked, anger flashing in his eyes, but under it, for just a second, he looked caught off guard. Nobody had ever said something like that to him. Nobody had ever looked past his temper or his status to just see him.
He clamped his mouth shut, turned back to his equipment, and muttered, "You're annoying."
"I get that a lot," you answered blithely. "Now hand me that bucket, grizzly."
Rafe paused, his eyebrow twitching as he looked down at you. "Grizzly?" he repeated, "Hell’s that supposed to mean?"
You smirked, wiping down a shelf with your rag. "You're a grizzly bear."
"I'm not a damn bear," he grumbled, though he didn't turn away.
"I beg to differ," you said, leaning back against the crates. "Grizzly bears aren't actually hostile. If needed, they're defensive and aggressive. But they usually prefer to avoid people altogether.” You threw out the information casually. “That's you. You walk around with this giant 'stay away' sign on your forehead," you mocked in a fake-deep tone. "but I’m not buyin’ it."
Rafe stared at you for a long while, jaw working. In his head, a strange feeling hit him. Not because he was mad, but because nobody had ever bothered to analyze him like that before.
Well, more so, nobody had ever analyzed him without calling him crazy or ruined.
Rafe let out a small breath—not quite a laugh, but the closest thing to it he’d expressed since arriving at base—and passed you the bucket.
SLOWLY, but very surely, the ice began to crack.
It was tiny things at first. Like how he stopped walking away when you sat down at his table. Then, he started waiting a few seconds after finishing his meal, pretending to finish his drink just so he wouldn't leave before you finished your tray.
And when you tripped during an evening march, it was Rafe’s hand that shot out, snagging the back of your uniform to keep you from hitting the dirt, pulling you upright before quickly letting go and looking away like he hadn't done anything.
"Watch yourself," he grumbled, his cheeks faintly red, the ghost of a smile on his lips.
"...Thanks," you breathed, hand holding onto his upper arm for longer than intended.
He didn't pull away.
Within three weeks, the two of you were inseparable. And because you were no longer sitting alone in the dark corners of the base, other recruits began to find their way toward the warmth you both created.
It started with Maya, a girl from your squad who had been struggling and was too terrified of the instructors to ask for help. You invited her to sit with you and Rafe during dinner. At first, she looked terrified of Rafe, who still kept his jaw set tight, but when he quietly reached over and handed her his slice of cornbread because he noticed she hadn't eaten half her dinner, Maya's eyes softened.
Then came Jax, a funny, pretty talkative guy who was constantly getting assigned extra push-ups for mouthing off, and Sam, a quiet guy who was brilliant at, well, everything.
Before any of you really realized what was happening, the back corner table in the mess hall wasn't the corner for the pair of outcasts anymore.
For the first time in his life, Rafe wasn't surrounded by fake friends who only hung out with him for his name or money, nor was he walking on eggshells trying to appease his father. He was just himself. He laughed—a genuine sound that made your chest ache in the best way possible. He smiled. He cared.
Neither you nor Rafe had ever experienced a real family, your home lives built on conditional love, harsh expectations, and gut-wrenching rejections. But here, you built your own family from scratch.
And as the squad grew closer, something changed between you and Rafe.
It was subtle at first, the kind of change that happens so gradually you don't notice until you're completely engulfed in it with no way out. The friendship that had saved both of you from isolation started to sink its teeth deeper into something else.
It showed up in the small things.
When your squad was lined up for inspection, Rafe would reach over when the instructor wasn't looking and smooth down the wrinkled collar of your uniform. When you were sitting around after hours, talking and complaining about the day, Rafe would sit next to you—so close his side pressed against yours. If you leaned back, his arm would casually stretch out behind you across the back of the bench, your shoulder resting against his chest.
He stopped acting like just a friend.
He started acting like he belonged to you, and you belonged to him.
If another male recruit from a different platoon looked at you for a second too long in the yard, Rafe’s posture would shift. He’d step slightly in front of you, eyes turning dark and narrow until the guy looked away.
When you were exhausted after a long day, Rafe would catch up to you, wordlessly reach out and grab your heavy pack, slinging it over his own shoulder alongside his own as he struck up a conversation, ignoring your protests.
"Rafe, I can carry my own stuff," you'd huff, looking up at the boy as you walked side by side.
"I know you can," he’d say, not looking back, voice low. "Doesn't mean you have to."
The rest of your friends noticed it almost immediately. Maya would catch Rafe staring at you across the yard with a soft, helpless look in his eyes that he never wore for anyone else, and she'd catch your eye and grin knowingly. Jax would make subtle remarks, teasing Rafe whenever he saved the best seat next to him for you, or whenever Rafe reached out to grab your hand to help you down off the back of a transport truck.
"You guys look like an old married couple," Jax teased one night as you sat on the steps outside of the barracks, Rafe sitting behind you, arms resting on your shoulders while you studied a map. "Seriously. Jus’ make out already."
Your face grew hot as you pretended like the comment didn’t faze you. Rafe glared up at the boy, arms remaining steady on you.
Everyone knew it. They knew that you and Rafe were in love with each other. At the very least.
Everyone knew it except for the two of you—or rather, you both knew it, but neither of you had the courage to say it out loud.
The truth was, you were both terrified.
Neither you nor Rafe had ever had anything good in your lives that didn't eventually get taken away, broken, or ruined by the people who were supposed to care about you.
Ward had treated Rafe like a failure his entire life, constant disappointment dripping from every word until Rafe believed he was fundamentally unlovable.
Your parents had treated you like a burden, leaving you with the constant fear that if you showed too much of yourself, people would leave.
This friendship—this deep, beautiful thing you shared with Rafe and your other friends, it was the first pure, good thing either of you had ever had. You were both terrified that if you tried to cross the line, if you called it what it really was, you might shatter it and everything else if it went wrong.
So you stayed in the comfortable, yet painfully aching, grey area of ‘whatever this is’.
THE reality of your pasts always had a way of creeping back in, usually on mail call days.
Fridays were mail days. Everyone would gather, and the commander would stand at the front, calling out names and tossing letters and care packages to the recruits.
It was always a day of excitement for most. Recruits would rip open boxes filled with treats, extra socks, and photos of their families. They'd read letters out loud, laughing about what their families and friends were doing back home or showing off pictures of their pets.
For you and Rafe, it was a sick weekly punishment.
The commander would call your name. You’d step forward, take your single white envelope, and walk back to the shade of the barracks. A few minutes later, Rafe’s name would be called. He picked up his envelope, face hardening back into that same expression he wore when he first arrived.
You both walked away from the noisy crowd, heading somewhere it was quiet. You sat down on an overturned wooden crate, and Rafe leaned against the brick wall beside you, paper rustling in his hands.
You opened yours first. It was a short letter from your mother. You always read their letters in that mocking, authoritative tone.
"I hope you are taking this time to reflect on the choices that led you here. Your father and I are still deeply disappointed in your behavior. We never wanted this for you. We hope the instructors are managing to instill some basic discipline in you, because we certainly couldn't. Do not bother writing back unless it’s without your usual attitude."
A sigh escaped your lips, that familiar ache settling in the center of your throat. You folded the letter back up and shoved it into your pocket, staring down at your dirt-stained combat boots.
Next to you, you heard paper tearing.
You looked up. Rafe’s knuckles were white as he held his letter. His chest was heaving slightly, eyes scanning the page.
"What’s it say?" you asked softly.
Rafe let out a harsh laugh, tossing the paper down into the dirt. "The usual.” He scoffed. “Wants to know if I'm 'acting like a man yet.' Tells me he hasn't decided if he's even coming to graduation. Says if I fail out or cause trouble, he's cuttin' me off. Doesn't ask how I am. Doesn't care..." He shrugged, lips downturned.
But you heard the way his voice cracked on the last word, and he clamped his jaw shut, turning his head away so you wouldn't see the moisture building in his eyes.
You didn't say anything. Words were useless against letters like those. If anyone else knew that, it was you.
Instead, you just stood up and stepped in front of him, closing the space between you as you wrapped your arms around his waist, pressing your face into the front of his green t-shirt.
Rafe went still for a second, catching his breath. Then, with a quiet exhale, he wrapped his arms around you, burying his face into the top of your head, fingers digging into the fabric of your shirt, holding onto you.
"I hate him," he whispered, voice trembling against your skin. "God, I hate him."
"...I know," you whispered, running your hands gently up and down his back, feeling the tense muscles gradually relax under your touch. "Trust me, I know..."
Rafe pulled back just enough to look at you. His eyes were soft as his hand came up, thumb lingering on your cheekbone, tracing the skin.
He looked like he wanted to say more—his eyes dropped to your lips, his chest rising and falling heavily—but the fear snapped back into place as he swallowed hard, fingers twitching but not moving away.
He was holding himself back with every muscle in his body, his arm practically trembling from the force of his own restraint. Looking down at you, all Rafe could think about was how unbelievably beautiful you looked, looking up at him with those soft eyes.
You were always so pretty to him, even with dirt smudged on your jaw or your uniform rumpled.
Ever since that day you stubbornly refused to leave him alone, he’d had this undeniable soft spot for you. He’d never in his life been so grateful for such an annoying person.
But he also knew that deep down that you hadn't just approached him on a whim—a part of you had seen through him because you recognized the same pieces of yourself in him before either of you had even spoken a word.
Standing there, breathing each other in, your grips on each other grew tighter. Rafe’s chest burned with each shallow breath.
He leaned in closer, gaze dropping to your mouth. He almost did it. He’d lowered his head, licking his dry lips as he prepared to press his mouth against yours, when a loud voice echoed around the corner of the brick building calling your names.
"Yo! You guys ‘round here?" Jax's voice cut through the air.
"...We should get back," Rafe said quietly, offering you a weak smile as he took one single step back, hands falling from you.
"Yeah," you breathed, forcing a smile back as you smoothed down your clothes even though they’d been ironed to hell. "Yeah, we should."
AS the weeks went by, the end of the program drew near. Graduation—the tap-out ceremony—only a week away. After, everyone would be reassigned, probably deployed to different bases, or sent home. The future was dark and unknown, stretching out in front of you.
Four days before graduation, you and your friends were hanging out after evening duty. The sun was setting, the sky drowned in shades of orange. Jax and Sam were working on an engine, while Maya was sitting on the hood of a jeep with you, whispering. Rafe was a few yards away, leaning against a workbench, sharpening a knife, eyes constantly flicking over to keep an eye on you.
Maya leaned into your elbow. "So," she murmured, "when are you gonna tell him?"
Your face twisted in the smallest of motions as you squeezed your grease-stained rag in your hands, wiping them. But she could tell by the way you refused to look up at her that you knew exactly what she was talking about, or rather who, before the words even left your mouth. "Tell who what?"
Maya rolled her eyes. "Don't play dumb.” She deadpanned. “Rafe. Graduation is in four days, y’know?” She quirked an eyebrow. “After that…who knows where any of us are going...” She egged on, letting the silence hang, hoping you’d admit to it or admit to something. When you didn’t, she groaned, turning her body towards you. “You have to say something."
"It’s… complicated," you sighed, watching Rafe work, catching his eye for half a second. "What if he doesn't feel the same way? What if it ruins the friendship we have? Or what if we inevitably get separated anyway and it’s useless? I…can't lose him." You admitted, shaking your head, looking down as you played with your fingers. “It’s not worth it…”
Maya looked at you like you had two heads. "Are you crazy? There’s not enough miles in the world to keep that man away from you.” She said, a knowing look on her face. “But if you don't speak up now, you're gonna regret it for the rest of your life."
At the same time, over by the workbench, Jax walked over with his arms crossed, stopping next to Rafe. "Hey, man. Can I ask you somethin’?"
"What?" Rafe grunted, not looking up from his knife.
"What are you doin' about her?" Jax nodded toward where you were sitting on the jeep hood, whispering with Maya.
Rafe’s grip on the tool tightened. "What are you talkin’ about?"
"I’m talking about how graduation is in…” The man checked his watch, tapping the interface. “ninety-six hours, bro," Jax said. "We're all getting deployed or whatever, and you two have been dancin’ around each other for months. You really gonna let her walk away without tellin’ her how you feel?"
Rafe stared down at the metal blade in his hand. His chest felt tight, a sick knot forming in his stomach. "It's not that simple..."
"Yes, it is," The man chuckled. “Y’just don’t want it to be—”
"Look," Rafe snapped, voice harsh, keeping his volume down so you wouldn't hear. "I'm screwed up. We both are…” He huffs, letting the tension in his shoulders relax. “She deserves someone normal, man. If I mess this up, I lose her. I can't... I can't do that."
Jax drew his lips into a thin line, clapping a hand on Rafe’s shoulder. "Bro, you're not screwed up. Either of you. When y’got here, maybe. But she fixed that. And you fixed her.” He emphasizes, looking the Cameron boy in the eyes. “You’re both more than all that now, and if you don't say it…” He winced, shrugging like it pained him. “You're an idiot."
Rafe chewed the inside of his cheek as he looked at Jax, then back over at you. The sun was catching the side of your face, highlighting your smile, and his heart pounded so hard within his chest that it felt physically painful.
OVER the next three days, both of you tried. You really did.
You tried on Wednesday night when you were sitting alone under the moonlight. You’d turned to him, hands trembling, opening your mouth to say it. But the words caught in your throat, choking you, and instead, you just asked him if he was nervous for the final drill.
He’d smiled, reached out, and squeezed your hand, saying, ‘Nah, not with you here. You make me…I don’t know, feel better. Less nervous ‘bout shit.’
Rafe tried on Thursday night when he walked you back to your barracks after lights out. He’d stopped you before to step foot on the first stair, hand wrapped around you wrist as he stared down into your eyes, breath hitching as his gaze dropped to your lips. He’d opened his mouth, chest heaving, wanting desperately to tell you. But the memory of his father's voice, saying he ‘ruins everything’ echoed in his mind, and he just couldn’t, opting to kiss your forehead gently before telling you goodnight and turning, walking away.
AND then, Graduation Day arrived.
The summer sun beat down mercilessly, making waves of heat rise off the ground. Hundreds of recruits stood in formation, dressed in their operational camouflage uniforms.
The speech was over, families were waiting but you knew better than to look for your own.
The rules of the tap-out ceremony were simple, traditional, and even brutal for some.
Every recruit had to stand in their position at total attention—back straight, chin up, hands clasped behind their backs, eyes fixed ahead. You were not allowed to move, smile, or break posture under any circumstances until someone walked onto the field and tapped you out, releasing you from formation.
Silence fell over the field. Then, hundreds of family members—parents, siblings, spouses—flooded in, laughing, cheering, looking for their people.
You stood in your row, hands locked firmly behind your back, posture stiff. Your heart was pounding in your ears like a war drum. You kept your eyes locked straight ahead, but your heart sank lower and lower as you watched families embrace around you.
Minutes ticked by. Ten. Fifteen.
You saw Maya's mom run up to her, sobbing, clapping her on the shoulders. Maya broke, laughing and hugging her mother.
You saw Jax get tackled by his three younger brothers.
You saw Sam get tapped out by his dad with a proud slap on the back.
That’s when it hit you that your parents weren't coming. You’d known it deep down, but feeling it settle into your chest still hurt.
Then, a hand reached out and firmly tapped your right shoulder.
You broke your stance, turning around, half-expecting and half-hoping to see your parents standing there with apologetic smiles.
But it wasn't your parents. It was Maya, with Jax and Sam standing right behind her, all of them wearing huge smiles.
Maya looked at you, her eyes soft. "They really didn't show?"
You swallowed, looking at the three of them before shaking your head, lips curled inward as you willed yourself not to cry. But a tear still fell anyway.
Maya wiped it before she pulled you into a tight hug, Jax throwing his arms around both of you before pulling Sam in too. For a moment, clinging to the brothers and sisters you had made in the mud.
When you pulled back, wiping your eyes, you looked around the field. Families were taking pictures, hugging, laughing.
"...Where's Rafe?" you asked, eyes wide.
Jax pointed toward the far left of the field, a knowing grin growing on his face. "Over there."
You turned your head and looked. And your heart ripped in half.
He was standing alone in the middle of a clearing, completely untouched.
His back was straight, hands still clasped tightly behind his back, staring straight ahead at the empty horizon. Around him, other recruits were hugging their parents, but no one was standing near Rafe.
Nobody had come for him either.
And you could see the tremble in his shoulders, the way his knuckles were turning white behind his back as he held himself together, forced to stand frozen in place while everyone else celebrated around him.
Without saying another word, you turned and walked toward him.
Your boots stomped against the ground, the sound growing louder as you approached. Rafe’s eyes didn't move, protocol dictating that he couldn't. But as you stepped directly into his line of sight, standing in front of him, you saw his eyes flick down to meet yours.
You just stood there, looking at him. He couldn't move. He couldn't reach for you, he couldn't speak. He was entirely at your mercy.
You looked at his face—the sharp line of his jaw, the pain hiding behind his eyes.
In your head, that voice screamed at you to say it. To tell him.
Inside Rafe’s head, his thoughts were screaming just as loudly, heart thumping so hard he felt dizzy.
You took a deep breath. You wanted to say the words out loud. But as you stood there looking at him, the speech felt unnecessary. Words had hurt both of you your entire lives. Words were cheap.
Actions weren't.
You took a step closer, closing the gap between your bodies. Slowly, you reached around his waist, taking both of his hands out from behind his back.
Rafe’s breath hitched, a sharp intake of air tearing from his lungs as your skin touched his.
You pulled his hands forward, unclenching his tight fingers, and laced your fingers tightly with his.
And then, instead of reaching up to tap his shoulder, you stood up on your tiptoes and leaned in, cupping the side of his neck with one hand while holding his fingers tightly with the other before pressing your lips firmly against his.
For a second, Rafe went still, his brain short-circuiting as the feeling of your warm, soft lips pressed against his registered in his mind.
With a soft broken sob, his arms wrapped around your waist, pulling you against him until there wasn't a millimeter of anything between you. He lifted you off your feet slightly, tilting his head and deepening the kiss with a desperate force that made your knees go weak.
His lips were soft, warm, and trembling against yours. Tears escaped his closed eyes, slipping down his cheeks and mixing with yours as you kissed him back just as passionately, your fingers winding around his neck.
Around you, off in the distance, you could hear Jax letting out a loud whistle, and Maya and Sam cheering, but the noise faded into the background.
Rafe tilted your head back, a firm pressure of his hand on the nape of your neck, taking control of your mouth as he slotted his lips over yours again. A low, needy groan rumbled deep in his throat. His other arm locked around your lower back, pulling your hips against his.
Rafe parted your lips with a slide of his tongue. You gasped, the breath sucked out of your lungs, and he drank in the noise, humming in approval against your mouth. You could feel his tongue tracing yours, the desperate friction of your lips sliding together as he deepened the angle, holding your head right where he wanted it.
When Rafe finally pulled back for air, he didn't let go of you. He rested his forehead against yours, his hands clutching the fabric at your waist like he was afraid you’d vanish if he loosened it. His breathing was shallow, hot air fanning across your lips, his tears wet against your skin.
"I love you," Rafe rasped, the confession tumbling out of him in a rush.
"I love you too," you breathed out, hands clutching the front of his uniform. "I'm sorry. I'm so sorry I didn't say it sooner—"
"Don't be sorry. Don't," he insisted quickly, shaking his head as his fingers tighten around your waist. "I'm sorry. I should've said it months ago—"
"No, I waited too late." you countered, chest heaving as your hands still pressed against his chest, repeatedly smoothing over it in your own spiral. "Graduation is over, we don't even know where we're going after this—"
"It's never too late," he cut in, voice firm. "We'll figure it out."
"But what if we get separated? What if they deploy us to different places—"
“It’ll never be enough.” Rafe cut you off, one large, calloused hand moving up to firmly cup the back of your neck. "I'll never be far enough away to stop loving you."
"...I'm scared, Rafe," you whispered, voice shaking.
"I'm scared too," he confessed instantly, his own breath hitching though a small smile grew on his face in an effort to calm you. "I'm terrified. But I'm not letting you go." He assured, shaking you slightly in his hold as his expression turned serious, eyes boring into yours.
“Okay,” You nodded, but your mind was still racing, thoughts crashing over each other in a blur. "...I'm gonna keep spiraling," you admitted, lower lip trembling as you stared up at his tear-stained face.
Rafe’s thumb rubbed firmly over the sensitive skin behind your ear. He let out a low, breathless huff against your mouth. "I know you are," he murmured. "How can I make it stop?"
"...Kiss me again,"
Rafe nodded, breathing still shallow as the corner of his lips tugged upwards. "I can do that."
pairing: vampire!Rafe x human!terminallyill!!Reader
summary: you move to a sleepy South Carolina town for more time. what you didn't expect was the possibility of forever. and then you meet Rafe Cameron. mysterious. dangerous. handsome. and unbeknownst to you, bloodthirsty. and the scent of you makes him feral. you could be his undoing, he could be your salvation.
wc: 2.7k
warnings: 18+ series with smut, violence, heavy subject matter. think TVD and Twilight lore, southern gothic vibes.
a/n: I couldn't get this out of my head after reading this fic by @starkeymeow! also inspired by this post by @sweettoothrafe. dedicated to @babydollrafe and her iconic vampire fics. I hope I make the vampire girlies proud with this series!
Rafe had gotten used to the sleepy small-town life. It was big enough for a hospital with blood bags he could steal, nomads he could drink dry that no one would miss, and new faces moving in to keep things from getting dull. But small enough he could feel comfortable just coasting. No obligations. No traces of his past. Life was his to do as he pleased.
This evening, he was grabbing a bottle of whisky from the liquor store to take back to his apartment after his shift. It took a lot of alcohol for him to even start to feel anything, now that he was like this. But money was no issue. Satiating his bloodlust was the real problem.
When he passes the bookstore, that’s when he sees you. New face. Around his age. Pretty. He changes plans, entering the store. This would be easy enough. Or so he thought. Seduce you like every other girl. Take a nice, long drink. And make you forget.
But your scent hits him like a truck. It’s intoxicating. Delicious in the worst way. Every muscle in his body tightens. Veins constricting. Eyes darkening. Fangs slipping out. His mouth flooding with saliva. There were two customers. An old man and a teenage girl. He could kill them in seconds. Leaving you all alone for him to drink.
It would be euphoric. The scent was strong enough he could practically taste it already. Better than any drug he’d ever taken on the Outer Banks. Better than anything he’d ever had. And he deserved this. Deserved to feel good after everything he’d been through.
Rafe was still a young vampire, but not a newborn. He’d done his time alone in the marshes of the Carolinas, learning to tame his bloodlust without his maker. It was hell. But he was strong. Always had been. He’d earned this. He’d earned you.
“Need help finding anything, sir?” Your voice travels like a sweet melody across the store. He can’t face you. Not like this. He can’t let you see. Not yet.
“Maybe, in a minute.” He calls back smoothly. But after the initial wave of temptation, another scent emerges from underneath. Slightly thicker. And bitter. Like decay. You were sick. Not in the way that a human would recover from. You coughed into your elbow, the sound snapping him back into his body.
Fangs retreated. Eyes no longer dark. His dead heart felt like it lurched. You were dying. You were new here, and you were dying. Did you know? Is that why you came? And he was just going to come and steal your limited days away? Because Rafe knew once he started with you, he would never, ever stop.
He’d never drank from someone who was dying. Would that poison him? Make him weak? It wasn’t worth it. There was too much risk. Too much Rafe didn’t think he could handle.
Of course, the first man that enters the bookstore that seems remotely your age sends you spiraling. He’s tall. Well-built. Already turning to face the shelves by the time you glance up at him, but you catch beautiful blue eyes. Of course, that starts one of your coughing fits.
It was embarrassing. You just wanted a new start in a new town. To live your life in peace. And be the woman you always wanted to be. No one knew you here. But your illness followed you, rearing its ugly head at the worst times.
He would think you were gross. Or get tired of putting up with your fatigue. Just like all the guys back home. But you were alone here. You’d been alone for a while in life. And it made you lonely. So lonely. And this boy looked so-
“I’ll take this.” A voice says. His voice. You look up to meet those blue eyes again, so bright in the setting sun. His smile is tight. Strained. He heard you coughing. But he looks so stunning in the evening sunlight fading orange through the windows. His features are sharp and cold. Carved with precision. The kind of man your mama would warn you to stay away from, if she was still here.
“Sure.” You grab the book to scan it, staring at it intently. The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde. A cute boy that reads classics and who clearly is disgusted by you. The world is so cruel. “Card or cash?”
“Card.” He grits out like it hurts him to even speak to you, tossing his card on the counter like you’re beneath him. You take it to hold it up to the reader, fingers shaking. As soon as the machine beeps and prints his receipt, you bag everything and hand it to him. He grabs the bag from the bottom, avoiding your fingers completely.
The man is nice enough to thank you, but he practically sprints out of the store like he couldn’t wait to get away from you. You’d only been moved in for a few weeks, first day at the new job, and already things weren’t going great.
The bell on the front door rings again as new customers enter. You recognize them. Amy and Janice. Two girls also near your age that worked at the hospital and had graduated from the local college downtown. You’d run into them at the diner a few times but also at the local coffee shop next door to the bookstore.
“Hey!” You greet them happily.
“Rafe Cameron shops for books?” Amy comments as she steps up to the register, her hazel eyes glinting. “Couldn’t get any dreamier.”
“Please,” Janice scoffs, tossing her blonde curls over her shoulder. “He’s such a creep.”
“Is he?” You can’t help but ask.
“He’s always hanging out in the alleyways late at night.” Janice leans in close, pretending to shudder.
“He’s just smoking.” Amy shrugs, her cheeks still pink.
“Which is gross.” Janice rolls her bright green eyes.
“Well, Paula slept with him last weekend. Said he’s the best sex of her life.” Amy’s lips twist into a smirk.
“Explains all the bruises on her neck. But what does she know? She says that about every guy here.”
“I just wouldn’t be surprised if Rafe was that good.” Amy winks at you. “He bartends at Lucky’s across the street. If you want a chance with him.” You feel your cheeks flush deeply at her words, your body getting warm.
“You just like that he’s tall.” Janice drags her friend away. “Focus. We need to get a present, remember?”
The girls shop around while you think about Rafe. The way he looked at you shouldn’t have hurt so much. But every time you tried to start something with a guy, it was like you always ruined it. You were too sick, too broken to be attractive. To be loved.
There had to be a sweet guy somewhere. Even in this small town. But maybe even making some friends would be enough. Like Amy or Janice. They at least talked to you, saying their goodbyes after they bought some fancy journals.
You gaze out the window once the store slows into the night. This town was beautiful. That was part of the reason you chose to move here. Cleaner air that smelled like grass and marsh. The live oak trees a canopy overhead, Spanish moss trees cloaking the town in green. Buildings made with faded brick and old wood that made you feel like they’d been here for ages. And it was walkable. Even though walking long distances was hard for you, your apartment was only a block away from here.
When you lock up for the night, the streets are quiet except for the sound of crickets. Fireflies light your way home. The streets are empty, hardly anyone out late on a weeknight. You only manage to pass one crosswalk when a voice startles you.
“Shouldn’t walk alone at night.” It was that man’s voice. Rafe’s. Your gaze snaps toward the sound, finding him standing in the alley by Lucky’s. And just like Amy mentioned, a cigarette dangles from his lips. But it’s unlit and he makes no effort to light it. His eyes watch you like a predator tracking prey. It makes you shiver. Maybe Janice was right, he was a creep. A handsome creep.
“You shouldn’t smoke.” You counter, continuing to walk to your apartment. He doesn’t say anything else, just exhales like he forced out a laugh. When you make it home to your apartment, alone again for the night, you lock the door behind you.
The next day seems like it’ll be a repeat of the same. Birds singing as you arrive. The scent of books and wood polish filling your nose as you stock shelves and watch the town come to life outside the windows. But as evening falls and things slow again when the sun sets, the bell chimes. One last customer.
“Hi, welcome!” You offer, turning from the shelf you were dusting. “Can I help-” You start, but the words die in your throat. At the door is a man you’ve never seen. His green eyes are red and watery. His chest heaving. His brows knit like he’s in pain. Sweat coating his forehead.
“I-I’m…so hungry.” His voice chokes out. You knew there were homeless people here. Even in a small town. And having them come in was part of having a retail job. It wasn’t a big deal.
“Okay,” You smile again. “I can order you something from Lucky’s. What would you like?”
“No, no, no.” The man shakes his head violently, stepping closer. And that’s when you see it. The knife he’s holding. Your body freezes, ice running through your veins. If you have to run, if you have to fight, would you be strong enough? Or was this it? “I’m sorry,” He says like he’s begging you. “I’m so sorry. I need to do this. I have to do this.”
“It’s okay,” You offer stupidly. “You don’t have to do this. Whoever said-I can help, just tell me-”
“No!” The man takes another labored step closer, knife raised. He inhales deeply, like he’s trying to steady himself. But his eyes roll back, a smile pulling at the corners of his mouth, just for a second. And whatever this is, it’s not what you thought. It’s an evil, primal urge.
“Please,” Your voice comes out small, and you force yourself to speak louder. “Please don’t. I don’t want to die yet. I came here so that I could live longer. I want to live. I want to be here a little longer,” The words are tumbling out of you now, and he’s just watching, eyes wide. “I want to make friends. I want to fall in love. I’ve never fallen in love. I just wanted to experience it. Just once, please. Please!” You beg, voice cracking. And it’s childish but it’s true. You wanted to experience love. If you couldn’t travel, if you couldn’t have the career you wanted, the life you thought you’d have when you were little, you just wanted love.
The bell chimes again, startling you both. And in a flash, quicker than your mind can comprehend, a figure rushes toward the man. You barely even blink, and the man with the knife is on the ground. And it’s Rafe. It’s Rafe.
Thank you so much for reading, please let me know what you think! I really don't know if anyone would even like this but I'm so intrigued by vampire Rafe lol. Comment if you want to be added to the taglist!
SYNOPSIS‧₊˚ As the final week approaches, you and the girls sneak away for a water park retreat, you and Rafe get closer to solidifying your relationship, while others also bloom and crumble around you
WARNING(S)‧₊˚ swearing, emotional distress, public judgement
˗ˏˋ series masterlist ˎˊ˗
AROUND the room, groan-filled mumbles echoed from under the blankets. Someone over near the corner, probably JJ, let out a dramatic, raspy, "Good mornin’, campers!" before throwing a pillow over his head.
You squeezed your eyes shut against the harsh light, sinking deeper into the plush mattress. But before you could even turn over to bury your face in the pillows, a pair of heavy arms wrapped around your waist and yanked you back.
Rafe’s face was buried in the crook of your neck, breath warm against your skin as he let out a low, grumbly sigh, burying his nose deeper into your neck.
"Rafe," you giggled softly, trying to twist in his grip. "C’mon, we gotta get up."
"No," he muttered, voice raspy, still thick with sleep. "Stay."
"Rafeeee,” you whined, sitting up. “Everyone is already getting up—"
The man just pulled you back down until you were flat on your back, hovering over you with his eyes half-lidded. Without a word of warning, he started peppering tired kisses all over your face—your cheeks, your forehead, your nose, down to your jaw line, and finally pressing a lingering kiss to your lips.
You squealed, half-laughing as you tried to push his shoulders, but he barely budged. He was clinging to you like a koala, unbothered by anything else happening in the room.
From across the room, you heard a whistle.
"Damn, Rafe,” JJ chuckled. “Give the girl some air," he shouted from his bed, tossing his covers aside.
Rafe just grunted into your shoulder, waving him off, not even bothering to look at the blonde, though his hands smoothed down your sides, pulling you even closer, if that was even physically possible.
You looked up at him, hands cupping his jaw as he rested his chin on your chest, staring down at you with this ridiculously soft look in his eyes.
"What’s gotten into you this morning?" you whispered, running your thumb over his cheekbone. "You're so clingy."
Rafe just smirked, a lazy, sleepy smile tugging at the corner of his lips. "Nothin’. Just missed you."
"We literally slept in the same bed."
"Didn't miss me enough then," he murmured, pressing one last kiss to your nose before finally rolling off you with a heavy sigh, letting you sit up. "Go on then. Before I trap you here."
UPSTAIRS in the glam room, you sat at one of the vanity stations, playing with your hair, while the other girls fluttered around doing their makeup.
"The karaoke challenge was literally the most fun we've had in this villa in weeks." Sarah started, applying her lip gloss.
"Oh my god, yes," Talia smiled, waving a mascara wand in the air. "I thought it was gonna be awkward, but watching everyone get up there was hilarious."
"We have to give Cleo and Pope their props, though," Rima chimed in from the back, leaning over to grab a beauty blender. "Because since when can Pope sing like that? And Cleo?” She turned to the girl with an impressed expression. “Y'all completely stole the show. You deserved that win."
Cleo smirked, flipping her curls over her shoulder. "Listen, I had to bring the energy. I told Pope before we walked up on that stage, if he screwed up our performance, I was gonna beat his ass." She laughed to herself. "So... since he did such a good job… it was only right that I gave him a little treat in the bedroom last night..."
"Cleo!" Sarah’s jaw dropped.
You laughed, throwing your head back, turning around in your chair. "What has gotten into you lately?"
"Hey, when a man delivers, he gets rewarded," Cleo said shrugging, winking at the mirror, unbothered while the rest of you laughed.
"Okay, well, speaking of shockers," Sarah said, turning her attention over to you with a cheeky look. "You are officially the only person on planet Earth who could get Rafe Cameron to get up on a stage, sing karaoke, and actually look like he was having the time of his life."
"No, literally," Talia agreed, nodding. "And his voice was so sexy, I'm not gonna lie, sorry. You need to start begging that man to sing you to sleep every night."
Rima leaned over, shaking her head in admiration. "And girl, you ate that performance up.” She nodded. “I couldn't tell if I wanted to be you or be with you. Very much having a full on bisexual crisis watching you two."
You burst out laughing, cheeks warming. "Trust me, getting him to loosen up took some convincing, but once the music started, he just went for it."
The conversation then shifted as you and the girls settled into your routines, curiosity turning toward the newer connections.
"Oh, Sarah, how are things going with Theo?" Cleo asked. "We need the update."
Sarah's face softened, a smile appearing on her features. "We’re still good. I actually feel like the karaoke challenge brought us together in this weird, fun way, and we've just been on cloud nine since.” She shrugged sheepishly. “He's so caring," she paused, looking down at her hands before looking back at you. "I told him yesterday that I was a little afraid to explore things with him at first, especially after everything that went down. But he's been so reassuring. And... he actually told me that he still feels terrible about how he handled things with you."
You listened, nodding gently. "Honestly, when you first told me you wanted to explore things with him, I was a little hesitant just because I didn't want to see you get hurt.” You spoke truthfully. “But seeing how he is with you now? He really seems like he's trying to be better. So, if you're happy, I'm happy."
Sarah beamed, looking relieved. "That means a lot."
You just hummed and nodded in response, a small smile on your lips.
"What about you, Talia?" Rima asked, swinging her legs from her seat. "Because you and JJ’s chemistry during Karaoke was somethin' else. JJ's eyes were literally sparkling the entire time he was looking at you."
Talia instantly covered her face, giggling like a teenager. "Please stop! Oh my god..."
"No, seriously," Cleo said. "He seems so himself around you. It's cute."
Talia let her hands drop, cheeks bright pink. "He's... amazing. I think it helps that we're both just not super mature people," she laughed. "Like, we're mature when we need to be, but any other time? We're both just super childish, letting ourselves be free. I've truly never met anyone like him.” She fawned. “He's so goofy, he honestly reminds me so much of my dad. I can't wait for him to hopefully meet him..."
"Aww!" You and the girls chorused.
"Speaking of family..." Sarah mused, her eyes lighting up. "Family Day has got to be coming up soon, right? How are we feeling about that?"
"Ooh, good question," Rima murmured.
"I'm kinda nervous," Sarah admitted, twirling a strand of hair, tugging her bottom lip between her teeth. "I'm not sure how my family is gonna take to Theo.” She sighed. “My parents can be pretty judgmental of people who aren't... of their ‘social status’, let's say.” She rolled her eyes, huffing. “It's something I've hated my whole life, and I haven't missed it at all since leaving home. But my younger sister, Louise, she'll either just be super happy for me or super annoyed that I'm bringing yet another guy around." Sarah chuckled softly. "And my older brother, Raphael, we call him Rafe for short funny enough,” she glanced briefly at you. “He's a bit of an asshole, but he's good deep down. I don't think Theo and him will have issues, but out of everyone, I just really hope my sister comes down."
You paused, face twisting as you stared at Sarah.
"Wait... hold on," you said, turning your whole body around. "Sarah. What did you just say?"
Sarah blinked, confused. "What?"
"Last night, when Rafe and I were talking, he was telling me about his family," you started, mind spinning. "He told me he has two younger sisters. One's name is Sarah, and the other is Louisa."
Sarah's eyes went wide. "Wait... what? Oh my gosh, that’s so crazy." She giggled.
"I swear, you and Rafe are siblings in another universe," you laughed out loud, shaking your head at the coincidence. "That is the craziest thing ever." You smiled, before something else hit you that made you burst out laughing. “And I’m just now realizing you both have the same last names—” You wheezed. “One of your parents has a lot of explaining to do.”
"That is actually insane." Cleo laughed along with the other girls as Sarah rolled her eyes playfully, grumbling under her breath before someone else spoke.
"What about you, Rima?" Talia asked, steering the topic along.
Rima sighed. "I'm not super excited for Family Day. Purely because my family has already met Justin. I am excited to hear their opinions on us 'getting back together'" She says, putting up air quotes. "My mom was always a huge fan of Justin. My sister? Not so much. She's super protective over me and very harsh on all the guys I get with."
"Well," Talia chimed back in, "I'm very excited for JJ to meet my family.” She smiled from ear to ear. “I just know he'll fit right in."
“That sounds so nice,” Cleo smiled smally, her posture shifting a bit. "I don't really have much family," she shared quietly, shrugging shyly. "Just a few close friends and Terrence. I consider him my father, or a father figure at least, ‘cause he raised me up. I'm really hoping he comes down, but he hates flying. Hopefully he'll do it for me.” She chuckles to herself. “And maybe one of the kids from the orphanage I helped raise up. We stay in communication and they're like family to me."
The room went quiet with affection for Cleo before all eyes turned to you.
"What about you, babe?" Sarah asked gently.
You gave a small, quiet shrug. "I think everyone knows I'm not in communication with my family anymore. So I'm not expecting to see them, and truthfully, I'm hoping not to.” You huffed, slumping a bit before perking back up. “I'm really hoping my friends make it down instead. They're like my siblings. I'm so used to partying with them, hanging out 24/7... it's been really hard being away from them.” You shrug, all of the girls humming in agreement before the room fell into a comfortable quiet.
DOWNSTAIRS in the kitchen, the sun poured over where the boys were busy frying eggs and flipping pancakes.
"I'm telling you," Theo said, flipping the food. "My mom is gonna love Sarah. She loves everyone. My dad is the one that tries to act all tough.” He scoffed, a slight smirk on his lips as he spoke to the guys. “Sarah's sweet, gorgeous... she's gonna fit right in."
Justin scoffed lightly while buttering toast. "Must be nice.” He groaned. “I'm not really looking forward to it, to be honest. Me and Rima have already been through all that." He paused, rubbing the back of his neck. "...I'm actually kind of terrified of how my mom's gonna react if she comes down. When me and Rima broke up initially, she told me that things end for a reason and warned me against trying again. So... don't think she's gonna be a big fan of us giving it another go."
"Damn," Pope said, setting down a plate of bacon. "What about your brother that you were tellin’ us about?"
"Oh, he loves Rima," Justin admitted, waving the concern away. "Any girl I brought around after her, he never had the same reaction. He always preferred her."
"What about you, JJ?" Theo asked, considering he was shoulder to shoulder with the blonde boy.
JJ shrugged, pouring orange juice into glasses. "I don't really talk to my old man anymore, so definitely not expectin' him. And my mom's been out of the picture for a long time. Only God knows where she is.” He chewed the inside of his cheek. “I’m really jus’ hopin’ my buddies make it down. My boy Bree, and my guy Jonathan. If those two walk through those doors, I'm satisfied."
Pope smiled warmly, overhearing the two men’s conversation, deciding to join in. "I know for a fact my parents are coming down. They’re going to adore Cleo, ‘specially my dad,” Pope scoffed, laughing lowly. “Their personalities are gonna bring ‘em together for sure, they're both so loud and fun. And my mom is all open arms. She's gonna love her."
The guys all turned their attention to Rafe then, who was leaning against the counter, slicing up strawberries, eating a few occasionally.
"What about you, Cameron?" JJ nudged him. "You expectin’ the whole royal family or what?"
Rafe gave a short, dry laugh. "Nah. I don't expect my dad or my stepmom to come down.” He shrugged carelessly. “But I really hope my sisters come. Wheezie and Sarah... I think they'd make the trip." He paused, a soft smirk touching his face. "It's funny. Me and my girl were literally talking about this last night. She was all nervous, asking if my sisters were gonna like her." He reminisced, thinking how cute you sounded, worried if his family would accept you.
"And what'd you tell her?" JJ smirked.
"Told her they'd love her," Rafe said simply, placing the strawberries onto a plate. “I can't imagine a world where they wouldn't."
"Aww, look at him," JJ teased, pretending to wipe a tear. "Our boy is so soft—"
"Shut up," Rafe chuckled, shoving JJ's shoulder.
“Alright,” Pope intervened, a laugh on his lips. "Come on, grab the plates. Let's bring this up to the girls."
LATER that afternoon, most of the islanders were lounging by the pool or stretched out on daybeds.
You and Rafe had carved out a quiet corner on one of the outdoor couches. You were sitting between his legs, leaning back against his chest while his arms were wrapped around your waist, hands casually playing with your fingers.
"So," you murmured, tilting your head back to look up at him. "We've talked about almost everything... but what do you actually want to do on our first date when we get out of here?"
Rafe rested his chin on the top of your head, taking a moment to think. "Our first real date? Mmm…somewhere quiet.” He said. “Maybe a really good steakhouse so no one can follow us in, trying to take pictures ‘n shit.” He nodded, looking down at you. “Quiet booth in the back, good wine."
"Ooh, fancy," you teased, shaking your shoulders before pondering. "I was thinking more like... late-night diner."
Rafe chuckled, the vibration rumbling against your back. "We can do that, too.” He assured you. “We'll get the fancy dinner first, and then at two in the morning, when you’re inevitably hungry again because you’re like the smallest bottomless pit ever—
“Hey—”
“I'll take you wherever you want." He finished, kissing the top of your head.
You huffed, slumping back into him and forgetting all about his snarky comment.
"...Deal," you smiled, turning slightly in his arms, thinking of something else to talk about. "What's your favorite spot in North Carolina? Like when you just want to get away from everything?"
Rafe pondered before speaking, looking back down at you. "There's this spot down by the docks," he said softly. "Late at night, when the boats are all tied up and nobody's around. I used to go there a lot." He admitted, thumb gently tracing your jawline. "...I wanna take you there."
You smiled, looking down to where one of his hands was still fiddling with your fingers. "I'd love that," you whispered, letting the silence hang, breathing in the comfort of each other before speaking again. "What about favorite food? And don't say steak."
He just chuckled, shaking beneath you. “What is this? Trivia?”
“Just answer the question,” you rolled your eyes, craning your neck back to look up at him. “Is it a crime to want to get to know you?”
“Yes, actually,” Rafe teased, leaning down to peck your lips. “But you’re cute, so I’ll let you get away with it.” He said, eyes boring into yours as you smiled, straightening your neck back out to look forward as he continued speaking. "Sushi." he answered. "I could eat a shit ton in one sitting. One time I did, woke up sick as hell.” He laughed, holding you tighter. “What 'bout you?"
"Tacos. Always tacos," you answered, nodding. "Ugh, I’d kill for one right now. Specifically late-night street tacos."
“Noted.” Rafe smiled, pressing a kiss to the side of your forehead. "So, steakhouse and diner date, then tacos, and then sushi. First three dates planned. The food part, anyway."
Before you could reply, Sarah came trotting over, clapping her hands together.
"Sorry to interrupt, lovebirds," she announced, "but the girls told me to come get you. We're doing a group yoga."
You groaned playfully, looking up at Rafe. "Save me?"
Rafe cocked an eyebrow, looking at Sarah. "Does she have to?"
Sarah scoffed, rolling her eyes, putting her hands on her hips. “Yes. She does.” She narrowed her eyes playfully. “Your time is up. Give her to me.” The blonde girl held a hand out.
Rafe groaned, throwing his head back as you wiggled free from him, turning to kiss his cheek before.
"Go mingle!" You called as Sarah drug you away. "I'll miss you!"
ON the far end of the grass yard, far away from where the guys were now tossing a football around, you and the girls laid out towels in a circle.
Rima was attempting to lead a stretching routine, but it quickly devolved into gossip, giggling, and observing of the boys.
"Alright, reach for your toes and try not to tear anything," Rima called out, bending forward on her brightly colored towel. But instead of focusing, her eyes drifted toward the other side of the lawn where the boys were yelling.
"Are they seriously trying to play football? They’re half-naked and barefoot," Sarah pointed out, holding a downward dog position while peering under her own arm. "And Theo looks like he’s one tackle away from twisting his ankle."
"Oh, please, look at JJ," Talia giggled, resting her chin on her hands while lying flat on her belly instead of actually stretching. "He swears he’s in the NFL or something."
You all watched as JJ pulled his arm back, puffed his chest out, and hurled the football straight toward Pope. The ball spun wildly, missing Pope by a good ten feet and bouncing awkwardly into the bushes.
"Ha!" Cleo wheezed, clapping her hands together as she sat up from her stretch. "That is one sad man." She teased.
"I swear, men get two inches of grass and a ball and their brains shut off," Rima laughed, shaking her head. "Look at Pope trying to play it cool like he planned to let it fly into the bushes."
"Look at Rafe," Sarah teased, nudging your knee with her foot. "He’s not even pretending to play. He’s literally just standing there with his hands on his hips, staring over here at you."
You glanced across the yard and sure enough, Rafe was standing near the edge of the grass, ignoring JJ shouting at him to get the ball. His eyes were locked onto you, a fond smirk sitting on his lips. When he caught you looking, he lazily winked before turning to yell at JJ.
"Girl, he locked down." Talia swooned softly. "It’s actually adorable. I need the book for whatever program you run.” She joked. “Like, if you moved two feet to the left, his head would follow you."
You giggled, face warming up as you stretched your arms over your head. "He’s just…curious. He’s a pretty curious guy."
"Yeah, curious about anything to do with you." Cleo chimed in. "And honestly? It’s hilarious seeing Mr. Brooding and Mysterious turn into a man-baby the second you walk away.” She told you, squinting her eyes from the sun. “Meanwhile, Justin over there is flexing every time he thinks Rima is looking."
Rima rolled her eyes, scoffing with a slight grin. "Please. I saw him doing push ups earlier right in my line of sight while he was with Pope. I just pretended I was focused by a bug on the ground."
Sarah burst out laughing, almost losing her balance on her mat. "You did not ignore him for a bug!"
"I hundred percent did," Rima declared proudly. "We gotta keep these men humble. Otherwise, their egos take over."
"Amen to that," Talia laughed, stretching her legs out. "Though I have to admit, watching them stumble around over there while we get a front row seat to the circus is the best entertainment we've had all week. Like, look at them over there," Talia laughed, watching JJ miss a football catch in the distance.
Suddenly, a chime echoed.
"Ooh! Is that a text?" Sarah whispered, looking around.
Cleo scrambled over and grabbed her phone. The guys didn't even seem to hear it. Cleo opened the message, eyes sparkling as she read the text.
"Wait... oh my god," She gasped.
"Girls, as a reward for completing your secret mission, it's time for you to get out! Please, get ready to leave the villa for a Girls' Day Out!"
Screams were muffled by hands over mouths as all of you gasped.
"Wait, shut up," Sarah squealed softly, jumping up and down on her toes. "A day out? Are you serious?"
"What do you think we're doing?" Talia beamed, gripping Cleo's arm in excitement. "What if they're taking us to a private beach club with cabanas and real cocktails?"
"Or what if it's like a boat day?" Rima threw out, eyes shining with glee. "A yacht trip with music, floating around the island, ugh, I’d kill."
"Please tell me it's not hiking," Cleo laughed, checking her reflection in her phone. "Because if they make us walk up a mountain in this heat, I’m filin’ a complaint. No joke."
"Right?" you grinned, heart racing with anticipation. "Like, what can they actually organize for us on this island? A spa day? Wine tasting?” You threw out ideas before shrugging. “Whatever it is, I am so ready."
"Same!" Sarah cheered quiet-loudly. "No boys, just us.” She smiled. “Let's get up before they realize we're gone."
Scrambling off your towels, you tip-toed like cartoon villains into the house, undetected by the clueless boys outside.
TWENTY minutes later, after changing into cuter swimsuits and cover-ups, the SUV dropped you all off at an exclusive, closed-off beachside water park.
It was huge—towering colorful water slides, giant inflatable obstacle courses.
"No way!" Rima squealed, instantly kicking off her sandals. "This is insane!"
"Oh, this is what I’m talking about!" Talia shouted, throwing her arms up. "I was expecting a cute little lounge area, but a whole water park to ourselves?!"
"I am so glad we got away from the guys for this!" Sarah cheered, running toward the edge of the obstacle course.
"Yes!" Cleo agreed, kicking her flip-flops toward a lounge chair. "We've been stuck in that villa talking about feelings and boys for weeks. I need to get thrown off a slide into cold water like now."
And the next three hours were wild.
You and Cleo sprinted straight for the highest inflatable slide. At the top, Cleo looked at you with a competitive glint in her eye. "Face first or you're a coward!"
"Oh, please! I’m not new to this," you laughed. “Last one to land has to go back down backwards!”
You both dived headfirst down the slide, screaming at the top of your lungs before hitting the water with a splash. When you surfaced, air gasping from your lungs, you wiped the water from your eyes just in time to see Cleo coming down a second behind you.
“Aw, dammit!” She cursed lightheartedly, pushing her wet curls away from her face as you gave her a pointed look, pointing to the top of the slide. “I’m goin’, I’m goin’...” She dismissed with a smile, going to re-mount the slide.
Looking around while Cleo made her way back up, you found Sarah trying to navigate an inflatable balance beam.
She was trying her best, but Talia snuck up behind her and spooked the girl, Sarah loosing her footing, arms windmilling wildly in the air before she went flying off the side of the inflatable, landing flat on her back with a splash in the pool of water below.
The group collapsed into laughter, watching the girl flail, trying to get up.
"Sarah, are you alive?!" you wheezed, wiping tears of laughter from your eyes as she surfaced, her hair plastered over her face like a water creature, bursting into laughter herself.
"I’m not sure!" Sarah wheezed, wiping water out of her face. "Talia, I am coming for your ass!"
Sarah climbed out of the shallow pool, launching herself at Talia. The two ended up wrestling on top, squealing and laughing until both of them tipped over the side of one of the pools together, splashing into it.
Meanwhile, you and Rima decided to conquer the double-lane racing slide.
You gripped the handles at the top, looking at each other like two rivaled athletes before diving down side-by-side, water spraying into your faces as you hurtled down the incline, both of you screaming at the top of your lungs until you skimmed across the surface of the landing pool.
Rima gasped, surfacing with a huge grin on her face. "Again! We have to do that again!"
For the next hour, it was freedom. You all took turns going down slides backwards, forming human chains on the double floats, and trying, and failing, to stay balanced on the giant water trampolines that were anchored in the ocean not far from shore. At one point, Cleo tried to do a dive off the floating platform and ended up doing a full belly flop that sounded like a thunderclap, sending the group into fits of breathless laughter.
It felt so refreshing to just let go. No recouplings or challenges, just girls bonding.
AFTER running through the obstacle courses, pushing each other off platforms, and going down slides, the energy finally began to wind down.
All five of you draped yourselves over a row of beach loungers, a server bringing over a tray of refreshing mocktails as you all sank into the chairs, sipping your drinks under the warm sun.
"Ugh," Talia sighed happily, adjusting her sunglasses. "I needed this so badly."
"Same," Sarah agreed, taking a sip of her drink. "The guys are going to be so pissed when they figure out where we went."
"Right?!" Talia laughed. "JJ has been raving for weeks about how much he misses amusement parks back home."
Rima chuckled, swirling her drink. "It makes you think about real life, though.” She started. “Like... we're actually going back to the real world soon. Is life outside here just as fun for you all?"
"Well," Sarah chimed in first, leaning back, "LA is just endless parties. I want to introduce all of you to everyone on the scene—celebrities, producers, all of it. Not that any of you will have trouble with that after this show,” She laughed. “But the food spots? Unbelievable. I can't wait to take you guys to my favorite places."
"If you come to the Bahamas," Cleo started warmly, eyes softening, "it's all about the sun and the kids for me. I miss the kids at the orphanage so much. I don't know if you guys are kid people, but it would be my dream for you all to come down and meet them.” She smiled cutely. “I'm allowed to take some of them out for day trips, so imagine us all taking the kids out for a beach day."
"That sounds amazing, Cleo," you said genuinely.
"Atlanta is where it's at, though." Rima declared with a grin. "The city, the nightlife, the food... dope clubs, incredible restaurants. And I will be teaching all of you how to roller skate if you don't know how already.” She said with conviction, pointing at all of you. “We would be the sexiest bitches on the floor, I promise you."
Talia giggled before sighing, kicking her feet up. "I just want a beach day where we can surf.” She threw out casually. “The weather back home is amazing most of the time. We could hit up all the shops, go surfing... it’d be so iconic."
"I would love for all of you to come to Vegas," you beamed, raising your glass. "Best nightlife ever. No joke. And I'm taking you all club hopping. Me and my friends back home have this game called 'Drink & Dash'—not actually dashing without paying, obviously.” You clarify, the girls all giggling softly. "But you have to finish a full drink at one club and move to the next within ten minutes. It's wild, definitely leaves you a bit hazy so we try and stick together..."
The girls laughed at your words, still listening as you spoke.
"And the casinos!" You added, eyes sparkling. "I'll teach you all the secrets. It's so much easier when you actually know how to play. And there's this place called Omega Mart in Nevada. It's like this insane illusion museum disguised as a grocery store. I've been dying to go forever. I was thinking about going with Rafe, but honestly? Maybe I'll take you girls first and just not tell him, I don't know."
Another chorus of laughter broke out, but as the giggles faded, a sweet nostalgia settled over the group.
"Guys..." Sarah said softly, pouting and looking around at everyone. "We only have seven days left."
"Only seven?" Rima repeated quietly. "That's…crazy, now that I realize it."
The circle of girls went still, a bittersweet silence settling over the group of you. You looked around at each of their flushed and sun-kissed faces, noticing how different everyone looked compared to that first day—closer, softer, tied together by an experience nobody else on the outside would ever truly understand.
Sarah was staring down at her glass with a tender smile, Talia was blinking back a glaze of tears, and even Rima looked unusually reflective. It was that achy feeling of knowing something beautiful was ending, but feeling profoundly lucky that it had happened at all.
"...Well, I just want to say," Cleo said, looking at each of you, "I've never had friendships like this. Especially not this fast.” She said bittersweetly. “Whether this was a product of the show or not... I love every single one of you. Through all the drama and heartbreaks and everything... this has been the summer of my life."
"To the summer of our lives," you said, lifting your glass.
"And honestly... whatever happens in the final, whoever wins this thing..." Talia started.
"Bitch, you earned it!" Rima finished, making everyone laugh.
"We all did," Sarah smiled.
You all stood up from your loungers, crowding into a tight, warm group hug, holding onto each other under the afternoon sun.
MEANWHILE, back at the villa, the boys were… considerably more confused.
They had searched the bedroom, the glam room, and even the terrace. You all were nowhere to be found.
So, by now, the guys were lounging around the firepit, still pondering.
"Where the hell did they actually go?" Theo asked, staring at the empty pool. "They've been gone for like two hours."
"What if it's a bombshell situation again?" Justin suggested, sitting up.
"Nah," Rafe scoffed, shaking his head. "It's way too late in the game for that."
JJ sighed deeply, leaning his head back against the cushions. "Man... this is crazy. We are damn near at the end of this shit."
"I know," Pope murmured. "...I'm gonna miss you boys, man. For real."
"Same," Theo nodded. "Obviously I miss my guys back home, I miss my family…” He started, fiddling with his hands. "But this whole experience has been out-of-body.” He scoffed. “I never thought I'd be here, and I didn't think I'd make friends with you guys."
Rafe sat quietly for a moment, looking down at his hands before speaking up in a surprisingly quiet, casual voice. "Yeah. I mean... I got my friends back home. But... I've never really opened up to them.” He shrugged. “Not like I have with you guys."
JJ smirked slowly, eyeing the others before, "Aww—”
"Fuck you, man," Rafe scoffed immediately, a playful smirk cracking through his exterior as he slumped in his seat, face growing red.
"No matter what happens," Pope said, "this was the summer of a lifetime. We all got girls that are gonna stick by us, and we're gonna stick by them."
"Speaking of..." Justin chimed in, "what if we get a text right now saying the girls got whisked away to Casa Amor or somethin’?"
Rafe's head snapped up, shaking it side to side vehemently. "Please no. I’d actually rather die.” He spat. “I'm not doin’ that again."
The guys burst into laughter, shaking in their seats.
"We believe you," Theo laughed. "Bro is literally shaking and jittering right now without her by his side."
"Y’know what?" Rafe started, leaning forward playfully. "At least my girl actually likes me."
"Ooh!" the guys cheered, howling with laughter as Theo threw a throw pillow at Rafe's head.
“She does like me!” Theo retorted, a smile on his face. "It just took her a while to realize it..."
As the banter settled, the guys started talking about their connections.
"I'm just really glad Talia came in when she did," JJ admitted softly. "I was honestly starting to worry that I wouldn't, like, find my person in here. I’m grateful for you guys, sure, but we know all what we came here for.” He throws out honestly. “When she walked in... it was like the lights finally turned on for me."
Justin rubbed his chin nervously. "I'm scared for me and Rima going back to the real world, not gonna lie.” He said with a nervous, strained smile. “But I have hope. I want to fix whatever we messed up the first time, because I really do like her."
Pope looked down thoughtfully as he spoke. "After everything that happened at the start... I'm just grateful to have Cleo back.” He frowns to himself. “I hate looking back on how much I confused and hurt her in the beginning. I just want to make it up to her. She deserves the best, and I don't wanna be that guy who just says 'you deserve better' and does nothing to be better, y’know?"
Rafe nodded strongly in agreement, eyebrows pinched. "That's been my mindset for a while now, actually.” He threw a hand in Pope’s direction. “I knew I was fucked up, knew I had a lot of shit to work on. But once she made it clear how far she was willing to go, setting her boundaries and stuff... that's when it clicked for me. If I'm sitting here saying she deserves better, then what the fuck is stopping me from being better?" Rafe paused, his expression genuine. "Ever since then, that's all I've been tryin' to do.” He shrugged. “I don't ever want her feeling sad or confused because of me."
“Yeah,” Theo jumped in. “After seeing what Sarah went through before, I just kind of made it my goal to never make her feel like that.”
Just then, high-pitched screaming echoed from the front entrance of the villa, the boys all turning their heads as the villa doors burst open, and you girls came charging, screaming, "We're back!"
The boys scrambled to their feet—Pope sprinting over and pulling Cleo into a huge hug, spinning her around. JJ literally scooped Talia off her feet as Theo twirled Sarah, and Justin wrapped his arms around Rima.
Rafe came up from behind you, wrapped his arms around your waist, and lifted you into the air, twirling you around so your legs could wrap around his waist.
"Where the hell’d you go?" Rafe breathed into your neck, arms locked firmly around your thighs to hold you up.
"They took us to a water park!" you laughed, holding onto his shoulders. "We had so much fun."
Rafe pulled back slightly, looking up at you with a soft smile. "I can tell.” He said. “You look happy, like a little golden retriever."
You giggled softly, leaning back in his hold. "What? You jealous?"
"No, never jealous," Rafe said, though his grip on you didn't loosen one bit. "I want you to be happy." He looked at you intently. "Missed you, though."
"Aww," you cooed, tapping his nose.
"Am I ‘glazing’ you too much?" Rafe squinted, teasing you as his brow furrowed slightly, seeming to hear and register his own words before scrunching his face up. "...That's not how you use that phrase, is it?"
"Not exactly,” you laughed. “But I appreciate you trying, baby," you teased affectionately, the nickname making Rafe’s heart skip a beat, fingers flexing against your skin. "You're such an adorable old man."
Rafe put on a dramatic, fake scowl. "Stop calling me an old man," he grunted. “I’m only, what? Two years older than you? What’s up with that?”
“Keyword, older.” You taunted, leaning in.
“I’m startin’ to think you have some kind of kink for older men,” Rafe cocked an eyebrow. “Should I be worried?” He asked, though he couldn't hide his smile as you leaned down and pressed a long kiss to his lips.
A few minutes later, all the islanders gathered around the firepit, the guys having their own questions.
"Where did you guys disappear to?” JJ asked first.
"We went to a water park!" Sarah announced proudly, beaming. "We had mocktails, there were huge water slides—"
"You guys went to a water park?!" JJ yelled, eyes bugged out of his head, tossing his hands in the air. "Unbelievable."
The girls went on to detail all the crazy wipeouts, including Sarah's flying fall off the inflatable beam. The guys groaned with envy, jealous of the day out.
"No, you guys don't understand," Cleo laughed, leaning back against Pope's chest. "Sarah hit the water so hard, I was dying!"
"Hey! I was trying to keep my balance!" Sarah defended herself, laughing as Theo wrapped his arm around her shoulders. "And Talia was the one who pushed me!"
"I didn't push her!" Talia protested innocently. "...I just said 'boo' and she…launched herself into orbit..." She joked, rolling her eyes playfully.
"Oh! And we did the double slides!" Rima added, grinning at you. "Me and her were going full speed headfirst."
"Are you kidding me?!" JJ whined loudly, collapsing back against the firepit cushions in agony. "We were sitting here tossing a stupid football around, dying of boredom, and you guys bouncing on water trampolines?"
"Yep." you smirked, crossing your legs. "And we had delicious little fruit platters brought right to our loungers. It was great."
Rafe looked down at you, a soft, amused smile tugging at his lips as he tightened his arm around your waist. "Glad you had fun, angel.” He smiled down at you. “Even if JJ is having a mental breakdown about it."
"I'm not having a mental breakdown!" JJ defended, though his voice cracked. "I'm just…deeply hurt."
Confessional : JJ
"I am actually heartbroken. Devastated.” He pouted. “I would give up everything right now just to go down one water slide. One."
LATER that evening, as the sky began to turn purple and everyone else scattered around the villa, you were in the empty makeup room, sitting at the vanity in fresh clothes when the door opened softly, and Rafe walked in.
“Hey,” you called softly, a cute smile on your lips as he walked over, an equally soft expression on his face.
“Hi, beautiful,” He said calmly, sliding onto the stool right next to yours, resting his arm on the counter. "So," Rafe started, watching you in the mirror as you moved things around. "What’d you and the girls talk about while you were gone?"
"A lot," you smiled, opening a jar of face cream. "Everyone has all these fun plans. I can't wait to hang out with them on the outside. Even though we’re all so far apart, I think—" You paused, turning on your stool to face him directly. "...Rafe.”
“Hm?”
“...How are we going to do the distance?” You asked, that cloud suddenly settling over you. “You're in North Carolina... I'm in Vegas. That's over two-thousand miles." You dropped your gaze, feeling a wave of sadness. "Fuck... I didn't even think about that until today. How could I not consider that we live on opposite sides of the country?"
You looked back up at Rafe, expecting him to look worried. Instead, he was sitting there with a soft, calm smile on his face.
"...Why don't you look upset?" you asked, eyebrows pinched and a pout on your lips.
"Because I'm not," Rafe answered simply, shrugging. He reached out, taking your hand in his. "I found you once, didn't I?"
"Well... yeah," you murmured, "but we weren't…anything, then."
"Doesn't matter.”
"Rafe, I can afford a few flights, but I can't be flying back and forth every single week," you admitted quietly.
"That's not a problem," he replied casually.
You blinked, stunned by his lack of reservations about, well, any of it. "What do you mean 'that's not a problem'?"
Rafe shrugged. "I can make it to you. Or I can bring you to me."
You let out a soft laugh, raising an eyebrow. "Oh, okay. Big man got big money, so sorry." Rafe gave you an amused smirk, rolling his eyes playfully. "Sorry, my bad, didn't mean to overstep." you giggled.
"Be quiet," Rafe chuckled softly, shaking his head, pulling you closer to him as he traced the lines on the inside of your palm. "All I'm saying is, money or flights aren't an issue for me. So, it’s not an issue for us.” He emphasized. “And if it really came down to it... I wouldn't mind moving to Vegas for you. Or helping you move to North Carolina with me."
"...What?"
Rafe looked at you, amused. "Why're you actin’ like you don't understand English all of a sudden?" He teased.
You scowled, plucking his forehead with your free hand as he twisted his face, giving a small ‘ow’ before easing his eyes back open. "I just... I want to be sure," you said, suddenly nervous. "Are you saying you'd actually move?"
"Yes," Rafe said firmly, eyes locking onto yours. "I wouldn't mind movin’ for you. Or if you’d want, I'd help you move to North Carolina with me.” He reiterated. “You're the only person for me. I don't want to take things slow or dance around us for no reason.” He told you with the most adoring, yet blank and unwavering, look in his eyes. “I want everything with you. Once we got out of here, I didn’t plan on waiting very long to ask you to move in with me anyway."
He paused, adding softly, "Wheezie is graduating soon, so she'll be off to college. I won't have to worry about missing her big high school stuff, and I can support her from anywhere.” He told you. “So if I move, she'll be fine. But if you want North Carolina, I'll move you there. I don't care where we are... I just want to be with you."
You sat there, stunned, chest swelling with warmth.
Your heart pounded so hard you were almost convinced he could hear it. Looking into Rafe’s blue eyes, so terrifyingly certain, a realization hit you.
In that quiet makeup room, everything clicked.
This man, who had come here so guarded and unpredictable, was standing in front of you uncovered, offering to uproot his whole entire life just to be near you. He wasn't hesitant. He wasn't afraid of commitment. He was entirely and undeniably yours.
You realized right then and there that you were hopelessly and madly in love with him.
The realization was so big, so heavy and beautiful, that it squeezed the breath out of your lungs. Words felt inadequate, trapped in your throat.
All you could do was give him a soft nod, letting out a breathy laugh as you leaned forward and rested your head against his chest.
THAT night, the kitchen was filled with the aroma of fresh pasta. Theo had somehow managed to whip up a simple Italian dinner using whatever he’d managed to find around the villa’s very limited ingredient supply, and all of you sat together like a big family—passing plates, laughing, and enjoying the meal.
"Theodore, I have to say your full name when I say this because I swear to God, if you open an Italian restaurant after this, I am buying a yearly pass," JJ announced loudly, shoveling a forkful of pasta into his mouth. "How did you even get the shit to make this? All we have is…bread and fruit.” He said through a mouthful, making everyone giggle.
"I have my ways," Theo grinned smugly, leaning back as Sarah proudly patted his back. "A good chef never reveals his secrets."
"Seriously, this is incredible," you said, passing a bowl of pasta over to Cleo. "It feels like we're having a real family dinner."
"Pass the bread over here, please!" Pope called out, bumping shoulders with Cleo as she handed him the plate. "If anyone tries to steal my garlic bread, we're gonna have serious problems."
Across the counter, Rafe was twirling pasta onto his fork, but his other hand was resting under the table, firmly settled on your knee, thumb stroking slow circles against the inside of your thigh. Every few minutes, he’d lean over to whisper something in your ear about JJ eating like a horse, making you cover your mouth to hide your giggles.
"Look at them. Boo-loving." Rima teased, pointing her fork at you two.
"Mind yours," Rafe said sassily, tipping his head at Rima, taking a bite of his food while the table fell into lighthearted laughter. The whole thing was warm and cozy, making the villa feel less like a reality show and more like a home.
AFTER dinner, you and the girls retreated to the glam room to get unready for bed.
"Hey missy," Cleo said, pointing a finger at you across the long table. "I noticed you and Rafe disappeared up here earlier.” She raised one singular, skeptical eyebrow. “What were you guys doing?"
You flushed, shaking your head. "Nothing bad,” you dragged out, face growing warm. “I promise. We were just…talking."
"Uh-huh… 'talking,'" Rima taunted.
"I'm serious." you insisted, smiling softly. "We were talking about our living situation. Y’know…after the villa..."
The entire room went silent, every girl stopping what she was doing, turning to stare at you as you pretended to not feel the weight of four pairs of eyes on you.
"Hold on," Sarah said, turning her full body. "That's a serious conversation.” She started. “...What did he say?"
"It was nothing bad at all," you reassured them, fighting a sheepish grin. "He basically told me it’s my choice. He said he'd be willing to move to Vegas for me, or he'd help me relocate me to North Carolina to live with him.” You explained, all of their eyes growing wider with each word. “He said he doesn't want to take things slow…that he just wants a life with me."
"Oh my God!" Sarah shrieked, literally jumping out of her seat, pointing a finger at you like a teenager who’d just spotted their favorite celebrity. "You’re in love with him!"
“Sarah—” you hissed, eyes wide and cheeks hot as you briefly glanced at the door, making sure it was shut. “Shut up.”
"She’s not wrong, " Talia gave you a supportive, knowing look. "That’s love, girl."
"Guysss," you whined, burying your hot face in your hands, though you couldn't stop the smile spreading across your lips. "It's just... it's a really big step, okay? I'm not scared, I swear I'm not! I'm just…shocked that he said it all so casually, like moving across the country for me is as easy as buying a coffee."
"Because for him it is, girl!" Rima laughed, leaning over her vanity. "Do you hear yourself? A man offering to pack up his life and move to Las Vegas isn't just 'casual talk'! Do you think he's doing that for fun?" She laughed hysterically, really appalled that you had any reservations or doubts at all.
"I don't know!" you giggled sheepishly, looking up through your fingers. "I mean, what do you guys think? Am I crazy for being this overwhelmed?"
"No, you're not crazy," Sarah declared, walking over to you, planting her hands on your shoulders. "But look at me. That man loves you. It’s as simple as that."
"Do you love him?" Cleo pressed, leaning in. "If he told you he loved you right now, would you say it back?"
You bit your lip, dragging it out. "I don't know—"
"Yes you do!" Rima laughed.
"Okay, yes!” You gave him, throwing your head back. “...I would say it back," you admitted, hiding your face in your hands before peeking through your fingers, watching all of the girls give each other supportive, knowing looks before putting your hands down. "I just don't wanna say it right now. I don't want it to be some lame ass confession. I want it to be special…” You spoke nervously, playing with your nails. “And... make sure..."
“Make sure of what?” Sarah scoffed lightheartedly. “What? Are you scared he’ll say he doesn’t love you back?”
"I would hope not,” Rima interjected. “Because, for the record, he is one-hundred percent in love with you too.” She shrugged. “And he definitely fell first."
"Whatever, we’re off topic, you guys!" you giggled, whining and brushing it off. "Anyway, it's either I move to him or he comes to me. But he said the distance won't be an issue at all."
"That is some rich guy shit," Rima laughed. "How much money does Rafe have?!"
"I don't know,” you shrugged casually, speaking honestly. “and I really don't care. I wouldn't care if he had zero dollars to his name. I just love him and—" You slammed your hand over your mouth, eyes wide as you looked at the girls.
"Noooo, you said it! She said it!" Sarah squealed, running around the room as the other girls laughed at her antics.
"Shh!” You urged, catching the girl as she ran past you, taking the both of you to the ground in a fit of giggles. “Do not say anything!" you hissed, trying to cover her mouth as you both rolled around, the other girls hysterical.
Sarah was wriggling under you, shrieking through her giggles as you tried your best to clamp both hands over her mouth. "I won't say anything! I promise!" Sarah wheezed, voice muffled as she finally surrendered, flopping onto her back on the glam room floor. "I won't tell Theo, I won't tell JJ, just let me breathe!"
You finally let go, collapsing onto the carpet beside her, both of you panting and laughing until your stomachs hurt before sitting back up and brushing off your clothes.
"Seriously,” you narrowed your eyes at the blonde. “I want to tell him. So, don't go telling your guys. Especially, not JJ." You groaned, all of the girls giggling before agreeing as you quickly bolted out of the room to escape their teasing.
As soon as the door closed behind you, the girls all exchanged mischievous looks.
"If I were a betting woman," Sarah started, settling back into her chair, "I'd put all my money on them saying 'I love you' before we leave."
"I’m with you," Cleo agreed. "They're both gonna drop it any day now."
IN the bedroom, Rafe was already lying down, tucked under the blanket and propped up against the pillows. As soon as he spotted you walking over, he smiled and lifted the duvet, welcoming you into his arms.
You slid into bed, wiggling into his side and resting your head on his chest.
"Long day?" Rafe murmured, slightly teasing as his knuckled lightly brushed the top of your head.
"The longest," you sighed, wrapping an arm around his waist, peering up at him through your eyelashes. "But I'm glad I get to end it with you."
Rafe let out a low chuckle, hand sliding down to rest gently on the small of your back. "You can't say things like that to me.” He warned , voice low. “You forget there's people in the room, and I have very little self control."
You giggled, poking his ribs. "You're such a freak ball."
“I’m a freak?” He asked, astonished. “Are we forgetting about you did like yesterday morning—”
Before he could finish that thought though, you clamped your hand over his mouth, eyes wide with mock horror. "Rafe Cameron, I swear." you hissed, cheeks hot.
Rafe’s deep rumble of laughter vibrated against your palm. He grabbed your wrist, pulling your hand away from his lips just enough to press a warm kiss to your palm before pinning your hand gently against his chest. "That's what I thought," he smirked wickedly, wrapping his arms around your body and pulling you tightly against his side.
You both settled under the covers, whispering quietly while the rest of the bedroom hummed with quiet chatter as the girls trickled in, settling in with their guys.
"Are you scared for what it's gonna be like when we get out of here?" you asked softly, looking up at him. "Like... what people are gonna think of us?"
Rafe looked down at you, eyes steady, unbothered. "I don't really care what people think.” He said casually, unblinking. “I have you. That's all that matters to me."
You huffed, a short laugh leaving your lips as you studied his face. "Does winning even matter to you anymore?" you murmured.
Rafe smirked softly. “It never mattered to me.” He told you, bending down to press a soft kiss to your lips. "Besides. I think we've already won." He declared, pulling you closer.
You let out a quiet laugh. "Oh, you are so cheesy."
Rafe just rolled his eyes, a smile tugging at his lips as he looked at you. "Why?" he chuckled. "...Does it matter to you?"
"No," you admitted genuinely. "That's not what I came here for.” You sighed, melting into him even further. “I came to have a good summer and hopefully find someone I could spend the rest of my life with.” You explain, peering at him with a soft gaze. “And I feel like I did both. We could honestly go home tomorrow, and I'd be more than okay."
Rafe's gaze softened endlessly as he pulled you tighter against his chest, pressing a long, lingering kiss to your crown. "Me too, angel."
THE next morning, you woke up feeling remarkably well-rested. The guys were in the kitchen while all of you girls were busied, as usual, with getting yourselves together in the makeup room, idle chatter filling the room.
Usually, the guys walked in at the same time to bring you all breakfast. So, you were left hanging a bit when everyone has received their plates and Rafe walked in minuted later, holding a plate. On it was golden, perfectly cooked French toast topped with fresh sliced strawberries and powdered sugar, with a side of mixed fruit.
"Good mornin’," he said, voice still a bit raspy as he walked over, nodding to the other girls as handed the plate to you.
You pouted gratefully, shoulders slumping in adoration and exhaustion. "Rafe,” you started, voice soft and barely there. “This is so sweet. Different, too.” You smiled, taking the plate, tossing a strawberry into your mouth. “Who taught you this?"
Rafe shoved his hands into the pockets of his shorts. "Theo."
You paused your chewing for a short second before resuming slowly, giving him a raised-eyebrow, knowing look.
"Don't give me that look," Rafe grunted playfully, turning away from you.
"I'm not giving you any look," you assured, though you were clearly fighting a smile as you carefully set the plate down on the table, standing up and turning him back towards you by the shoulder to pull him down, pressing a sweet kiss to his lips. "I'm proud of you." You said lowly, chin resting on his chest as you looked at him, his hands leaving his pockets to make a home on your waist.
Rafe mumbled a quiet "Yeah, yeah," though a smirk gave him away as he kissed your forehead before backing out of the makeup room to let you girls finish getting ready.
However, as you sat back down to eat, resuming conversation with the girls, you noticed Rima was sitting at her vanity, staring blankly at nothing. Normally, she was a human sunshine bottle in the morning—loud, full of energy, waking everyone up. But today, she was unnaturally quiet.
Sarah noticed it too when you stopped talking, following your trail of vision as her face fell a bit. "Hey... Rima?” She started, tapping the girl's shoulder. “Are you okay?"
Rima seemed to snap out of it then, letting out a long breath as she rested her chin in her hands. "Yeah. Yeah... I've just been a little thrown off since last night."
"What happened last night?" Cleo asked gently as everyone turned their attention to her.
Rima slumped before speaking, tucking her hair behind her ear. "When me and Justin went to bed last night, we started talking," she started, her voice tight. "And I was telling that I don't like the confusion of where we stand. We're exes, but now we're talking again. So, I asked him, 'are we back together or are we not? Because I don't want to be in a situationship with an ex.' That sounds crazy to me."
You nodded. "That's reasonable," you said, setting your fork down. "What’d he say?"
Rima scoffed bitterly. "After I told him either we close things off and say we're officially back together, or we drop it altogether, Justin was just unwilling to say I'm his girlfriend again.” She snarled. “So I asked him, 'are you saying that because you want time to build our relationship back up, or are you saying that so you can explore other people once we leave?' And let’s just say... his response made it very clear that he wants to explore his options outside the villa."
"Oh, hell no." Cleo scoffed.
"That is so weird…" Sarah gasped.
"Right?" Rima said, clearly frustrated. "I'm so thrown off by it. If we were already together once, why the hell do you need more time to explore other people in the real world?” She criticized, a look of disgust on her face. “That literally tells me I'm not the person for you. So why are you wasting my time for a second time?"
"There shouldn't be an in-between for you two.” You agreed, supporting Rima’s thinking. “Either he wants to make it work with you, or he wants to be single. You don't get to have your cake and eat it too."
"Exactly," Rima sighed, rubbing her forehead. "I'm just so put off by that shit, I don't even wanna speak to him. It just sounds like a cheap excuse for him to fuck around on the outside while keeping me on his arm. But he already knows I'm not going for that."
"Because that's exactly what it is," Talia said bluntly. "You deserve way better than a guy who still isn't sure about you the second time around."
Rima sighed, nodding and sending you all a soft, grateful smile. "Thanks," she whispered, shaking her head and standing up. "I really appreciate y’all, but…I just need a minute to myself."
You all sat in painful silence as you watched Rima walk out of the glam room with her head hung low and shoulders slouched. Seeing her like that hit a sour note with everyone.
Rima was normally the ultra-confident woman of the villa, the girl who always hypes everyone up and handles drama like nothing. Seeing Justin have her second-guessing her own self-worth and walking around with all her light drained out felt plain wrong.
"That honestly makes me sick," Cleo grumbled, blending her foundation. "Rima’s such a good woman. To see him make her doubt herself like this when she gave him a second chance is disgusting."
"I know," Sarah murmured, looking at the shut door. "It’s like he’s keeping her on a string just in case nothing better comes along. It sucks seeing her like this."
You and the girls fell into a tense silence, everyone’s annoyance settling, the mood taking a few minutes to reset as you moved onto checking in with each other.
"Well, what about you, Talia?" Sarah asked gently, trying to lighten the air. "Where are you and JJ at with everything?"
The girl sighed softly, capping her concealer. "Truthfully, I do feel a bit behind everyone else just because I came in so late. I really like JJ, but I don't want to rush into labels or anything. I've been burned before by guys who act super sweet at first and then switch up. I just want to take it slow."
"That's smart," you nodded in agreement. "Take your time."
"Cleo, what about you?" Talia turned. "You guys seem really solid."
Cleo smiled faintly into the mirror. "We are.” She said cutely. “I'm falling for him all over again. But I'm holding back a little bit. I'm not dropping the 'L' word yet because we just got back on track, but I definitely see a real future with him if he keeps this up."
Sarah picked up her makeup brush, twirling it softly. "I get that.” She nodded. “With Theo, I have days where I'm head over heels, and then I have days where I get scared. I really like him, but I'm keeping my guard up just a little until we see how we are outside."
All eyes turned to you. You smiled warmly, resting your hands on your lap. "Oh, I'm in it with Rafe.” You said, waving them off. “I don't have any fears left. He's proven himself to me over and over, and I believe we're gonna make it work on the outside."
MEANWHILE, Justin was sitting on the edge of his bed, brooding while the guys got dressed around him—sliding into swim shorts, spraying cologne, slathering sunscreen.
"I think Rima is pissed at me," he blurted out to the guys, all of them turning to him for a brief second.
"What d'you mean?" Pope asked. "Did somethin’ happen? I noticed she looked kind of upset this morning."
Justin scoffed, shaking his head. "She was pressuring me last night to put a label on us again.” He groaned. “She said either we're official or we're nothing."
"Well... that's not a crazy thing for her to ask, bro," JJ pointed out carefully, tilting his head with a pained expression.
"Yeah, but I don't wanna jump into a label and do the same shit we did before." Justin argued defensively, eyebrows pinched together.
"Okay," Theo chimed in. "...Do you not wanna label it because you wanna take time to build the connection back…or do you want to explore other people?"
Justin paused, looking away before muttering, "I mean... I can't lie, I still wanna explore other people on the outside before settling back down with her. Just to be sure, y’know?"
"Nah," Rafe interjected, shaking his head in disapproval. "How much more sure can you be? You already dated."
"It's not that simple, alright?" Justin snapped, standing up. "You guys don't get it. Whatever..." He waved them all off, storming out of the room.
The guys looked at each other, exchanging wary glances as they heard his footsteps get more distant, muttering in agreement that Justin was in the wrong and making excuses.
"Bro, if you know you like a girl, you like her," JJ spoke up firmly, shrugging. "As someone who used to talk to girl after girl... if you can do that to a girl, you don't really mess with her."
"Yeah," Theo said, playing with his hair in the full body mirror. "I used to ghost girls left and right... with Sarah, I'm doing stuff I've never done for anyone because I actually like her. It shouldn't be complicated."
"I can see where he’s coming from a little bit, only because of how I was at the start," Pope added. "When Cleo and I were first coupling up, I kept making excuses about taking it slow because I wanted to explore Kiara. Justin is doing the same thing right now. He likes Rima, but he doesn't like her enough."
Rafe scoffed from the corner, leaning against the doorframe. "I don't understand that shit at all. If you really like a girl, you don't wanna hurt her feelings.” He said casually. “Girls get emotional, and I don't say that as a bad thing, it's just facts. If you care about her, you try to be careful with her. If Justin can't do that one simple thing, he needs to let her go."
The boys stared at Rafe in silence for a second before one of them spoke up, a grin on his face as he walked over, nudging the man’s shoulder.
"Damn," JJ grinned. “Look at Rafe spittin’ relationship wisdom.”
Rafe rolled his eyes hard, swatting the blonde’s hands away. "You’re a child."
LATER that morning, you and JJ were sitting on the sun loungers, watching the pool, everyone else having separate conversations around the villa.
"You know what’s up with Rima and Justin? Or did she not say anything to you?" JJ asked gently.
"Yeah, she told us this morning," you sighed, shifting where you sat. "It sounds like Justin wants his freedom while keeping her on standby."
JJ nodded, tossing a piece of fruit into his mouth from the bowl he had in his lap. "Yeah, as a guy, I can tell you that what he’s sayin’ is bullshit.” He scoffed. “That's the excuse I used to give girls I hooked up with when I didn't want anythin’ with ‘em."
"I feel so terrible for her," you murmured, motioning subtly across the yard where Rima was sitting with Rafe, talking. "Look at her... she looks so defeated."
"...Did y’all talk about anythin’ else? Or anyone…" JJ shifted, looking hopeful as he stared at you.
“Yes, Talia talked about you, JJ. Because that’s what you’re asking.” You snorted, rolling your eyes at him. "She really likes you. But... she told us she wants to move slow. And, as one of your closest friends here... I agree with her."
JJ frowned slightly, shoulders slumping. "Wait, why? What’d I do?"
"You didn’t do anything, J,” you giggled, stealing some of his fruit. “I agree because, while I have faith in you, you need to remember the guy you were just weeks ago.” You remind softly. “Don't jump into things too fast and accidentally fall into old habits. Don't push her. Be patient. Just because she wants to take her time doesn't mean she doesn't like you. If you rush her, you're gonna ruin something really good."
JJ listened, posture softening as your words sank in. "Yeah... yeah, you're right.” He nodded, the ghost of a smile on his lips. “I’ve never really had a genuine girl-friend." He tells you. “Typically, I hook up with them and ruin everything. So, thanks.” He says, sounding very aloof, so much it makes you laugh.
“Well, let’s be grateful I rejected your advances then.” You giggle, ruffling his blonde hair.
MEANWHILE, across the yard, Rima was sitting with Rafe across from her. She’d pulled him to talk but hadn’t said a word for the last two minuted. Rafe tried to be patient, but he wasn’t the best source of comfort. For anything.
"...You alright?" Rafe grunted softly.
Rima let out a shaky breath, finally coming with the words to speak. "Did Justin tell you guys what happened? Last night?"
"Yeah," Rafe said neutrally, nodding. "Made it sound like you were pressuring him."
She immediately scoffed, hands curling into fists at her sides. "That's insane." Rima bit out, tears welling up in her eyes. "All I said was love me or let me go. I'm not stupid, and I feel like he's holding me on a leash."
Rafe shifted awkwardly, resting his elbows on his knees. "To be real with you, I think the guy is full of shit," Rafe said, blunt and lacking any sugarcoating whatsoever. "He’s givin' you the runaround ‘cause he wants to act single outside while keeping you around. If a guy actually wants you, he doesn't do that weird shit. He just steps up. Justin isn't doing that, which means he doesn't like you enough. Simple as that. You're wasting your time cryin' over a guy who’s clearly not man enough for you anyway."
Rafe thought he was giving helpful, rational logic. But hearing it spelled out so brutally broke Rima's composure., tears bursting from her eyes, lips trembling as she buried her face in her hands, shoulders shaking with quiet sobs.
As Rima’s sobs grew louder, Rafe finally noticed, panicking slightly. Watching the tears stream down her face, the girls trying to wipe them as they fell, her shoulders shaking, he looked around the courtyard awkwardly for help and caught your eye from where you were sat next to JJ.
You looked over, giving him a soft smile until you registered the wide-eyed look he was sending you, face twisting in confusion before they drifted, finding Rima wiping her eyes. Your jaw dropped, knowing Rafe was asking for help. You turned to him and made a gesturing motion with your hands, mouthing, ‘hug her’.
Rafe shook his head, mouthing ‘no, no hugs’, back.
You glared at him, mouthing firmly, ‘do it’.
Rafe looked between you and her, panicking before he let out a defeated puff of air. Awkwardly, he leaned over and wrapped a stiff arm around Rima's shoulders, patting her back up and down. "Uh... it's okay. You'll be alright. Don't cry."
Across the yard, you smiled with your hands clasped together before blowing him a kiss.
Rima sniffled, burying her face in his shoulder briefly before pulling back. "...Thanks, Rafe.” She offered her gratitude, wiping her eyes. “I know you don't really deal with emotional stuff, so that means a lot.” She laughed tearfully, looking at him. “You're probably my closest guy friend here."
Rafe blinked, surprised and slightly taken aback by her words. A genuine, warm feeling bloomed in his chest.
Back home, he barely had real friends, let alone women. To know Rima genuinely valued him meant more to him than he'd ever admit out loud.
Not having the proper words, he gave her a small, genuine nod.
At that moment, the sound of an incoming text echoed through the villa, all heads snapping up at the noise.
Across the yard, Pope stood from where he and Cleo were talking, voice booming as he read the text aloud.
"Islanders! It's time to confront what the public really thinks of you in today's challenge, Rank Bank! #PublicExposed #TruthHurts"
A gasp went around the yard. Half the Islanders were buzzing with adrenaline, while the rest exchanged terrified looks, trying to figure out what the game entailed.
"Wait, what does Rank Bank mean?!" JJ yelled, sitting up straight. "Are they ranking our looks?! And what are we banking?!"
"It means the public has been voting on us, JJ!" Sarah squealed nervously. "We're about to find out what they think!"
JJ frowned then. “Again?” He whined, eliciting a chorus of giggles.
Everyone rushed upstairs to the glam room to get dressed and when you all walked down the stairs, the guys were already waiting at the bottom.
Rafe was leaning against the railing, eyes sweeping over you the second your heels hit the grass. He stepped forward, sliding his arm around your waist and pulling you close. "You look gorgeous," he whispered against your ear, making you smile warmly as you adjusted his collar while he kissed your temple.
"You don't look too bad yourself, Cameron," you teased back, holding his hand tightly as you all walked out into the challenge area.
WHEN you stepped out onto the lawn, the setup looked like a gameshow. Five circular platforms were lined up in a row. To the far left, a giant bold sign read "MOST", while the platform on the far right was labeled "LEAST".
In front of the platforms sat a colorful host podium and bleachers.
Ariana Madix was standing before you all in a gorgeous outfit, standing beside the signs and podiums and bleachers.
"Welcome, Islanders! It’s lovely to see you all again, " Ariana beamed. "Today's challenge will test your opinions against the ones of the public.” She explained. “It’ll be boys versus girls. One group will stand on the podiums, while the opposite group must rank them from most to least based on how you think the public voted for specific categories. If your ranking matches the public poll exactly, you win a point!"
"Girls, you'll be up first." Ariana announced, gesturing toward the five platforms. "Guys, take your positions in front of the podiums."
Justin, Theo, JJ, Pope, and Rafe stepped to the platforms as you and the girls huddled, ready to place your guesses.
"Girls, your first question is," Ariana started. "Which guy is the biggest morning person?"
"Oh, that's easily Theo. He’s always the first in the kitchen." Cleo laughed. And after a quick discussion, you all placed Theo in the top spot, then Pope, Justin, JJ, and then Rafe.
Once you were done moving the guys around, Ariana turned. “Girls, you are…correct!” She beamed. "Spot on. Theo takes number one."
Confessional : Theo
"I'll take it. I love my morning energy. Gotta get up and get out." He laughs to himself. “I’m just glad it wasn’t anything bad.”
“Alright, boys. I hope you enjoyed that warm up, because the next question has a little more kick to it,” Ariana turned to her next card. "Which guy is the biggest flirt?"
You and the girls turned to each other, debating. You all knew JJ had a wild past, but Theo had also made moves.
And as of recently, Justin wasn’t looking too great himself.
Eventually, you all broke apart. “We think that the biggest flirt is JJ.” Sarah spoke for the group, placing Theo in the second spot, followed by Justin, Pope, and then Rafe at number five.
Ariana smiled softly as she looked between the girls and the line of boys. "Now, girls, before we reveal the public's official vote, walk me through your logic. How did you arrive at your ranking?"
Sarah stepped forward, gesturing lightly toward the boys. "All of the guys are flirtatious in their own ways.” She laughed lightly. “Even Rafe—and he doesn't flirt with anyone else besides Y/N, but he definitely has that natural charm when he wants to use it!” She joked, making everyone else laugh. “But we really felt like JJ is just the most flirtatious person by nature. It wasn't anything malicious behind our vote, and we're not saying he's easy or anything, just that it’s his personality."
Ariana nodded approvingly before turning her gaze to the five men standing on the platforms. "Boys, how do you feel about where the girls have placed you?"
JJ chuckled with a wide grin. "I agree with 'em,” he shrugged. “I take it as a compliment, really. I like making people smile and havin’ a laugh, so if that comes off flirtatious, I'm not offended at all."
The other guys nodded in agreement, none of them taking any real offense to the placement.
Ariana turned, eyes scanning the boys. “Girls, you’re guesses are….unfortunately, incorrect.” She informed, lowering her head before turning back to the guys. “The correct voting from viewers…puts Theo in the number one spot. Theo and JJ, please swap places.”
Theo let out a surprised breath, stepping off the top platform as he and JJ crossed paths, swapping places so he was now standing under the 'MOST' sign while JJ moved down to second.
Ariana tilted her head toward the boys. "Theo, JJ... how do you both feel about where the public voted you?"
Theo rubbed the back of his neck, looking a bit sheepish as he glanced over at Sarah. "I mean, it's definitely a shock being voted number one. I guess people are still looking at how I was when I first walked into the villa, but I really hope people see the change as well..."
Confessional : Theo
"Being voted biggest flirt... I mean, I get why they see that from earlier on, but I am focused on one girl now."
Ariana’s expression turned more serious as she flips to her third card. "Girls, for your third question—Which guy is most likely to cheat on the outside?"
A silence fell over the yard, the lightheartedness of the initial questions falling away. You and the girls discussed, struggling to place that notion on almost any of the boys.
It wasn’t a pleasant thing to think about.
However, you all figured that, given Justin's conversation with Rima, unanimously deciding to place him at the top spot was the best option. In second, you'd placed JJ for more than obvious reasons and lack of choice. In third, you put Theo, being unsure about his dating history but knowing his trust was shaky. And unfortunately, in fourth, Rafe stood on the podium, as they took his history with Sofia into account. And in fifth, Pope stood with a proud smile on his lips.
Ariana looked over the tense lineup of men before turning back to the group. "Girls, let's go down the line. Explain to me why you placed each guy where you did."
Cleo spoke up first, her tone firm as she started. "Justin is at number one because he's made his opinions very clear about what he wants to do outside of the villa, and he clearly wants to keep his options open."
Sarah chimed in next, sending JJ an apologetic look. "With JJ at two, we all love him to death, but his wild past and how things went down at Casa definitely played a factor for us." She sent the blonde a soft smile. "For Theo," she started, "he doesn't really have anything proving he's a cheater, but we all kind of agreed that the trust levels with the girls are still building, so it felt safest to put him in the middle."
Your chest tightened a bit as eyes turned to you regarding Rafe. You looked up at Rafe, meeting his eyes as you spoke softly. "With Rafe... most of the girls agreed that his past actions were a factor we had to consider, but his present was the biggest factor for us.” Your smile grew. “He’s been so loyal to me, and I genuinely don't see him doing anything to hurt me. But if we were taking the other guys' pasts into account, it was only fair we did the same for him."
Rafe’s jaw clenched slightly, but he gave you a slow, understanding nod, letting you know he didn't hold it against you or any of the other girls.
Talia finished for the group, smiling at Pope. "And with Pope, we were a little unsure at first because of how things started between him and Cleo, but throughout everything, the girls agreed he’s tried his best to be honest. There’s nothing that suggests he’d ever be unfaithful."
Ariana turned to the boys. "Guys, how are we feeling about where you're standing?"
Justin scowled, crossing his arms over his chest. "I think it's a very calculated vote, to say the least," he bit out, sounding bitter and defensive. "They only know her side of the story, but it is what it is."
You and the girls all exchanged offended looks, muttering amongst yourselves that even the other boys confirmed that he was in the wrong.
JJ ran a hand over his blonde hair, sighing. "I'm not thrilled about bein’ up at number two, obviously. But I understand why the girls put me there."
Theo shook his head slightly. "I don't really agree with my spot but the girls don't actually know my dating history. I've never officially dated anyone, just unlabeled stuff, and I was never unfaithful in any of them. But I get why they're cautious."
Rafe stood tall on his platform, jaw tight as he looked at the ground before looking back at you. He felt a sting in his chest after being ranked fourth instead of fifth, hating that his past mistakes still hung over his head, but he saw it coming. "I don't love bein’ in fourth," he admitted. "But I get why it happened. I just hope to leave the past in the past and keep proving that I'm not that person anymore."
Pope beamed from the fifth platform, standing tall. "I feel pretty great, honestly.” He shrugged with his hands behind his back.
“Ladies,” Ariana started, hands clasped together. “You are correct!”
Rima squeezed her eyes shut, nodding bitterly as Justin stood with a sour, embarrassed look on his face.
Confessional : Justin
"Uh, getting voted most likely to cheat is…it's pretty brutal, man.” He shrugged. “They don't know me. They just see snippets. But, I guess that was enough."
"Alright, girls! It’s your turn." Ariana called out. “Guys, you may step down from the podiums.”
You and the girls swapped places with the guys, standing nervously before them now as Ariana began speaking.
"Guys, your first prompt for the girls—" Ariana read. "Which girl has the best laugh?"
The guys all smirked, quickly conferring. It was nerve-wracking watching them huddle and whisper, even with such an innocent question. And when they broke apart, you felt like a chess piece as they moved you all around.
They placed Talia at number one, Cleo at two, you at three, Sarah at four, and Rima at five.
Ariana smiled at the boys. "Alright, gentlemen, walk me through this decision."
JJ grinned, speaking up for the group. "Honestly, all the girls have cute laughs!" He exclaimed, lightening the mood. “Whether they snort, giggle, or sound like a spray bottle, all their laughs are adorable. We couldn't really pick a bad one, so we just put them in a random order because we all feel differently about our own girls."
“Well, guys,” Ariana started, glancing briefly at the five of you lined up. “You are correct!” She smiled, everyone clapping and ‘aww’ing.
Confessional : Talia
"Getting best laugh is so cute!” She squealed, hands covering her mouth. “JJ was cheering so loud for me, it was adorable."
"Second question," Ariana continued. "Which girl is the biggest pot-stirrer?"
At this, the guys all made nervous faces—knowing the question had a bit of bite to it. They whispered and conversed before making their decisions, the order from most to least being Cleo, You, Sarah, Rima, and then Talia.
Ariana raised an eyebrow at the lineup. "Boys?"
Theo stepped forward to explain. "None of the remaining girls in here are real drama starters, so this was hard for us. We didn't really base it on who starts drama, because none of them do. We based it on who is the most likely to stand up, speak their mind, for themselves or others in a heated situation without caring about the fallout.” He continues. “Cleo is at number one because she doesn’t really have a filter and stands on what she says. Then Y/N at two because she won't hesitate to back up her friends, and with Sarah, Rima, and Talia, they also have their levels of fire."
“Well, guys, I’ll be the one to inform you that your guesses are… incorrect.” Ariana told them, drawing her lips into a thin line, turning to you girls. “Sarah, please move to podium five. Talia, please move to podium four. Rima, please move to podium one, leaving Cleo on podium two, moving Y/N down to podium three.”
Ariana turned to the freshly shuffled line of girls. "Girls, how do you feel about the public's vote?"
Rima looked genuinely baffled, blinking at the 'MOST' sign beside her. "I'm not gonna lie, I'm a little confused. I never enter any situation with the intention of starting drama, but... looking back at how I came into the villa as a bombshell, I guess I can see why the public maybe viewed me that way early on."
Cleo shrugged casually from second place. "I just speak my mind. If that offends people, that's on them. I'm fine with my spot."
You gave a small, honest smile from third place. "I think being in the middle makes sense for me.” You chuckled lightly. “I try my best to stay calm and not let my emotions take over, but it's really hard. Sometimes my emotions do get the best of me and I just say whatever I think."
Sarah let out a breath of relief. "I’m happy to be at the bottom.” She smiled. “I genuinely thought I'd be near the top because the last couple of weeks have been such an emotional rollercoaster for me."
“I’m confused,” Talia laughed softly from fourth place. "but I'm hoping that I got fourth just because I came in as a bombshell."
Confessional : Rima
“I'm not gonna lie, it kind of sucks being voted the biggest shit starter by the public, and I am a little bit confused but I'm just going to hope that it was mainly influenced by early days when I was being a little bit of a bitch.” She laughs.
"Final prompt," Ariana said. "Which girl is the most naive?"
A ton of tension settled over the lawn. The boys discussed awkwardly, avoiding eye contact with you all. Even from where you all stood, you could see the tightness in some of the guy’s shoulders—most notably Justin’s and Rafe’s. They dispersed after a minute, turning and placing Sarah at number one, Rima at two, you at three, Cleo at four, and Talia at five.
Ariana looked at the boys quietly. "Gentlemen, explain your thought process."
Pope took the lead, speaking carefully. "Obviously this wasn't easy for us at all. We put Sarah at number one purely because of some of the red flags she ignored in the beginning. But we’re not attacking her character or blaming her for anything that happened!” He added with his hands up in surrender. “...With Rima at two, with recent events coming to light, we were unsure if she was ignoring red flags or if they were being hidden from her..." He says, side-eyeing Justin.
As Pope said this, Justin aggressively looked away, jaw working as anger flooded his face.
"We put Y/N at number three," Pope continued, "mostly because of what happened during Casa. Although we hate bringing it up, she fell victim to her overthinking and emotions at the time. Again, we aren't blaming her or saying it's a bad thing—it was just a really tough vote. With Cleo at four, she hasn't shown much naivety, though her early connections with me and Justin put her there in the eyes of the other guys. And with Talia at five, we haven't known her long enough to see her be naive in any sense."
Ariana’s voice took on a dramatic edge as she looked at the men. "Boys... your guesses were incorrect. Girls, please swap places—"
Ariana shuffled the lineup, placing Rima at number one, Talia at number two, Sarah at number three, you at number four, and Cleo at number five.
Ariana looked at the girls. "Girls, how are you feeling about the public's official verdict?"
Rima stood, hands trembling slightly as she fought back tears, staring bitterly at the ground. She couldn't even bring herself to speak, humiliated that the public viewed her as the most naive girl in the villa.
Talia blinked in shock, looking down at the number two platform. "I am... very confused how I jumped from five to two."
Sarah nodded quietly from third place. "I kind of understand why I'm here. I know early on I ignored a lot of things I shouldn't have, so being in the middle hopefully shows the public sees I've grown."
You took a breath, feeling a sense of relief. "I'm grateful to be where I am. I agree a bit with what the guys said about Casa, but in my own defense—the guys will never understand what it felt like to get that video and see what we saw. But looking back now, I do agree my emotions played a factor in not seeing the bigger picture."
Cleo smiled proudly from fifth. "Standing at 'least naive' feels pretty damn good, not gonna lie."
Ariana acknowledged all of your emotions with a sympathetic nod before clapping her hands together. "Now for the final round!” She gleamed, “You will now stand on the platforms in your couples."You all found your partners, locking hands and limbs before stepping onto the platforms together. “For these last few rounds, you will all be responsible for ranking yourselves in your pairs.”
You all exchanged looks with your friends and partners, nervous.
"Question One," Ariana smiled. "Which couple does the public most want to go on a vacation with?"
The mood lightened up as the couples huddled together on your platforms to discuss. The question felt almost like a popularity contest, really asking which couple was the fan favorite, but also who would be the most adventurous and fun to travel with.
"We're definitely taking a trip together after this anyway," Rafe whispered in your ear, his arm wrapped around your waist as you both discussed.
After a lively debate among the group, the Islanders agreed on a consensus ranking—giving first to JJ and Talia, Cleo and Pope in second, you and Rafe in third, fourth taken over by Sarah and Theo, leaving Justin and Rima in fifth.
Ariana spoke once you all settled. "Islanders... your self-ranking is incorrect." She then instructed you all to your correct positions, shifting the couples into the public's official order—Cleo and Pope in first, followed by you and Rafe, leaving JJ and Talia in third, Sarah and Theo in fourth with Rima and Justin still in fifth.
Ariana smiled. "Couples, how do you feel?"
Pope laughed aloud, wrapping his arm around Cleo. "We feel great. Honestly, I thought I'd be viewed as a bit boring for a vacation, so I think Cleo definitely saved us here."
You looked up at Rafe in shock. "I'm surprised!” You giggled. “I thought people might view Rafe as a bit grumpy for a vacation."
Rafe chuckled softly, pressing a kiss to your temple.
JJ dramatically pouted, leaning against Talia. "We are not third!” He defended lightheartedly. “Trust me, a vacation with us would be fun as hell!"
Theo smiled smoothly beside Sarah. "We’ll take it,” he shrugged with a lazy smile. “I can cook, and Sarah’s a ball of sunshine, so we'd be a great time. The viewers are missing out."
Ariana turned her gaze to Justin and Rima. Both of them stood in silence, staring at the grass, unwilling to answer. Seeing their discomfort, Ariana gracefully moved along.
"Oookay, Question Two—Which couple is the most genuine?"
A heavier tension returned then. Every couple wanted to believe they were genuine, but as they evaluated their journeys honestly, the ranking became clearer as they quickly agreed that you and Rafe and Cleo and Pope deserved the top two spots.
Both couples had survived rocky storms in the villa. If you weren't genuine, you would have split up and probably hated each other by now.
And with time running out on the clock, the Islanders scrambled to place the rest—the self-voting ended with you and Rafe in first, followed by Cleo and pope with Sarah and Theo in third, leaving JJ and Talia in fourth and Justin and Rima in last. Again.
"Islanders... you are incorrect.” Ariana confirmed. She, once again, moved you all around—while you and Rafe and Cleo and Pope remained in your spots, JJ and Talia were moved to third, bumping Sarah and Theo down to fourth.
Ariana smiled warmly. "How does it feel?"
"It makes me so happy," you admitted, holding Rafe's hand tightly. "Especially after everything we went through."
JJ and Talia beamed. "We're actually surprised given how new we are, but we’ll take it as an sign!" She giggled, looking up at the blonde.
Sarah and Theo looked slightly confused, exchanging a quiet glance, wondering why the public viewed their connection as less genuine.
When Ariana reached fifth place, Rima let out a sharp, bitter scoff. "We're standing exactly where we need to be," Rima bit out.
An uncomfortable cringe rippled through the other couples, all of you making uneasy faces as Justin clenched his jaw in anger. Ariana quickly cleared her throat and pushed forward.
"For our final question," Ariana stated, her tone dropping low. "Which couple is the most one-sided?"
That was the final blow.
Nobody wanted to claim the title of most one-sided, and the discussion was tense as everyone tried to vouch for their own coupling without throwing shots at another.
But while the others bickered, you and Rafe looked at each other. Without caring about anyone else's drama, you took Rafe's hand and walked yourselves straight over to the last podium, standing together.
Seeing you two take fifth, Cleo and Pope took the fourth podium.
JJ and Talia settled on the third. Sarah and Theo, forced by default during the argument, ended up on the second podium.
But it didn’t even matter because Rima didn't falter as she walked straight over to the first podium all by herself, leaving Justin with no choice but to awkwardly walk over and stand beside her.
Ariana looked over you all and smiled broadly. "For the first time this round... Islanders, your self-ranking is correct! How do we feel about the verdict?"
Rima spoke up, voice trembling with hurt. "I agree. There's really nothing else to say. Though, it does feel really damn good to know I'm not crazy."
Sarah and Theo stood quietly at podium two, both looking deeply confused as to why the public viewed them as one-sided.
JJ and Talia took third lightly, noting that, again, they were still brand new and building. Cleo and Pope felt great at four, while you and Rafe smiled softly at podium five.
"Well, Islanders, that concludes today's challenge" Ariana announced warmly. "Some of you have celebrations awaiting, while some of you have conversations to hold…” She drags out, face softening. “It was amazing to see you all again, and I’m excited for you all as we near the end. With that, I'll see you all soon."
Right after, Ariana departed and you all scattered back toward the villa. The mood was split—while you, Rafe, Cleo, Pope, Talia, and JJ were feeling pretty high on confidence, Rima walked straight past Justin and marched straight into the glam room, while Sarah pulled Theo for a private conversation almost immediately.
You, Sarah, Talia, and Cleo exchanged glances before following Rima inside, your men letting you go after her with no hesitation, reading the room.
The woman took the stairs two at a time, the four of you jogging after her, catching up just as she turned into the glam room and sank into a chair, shoulders trembling as she tried desperately to hold back her tears, wiping her wet face.
"Rimaaa," Cleo whined gently, kneeling beside her chair and taking her wet hand. "Don't cry,"
"I'm just... I'm so embarrassed," Rima sobbed, tears finally spilling over her cheeks as she squeezed her eyes shut. "Standing up there... having everyone vote us as the most one-sided couple, seeing him get voted most likely to cheat... it just proves that everyone sees what a fool I've been making of myself."
"Hey, no," you start firmly, crouching down on her other side and resting your hand on her knee. "You are not a fool. Okay? You gave him a second chance because you have a big heart and you believed in him. That doesn't make you stupid. That makes you a lot braver than his ass."
"Exactly," Talia chimed in, handing her a box of tissues. "Justin is the one who looks like an idiot. He’s the one who couldn't step up and value an amazing, gorgeous, loyal woman like you. The public didn't vote against you, Rima. They voted against him."
"You didn't do anything wrong," Cleo added, rubbing her back affectionately. "You asked for clarity. He's the one playing games. You deserve a man who screams from the rooftops that you're his girl."
Rima wiped her eyes with a tissue, letting out a shaky, watery sigh as she looked at all three of you. "I just... I felt so small standing up there."
"Don't you ever let a boy make you feel small," you insisted softly. "You're Rima. You're the strongest girl here. Cry it out today, but tomorrow, you pick your head back up."
Rima let out a breathy, tearful laugh, pulling you all into a tight, wet group hug. "I love you guys so much.” She let out a watery laugh. “I don't know what I would do in here without you."
FOLLOWING the aftermath of the challenge, you’d all left Rima to her devices and emotions as she’d requested, watching her refuse to talk to Justin for the rest of the evening as he followed her around.
You and Rafe had snuck away to the daybeds, him plucking the last bits of golden confetti out of your hair.
"That challenge was…" you trailed off, blowing a raspberry and leaning back against the cushions.
"Yeah," Rafe murmured, drawing his lips into a thin line, looking down at you. He paused, his expression softening. "You looked really pretty standing up there, though."
"Thanks," you smiled, looking up into his eyes. "...I was really proud of you earlier today. With Rima." You told him softly. “ I think she really needed it. And I think it helped reassure her to hear it all from a guy’s perspective, y’know? Hell, I think you comforted her more than Justin has even attempted to.” You snarled, rolling your eyes.’ “...Regardless, you did a good thing.” You smiled up at the Cameron boy, pecking his cheek.
Rafe scoffed lightly, though a blush crept up his neck. "It was weird.” He let out something between a deep groan and a whine. “I don't…comfort people."
"Well, you did great," you told him in a low voice.
Rafe fought a sheepish smile before he leaned down, cupping your jaw with his hand, pulling you into a deep, passionate kiss. His lips moved over yours, desperate and tender, your hands winding behind his neck as he pulled you against him.
It wasn't gentle, it was hungry and wildly passionate. Rafe slid his hand around to the back of your neck as he deepened the kiss. A soft, breathless groan escaped the back of his throat, the low, wet sound echoing between your lips as he parted yours with his tongue.
Your hands scrambled up his chest, clutching at his shoulders as a surge of heat pooled deep in your stomach. You melted into his touch, whimpering softly into his mouth as his grip tightened until there was zero space left between you.
He controlled the pace, kissing you with an overwhelming devotion that left your head spinning. His other hand dragged down your side, gripping your waist, fingers digging into your skin through your clothes as he pulled you further into his lap.
He growled something inaudible against your lips, a muffled, needy sound escaping him as he broke the kiss for half a second just to drag his lips down your jawline, pressing hot kisses along your neck. His breath was ragged, fanning across your hot skin.
You arched into his touch, letting out a soft gasp as your hands gripped the muscles of his back.
He pulled back just enough to look at you, chest heaving up and down, lips swollen, damp, and red, eyes blown wide. He leaned back in, capturing your mouth once more in a slow, sweet kiss that tasted like your lip balm and adoration, the slick sound of your lips parting filling the quiet evening air between you.
When he finally pulled back, both of you were breathing in shallow breaths, staring into each other's eyes.
You opened your mouth, the words resting right on the tip of your tongue.
Rafe watched your expression carefully, thumb gently tracing your lower lip. "Don't say it," he whispered softly.
You blinked, a playful yet confused smirk rising on your face. "Don't say what?"
"You know what," Rafe replied, voice raspy and impossibly soft.
"...Why not?"
"Because... I want it to be special," Rafe admitted quietly, like a meek little child.
What you didn't know was that Rafe had already made up his mind. He wasn't going to just casually drop those three words during a random make-out on the daybeds. He was already planning to ‘pop the question’ before your time in the villa ended, whether that meant getting the Hideaway or waiting for a final date.
He wanted everything to be perfect for you.
“...You trust me?” He asked, peering down at you.
You smiled softly, nodding before leaning your forehead against his. "...Of course."
Rafe hummed, kissing your forehead. “Then trust me.” He whispered, pulling you close and wrapping his arms around you as you both curled up on the daybed under the evening sky, wrapped up in each other's warmth.
And you stayed wrapped in Rafe’s arms on that daybed for hours, long after the stars came out, listening to the quiet of his breathing and the steady beat of his heart. When it was finally time to head inside, you walked hand in hand into the bedroom, curling up together under the heavy duvet like you did every other night.
As you rested your head on his chest, feeling his arms hold you against him, those three words burned on the tip of your tongue, bursting at the seams to be let out.
But you remembered the look in his eyes, his soft plea to trust him, and you smiled softly to yourself into the dark, squeezing his waist tight as you drifted off, ready to wait for that right moment.
next chapter>
little anti-climatic but the next chap will make up for it 100x over
