the setback ─ rafe cameron; part eight
summary: it's been two years since your departure from the outer banks and rafe cameron has seemingly convinced himself that he can go on with his life as if you never happened, except now more than ever his addiction is at an all time high. whether he was snorting lines of cocaine at wild parties or drowning himself in alcohol to numb the pain, rafe couldn't escape the memories of you. despite his efforts to bury his feelings, your absence lingered like a shadow, haunting him at every turn. meanwhile, you've been navigating life outside the outer banks, trying to carve out a new path for yourself. but no matter how far you've traveled, the memories of rafe cameron still linger in your heart, leaving you with a sense of unfinished business. as you find yourself facing new challenges and opportunities, you can't help but wonder if fate will eventually bring you back to the place where it all began.
warnings: swearing, angst, mentions of infedelity
As you woke up, an unbearable throbbing ache in your head greeted you, causing you to groan in discomfort. You instinctively shoved your face into the pillow, seeking refuge from the harsh sunlight that only seemed to intensify the pain. Your body felt miserably sore, as though you had been hit by a truck during the night.
Slowly, you forced yourself to sit up, grimacing at the sharp pain that shot through your temples. Blinking away the haze of sleep, you glanced around the room, trying to take in your surroundings. As you noticed a glass of water on the bedside table, a wave of gratitude washed over you. With a sigh of relief, you reached out and grabbed the glass, feeling an overwhelming sense of thirst as if you hadn't had water in months.
Without hesitation, you chugged the water greedily, each sip feeling like a lifeline after a painfully long drought. The cool liquid soothed the dryness in your throat and helped to alleviate the pounding in your head, if only slightly.
With each gulp, you felt a renewed sense of energy coursing through your body, pushing back against the fatigue and discomfort that had plagued you moments before. And as you emptied the glass, you couldn't help but feel a sense of gratitude for the simple yet profound relief that water had provided.
As you placed the cup back down quietly, you glanced around the room, your eyes widening as you spotted Rafe on the side of the room, nestled on the futon. His arms were crossed, and his head rested on a single decorative pillow.
A pang of sympathy washed over you as you observed him. You couldn't help but imagine how uncomfortable he must have been, sleeping on that futon with its sparse cushions, especially given his tall stature. It was clear that he had sacrificed his own comfort to ensure that you had a proper place to sleep.
As you nestled back against the headboard, your eyes wandered around the sunlit room, illuminated by the soft morning light filtering in through the window. Memories of your past flashed before you, each one accompanied by a bittersweet ache in your heart.
You couldn't help but think back to the times you had spent in this room with Rafe, the nights that stretched into the early hours of the morning as you sought refuge in each other's company. The countless movie marathons, the whispered conversations, the shared laughter – it all came flooding back to you, filling the room with a sense of nostalgia and longing.
As you gazed out the balcony window, lost in the silence of your thoughts, guilt and nostalgia gnawed at your subconscious. The memories of the past weighed heavily on your mind, leaving you feeling conflicted and uncertain about the path ahead.
Lost in your contemplation, you were taken by surprise when you noticed Rafe beginning to stir on the futon. His movements were slow and deliberate, as though he was gradually awakening from a deep slumber. You watched quietly as he groaned softly, his eyes fluttering open with a sense of drowsy reluctance.
For a moment, you remained still, observing him with a mixture of curiosity and apprehension. It had been a while since you had seen him like this, vulnerable and unguarded in the early hours of the morning.
As he blinked away the remnants of sleep, his gaze met yours, and a flicker of recognition crossed his features. You offered him a small, tentative smile, unsure of how he would react to seeing you awake.
"Morning," you greeted softly, breaking the silence that hung between you.
"Morning," Rafe greeted with a groan as he rubbed his eyes awake, his morning voice fully prominent. The sound made butterflies erupt in your stomach, a familiar sensation that brought a sense of warmth to your cheeks.
"How do you feel?" he asked, peering over at you with a hint of concern in his eyes, which squinted as they struggled to fully open.
You offered him a small smile, trying to push aside the lingering discomfort from the throbbing ache in your head. "Not the best, but I'll survive," you replied, trying to sound nonchalant despite the lingering effects of last night's revelry.
Rafe nodded in understanding, his expression softening with sympathy. "Yeah, I know the feeling," he admitted with a small chuckle, the sound melodic and soothing to your ears. As you watched him, a sense of familiarity washed over you, reminding you of the countless mornings you had spent together in the past. Despite the time that had passed, there was still a comfort in his presence that you couldn't deny.
"Thank you for the water, by the way. My head is killing me," you said, offering Rafe a small smile of gratitude.
Rafe nodded sympathetically, understanding the discomfort all too well. "Of course, I figured you might need it," he replied, his voice gentle and reassuring.
As you sat in silence, you found yourself gazing at Rafe in his vulnerable state of half-awakeness. His tousled bedhead somehow looked effortlessly stylish, adding to his rugged charm. You admired the contour of his chiseled face, the subtle lines that spoke of a life lived with intensity and purpose. And despite the disheveled appearance, there was a certain allure to him, a magnetism that drew you in and made it hard to look away.
You couldn't help but notice the contrast between his appearance now and the memories of him from years past. Time had changed him, sculpting him into a man with a quiet strength and undeniable charisma. And as you studied him, a sense of nostalgia washed over you, reminding you of the bond that had once existed between you.
With a soft sigh, you tore your gaze away, feeling a flutter of emotions stir within you. Despite the uncertainties of the future, one thing was certain – the history between you and Rafe was still as potent as ever, a reminder of the deep bond that had once bound you together.
"I can take you back to your place if you want, or I can have Sarah come get you. Whichever you feel more comfortable with," Rafe offered, his voice gentle and considerate.
"Shit, Sarah," you panicked, remembering that you left without notice last night, wondering if she knew the circumstances. "Did you talk to her?"
Rafe shook his head, his expression apologetic. "No, I haven't had a chance yet. But I can text her and let her know you're okay," he offered.
Your heart raced as you anticipated Sarah's response, wondering if she would be more upset about you leaving abruptly or the fact that you were with Rafe. You watched as Rafe typed out his message to his younger sister, your mind racing as you dreaded the worst to come.
After what felt like an eternity, Rafe finally hit send, and you held your breath as you waited for Sarah's reply. The seconds ticked by slowly, each one filled with a mounting sense of anxiety as you braced yourself for her reaction.
Finally, a notification pinged on Rafe's phone, and you both looked at the screen anxiously. As Rafe read the message, you held your breath, waiting for him to share the news.
"She said she's coming to get you," Rafe read out the text, the response simple and short.
The brevity of Sarah's message sent a pang of worry through you, and you couldn't help but feel a knot form in your stomach. Was she upset? Did she suspect something?
Rafe noticed your unease and placed a comforting hand on your shoulder. "Hey, don't worry. She just wants to make sure you're okay," he reassured you, his voice gentle and reassuring.
You nodded, trying to push aside your fears and trust that Sarah's intentions were genuine. "Yeah, you're right," you replied, forcing a smile.
"Hey, it's gonna be okay," Rafe restated, his voice calm and reassuring as he held out his arm towards you. He placed his hand on your thigh, offering a comforting squeeze.
You felt a sense of warmth flood through you at his touch, and you couldn't help but lean into it, finding solace in his presence. "Thanks, Rafe," you murmured, grateful for his reassurance.
Rafe gave you a reassuring smile, his eyes meeting yours with unwavering support. "Sarah isn't gonna do anything. Trust me," he added, his voice filled with conviction.
With a nod, you took a deep breath, allowing yourself to trust in Rafe's words. Despite the lingering unease in your stomach, you knew that Sarah was truly the more understanding one of the Pogues, aside from Kiara. She never really held grudges and you found that you could confide in her about practically anything, even your darkest secrets. So you figured, this shouldn't be any different, right?
Your stomach churned in a nauseating way, the discomfort making you feel hot and clammy. Each passing minute felt like an eternity as you waited in Rafe's room for Sarah to arrive. Despite Rafe's reassurances, you couldn't shake the feeling of unease that gnawed at you from the inside out.
You had to admit, you were definitely assuming the worst-case scenario, bracing yourself for a potential confrontation with Sarah. It was a symptom of your own anxiety, the fear of what might happen feeding into your racing thoughts and escalating worries.
With each passing moment, the tension in the room seemed to grow thicker, suffocating you in its grip. You tried to distract yourself, focusing on anything other than the impending conversation with Sarah. But no matter how hard you tried, the anxiety lingered, a constant weight pressing down on your chest.
As you sat in silence, lost in your own thoughts, you couldn't help but wish for the minutes to pass by faster, dreading the inevitable confrontation that lay ahead. All you could do was brace yourself for whatever might come, hoping that you would find the strength to face it head-on when the time came.
As the minutes dragged on, each one feeling heavier than the last, you found yourself grappling with a mix of emotions – fear, anticipation, and a lingering sense of regret. The air in the room felt charged with tension, making it hard to focus on anything other than the impending conversation with Sarah.
Rafe's presence beside you offered a small measure of comfort, his reassuring touch a reminder that you weren't facing this alone. You drew strength from his silent support, grateful for his unwavering presence in this moment of uncertainty.
Finally, the sound of footsteps echoing down the hallway broke the suffocating silence, signaling Sarah's arrival. Your heart leaped into your throat, a rush of adrenaline coursing through your veins as you braced yourself for what was to come.
The door creaked open, and Sarah stepped into the room, her expression a mix of concern and relief as she laid eyes on you. "Hey, there you are," she greeted softly, her voice carrying a hint of worry.
You offered her a weak smile, trying to mask the nerves that churned in your stomach. "Hey, Sarah," you replied, your voice barely above a whisper.
Rafe shifted beside you, his presence a silent reassurance as Sarah's gaze flickered between the two of you, her brow furrowing in confusion. "What's going on? Are you okay?" she asked, her concern deepening as she took in the scene before her.
You hesitated, unsure of how to begin explaining the events of last night and the complicated emotions that accompanied them. But before you could find the words, Rafe spoke up, his voice steady and calm.
"We had a rough night. But everything's okay now," he reassured Sarah, his tone firm yet gentle.
Sarah's eyes widened in understanding, her expression softening with relief.
"How did you end up leaving with him, y/n?" Sarah's voice was gentle but insistent, her concern palpable.
You swallowed hard, grappling with how to explain the tangled mess of emotions that had led you to make such a decision. "I... It's complicated," you began, struggling to find the right words.
Sarah's expression softened, a mix of understanding and curiosity in her eyes. "Complicated how?" she pressed, her tone encouraging you to open up.
You hesitated, unsure of how much to reveal, but knowing you couldn't avoid the question entirely. "I just needed some time to clear my head," you admitted, hoping it would suffice as an explanation.
Sarah studied you for a moment, her gaze searching your face for any hint of the truth. "And you thought leaving with Rafe was the best way to do that?" she asked, her skepticism evident.
Guilt gnawed at you as you struggled to find the right response. "I know it probably wasn't the best choice," you confessed, regret weighing heavily in your voice. "But in the moment, it felt like the right thing to do."
Sarah's voice faltered, her brows knitting together in confusion. "Y/n... I don't know what to say. I mean, JJ could've come and got you. I don't understand-"
Before Sarah could finish her sentence, Rafe interjected, his voice calm but firm. "Well, I was already at the party, and she wasn't feeling well, so I brought her back here."
Sarah's sudden shift in demeanor caught you off guard, her irritation palpable as she directed her gaze towards Rafe. "Yeah, well, thanks Rafe, but I've got it from here," she said curtly, her tone laced with annoyance.
Rafe's expression remained unreadable, but you could sense a hint of tension in the air as he nodded in acknowledgment. "Sure thing, Sarah," he replied, his voice neutral.
You felt a pang of guilt at the abruptness of your departure, wishing there was a way to convey your gratitude to Rafe for his hospitality. With a quick glance in his direction, you offered him a silent apology, hoping he would understand.
As Sarah motioned for you to leave with her, you stood up quickly, eager to follow her lead. With one last look at Rafe, a silent farewell hanging in the air, you turned and followed Sarah out of the room, leaving behind the lingering tension and uncertainty.
You hurried down the steps of Rafe's house, your footsteps echoing in sync with Sarah's brisk pace. The urgency in her movements matched the intensity of her frustration, and you could feel the tension radiating off her in waves.
The front door slammed shut behind you with a resounding thud, the sound punctuating the gravity of the situation. You both reached John B's van simultaneously, and Sarah wasted no time in sliding into the driver's seat, her jaw set with determination.
You followed suit, settling into the passenger seat as Sarah's hands tightened around the steering wheel. Her knuckles turned white with the force of her grip, her gaze fixed firmly on the road ahead as she navigated the streets with practiced ease.
"What the hell were you thinking?" Sarah's voice was sharp, her tone cutting through the silence with unyielding force.
You winced at the intensity of her words, knowing you deserved every bit of her anger. "I don't know, Sarah. It was stupid," you admitted, your voice tinged with regret.
Sarah's grip on the steering wheel tightened even further, her frustration palpable as she glanced over at you. "Stupid doesn't even begin to cover it, y/n. You could've gotten hurt. I mean, what business do you even have with Rafe?" She scolded, her concern underlying her anger.
You nodded, unable to refute her words. "I know, Sarah. I'm sorry," you apologized, feeling the weight of your actions pressing down on you like a heavy burden.
Sarah sighed heavily, her anger beginning to soften as she turned her gaze back to the road. "I just... I worry about you, y/n. You mean a lot to me, and I don't want to see you get hurt," she confessed, her voice softening with genuine concern.
Guilt gnawed at you, knowing you had caused Sarah unnecessary worry and stress. "I know, Sarah. And I'm sorry for making you worry," you said, your voice filled with sincerity.
Sarah glanced over at you, a hint of a smile playing at the corners of her lips. "Just promise me you won't do something like that again, okay? I don't think my heart can take it," she said, her tone softening with affection.
You nodded, feeling a sense of gratitude wash over you for Sarah's unwavering support. "I promise, Sarah. I won't do anything reckless like that again," you vowed, knowing you couldn't bear to see her worried or upset because of your actions.
"So, on a serious note, did something happen with you and Rafe? Because... there's no way you just miraculously ended up back at his house. I mean, the other day you practically loathed him," Sarah's voice was filled with a mixture of concern and curiosity, her words cutting through the tension in the air.
Your heart skipped a beat at Sarah's direct question, your mind racing to find a plausible explanation for your sudden appearance at Rafe's house. The truth was far more complicated than you could ever convey, and you found yourself grappling with the guilt of keeping her in the dark about your tangled history with Rafe.
"I just... ran into him, I guess," you began, your voice hesitant as you struggled to find the right words. "We talked for a minute, and he gave me a ride back because I wasn't feeling well."
Your explanation felt flimsy even to your own ears, and you couldn't help but feel the weight of Sarah's scrutiny bearing down on you. The truth was far more complicated than you could ever convey, and you found yourself grappling with the guilt of keeping her in the dark about your tangled history with Rafe.
Sarah's brow furrowed in disbelief, her expression a mix of skepticism and concern. "So, what, you just happened to bump into him and suddenly everything's fine?" she pressed, her tone incredulous.
You shifted uncomfortably in your seat, feeling the weight of Sarah's questioning gaze bearing down on you. "It's not like that, Sarah. We just... talked," you insisted, your voice tinged with defensiveness.
Sarah's laughter caught you off guard, her tone unexpectedly light despite the weight of her previous questions. "Look, as much as I love JJ, you were my friend first. So if you think I'm gonna tell him anything, you're wrong," Sarah chuckled softly, shaking her head in amusement. "And I know when you're lying. So tell me," she urged, her tone gentle yet insistent.
You hesitated for a moment, a knot forming in your stomach as you kept your gaze down, your hands fidgeting nervously in your lap. You could feel Sarah's eyes on you, waiting patiently for your response as you mustered up the courage to tell her the truth.
"We... kissed," you finally confessed, the words tumbling out in a rush as you braced yourself for Sarah's reaction.
There was a beat of silence, and you could feel Sarah's surprise palpable in the air. When she spoke, her voice was barely a whisper, filled with disbelief. "You and Rafe... kissed?" she echoed, her tone a mixture of shock and uncertainty.
You nodded slowly, finally meeting Sarah's gaze as you searched her expression for any sign of judgment or reproach. Instead, you found only a flicker of understanding in her eyes, tempered by a hint of concern.
"Yeah," you confirmed softly, the weight of your confession hanging heavy in the air between you.
Sarah took a moment to process your words, her brow furrowing in thought as she searched for the right response. "I... I see," she murmured finally, her voice tinged with uncertainty.
"I know that sounds terrible, but it was just a heat-of-the-moment thing, and when I ran into him, all these emotions came back, and I just..." you trailed off, struggling to find the right words to explain the whirlwind of emotions that had led to the kiss.
"Y/n, it's okay," Sarah interrupted gently, cutting through your self-reproach. "I mean, I don't love the idea of you and Rafe considering he's insane, but I also know you can't control what your heart wants."
Her words offered a balm to your guilt-stricken conscience, and you felt a wave of gratitude wash over you for her understanding. "Thank you, Sarah," you murmured, feeling the weight of your confession beginning to lift.
Sarah gave your shoulder another reassuring squeeze, her expression soft with empathy. "Hey, we all make mistakes. What matters is how we handle them," she said, her voice filled with wisdom beyond her years.
You returned Sarah's small smile, a flicker of gratitude passing between you before you averted your gaze to the passenger window. The scenery outside blurred as the van navigated the winding roads of the Outer Banks, the rhythmic hum of the engine lulling you into a sense of calm.
Lost in your thoughts, you found yourself watching the world pass by in a blur of greenery and coastal vistas. The wind whipped through your hair, carrying with it the salty scent of the ocean and the promise of adventure.
Despite the weight of the conversation with Sarah, you couldn't help but feel a sense of peace settle over you as you rode back to the chateau. There was something comforting about the familiarity of the landscape, the way the sunlight danced across the waves and the seagulls soared overhead.
。゚•┈୨♡୧┈• 。゚
"Just be chill when you go in," Sarah advised sincerely as she shut the van engine off, "you know JJ can read you like a book."
"Yeah," you let out a half-hearted laugh through your nose, nodding in agreement at Sarah's point, "he's good at that. It's a blessing and a curse I guess." You sighed, bracing yourself for your entrance into the chateau while you unbuckled your seatbelt wearily, trying to stall as much as possible.
You knew that you could easily conceal yourself from JJ's inquisitions, but you couldn't escape your own guilt from what happened the night before. Despite your attempts to rationalize it, part of you couldn't shake the whirlwind of emotions that had flooded back when you ran into Rafe at the party.
As you approached the chateau, you couldn't shake the feeling of apprehension that gnawed at your insides. Each step felt heavier than the last, the weight of your guilt pressing down on you like a burden you couldn't shake.
Sarah walked beside you, her presence a source of comfort in the face of uncertainty. She offered you a reassuring smile, a silent reminder that you weren't alone in this.
"Just remember to breathe," she whispered, her voice barely above a murmur as you reached the front door of the chateau. "You've got this."
You nodded, drawing in a deep breath to steady your nerves before pushing open the door and stepping inside. The familiar sights and sounds of the chateau greeted you, but there was an underlying tension in the air that you couldn't ignore.
JJ was lounging on the couch, his gaze flicking up as you entered the room. There was a knowing look in his eyes, a silent acknowledgment of the unspoken turmoil that lingered between you.
"Hey," he greeted casually, his tone betraying none of the curiosity that you knew lay beneath the surface.
"Hey," you replied, trying to keep your voice steady despite the butterflies that churned in your stomach.
Sarah gave you a supportive pat on the back before slipping away, leaving you to face JJ alone. You watched her go with a sense of gratitude, knowing that you would need her support now more than ever.
Turning back to JJ, you braced yourself for the inevitable questions that would follow. But as you met his gaze, you couldn't help but feel a glimmer of hope that maybe, just maybe, you could navigate this minefield of emotions without causing too much damage.
JJ's casual demeanor belied the intensity of his curiosity as he lounged on the couch, his gaze fixed on you expectantly. "So, where did you end up crashing after the party?" he asked, his tone casual yet tinged with a hint of curiosity.
You felt a twinge of panic shoot through you at JJ's question, scrambling to come up with a believable lie to cover your tracks. "Oh, uh, I just crashed at a friend's place nearby," you replied, hoping your voice sounded convincing enough.
JJ raised an eyebrow, clearly not entirely convinced by your answer. "Which friend?" he pressed, his gaze searching yours for any sign of deception.
You racked your brain for a name, any name, that might sound plausible in this situation. "Um, Sarah's friend," you improvised, hoping JJ wouldn't see through your hastily concocted lie.
JJ nodded slowly, seemingly satisfied with your response. "Alright, cool," he said, his tone casual as he leaned back against the couch. "Just making sure you didn't end up sleeping on the beach or something."
You let out a nervous laugh, relieved that JJ seemed to buy your explanation. "Nope, nothing like that," you replied, trying to sound nonchalant despite the guilt that still gnawed at you from the events of the previous night.
After a moment of silence, JJ turned to you, his expression serious yet tinged with a hint of vulnerability. "Hey, y/n, can we talk for a moment?" he asked, his voice soft yet filled with a sense of urgency.
You nodded, a knot forming in your stomach as you braced yourself for whatever JJ had to say. "Of course, JJ. What's on your mind?" you replied, trying to keep your voice steady despite the unease that churned within you.
JJ hesitated for a moment, as if struggling to find the right words. "I know this might sound silly, but... I couldn't help but notice that you've seemed a bit off lately," he admitted, his gaze searching yours for any sign of understanding.
Your heart skipped a beat at JJ's words, a surge of panic rising within you as you wondered what he had noticed. "What do you mean?" you asked, trying to keep your tone casual despite the fear that coiled in the pit of your stomach.
JJ sighed, running a hand through his hair in frustration. "I don't know, it's just... you've been distant, and I worry about you," he confessed, his voice trailing off as he struggled to articulate his thoughts.
You swallowed hard, trying to push down the rising tide of guilt that threatened to consume you. "I'm sorry, JJ. I didn't mean to worry you," you replied, your voice tinged with regret.
After a moment of silence, JJ's voice cut through the air, his tone gentle yet filled with concern. "Y/n, I need to ask you something, and I want you to be honest with me. Is this about Rafe?"
You tensed up at JJ's question, your heart pounding in your chest as you stared at him in shock. How could he have possibly known? Your mind raced as you struggled to come up with a response, your thoughts spiraling out of control.
"Uh... I..." you stammered, your voice faltering as you searched for the right words to say.
JJ's expression softened, his gaze steady as he waited patiently for your answer. "Y/n, you can tell me," he said gently, his voice filled with empathy. "I just want to help."
You felt a surge of emotions welling up inside you – guilt, fear, uncertainty. How could you possibly explain the tangled mess of feelings that had been swirling around inside you ever since that day Rafe had shown up at the chateau looking for Sarah?
You shrugged off JJ's concern, trying to downplay the significance of his question. "Nah, JJ, you're overthinking it," you replied, forcing a casual tone despite the turmoil brewing inside you. "It's nothing, really."
JJ studied you for a moment, his gaze searching yours for any sign of deception. "Are you sure?" he asked, his tone cautious yet persistent.
You nodded quickly, plastering on a reassuring smile. "Yeah, JJ, I'm sure," you insisted, hoping he would drop the subject.
"I just... worry you have feelings for him still. I can't just forget the history you two had." He stared over at you, although you avoided his gaze intently.
You felt a knot tighten in your stomach at JJ's words, his concern striking a nerve deep within you. "JJ, come on," you replied, your voice tinged with frustration. "That's ancient history. I'm over him, I promise."
But even as the words left your mouth, you couldn't shake the lingering doubts that gnawed at you from the inside out. No matter how hard you tried to convince yourself otherwise, there was still a part of you that couldn't let go of the past – of the memories, the feelings, the connection that had once bound you to Rafe.
You could sense the persistence in JJ's tone, his concern unwavering despite your attempts to brush it off. "Y/n, I just want you to know that you can tell me anything," he said earnestly, his eyes searching yours with genuine care. "I'm here for you, no matter what."
But the weight of JJ's words only served to intensify the turmoil brewing inside you, a tempest of guilt, fear, and uncertainty that threatened to consume you whole. "Damn it, JJ!" you snapped, unable to contain the frustration that boiled over within you. "I said I'm fine, okay? I don't need you interrogating me like this."
JJ recoiled slightly at your outburst, his expression a mixture of surprise and hurt. "Y/n, I'm not trying to interrogate you," he protested, his voice tinged with hurt. "I'm just worried about you."
You felt a pang of guilt shoot through you at the sight of JJ's wounded expression, knowing that you had lashed out at him unfairly. Taking a deep breath, you tried to reign in your emotions, but the turmoil still churned inside you like a stormy sea.
"JJ, you don't need to worry," you said firmly, trying to regain control of the conversation. "I appreciate your concern, I really do, but I can't function with you harping on about a relationship that doesn't exist anymore," you affirmed although you knew you were lying through your teeth.
Your words hung heavy in the air, the weight of them pressing down on both of you like a lead blanket. You could see the hurt in JJ's eyes, a flicker of pain that mirrored your own inner turmoil.
"I didn't mean to upset you, y/n," JJ replied, his voice soft with remorse. "I just... I care about you, and I don't want to lose you."
You sighed, the tension in your shoulders easing slightly as you softened towards JJ's genuine concern. "I know, JJ, and I appreciate that," you said, your voice tinged with sincerity. "But you have to trust me when I say that I'm okay. I've moved on from whatever was between me and Rafe."
JJ nodded slowly, seeming to accept your words even as doubt lingered in his eyes. "Okay, y/n," he said quietly, his voice tinged with uncertainty. "I trust you."
As you glanced over at JJ once more, a pang of guilt washed over you like a tidal wave. You knew deep down that you weren't being completely honest with him. The truth gnawed at you, clawing at the corners of your mind, begging to be set free. But you couldn't bring yourself to do it – couldn't bring yourself to admit the tangled mess of emotions that still lingered between you and Rafe.
The guilt weighed heavily on your shoulders, a heavy burden that threatened to suffocate you with every passing moment. You knew that JJ shouldn't trust you around Rafe – not after everything that had happened, not after the way your heart still ached at the mere thought of him. But you couldn't bear to hurt JJ – couldn't bear to see the hurt and betrayal reflected in his eyes.
He was more than just a friend to you – he was your confidant, your partner in crime, the one person you could always count on to be there for you, no matter what. And the thought of losing that – of losing him – was too much to bear.
So you pushed aside your guilt, burying it deep beneath the surface where no one could see. You plastered on a smile, hoping to mask the turmoil that churned inside you like a stormy sea. And as you sat beside JJ, surrounded by the warmth of his friendship and the comfort of the chateau, you couldn't help but feel a sense of sadness wash over you – a sadness born of the secrets you were forced to keep and the lies you had to tell to protect the ones you loved.
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