Where currents Collide

word count: 1.8k

content warnings: emotional conflict, mild language, mild substance use, tension-filled situations, heavy flirtation

trigger warnings: light drug use (marijuana), emotional/physical tension, moments of secrecy

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I glance up at them, laughing, and shrug. "Yeah, I'm fine. Just zoned out." The Pogues chuckle, and before I know it, they were all teasing me, making jokes about me and Jj being a thing. Honestly, I do not mind at all. I just hoped everything could stay like this—carefree and fun—and that they'd never find out about the night with Rafe.

Jj and everyone else were grinning ear to ear, clearly holding back from bursting into laughter. John B, trying his hardest to stay composed, glanced at Jj, his expression faltering as he fought to keep a straight face. "Just casually zones out on Jj," he muttered, his voice barely steady, but it was too late—his grin was already creeping up.

I couldn't help it—I started laughing along with them, the whole vibe just too infectious. But then, my phone buzzed beside me, cutting through the laughter. I grabbed it, half-expecting another spam message, but instead, I saw the random number from earlier that day. Curiously, I opened the message.

It read: "I didn't mean what I said earlier."

My heart sinks as I get up and head into the house, just to make sure no one's around. I dial the number, feeling a little jittery. "Hello?" I say, but the music blasting through the phone makes it hard to hear anything clearly. I can just about make out Rafe's voice, slurring a bit. "H-Hey... uh, Viv." I'm confused, not sure what's going on, and before I can respond, he cuts me off. "I didn't mean what I said, okay? I miss you. I really enjoyed our night." His words mirror that text he sent me earlier. I'm a little curious now, so I ask, "Why are you calling me?"

Then it hits me. He's drunk. "Are you drunk, Rafe?"

Rafe chuckles, and I can practically hear the grin in his voice. "Nah, I'm not drunk... jus' had a few drinks," he slurs. He tries to brush it off and continues, "Listen, I wanna see you. I'm gonna... I'm gonna drive to you now."

I spot Sarah heading toward the house, and panic sets in, I move towards my room and shut the door behind me. I quickly tell Rafe, "Don't drive, that's dangerous. Send me your location, I'll come get you."

He replies with a teasing tone, "So, you do care about me, huh?" I hear him giggle, a little buzzed but clearly appreciating what I said. Honestly, it's kinda cute. I blush, trying to play it off. "Shut up, I'm serious." I reply, hanging up just as I turn to my room.

I was putting on mascara, quickly running a brush through my hair, and spritzing some perfume, all while packing a small bag. Just as I finished, I heard a knock at the door, and Sarah walked in without waiting for an answer.

"Hey, is everything okay?" she asked, her voice laced with concern.

"Yeah, I'm good," I said, trying to sound casual. "Just need to run out real quick. I'll be back though."

She looked at me, clearly intrigued but still concerned. "Where are you off to this late?"

I froze for a second, my mind scrambling for a believable excuse. "Uh—just need to go to the store."

Sarah glanced at the makeup and perfume in my hands, then back at me, her brow raised. She let out a small laugh. "With mascara and perfume? For the store?"