that's that me, espresso!

can we have coach!rafe and the son have like a wholesome moment?? like he's like "kid i know this is weird," or something idk but

“you think he’s okay?” you sigh, looking out the kitchen window at your son slumped down onto the patio. rafe puts down the condensed ice cold glass of water down onto the counter with a sigh, rubbing your lower back with comforting circles. your son has been like this for a couple of days; he was adamant on moving in with you and rafe instead of staying with his dad after the legal process however following that was radio silence. it had you very worried considering you just wanted your son to be comfortable and like his playful self again. seeing him like this broke your heart.

rafe cups your face in his hands upon seeing your lips downturned, snapping you out of your thoughts. "hey. he's gonna be okay, just needs to y'know- process things. you got a baby to worry about, let me talk to him, alright?" he assures you, giving you a soft kiss on your lips when you nod before making his way outside. he slides open the glass door, your son too lost in his thoughts to realize the heavy steps growing closer. “hey, champ. feelin’ alright?” rafe grunts as he joins your son by sitting next to him on the uncomfortable wooden steps.

"what?" you son snaps out of his thoughts, eyes turning to rafe for a second before looking down at his hands that throw a ball from one to the other.

“asked if you were feeling okay.” rafe repeats to him, the deafening silence almost killing the older man.

“yeah.”

rafe clicks his tongue, eyeing the clearly tense teenager. “c’mon, be straight with me kid. you can tell me anything you know that.” the boy lets out a breathy chuckle, shrugging his shoulders. there was a lot on his mind and he didn’t know where to even start.

“i don’t know, s’just too many things going on and y’know changing. never expected my mom to be cheating with my coach for one.”

“ay, don’t blame your mom. it was all me.”

“i know but the thing is— i don’t really feel bad for my dad. that’s weird right? i mean that’s my dad but he never really..” rafe nods, not needing the teen to finish his words. this was something rafe was used to as a coach, giving his boy pep talks and listening to their problems so they give their all for the sport they love. but, he really understood this. a little too well. it was almost like he was seeing his younger self in your son.

“i get it, me and my father had a complicated relationship. always wanting to make him proud. wanting to get that pat on the shoulder and the good job son. shits tough, kid. no.. i— uh yeah i know how hard this all is.” rafe clamps his hand together, head hanging down as well.

"how'd you fix it?" your son glances at him, the boy’s hands no longer moving, all his attention on him.

"there's no fixing, son. it's not your fault, you'll realize that one day." rafe lets out a heavy sigh, thinking back on who he used to be and what he had to figure out to get past his obstacles. he gives your son a sympathetic smile, patting him on the back because of the journey he’s probably gonna have to take ein the future. rafe will be right there for him.

his hands fall back and his elbows rest on his knees again. there’s a long pause before rafe speaks again, "i really do love her." rafe looks deep into your son’s eyes, showing his sincerity and that he really does mean it. the boy can tell. "yeah, my dad did too." he scoffs, looking back at the fence in front of him that encased them and separated the space from the other backyards making this theirs. this was his new home, new grass, new room, new neighbors, new everything. it was a bit overwhelming for him.

"yeah but i won't stop loving her, kid, i promise." rafe stands back up, hand on your son’s shoulder, looking down at the teen. “stop being cheesy, old man. it’s cringe.” the teenager responds in a sarcastic tone, playfully rolling his eyes at rafe. “yeah, yeah. whatever.” there’s another long stretch of silence, both of them not daring to say anything. just enjoying the peace. “..i’ll kill you if you hurt her.” your son blurts out, said in both a joking and a dead serious way.

rafe chuckles, shaking his head at the teen. “i’d like to see you try, son.” rafe would never hurt you. he couldn’t even dream of it. “left you something on your bed, champ.” he pats the boy on the shoulder signaling the fact that he was heading out. “look it’s not a bribery. just thought you deserved it.” he turns around, giving the boy one more look, before walking back inside to guide you into the living room to sit your pregnant self down.

your son waves him away lazily without looking at rafe, staying still for a bit longer. sitting in silence with his thoughts taking over again. after a bit, he heads upstairs to his room, opening the door to his new bedroom and revealing something on his bed; a signed football by his favorite player that rafe got with his connections and new shoes. the teen looks at the items in awe, throwing the football in the air and catching it. the teen shakes his head, snickering to himself as he looks at his new object that he’ll surely hold close to his heart,

“that corny ass old man.” (said with MUCH love.)