Tightrope ~ The Greatest Showman

That night, Tasha stood at her windows that overlooked the city. The moon was in the sky, along with the stars. Her momentary peace was interrupted when a quiet knock arose from her door.

"Tasha? It's — it's Rafe..." There was a brief pause, almost as if he was contemplating what to say next. "Can I come in?"

"Doors open." Tasha called back, not removing her gaze from the many constellations in the sky.

Rafe slowly stepped into her room, shutting the door behind himself before his eyes fell on her. He felt his mind go blank as he walked over to her, noticing she was staring up at the stars. He took a moment to look at her, smiling slightly. 

"I wanted to apologize... for my behaviour these past few days." Rafe started, feeling his face heat up slightly as Tasha's gaze turned to his. "I shouldn't have pushed you away. I just... I'm not used to any of this." 

"And you think I am?"

"I suppose not." Rafe smiled slightly. "I know how close you are to Sam and Nate, and with how you and Sam act, it's hard not to think there's more to it..."

Tasha couldn't help but to let out a small laugh, smiling affectionately at the man in front of her. "Well, I can guarantee you that Sam is just my friend, Rafe. I've known him forever."

"So what happened with you you two was —"

"Just a one time thing." Tasha reassured him. "He's too old for me." She teased.

"I thought you said you like older guys." Rafe asked, almost unsure of himself.

She smiled, her eyes sparkling as she looked at him. "I do..."

Rafe eyes widened ever so slightly when he realized she was talking about him. "Oh! Oh... right..."

Tasha rolled her eyes, looking back at the stars. "I remember when I first met you when I was seventeen. You were the only adult who treated me with any respect, not only that but you actually listened to my ideas." She smiled at the fond memory. "I remember leaving that night happier than I had been since my parents died. When we met again a year later and you helped me with funding, I couldn't stop thinking about you."

Rafe was quiet as he stepped closer to her, his eyes glued to her with every word sending his mind spiralling down a path neither could walk back from.

"We've danced around this for a long time, and frankly I'm done wasting my life away over unsaid words and actions." She sighed. "I like you, Rafe... I've liked you for — God, I don't even know how long. And — and I know that I'm young and naive but I'm not a kid and I don't want a fling..."

"I've always enjoyed your company..." Rafe started once her voice trailed off into an unsure silence. "Ever since I first saw you there was something about you that was alluring... I've always enjoyed flirting with you. You're beautiful — stunning to look at, and that's all it was at first but then I got to know you and all I wanted was to keep getting to know you... but when I watched you drown it fucking terrified me. I thought I lost you and ... and God, Tasha, I don't think I could handle losing you... Not ever."

Rafe was close now, and he gently reached his hand out, cupping her cheek as his other hand gently grabbed her waist. Tasha looked up at him with a smile, resting her hands against his chest. "You won't lose me, Rafe."

Rafe smiled at her, leaning down until his lips gently grazed her ear. "I like you too, Tasha."

Tasha felt her heart skip a beat as Rafe pulled back to look at her, their eyes locking as her fingers clung onto his shirt ever so slightly. She blushed, averting her gaze to the ground between them, but Rafe didn't want that. He grabbed her chin gently, lifting it up until her eyes were back gazing into his.

Rafe leant down, slowly, and it was as if time truly stopped as their lips met. It was magical. Tasha's hands slowly moved to his neck, pulling him closer while his hands moved to her waist, holding firmly as he moved his lips in motion with hers. Tasha bit onto Rafe's bottom lip gently, smirking slightly.

Rafe smiled against her lips, pulling back to look down at her affectionately. "You're mine."

"As long as your mine."

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