"I'm not hungry," I reply flatly.
"You never are. You're going to kill yourself," Nathan retorts.
I sigh and open the door. Nathan puts a hand on my back, guiding me to the table. I plop down, staring at the fruit salad.
"I was planning to find some peaches. They aren't in stock during this season, though," he says casually. My eyes widen, and I clench some of the table cloth into my hands, digging my fingernails into it.
"I don't know what you're referring to," I lie. My fingers twitch, as they always do when I say something false.
After about an hour, I've finally finished my bowl of food. It takes so long because even the small portion is hard to stomach for me. Nathan slides a pack of colored pencils across the table. I stare at them.
"Thank you," I murmur.
"I thought maybe drawing could help you out too. Maybe you can even teach me," he offers with a slight smile. I still stare at the colored pencils. I touch the box softly, almost as if to make sure they're real. Last time someone bought me colored pencils was when I was twelve.
"I'm probably no good anymore," I finally say, lowering my gaze. Nathan envelopes his hand around mine, locking his gaze with my amber one. His eyes are full of sadness, but they quickly flash to the door once a knock is heard.
I stand up with alarm. Nathan gives a startled, yet joyful greeting. I hear a female's voice as well. I peek around the corner, seeing a stunning girl in the doorway. She stops embracing Nathan when she spots me.
"You must be the avatar! I'm Gwen, Nathan's old friend!" The girl chirps. I can't help but be taken aback by her friendliness.
"Uhh... I- I'm Rose," I say awkwardly. Ever since the serum got a hold of me, I've been rather shy.
"Well, I'm not just here to visit. The Council told me that you're able to go outside, as long as you're supervised."
I nod, attempting to fake a smile. My face flushes red from embarrassment. People think I'm a lunatic. No wonder she's being so nice.
"That's great," is all I say before closing the door to my room.
Even Nathan thinks you're crazy.
I study the pencils that he had given to me for a gift. He probably thinks it was a small thing to do. But it really does mean a lot to me. I take out my sketch book from a drawer, skimming through the pages. Many drawings are of Nathan. A small smile creeps on to my lips.
YOU ARE READING
Avatar Rose: Dusk
FanficNathan and Rose have finally escaped from the Fire Nation. They're safe in the Water Tribe, but that doesn't mean that they lived happily ever after. Yet. Rose has changed a lot since the day Nathan found her unconscious at the entrance of his villa...
