𝐏𝐞𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐤𝐞𝐫 𝐎𝐧𝐞 𝐒𝐡𝐨𝐭 𝐁𝐨𝐨𝐤

Buried Pride - N.D

Parings → Nathan Drake x Reader

Warnings → angst, fluff at the end I guess

Summary → Nate doesn't like the new addition to the group, that is you. You don't know why he hates you so much.

✧･ﾟ: *✧≪•◦ ❈ ◦•≫✧･ﾟ: *✧

The jungle was thick with humidity, the air dense and oppressive as you followed behind Nate, Sully, and Chloe. You wiped the sweat from your brow, heart pounding in sync with your footsteps as the group pressed forward, deeper into the unknown. The treasure you were after-a long-lost artifact hidden in these remote ruins-was tantalizingly close. But the closer you got, the more unbearable Nate's attitude seemed to become.

He hadn't liked you from the start, though you never understood why. He was all charm with Sully and Chloe, offering smirks and clever quips to lighten the tension. But with you, it was different. Cold. Distant. Sometimes even downright hostile.

"I don't know why you're even here," Nate muttered under his breath as you climbed a steep rock face. His words were sharp, and your heart clenched, but you kept your mouth shut, refusing to let him get under your skin. You were here for the same reason as him-because you were good at what you did.

You ignored him, focusing on the climb. Chloe shot you a glance, eyes full of silent sympathy, but she didn't say anything. Not this time.

The group trudged forward for hours, trekking through the thick forest and scaling treacherous cliffs. Each step felt heavier, not from the physical exertion but from the weight of Nate's constant jabs. Every time you tried to make a suggestion, he cut you off. Every time you offered help, he dismissed you.

It wasn't always this way. When Sully had first introduced you to Nate and the team, you thought you'd get along. After all, you admired him-his wit, his skill, his determination. But somewhere along the line, something changed, and now it seemed like everything you did grated on him.

Eventually, you reached the ruins. The ancient stone structure was weathered and worn, vines creeping up its surface, but it was magnificent. A sense of awe washed over you, but it didn't last long.

"Careful where you step," Nate snapped as you moved closer to the entrance. "Wouldn't want you setting off a trap."

Your jaw clenched, but you didn't respond. He made you feel like you were an outsider, like you didn't belong. It wasn't fair.

And then it happened. One insult too many.

"I don't know why Sully keeps bringing you along," Nate muttered, barely loud enough for the others to hear. "You're nothing but dead weight. Slowing us down all the time."

That was it. The final straw.

You stopped in your tracks, every ounce of patience drained. You turned toward Nate, your voice shaky with hurt and anger. "What's your problem with me, Nate? I've done nothing but pull my weight here. If you have a problem, spit it out."

He turned to face you, eyes hard. "I don't need someone watching my back who can't handle the pressure."

The words stung, cutting deeper than you expected. You could feel Chloe and Sully's eyes on you, the tension in the air palpable.

"I'm done," you said, voice quiet but firm. "I'm not staying here to be your punching bag."

Without waiting for a response, you turned and walked away, your heart pounding in your chest. You heard Sully call after you, but you didn't stop. The tears prickled at your eyes, and you were determined not to let anyone see.

---

You sat alone by a river, the sound of rushing water doing little to ease the ache in your chest. You weren't sure how long you'd been sitting there-long enough for the sun to dip low in the sky. Long enough for the frustration to simmer into a quiet sadness.

What had you done to make Nate hate you so much? You were good at what you did, and you'd never asked for anything more than to be treated with respect. Yet, every time you tried to show your worth, he was there, tearing you down.

The sound of footsteps broke through your thoughts, and you looked up to see Nate standing a few feet away. He wasn't smirking. He wasn't wearing that infuriating cocky expression. In fact, he looked...apologetic?

You didn't say anything. You weren't even sure if you could without the lump in your throat rising up again.

Nate cleared his throat, shoving his hands into his pockets as he looked down at you. "I, uh... I screwed up."

You didn't respond, but you didn't turn away either. You were curious to hear what he had to say.

"I shouldn't have said those things," he continued, his voice quieter now. "It wasn't fair to you. I just... I don't know."

You raised an eyebrow. "You don't know?"

He sighed, running a hand through his hair. "Look, I'm not good at this stuff, okay? I didn't mean half the crap I said to you."

"Well, it sure felt like you did," you muttered, looking away.

He took a step closer, sitting down on a nearby rock. "You're good at what you do. I know that. Hell, you're better than I am at some of this stuff. I guess that's part of the problem."

You frowned, looking back at him. "What are you talking about?"

"I don't know," he admitted again, frustration evident in his voice, though this time it seemed directed at himself. "I've always been used to working with Sully or Chloe, people I know, people I trust. And you...you came in, and suddenly everything was different. I felt like I wasn't in control anymore."

You stared at him, trying to process his words. "So, you've been treating me like crap because you're...what? Intimidated?"

Nate laughed, but there was no humor in it. "Yeah, something like that."

You blinked, surprised by his honesty. You'd never considered that his behavior might be rooted in his own insecurities. "You could've just talked to me, you know. Instead of being an ass."

He winced at that. "Yeah, I realize that now."

For a moment, there was only the sound of the river between you. Then, Nate spoke again, his voice softer this time. "I don't hate you. I've never hated you. I just didn't know how to deal with...this. With you being as good as you are."

You shook your head, a small, incredulous smile tugging at your lips. "You're stupid."

He chuckled, the tension between you easing slightly. "Yeah, I am. But I'm sorry. Really."

You took a deep breath, feeling some of the hurt start to fade. "I appreciate that. But you've got a lot of making up to do."

Nate grinned, that familiar spark of mischief back in his eyes. "I'll start by not insulting you every five minutes. Deal?"

You laughed, shaking your head. "Deal."

The two of you sat in companionable silence for a while, the earlier tension dissipating. It wasn't quite friendship yet, but it was a start. And as Nate offered you a hand to help you up, you couldn't help but feel that maybe, just maybe, things would be different from now on.

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