Cancer//Nathan Prescott x Reader

e l e v e n

"I just don't understand. I don't get what I'm doing wrong, am I supposed to be a horrible person?" you sigh, looking up from your lunch tray and at Warren. You told him about all the shit with Nathan.

He shrugs, shifting on the other side of the bench of the picnic table. It was lunch time and you both agreed to eating outside.

"Are people really like that here? Awful people that use each other? It can't be that bad....can it?" you ask

"Depends on the people you're around," he takes a bite from his lunch and chews before speaking again, "And Nathan is definitely not associated with the right crowd..at least that's the rumors. I know nothing about the Vortex Club..but they say they're really crappy people."

"Surely not."

He shrugs again,
"I wouldn't know, I don't dare involve myself with them. Even if I did I wouldn't, the guys are jerks to me." he looks down at his styrofoam tray, taking another bite.

"Oh, " you sigh "I know he was really mean and a jerk but I can't help but feel bad, I mean he thinks that's the only reason I'm talking to him..to use him so it must happen a lot if he has that mindset,right?"

"You shouldn't feel bad. He's a jerk. Plus, he brought it on himself, associating with people like that is dumb."

"That doesn't mean he deserves it. And..plus he doesn't seem okay. He never looks like he's okay, it worries me even if he hates my guts."

"He doesn't deserve your help if he doesn't want it." He says bluntly

"Woah. That's not true at all, I didn't want your help at all with my problem..does that mean I didn't deserve it?"

"What? That's complete different you were--"

"It's not different. Not at all. All because he doesn't want it doesn't mean I should stop trying, and I won't. I won't stop trying." you reply with a stern tone

"(Y/N), seriously why go through the trouble? Why waste your time?"

"Because I feel like maybe he needs my help. He's not okay, Warren..I can tell."

"You're telling me the rich kid with the highest reputation isn't okay?" he quietly chuckles at how ridiculous he finds your theory

"What does that have to do with anything?"

he sighs,
"Nothing," he hangs his head "You're not gonna listen so go ahead. You'll just anger him more." he continues to eat.

You cross your arms and sigh, pressing your lips together. You couldn't describe it. You could just tell Nathan was dealing with things and that things weren't going too well. Maybe you're wrong but you feel it deep down that you should be there for him.
•
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•
Finally the class you've been dreading, Photography class. Imaging Nathan still being super angry with you, him giving you that glare the entire class twisted your stomach and made you feel anxious. You took a deep breath before entering the class and pulling out the chair right beside Nathan, he glances up at you with that stern look before looking away. You sit. It's silence and you can't take it.

"Look ,I'm sorry. I must be really annoying but I just wanted to help." you blurt out, unable to take the tension.

"Don't...apologize..it's fine." he mumbles under his breath

"Wait what?" you look at him confused

"I..don't really care anymore..it's fine." he looks down with his arms crossed, his expression is quite sad,depressed even. There's something off with this sad tone he's speaking in.

"Are..you okay? You don't look okay. Did something happen?" you gently ask

he stays quiet

You grab his wrist and stand up, you pull him up onto his feet.

"What are you doing? Class is starting soon.." he looks confused.

"Just follow me,"  you walk him out into the hall and turn on your heels to face him. You stare up into his blue eyes.

"What is it?"

"You can tell me,I can tell there's something wrong. Please ,Nathan, tell me..I really want you to let me care for you."

"how," he hesitates, "How do I know you're not like everyone else..?"

"Because I wouldn't be so persistent and annoying if I didn't care. " you gently smile

He stares back at you, his furrowed brows tell you he's thinking about it. He speaks,
"I..can't do this anymore.." that sad look appears on his face

"Do what? what is it?"

"I can't do this ," he gestures as if he's talking about everything, "Everyone is fake and nobody cares, my life is hell."

You're surprised he's opened up so quickly, he must be really..desperate for some sort of help.
"I'm sure there has to be someone. Your friends? They care. They have to."

"If I had any.."

"What about that girl you talk to? The vortex club?"

He shakes his head, he shrugs
"They're all fake or don't listen. They all hate me."

"They don't--"

"They do. Look, (Y/N) I'm sorry for treating you like shit. I just.."

"No, don't apologize. I know it must be really hard to open up to someone and I appreciate you're talking to me now," you smile at him, "Not everyone hates you."

"How do you know?" he looks at you

"Because I like you and...I care."

"You barely even know me, once you do..you'll change your mind." he looks back down, the frown still on his face

"I won't.  I'm sure of it,, In reality you couldn't know but you felt the need to reassure him

"I--(Y/N) , i don't know if I can trust you...but I'll try..you seem genuine."

"I won't let you down," you smile "Wanna come with me after school to get some icecream?"

"Icecream? What are you,9?" he quietly chuckles

"Why do I have to be 9?! Everyone likes icecream." you laugh quietly

"Okay,fair point. Sure, I'll come."

"We should get back before the bell rings."
you both return back down the hall and slip back into your class before it starts.