A/N: Hey there, Strangers. So, episode 3, yo...crazy shit, right? I think we all fucked up too bad, dude. Honestly, I played that episode a few days ago and I'm still gaping at it. How am I supposed to wait another month for episode 4...? Oh, I know! Let's write some fanfiction. That usually solves everything.

Now, you may ask: Lazy, why are you writing this story...? I realize that this fandom is predominately femslash. I'm not against that at all (Kate is my waifu and you can't take her away from me and I would smash the kiss button repeatedly if Max was given the option) and your ships are your ships. Like, I ship Kate/Max and Warren/Max but not Chloe/Max, and you can disagree with that. It's cool. Let's not blow holes in each other's ships, yeah? If you want to have a peaceful discussion, my PM box is always open for chatter. Speaking of PM's...

I recently received a PM asking me if I would be willing to write a Nathan/Warren story, and after doing something thinking and replaying all three episodes (again) I've come up with an idea. Thanks ROSES R VIOLET for the suggestion, and I hope you like it. Don't like Nathan and Warren? Then, I question your sanity for clicking on this story in the first place. It's okay, I'm crazy, too. Let's be straitjacket buddies.

Enjoy!

Rapid Heartbeats in Sync

by

xLazyxWriterx

for ROSES R VIOLET

October 6, 2013

After Midnight

A sharp pain ran up his left side as he lost his balance and fell against the door to the boys' dormitories. The door handle dug into him uncomfortably as he rested for a moment. A small chuckled vibrated in his throat as he regained his balance, the dark world slowing down around him. He inhaled deeply, the strong taste of alcohol lingering on his tongue and infiltrating his nostrils.

Nathan Prescott slid down to the ground, landing harshly and mumbling a string of curses. He wasn't sure what time it was, but he knew it was way past curfew. His hazy eyes squinted up at the sky. He couldn't see the moon, but he could detect it's light illuminating the area around Blackwell Academy. It was a cloudy night, and Nathan couldn't see the stars.

His body grew heavier the longer he stayed there and his eyes lids began to droop close. He could feel the world moving beneath him in such a comforting way. Numbness took over his body as he began to lean over to his side. Before he could fully hit the ground, he jerked up, and the world jerked with him. Dizziness overwhelmed his senses, and he grabbed at the cement for support of the failing rotation that he was feeling.

Eventually, the earth forgave him, and Nathan managed to climb up to his feet while using the door handle for support. He stumbled, hitting his forehead against the glass. It didn't hurt, so he ignored it. He needed to get inside and go to his room. He was fucked if he passed out here - again - and that was the last thing he needed.

First, he tried pushing the doors open, letting out a frustrated groan as he pushed with all his might. His groggy mind then reminded him that door was supposed to be pulled open. Of course, it took seconds before his body registered what his intoxicated brain was trying to say. When the realization hit him, he tugged at the handle and the door opened swiftly. He almost laughed at himself, but his exhaustion got the best of him.

Once inside, he dragged his feet down the hall to the dorms. His heavy eyes and tired body threatened to trip him, but he kept his balance, for the most part. He almost ran into a figure that exited the bathroom. The hall was dark, and the spinning made it hard for Nathan to see who it was.

Nathan staggered back, almost losing his balance before a hand reached out and jerked him forward.

"Hey!" Nathan heard the figure say, and he didn't recognize the voice. It was a guy - obviously - and Nathan squinted at him, trying to make out his face. The guy was keeping Nathan from face-planting into the ground. Nathan spewed slurred gibberish, and the guy gave a tired laughed. "Dude, you need help?"

Nathan's eyes focused for the slightest second, and saw a mess of dark hair and amused eyes. A wave of exhaustion washed over Nathan and he thought he might pass out at that moment, but the guy with tousled dark - brown? - hair had somehow draped Nathan's arm over his shoulder and was practically carrying him to his dorm at the end of the hall.

Once there, Nathan leaned against the locked door, fumbling with his keys. The guy - Zach? Maybe? - waited beside him, and sighed when the keys slipped through Nathan's fingers. Nathan attempted to bend down and pick them up, but nausea hit him square in his throat, and he heaved a bit. The guy - not Zach, he was shorter - pulled him up and got the keys himself. The door was opened, and Nathan about crashed through.

The guy - who the fuck...? - pulled Nathan's red jacket off of his sweaty body and helped him lay on his bed. Nathan sighed, the comfort of his bed shutting down his other senses. He heard the guy say something, but he couldn't make it out. Nathan was out cold.

The next morning, Nathan's entire body vibrated with the throbbing in his head. His body was stiff, and nausea hit him hard. The light seeping through his window burned his heavy eyes, and his mouth was bitterly dry. He rolled over to his side and his nose hit something. His eyes peeked open, and he saw his garbage can. He slowly leaned up onto his elbow, and scent of the spew emptied from his stomach last night hit him, making him gag.

He rubbed his sore eyes as he pushed the garbage can away. He sat up, and noticed that his side table had a glass of water on it. He quickly gulped half of it down before he noticed the two white pills. He recognized them, tossing them into his mouth without much thought.

Damn, what a night.

The Vortex party was big and loud, and Nathan could barely remember any of it. Fuck, it was all a blur. He couldn't hardly remember how he made it back to the dorms. What he could remember was how dark and heavy everything around him was, and a voice helping him into bed.

When Nathan stood, his blood rushed and he became lightheaded. "Fuck-" he cursed, gripping the wall for support. He closed his eyes and inhaled deeply. He cringed. He smelt like booze, sweat, and pot. Nice.

When he left his door, hardly anyone else was up. Trevor was just getting in, and Evan was reading the bulletin board. Nathan walked past them and headed for the showers.

When he walked in, Warren Graham was brushing his teeth. He had on a black t-shirt and plaid pajama bottoms. His dark brown hair was unruly, his expression groggy. Nathan glared at him for no particular reason as Warren paid him a side glance. Nathan used the farthest sink to slash cold water on his face. Warren spat into the sink, rinsing his tooth brush. Nathan turned off the water, still rubbing at his face. When he was finished, he noticed Warren looking at him.

"You look like shit." Warren said, casually.

Nathan whipped his head around to face him. "Fuck off!" he snarled. Warren seemed unfazed by Nathan's words, turning the facet on and washing his hands.

"Gee, your welcome." Warren mumbled.

Nathan approached Warren, scowling. "What?" he hissed. He wasn't in the mood for this fucker. Did he not realize who he was talking to?

Warren dried his hands as he replied, dryly, "I just thought you would be more comfortable in your dorm rather than the hallway floor. But, hey, what do I know?" Warren then grabbed his shower supplies and headed into one of the stalls.

Nathan opened his mouth to say something, but shut it. Well, fuck, that solves the mystery of the guy who helped him last night. Nathan heard the rustle of clothes before the shower was turned on. He stared at the off-white curtain, frowning.

Passing out and waking up in different places around campus wasn't anything new for him. Hell, people would just walk by him without any thought, and when he would wake up he would stagger back to his dorm and sleep. Sometimes, Victoria would find him and nudge him awake, but that was the extent of it all. Waking up in his own bed this morning was unusual but he hadn't thought anything of it. God, dammit.

Nathan shook his head, remembering that he needed a shower himself. By the time he had grabbed his stuff and made it back to the showers, Warren was gone.

October 8, 2013

Morning

Nathan hated swimming, to be honest. The only reason he was on the swim team was because his father forced the coach to take him. Nathan hardly showed up to practice and almost never went to any of the meetings. He didn't participate in any swim meets and used his swim class as a free hour. Coach never said anything to him about it because he couldn't. Coach knew the risks of booting a Prescott, and he was going to deal with it. All Coach had to do was report good things to his father and everything was hunky dory. It wasn't like Sean Prescott even came to the meets to see his son in action, anyway.

Today was an exception, though. Madsen and his pornstache was patrolling outside, and after a heated argument - one again - involving Wells, Nathan was here. Pornstache still didn't know his place and didn't have boundaries. The fucker thought that he could talk to him like that as though he were superior. The very thought made Nathan chuckle.

Nathan pushed through the door to the boys' locker room. He walked past the rows of lockers and turned a corner only to be startled by Warren. Warren was in his swim trunks, sitting on the bench while looking at his phone. He looked up when he heard Nathan, giving him a short glance before returning to his phone. Nathan saw the shadows around Warren's right eye, and an unfamiliar pang shot through his stomach. Nathan pressed his lips into a tight line as he slowly walked to his locker.

Pushing the pill bottles aside, Nathan dug around for his trunks. Behind him, Warren sighed lightly. Nathan turned his head to look back at him as he shrugged off his jacket. His eyes remained on the back of Warren's head as he unbuttoned his shirt.

Warren wasn't as scrawny as Nathan thought he was. His eyes traced his back, counting the little moles that were spread across his pale skin. He wasn't muscular, by any means. He was lean, fit. Nathan peeled his shirt off before pulling his undershirt off, letting the clothes fall to the ground. His eyes traced Warren's spine down to the waistband of his trunks. He bit the inside of his cheek, hesitant to rid himself of his pants. Before he could think on it any longer, Warren shut his phone off.

Warren stood, tossing the phone into his locker before shutting it. "Do you need something?" he asked, annoyance - fuck - playing in his tone. The sudden words startled Nathan, and he tore his gaze away. He scoffed.

"Fuck off, geek." Nathan mentally slapped himself. Clever, bro. Really.

Warren gave a dry laugh, crossing his arms. He mumbled, "Whatever," before leaving the locker room. Once Nathan heard the door shut, he tugged his pants off, along with his briefs. He slipped on his swimming trunks.

Nathan chewed on his bottom lip. What was that dick's problem? Fuck, that wasn't the question he should be asking himself.

He grabbed a pill from each bottle, swallowing them dry. They left a bitter taste on his tongue, but he didn't care.

He sat on the bench, running his fingers through his thick locks. His head pounded lightly. The image of Warren's back lingered in his mind. He had clear, smooth looking skin. In his days on the swim team, Nathan had seen enough disgusting backache to make him retch.

Nathan gave an annoyed groan. Damn it, was it always this cold? Goosebumps rose along the flesh on his arms and chest and he rubbed at them. Nathan stood and went to Warren's locker, jerking it open. Why? Fuck if he knew. It was an urge.

Warren's clothes were folded neatly, and his cell phone rested on the pile. Without a thought, Nathan grabbed the phone and turned it on. Nathan sighed, frustrated. It needed a password. Nathan tossed it back in. What the fuck was he doing? Nathan was a lot of things, but he wasn't nosy. He didn't stick his nose into other peoples business like this; mostly because he didn't care. Nathan rubbed at his right eye with the back of his hand, the image of Warren's bruised eye whirling around in his mind.

Yesterday, he had confronted Max about Wells calling him into his office, and Warren had been there. Nathan didn't go there with the intention of physically hurting either of them, but sometimes, his temper got the best of him. Hell, he hadn't even really noticed Warren there until he felt a hand on his shoulder and heard him speak. The headbutt was just a reflex - maybe - and then Warren was grabbing his face while on the ground.

Nathan wouldn't admit that he did feel a little - more - guilty for the black eye, but Warren had deserved it. Did he really think he could win in a fight against him? Pft, as if. And all over that bitch, too. Why would he even be with her, anyway? He was probably trying to get some. The thought made Nathan curl his lip in disgust. He could do better than that selfie whore.

Nathan was about to shut the locker when something caught his eyes. There was a picture of Warren and Max together, and Nathan tore it from the side of the locker. It was a selfie picture taken by Warren with Max next to him, and they were both smiling. Warren looked absolutely happy, the corners of his eyes crinkling in delight and his grin spread from ear to ear.

Nathan tore the picture up, and instantly regretted doing so.

"Shit."

October 9, 2013

Afternoon

What a shitty week. Seriously.

To start everything off, that punk whore actually had the nerve to threaten him, the hipster bitch told Wells he had a gun, Kate fucking jumps off the girls dormitory and Max blames the whole thing on him, getting him suspended. To top it off, femnazi approached him at Two Whales demanding info on Frank. She was really fucking stupid, wasn't she?

It wasn't the end of the shittiness, though.

When Nathan got back from Two Whales, he sat in his car for a moment. It was still light out, but the air felt different. Not just in his car, or around Blackwell...the air was different around Arcadia Bay. It wasn't refreshing or calm, but heavy and suffocating. Tight and confining. He rubbed at his forehead, pushing his hair back.

He couldn't believe he was fucking suspended. Nathan groaned. His father was going to have a shitfit when he found out. Nathan drummed his fingers on the steering wheel, chewing on his dry lip. He didn't want to see his father, and selfie-bitch pretending to give a shit make the blood boil within his veins. Even if he gave her the time of day, she would take the info and use it against him. She wasn't going to take back anything she said just because he gave her a tip on Frank. Fuck, and what was up with the Rachel getup? Did she honestly think she was anything remotely close to Rachel? If so, that was pitiful.

He leaned back in his seat, closing his eyes. He counted to three, and told himself to breathe. He needed to calm down if he was going to make it through the rest of the week without ripping someones hair out of their scalp and shoving it down their throat. His muscles twitched with pent up angry energy, and he practically kicked his car door open.

The air wasn't fresh when he breathed it in. It sent a strange spasm up his spine, and he shook his body to rid himself of it. Shoving his keys into his pocket, he headed towards the school.

"Hey!" A shout stopped Nathan in his tracks, and he turned to face the voice. Warren was walking towards him from across the parking lot with furrowed brows and a frown tugging at his lips. Nathan thought about ignoring him and continuing on his way, but he didn't. He stayed - shit - and waited.

When Warren stopped, he held up with pieces of the photo Nathan had ripped up, and a familiar sensation ran through his veins.

"What the hell, dude?" Warren demanded, glaring. Nathan returned the glare.

"What?" he snapped back, standing up straight.

"Don't play stupid, Prescott. I know you did this." Warren said. "No one else was in the locker room yesterday, so it had to be you."

"So what?" Nathan asked before he could stop himself, his temper getting the best of him once again. "I did you a favor. It was a shitty picture, anyway."

Something swirled in Warren's dark hazelnut eyes, and he stepped closer as he pushed Nathan back. "God, you are such an ass!"

Nathan pushed him back. "You really wanna fuck with me again, dick?" Warren pushed Nathan's arm away when he motioned to Warren's still bruised eye.

Warren turned away from him, letting out a dry laugh. "This. This is the reason, Prescott." Warren was close enough now that Nathan could smell his cologne. "You are an entitled prick who doesn't give a shit about anyone, and no one gives a shit right back. Some of the shit you do is cruel and unfathomable, and you deserved to be expelled."

There are around 1,025,109 words in the English language, and yet Nathan couldn't even begin to string enough together to describe the sensation that was firing up within his belly. Warren wasn't finished, though.

"You have no respect for women and treat them like things, and with all the shit about drugged girls going around, everyone is pointing their fingers in your direction." Warren jabbed his finger into Nathan's chest. "I don't even know how you can stand yourself at the end of the day. Your name? Your family? It means nothing. It doesn't change what a piece of shit you are, Nathan." Warren wadded up the picture pieces, throwing them to the ground.

"I tried to be nice, okay? I thought maybe you didn't want to wake up outside for everyone to see, again! That maybe you would appreciate an act of kindness, but obviously I was wrong. Not only do you hurt me, but you hurt Max and then tear up the one picture I have of us together." Warren was incredibly close now, and his breath was ward against Nathan's mouth. "You hurt people, and you don't give a single fuck! Do you even know what it's like to feel sorrow? To be beaten and talked down to? No, I bet you don't, Nathan."

Warren backed away then, and Nathan's nostrils flared as air escaped them for the first time in what felt like minutes. His heart was rapid in his chest, vibrating through out his entire body. His face was flushed and eyes narrowed.

"I don't know what your problem with Max is, but you better lay the fuck off." Warren shook his head, his eyes showing more emotions than just hatred. "You know what? Fuck you, Nathan Prescott."

"You don't know shit about me." Nathan said through clenched teeth and he visibly shook.

Before Warren could say anything, a bluejay fell to the ground between them, startling both boys. The bluejay flapped helplessly and cried, flopping all around. They stared at it, and Nathan noticed that this wasn't the first bird to fall. When he looked around the parking lot, birds were limp and squirrels nibbled on them.

Warren looked up at the sky, and Nathan followed his gaze. In the distant, there was a mess of birds that seemed to be swirling in a vortex-style in the air. Another bird fell a few feet away from them, crying and fluttering on the ground. Warren knelt down to inspect the bluejay, taking his backpack off and unzipping it. He pulled out a pair of blue latex gloves, which Nathan found curious until he remembered that Warren was some sort of science wiz.

Warren inspected the bluejay, but nothing appeared wrong with it. Nathan's eyes wandered over Warren concentrated face. Warren's lips were pressed into a tight line, and his tense eyes darted over the bird in search of the cause of unusual behavior. Warren had on a charcoal colored shirt with a raven and the word "Nevermore" written in script with a white undershirt. Why did he always wear two shirts?

Warren's fingers traced the head of the bluejay, checking for damage. He was being incredible gentle, and Nathan wondered how he could be so cautious and tender with such a worthless creature.

The bluejay stopped moving eventually, going limp and light fading in its tiny eyes. Warren pulled away from the lifeless bird, staring down at it in despondent expression, and Nathan was sure that he was long forgotten. Nathan's gaze continued to dart over Warrens figure, sliding down his arms and focusing on his fingers as they pulled away at the latex gloves. He eventually wondered lower, and froze as shock chilled his insides.

When Warren looked up, Nathan was gone.

October 10, 2013

Midnight

Heavy sighs.

A delicate finger traced his navel.

Warm breaths.

Soft fingertips traveled up his spine to the back of his head.

Moist air.

A quick flick of the tongue on his earlobe.

Silent whispers.

A tender nibble on his sore bottom lip.

Hazy eyes.

A tongue darts out.

Surrounding heat.

Lingering fingertips caress.

Desperate hands grab one another.

Heavy.

Groans and moans escape.

Tight.

It's hard to breathe.

Rough.

Count to three.

Fast.

One.

Hot.

Two.

Close.

Three.

Tingles and shivers cause goosebumps to rise upon moist flesh.

More.

Scattered thoughts and silent cries.

Hunger.

Only one tongue can dominate.

Please.

"You hurt people."

A teasing nip at the pulse point.

"You deserve this."

Rapid heartbeats in sync.

"How can you look at yourself at the end of the day, hm?"

Beads of salty sweat drip from heated pores.

"No one gives a shit about you."

Fingers grip and tug at thick locks.

"Do you know what pain feels like?"

Short breathes and blurred vision.

"You are nothing."

Almost there.

Heart bursts into pleasure.

Swelling heat.

"I tried."

Burning sensations.

Warm breath.

The lingering scent of musky sweat.

"You hurt me."

Nails digging into skin.

Sloppy misplaced lips.

So close.

Chest to chest.

Faster.

Aching muscles and tired eyes.

Wetness and humidity.

Pulsating.

A harmless bite on the shoulder.

Fingers intertwining.

Almost.

"Nathan..."

Explosions.

October 10, 2013

Morning

Nathan woke up drenched in sweat and panting. His eyes adjusted to the darkness in his room, and his thoughts were as rapid as his pulse. Did that really happen? He didn't - he did - just...goddamn it.

He needed a new pair of pants.

October 10, 2013

Nightfall

His lip was swollen, and his nose dripped blood. Nathan sat in his car, trembling. His cheeks were wet and sore, and pain shot up his side every time he adjusted his position. He stared at his reflection in his rear view mirror, and was almost disappointed that nothing visible would bruise or show by morning. His fingers quivered in his lap, and he choked on every other breath he took.

Worthless.

His father had called upon him this morning, asking him to come hope. Family business.

That was code for his father just found out that he was expelled and why.

Nathan rubbed at his swollen eyes, hoping that when he left that anyone who saw him would just think he was high or something.

Disgrace.

Nathan got out of his car, and headed to the dorms. His nose continued to drip, but he paid it no attention and let it drip onto his white shirt. He dragged his feet, and cursed himself when he flinched at every little noise the wind made. Fuck, was he this much of a pussy?

His eyes stung painfully. Nathan tripped when he came to a set of stairs, landing on his knees. He hissed out a swear or two, his entire body vibrating in pain. He felt that if he made any sudden movements, his flesh would split open and he would be left there for the world to see bleed out. Wouldn't that be a way to go...

You can't imagine how disappointed I am. This is always an issue with you, son.

Nathan moved to that he was sitting on the top set of stairs leading to the boys' dorm entrance. He tried to catch his breath, but he could swear that his lungs were bruised and it hurt to breathe deeply. He knew he needed to get to his room to take something and clean himself up, but he couldn't get his legs to function properly.

What was wrong with him? What was he supposed to do? How the fuck was he supposed to fix this? Hell, he couldn't fix any of it! Was he doomed to live his life like this until he became him?

Do you understand everything I have done for you? Are you that ungrateful?

Nathan didn't want to be like him. Nathan didn't want to take over the business or do any of that shit. Nathan groaned at the ache in his side. Fuck, that had gotten him good.

I've had enough.

The night air was cool, and it felt good on his heated skin. He rubbed at his temple in an attempt to sooth his pulsating head, but it only made it worse. His nose stopped bleeding, the blood caking on his upper lip and chin.

When the doors to the dormitory opened, Nathan about yelped and shielded himself. How fucking pathetic would that look? Nathan peeked behind and instantly whirled his head back around when he spotted Warren. Nathan - fuckfuckfuck - felt his face instantly flare up and he wanted nothing more than to book it out of there, but his unsteady legs couldn't be trusted.

He heard Warren approach from behind, and Nathan wished for a moment that Warren was there to kill him or something; fuck, yeah, let that be it! Ugh, what a stupid fucking thought.

"You look like shit." Warren's voice was soft, and something stirred within Nathan. He did his best to ignore the feeling as well as Warren. He didn't have the energy to even retaliate. Fatigue was getting the best of him, too.

Nathan went stiff when Warren seated himself next him, and he could hear and feel his blood rushing. Nathan eyed Warren with wide eyes, and saw that he had something in his hand. Warren offered him a moist washcloth and a bag of ice.

Before Nathan could question him, Warren said, "I saw you through the window." Warren avoided his gaze, and Nathan remained where he was. Warren sighed after a moment, turning his body to face Nathan. Nathan watched his dark eyes expand in shock for a moment before returning to normal. Through the window, he must not have looked this bad.

"I just wanted to say I'm sorry."

Warren offered the icepack to Nathan, and when he didn't take it, Warren reached out and grabbed his wrist - fuck - putting the icepack in Nathan's palm. The sudden cold shocked the nerves in his hand as he gripped it. Warren then offered him the washcloth. Nathan's eyes were still glued to Warren's face, so he didn't pay the washcloth any attention.

Warren must have felt brave because he reached out and began wiping at Nathan's chin, ridding it of the dried up blood. Nathan jumped at the contact, and he felt his cheeks flush. Fuckfuckfuck-

"I shouldn't have blown up on you like that yesterday. I was just pissed and I said some things I shouldn't have. Everything's been so shitty lately and I took it out on you. I just assumed it was you who ripped that picture up." Warren chuckled dryly. "You know what they say about assuming: it makes an ass out of you and me."

Nathan could feel the heat emitting from Warren, and it caused the hairs on the back of his neck to rise. Warren finished cleaning his chin, and moved up to gently wipe the blood at Nathan's nose. Nathan breath lingered in his throat as Warren gently rubbed at the caked blood. He leaned a bit closer, and Nathan wanted nothing more to push him away and get the hell out of there, but, fuck, he didn't trust his wobbly legs to keep him from falling flat on his face. Shit, did he have to be so goddamn close?

Was this happening...? Nathan must have passed out, right? That thought was pushed out of his mind when he felt Warren's pinky brush against his cheek. Lingering fingertips caress- NO! Fuck, no! His head pounded with rapid thoughts and images, and he only hoped that Warren wouldn't notice the change in the air around them. Warren's gaze was focused on his nose and he didn't seem to notice with Nathan shivered.

Warren finished cleaning up the blood and folded the dirty washcloth onto his lap, unfazed by the moment that was currently frying Nathan's brain of any coherent thought. Nathan released the breath that he was holding slowly, his chest and lungs burning with exertion. His fists were tight in his lap, his fingernails digging into his flesh. Nails digging into skin-

Stop it! Nathan bit his lip, tearing his gaze from Warren. The two sat there in silence, but everything was a loud hum within Nathan's head. Images and memories of the night before flashed through his mind - fuckfuckfuck - and something stirred within him. His stomach and chest felt tight and unfamiliar sensations ran through him. His leg began to bounce nervously, and fuck, he was here next to him - so close - and it was making him uneasy.

Nathan glanced at Warren, who was looking up at the sky. Nathan knew he shouldn't, but he took the opportunity to study Warren's face. The bruise was still there, and it made it seem like a shadow was lingering on his face. Warren's eyes were dark - hazy eyes - and tender. His lips looked moist - sloppy misplaced lips - as though he had a balm on, and his skin seemed like porcelain in the moonlight.

"You're right," Warren said suddenly, facing Nathan. "I don't know anything about you. What I do know is stuff I heard from other people, and that's not the most reliable source." Warren sighed, his eyes landing on the dripping icepack in Nathan's grip. Nathan raised a brow, his lips parting slightly in surprise. Was he-?

"You might be a decent guy, but no one would know it." Warren mumbled, reaching out and tearing the icepack from Nathan's fingers. Nathan's frozen fingers ached. What...?

Warren raised the icepack to Nathan's face, pressing it carefully to Nathan's nose. The coolness felt nice against his heated skin. "I don't know what happened to you, and I was an asshole when I said that shit. But, if your in trouble, you should get help. No one should be kicked when they're down."

Nathan's hand bolted up and gripped Warren's bare wrist, causing Warren to jump slightly. He was surprisingly warm considering it was a bit chilly tonight, and Nathan could feel his pulse - pulsating - within his wrist. Warren's eyes widened a bit, as if he were afraid that he said something wrong.

"Hey, if I offended you-"

"Shut up." Nathan's voice was dry and cracked. His eyes narrowed at Warren, and he found himself breathing quickly.

Shitshitshit! What was he doing? Panic rose in his chest. He shouldn't be doing this - fuck, he shouldn't even be thinking about it! What would his father say if he saw this? He would beat Nathan straight - fuck, literally - and then probably disown him, call him disgraceful and a faggot. His fathers words echoed in his mind and, damn it, it hurt. Everything hurt all the time, and his life was full of this shit. Was this his future? Was he to grow up and become Sean Prescott? The very though sickened him to the point of wanting to end it all.

Nathan bit his lip, his gaze searching Warren's eyes. Warren's expression was dumbfounded with a hint of alarm, his eyes searching Nathan for any sort of explanation.

Nathan knew he should pull away, get up, and tell Warren to never speak to him again. That's exactly what he should do, and then he would never give Warren a second thought, a second glance... his existence would be meaningless to him.

But, he just gripped Warren tighter. The icepack was still in Warren's grip, dripping onto Nathan's knee.

Desperate hands grab one another.

Nathan knew his mind was clouding over, and he didn't try to stop it. He was tired. He was tired of everyone trying to control how he felt. Tired of holding back, of worrying... He couldn't take it back now, and fuck, he didn't want to. Adrenaline was in his system, and it was better than any damn pill he could take.

Rapid heartbeats in sync.

Fuck it. Fuck his father. Fuck everyone. Fuck worry. Fuck fear.

He didn't care anymore.

Scattered thoughts and silent cries.

Warren tugged back a bit, trying to release his wrist.

Nathan let him go, and Warren dropped the icepack. Warren didn't have time to think or say anything before Nathan roughly tangled his fingers in his tousled locks, jerking him forward. Warren's words were swallowed by Nathan's bruised lips as they locked. Nathan inhaled the fresh scent of Warren and the nerves in his lips twitched with delight. He felt Warren stiffen, not breathing. Nathan parted his lips slightly, taking in Warren's bottom lip between his own, giving it an experimental suck. Warren's mouth parted in a silent gasp and his hands grasped Nathan's arms as if to steady himself.

Nathan parted from Warren, remaining close enough to feel and taste Warren's heavy exhale. Nathan opened his eyes to meet Warren's rosy face and wide eyes. Nathan's lip trembled and his tongue slipped out to run over it, the taste of his blood and Warren sending tingles along his tongue. Warren wanted to say something, but didn't. Nathan figured he was too shocked to pull away, but it didn't matter. Nathan's eyes darted down to Warren's wet mouth.

Fuck it.

With an open mouth, Nathan caught Warren's lips once more. He scooted them closer, heat enveloping them. He tilted his head to get a closer, his nose pressing into Warren's face. Warren's hands went to Nathan's chest, attempting to push away, and his touch practically burned him. Nathan nipped at his lip, tightening his grip on Warren's hair. With one hand in Warren's tangled locks, he wrapped his arm around his waist. They needed to be closer, so much closer.

Nathan snaked his under Warren's shirt, his fingertips burning with heated excitement. Warren gave an involuntary moan that vibrated through their mouths. Fuck! Nathan ran his tongue over Warren's as dizziness started to take affect on Nathan's mind.

More.

Nathan jerked away, and he ran his tongue along Warren's throat, tasting the sweat on his skin. Warren was gasping for air, and trying speak.

"Wha- Nathan, stop!"

Nathan pulled away and met Warren's eyes, but he kept his hold on him. He began rubbing and scratching at Warren's back, causing Warren to lose his train of thought.

Nathan leaned forward, giving a light suck of his lip before he trailed the kisses to his cheek. His tongue darted out and tasted Warren's earlobe.

Nathan's chest hurt, his heart beating so rapidly he thought it might burst through his ribcage. His sensations were overwhelmed by the scent of them, and all he could focus on was tasting him.

Warren reached up and tugged at Nathan's hair, pulling him away from work on Warren's ear. "Stop!" Warren gasped.

Everything throbbed, and everything ached. Nathan breathed heavily, releasing Warren's hair and trailing his hands over his chest. He wanted more - fuck, so much more! - but he had to keep his head straight. He couldn't help but smirk at Warren's flushed face and dilated eyes. He swallowed harshly, trying to think of something clever to say, only to fail.

"Warren," Nathan's voice was husky, and he felt Warren shiver. "Thanks, you dick." Yeah, that was the extent of his creativity, but it seemed to have an affect on Warren.

Warren shook his head. "W-what? I don't - I'm not-"

Nathan pressed his thumb over Warren's mouth. "Shut up. Your pants say otherwise."

If Warren wasn't red before, he was now. Nathan chuckled, replacing his thumb with his lips in a series of quick pecks.

It had been a shitty week, but Nathan forgot about it. His broken body and spirit, his father, the punk whore and hipster bitch, Kate's suicide, being suspended... all of it was buried in the back of his mind. This might be his only chance to decide something for himself, and he was going to take it. He was going to risk humiliation and disgrace in his family, and he was going to risk his reputation at Blackwell. Even if Warren didn't want anything to do with him after this moment, he would live with that. He - maybe even they - didn't have to be public, and he didn't want much. He just wanted to be in control for once.

Nathan planted a kiss on Warren's chin, sighing. He was taken back when he heard Warren give a short laugh. "This will never work."

"I don't expect it to." Nathan replied. "That's the best part."

A/N: God damn! I need a cold shower! Who wants to join me?

Just kidding. This is my shower. Go find your own.

Thanks for reading!

xLazyxWriterx