Lazy Note: Hey there, Strangers. Back so soon? I know, it's hard to stay away; I'm wonderful...PFFFTTT hahaha - Sorry, I'm writing this in the morning and it's too early and I'm tired and no one will bring me pizza. :/ Lazy Problems.

So, I got an anonymous prompt on Tumblr for some GrahamScott, and this is the result.

Prompt: Nathan's first time hearing Warren say "I love you," and his reaction.

Enjoy!

Expiration Date

by

xLazyxWriterx

Summary: Graduation is nearing, and it's almost time for them to expire.

Rating: K+

A muscle twitched involuntarily at the corner of his left eye, and his mouth formed a rigid grimace. His legs bounced quickly, and his arms were crossed tightly over his chest. Though the glow of the setting sun warmed the grounds of Arcadia Bay, Nathan felt a chill. It was a chill that he had felt before, but had forgotten many times. Now, it was stronger than ever, and it made his stomach and chest swell with dread and trepidation.

It was close - so close - and he could hardly even believe it. He didn't want to believe it, but there was no way to stop time. He knew that, but ideas always came to him of how to prolong it. They were futile, of course.

But, now he had another worry within his already tight chest. It was unexpected, and he couldn't comprehend it. How could he...? The words that had been uttered in his ear this morning were taboo words that he never breathed for either of his parents, or siblings...or even himself. Yet, they were spoken, and not only that, but they were for him.

Nathan chewed on his lip, and he closed his eyes, darkness with specks of violet and green clouding over him. Through the specks, the image of him became more vivid. Those dark eyes that crinkled with amusement, moist lips curved to reveal well cared for whites, soft, tousled, brown hair, and tender fingers intertwining with his own calloused ones.

Something had been on Warren's mind this morning, and Nathan could sense it the moment they awoke early in Warren's bed. Warren had woken up much earlier than him, and was seated at his desk in deep thought when Nathan's eyes peaked open. The lack of warmth caused Nathan to sit up, and he studied Warren's concentrated figure under the dark glow of his desk lamp.

Warren's fingers occupied a pen, and he was scrawling along a notebook rapidly. His dark eyes were hard, and his mouth turned into a slight frown. In his white T-shirt and blue plaid pajama bottoms, he paused his writing and set his pen down to stretch himself out. His shirt rose up to reveal his happy trail, and his palm stifled his yawn. Nathan found himself yawning, as well. Warren didn't seem to notice him, though, and went back to his writing. Nathan rubbed at his eyes and swung his legs quietly over the sides of the bed.

Standing, Nathan made his way to stand behind Warren. When he placed his heavy hands upon his shoulders, he felt Warren jerk in surprise. Warren's looked up at him, and Nathan gave a tired grin. Warren responded with a slight smile before tucking his pen into the notebook and shutting it. Nathan leaned over and buried his nose and mouth in Warren's hair, mumbling the question of why Warren was up so early.

Warren had just shrugged, muttering something about not being about to sleep. Nathan glanced at the clock hung upon the wall: 6:23 AM. Deeming that too early to get ready, he pulled Warren up from out of his chair, turned the desk lamp off, and dragged him back to the bed. Warren tugged the covers over them before pressing his chest to Nathan's back and wrapping a heavy arm around him.

Comfort and warmth enveloping him, Nathan felt his eyelids drop and complete darkness overwhelming his senses. What shattered that darkness was when he felt Warren's lips press against his shoulder and the breath of those words hit him.

"I love you."

Nathan's eyes shot open, and his body instantly tensed. He felt Warren relax against him, and his even and content breathing against his neck. Nathan's mind was white, and his mouth dropped open as if to reply, but nothing but silence exited his parted lips.

He remained wide awake for the next few hours before Warren woke up. Nathan left as soon as possible.

Now, he had upon an old bench at the peak of Arcadia Bay, right next to the lighthouse. His eyes were unfocused, and those words echoed in his head. He hadn't even been able to look Warren in the eye, and Warren had to know something was wrong. Perhaps Warren didn't remember saying it, but Nathan did. Nathan was positive of what he heard, and it terrified him.

Graduation was at the end of the month, and he would soon be at whatever collage his father thought suitable for him. He would be far, far away from Arcadia Bay, he was sure. Warren would go to a completely different college, and they would never see each other again. They couldn't. They couldn't continue their relationship as long distance - it wouldn't work. The longer they kept going, the harder it was. People would find out, and his father would find out.

Nathan had nightmares of it. His father finding out and sending him away, making sure that he would never make contact with Warren ever again. After all, if Nathan was with Warren, a heir would never happen, and people would talk. His father would never allow that.

They had a silent agreement that this was only to last until graduation, then they would part. That was the expiration date. But, now that it was closer, Nathan knew that he didn't want that to happen. Warren had managed looked past every terrible thing Nathan did, and searched for the good. Nathan wasn't perfect, and Warren liked him anyway. How was he suppose to be find someone else who looked at him with such kindness and understanding?

He wouldn't.

"Hey," Warren's voice came from behind him, startling him. Nathan whipped his head around and saw him standing there. Warren smiled at him, walking around and taking a seat next to him. "I figured you were here. You didn't answer any of my texts."

"Oh, uh..." Nathan reached into his pocket and pulled out his phone. Five texts and a missed call, all from Warren.

"I freaked you out, didn't I?" Warren asked, crossing his arms and looking out over Arcadia Bay. Nathan froze, and felt his cheeks heat up. What? Did he expect that they weren't going to talk about it? Actually, he had hoped that Warren wouldn't remember, but these things usually didn't turn in his favor.

"What? I dunno..." Nathan mumbled, and Warren laughed. It wasn't a jolly laugh, though. It was more dry and a bit sad.

"You don't have to pretend, Nathan. I know you heard me last night." Warren turned to look at him, and Nathan avoided his eyes. He wasn't sure what to say, so he kept his mouth shut. Warren continued, "I don't expect you to say it back. I just wanted you to know. Y'know...before we graduate."

Nathan felt his chest tighten once more, and he bit back a wince.

Graduation: the expiration date.

It was so close, and Nathan refused to believe it. He wanted things to stay the way they were; sneaking around, pretending it could be forever, just being together. Nathan kept his eyes down as he mumbled, "This sucks."

Warren chuckled, reaching out and placing his hand on Nathan's shoulder. "I know," he agreed. "It's okay."

"How is it okay?" Nathan met Warren's dark eyes. "How is any of this okay?"

"Nathan-"

"No! It's not okay! Warren, after this month we aren't going to see each other ever again! Okay? We're just gonna part and forget everything?"

"No, Nathan," Warren frowned. "Not forget. How I feel isn't going to change, but..."

Nathan could see the despair flooding Warren's dark eyes, and he was sure they reflected his own sorrow. Nathan let out a frustrated sigh, leaning forward and burying his face in his hands. "But...?" Nathan's muffled voice came out weak, and he heard Warren sigh softly.

"But we don't have a choice. I don't want your family finding out. Your dad is the type of guy who would send you to one of those straight camps to get you 'cured.' Who knows what else..." Warren replied. Nathan scoffed. Well, Warren wasn't wrong. That was the terrifying part, and it made Nathan sick. Warren ran his hand back and forth along Nathan's back in an attempt to soothe him.

Nathan removed his hands from his face, and glanced back at Warren. He was still staring out at the water with a distressed expression. "And you?" Nathan whispered. "What about you...?"

Warren didn't reply immediately. After a moment, he said, "I'll try to move on. I'll try..."

Try...

Nathan didn't want to try.

"Warren," Nathan's voice was barely a whisper. "I..."

Try.

"I..."

Warren met Nathan's gaze, a sad smile tugging at his lips. Nathan leaned back against the bench, all words caught in his throat.

"I know." Warren mumbled, leaning over a pressing his lips against Nathan's in a chaste kiss.

Warren knew.

He had always known.

*Insert clever ending note here*

*Lazy has left the conversation*

Thanks for reading!

xLazyxWriterx