Warren and Nathan had to separate after their encounter due to classes, although decided they'd see one another later on. Warren took some time out of the day by talking to various classmates of his, and gathering their opinions on the current environmental changes. It'd be done like some sort of survey, only that Warren was the only one on the receiving end of the information, and using it to constantly revise his hypotheses and ideas about a subject. Not long after, Warren mosied over to his science class, and got hard at work. He finished several questions about chemical reactions and how different substances, when mixed, can created radically different products. Although, at one point he found himself dumbfounded, and couldn't figure out the proper combination he needed to experiment with.
Gladly, Warren got the help he needed, as his friend Max arrived just in time to help him. Whenever with Max, he felt at ease, and his heart still tugged him towards her, strengthening his innate response towards being attracted to a geeky, cute, like-minded girl similar to himself. Although, after meeting Nathan, it was as if a completely different chemical was introduced, and the product was indecisive. Day in and day out, Warren seemed to find himself more at a loss of words than ever before, but, he continued putting a mask on for everyone else. It's better they think of him as a basic, funny geek, not some complicated anxious nerd with growing feelings for Nathan Prescott.
After finishing up, he went over to Mr. Jefferson's classroom, although, on the way, he caught Kate puffy eyed and in dismay.
What asshole gave her trouble now? I gotta talk to Max about this
He was walking through the door when, he froze abruptly.
Fuck.. Nathan is here too, chatting it up with Victoria
Suddenly, his legs felt stiff, and, forcefully, he managed to edge forward. His thoughts were pricking the back of head, but thankfully, he managed to push them away. He decided not to act any differently to Nathan out in the open like they were, his rationale being that their current friendship was best to be kept under wraps. After all, how would everyone perceive the rich boy and nerd of Blackwell becoming close?
Nathan wouldn't want me to bug him out in the open anyway, definitely not now
He relaxed, positioning himself on the corner of Max's desk and having a pleasant conversation. Although, he was still worried about Kate's well-being. Not long after, Mr. Jefferson made them leave the classroom. Warren walked off, but seeing as he felt Nathan behind him, he grew nervous imagining how he still regarded him. Was he a traitor for talking to Max? Is there a possibility he would've wanted Warren to pay some sort of attention to him? Warren mentally slapped himself, disregarding his thoughts as doing nothing more than holding him back.
As soon as Warren made it back to class, feeling insanely bored and not wanting to listen to more lectures, all the students began flooding outside. Warren was curious as to what the commotion was all about, so he to decided to follow the crowd of students all going together. When he made it to the front of the dorms, where everybody else was, he was immediately hit with a wave of panic and shock. He saw Kate on top of the dorm roof.
Who the hell left the roof unlocked!?
Warren stood a few feet away from Nathan, and comforted Alyssa due to her shaking and nearly having a breakdown. Nathan's expression was strange, unreadable, and Warren couldn't make sense of it. Not only that, but it was odd, because that one moment felt long and drawn out, as if somebody stopped time, causing everyone to witness a nearly unforgettable and terrifying incident appear right before their eyes. Warren pushed aside these thoughts as nothing more than nerves and adrenaline, but still, he can't help but ask. What if?
When Kate turned around on the roof, everyone felt a wave of relief, a light at the end of the darkness, a chance that she'll get off the roof safely.
Whoever that had made it up there in time was a hero, that's for sure
Alyssa regained her composure, sniffling, but at least hopeful.
"God, I hope she realizes how beautiful she is inside and out and how many people care about her, please step off," Alyssa said mournfully, dabbing her eyes with the back of her hand.
Warren looked at her, smiling. "I have a feeling she will Alyssa, she's one of the strongest people I've met. Give me a moment." He stepped away from her, and began slowly approaching Nathan's side. When he did, he stood silently, allowing him to speak first.
Nathan turned towards Warren, his face sulking, his eyes drained of life, his lips twitching ever so slightly. Yet, despite all this, he smiled. It shook Warren's insides, and made him feel all mushy. At the same time, it brightened the surrounding mood significantly, as if to say "we'll make it out of this."
"Warren, why do you come to me time and time again?" The boy's blue eyes locked onto Warren's, not giving him a moment of thought, rather, forcing him to speak what he felt, right then and there.
"Why? Well shit, ain't it obvious?" Warren laughed, inching closer to Nathan. "I like being around you Nathan, and... I don't know, I felt from the moment I first saw you that yesterday, there's something about you," He paused, Nathan's finger putting a stop to his words.
"I always saw myself as one narcissistic, hateful, stubborn piece of shit. But you make me feel... crap, I don't know. Alive?" Nathan paused, his hand touching the back of his neck.
The two of them looked up as everyone began clapping. Kate stepped off of the roof, and David Madsen ran up to go help them get down and get Kate the help she needed. It was a happy moment, but still, something was off. The air was heavy, as if impeding gloom was eminent. Suddenly, Nathan turned to him.
"I'm likely going to be pulled in to the principal's office for this, no doubt about that. But, don't worry about me okay? I'll be fine." He looked hopeful, and his words gave off a sense of security.
Warren felt a pool of worry building up inside him, but steeled himself for Nathan. "Things are really getting crazy around here Nathan, just.. stay safe, okay?"
Nathan turned towards him, their bodies getting closer to each other. He bit the inside of his lip as his expression grew serious. For Warren, there was no question as to Nathan's mettle and will to persevere, and now, Warren would make sure that he'd have somebody to depend on other than himself.
Nathan spoke hurriedly in a quiet tone as if it was the last time they'd see each other. "I've got to talk to you later, about.. everything. I've been holding some things back, but I feel like you would understand."
Before Warren had a chance to respond, say something, anything, David Madsen called for him. Nathan followed him at his heel, and just like that, the day resumed.