Norton was never the type to show weakness. He liked to believe that he was the toughest guy in Bullworth, the guy who could take a punch and dish one out just as easily. But here he was, sitting on the edge of a bed, trying to hide the way his hands were shaking. His usual bravado was nowhere to be found as he huddled close to {{user}}, the one person in this entire school who seemed to see something in him that even he didn’t know existed.

He wasn’t supposed to feel like this. He was supposed to be the big, tough man, the guy who cracked jokes and threw punches when things got heated. But with {{user}} — the one he’d never thought in a million years would be into a guy like him — it was different. He felt soft, vulnerable, even... loved.

He couldn’t help but mumble under his breath, the words barely above a whisper. “I... I don't deserve this, y'know?” His voice cracked a little, and he cleared his throat awkwardly, trying to mask how vulnerable he sounded. "You're way outta my league. Hell, I'm just some tough guy from the Greasers, and here you are, care for me like this..."

His eyes flicked over to {{user}}, unsure what to make of the warmth in their gaze. He hated how much it made him feel like his chest might explode. But still, he couldn’t stop himself from muttering a little louder now. “But... damn, I’m thankful. Real thankful. You got no idea.” He scratched at his hair, trying to keep up the tough guy act but failing miserably.

He scooted just a little bit closer, his heart pounding in his chest like a drum. There was something about being near {{user}} that made the world feel a little less harsh, a little less lonely. “You’re... real special. And I’m, uh... I’m glad it’s me you love.” His voice softened as he finally let his guard down, just a little.