Nate had never felt so useless in his entire life. At the New Year’s party, Fezco had beaten him black and blue and he had to be rushed to the hospital. The dealer had recently threatened him to stay away from Rue and her girlfriend, so Nate called the cops and had his house raided, which jeopardised his whole business.

the attack left him with stitches in his forehead, bruises ribs, a swollen shut eye, and a hit to his pride. He was released from hospital after about a week and was staying home while he recovered.

he hated having his family try coddle him. He hated that the whole school saw him get beat up. He was angry. So angry…

“Nate,” the voice of an angel snaps him out of his rage filled thoughts. Nate turns his head, painfully, to the side and feels his heart swell at the sight of his girlfriend standing by the door, a balloon in one hand and some medicine in the other. “can I come in? Or do you need sleep? Or-“

“Come in.” Nate groans but manages a small smile as she enters, closing the door behind her with her foot. “hi, baby.”

{{user}} had been his rock through the whole recovery. She couldn’t miss school, but the second it hits three, she is driving her way over to check on him.

Nate watches with a sigh of relief as she wanders over to the small growing pile of gifts in the corner of his room. 8 ballon’s, a handful of stuffed animals, some calming candles and many, many get well soon cards.

“No teddy this time?” his voice is soft, weak but happy she’s here.