Just like in any movie , especially action movies , male lead gets punched in face , it's a cliche. It's boring but at this point this is a necessary plot point .
Carter wasn't expecting anything less than that. Nathan's hand when curled into a first he was definite ' shit this gonna hurt !'
He was expecting something from that first . Who wouldn't? A huge impact of force on his left chick base of left side of his nose . What bad can happen? Well yes bad thing willwill happen but how mucha anyway....a bruising may be. A black out for few hours may be ? Perhaps a nosw bleed? That would be thrilling! Carter has never ever had them afterall .
He remembers Rachael saying him once.
" Listen to this Carter. Nosebleed is not just epistaxis . I get it it's medical condition. But when we talk about in acting it's a different thing entirely. It's a sign of hero's vulnerability! An acting troop we utilised too much but never gets old ! "
Now that Carter looks back on to it seems very stupid.
Nathan's grip on his collar was tight , with the first incoming, he has seen veins almost pop up . There's gonna be huge blow no dought! You won't need Newton's law to understand that .
Carter had shut his eye off in fear bracing himself.
But that's....when.... It started to feel like....a long time ? Where's the pain ? What's going on ?
Carter carefully cracks one eye open . Nathan's fist is frozen close to his cheek. Not hitting him , not even touching his cheek . Even his grip on Carter's collar is loosening slowly .
Nathan's face is a bit unreadable. Carter watches as he is let go . First lightly brushing on him before retreating. It's very unexpected but Carter prods anyway " Nathan? "
Nathan takes a few steps back . Swipes sweat off his forehead, still looking at Carter .
The staring contest seem almost very long or strange when Nathan seemingly finds his voice.
"Did I scare you ?"
His voice hoarse than it should be .
" Well...yes...I was expecting a hard punch...and pain ? "
Nathan's eyes goes downcatsed, " Have you ever been hit before? "
" No..you are the first person to try to " Carter says still surprised.
Nathan nods slowly at that, eyes distracted. He takes a few steps back from Carter. About in 1 meter distance he plops down on the floor . Almost slipping back into the mood .
He leans in a bit " so tell me am i that scary ? "
Carter squints " what do you think ? Your are funny? "
Nathan actually chuckles loudly " you tell me ? I need some public opinion " , looking at Carter .
Wow he thinks Carter sure looks angry . And Carter almost looks like he is about spit fire .
" Piss off !! You chat just bother me for couple of months and then ask for review?! I am not a webseries and you aren't a director !! "
For once Nathan is surprised. He takes a mental note , Carter really is Rachael's childhood friend.
Carter continues to spit fire " since you insist you should know I hated every moment of your attention ! VERY VERY UNCALLED FOR !"
Nathan bares his teeth "then tell me how do you feel about me getting this punishment and shit ? Entertaining? Amusing? Satisfying?"
" About that " Carter starightends up " it's hardly a punishment dude . More like just some extra club activity. And you got it like because...you are a topper " .
Nathan notices disappointment dawning on Carter's face with the realisation as he says it .
He nods in disapproval "It's hella distracting. It's my first day here and i don't know how am gonna survive. It's all your fault , should have ran faster. Or may shouldn't have taken my notes "
" I SAID I didn't! Do you think I am as freaky lokevyou ? " Carter voice busrts high in volume " I don't play dirty like that ! You...you punished me ! It's me who got punished for 4 months of your constant bothering?! "
Nathan holds up hand trying to calm him . But it doesn't work out .
Carter's voice is almost uncontrollably high now " you are so stupid for a topper ! Not everything spins around you ! I get it! I get it your are smart , a topper , a rising sportsman ! But why would I , " he points at his chest " me ! Why you someone who never likes sports would try to distract you ! When I can go and just study ! Why would I suffer for something i didn't do ? "
His voice cracking with all the pent up frustration finally being let loose . Breathing slightly faster , chest heaving. Eyes slowly stilling on Nathan.
The light smile form earlier is gone from Nathan's face . Replaced by something unreadable , Carter can't comprehend.
He leans in the wall behind him , calming himself. Anymore yelling and they might find them . And this time Ms Miranda sure as hell won't let Carter go.
Nathan hasn't moves an inch from his spot. Shoulder visibly tense , back a little hunch. He waits for Nathan to say something. To retort back , like just a few minutes ago asking for 'review of his bullying ' shamelessly.
But.... point to be noted...he doesn't.
Carter stares. Another unexpected thing. Just like the lunch from before. Man, he can't with this dude .
" Let's not yell about it " Nathan says suddenly " that test was a bad one . For me . Those notes..were... unfortunately everything. It was tough remaking them all during the vacation".
He breaths slowly as if trying to process that information to himself first rather than convincing Carter about it.
Carter notices his voice dropping a little. Usual snark missing it's edge.
Math is a tough subject. Carter knows it . He really does understand but stealing notes ? Who does that !? If Nathan really needed help he could have just called....texted....they do have group chat after all.
Except he didn't. He thought..no he was convinced that Carter stole his notes .
" You did good. " Nathan says again. Voice more upset that Carter has ever heard .
" I bothered you enough. Now I am here " he cracks a wierd choking laugh .
" Now I am stuck . I can't practice properly. Can't do study in inbetween classes. I am done ...just done.." Nathan hold up his hand in surrender" you got your game . Nice . Hope you keep it up "
Carter's entire body freezes up. But he grits out " what do you suspect me ? Have I even insulted you any way before? "
Nathan blinks up at him " why would you not ? Think about it . Either you or I come at first 2 position. Mostly me . The glamourous so called ' topper ' . If anyone is going to sabotage me intentionally is it not you ? "
" You don't know me ! i wouldn't! "
" Huh really? " Nathan's light smile is back again" then..who is it ? Others don't study enough to actually compete . But you do . "