Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

The bass pounded through the walls of the vortex party as Warren partied harder than he ever had before (this is the first time). He’d been riding high on adrenaline, feeling like he finally belonged, laughing with friends and drowning in the crazy music. But somewhere between the flashing strobe and the swirling colors of drinks, something shifted.

A whisper here.

“Woah!”

A touch there.

“Dude are you alright?”

Everything felt a bit off.

“Warren?”

Now, in the darkroom, a blinding light obscured his vision. The faint smell of chemicals filled the air, an unsettling reminder of where he was and wasn’t.

Warren blinked, struggling to clear his head, but the world spun too fast. His eyelids were heavy, and he couldn’t think straight. He could barely form words, just muffled sounds escaping his lips.

He could make out a figure, something blocking the lights' view, a man crouching in front of him reaching over his paralyzed body.

Nathan loomed, his eyes glassy but an unmistakable smile stretching across his face.

“Dude, are you okay?” Warren tried to ask, but it came out as a desperate groan.

“Oh, I’m great, man,” Nathan replied, his voice dripping with amusement. “Are you okay?”

Warren could hear his heart pounding against his chest. Fragments of the night danced incoherently in his memory. That funny drink Nathan had handed him wasn’t just a party favor.

What?

“Why are we in here, Nate?” he managed to whimper, confused when his own voice came out wrong. “Just… hanging out?”

“Yeah, just hanging out,” Nathan echoed, his eyes glinting with a playfulness that unsettled Warren slightly.

“Keep still, alright?”

Before Warren could process the words, he could feel Nathan bind his wrists together, before moving to his still ankles.

Now bound, Warren could register the cold, hard surface of the floor pressing uncomfortably against his cheek.

He realized he was trapped and not just physically, but mentally. Nathan's face was closer now and he could feel something light pressed against his cheek before he retracted himself from Warren entirely.

He was stuck gazing into the eyes of the person he once thought he was his best friend.

There was a sound and another figure came into view that he recognized. Mr. Jefferson, the photography teacher, with that calm demeanor he somehow always wore like a mask.

“Hello, Warren,” Jefferson said, his silky voice piercing through his jumbled thoughts. “I hope Nathan has been… accommodating.”

All he managed to do was croak in response.

Jefferson chuckled lowly.

“Oh, just a little exploration of your potential. Your boyish innocence and wonder has always intrigued me, unlike the other male students at Blackwell who are only interested in girls and drugs. I want to capture that moment—the fleeting second when you realize what’s happening to you.”

Holding the camera only inches from his face, all he could do was look on helplessly.

“Oh, Warren. This angle highlights your purity, see?” he noted as if the boy could respond, angling the camera.

Click.

“The slightly unconscious model is often the most open and honest. No vanity or posing, just pure expression. Look at that little face,” he almost squealed.

Click.

The room felt like it was closing in. He was really trapped.

“Let me go!” he tried, something was in his throat.

Nathan crossed his arms, almost looking sorry for him. “This is what you wanted. To stand out, to be noticed for something other than your perfect grades. And now, here you are.”

“Not like this,” Warren tried to shout, but it came out as struggled half-words. “Fuck!”

“Shh..,” Jefferson whispered, readjusting his shot. “Now, turn your head a bit like this...”

Warren's fingers weakly brushing against the edges of his restraints.

Click.

Chapter Text

Warren’s head throbbed, pulling him out of darkness. He felt detached, muffled, as though he were trapped underwater for a moment. He groaned, licking his dry lips unconsciously.

A buzzing in his pocket. He fumbled for his phone.

The screen was lit up with countless notifications. Too many messages, too many calls. His eyes couldn't focus. His hand dropped to the floor; phone forgotten as he began to panic.

His memories of the night before weren’t certain.

It wasn’t right. What happened?

He thought about the party. Nathan had wanted him there as his “friend” date, the pounding bass shaking the walls, the red solo cup clutched in his hand. Warren had been laughing, everything warm and fuzzy.

And Nathan had said something…something about getting out of the crowd. Then nothing.

Except now, now his head was pounding. Here, dumped outside his dorm like trash, he felt gross.

The texts flooded in again from friends and strangers, his phone vibrating incessantly against the floor.

How did so many people get his number?

WTF, Warren?

Dude, that video…

You seriously made out with all those people?

His blood ran cold. Video? He fumbled for the phone again as he scrolled through the messages. There it was, a link.

https://warrensvid.com

He hesitated for a second before his thumb tapped.

The video started. Him. Warren. Lips against faces. Boys and girls.

Too many faces, too many people.

His eyes glazed over, his movements jerky and unnatural. He watched in horror, something rising in his throat.

He didn’t remember this. He didn’t remember any of this!

Nathan.

Warren’s insides twisted. The flashes of the party..the drink Nathan handed him, his legs wobbling, Nathan’s arm around his shoulder, whispering something about getting him to the ER.

But Nathan never took him.

Just what the hell happened last night?

He hurriedly rose from the floor and unlocked his dorm, thankful he still had his keys in his pocket.

Sitting on the edge of his bed, he stared down at his phone. The screen was filled with more messages, more notifications, all of them talking about the same thing: the video.

He didn’t know what to do. He couldn’t talk to his father because he would only be disappointed, maybe even disgusted. He'd probably lose all of his friends, they didn't want anyone to give them a hard time because of him. He didn’t even want to show his face in school, the rumors were probably already out of control, and he would be bullied and harassed for the rest of his academic career.

He could kiss that drive-in date with Max goodbye, she probably thought he was a fag or something.

And Nathan. Nathan.

Warren pressed his palms to his eyes, trying to block out the images in his head. Nathan’s grin. The look in his eyes. The feeling of not being able to feel. Something cold was settling deep in his gut.

He needs to shower.

Nathan stood in front of the mirror, his breath fogging up the glass. His hand shook slightly as he reached into his pocket, pulling out a red sharpie.

As he uncapped it, his mind was filled with everything he didn’t want to think about. Warren’s face with Jefferson's camera all up in it, his gaze. The way he looked at him. Like he knew.

He'd done this before more times than he cared to keep track of but this time it was different. Was it because of their relationship? He never liked to give much thought to the others.

Nathan gritted his teeth, trying to be more present. It was only photos. This was for Warren’s own good. It had to be done. If people were already talking, then spreading it faster would keep Warren from asking questions. Keep him distracted.

Really, he should be thanking him. That was probably the first and only time the nerd would ever have action in his life. It’s like everyone else but him could see that dyke Max was never going to let him fuck.

In quick, messy strokes, Nathan scrawled across the mirror:

Check this out: https://warrensvid.com

He stepped back at what he’d done, his gut disagreeing, but he couldn’t stop now. A lot of people had already seen it, but this would cement it in Blackwell history. By the end of the day, the entire school would be talking about Warren Graham’s tongue record.

Nathan shoved the sharpie back in his pocket and walked out, wiping his sweaty palms on his jeans. He felt guilty, but he couldn’t let it stop him. He couldn’t risk Warren digging any deeper. If he knew the truth everything would come to light, and Nathan’s future is down the drain.

It’s not like he fucking raped him.

Chapter Text

Warren wasted no time stepping out of his dorm room, moving quickly and keeping his head down. He had the feeling that someone could be watching him, but he couldn’t afford to be smelly video or not.

His stomach churned with anxiety as he made his way down the hallway toward the dormitory showers. He just needed to feel clean, to wash away the grossness.

Inside the shower room, Warren exhaled a shaky breath. He reached into his small toiletry bag, pulling out his washcloth, toothbrush, and toothpaste.

Stepping in the shower and turning the knobs, he reveled in the feeling of the hot water down his back. His mind was still racing, still stuck on the video, the things people could be saying. The things he couldn’t remember.

He scrubbed his skin harder than necessary, trying to erase last night from his body, but it didn’t help. Nothing helped.

Stepping out of the shower, Warren reached for a towel and wrapped it around his waist, his muscles aching from the invisible strain he felt inside. He crossed the room to the sinks, reaching for his toothbrush when something he previously hadn’t noticed on the mirror caught his eye.

If his heart could drop any lower, he’d have shat it out.

There, scrawled in bold red marker, was the same link to the video:

https://warrensvid.com

A wave of nausea rose inside him, threatening to come up. Another cruel reminder that there was no escape from the humiliation. Who had done this? How long has it been here? His anxiety hit a new height as he glanced around the empty room, wondering who might have seen it already.

Using his half-dry arm, he attempted to wipe away the message. His efforts only smudged the letters, turning them into an ugly red smear that refused to disappear. It was like the video itself, leaving an ugly and permanent smear on his once white reputation.

His perfect grades wouldn’t be the only thing he was recognized for, not by a long shot.

"Dammit," Warren cursed under his breath, feeling frustrated and helpless. He had to get out of here before anyone else saw him like this.

He quickly grabbed his toothbrush and began brushing his teeth, trying to focus on the minty taste in his mouth instead of the sick feeling in his gut.

But before he could finish, the door to the shower room creaked open, and the sound of footsteps echoed off the tile.

Oh shit.

He glanced over his shoulder, praying it was no one who mattered.

It wasn’t. It was worse.

Zachary Riggins and Logan Robertson, two of the vortex club’s jocks sauntered in, towels slung over their shoulders, their expressions giddy the second they spotted him.

“Look who it is,” Zachary sneered, no good intent evident. “The man of the hour.”

Logan smirked, leaning against the wall as if he had all the time in the world. “Or should I say the phag king of Blackwell?”

Warren’s stomach twisted, his fingers beginning to slightly tremble as he gripped his toothbrush.

He just wanted to disappear, to melt into the floor and vanish, but he was stuck there and cornered.

“I..” Warren started, but the words were caught in his throat. He didn’t know what to say. What could he say?

Zachary stepped closer, the smell of sweat and cologne filling his vicinity.

“How’s it feel, man? Whole school’s seen you now. You must be proud to be a viral phag.”

“You definitely weren't shy last night.”

Logan laughed, shaking his head. “Do you suck up to get those grades, or do you get around for them too?”

Warren clenched his jaw, the heat rising in his face.

There was nothing he could do, was there?

Zachary leaned in closer, his voice low and cruel. “Don’t act like you don’t remember, Graham. You were all over the place. Like a drunk puppy, sloppin’ all over everyone.”

“I don’t…” Warren stammered, his voice barely above a whisper. “That wasn’t me.”

He didn’t remember. How could it have been him? It doesn’t make sense.

“Yeah, no shit,” Logan snorted. “You were blackout drunk. Everyone knows that. But hey, no judgment. You just had a good time, right?”

Warren’s grip tightened on his toothbrush, his knuckles white.

Then he felt something grab his arm.

"I'm talking to you."

“Let go of me.”

“I thought you'd like having a guy's hands all over you?"

Zachary retracted his arm and stepped back, laughing to himself. He probably wanted to save the beat down for another day.

“You’re lucky, man. Some guys would kill for that kind of attention.”

Logan chuckled, giving Warren a hard pat on the shoulder before heading toward the showers. “Yeah, Warren. Maybe you should embrace it. Get on facebook; seems like the whole school’s into you now.”

The two of them laughed as they walked away, their voices echoing off the walls.

Warren stood frozen by the sink. The smudged red letters in the mirror mocked him. His hands trembled as he finished brushing his teeth, the taste of mint no longer a comfort.

“You’re going to be sorry someday.”

Victoria leaned against her locker with her usual air of bitchy superiority, her artificially colored lips curving into a smirk as she scrolled through her phone.

“You’re never going to believe this,” she raved to everyone who would listen.

“Warren Graham?” she said, eyes sparkling with excitement. “He’s all over that stupid video from the party and apparently, he was making out with like half the people there. Boys, girls, doesn’t matter. Guess he doesn’t have a type, huh?”

Taylor and Courtney giggled, eager for all the latest drama.

“I heard he was completely wasted,” one of them chimed in. “Like, blackout drunk. He probably can’t remember a thing.”

Victoria nodded, her smile widening. “Yeah, well, he’s probably mortified. Poor thing,” she added, with no real sympathy in her voice. “I know Nathan hooked him up. And you know he has the good shit.”

"Preach it, sista."

The gossip spread quickly, like wildfire igniting dry grass, and Victoria was more than happy to fan the flames. She didn’t know (she didn’t care) about the truth behind the video.

To her, it was just another piece of juicy gossip. Another chance to be in the center of the school’s attention.

Nathan watched in passing, a knot forming in his stomach as he saw Victoria and the other girls laughing. He clenched his fists, forcing himself to keep walking, his heart uncharacteristically heavy.

Victoria would make sure the story reached every corner of Blackwell. She loved gossip more than anything, and she didn’t even know the half of it.

It’s just class,

Warren thought, but the words didn’t help.

Science had always been his safe space, and Miss Grant was his favorite teacher. But now, nothing felt safe after his run in with Zachary and Logan.

He couldn’t stop thinking about the video, couldn’t shake the feeling in his gut that Brooke, one of his only friends at Blackwell, had probably watched it too.

What does she think of me now?

The thought hurt him as he reached for the door handle. Brooke had always been so smart, always so together.

He wanted to disappoint her. He didn’t want to disappoint anyone.

But the video… it was out there, and if she’d seen it.. how could she have not? Everyone had. it wasn’t hard to imagine her thinking less of him, or worse, believing that he would fuck anybody for anything.

He swallowed hard and stepped inside.

The moment he entered, the room fell into a hushed silence. Every eye turned toward him, like he was some kind of freakshow. Whispers and snickers followed, crawling under his skin, making him feel like he didn’t belong here anymore. Warren kept his head down as he walked to his seat in the back.

His gaze found Brooke. She was sitting near the window, her eyes glued to her notebook. For a brief second, Warren hoped she’d look up, give him some sign that she didn’t believe what was spreading around school, that she still knew him.

But Brooke didn’t even glance his way.

She’s seen it. Of course she had. Everyone had. Nathan probably did too.

Miss Grant started the lesson, her voice calm as she went on about environmental science, but Warren could barely focus. His mind kept drifting back to Brooke, to what she might be thinking.

Did she think he was some kind of freak now? The idea hurt him. He wanted to talk to her, explain that he didn’t remember anything from that night, that he wasn’t the person in that video. But she wouldn’t even look at him.

He felt the first crumpled paper ball hit the back of his head.

Warren flinched but kept his eyes on the front of the room, pretending he didn’t notice. Whispers and quiet laughter around him grew louder.

Another paper ball landed on his desk, and then another.

Ignore it, he told himself, just get through this.

But curiosity got the better of him. He slowly unfolded one of the paper balls, his fingers trembling slightly.

Written were words:

Slut

I bet you love all of the attention.

The words hit him harder than he wanted to admit. Did Brooke think that about him? Did she think he was that guy?

He balled up the paper and tossed it aside, trying to focus on Miss Grant’s lecture. But it was impossible. He could feel the eyes of his classmates boring into him.

Behind him, someone snickered.

“I feel bad for Brooke.” A voice hissed.

“Do you think she still likes him?”

“At least now she knows she has a chance. Everyone does.”

More laughter followed.

Warren bit the inside of his cheek, trying to hold back tears of anger. Brooke hadn’t even looked his way. She was embarrassed to be associated with him now.

Another paper ball hit him in the head, this one harder than before. His hands clenched into fists, nails digging into his palms as he fought the urge to shout, to do something. But he didn’t want to make things worse.

He just wanted to disappear. He glanced over at Brooke again. She hadn’t moved. She didn’t even seem to hear the insults being thrown at him. Or maybe she did and just didn’t care.

Miss Grant continued her lecture, completely unaware of the war going on inside and around Warren. He was usually the one raising his hand in her class, eager to answer, eager to learn. Now, he felt like he was shrinking into himself, trying to cease to exist.

Another paper ball landed on his desk. This one just had one word written on it:

Gayram.

Warren’s throat tightened. He crumpled it up without reading it again, tossing it to the side.

He wiped his eyes harshly. He couldn’t break down here. 

Chapter Text

Warren stayed behind after class, the noise of the other students fading as they filed out of the room. He hadn’t moved since the bell rang, his eyes locked on the science equipment in front of him.

Every time he closed his eyes, all he could see was Brooke leaving class without acknowledgement, Logan and Zachary, or the hateful words scrawled on crumpled pieces of paper.

He exhaled slowly and turned his focus to something simple, chemical reactions. The kind of thing he could usually do in his sleep. But right now, even the familiarity of the lab couldn’t cheer him up.

Warren mixed the chemicals, watching as they fizzled and reacted. Why did it feel like everything was falling apart?

The sound of the door creaking open broke his focus. He didn’t look up at first, figuring it was just another student passing by. But then he heard her voice.

"Hey, Warren."

It was Max.

He glanced up, surprised to see her standing in front of him. With everything going on, he hadn’t expected anyone to check on him. He gave her a half-hearted smile, more out of reflex than anything else.

“Oh, hi Max,” he mumbled, his voice low. 

Max walked beside him, her hands in her hoodie pockets. “I figured you’d be here. I still have your flash drive. Thought I’d check in on you.” She hesitated, looking at him closely, maybe noticing the sadness in his expression, though Warren tried to hide it.

“How’s it going?”

He shrugged, his eyes drifting back to the experiment in front of him. “You know, same old. Just trying to keep busy.”

Max gave him a curious look as she sat in the chair beside him. “Yeah? I finally got around to watching some of the stuff you put on there,” she said, trying to lighten the mood. “Cannibal Holocaust, huh? Dude, that movie is... intense.”

He usually would have smiled at that, eager to jump into a conversation about movies, especially the ones like Cannibal Holocaust. But today, the weight of everything made it impossible to care.

“That’s… cool,” he said quietly, keeping his eyes down on the bubbling liquid in the beaker.

“Glad you, uh, gave it a shot.”

Max tilted her head, her smile faltering at his tone.

“You okay, Warren?” she asked, her voice softer now, more concerned.

He hesitated, not sure how to even begin explaining. He glanced at her, wondering if she’d seen the video and knew the rumors.

Did she know what everyone else was whispering about? But the look on her face didn’t hold any judgment, only concern. Maybe she hadn’t seen it. Maybe she was the last person at Blackwell who hadn’t.

He shook his head slightly. “It’s nothing, really. Just... rough day.”

Max studied him for a moment longer, clearly not convinced, but she didn’t push him. Instead, she leaned back in her chair. “Yeah, I get that,” she said quietly.

Warren nodded, though he wasn’t sure how to answer. He wasn’t good. He felt like his life was ruined, a tad dramatic.

But Max didn’t need to hear that. She was probably the only person at school who didn’t treat him like some spectacle right now, and he didn’t want to burden her with the truth. Not yet.

He decided this experiment was a bust. “Well, I should get going.”

Max stood up, sensing the conversation wasn’t going anywhere. “Yeah, me too. I’ll come by later, drop off your flash drive. I still haven’t finished watching everything on it,” she said with a small grin. “Maybe we can talk more then?”

He forced another weak smile. “Yeah. Sure. Sounds good.”

She gave him a nod, pausing for a moment like she wanted to say more, but then decided not to.

“Take care, Warren,” she said softly before heading for the door.

He watched her leave, the door closing softly behind her.

Warren stared at the half-finished experiment in front of him, the chemicals bubbling quietly, but his mind was far away.

Max didn’t know. She hadn’t seen it yet. But she would eventually.

And when she did... would she still want to check in on him? Would she still think of him the same way?

He sighed and dropped his head into his hands. He didn’t want to know the answer.

Warren trudged out of science class, feeling drained. The brief conversation with Max had been enough to remind him that there were still people who cared and people who didn’t look at him like he was some freak.

But the relief was short-lived.

The whispers, the stares, the constant feeling of eyes on him..it was too much. He just wanted to escape, to hide away in his dorm room and pretend the world didn’t exist for a while.

He crossed the courtyard, his head down, keeping to himself, hoping that he could slip by unnoticed. But the moment he stepped out of the school gate, the sound of boots crunching on the gravel alerted him.

“Warren Graham!”

Warren froze, dread curling in his stomach. He knew that voice. Everyone at Blackwell did. David Madsen, the school's security guard, was infamous for his overbearing attitude. The guy seemed to thrive on intimidating students and today, it looked like he was the unlucky one.

This whole day it seemed.

“Hold it right there,” David barked, marching up to him with that intense look in his eyes. The one that always made you feel like you were guilty of something, even when you weren’t.

Warren sighed inwardly, too exhausted to deal with this, but he stopped, knowing that ignoring David would only make things worse.

“What’s up, David?” he asked, trying to hide how upset he was, but the weariness seeped through.

David didn’t answer right away, his eyes narrowing as he took a step closer, invading Warren’s personal space.

“You think I don’t know what’s going on?” David’s voice was low and accusatory. “You think I don’t know everything that happens around here?”

Warren blinked, confused. “What are you talking about?”

David scoffed, crossing his arms, his eyes scanning Warren like he was sizing him up. “That stunt you pulled last night at the vortex party. You think we don’t keep tabs on what goes down at those things? Blackwell might look the other way, but I don’t.”

His mind was back to the party, the fragments of memory that still didn’t make sense. The drink, the blackout, the video. What was David getting at?

“I don’t know what you’re..”

“Cut the crap, Graham,” David interrupted, his voice harsh. “I know all about it. You think you can just waltz in here, pop some pills, and get high off your behind like it’s no big deal?”

Warren’s eyes widened. “What? No, I didn’t..”

“Yeah, right,” David snapped, unrelenting. “You think I’m stupid? You kids think you’re invincible, that you can just get away with anything. But I’m not buying your victim act. You bought those drugs. You chose to get wasted.”

Warren felt a wave of panic rise in his chest. His breath caught in his throat. He hadn’t bought anything, hadn’t chosen any of this, but David wasn’t listening. He was too busy playing detective, building up his own version of what had happened.

“I didn’t, leave me alone!” Warren tried again, his voice cracking with fear, but David was relentless, he pointed his index finger into his chest.

“You wanna play dumb, fine,” David growled. “But I know the truth. You can’t hide it forever.”

Warren swallowed hard, he stepped backwards as David advanced forward. He felt small and scared. He had no idea how to explain something he didn’t even fully understand himself.

Suddenly, a voice erupted from the gate opening.

“Hey, back off, Madsen!”

Warren’s head snapped up in a strange mix of relief and dread. Nathan Prescott was storming toward them, his usual swagger replaced with something more dangerous. His face was twisted in anger, his sharp blue eyes locked on David.

David straightened up, turning to face Nathan with a look of annoyance. “This is official campus business that doesn’t concern you, Prescott.”

“Whatthefuckever,” Nathan shot back, arrogance and rage shining through every word. “You don’t get to harass my friend like that.”

David’s eyes flicked between Warren and Nathan, probably making a mental note about this discovery. “I’m doing my job,” he said firmly.

“Yeah, yeah, save it,” Nathan interrupted, stepping up closer to David, his posture aggressive.

“You know who I am. You know who my family is. I swear to God, if you don’t back off right now, I’ll sue you and this entire school into the ground. The Prescotts are worth more than your entire bloodline combined. You really wanna play that game?”

Warren watched in stunned silence as Nathan glared at David, sounding entirely serious. He could see David’s jaw tighten as he weighed his options.

Warren knew David hated the Prescotts, everyone did, but the power they held over Blackwell Academy was undeniable.

After a long moment, David finally stepped back, though his eyes never left Nathan’s.

“This isn’t over,” David muttered, a promise in his tone. He gave Warren one last hard look before turning on his heel and marching away.

Warren let out a breath he didn’t realize he’d been holding, his hands trembling slightly. He looked at Nathan, never more glad to see him.

Nathan had stepped in and saved him from David’s interrogation. He didn’t want to think about last night.

“Thanks, man,” Warren said quietly, his voice barely above a whisper.

Nathan turned to him, his expression softer. He flashed a grin, though it didn’t quite reach his eyes. “Don’t mention it. That guy’s a joke. He’s just mad because he’s not as important as he thinks he is.”

Warren nodded, unsure of how to feel.

He wanted to believe Nathan that he was still his friend, but had he seen the video? And what about last night?

For now, all Warren could feel was relief. Nathan still had his back.

As he accompanied him to the dorms with his hands casually stuffed into his varsity jacket pockets, Nathan broke the silence first.

"Good thing I found you before Madsen went full psycho mode. That guy’s got a vendetta against anyone who’s not part of his sad little security fantasy,”

Nathan muttered, irritation still evident. He glanced at Warren, offering a half-smile, trying to lighten the mood. “You alright?”

Warren shrugged, adjusting his backpack straps around his shoulders. “That was awesome Nate.. I think you scared him off with your own psycho.”

They continued walking, the silence between them seemed thicker to him. He had to ask. He couldn’t go on without some clarity.

“Hey, uh, Nate…” Warren hesitated, his voice faltering as they neared the dorm. “Did you… did you see the video? The one from last night?”

Nathan’s steps slowed slightly. He glanced at Warren from the corner of his eye.

“Didn’t bother watching it,” Nathan said, his tone casual, like it wasn’t a big deal. He shrugged, almost dismissively. “Why would I? I already know what happened.”

Right. He’d hoped Nathan might have more answers, might fill in the missing gaps in his memory.

He loved Nathan.. but he got the feeling he wasn’t going to get the answer to everything.

“What, uh… what exactly did happen?”

Chapter Text

The bass pounded through the walls of the vortex party as Warren partied harder than he ever had before (this is his first time). He’d been riding high on adrenaline, feeling like he finally belonged, laughing with friends and drowning in the crazy music. He wasn’t just the shy guy in the background, avoiding attention. Tonight, he was in the middle of it. The music, the lights, the bodies moving to the rhythm.. It was overwhelming, but in a way that made him feel alive. He was laughing, genuinely laughing.

The vortex club wasn’t exactly known for welcoming outsiders. It was the club for Blackwell’s elite. The popular, the well off, and the ruthless.

The ones who ruled the school and made sure everyone knew it. And while Nathan wasn’t exactly well-loved at Blackwell, thanks to his reputation for angry outbursts and his complicated mental health issues, he was still a Prescott. That name alone granted him entry anywhere.

Warren, though? He wasn’t like them. He wasn’t rich, wasn’t cool, wasn’t even on their radar. He had always seen the vortex club as untouchable, a group that would chew him up and spit him out without a second thought. The moment they walked in, Warren had felt insignificant.

He remembered turning to Nathan, nervousness creeping into his voice. “Dude, are you sure about this? I don’t know if I belong here…”

Nathan had laughed. “Come on, man. It’s just a party. Trust me, these people aren’t as bad as they seem. Once they get a few drinks in them, they’re chill. You’ll see.”

Warren had wanted to believe him. Nathan was his best friend. And if Nathan was vouching for the Vortex Club, then maybe they weren’t so bad. Maybe this was his chance to finally fit in, to be more than the science nerd he always had been.

He told himself that tonight, things would be different.

He had glanced around the room, taking in the crowd. Victoria Chase, a close friend of Nathan, with her perfectly styled outfit and fierce looks, was already surrounded by her loyal minions, Courtney and Taylor, gossiping like no one's business. He didn't want to be rude, but he wasn't entirely sure why her and Nathan were friends. Victoria had a well-earned reputation for being a massive bitch, and she wore it like a crown. Warren had seen her tear people apart with a single email. He wouldn’t stand a chance if he got on her bad side. Maybe that wasn't all there was to her?

Then there was Hayden, who seemed to be perpetually high, always with a half-lidded grin and girls hanging off his arms. He was the guy who didn’t take anything seriously, always chilling, always laughing, like the world around him didn’t matter.

Logan and Zachary, the two jocks who terrorized lower classmen stood nearby, cracking jokes and shoving each other like overgrown kids. They were known for being dumb and mean, the kind of guys who bullied without remorse.

Warren had felt a wave of anxiety, wondering if he’d made a mistake coming to the party. But then Nathan had nudged him again, a smirk on his face like he could sense it.

“Relax. They’re not gonna bite. Plus, you’re with me. You’re good.”

Warren had taken a deep breath. He trusted Nathan, even though he knew how volatile he could be. Nathan had issues, sure. Everyone knew that. His anger, his outbursts, the way he’d snap when things got too intense. But Nathan was also Warren’s best friend, and Warren had seen the better side of him. The side that wasn’t all rage and mood swings he didn’t show to many people. The side that cared, even when Nathan tried to act like he didn’t.

So Warren had let himself relax. Nathan wouldn’t bring him here just to see him get humiliated, he wasn’t like that.
And maybe Nathan was right. Maybe these people weren’t as bad as they seemed.

And for a while, it had worked. As the night went on, the vortex club members didn’t seem nearly as intimidating as Warren had thought. Even Victoria had thrown him a casual wave, too focused on her own fun to give him the evil treatment she was known for.

Courtney and Taylor, usually attached to Victoria’s hip, had been surprisingly nice, asking him how he liked the party and if he was having a good time. It had all felt weirdly surreal, like for the first time, these people were acknowledging his existence.

Dana and Juliet had been even friendlier, pulling Warren into their conversations and making him laugh. They were party girls for sure, but they were the kind of girls who treated everyone with kindness. Unlike Victoria, they didn’t seem to have an agenda. And for a moment, Warren had genuinely thought, Maybe I’m making friends here. Maybe I’m not so out of place after all.

Nathan had stayed close to him the whole time. They’d even danced together for a while, laughing and throwing their arms around each other like it was just another hangout.

Nathan had grinned at him, all carefree and easygoing, and Warren had felt his worries melt away. This was his best friend, and if Nathan was cool with him being here, then nothing else mattered.

Then Nathan had handed him that drink.

“Come on, man. Have a little fun,” Nathan had said, pressing the cup into Warren’s hand with that devastatingly handsome smile.

“Loosen up.”

Warren had hesitated at first, but he found he had a hard time saying no to his face.

What harm could one drink do? Besides, he didn’t want to seem like a total buzzkill in front of his newfound friends.

So he took a sip. Then another. The warmth spread through him, his nerves easing even further. He felt like he was finally part of something.

For a while, everything had been great. Warren had felt close to Nathan in a way he hadn’t before. They weren’t just best friends tonight.

People slapped him on the back, pulling him into conversations he’d never usually have the guts to join. Was this what being part of the vortex club felt like?

At some point, Warren found himself dancing, really dancing. People cheered him on, and then, out of nowhere, hands pulled him in. A girl he didn’t recognize first and then someone else, a guy this time.

“You’re killing it, bro!”

Someone shouted over the music, handing him another drink. Warren, already buzzed, laughed and downed it without a second thought.

Before he knew it, Warren was caught in the heat of the moment, kissing strangers. He was reckless, lost in the thrill of it all, not even realizing how out of control things were getting.

“Woah!”

A girl pulled him toward her, her lips pressing against his before he could react. Warren blinked, surprised, but before he could process it, another person, this time a guy, pulled him into another kiss. It all happened so fast.
He couldn’t tell if he was actively kissing them back or if it was just happening to him, like he was floating through the moment.

“Dude are you alright?”

More people joined in. Hands pulled him closer, lips pressing against his in quick succession.

He felt like he wasn’t even in his own body anymore, like he was just watching himself from a distance, disconnected from his own actions.

Some in the crowd cheered him on, laughing and shouting encouragement. “Warren! Hell yeah!” Logan yelled, pumping his fist in the air. “Go for it, man!”

The warmth and welcoming mouths left Warren disoriented in the sensation. More like he was being tongue-fucked, and he was letting it happen.

Playful, teasing hands all over his body. He didn’t recognize them, pulling him toward her, lips crashing against his. Then another.. someone else’s mouth on his, rougher, more insistent.

Warren didn’t know if he was kissing them or they were kissing him. He could barely think, barely register what was happening. He wasn’t even sure if he wanted this, or if he was just too far gone to stop it.

More hands, more faces. Each kiss blending into the next. The crowd around him reacted in waves. Some of them were cheering, egging him on like he was putting on a free show for them.

“Oh yeah!" they shouted, laughing and clapping as if it was all just part of the party.

But not everyone was as enthusiastic. He could feel eyes on him, some disgusted, others concerned.

“Warren?”

He caught a few glimpses of worried faces in the crowd, people whispering to each other, clearly uncomfortable with what was happening. He wasn’t sure if they were worried about him or disgusted by him, but either way, it didn’t matter.

The cheers drowned out the whispers.

Someone, a guy he barely knew from class, stepped forward. “You’re wild, man!” he shouted, slapping Warren on the back, clearly trying to join in.

Warren felt himself pulled into another kiss, lips he didn’t recognize. He didn’t even know who he was kissing anymore. Everything had become a blur of heat, alcohol, and bodies pressing in too close.

Nathan's expression was hard to read. His eyes had an intensity that held Warren’s gaze despite what was happening.

The way Nathan’s eyes lingered on him, on the mess he had become, on the strangers’ hands feeling him up. It was as if Nathan wanted to join in, to be a part of the chaos himself, but he held back, seemingly restrained.

That’s when he stepped in.

“Whoa, man, slow down,” Nathan’s voice echoed through the pounding music. “You’re going a little hard.”

But Warren just laughed and pushed him off. "I’m fine! Seriously, I’m fine!"

But he wasn’t. The room was spinning.

Nathan reached out again, this time more insistent, putting his arm around his shoulder. “You’re done for the night. I’m taking you to the ER, okay?”

Warren tried to walk, his legs unsteady, his mind racing. He remembered muttering something…something he couldn’t make out now.

He half-dragged, half-carried Warren out of the party, into the cool night air.

The cool night air hit his face as Nathan led him outside, his legs barely working, his mind a complete haze. The parking lot was spinning, the world tilted sideways as he clung to Nathan’s arm for support.

As soon as they reached Nathan’s car he was almost entirely leaning against Nathan, his breath hot and uneven, his body heavy and uncoordinated. The smell of the party still clung to him, sweat and alcohol.

Before he could stop himself, he’d grabbed Nathan by the collar of his jacket, pulling him close.

He had kissed him.

Warren could barely process it, that hazy moment of confusion as his lips pressed into Nathan’s. He didn’t know why he did it, didn’t know what possessed him but in that state, it felt like he could do anything.

Nathan didn’t pull away.

He leaned into it. He indulged him or himself.

Nathan’s lips pressed back against Warren’s with a slow, deliberate pressure. He wasn’t in control, he never was. His body felt like it was moving on its own. Nathan’s hands gripped his arms, steadying him as Warren practically fell against him, overwhelmed by the intensity of it all. It almost felt like Nathan wanted this just as much as Warren did.

Like he’d been waiting for it.

But then, just as quickly as it started, it was over.

Nathan had gently but firmly pushed him away, breaking the kiss. Warren had been too far gone to question it, too out of it to understand what had just happened.

Nathan laid him down in the backseat of his car, propping him up carefully, his touch almost tender.

Chapter Text

Warren sat at his computer desk, staring blankly at the screen, lost in thought.

Max, stealthy as ever, slipped into the boys' dormitory without a sound. Something easy for a ninja like herself.

As she approached Warren’s dorm, she noticed the little whiteboard outside his door had been defaced. The quote Warren had carefully written in his neat handwriting had been replaced by messy letters:

Will bang for science

“Ugh,” Max muttered to herself, rolling her eyes. Definitely those stupid jocks.

She shook her head. She couldn’t help but be angry at what Warren had been subjected to lately. He didn’t deserve any of it.

Not the rumors, not the harassment.

Using her sleeve, she wiped the board clean before replacing the previous words

QT 3.14

He'll get that, she smiled to herself.

She quietly opened the door and slipped inside his room, looking around. Warren’s nerdiness was on full display, just like always. She smiled to herself, taking in the shelves of films and the kitty poster hanging proudly on the wall.

His room was a reflection of his personality. Movie posters covering the walls, from sci-fi classics to horror films. His shelf under the TV was stacked with DVDs, each one meticulously organized, his dorky passions.

But then her eyes fell on Warren, sitting hunched over at his desk, back to her, probably so lost in his thoughts he hadn’t noticed her slip in. His slumped posture wounded her. This wasn’t the Warren she knew. He wasn’t his usual upbeat, eager-to-chat self.

Max quietly approached him, her footsteps soft against the carpet. She gently rubbed his right shoulder, feeling the tension there. “Uh, hey, Warren… I brought your flash drive,” she said softly.

Warren startled slightly at her touch, but when he turned and saw Max, his expression softened. “Max,” he breathed, managing a weak smile. “Thanks. I totally forgot about that.”

Max set the flash drive onto the desk and stood beside him. “What’s going on?”

Warren hesitated, his eyes dropping to his hands. Let's let the elephant out the room. “You heard what happened, right? At the party?”

Max nodded. “Yeah, I heard… bits and pieces.” She wanted to tread lightly. “Do you wanna talk about it?”

Warren sighed, rubbing his face with both hands. “I went to one vortex party last night and ended up making out with a bunch of people… and I have no memory of it…”

“Why did you even go?”

“I was nervous at first, you know, because… well, vortex club. They’re kind of elitist, right? People like Nathan, Victoria, Logan. But Nathan told me not to worry. He said they weren’t as bad as they seemed.”

Nathan Prescott? Oh shit.

“Nathan was right, I guess. They weren’t that mean to me at first. I even thought… maybe I was making friends,” Warren said, his voice tinged with disbelief at himself. “I hung out with them, had a drink. Nathan gave me one. It was fine, we were dancing, having fun…”

Nathan not being a psychotic asshole? Right, Warren wasn’t there when he was about to shoot that poor girl in the restroom. Or when she barely escaped his attempt to choke her out.

Max’s brows furrowed. “Nathan gave you the drink?” “Yeah,” Warren nodded, oblivious to her growing concern.

“But I don’t remember much after that. I think I had another but that was it, I swear.”

He was obviously ashamed. Max didn’t want to press on but she needed to know more if she wanted to help.

“Not enough to get wasted, is it?”

“I don't even get drunk like that. It was one time,” He defended.

“You think… you were drugged?”

Warren hesitated. “I don’t know. Why would anyone want to drug me? I’m.. not a girl.”

Max didn’t think she could feel worse as she listened. She’d heard the weird rumors. But now, hearing Warren’s side, it all sounded so wrong.

“I remember… I remember feeling dizzy…”

Max’s mind was already connecting dots. “Did Nathan… say anything after? Did he take care of you?”

Warren’s expression became a fond one. “Nathan said he would take me to the hospital.”

Max bit her lip. Nathan wasn’t the knight in shining armor Warren thought he was, and if he asked anyone at Blackwell besides the vortex cult he’d know.

“Warren, I know you guys must be close, but… are you sure about him? I mean, it just sounds… off. He’s the opposite of nice.”

Warren frowned, looking genuinely hurt. “Nathan’s been a good friend to me, Max. He stood up for me when no one else would. Why would he do that if he had bad intentions?”

Max sighed, unsure of how to tell him. She didn’t want to just accuse Nathan outright without any actual proof. “I just… I don’t know. I think maybe you should be careful around him. He’s not exactly… trustworthy.”

“What happened next?”

“All I recall was.. Maybe waking up in a room? Maybe it was my mind playing tricks on me. There was a bright light, but I knew it wasn’t a hospital.”

“Go on, I’m listening.”

“I heard a soft voice.. But it couldn’t have been a doctor.”

“And?”

“I don’t remember anything, Max. Just flashes. I don’t know what happened. I woke up outside my dorm the next day. I guess I didn’t have any marks or bruises, but I felt so gross.”

“So, who took the video of you at the party?”

“I have no idea. It could have been anyone. Maybe Victoria?”

“How do you even get a viral video taken down? I know it’s all over facebook. What if my dad sees it? What am I supposed to do…And now the whole school’s seen the video. Everyone’s calling me all kinds of shit.”

“Warren, we're going to figure this out. I’ll check back later, ok?”

Warren managed a small smile, though it didn’t reach his eyes. “Thanks, Max. I appreciate it.”

Max’s heart ached seeing how much he was struggling with this. She didn’t want to push him too hard, not when he was already so vulnerable. “Okay,” she said softly, backing off for now.

“And Max? I was acting so crazy yesterday that he just dumped me in front of my dorm. He was pretty tipsy himself and that’s why he said he did it. He even tore down an awful poster someone put on my door today and when David Madsen started harassing me, he stepped in and defended me. I don’t think he’s a bad guy. I know he can act a bit.. crazy, but he’s taking a shit ton of meds. His dad’s an asshole because of it.”

She nodded.

If I was his dad I’d hate him too, Max couldn't help but think as she exited his room.

A buzzing in her pocket. She took out her phone.

Her screen was lit up with a message from "Private Number"

Keep your smart mouth shut about everything. Or I'm coming for your ass. I know where you sleep.

Seriously?

Chapter Text

Warren lay in bed, staring at the ceiling as the morning sunlight filtered through his curtains, casting soft shadows across his room. His phone sat on the bedside table, face down, as if he could will it to disappear if he ignored it long enough.

He had been dreading this moment since the morning after the party, scared of what he might find in his messages. Maybe Brooke had messaged him? What about Max? And Kate, he’d completely forgotten about her because of this mess. If he’d had any plans he’d forgotten with her he needed to apologize now. Even worse, had his dad found out?

The thought made his stomach churn.

Taking a deep breath, Warren decided he needed to alpha up, so he grabbed his phone.

The screen lit up, showing dozens of unread messages. He hesitated before he started scrolling. The first wave of messages were expected, but still hit him like a punch to the gut. Strangers, people he barely knew or didn’t know at all, had texted him awful things.

Too many faggots at blackwell.

How’s your relationship with your father?

Seek God.

While others were disturbingly forward, propositioning him for hook-ups.

Are you the SAT? Cause id do you in 3 hours and 45 mins… with a ten minute break in the middle for snakes.

Do you eat ass?

Warren grimaced as he read through them, feeling as gross as he did yesterday morning, dumped outside his dorm. He already felt so exposed.

He quickly swiped past those messages, trying to get to the ones that mattered.

First, there was Kate Marsh. Warren felt a little better when he saw her name. Kate had sent him several messages, all gentle and supportive.

Hey Warren, I've been praying for you. I heard what happened, and I just want you to know that you're in my thoughts.

Another message from her a few hours later.

I'm really worried about you. Please reach out when you're ready. Take care of yourself.

Kate, always so kind. She was like a warm hug personified and he found himself feeling lighter, even if just for a moment. She wasn’t judging him. She cared, and that mattered more than he realized. Next, he saw a message from Max. It was short, but it was from her. Max, who was notoriously bad at texting, had actually reached out.

Hey, Warren. I know you're probably going through a lot right now, but if you ever need someone to talk to, I'm here for you. Just let me know.

Warren smiled faintly. Max always had a way of making him feel seen, even when her responses were brief or delayed. The fact she was there for him even before they talked, made him feel less alone in this whole mess.

Brooke.

There was nothing from Brooke. No messages from her yesterday, not even today. He had been dreading this, but now, seeing the empty space where her name should be, it hurt even more. He couldn't really blame her, though. Brooke was a smart girl. Maybe she didn’t want to get caught up in the aftermath. He wanted to be angry, to feel betrayed, but deep down, he understood. He couldn’t force anybody to stand by him. Still, the silence from Brooke stung. It felt like another crack in his increasingly fragile being, and the idea of losing her or of losing anyone hurt more than the judgment from strangers ever could.

Finally, Warren searched for his dad’s name, scrolling down the list, half-expecting the worst. But there was nothing. No messages. No missed calls. He exhaled in relief, thankful that his dad hadn’t heard about the video or, if he had, he hadn’t reached out yet. That was a small mercy.

He scrolled further down, and that’s when he saw a message from Nathan. Warren’s eyebrows furrowed. Nathan wasn’t exactly the type to send comforting texts. He braced himself for something snarky or offhand, but what he found was completely uncharacteristic of him.

Stay strong. I’ll handle everything.

Handle everything? What did that even mean? His mind went back to the day before, during his run-in with David Madsen. Nathan had found him just in time, stepping in and threatening him. Warren had been grateful, sure, but this message… it was weird wasn’t it? Like Nathan was going to do more than just standing up for him. Super ominous.

His thoughts drifted back to them heading to the dorms. Warren had spilled everything after Nathan told him about the party, how Logan and Zachary had harassed him in the shower room, what happened in science class, and how Brooke had been avoiding him entirely. Nathan’s reaction had been instant. Anger evident in his face, worse than Warren had ever seen before. It wasn’t the first time Nathan looked like he wanted to murder someone..

When they reached Warren’s dorm, the sight of the poster taped to his door, a weird photo of him scribbling his eyes out with the word “beta phag” over him, stopped him in his tracks. Nathan didn’t even hesitate. He ripped it off, crumpling it in his hands, his jaw tight with rage.

“Fuck what other people think!” Nathan had yelled, so that it could be heard through the dormitory and probably in the rooms. “Fuck everyone else. That bitch Brooke, Katie, or whoever the fuck if she won’t talk to you. And Max-Max Caul-” Nathan stopped himself, catching his breath, his anger overflowing. Smart.

“If she had anything to say.”

Warren had been stunned by Nathan’s outburst. It was harsh, maybe too harsh, but Warren only wanted more to be half the alpha Nathan was. Nathan really cared. More than he realized.

Two people cared, and Nathan. That felt like he was awarded a gold medal in his head.

He had stepped forward and wrapped his arms around Nathan, hugging him tightly. Nathan had stiffened at first, not expecting the contact, but then he relaxed, holding Warren with a surprising tenderness. He put his head in the place where his neck and shoulder met, straining his neck slightly. It was rare for Nathan to do any physical intimacy besides pats on the back or arms hanging around shoulder-action. Except when he was under the influence and Warren took full advantage. He felt a bit selfish for that, but he wanted to feel as close physically as he felt emotionally to Nathan.

“Thanks, Nate,” Warren had said quietly, pulling back. “I’ll see you later, okay?” Nathan had nodded, his expression unreadable except for faint redness in his cheeks (dudes so aggro).

“Yeah. Later.”

Now, sitting in his dorm, Warren stared down at Nathan’s text again.

Stay strong. I’ll handle everything.

So weird, he couldn’t help but feel giddy.

Sat in his luxury car, engine humming softly as he leaned against the leather seat, Nathan was scrolling through his phone. His fingers hovered over the screen before he finally opened up his text messages and tapped on Victoria Chase. She had more dirt on people than anyone in Blackwell.

Hey, V. Need dirt on Logan and Zachary. You’ve got it, right?

He waited a moment, tapping his fingers on the steering wheel. A minute later, his phone buzzed.

The dumbasses? Why? This about your “friend” Warren? Lol.

Nathan rolled his eyes at her teasing. Victoria had always been a sharp-tongued brat, and it was one of the reasons they got along so well. But she would never understand why he was friends with Warren, or why he was plotting from the moment he first saw him on campus to snatch him up for the darkroom (and not just because of Jefferson). With his other projects he never understood Jefferson’s obsession with innocence or his vision but now, for the first time he did.

The stingy bastard wanted all the photos to himself, but Nathan went back to the darkroom later and printed out copies, not caring if Jefferson saw him on the security footage. If it wasn’t for him he wouldn’t have been able to nab warren in the first place anyway.

Just get me what I need. Incriminating texts, photos, anything you’ve got. You know everything.

There was a brief pause before her next message came through.

I mean, duh. I do. But why do you care so much about those two? They’re idiots, yeah, but that nerd? Why do you even care? Wait… are you into him or something? Not that I’m judging, babe. Just curious… 😏

Doesn’t matter why. Just get me the shit on them.

He stared at the screen, knowing what was coming next. Victoria could never resist pushing his buttons.

You sure this isn’t some weird thing? Like, are you trying to impress Warren? Or… do you have a thing for jocks? You’ve been acting real “protective” lately. Not judging, babe, (totally judging) but it’s a look I’ve never seen on you.

Nathan clenched his jaw, tightening his grip on the phone. There’s no way he was that fucking obvious. Victoria always knew how to make everything complicated. He began typing back, his fingers moving fast.

Shut the fuck up, V. You know it’s not like that. They pissed me off, and I’m making sure they regret it. Nobody messes with me.

There was a longer pause this time, and Nathan could practically hear her smirking through the phone. Their friendship went way back, before Blackwell Academy, and there was always an unspoken understanding between them. Victoria was diabolical in the best and most infuriating ways, but she knew when to get serious. She’d been there for him through some of his worst moments with his father, and he’d done the same for her. They had loyalty. That’s why he didn’t mind when she spread rumors. He knew she cared about him, deep down. Sure, she could be an absolute bitch, she was the alpha female of Blackwell’s mean girls after all, but they were cut from the same cloth. He cared about her and she cared about him.

Finally, she responded.

Alright, alright, chill. I’ll get you what you want. Logan’s been sending photos to some girl behind Dana’s back, and Zach’s not much better. Cheaters, the both of them. Got receipts on my phone, too. You’re lucky I save everything. But seriously, Nate, I hope the d is good.

Maybe she was right, but that didn’t matter. He wasn’t going to let Logan and Zachary get away with humiliating Warren even if he caused it.

Just send me the stuff.

Victoria sent an eye-roll emoji, but a moment later, more messages popped up on his screen. Screenshots of texts, incriminating photos, all the evidence he needed to ruin Logan and Zachary.

There you go. They’re in trouble if you use this. You’re welcome, babe. Just don’t do anything too crazy, alright? And we’re having a night out.

Nathan smirked, finally feeling a bit of control return. He’d handle this, just like he told Warren. And as for Victoria’s and his night out, that could wait.

Thanks gorgeous. Xoxo

He knew she was curious about what he’d do next, but Nathan wasn’t in the mood to explain. He trusted Victoria, at least as much as anyone could trust someone like her, but she didn’t need to know everything.

Didn’t you tell me to spread the rumors about him in the first place? Feel bad?

Nathan put his phone down to think.

He knew he was a hypocrite but after stupid fucking Madsen and Warren telling him what had happened in the showers and everything else he had been subjected to, he changed his MO quick. Warren had no idea how far Nathan would go for him, and part of him wasn’t sure why he cared so much.

At the beginning all he wanted was a few photos and maybe a high blowjob from Warren.. Not whatever this was.

He couldn’t even do a bit of damage control anymore without feeling like he kicked a puppy, and now he feels like he violated a drunk girl, or a drugged Warren. He didn’t want to feel bad, but he did.

He shouldn’t have kissed him like that. Maybe this was his own way of saying “sorry.”

Chapter Text

Campus felt eerie at night, silent and still. He was one of the only students that had access to this view with the help of Samuel's keys, which he pocketed while Courtney distracted the creepy son of a bitch.

Nathan had already sent the content to printers in the campus library through his phone. He’d even dropped off some USBs filled with "bonus material" in key spots. But the truth wasn’t enough.

By dawn, Blackwell Academy had been thoroughly decorated. Flyers were everywhere. Locker rooms, hallways, toilets, stuck to the cafeteria tables, the large display photos around the fountain, and even on the dormitory bulletin boards covering the missing flyers. 

Logan and Zachary’s nudes and explicit texts to girls were plastered on the school in harsh and loud printouts. Even worse, there were fake conversations Nathan had edited, making it look like they had dozens of girls on the side.

Some flyers mocked them with captions:

Logan Robertson: Model Boyfriend, How many STDs does he have?
Zachary Riggins: Size doesn’t matter!

He couldn’t help but feel a little sympathy for Dana and Juilet. Logan was posted all over Dana’s facebook with her expressing how much she loved him and she never missed any of his games, always a faithful cheerleader for that piece of shit. Juliet was as loving as she was annoyingly gullible. She’ll probably still be with Zachary after all of this.

He probably should have done this sooner. It always made him cringe whenever they’d be all over each other during vortex meetings directly after expressing to Hayden and him all the many chicks they’d “land the smackdown to.”

The lockers that belonged to them were adorned with a large and bold writing: CHEATER. The sexts? Well, those should be funny. He could picture those being repeated by their teammates in the locker room already. 

Signs reading “Cheater” and “Liar” with Logan and Zachary’s disfigured faces were plastered in high-traffic areas, like the entrance to the cafeteria, and flyers were left in classrooms.

Nathan had made sure to put Logan’s poor grades on blast, insinuating that he was failing several classes and only coasting by because of his status as an athlete. With Zachary, he dug into his parents' divorcing, something that Zach had only confided to him and few other people, thinking he’d give a fuck. 

Finally, he had sent copies anonymously to both girlfriends and a couple of the teachers as well as the football coach. 

He walked back to the dormitories feeling accomplished only to blink and discover he was back at that vortex party, the bass pounding through the walls like before, but something was wrong. Instead of everyone dancing and laughing, they were all standing still... staring directly at him. The crowd of teens seemed endless, their expressions disgusted.

Nathan looked down in confusion, only to find Warren clinging to him, drunkenly kissing his neck, one hand around his waist and the other groping him. The place was silent, save for the sound of phones clicking and recording. Every pair of eyes was on him. Someone in the crowd jeered, “Gayram and Prescock!” followed by laughter. More voices joined in, mocking and taunting him, calling him names. Nathan's chest tightened, beginning to panic internally.

He shoved Warren off of him, the shove more violent than intended, sending Warren stumbling backward. As Nathan ran through the crowd, the screaming in his head only grew louder. He could feel eyes burning into his back, his heart pounding against his chest faster with every step. 

Tears blurred his vision, but he couldn’t stop. 

Then his phone buzzed in his pocket. He hesitated before pulling it out, cringing as he saw the caller ID. His father.

Swiping the call open, he hesitated. “Dad?”

"You’re a disgrace to this family," 

his father's voice hissed through the line, colder than ever. 

“You’ve completely ruined the Prescott name with all the trouble you've caused at that school. And now, this? You're gay? I knew you were weak. I’m done with you. You’re no longer my son.”

Nathan’s breath caught in his throat. He dropped the phone in shock, the world around him beginning to spin. When he pushed through the gym’s doors to escape, he found himself in the darkroom.

The space was dim, the white glow from the light casting creepy shadows. His body felt heavy, numb. He looked down, realizing his wrists and ankles were bound with tape, just like Warren had been that night. Nathan was lying on his side, his cheek pressed against the cold floor, completely powerless.

He tried to scream, to move, but nothing worked. Footsteps echoed through the room, and then he saw him, Mr. Jefferson. He crouched down next to Nathan, his expression one of disinterest. 

"You're a waste of time, Nathan," he said flatly,

holding up a needle, filled with his liquid dosage. “You had zero talent for photography, and you never understood anything about art.”

Jefferson’s hand gripped Nathan's arm, the needle piercing his skin. Nathan winced, unable to stop it, as the drug entered his bloodstream disorienting him.

"You were never going to be my protégé," Jefferson continued, bluntly. “Max… Now she has promise. A gift. She’s going to replace you.”

No. He struggled against the bindings, helpless. His eyes darted around the room, and then, he saw something far worse.

Warren was there, sitting on the couch in front of him. And next to him, chuckling, was Mr. Jefferson. They were… kissing. Nathan’s stomach turned as Warren looked back at him with a cruel smile, running a hand through Mr. Jefferson's hair. He was going to vomit.

"How does it feel, Nathan?" Warren asked. 

"To be the one getting photographed and drugged now?"

Nathan wanted to scream, to stop this nightmare, but he couldn’t move. Mr. Jefferson whispered something to Warren, his voice turning into a sickening moan. Nathan didn't want to have ears anymore. Warren laughed, then turned to Victoria and Max, who had suddenly appeared, joining him on the couch.

The three of them started making out, talking about how they should’ve hooked up a long time ago.

Victoria’s voice echoed in his head. “We wasted time on Nathan, he's such a mess. He’s not worth it.”

Warren’s voice, which was usually so kind, agreed. “Yeah, I should’ve never hung out with him. He’s got way too many issues.”

“I don’t know what you guys saw in that asshole.” Max’s voice added in.

“I’m not into Nathan anyway. So let’s bust a move..” His voice reassures the others before Nathan can see him fumbling with the zipper on his jeans.

Warren, now in front of Nathan, knelt down and shoved his phone in Nathan’s face, the video from the Vortex party playing on repeat. “You ruined my life, Nathan!” Warren screamed, his face twisted with uncharacteristic anger.

“Look at what you’re doing to me!”

Then, without warning, Warren started to hit him. 

Punch after punch connected with Nathan’s face, the pain becoming overwhelming. Nathan’s head snapped back involuntarily, the metalic taste of blood filling his mouth as Warren kicked him over and over. He tried to shield himself, but he was paralyzed.

His vision grew dark, and Nathan jolted awake, gasping for breath in his dorm room. His body was drenched in sweat. His pulse pounded in his ears, and for a moment, he wasn’t sure if he was still dreaming or awake.

What the fuck was that? He glanced at the clock on his phone, glad to see no missed calls from his dad. Noticing the notification from the school printers and the markers next to beta pictures of Logan and Zachary on his desk, he wondered how much of that had actually happened.

He must have forgotten to take his meds.

Chapter Text

As Kate and Stella walked towards their classes, their conversation drifted toward their friend Alyssa, still in shock from the incident where Logan and Zachary had hit her accidently with a football and the scary texts Max had been receiving from a private number.

Strange things kept happening at Blackwell, and unfortunately her friend, Warren, was also caught up in its chaos.

Kate was particularly worried about him, though she hadn’t spoken to him yet in person. She was trying to be supportive but felt like her words didn’t have much weight as she had never been in his position before. She couldn’t begin to imagine how he felt. 

As they rounded the corner toward the school, they froze at the sight of the bulletin board.

“Oh my God…” Stella whispered, her eyes wide with shock.

The board was littered with printouts of a digitally-decapitated Logan and Zachary. The words “cheater” and “liar” were painted all over their faces. A crowd of students had already gathered, some laughing, others taking photos, while a few looked as uncomfortable and frighted as she was with the public shaming.

Kate was only saddened further as she took in the cruel spectacle. She always knew Blackwell had its share of gossip, but this… was so dark. She couldn’t help but think of Warren’s situation and how similar it was, wondering if this was somehow connected to him. 

She gripped Stella’s arm, startled.

“I… need to check on Warren,” she said.

Stella nodded, pulling out her phone. “Yeah… and I think we should steer clear from Logan and Zachary for a while (more than usual). They’re not going to take this well.”

As the two girls made their way into the school, Kate was nervous about Blackwell's increasingly hostile social environment. She could only pray as she swore she could feel an air of evil around her, or was it in her head?

Warren sat on the edge of his bed, staring at his phone, debating whether he should even bother going to school today. It had only been three days since the vortex party, and he was already completely drained. 

The constant barrage of bullshit, the texts, whispers and looks in the hallways and in class, the paper balls aimed at his head, Brooke not talking to him, and god only knew what people were saying about him on Facebook. He hadn’t checked it since the party, too afraid to see what might be lurking there. 

But then again, he couldn’t afford to let his grades slip, and staying cooped up in his dorm forever wasn’t an option either.

With a heavy sigh, he decided to pull himself together. “Just get through the day,” he muttered to himself. He grabbed his small toiletry bag, hoping Zachary and Logan wouldn’t be in the bathroom to hurt him or something.

The dorm hall was weirdly quiet as he made his way to the bathroom. No sound of doors opening or closing, no one chatting or moving around. He didn’t hear anyone in their rooms either, not that he was eavesdropping, but it was hard not to notice the silence. The whole place felt deserted.

He reached the shower room, peering in cautiously, expecting to see someone. But it was completely empty. Still, he welcomed the solitude. 

Finally , he thought, some peace and quiet.

Warren quickly undressed, letting the hot water wash over him as he tried to clear his mind. 

As much as he wanted to forget about the party and the video, it was all he could think about. 

The faces, the blurry moments, the white light, that voice... He felt a headache coming on. 

After his shower, he brushed his teeth, threw on some fresh clothes, and made his way out of the dorms, grateful for the quiet. He pulled out his phone from his pocket, scrolling absentmindedly through the messages.

Just as he slipped his phone back into his pocket, it buzzed.

He pulled it out and saw a message from an unknown number. But before he could dismiss it as another asshole, he noticed the name Stella in the message. 

Stella? He barely knew her. They had maybe exchanged a few words here and there in class, and he knew she was friends with Kate and Alyssa. Maybe Kate had given her his number.

The message was short and urgent.

Come to Blackwell NOW. This is from Stella and Katie.

Warren frowned, what could they possibly need him for and why the urgency?

He stuffed the phone back into his pocket as he made his way across the quiet campus toward Blackwell.

What the hell?

Students crowded around the front, talking in hushed tones, exchanging wide-eyed glances, some even laughing while others looked downright horrified. He could spot Juliet sobbing as Victoria and her minions try to comfort her; Victoria more focused on getting the juicy details while leaving Taylor and Courtney to do all of the work. He wondered how Dana was doing.

The usually pristine walls of Blackwell were littered with flyers. Samuel, the janitor, was busy pulling them down one by one, his old hands shaking as he worked, clearly overwhelmed. 

Warren felt so bad for the guy. Most people thought Samuel was weird, creepy even, but Warren always believed he was just misunderstood, a nice guy who kept to himself.

Warren's gaze drifted toward one of the flyers Samuel was tearing down. The poster showed disturbing images of Logan and Zachary, their heads crudely photoshopped to look decapitated.

Beneath it, in big letters, the words CHEATER and LIAR were scrawled. It wasn’t just one flyer, either. 

The whole school was plastered with them, alongside explicit texts between Logan, Zachary, and several girls. Some of the flyers even included their nudes, just out there for everyone at Blackwell to see.

That was definitely a crime.

Sure, Logan and Zachary were bullies, they had all kinds of enemies and they deserved to be called out, but this? This was something else. Whoever did this was seriously disturbed, no doubt about it.

He couldn’t help but shudder. The photos were also seriously artistic. He couldn’t help but notice this person had an eye for monochrome. Damn.

Warren approached another flyer and hesitated before taking a closer look. The handwriting... it looked oddly familiar. 

His mind went back a couple of times, trying to place it. 

That same slanted script had been scrawled on the shower window just days ago, directing everyone to that stupid video. 

And now, seeing it again, he realized it also matched the graffiti he'd seen around appear campus, mocking him with titles like "Gayram,” a nickname that had haunted him ever since.

He tensed. Could it be the same person? Could be just a coincidence, no need to get paranoid. 

Still, they must have a personal vendetta, right? What’s the endgame?

He fought the urge to look around, half-expecting to see someone watching him. The someone responsible.

Chapter Text

To the 6 funky guys who read my fics and enjoy them or however many you are,

I am taking a break from writing for I'm not sure how long because of health reasons. I confess I haven't been taking good care of my myself like I should, and my mental health has taken a hit worse than I can walk off this time.

Thanks for all the kudos, the comments you guys leave, and for reading. As soon as this period ends, I promise I will waste no time uploading new chapters.