#nate.

he doesn't register the pain at first, just a sudden heat in his stomach that surprises him into coming to a halt, boots skidding in gravel and dirt. it's only when he looks down, sees the red beginning to bloom on the front of his shirt, that he finally feels the sudden and sharp throb in his abdomen. this had to happen some time, didn't it? there were only so many times that he could cheat death and get away with it.

sam's saying something to him that he can't quite make out. the words in his ears sound kind of... muffled, like he's underwater, and he's trying his best to focus the majority of his energy on keeping his knees from buckling. he ultimately fails in this task, and though he's absolutely sure that he can feel his brother's arms around him, his attention has now shifted to trying to stay conscious.

your luck's run out, drake.