Work Text:
A tupperware container slid across the picnic table with a dragging sound.
–Here. You look hungry.
Jesse glanced from his laptop to Heath, and then to the half sandwich.
–I'm not.—he said, focusing back on his work.
The rapid typing got Luke's attention for a few breaths, before he asked:
–Have you even eaten at all today?
As she leaned on the table somewhat menacingly, Nicco's expectant eyes burned holes in Jesse's face.
–I ate some toast this morning.
–Seriously?—she exclaimed.
Without interrupting his flow of work, Jesse shrugged.
–I have a lot of work!
–You also have a lot of diabetes—Ben pointed out, earning a glare.
–It's not even just that—Nicco countered.—The way you neglect your health to work would be bad for anybody.
All she got was an eye roll.
–You're one to talk!
–This isn't-
–Look,—Heath cut in—just eat the sandwich, okay?
After a forceful exhale, Jesse's jaw set in impatience and stubbornness.
–I can't stop now—he argued.—The whole theatre club is counting on me! If I don't finish writing this on time we'll have to pick from one of the other overdone school appropriate plays.
–That doesn't sound so bad...—Luke tried.—At least you wouldn't be killing yourself over it.
Intending to snap at Luke, Jesse looked away from his screen for a second, but then his words sunk in.
–What?
–Yo-you're putting your health at risk for this, a-and-
–It's important to me...
–And you're important to us—Nicco asserted.—I'd rather watch a thousand bad plays than to have you in the hospital. Or the morgue. Eat the sandwich.
For a moment, everything was still and silent. Heath and Luke watched in actual concern to see what the blonde would do. Then, Jesse's hand moved towards the container, and he grabbed the food. They all exhaled in relief.
–I'm not actually trying to die, you know?—he said a moment later, after taking a bite and swallowing it.
Now more relaxed, Nicco raised an eyebrow, amused but still disapproving.
–You could've fooled me.