Love and Fear

by endermaninaboat

Summary:

"It is better to be feared than to be loved, if one cannot be both."

----
Or Sapnap is a chaotic teen with a lighter and he meets Karl who is also a chaotic teen but can put out his more reckless fires

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TRIGGER WARNINGS WILL BE MENTIONED AT THE BEGINING OF EACH CHAPTER, PLEASE READ CAREFULLY AND TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF!!!

Notes:

TW: fire, cursing, slurs, fighting

AN: hiiiii guys! jsyk i use they them and identify as pansexual. i hope u all enjoy. i really like writing it. i will try and update once or twice a week, probably on mondays and thursdays!
anywhoo enjoy reading and feel free to give me some feedback.

if any creator in this ever says they feel uncomfortable with anything in this, lmk and i will change it or delete it (depending on what it is). ty<333333

Chapter 1

He ran. Fast and hard. He knew if he stopped he would be dead. He knew he was screwed. Through the halls of his High School he sprinted. Four boys chased. Four boys screaming at him. “NICK I SWEAR TO GOD I’M GONNA KILL YOU!” one screamed. He turned the corner, almost crashing into some freshman girls. He stumbles but quickly regains his balance. 

He runs confused on how this even happened. One moment he was getting changed after football practice, the next he’s running for his life. He’s seen what these boys could do. He remembers the kids they made cry for fun, the kids they beat for looking at them the wrong way, the kids they destroyed. All for the hell of it. But now he’s their prey. And all he can do is run. 

He thinks as his lungs begin to ache. He’s not exactly confused why they were chasing him. He knew. He just doesn’t understand how they think what they are doing is anywhere close to justifiable.

“Hey Nick,” four of the senior boys led by Ethan the quarterback, approached him in the locker room. “You know I got hit a few more times than I'd like today. What was that about. Did your prissy ass get to fucking scared to block?” He looks up from his locker as he's changing into a tee shirt. “I’m sorry?” Nick replies. He might be short but he’s not going to let them see he was nervous. He knows better. He looked him dead in the eyes.

 “Dude…” some junior got his friends attention and pointed in their direction. This is when he noticed everyone in the locker room was watching. Kids had their phones recording, even the coaches closed their office doors and left so they wouldn’t have to deal with what may happen. 

“You heard him bitch.” A kid behind Ethan spits on him. He spits on him. He’s only seen people do that in movies and shows but what the hell. 

He couldn't straight up say the coach wanted him to let Ethan get hit so it's a more realistic practice. So he goes with the next best thing. “Maybe you got hit because your too slow and someone's trying to teach your dumb ass how to be a half decent quarter-” He only got through about half of that word before a sudden, familiar sting hit his cheek. Maybe that wasn't the best choice of words.

Without thinking he swung back. Aiming straight for his nose. It landed, man he wished he was able to put his rings on. A solid crunch and the feel of a wet substance tells him he broke his nose. “Your dead you faggot.” he growled.

Everything froze for a moment. The realization of what Nick had just done hits everyone with equal force. The only comprehensible thought he can manage is “Fuck”. He sees them all about to jump on him and beat him until he can't move. So he does the only thing he can think of. He runs. 

As he runs down the corridor he hears them getting closer. Dammit why did he have to piss off the wide receiver. He knows he won't be able to outrun them much longer. He needs to hide. He knows that the janitor’s closet is just around the corner. Maybe if he gets there fast enough he can hide. He puts all the power and energy he can muster into running as fast as he could to it. He rounds the corner and flings open the door and closes it quietly behind himself so they wouldn't hear it. He crams his wide shoulders into the corner. He moves behind large bottles of rubbing alcohol. An idea hits him.

He's always been one for fire. When he was four he would set sticks on fire and run around his backyard with them, his dad chasing him. When he was nine he exploded the microwave out of sheer curiosity. He remembers his dad screaming and calling the fire department. By the time he was twelve the local firefighters knew him and his father personally. They knew when they got a call from Konoko Street that Nick was left unsupervised for too long. 

He was shaken out of his thoughts when he heard the doors in the hall being thrown open. They were progressively getting closer to him. He heard his muffled name being called through the walls. Without warning t5he door flings open. The light streaming in behind Ethan made him look more menacing. Blood dripped down his face from his nose. He knew he was fucked. 

So he smashed the bottles on the floor as quickly as possible and threw his lighter down. He ran through the blaze, feeling the sweet lick of heat on his skin. He had another bottle and made a trail down the hall. He keeps running and he hears a loud boom. A smirk spreads across his face. 

“GET BACK HERE YOUNG MAN!” his chemistry teacher yells as he runs from his burning school. He runs for a different reason now. A smile spreads manically on his face, laughing and turning back to catch the beautiful orange and red glow.  He heard his assholes of classmates screaming names at him. “freak”, “monster”, “fag”, they screamed at him but he didn't care. If anything it fueled him. It gave him power. It gave him control. How could he not smile at the scene? Classmates terrified, teachers in awe, the school burning, the cops after him, everyone crying. Adrenaline pumped through his blood.

He set some distance between himself and the school. His deep brown eyes glowed as he looked back at the scene. He was walking slowly at this point. He was too mesmerized to hear the police yelling at him. Too mesmerized to feel the burns on his skin. Too mesmerized to even care he was getting arrested. He didn’t care. He was just happy that no one would screw with him anymore. As the great Renaissance author Machiavelli once wrote, when you can't be loved and feared it's better to be feared. And now everyone would fear him.

 

Chapter 2

Summary:

sapnap has an oopsie after his night shift

Notes:

TW: injury (its a trip and there's a bit of blood)

AN: ily. that's all for now <3333

It's been six month since Nick burnt down his school. He was sentenced to four months in juvie. Now he is two months into his community service. He lives alone now. His father requested a restraining order. His own father was afraid of him. To save himself from the whole foster system, he chose to emancipate himself. He moved a whole county away for a fresh start. He didn't have anyone to take care of him. 

 He was lucky enough to get a job before school started. In fact he got two. He worked as a janitor, ironic enough, at a diner near his new apartment. He barely can afford rent but his landlady thinks he's an orphan so she gives him some slack. He kinda feels bad about it but he needs a place to stay. 

He’s heard how bad the foster system is and doesn't want to go through that. He almost had to when he was young. His mother left when he was four. He never found out why or where she is now but he doesn't care too much. He hates her. 

His second job was as a night guard at some office building. The most he had to do was give directions to some old lady. He usually wouldn’t be allowed to because he is only seventeen but he got a fake ID from some sketchy guy online. It doesn't really matter because now he’s making just enough to pay for rent, groceries, and everyday stuff. 

Unfortunately part of the emancipation is that he still must attend school. So after he finishes his shift that night, he will be getting two hours of sleep and then going to school. 

He sees Mark, the older man who clocks in after him, pull up to the security booth. He used to be a night guard at some old restaurant before it got shut down for some crimes. Now he works here part time. Nick lets Mark drive through and about two minutes later, Mark comes walking back to the booth, car parked in the lot. “Go ahead and clock out, I got it from here.” He says, plopping into the old torn up chair. He places his coffee and newspaper onto the desk. NIck just smiles and walks out. He never liked Mark. He thought there was a sketchy vibe to him. Like he had a dark side. 

He walked his way home. Luckily it wasn’t a long walk. He thought about school. He hoped he could join the football team again. He hoped he could keep his head down, play the game and after the two years be far gone from that place. When he was young, his dad didn't think he “developed enough socially” in kindergarten so he redid it. So he should be a senior, but he's just a junior. It frustrates him, because then he could be graduating this year. He knows he could just not graduate, but if he wanted to get a job he actually enjoys he would have to go to a colleague. 

He walked into his apartment building, and slowly made his way up the stairs. He fumbled with his keys, and threw the door open. He slid off his shoes, and fell onto his futon. He set his alarm for seven and finally fell asleep.

----

He woke up to the hard floor. He must’ve fallen off his couch while he was sleeping. He grabbed his phone off the table, and checked the time. It read 7:45. Fuck. He jumps up and does a little run to his dresser. He goes through and grabs a pair of black sweatpants and a white tee-shirt with a flame in the center. His dad thought it was funny but now it is the only thing that he has from him. While it makes him a bit sad, it has its comfort.  He jumps into the shower and washes up really quick.

He looks at his phone to see how late he is. 7:57. He had to get to school, which is a mile away, by foot, in three minutes. He slides his sneakers on, not bothering to tie them. He grabs his football bag and school bag, throwing each over one shoulder. He looked down at his bags once more contemplating leaving the little panda patch on it, a little gift from his mother. Maybe he does miss her. He leaves it and continues to run out of the apartment. On his way out he grabs his new lighter, having the old one confiscated. He runs down the stairs, ignoring all the people he brushes by. 

While running down the street, he pulls out his phone for his locker information, and where the first period is. This is where he messes up. He steps on one shoe lace and sends himself flying forward into the cement. Instead of dropping his phone and breaking it, turns his head to the side. It takes him a second to get up. He examines himself, looking at his injuries. His sweatpants began showing a deep maroon color through the black. One of his palms was bleeding pretty badly. The hand with his phone in it, was scrapped along the side. Luckily his phone wasn’t broken, only a scratch on the screen. He felt up to his face and was met with a red liquid.  He could feel the deep scrape on his cheek, down to the jawbone. Part of him wanted to just turn around and go home but he needed to go today. He knew if he didnt go today, he would start behind in all of his classes and he would miss football tryouts. 

So like a sensible person Nick walked into school covered in blood. He looked at his phone and it read 8:04. He wasn’t too late. He walked around for a minute looking for his locker. He was so busy looking for his locker that he didn’t notice the boy approaching from behind him.

He jumped out of thought at the hand tapping his shoulder.

“Ummm, are you okay?” the taller boy asks.

Notes:

I didn't love this chapter but the next one is better

Chapter 3

Summary:

TW: smoking, swearing

AN: hiiiiii! Sorry I’m late I got a bit hurt yesterday, so I didn’t upload lol. Anyways ty for all the love I love y’all <333

The boy had dirty blonde, messy hair. He wore a green hoodie and a pair of ripped black jeans with some Doc Martin boots. He was much taller than him. It’s not harder to be taller than him but this kid had to be over six feet. There were three guys behind him. One was about his height, with short black hair. He was wearing a light blue sweatshirt with some red and white design. He wore brown pants with a pair of black Converse high tops. The third boy had brown hair that was shaved on the sides. He was about the same height as him too. He wore a red and black sweatshirt, and round glasses. He had black sweatpants with red sneakers on. All of them standing there, reminded him of Ethan and his group. It made him tense up and become defensive. He didn't look at the fourth boy, he was too on edge. 

“What did you say to me?” He growls. He genuinely forgot but tried to make himself seem tough. 

“Sorry, it's just that you're bleeding. Do you need to go to the nurse?” The boy in blue said.

“I’m fine, just fell.” He says. He turns away and finds his locker, hoping they are gone.

“Are you new here?” The one in red says, trying to change conversation.

“Yeah.” He says knowing they won't leave him alone.

“Cool! I’m Clay, but you can call me Dream, and that's George. This is Daryll, everyone calls him Bad or Bad Boy Halo, and-”

That's when he notices the fourth boy. He was tall but not as tall as Dream. He had long, brown, fluffy hair. His eyes were grayish-blue, like ice. But warm and inviting. He had a wide smile and it seemed genuine. His nails were painted alternating white and pink. Bracelets sat neatly on his arms and rings occupied his hands. 

“I’m Karl!” He interrupted. “Karl Jacobs!” Karl, a perfect name for him. Nick thought. 

“I’m Nick.” He said turning away to hide his blush. He throws his stuff in his locker. He tries to manage a straight face when he turns back around. 

Being all nervous and flustered, Nick began walking away. 

“Hey!” Someone calls after him, but he chooses to ignore them. He opts to pull out his earbuds and put them in. “Myron” began blasting through them. Any sane person would turn them down. Nick, being Nick, turned it up. He wandered for a bit before he found room 127, his homeroom. He walked in and ignored the teacher, Mr.Watson. He could feel the eyes on him. He couldn’t tell if it was because he was late or if it was because he was covered in dry blood. He guessed it was the latter. He took the last empty seat, assuming it was his. He pulled out a notebook and began doodling. 

Deep in focus, he didn’t notice the person standing in front of him until they hit his desk.

“What the fuck man?!” Nick looks up to see his teacher. 

“One, watch your language and two, the bell rang. Go to the first period.” His teacher says in a stern voice. He was tall, and blonde. He had a powerful energy to him that Nick didn’t feel like bothering with today. He looked around to notice the empty desks surrounding him. He threw his stuff in his bag. Before he could get out of the classroom, he heard Mr. Watson tell him to go to the nurse. He decides against it and goes to the bathroom instead. 

He walks in and puts his bag next to the sink. He wets some paper towels and washes his face and hands. He does his best to get the blood off his pants, but ultimately fails. He made a mental note to go buy more pants before work. He tossed the paper towels into the garbage. He notices the bathroom is empty besides himself and decides to take advantage of the situation. He pulled out the lighter from his pocket and a pack of cigarettes from his bag.

He was never one for smoking but after the whole incident six months ago, he needed a way to calm down a bit. He remembers his mother smoking and laughing with his father. He smiled a bit at this thought. 

He looked around the bathroom to check that there were no smoke detectors. He proceeded and lit the end of it. He sat there smoking for three minutes, using this time wisely to go through his schedule. He had trigonometry first period. Great. He sucked at math. He knew he just had to get through the day until football practice. Then he can go home, take a quick nap and head to his night shift. 

He was mid-thought when he heard the door open. He quickly put the smoke out on his arm, a bad habit he gained. He went to hide both the lighter and bud in his bag, but dropped the lighter on the ground. He noticed it was too late and someone rounded the corner to the sinks. 

“Nick?” The voice said. He looked up and was met with the emerald eyes of Dream. “What’s that?” He gestured to the lighter. Nick panicked for a moment. He scooped it up and carelessly tried shoving it in his pocket. It fell out again and he tried getting it before Dream but was too slow. He knew he wasn’t supposed to have a lighter, especially in school. 

“Why do you have a…?” He trails off. He sniffs the air and can smell the cigarette smoke. “You know that’s not good for you.” He continued as it was more of a statement. 

“And? Just give it back?” He says, reaching his hand out.

He went to place it in Nick's hand but quickly retracted. “But you have to sit with us at lunch. And you can’t smoke in here anymore.”

“Fine.” He mumbled and took the lighter back. He shoved it in his pocket. There was a moment of awkward silence before either of them spoke.

“What do you have first?” Dream asked.

“History.” Nick says as he is walking out of the bathroom. He doesn’t want to be bothered. He was more upset that he had to stop smoking and go to class than anything. He walked into the hallway and wandered his way into his history class. 

“Excuse me, young man. Where were you? Class started ten minutes ago!” His teacher protested. He was already in a bad mood and this teacher seemed rather annoying. He chose rather than words, he flipped her off and walked to the back of the class. He ignored her, but heard her give him detention. Great. He thought. First day and he already has detention. 

He looked around the room and saw the fluffy brown hair of Karl sitting a few rows over. His soft smile greeted him when the two made eye contact. He smiled back.

Maybe this wouldn’t be too bad.

Chapter 4

Summary:

TW: fighting, cursing

so I did a thing lol anywhoooo enjoy! I was fun to write. luv yall <33

Notes:

also drink water

He was so close to avoiding them. He was so close. 

He walked through the cafeteria, a saran wrap sandwich in one hand and his wallet in the other. He tried to navigate his way outside for lunch. He couldn’t be bothered with the big crowds right now. He was so tired and wasn’t looking forward to his last two classes, Spanish and Physics. He is about to make it out of the lunch room when a familiar voice calls his name.

“Nick! Come sit with us!” He turns to see Bad, George, Dream, Karl and some other people he didn’t recognize all sitting at a table. Great. I really don’t want to but my dad didn’t raise a bitch. He thought. 

He sighed and walked over to the table. He sat in an empty spot in between George and Bad. 

“Guys this is Nick.” Dream began the introductions, “Nick this is Sam, Ant, and Skeppy.” He said pointing to the three boys. Sam had green eyes and wore a sweatshirt with jeans. He had short, light brown hair. Ant had purple and brown hair, glasses, and a grey and blue tee shirt. Skeppy had dark black hair, and also had glasses. A chorus of hi’s and hello’s greeted him.

 Nick just sat quietly looking up every so often. He ate his lunch quickly hoping to get out of there. A part of the conversation catches his attention.

“How ‘bout tonight?” George said.

“Sure! You wanna come?” Karl asks. There’s a moment of silence. “Nick, do you want to hang out tonight before football tryouts?” Karl said again, clarifying. Nick looked up and without thinking said yes. He didn’t even think of his work or homework or anything. He just thought he could get to know Karl more. 

“Perfect!” Here Karl gives him a paper. Nick unfolds it and it has a series of ten numbers and a little heart. His number?! Nick blushed a little.

“Text me when you get there! I’ll give you everyone’s numbers later.” Karl smiled a smile that set Nick's heart aglow. Nick quickly scribbled his number into some paper and passed it to Karl. He tucked it into his pocket.

“Hey Nick, what’s up with the panda?” Bad said. Everyone turned and looked at the panda patch on his bag. 

“I dunno, I just like them.” He shrugged. “I guess because I used to spell it ‘Sapnap’.” Bad had a devilish smile at that.

“Awwww that’s so cute. That’s it! I’m calling you Sapnap!” Bad said. Even after he begged everyone was calling him “Sapnap”.

Conversation flowed easily after that, Nick, Sapnap chiming in every so often. He found out that he agreed to go to a burger shop after school, and hang out at a park. He was looking forward to it. 

The bell rang and they all went their respective ways. Sapnap went to Spanish and got yelled at by the teacher for not paying attention. He then left halfway through Physics, probably earning him a detention for the next day. He wandered the halls and hung around until the final bell rang out. He made his way to his locker when he suddenly remembered he had detention.he cursed at himself. He knew he was already going to have a second detention the next day and he didn’t want his parole officer to have to get a call from school. He sighed and went in.

After an hour of sitting at his desk, staring at the ceiling,his detention ended. There were some odd people there. There was a man with long pink hair and a tall boy with blonde hair. There was also a guy with a bit of facial hair, and brown hair. He didn’t know why they were there and he didn’t really care. 

He ran out knowing he was late to hangout. He tried to text Karl but couldn’t find his number. “Shit, shit, shit!” He mumbled it himself. 

He went online and looked up “burger shops near me”. He picked the closest one and hoped they would be there. After a few minutes of running he saw a bright green hoodie off in the distance. He ran up to them and saw the group walking away from the store.

“Guy!” He yelled as he ran up to them. Once he got to them he began panting and gasping for air. He could feel the eyes in him and quickly steadied his breath. 

“I… I’m sorry I’m late!” He took a moment again to breathe. “I got detention and forgot to let you guys know.” He managed out.

“Your good dude.” Dream said. Everyone seemed to agree. 

“Do you want to get something to eat?” Bad asked.

“Ya sure. I’ll only be a second.” Sapnap said.

“I‘ll go in with you!” George offered. 

“It’s ok, thanks.” Sapnap walked backwards into the shop. After about two minutes he came back out with a paper bag and a small soda.

“Alright, let’s go!” Someone spoke. 

They all began walking towards the park. Skeppy and Bad were in their own conversation, while Karl George, Sam, and Ant were talking about something else.

“Hey, listen I know we just met today, but I don’t think you should be playing with fire and smoking like that. Especially at school.” Dream began. “I’m not gonna make you do anything and I don’t want to pry, but why do you even have a lighter with you at school?” 

The question made Sapnap's heart stop for a moment. What was he supposed to say? He can’t just say “oh ya I’m a pyromaniac who burnt down his old school. Now I have severe anxiety because of all the bullying and use smoking to cope!” 

“Oh shit.” Dream said under his breath. 

I didn’t say that out loud? Oh fuck! Fuck! “Did I say that out loud?” He warily asks the taller. 

“Um ya.” A moment of awkward silence passed. Dream began walking faster and joined in the conversation ahead of them.

Sapnap was angry and confused and he didn’t know what to do. So he did what he knew best, he was an asshole.

“Dream! What the fuck?” He yells. This catches everyone off guard. “I accidently told you something very personal and you just walked away!?” He took a step forward getting in Dream's face. 

“Dude, you told me you're a criminal! How am I supposed to react!” Dream got defensive.

“Dream…” George grabbed at his sleeve. “Let’s just go.” Dream turned to leave. Sapnap couldn’t sit and let him walk away.

“Ya listen to your bitch!” He said. 

Instantly he regretted it. He was met with Dreams' ringed knuckles colliding with his jaw. Nick smiled. 

“All you got?” This is one of Nick's fatal flaws. He doesn’t know when to stop, especially when the adrenaline kicks in. He swung back. 

Now blood was dripping from Dream's nose to his mouth and from Nick's chin down his neck.

“Guys! Stop!” Bad pleaded but it was too late. Nick tackled him to the ground and pinned him to the sidewalk. Even though he was short he was strong as a bull.

He had two solid punches before he felt two pairs of hands on his arms. He squirmed until he loosened the grips. He went into his pocket and pulled out his lighter. A manic smile spread across his face as he lit it up. You could see the fear in Dream’s eyes and he made eye contact with Nick. 

This is what he needed. He needed power over people. There is no way to gain respect otherwise. He wasn’t going to be their friend so instead he was going to make them so scared of him, they would be too afraid to bully him. He needed this power. 

“Please.” The voice broke him out of his thoughts. He looked up to see Karl crying on the sidewalk. The sight broke him. 

He let Dream up and stayed on the ground. He looked at his blood covered knuckles and bruised hands. He turned and looked at George who was cupping Dream’s face in his hands, examining his injuries. He whipped his head around to see Ant and Bad crying into each other's shoulders, shielding each other's view. He looked behind him at Sam and Skeppy who were just trying to pull him off. His gaze shifted back to Karl.

“I-” he began. He didn’t know what to do. He hurt his first friends at his new school.

Notes:

cliffhanger??

Chapter 5

Summary:

Sapnap screwed up and he’s running. Again

Notes:

TW: cursing, mention of the fight, panic attack, I think that’s it tho

Tysm for all the hits ily all <3

There he was. Running. All over again. This time he wasn’t scared of others. He was angry at himself. He snapped at his new friends. He hurt his new friends. He ran and ran until he finally got home. He flew up the stairs and into his apartment. He slammed the door behind him and fell to his knees. He couldn’t think. He couldn’t breathe. He couldn’t do anything. He fucked up. 

He shaked and cried and hyperventilated for twenty minutes before he went numb. 

He couldn’t do anything now. So all he can do is hold onto the power. He made himself promise not to apologize. Because then he would look weak and vulnerable. 

He looked at the clock and thought about football tryouts. He had twenty minutes to get back to school. He sighed and took a quick shower to clean up. He walked out of his apartment and made his way to school.

He knew tryouts would be awkward. He didn’t care though. He loved football. He would do anything to play it. He needed the game. 

Practice passed with only a few looks and glares from George and Sam. He was a bit disappointed to find out that Karl, Ant, and Skeppy didn’t play football but he reminded himself that he needs to be tough. “Let them know you aren’t weak” a voice says. 

He walks out of the locker room and bumps into someone. 

“You gonna say sorry?” Whoever bumped him yelled.

He turned around and looked at the guy. He was some senior by the looks of it. Nick ignored him and walked passed. He heard footsteps behind him and swung. He looked back and saw a kid on the ground and kept moving. 

He was falling back into everything. The fights, the anger, everything is going downhill. He doesn’t care. He just wants to go home. 

He walks home examining his hands. His knuckles were raw and bruised. He could feel the bruise forming in his face. He doesn’t care. He just wants to go home.

He gets home and gets in the shower. He doesn’t know how he feels. He’s numb. He wanted to be angry or upset but he felt nothing. 

If Nick was going to be honest with himself he knew he fucked up. Like royally. He ruined his first relationship he made at his new school. They were so nice and welcoming. Dream was kind and George was sweet. Bad and Skeppy were fun and Sam and Ant were so supportive. 

And Karl. Oh Karl. Nick hasn’t fallen for someone like that in awhile. And the last time he did it got him bit. But this felt different. Like Karl wouldn’t bite him. Like he could be safe with Karl.

 He knew them all for a day, only a day but they mean a lot to him. Meant. They hate him now. He attacked their friend. Dream’s friends watched as Nick beat him down. They watched in horror as he pulled out a lighter. But Karl spoke up. Karl stopped him. Without Karl’s plea he didn’t know what would have happened. He might’ve burnt Dream or worse.

The once hot water turning cold shook him out of his thoughts. He washed through his hair and turned the water off. He stood for a moment before grabbing his towel. 

He dried himself off and got dressed into his night guard uniform. Of course he was working tonight, he needed the money. Mark would probably be there again to take the early morning shift. He honestly didn’t mind the job, he just sat and thought about things, occasionally letting people through. 

He looks at himself in the mirror to brush his hair. He brushes it back making a mental note to cut it soon, as it’s almost at his shoulders. He examined his face. He had scratches on his face from falling and bruises from the fight. He sighed. It’s gonna be a long one. 

 

Across town seven teenagers sat in a basement.

“Can someone pass me the first aid kit?” George asked.

“Why?” Sam asked while passing it to the other.

They just got back from football and we’re still tense about what occurred outside of the burger shop.

“His bandages fell off.”

Everyone looked at Dream who was staring at his hand where the bandaid once sat.

“So are we gonna talk about it?”

Ant started.

“What’s there to talk about. Some freak new kid that we invited to hang out attacked Dream and then pulled a lighter on him!” Skeppy yelled.

“Well what do we do? We see him everyday at school and a few of us see him at football too!” George’s voice was serious but concerned.

“What even happened?” Sam asked. Everyone’s attention turned to Dream. He looked up and was greeted with twelve curious eyes. 

“He said… he said something and it scared me so I walked away and then he got upset.” The usually loud Dream was now oddly quiet.

“What did he say?” Skeppy asked this time.

“I… he said he’s done some things. Some bad things.” He looked at George who was sitting next to him and he smiled softly. “I reacted wrong and he was upset.”

A wave of confusion passed over everyone. Dream continued “I was an ass. Ya, he did some bad things but I reacted the wrong way, setting it all off.”

“Are you seriously gonna forgive him?!” Sam jumped up.

“Karl,” Dream ignored the other “I can tell you like him and he likes you.” Karl blushed and pulled the hood over his head. “I think if there would be any chance for us being friends with him, it can start with you.” Karl smiled. He knew he could do it. Even though there was a lot of debate, they decided to try again with Nick.

Notes:

What’s this dumb group gon do?

Next update: 10/16/2021

Chapter 6

Summary:

TW: cursing, smoking

Notes:

Hi lovies, ur all amazing and tysm for all the hits! I love you all so much and enjoy! <3

Same routine over and over again. It’s been about a week since the incident. Nick has a new reputation at his new school. In the five school days he’s had, he had four fights. People know he’s a temperamental guy. He sits in detention every day. 

On this Monday he sat in detention, seeing the guy with pink hair and the guy with facial hair there every day.

Nick is packing up his bag when he hears a voice overhead.

“So you're a usual?” A monotone voice says. 

Nick looks up to see the two other guys. The man with pink hair was the one who spoke. 

“What’s that supposed to mean?” Nick says continuing to pack up his bag, voice obviously tense.

“Hey man relax, I'm Shlatt and this is Techno.” Said the guy with facial hair. “Wanna smoke?” 

So there they were, smoking weed out behind the school. Nick found out that Shlatt keeps fighting with the students and bullying the underclass kids. Techno on the other hand argues with the teachers and gets angry and fights with people a lot. Today they were in because they got caught smoking outside (ironic).

“So what you do?” Shlatt asked.

“Today or to get here?” Nick laughs while he talks.

“Let’s start with today.” Techno replies.

“I punched a senior.” Nick smiled.

“Niceee! We got ourselves a man with balls!” They all high fived.

“Hey Nick.” They all looked up at the voice. Karl sat there, sleeve covering his nose. “Can we talk?”

“Why?” Nick gave him a cold look. Karl obviously got upset. Nick doesn’t need sweet, beautiful Karl. He has his new friends.

“Nevermind.” He turns to walk away but Nick is up and grabs his sleeve. The sight of Karl upset broke his heart.

“Let’s go talk.” He sighs, not wanting to further upset the taller.

They walked around the corner, Nick leaned against the wall with pot in one hand and the other on his hip. Karl, still covering his nose, stood a bit further away. Nick noticed and threw the paper on the ground and stepped on it. 

“What do you want to talk about?” Nick started, knowing Karl never would.

“I just want to let you know that we all talked. We don’t hate you. We aren’t even mad. Dream explains he sparked this. I’m sorry he did. He is too. Any way,” Karl pulled his sleeve off his face, the smell now disappearing slightly “we wanted to invite you for burgers before practice.” 

Nick didn’t know what to say. He wanted to be feared. He wanted to be alone. He wanted to tell them all to fuck off. But Karl sat in front of him. A soft smile on his face, freckles dancing on his cheeks, blue eyes shining bright, hair set perfectly. He didn’t want to give in.

“Fine.” 

He gave in.

So there he was. Sitting squished between Skeppy and Sam in the back of Dream’s car. Him and George sat up front. Everyone held their gaze on Nick. Everyone watched his every move. He wished Karl was there. That’s the only reason he agreed. Karl, and Ant were driven by Bad. They probably shoved everyone in Dream’s car to intimidate him. 

They drove to the small burger place for mostly silence. Mostly.

“Nick.” They parked in the lot as Dream spoke. “We are giving you another chance cause we can all tell Karl likes you.” Nick’s cheeks were painted pink. “And we want him to be happy. But know if you ever pull anything like that again, your ass is dead.” Dream’s glare was terrifying enough without the threat. Nick returned it with his mask of a gaze. Almost like a switch has flipped, Dream smiled and got out of the car. 

God these people are weird . He thought.

“Hey!” Karl waved them over to the small shop. Nick smiled at the sight of his lavender sweater over a collared shirt and light washed jeans.

A chorus of greetings were exchanged. After a moment he received a few suspicious looks, but Nick focused on the sweet smell or Karl’s presence. 

He knew it was dumb, he’s know the kid for a few days. Nick just knew he really liked Karl. He knew he really enjoyed being with the brunette. Relished the time he sat and chatted. Dreamed of the soft touches. He would never say it out loud but he was head over heels for Karl.

They went into the store and all ordered. Nick notices Karl was only getting a drink so he ordered an extra burger and large fries to share. 

"Hey, do you want?" Nick sat next to Karl at the park picnic table they all traveled to. He gestured to the second burger. 

"No, I had a big lunch." Karl said with a smile.

Nick would have to be blind to not notice the concerned and loving look that statement earned from the others.

Only if Nick could read Karl's mind. He would cry. fat. loser. starve. you want him to like you. just die already. Things Karl hears every day.

They all sat, only Nick and Karl not saying too much. At the end of the night they all relaxed in a small park. Through the time they spent Nick found out a few things. Like Bad and Skeppy were a couple and through context clues he found out Dream and George liked each other. He felt a bit relieved knowing they were all accepting of each other’s identities. 

They all laid out on the grass and stared at the stars. Well almost all of them are staring at the stars. Nick was focused on the soft skin of Karl Jacobs. The way his chest slowly rose and fell with his breath. 

“Hey Nick?” Karl props his head up to look at the other.

“Hm?” He simply replies.

“Why did you agree to come with us tonight? You probably hate us, so why?” Karl asked innocence sparkling in his icey eyes. 

“I don’t know…” he trailed off. You. Is all he wants to say.

“Not even for a certain someone?” The brunette asked.

Nick’s heart leapt. With all the courage he could muster he looks at the boy. “You, Karl.” He says in an even tone.

Karl let a deep breath out, concerning Nick. “Oh thank GOD! Dreammmmmm!” 

Nick panics only just realizing how close their faces are. The tall blond came running over. “WHAT THE F-” 

“This is a GOOD ‘Dreammmmmm’ not a bad one!” Karl looks up at him.

“Do I have your permission?” Karl continued. 

Nick is confused. Very very confused. Even more confused when Dream looks at him and nods. Very very ve-

Soft lips meet his. Gentle. Warm. He feels like he could fly. It felt like fireworks went off in his brain or he just ate too much sugar. But then it was gone. Just as quick as it came it was gone.

Nick opened his eyes, not even remembering closing them. An inch from his face he makes contact with a pair of blue eyes slowly opening. 

“Nick,” Karl started, “The second I laid eyes on you you were special. I could tell you were a good person. And I know you are someone I want to be with. So… will you be my boyfriend?”

Nick's whole world just did a backflip. He’s only hung out with these guys once before, what the hell? But it was Karl. The Karl he couldn’t stop thinking about. So he sighed.

“Yes.”

Chapter 7

Summary:

Stressful experiences followed by fluff
-
Short filler chapter to set up some more plot

Notes:

Ily all sm and HOLY SH*T 888 HITS AAHHHH! TYSMMMM
anyways drink water <3
-
TW: jealousy, cursing

Just like that. Two teenagers in love. Now one month later they sit in a small cafè called Puffys Pastries. Hand in hand, talking about everything that means nothing. Arguing over pancakes and waffles, whipping whipped cream off the others nose. Enjoying just eachothers company until they hear a small bell chime. 

"Karl!" They look up, Nick subconsciously tightening his grip as the man walks over. 

"Q! What's up? What are you doing back?" Karl slipped out of his grip and hugged the man named Q. He was shorter than Nick with longer black hair tucked under a navy beanie. He had a slim build covered with a blue windbreaker. 

"Took care of what I needed down in Mexico so now I'm back!" He pauses and looks down at Nick. He didn't realize the look he was giving Q until he felt the sting inside his cheek. 

"Who's this?" Q said.

"Nick, this is Quackity. He just moved back from Mexico but before that he lived down the block from me." Karl turned from Nick to Quackity. "This is Nick," Karl paused in a way making Nick's stomach twist a bit. "my boyfriend." 

Quackitys face went from shock, anger and frustration in about one second. It seems they both noticed and Karl spoke up first.

"Anyways Q I'll see you around!" Karl placed a hand on the boy's shoulder and he walked away. 

"Ka-"

"He is just my ex. I know you and I know you're protective and you worry but we are only friends." Karl read his mind as he usually would. It made Nick feel a bit of comfort but still the insecurities poked at the back of his brain. All telling him that he is giving nothing to Karl and that he would be better off without him. 

"I love you " Karl says in a sing-song voice. "I love you!!" He continues louder. 

Nick shushes him while blushing, burying his head in his arms. Only a moment later he feels soft hands pull at his, pushing his head back up. 

“I love you Nick!” Karl continues singing. He jumps atop the chair causing even more people to look at him oddly. 

“Oh Sapinap!” Karl does a dramatic pose and stands on the small round table. “Do you love me?” Karl crouches down so he’s only slightly above the other. 

Nick‘s face is so red and Karl takes advantage of this. “Does someone have a crush?!” Karl gasps. “Tell me about him!” He jumps down to the side of Nick right next to his ear. “Is he tall?” He jumps to the other side, “Brunette? C’mon Nick spill!” 

Nick knew Karl wasn’t going to stop until they got kicked out. While he found it completely adorable, he was going to hit the boy. So he did the only thing he could to shut him up. 

“Sapnapppp tel-“ Karl was cut off by a hand on his jaw and a kiss on his lips. 

“You're my crush, dumbass.” He smiles as he pulls away.

Chapter 8

Summary:

A cute date and a bit if anxiety.

Notes:

Double upload? Who’s she?
Anyways like always ily all I’m proud of u and drink water <3
-
TW: minor self harm, anxiety
-
Angst and fluff and more angst :)

The two finished their coffee date and the sun was setting. Luckily it wasn’t so cold you needed to layer but cool enough you would need a sweatshirt. So on this Saturday evening Karl shivered slightly, wearing only his light sweater. Nick dropped the other’s hand and stopped walking for a moment.

“What are you…” Karl trailed off, seeing Nick pull off his letterman jacket and put it over Karl’s back, who slid his arms into the holes. A soft smiler pulls across the brunette’s face. 

“You seemed cold.” Nick said, grabbing Karl’s hand into his own. 

They continued to walk until Karl checked the time.

“Hey the suns going to set soon, what do you want to do?” Karl offered up.

“I’ll walk you home, I don’t trust you to walk alone.” Nick chuckles. 

“What about you? Won’t your parents be worried?” Karl innocently asks.

Now Nick didn’t tell Karl nor anyone that he lived alone. In fact he rarely shared anything about his life to anyone since that first day. He didn’t want Karl to get scared and leave. He didn’t want anyone to look at him differently. Though he would never admit it, he liked his friends. He cared about them and what they thought of him.

“No it’s ok, I can take care of myself. And they are out this weekend.” Nick cursed at himself for a moment and held his breath. Parents not being home would be Karl’s opportunity to come over. And of course he was supposed to be at work in three short hours. 

“They seem to be out a lot.” Karl mumbles to himself, barely audible to Nick. “Wait!” Karl jumps up in excitement. “Can I come over? We can watch movies and play video games and have a sleepover!” Karl turns to look at him, excitement in his eyes, and joy spreading across his face. How could Nick say no?

“Ok ok, my apartment is this way.” 

So now Nick walks with Karl’s hand in his right as the brunette spews on about the lore of some video game and his nails digging into his left. How was he supposed to explain that there is one bedroom and barely enough space for one person. Plus the whole idea of him having to go to work. Maybe he could call Jack or Mark and see if they can cover. But that would be such an inconvenience to them and he is still the new kid. Maybe Karl can fall asleep and Nick can slip out quickly and come back before he wakes up. Yeah he can do that. But what if Karl wakes up and freaks out and begins looking around for him and finds his stuff. All the boxes of paperwork and legal documents. The lighters and lighters piled up in his draw. The small gun he keeps under his mattress for protection. No, no. He will be fine. Karl’s a heavy sleeper, and he will probably just think he’s in the bathroom. Everything will be ok. He told himself, ignoring the blood coming from the inside of his lip. Everything should be-

“You ok?” Karl knocked him out of his thoughts. 

“Yeah I’m ok, just thinking about some stuff.” Nick says, only now loosening the grip in his own hand. 

“Oh ok.” Karl seemed a bit upset but they moved on to fun banter and conversation.

They walked into the thin apartment building and climbed up to the top floor, where Nick’s apartment sat.

“This is my apartment.” Nick pulled out his key and opened it. He flipped the lights on and licked his shoes off. 

“You thirsty? Hungry? I got snacks.” He called over his shoulder from the kitchen. He turns around to see Karl just standing in front of the door. 

“Aren’t you going to show me around?” Karl says timidly. 

“Sure.” Nick says a bit too quickly. They pass the living room and go into a thin hall. The first door on the left is his bedroom and they both enter. Nick pauses and panics for a second, the closet door that holds all the important work sits in two shoe boxes stacked in the bottom. He casually makes his way over and slowly closes the door. 

“It smells like you.” Karl says relaxing a bit not noticing the boxes.

“I’d hope so.” Nick walks out and points to the bathroom door on the right. 

He thinks for a moment, realizing the closet door at the end of the hall can cover as his parents room. 

“That’s my parents room, but they don’t like people in it.” Nick covers up quickly. 

Karl seemed satisfied and they both walked into the living room, Nick grabbing the XBox controllers and plopping on the couch.

“I have Minecraft.” Nick smiled as Karl curled up next to him, controller in hand. 

So there they sat playing video games for two hours until Karl wanted to put a movie on (much to Nicks relief). 

“How about Up?” Karl said, already pressing play. 

Only twenty minutes later Karl was fast asleep, cuddled on top of Nick’s chest. He looked at the clock and realized he should get ready for work. 

He carefully got up and placed pillows under Karl’s head. After making sure he was comfortable with a blanket wrapped around him, Nick headed into his room. He grabbed the purple security guard uniform and black pants. He pulls the belt out from under his bed and checks to make sure his walk is talkie and taser were both there. He tapped the empty slot and dug under his mattress for the black pistol. He pulls the bandana out from his hair and brushes it back. He grabs his black boots, tie, jacket, and wallet as he makes his way for the door. He picks up his keys and checks over at the couch before leaving. 

He is greeted with Karl sleeping comfortably on the couch and a small smile pressed on his lips. 

“Goodnight Karl, I’ll be back.” He slips out the door and hopes that everything will be ok. 

The two finished their coffee date and the sun was setting. Luckily it wasn’t so cold you needed to layer but cool enough you would need a sweatshirt. So on this Saturday evening Karl shivered slightly, wearing only his light sweater. Nick dropped the other’s hand and stopped walking for a moment.

“What are you…” Karl trailed off, seeing Nick pull off his letterman jacket and put it over Karl’s back, who slid his arms into the holes. A soft smiler pulls across the brunette’s face. 

“You seemed cold.” Nick said, grabbing Karl’s hand into his own. 

They continued to walk until Karl checked the time.

“Hey the suns going to set soon, what do you want to do?” Karl offered up.

“I’ll walk you home, I don’t trust you to walk alone.” Nick chuckles. 

“What about you? Won’t your parents be worried?” Karl innocently asks.

Now Nick didn’t tell Karl nor anyone that he lived alone. In fact he rarely shared anything about his life to anyone since that first day. He didn’t want Karl to get scared and leave. He didn’t want anyone to look at him differently. Though he would never admit it, he liked his friends. He cared about them and what they thought of him.

“No it’s ok, I can take care of myself. And they are out this weekend.” Nick cursed at himself for a moment and held his breath. Parents not being home would be Karl’s opportunity to come over. And of course he was supposed to be at work in three short hours. 

“They seem to be out a lot.” Karl mumbles to himself, barely audible to Nick. “Wait!” Karl jumps up in excitement. “Can I come over? We can watch movies and play video games and have a sleepover!” Karl turns to look at him, excitement in his eyes, and joy spreading across his face. How could Nick say no?

“Ok ok, my apartment is this way.” 

So now Nick walks with Karl’s hand in his right as the brunette spews on about the lore of some video game and his nails digging into his left. How was he supposed to explain that there is one bedroom and barely enough space for one person. Plus the whole idea of him having to go to work. Maybe he could call Jack or Mark and see if they can cover. But that would be such an inconvenience to them and he is still the new kid. Maybe Karl can fall asleep and Nick can slip out quickly and come back before he wakes up. Yeah he can do that. But what if Karl wakes up and freaks out and begins looking around for him and finds his stuff. All the boxes of paperwork and legal documents. The lighters and lighters piled up in his draw. The small gun he keeps under his mattress for protection. No, no. He will be fine. Karl’s a heavy sleeper, and he will probably just think he’s in the bathroom. Everything will be ok. He told himself, ignoring the blood coming from the inside of his lip. Everything should be-

“You ok?” Karl knocked him out of his thoughts. 

“Yeah I’m ok, just thinking about some stuff.” Nick says, only now loosening the grip in his own hand. 

“Oh ok.” Karl seemed a bit upset but they moved on to fun banter and conversation.

They walked into the thin apartment building and climbed up to the top floor, where Nick’s apartment sat.

“This is my apartment.” Nick pulled out his key and opened it. He flipped the lights on and licked his shoes off. 

“You thirsty? Hungry? I got snacks.” He called over his shoulder from the kitchen. He turns around to see Karl just standing in front of the door. 

“Aren’t you going to show me around?” Karl says timidly. 

“Sure.” Nick says a bit too quickly. They pass the living room and go into a thin hall. The first door on the left is his bedroom and they both enter. Nick pauses and panics for a second, the closet door that holds all the important work sits in two shoe boxes stacked in the bottom. He casually makes his way over and slowly closes the door. 

“It smells like you.” Karl says relaxing a bit not noticing the boxes.

“I’d hope so.” Nick walks out and points to the bathroom door on the right. 

He thinks for a moment, realizing the closet door at the end of the hall can cover as his parents room. 

“That’s my parents room, but they don’t like people in it.” Nick covers up quickly. 

Karl seemed satisfied and they both walked into the living room, Nick grabbing the XBox controllers and plopping on the couch.

“I have Minecraft.” Nick smiled as Karl curled up next to him, controller in hand. 

So there they sat playing video games for two hours until Karl wanted to put a movie on (much to Nicks relief). 

“How about Up?” Karl said, already pressing play. 

Only twenty minutes later Karl was fast asleep, cuddled on top of Nick’s chest. He looked at the clock and realized he should get ready for work. 

He carefully got up and placed pillows under Karl’s head. After making sure he was comfortable with a blanket wrapped around him, Nick headed into his room. He grabbed the purple security guard uniform and black pants. He pulls the belt out from under his bed and checks to make sure his walk is talkie and taser were both there. He tapped the empty slot and dug under his mattress for the black pistol. He pulls the bandana out from his hair and brushes it back. He grabs his black boots, tie, jacket, and wallet as he makes his way for the door. He picks up his keys and checks over at the couch before leaving. 

He is greeted with Karl sleeping comfortably on the couch and a small smile pressed on his lips. 

“Goodnight Karl, I’ll be back.” He slips out the door and hopes that everything will be ok. 

Chapter 9

Summary:

Like I said, everything goes wrong.

Notes:

BIG TRIGGER WARNING FOR THIS CHAPTER PLEASE PAY ATTENTION TO WARNINGS! I WILL SUMMARIZE THE CHAPTER IN END NOTES! -
!TW!: homiohobia, cursing, fighting, panicking, anger issues, abuse (mention)
LIKE I SAID END NITES WILL HAVE SUMMARY!

To put it simply, everything was not ok. Definitely not ok. 

Nick was busy at work with some emergency at the facility, a small fire, and many many people coming in and out. So of course he didn’t even notice he didn’t have his phone. Only at seven thirty (with his shift ending an hour late) he realized his phone was gone. He didn’t think much of it, walking home, thinking he might need to shower to get the smell of smoke off of him. 

He walked up into his apartment and instantly realized something was wrong. The brunette he left on the couch was replaced by a pile of blankets and pillows resting on the couch. He immediately closed the door and ran into the kitchen. He noticed a small note on the table. 

He looked down to see Karl’s neat handwriting.

“Text me when you get home. We need to talk. -K ” Is what the note said. It was hard to not notice the little wet spots that were from the others tears.

“Fuck.” He yelled at himself. He rushed into the living room and grabbed his phone. He pulled up his contacts and clicked on “Love” and pulled it up to his ear. 

“Hey!” Karls voice came through the phone. Nick’s heart skipped a beat and then dropped. “I’m not at the phone right now, call me back later, and don’t bother with a message, just text. I don’t know how to get into my voicemail, sorry!” 

He hung up and called again, the message only playing again. 

“Karl pickup. Pickup!” He grew frustrated and grabbed his jacket and ran back out the door. He was running towards his house, through a shortcut through the park, when his phone began to ring. 

“Love” ran across the screen, Nick instantly picking up. 

“Karl? Karl I’m sorry, let me explain.” He spews out immediately.

“What do you want?” A voice not belonging to Karl came through. 

“Quackity?” Nick questioned. “Where’s Karl?” He began to feel angry. 

“Oh Karl? You mean the boy you left on your couch last night and did god knows what god knows where? That Karl? Or the Karl that called me while having a panic attack at your apartment asking for me to come pick him up? Or the Karl-“

“I get it. Put him on the phone.” He practically growled. He heard some shuffling and a voice, then a moment later a new voice came through.

“N-nick?” Karl spoke in an uneven broken voice.

“My love I-“

“Don’t call me that. Not right now.” Karl said so quietly it was practically a whisper.

“I’m sorry, let me explain.” Nick took Karl’s silence as he was willing to listen. 

“I work the night shift at some big lab as a security guard and I didn’t plan on telling you so I was just going to slip out and come home before you woke up. I…I didn’t mean to freak you out, I Just didn’t want to have to tell you about my life.”

“C-can we meet up?” Karl asks.

“Yes, yes anything you need. Where do you want to go?”

“Come to 98 Nevadas Drive. It’s a block from my house.” Karl spoke.

Hearing this made Nick’s heart sink. He knew that it had to be Quackity’s house. He knew Karl went to him.

“Ok. I’ll be there in twenty minutes.” 

“Ok, bye.” Karl hung up. No “I love you” or “see you soon”. Just “bye”.

Nick had only had two crushes in his entire life. One was a little brunette boy in kindergarten. He had short curly hair and round glasses, too big for his head. He was quiet but always talked a lot around him. In class on Valentine’s Day, he gave the boy a love letter and a bunch of candy. When he told his mother that night, she locked him in a small closet, drunk and angry, calling him slurs a toddler shouldn’t even be able to imagine. He called him “Nicky”. But somehow Nick couldn’t remember the boy's name. Just a bright smile and yellow sweater. He always beat himself up for that. Forgetting his first crush just because a woman who never cared told him not to.

———

He stumbled up the steps, breathless, and tired from running as fast as he could for so long. He should be used to running but not like this. Not when he is running towards something. He bangs on the door, anger taking over him. 

“KARL!” he backs up just in time to see the curtain drop and a silhouette move away. Moments later (moments that felt like an eternity) the door opened revealing Quackity, hair messily tucked under the beanie, and gray sweatpants with a navy hoodie over it over his body.

“Whe-“ 

“Leave.” Quackity deadpanned. 

“Excused me?” Nick spit, tapping the lighter he tossed in his pocket for comfort. 

“I said leave. You fucked up enough. Don’t talk to Karl. He doesn’t want to see you. He doesn’t fpwant to fucking be bothered with you you bas-” 

Nick threw a hard punch as Q. Hard and fast, lighter in fist to hit harder. 

“You don’t get to talk about him. You lost your chance so move.” Nick spoke as Quackity placed a few fingers to his mouth, feeling the blood from a cracked lip. Next thing Nick knew he was on the ground, pinned by the man. 

“I know you like fighting. But please just don’t get hurt. It’s too scary to wake up and wonder if you got beat up the night before. I want you to be safe. So please don’t fight anymore.” Karl held his hand as they sat in the brunette’s soft queen bed.

“Ok but as long as you keep painting my nails.” Nick joked. 

“Ugh…. You really like testing me. Fine! Deal” He said overdramatized, rolling his eyes and throwing his hands in the air. 

“You know how they seal deals in France?” He smirked.

“Fran-?” Karl was cut off with his lips meeting Nicks. Soft and sweet.

So how could Nick break a promise like that at a time like that? So he sat, only trying to shove the other off, rather than attacking. Blow after blow, he could feel Q’s anger and his own blood on his face. The sting of tears he only later realized where his, entering the new wounds. 

The hits ceased for a moment and the gullible man lifted his head just for it to get slammed back into the ground.

Everything freezes. His head is ringing and vision is going blurry. He barely makes out brown fluffy hair coming behind Quackity and pulling him off. Then slowly everything fades to nothingness.

Notes:

Summary:
Nick comes home from work and Karl’s not there. He sees a note from him saying they need to talk. He calls and calls no answer. Finally when there is an answer it’s Quackity. In Karl’s panic he went to Q. Nick runs over and then the two start arguing. They get physical and Nick remembers a promise not to fight anymore he made to Karl so he only try’s to get Q off (which fails) and he’s knocked out.
ANYWAYS LOL TAHT WAS ALOT! UH YA ALSO TYSM FOR 1000 HIT ILY ALLSMMM

Chapter 10

Summary:

Man’s wakes up in hospital, everyone’s else talks about what the actual hell is going on.

Notes:

TW: hospital, cursing, verbal abuse (flashback at beginning), also small recap of last chapter

“Nick.” His dad sat down at the hard metal table, bolted down to the ground. The heavy atmosphere of the interview room stresses him out. The police officer slammed the door shut as soon as his dad sat down. 

“Dad let me ex-“

“No. Nick. No.” His dad's eyes wandered to the handcuffs holding him to the table. “When your mother left… I knew things would be hard. Raising you on my own was scary. I thought I did a good job.” He paused. “Raised a good son. I really wanted to not become a stereotypical single father with a- I don’t know what to say Nick. You are going to prison. You hurt people.” 

“Just let me explain, Dad. Please.”

“Don’t call me your father.” Tears began spilling out of Nick's eyes.He stood up, pushing the chair back. “I can’t live with you as my son. When you get out, I want you to leave.” He walked to the door ignoring his own son's screams and pleas. 

“PLEASE DAD. I LOVE YOU! PLEASE.” 

“Shut up.” He growled. “You aren’t my son.” He slammed the door.

———

“Karl?” A voice said entering the hospital room door. Dream and George entered the room, Bad and Ant following. 

Karl stood and ran to the tall blonde giving him a hug, crying into his sweatshirt. 

“Hey I’m here, we’re here. It’s gonna be ok.” They all came and joined in a hug. After a few minutes, they all sat down in chairs scattered around the room. Awkward silence filled the room.

“So um, what happened?” George asked, breaking the stale air. 

“I-I was at N-Nicks and fell asleep and when I w-woke up he wasn’t th-there. So I panicked and then I running home and he st-stopped me and I knew I fucked up. I knew I fucked up. I…” he trailed off into a complete sob. After a minute of breathing exercises and calm talking Karl continued. “I was trying to come home but-but he w-wouldn’t let me. N-Nick called and he took my phone and told him to c-come. I d-didn’t want him to come, I just wanted to go home. Nick ran over and then th-they started arguing and fighting and I c-couldn’t get down until Nick was all b-beat and passing out and…” 

“Hey we got it. It’s ok now.” Dream pulled him into a small hug. 

“Who’s ‘he’?” Bad asked innocently.

“Q-Quackity. He was my ex. He was… He was an absolute dick. He manipulated me and was so toxic and a-abusive and I can’t help but still like him, not romantically.” Only Dream knew about it. He had a way of gaining everyone’s trust enough for them to tell him about their issues. They were all friends back when this all happened but nobody really knew about the relationship to start. Quackity was very private and now looking back Karl can admit the man seemed ashamed of their relationship. 

“Hey, isn't it weird that his parents aren’t here?” Ant speaks, changing the subject,

“Oh um ya, about that…” Karl sighed. “Yeah about that, I don’t think he lives with his family.”

“What?” Bad snapped his neck towards him.

“Yeah when I was in his house alone I checked around the rooms and his ‘parents room’ was really a closet.” Karl said quietly.

They all looked at him kind of oddly, confusion across all of their faces.

“Hello? Are any of you family?” A nurse walked into the room holding a clipboard. 

“Um….” A few voices rang out in the room. 

“Where is his family?” She asked again.

“He um… yeah he doesn’t have family.” George spoke.

“Well none of you should be here, the police are coming in a few minutes. Once he wakes up, he’s going back to juvey. Please leave before I come back.” She said as if it was completely normal. She walked away and continued her rounds.

Nothing was heard besides the slight, rhythmic beeping of the heart rate monitor. 

“Juvey? Like prison? And did she say back?!” Karl stood up, hands raking through his hair. 

“Sit down bud, once he wakes up-“

“We are being kicked out! How can we ask if we aren’t here?!” Karl was shouting and panicking. 

“Karl?” A hoarse scratchy voice spoke up, almost on command. Nick sat up, looking at the others, shock and defense lacing his body as he met the others stares. “Karl? What happened? Crap, my head hurts? Why is everyone here?” 

“You and Quackity got in a fight.” Bad spoke, knowing Karl wouldn’t. “He got you really bad and muffined you up.” 

“Oh.” A look of realization flashed over the brunette's face. He looked up to Karl, a tear threatening to fall down his cheek.

“I am so sorry Karl. Please, let me explain.” Nick began.

“It’s ok, you already did.” Karl planted a kiss on Nick's forehead. “I forgive you, my love.” He smiled and Nick returned with another kiss.

“Aweeeee!” They turned to see Antfrost smiling. “What? I’m a sucker for romance.” He protested. They all laughed for a moment, only to be interrupted by two people standing at the doorway in uniform. 

“Nickolas Incedis? We need to ask you a few questions.” One officer stepped forward. “If you could give us some space.” The other spoke.

“It’s fine, go home. I’ll call you later.” Nick gave them all a reassuring glance and Karl a quick peck and then they all left.

Well fuck me. He thought

Notes:

Hope y’all enjoyed :)
I love y’all and drink ur water

Chapter 11

Summary:

Insecure teenage boys and Phil Watson

Notes:

TW: hospitals, cursing, insecurities
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Aye besties! Luv y’all sm, ty for all the comments and reads! Drink water and eat a snack ily <3

“Dream?” Karl reached out and tapped the taller on the shoulder.
“What’s up?” He turned around. They stood in the hospital parking lot, walking together to Dream’s car. 
“Do you remember when Sapnap snapped at you? Like after he said something?” Karl watched the ground for a solid moment.
“Yeah why?” Dream waved the others to go to his car. They all complied not wanting to bother them.
“Do… do the cops coming have something to do with that? I mean why would they be here?” Karl looked up.
“Yeah, yeah it does. But I-“ 
“Hes my boyfriend. He still hasn’t told me. Can you?” The brunette cut him off. 
“It’s not my place Karl, maybe if he agrees but it’s not my place.” Dream continues.
“Yeah. Sorry.” Karl turns around and walks away from both the car and hospital.
“Karl where are you going?!” Dream yelled after him.
“Home.”
——
“Jesus Christ mate I told you to stop fighting. I knew you would get hurt bad.” Phil Watson, the only actual adult role model in Nick’s life. They met after Nick got out of prison, he is his parole officer. He’s a local in the area, three adopted kids I around his age. He was very open and friendly but Nick has gotten in trouble enough that he’s had Phil’s long lectures and stern looks. But now, on the man’s face was an expression of concern.
“How do you feel?” Phil was now speaking softer, more empathetic. 
“Head hurts, my shoulders sore, but I’m fine.” Nick avoided eye contact (much like someone else we know). 
“Why are you lying? What happened?” Phil sat back in his chair.
“Cop’s came in, told ’em I fell.” 
“So what actually happened?” 
“Some guy and I got into a fight.”
“I’ve seen you in fights, you have a good arm. So tell me what really did happen.” Phil saw through him like a piece of stained glass infront of the sun. 
So Nick explained. From the beginning, the way beginning. He told him about the burgers and the fight, the detention and the park, the job and the boyfriend, the promise and the ex, everything. He told Phil everything and Phil sat and listened, chiming in occasionally with an “Oh” or an “Ah”. The only thing he didn’t tell Phil was the names. He kept everyone’s identity private, just to make sure no one would have to sit through Phil’s wrath.
After a moment Phil spoke up. “If you didn’t have this job your boyfriend would’ve been at your house with you, he wouldn’t have left and would’ve been ok, correct?” 
“Wow thanks. But yeah.” Nick rolled his eyes.
“And you have the job to support yourself?” The wheels began turning in Phil’s head, and Nick could tell. 
“What are you…” 
“So if you didn’t have to care for yourself, alone, you could’ve avoided all of this?”
“Phillllll.” Nick whined. “We have talked about this, I am fine on my own. Plus your kids are a bit…” 
“What about my children, Nickolas?” Phil squinted his eyes at the teen.
“Nothing!” He threw his hands up defensively.
“Anyways, I have a spare room.” He began speaking seriously. “Why don’t you stay, just for a few weeks? Just until everything is ok? You can’t even work in your condition.” Phill looks Nick in the eyes, making sure he was considering it.
“Fine but only a week.” 
Phil beamed at the boys answer. “Good, your getting discharged tomorrow. I’ll drop by your apartment-“
“It’s fine, I’ll do it. I have some private stuff in there.”
“Fine, fine.” Phil replied. “Do you need clothes?” 
“Uh.” He looked down at his hospital gown. “Yeah.” 
“Ok, I’ll get some of Technos, you two seem about the same size.” Phil said, in a skeptical voice.
“Ok I’ll be back for your discharge.” Phil said getting up. “Your so lucky I was able to talk them out of taking you back. One more thing Nick and you could be tried as an adult. Be more careful.” His eyes were dark with these words. 
“Bye then.” Nick smiled and the other returned to his usual demeanor, smiling and waving away the boy.
“Oh by the way call your boy.” He said peeping into the room, now finically leaving.
Nick just sat too afraid, nervous to call Karl. He would talk to him later.
Yeah, later…

Notes:

Lol dadza

Chapter 12

Summary:

Nick’s on his way home when he has a nightmare(?).

Notes:

BIG TW: cursing, mentions of smoking, panic attack, flashback/nightmare, self harm, panic attack, vomiting

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PLEASE PAY ATTENTION TO TW! PLEASE PAY ATTENTION TO TW!

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ILY all ty sm for the hits! And don’t worry we will be getting more KarlNap stuff in a few minutes ;3

-
Anyways have fun, drink some water, and eat a snack <33

Nick comes out of the bathroom, feeling odd in the other boy's clothes. He could smell the pink haired man’s scent off the clothes. He threw the hospital gown on the table, not knowing what to do with it. He grabbed the sneakers and threw them on. He felt an ache in his shoulder as he reached down to put the left one on. He sighed and continued tying the long white lace to the black vans. 

“Ready mate?” Phil was leaning against the doorway. He also noticed a few familiar voices in the hall. Two Brits and an American. One cursing way too much, laughing, and one audibly sighing. Ah. The Watsons. Three teenage boys who are just a bit too… dramatic.

“The boys wanted to meet you.” 

This confused Nick a bit considering he has met Techno. Even hung out with him. It clicked when he realized Phil didn’t know about the smoking or the detentions. So like any good friend (if you can call him that) he pretended not to know the man. 

“Aye! I’m Tommy, this is Asshat and Bitchboy!” He came in and pointed to his brothers. 

“I’m Wilbur,” he jerked his thumb at the pinkette, “and that’s Technoblade.”

He smiled, not wanting to have to sit through this, “Nick.” He said.

A moment of awkward silence passed when Phil spoke up.

“Alright boys we need to make two pit stops on the way home, let’s get moving!” Phil clapped and walked out the door, causing the other two British boys to follow. Techno stayed behind for a moment.

“We’re good Techie.” Nick said, walking by, punching the taller one in the  shoulder. 

A grunt from the other was all that was needed for Nick to continue walking. 

All five of them sat in the car, Nick and Phil upfront with the boys in the back. 

“Nick, you get the front seat so you pick the music.” Phil offered, handing the boy the aux cord. 

“Uh, sure.” He plugs in his phone and goes to his Spotify, looking for something that wouldn’t exactly scare everyone too much.

ICP? definitely not. Darkie? Nope. Taylor’s Swift? No one will know about that one. Peep? To early. There we go, this playlist is better. 

He pressed shuffle and “Cigarette Daydream” came on, playing through the speakers. 

“Hey! I love this song!” Wilbur hopped up, excited and turned the music up.

“Nick get some sleep, it’s gonna be a long ride back to your apartment.” Phil said lowering the volume. 

“Mhm.” He replied, placing his head on his hand and leaning against the door.

Only after a few minutes Nick was out.

———

“Nicky!!!” He ran forward into the woman’s arms. He closed his eyes and buried them into her shoulder. 

“Mom!” 

“How was your day?” She asked, now standing holding his hand and guiding him to the kitchen.

“Good mommy, I-“

“Now Nicky what did I say about rambling?” She let go of his hand but now walked over to the sink and pulled a knife out of its spot.

“Sorry mommy!” He said.

“Good boy! Your very good. Now mommy loves you very much!” 

She turned around now. Blood seeped from her forearms, the knife clattering on the hard floor. 

“Give mommy a hug!”

——-

He shot up, banging his head on the roof of the car.

“Nick? Are you ok mate?” Phil slammed on the gas. Lucky for Nick the were in the right lane, so when he opened his door he wasn’t stumbling into traffic. 

“Nick!?” Techno was the first to fly out of the car.

The man was now on all fours throwing up onto the grass. Wilbur and Tommy stayed in the car, Wilbur hugging the blonde as a distraction. Both Phil and Techno sat outside, trying to get Nick to focus.

“Nick, breathe with me mate.” Phil said, hand on his back. He exaggerated his breathing so Nick could copy.

Techno gently grabbed the man by the arm, guiding him up and the pile of what was his breakfast.

The sat again, breathing slowly, rubbing small circles into his palm.

“J-just fuck off.” Nick said quickly, pulling his arm away and trying to stand up. He only stumbles a few steps to the car and throws the door open, falling over that. He took a moment then sat into the car.

“Mate? Are y-“ Phil started.

“Just take me home, I’ll be fine.” Nick growled in a shaky voice.

“Ok.” Phil sighed. They started the car again, and drove in silence. Phil and the boys are very confused but Nick is completely frozen by the nightmare. A nightmare. That’s all it was. Yeah. Right?

Notes:

PLEASE DIRNK WATER AND TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF <333

Chapter 13: AN

Hey luvies, little AN now!

I’m sorry about the slow updates and the crappy writing :l I have big tests coming up and a lot of stuff going on with my mental health, but hey I’ll be ok. Once again so sorry but I promise I’ll get a few chapter out (maybe 5) before the next year. Ily all, drink water, get a snack, take a nap, and im proud of you. <333

I also have another work called “God hates me.” on my account so check that out! (Summary below)!

He was never nice, never caring, never gentle. Only cruel, only unfair, only painful. Maybe there was a light at the end of the tunnel but now the boy has to run and run and run to get to it.

-

Or: SBI is a large (illegal) operation full of misunderstood villains and vigilantes. The three head have caught wind of an organization that takes orphans and tests new hybrid drugs on them. Over the years there has become only one left to save. A tall blonde with a red and white shirt, kick ass attitude and supposed avian hybrid blood.

-

Or or: Tommyinnit is stuck and a antisocial pig, scary ass pigeon and a moody ghost is leading the charge.
-

Or or or: Hybrid AU + Superhero AU + Tommy Angst + SBI + Found Family

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Hi! TW will be mentioned at the beginning of each chapter, ily and drink water! <3

Chapter 14

Summary:

TW: cursing (Tommy lol)

AN at the end

The boys all arrived at Nick’s apartment, but only he got out. Everyone sat in silence as Nick slammed the door. He shot an apologetic look to Phil quick enough only he would see it. He walked away leaving the three Brits and American to process what happened.
“What was that?” Tommy asked, breaking the silence. Though he seemed calm and confident it was obvious he was scared just like the others.
“I don’t know. I haven’t seen a panic attack that bad. Since…” Techno trailed off.
“Since before I was on my meds.” Will completed the thought.
“What happened to him, Phil?” Tommy asked.
They all knew enough about mental health between the three of them. Tommy and his ADHD, Will with his anxiety, and Techno with his obvious anger issues. Phil knew adopting three adolescents from foster care would be difficult. He did research, read books, talked to friends and coworkers. They all tried to be educated and Will knew first hand about the panic attacks. They all knew one way or another.
“Mate, you know I’m not supposed to tell.” Phil frowned. The boys knew his job required confidentiality and security, otherwise no one would open up to him.
“I know,” Tommy sighed and threw his head back. “It would just make getting to know him and understanding him easier! Plus he’s like Tech, he doesn’t share!” Tommy whined more.
“Thanks.” Techno mumbled. “I’m so honored.”
“Shut the fuck up!” Tommy yelled. They continued to argue and bicker as siblings do.

———

Nick felt more winded than usual going up the stairs. He got to his apartment and found it unlocked. He walked in confused for a moment, not remembering running out and leaving it open. He walked in and around the mess of his living room. He went into his room and grabbed a duffel bag. He threw three sets of clothes, and a bunch of hygiene stuff. He threw his back pack over his shoulder after stuffing it full of legal documents. He stared at the draw his extra lighters were in. He hesitantly shoved one in his pocket.
He walked back into the living room and checked he had everything he needed. He sighed and walked out the door, grabbing his keys and locking it this time. He walked slowly down the stairs and kept walking out to the car. They all looked as though they were joking around and arguing. He thought of all the fun times with Karl. All the days spent together, the nights cuddled up. Everything they have done together is now a precious memory in Nick’s head.
He snapped out of his thoughts when Techno made eye contact with him. He shook off the glare and kept walking to the back of the car. Techno got out and opened the trunk.
“I get it.” Techno said.
“What?” Nick looked up at the man.
“We were all in foster care for anywhere between eight and thirteen years. It’s tough. I’m not sure what you exactly went through but I’m here and I get it.” Techno closed the trunk and got back into the car.

Notes:

Hey so sorry I haven’t uploaded in a bit. I’ve been struggling with my mental health and went to inpatient. I’m ok now and appreciate the continued support! I love you all <33

Chapter 15

Summary:

They show up to SBI house. Nick has a phone call to make.

Notes:

TW: cursing, mention of panic attack

The trip was short but the whole scenery changed. The yard began to stretch further and further back. The houses began to be further in between. Eventually they pulled into a long driveway to a large two story house. It was painted blue and had a wrap around porch with a small swing. “This is it.” Phil’s spoke. He parked the car and everyone got out. Nick walked to the back only to see Phil walking to the house with his luggage.
“Tom’s! Give the tour?” Phil called. “Yep! C’mon big man, I’ll show you around!” Tommy ran into the house, leaving the man he is supposed to be touring around with his older brother. “Sorry about him, he’s just excited.” Will spoke. He walked into the house leaving Nick alone outside.
He pulled his phone out of his pocket and went into his contacts. He clicked his favorites and called the only contact there. He called them and put the phone up to his ear. It rung once when the other person picked up.
“Sap? Are you ok?” Karl spoke.
“Yeah I’m fine. I’m out of the hospital.” Nick spoke.
“Good I’m coming over.” He heard Karl shuffling in the background.
“I’m not home. A whole bunch of legal stuff but I have to live with some dude and his foster kids.” Nick spoke.
“Wait, are you living with Mr. Watson?!” Karl spoke.
“Uh yeah? How did you know?” Nick asked, shocked.
“He’s always taking in kids, pretty much the only guy in this town nice enough to do it.” Karl continued and changed the topic to something a bit more… sensitive. “I’m sorry about Quackity. He’s an asshole and I’ve already dealt with him.”
“Dealt with him?” Nick asked, confused as to what Karl did.
“Not like that!” Karl laughed. Nick smiled at the warm feeling he felt in his chest. It slowly replaced the nausea in his stomach. He settled against the car, catching himself smiling. He zoned out on the sweet voice of Karl talking, and closed his eyes. He saw memories dance in his head, of laughter and joy.
He opened his eyes and a pinkette quite literally jump scared him into a yelp.
“What the fuck man?!” Nick screamed, also scaring Karl. “I’m sorry, I gotta go.” He spoke into the phone, “Love you”. He mumbled. He clicked the small red button, ending the call.
Techno raised an eyebrow and smirked, causing annoyance in Nick.
“What do you want?” Nick asked again.
“Phil wants you inside. He’s gonna go over the rules. He didn’t want to interrupt your call, but I didn’t care as much.” The do said in his ever so monotone voice.
“Fine.” Nick spoke, following him into the house.

Notes:

I’m sorry for the short chapters, I accidentally split the two up. I’ll have a double upload today to make up for it.

Ly all and tyyyyy <3

Chapter 16

Summary:

TW: drugs, cursing

 

Drink water, get a snack, and enjoy!

Notes:

Double uplaod as promised!

Tysmmmmm ly all!!!

“Hey big man, come with me.” Tommy jumped behind Nick as soon as he opened the front door and crossed the threshold and grabbed his arm. 

He dragged him through a simple living area. A four person couch and a lounge chair. A wooden table sat in front of it. A TV sat across from that in a bookshelf that looked hand made. A plethora of books sat on the shelf. Everything from what looked like romance books to textbooks on mythology to old classics like Sherlock Holmes. He only caught a glimpse of a few pictures with the three boys and Phil, all holding pieces of paper and beaming.

Now he’s in the kitchen sitting in a wooden chair with a soft cushion on the bottom. This also looks handmade. The table was a darker brown than the chair. Five placemats sat around the table, nothing on them yet. 

“So Nick,” Phil started, he sat across from him, in another wooden chair. “I wanted to just go over the rules. First for more… legal reasons, I need to know if you have any lighters on you?” 

“No.” Nick lied. He lied straight to Phil’s face.

“Good.” He smiled. “Now other rules are simple. No drinking,” Crap. “No smoking,” Damnit. “And No drugs.” Fuck. “Good?” Phil asked. 

“Good.” Nick smiled a very false smile.

“Perfect! Now there’s also this. I know you’ve been through a lot and I want you to know you can reach out to any of us for help while you're here. We all have boundaries and I was just curious if you would want to let me know any of them?” Phil asked.

“Nope, I’m good.” Nick spoke. 

“Okay, let me know if that changes. I know you're here for a week but you're recuperating and you need to gain back your strength.” Phil stood up, “You can stay in the guest room. Follow me.”

He walked into the small room. It only held a twin size bed, a dresser, and a desk but that was enough for him. He smiled and thanked Phil. 

“It’s okay mate, everyone needs someone sometimes.” He placed a hand on the boys shoulder and walked out. Before he closed the door he reminded him that diner was at six o’clock and left. 

He noticed his bags placed on the floor and decided against putting any of his clothes away in case he had to leave fast. He pulled out the lighter and threw it into the connected bathroom. He also grabbed a new set of clothes (one that didn’t reek of vomit)and headed for the shower. As he stepped into the shower he didn’t know of the conversation going on in the room opposite of his.

“Stop it Will!” Techno yelled. The usually stoic man was angry.

“It’s not good for you!” Wilbur yelled back. He held two bags of weed in his hand and a bottle of pills in the other. “Please, Techno, listen to me!” The brunette pleaded.

“No Wilbur! That’s my stuff! I spent money on that!” Techno now tackled Wilbur to the floor, the bottle spilling open. The door slams open and Phil stands in disbelief with a scared Tommy behind him. 

“Boys. Separate. Now.” The quickly scuttled away from each other. “Who’s going to explain to me why Tommy came crying to me about you two yelling.” He stared at the boys. They each avoided eye contact hoping they wouldn’t have to explain. After a moment Wil spoke up. “I found out Technos been smoking so I checked his room and found pills and weed and I didn’t know what to do and he walked in and-“ 

“Will, breathe. Go with Tommy into the living room. Tech and I need to have a chat.” With Phil’s words both Wilbur and Techno stood up, but only one walking out of the room. 

Phil closed the door and continued to watch Techno. 

“Is this all of it?” Phil asked.

“Yeah.” Techno sighed.

“Why?” Phil spoke quieter than usual. “Why didn’t you come to me? Why didn’t you ask for help? The first time I met you I said I would be here for you. So why did you feel like you needed to do this?” A tear slipped down Phil’s cheek. 

He was met with silence.

“Please talk to me, Technoblade.” He pleaded. The other man stared at the ground, not knowing what to say. 

“Ok. Then let’s just get rid of this stuff ok mate?” He spoke. He picked up each pill and each bag. He took it all into the bathroom and flushed them down the toilet, never to be seen again. 

“Let’s go make dinner.” Phil held out his hand.

“Ok.” Techno replied.

In the room over, a confused man steps out of the shower. He thought he heard yelling but wasn’t sure if it was his imagination. Whatever it was, it was over now and he didn’t care too much anyways. He sat on his bed and stared at his hands for a second. He thought about the fire. The first fire. It felt like a long time but it still was fresh in his mind. The firefighters rushed in, the students running out. Teachers frantically gather their students, cops running after him. It all felt so vivid in his memory.

He sighed and stood up, put in his earbuds and pressed play, with a smile, music flowed into his ears. 

 

Notes:

Ty for 2,000 hits ily all sm <3333