Predator (DWT x OC)

38

The next days are a whirlwind, full to the brim with meetings and announcements, everybody in L'manburg running around with a million things to do. I often find Tommy's sleeping body draped over the wooden table of the van, Wilbur strewn out over the camp bed Niki set up just for him in at her place, feet dangling off the end of the too small canvas. I barely see Jack and Tubbo, too busy with the campaign.

Yet somehow, we all find ourselves packed into Niki's cave on the night of the election. Wilbur called it a long overdue get together. 

I would probably call it more of a final goodbye to L'manburg as we knew it. 

I'm perched on the edge of the bench, holding a glass of cheap champagne that Wilbur got from god knows where. Alcohol is hard to come by, and only villages up in the mountains stock the good stuff. Tommy's busy pouting after Wilbur banned him from any, proclaiming the fact that it would only further stunt his 'limited brain development'. 

It was hard not to laugh at that, but I managed to make it up to Tommy by sneaking him a some when Wilbur wasn't looking. 

Jack's in the kitchen with Niki, probably hindering more than helping, but attempting to assist her in cooking dinner all the same. She already booted me out of the kitchen, and judging by the way she shoos him out of the way, I'd say Jack's next on the chopping block. Wilbur and Tubbo sit on the couch, talking animatedly about something that I can't make out. 

After everything, this night would be enough to bring me to tears. Instead, I just relish in the pretence of the old times, when we were a family in a tiny little van, kept safe by flimsy walls. It's enough for now. 

Tomorrow, regardless of what happens, nothing will be the same. 

I roll my eyes at the look Niki gives me, as I scull the glass of champagne, wincing the tiniest bit at the bubbles that fizz in my nose. I'm about to ask her about dinner when Sapnap's voice floats through the entrance. 

"Hey guys." He says, sounding unsure, hovering just out of the cave mouth. 

I snap my head to the side so quickly I swear I could hear a snap, looking quizzically at Niki, who's expression betrays no surprise. 

"Sapnap! Thanks for coming." She says warmly, rounding the bench and motioning him to come inside, then pulling a glass bottle out of his arms and setting it pointedly on the top shelf. 

As if I that's going to stop literally anyone. 

I don't react for a moment, just taking the sight before me in. The previous buzz of warm, comfortable familiarity has died, leaving tense silence in its wake, the cave too hot, too cramped. Sapnap's dressed casually in all black, hair still kept off his face by the white headband on his forehead. 

What I notice the most, is how tired he looks, dark rings circling the underneath of his eyes, skin paler than normal. He offers me an unsure smile, fingers flexing nervously at the side of his legs. 

I surprise even myself, when I leap off of the counter and pull him into a hug, burying my face into his shoulder. He hands hover over my back, unsure for a moment, before he returns it, desperately wrapping his arms around me in a crushing embrace. 

My conversation with Dream has thrown things in a new light. I guess I'm just too exhausted to hate everything, to deal with my hurt and pain with anger and rage. Wounds don't heal when all you do is tear them open again. 

Because maybe I do owe myself the kindness of forgiveness, the soothing relief of letting that blazing hatred go, replacing it with love and acceptance. And you know what? Maybe I owe Sapnap that too.