*Starbound* // DNF

- 8 -

So, you know when the prince accidentally does something that upsets the princess, and then has to do everything in his power to make it up to her? This is one of those situations.

And believe me when I tell you: this princess was really upset.

"What the fuck are you doing here, Clay?"

I hadn't heard George raise his voice like that. Ever.

I avoided his gaze. "Oh, hi George! Fancy seeing you here?"

His eyes furrowed. "Did you follow me here?" 

I shuffled my feet. "Ok, before you get mad, we were supposed to be going out, and you didn't show up!"

George's face began to heat up in his anger. "That doesn't give you a right to stalk me!"

"It wasn't stalking... what are you doing here anyway?"

"It's none of your business"

I sighed. "Are you ok?"

"No, Clay. I'm not ok. Actually, I'm far from it, because my boyfriend seems to think it's normal to follow me and stick his nose in my business. In fact, I think I need a bit of space from you. I can't believe you would do that!" He was yelling now, his words filled with malice.

Ok. Now I was pissed off.

"You know what George? You keep bailing on our dates, and then never tell me why? Do you not trust me?" I was fuming.

"No, I don't trust you. Go away, Clay." George glared at me.

"Fine."

I stormed back to Sapnap, leaving George in the car park. I could feel the tears welling up in my eyes as I stared out the window. 

Sapnap broke the awkward silence. "Well, I'm not going to say I told you so, but-"

"Shut up Sapnap."

--

I hadn't heard from George for three days. 

Not that I wanted to hear from him. No, I was still mad at him. He started it by not showing up. Yup. George's fault. 

But I couldn't help worrying. Where was he? Was he thinking about me too? Should I apologise?

No. I didn't do anything wrong.

Apart from following him and betraying his trust. 

Ok, I see Sapnap's point now.

I headed over to George's house. I raised my hand to knock on the door, but at the same moment, George came marching out. 

He stopped in his tracks.

"I was just coming to see you," he murmured.

I smiled. "Hi, George. I'm so sorry." 

He sighed. "I'm sorry too, for shouting. But I didn't appreciate you following me. You could have just asked." He folded his arms across his chest.

I nodded, "I understand, I think I was just feeling insecure. I was worried when you didn't show up..."

"I didn't mean to worry you." George pulled me into a tight hug.

I missed the feeling of being in his arms.

I could feel the tears fall.

He pulled away. "You're not crying, are you?"

"No..." I sniffled.

"God Clay." He rolled his eyes, grinning. He held his hand to my face, slowly wiping the tears from my cheeks.

What can I say? I get emotional. Stop judging me.

His smile fell and a flash of worry crossed his face. "But Clay, we actually really need to talk."

"About what?"

"About the reason I've been missing our dates for the past couple of months."

"Ok," I said quietly.

"I've been lying to you, Clay. Because I couldn't even accept it as the truth until now, but I need to tell you."

He took a deep breath in. "I found out a few months ago. And I don't want you to worry. But,"

"I have cancer, Clay."

That was when the end of the world began.