The Apocalypse [Dreamnotfound AU]

Deal's Done

Tw: mild swearing, zombies

Karl makes sure to keep a firm hand on Sapnap's arm as they walk toward the van, just in case he decides to forget his promise to George and attack George's kidnappers anyway.

Sapnap's muscled arm is tense under his hand, and Karl can practically feel the tension rolling off him in waves. Dream isn't too much better from where he's standing next to George. Even though he's a little more relaxed than Sapnap, his green eyes are still stormy as he stares at the group of people in the van.

For the record, the people in the van look pretty terrified as they walk towards them.

The guy behind the wheel looks like he's wondering if he should just start up the van and leave before a fight can break out. He nods at them, trying to seem casual, and Karl tightens his hand on Sapnap's arm a little. He's not sure how he feels about the people who kidnapped and then returned George, but what he does know is that they have a cure that can save Sapnap. And that's what matters.

Just not to Sapnap, apparently.

"Calm down, Nick, jeez," Karl says, trying to keep his voice quiet and light even as his heart drums against his chest. "You're not gonna solve anything if you kill them."

"I didn't say I'm gonna kill them," Sapnap mutters back, but his eyes soften a little as he turns to meet Karl's gaze. He sighs in mock annoyance. "Fine, I'll be good, I promise."

Karl grins, even as a shiver dances over him at the words. But he just pinches Sapnap's cheek, giggling when Sapnap frowns. "Good. That's all I ask for."

Karl giggles again when Sapnap glares at him. But he moves his hand off Sapnap's arm to interlock their fingers instead.

"Will you guys focus for one second?" George says, shooting them a glare as he stops in front of the van. But Karl doesn't think he's actually upset, not when his gaze warms when it lands on Sapnap, like he's happy for him. Like he's happy he's with Karl. The thought brings heat to his cheeks.

"We're unarmed," the guy behind the wheel calls, holding up his hands in innocence or surrender.

Dream rolls his eyes, even as George shoots him a reproachful look. "Just get out of the van, idiots. We're not gonna kill you. Unless you piss us off."

George pinches Dream's arm. "He doesn't mean that."

"We're coming out," a brown-haired kid calls from the back of the van. The masked guy sitting next to him mimes face-palming and Karl can't help but giggle, both at the words and at the reaction.

"I can't believe you got kidnapped by a bunch of teenagers," Sapnap mutters to George. George tries to hit him and he dodges, lips twitching into a smile.

"Okay, guys," George says like he's announcing something. He introduces each of the would-be kidnappers as they exit the van, Wilbur, the dude behind the wheel, getting out last. Karl nods at all of them, deciding to stay friendly until they give Sapnap the cure. Sapnap, on the other hand, barely acknowledges them unless it's to give them a deathstare that makes Tubbo and Tommy go pale and Ranboo keep a good distance between them.

Bad, Skeppy, Techno, Montero, and Quackity all join them, crowding around the van, until Wilbur and the others look a little nervous. When Karl catches sight of the murderous look in Quackity eyes, he understands why.

"Jesus Christ, guys," Karl mutters, stepping forward before a fucking revolt can happen.

"Who are you?" Tommy asks, looking worried, and Karl has to stifle a giggle.

"I'm Karl," Karl says, sticking out a hand, which Tommy shakes carefully. "This is Sapnap, Quackity, and..."

Tubbo's eyes go wide as saucers as he yelps, "Is that Lil Nas X?" When Montero grins sheepishly and gives a little wave, Tubbo claps a hand over his mouth, cheeks turning red. Tommy stammers something, and even Wilbur looks a little awestruck. Only Ranboo seems unfazed as he nods casually at all of them.