The Prince that Wore a Mask (DNF & Karlnapity)

Part Seven - It's Not Your Fault

When the day became late, and the boys discussed a small amount more, the group decided it was around the time to go back home.

As it turned out, Sapnap and Dream had been hopping around places for the weeks they've been preparing to go to L'manberg. To make things easier for their departure, Alex insisted they stay with him and George, to which George agreed.
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George walked into the dining room, finding himself sitting down at the table. Behind him, Alex, Dream and Sapnap conversed about plans for the next morning. George tried not to pay them much attention, as he pulled out his notes and attempted to journal.

He figured keeping a diary would be a good idea, seeing as how dramatic and unrealistic this all seemed to be.

He tapped his pen.

Between the chatting, the sound of the clock ticking in the background, and all that had been said earlier today, Geroge couldn't concentrate. He slammed his journal shut and went to his room, frustrated.

He melted into his bedsheets, gripping the fleece softly, kicking his shoes off and simply letting them fall to the floor.

Then, there was a knock on the door.

George didn't move, "Come in."

Footsteps echoed into his space, it was Alex.

"George..."

Alex walked into his room, sitting down on George's desk as George lay sprawled out in his bed, "You haven't really said much to anyone since you found out about...you know, everything."

George turned in his bed to look at him. His stare was only cold.

He needed to be alone.

"Look George, you know I'm here if you need to–"

"Please, just go, Alex. I'm just tired. Give me time to recharge," George tossed around, facing the wall.

Alex hesitated, but respected his decision, and he stood up and walked out of Geroge's room.

At this moment, George recalled a song that Wilbur used to sing to him when they were younger, barely out in the world surviving before Phil found them.

The melodies of what once was filled his memory bank, and he soon found himself drifting off into sleep.

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Alex titled the door towards his body and shut it quietly.

He was used to this kind of reaction from George.

Ever since George heard that Wilbur passed away, things were different. It was little gestures about him that he noticed, but Alex knew it would soon pass, and one day his friend could move on.

Sapnap saw the look strewn across Alex's face as he came back to the group. It was different from the cocky man he had witnessed hours prior.

"Everything okay?" Sapnap stopped writing on the plans they'd been making.

Alex walked into the kitchen, running his hand over the all too familiar countertops, "he's just tired..."

Before more was said, there was a knock on the door.

Alex rushed over, "Must be Karl."

Upon seeing Alex, Karl knew something was up. He wasted no time, and embraced Alex into a hug.

Alex savored the moment, the change of pace brightened his mood, even if it was just a little.

Karl had that effect on him.
Karl had that effect on most people.