Back in the Saddle

A Different Light

Karl's POV:

I spend the next twenty minutes explaining in excruciating detail what exactly happened to Dallas and I a year ago that caused my life to fall apart to Tommy. He was very respectful and actually listened, which honestly surprised me. He can be calm when he wants to, it's just the outward persona, the act he uses that makes him seem rude and inconsiderate. By the end, I don't regret telling him any of it. And I also don't regret telling Toby and George about the nightmare.

"Thanks for listening to this, guys. I didn't mean to dump all of this on you," I say once I've finished.

"Of course, Karl. I'm glad you told me about it: I can't imagine what that must have been like for you," Tommy replies, offering me an understanding smile. George and Toby nod in agreement.

"There is one thing, though. You cannot tell anyone else about this. Not Wilbur, not Ranboo, not Phil or Kris, not Clay, and especially not Alex or Nick. Okay? I mean it, I don't want any of them to know about this."

"We understand, boss man," Toby agrees.

"Hey, dinner's ready," Wilbur says after knocking on the door, scaring the crap out of me. He opens it a little, peeking in to see all of us on my bed. "You guys having a party in here without me? That's not very brotherly of you, I hope you know," he jokes and I can't help but crack a smile.

"No one asked. Go back to Sally and Niki and Fundy 'cuz we don't want you here," Tommy says, going back to his normal self in the blink of an eye.

"I want you here," I mumble.

"Well then you can go too, Karl, 'cuz this here is the cool kids club and Wilbur is not a cool kid, therefore he cannot stay. Feel free to join him," Tommy practically shouts, resulting in loud laughter from Toby and an annoyed yet amused glare from George. Wil simply watches before speaking up again.

"Listen, you're in my house-"

"This isn't your house! This is dadza and mumza's house. They bought it with their big bucks," Tommy argues and he and Wilbur continue to go back and forth for like five minutes until George finally grows irritated with the bickering.

"Let's go get food before mum comes up here and drags us down by our ears," he says, pushing himself off my bed and leaving quickly.

Toby hops up after him, followed by Tommy who flips Wil off before skipping down the stairs. I remain seated on the bed, trying to gather myself completely before going down to the crowded kitchen. Wilbur notices my hesitation and he waits for me, one hand still on the door knob. I refuse to look at him, because I know that if I do, I'll spill out everything I'm thinking and feeling, and I don't really want to do that to him.

"I won't lie, I eavesdropped on that entire conversation," he says; abruptly my eyes shoot up to him. "I'm sorry, but I didn't want to interrupt and I wanted to be sure that you were okay. If you ever have another nightmare, you can come to me. I promise that it doesn't affect me like you may think it does. In a way I am like your older brother, Karl, so please treat me that way and come to me when you need help, because I want to do everything I can to make sure that you're okay. Mental health is just as important as physical health."

"Thank you, Wil. I appreciate that more than you know," is all I say in response.

He gives me a wide smile that shows off each of his pearly white teeth and extends his hand for me to take. I do, and together we go downstairs to see an enthusiastic Tommy talking to Phil, who is simply laughing at Tommy's logic regarding why Phil is the best father in the world. I mean, only few would argue that he's wrong.

"Karl, what is your take on this subject?" Tommy says as soon as his blue eyes see mine.

"I think that he is an amazing father and I am grateful to have him," I answer, meaning every word. Kristen awes and Phil blushes modestly before going back to preparing his plate.