Back in the Saddle

Making Up

Karl's POV:

Seeing Nick's face the moment he laid eyes on me up on that rock made it so worth it. Of course I wasn't going to not show up: I had to be sure that he was okay. And now I see that he is more than okay. He won, he did the thing that everyone said was virtually impossible.

He sits on the ground, breathing heavily, and when he realizes what he just accomplished, his eyes light up and a big smile grows on his face. The crowd is practically shrieking, chanting his competition name loudly and talking about how amazing he is. Even Techno, who I've been keeping an eye on since his turn, has a proud type of look on his face at seeing what Nick just did.

I slide off the rock and into the arena. None of the helpers try to stop me since they all recognize me and know that I work here as I run towards Nick, who is still just sitting in the dust. He isn't looking in my direction, but when he hears me call out to him, his head snaps towards me.

He stands up and catches me when I leap into his arms. So it may be a little cheesy, but you have to understand that I was worried that he might actually die. I should've had more faith in him than that.

He keeps me firmly against his chest, hand in my hair and face buried in my shoulder. He pays no mind to the people trying to get his attention so they can congratulate him or get his autograph; he only cares about me. They have no idea why we're just standing here, hugging. To them this is probably stranger than him making it the whole eight seconds.

"I didn't think you were gonna show up," he says, moving his head back so he can look at me.

"I couldn't take the chance of you getting hurt and me not being here for you."

"I think we should probably talk. And I promise, this will be nothing like last time."

I nod and he takes my hand, leading us away from the crowd and towards the booth I saw all the competitors come out of when it was their turn. No one's inside, probably all outside taking photos or getting cleaned up, so we have the tent to ourselves. I just hope this time it goes better than it did last time.

"I want to start by apologizing," Nick starts. "I shouldn't have been as big of a dick as I was when I told you that I wasn't going to back out of the competition. I should've tried to understand where you were coming from more and I should've just told you exactly why I couldn't quit. My moms and I got into a fight on Wednesday after our date because they wanted me to join the military but I didn't want to. So, I said that if I win this competition, since it's so difficult to beat this bull, that they had to drop it. I couldn't quit because I wanted to prove to them that I can do this."

"You should have told me that, nimrod. It probably would've changed how against it I was," I sigh, knowing what I need to say. "I appreciate your apology, but you're not the only one that needs to. I was way out of line trying to get you to give up something you're so passionate about, but... So, about a year ago, someone I cared about a lot died. He was- well, he was my fiance. Ever since then, I haven't wanted to get close to someone because I was afraid I'd lose them too. So, when I finally let you in and I learned that you were gonna do this super risky thing, I instantly got scared that I'd lose you. Which is why I was so pushy, but that doesn't excuse it."

"Karl," he says with a sweet smile. "I really appreciate your concern, and I'm so sorry about your fiance. But you don't have to worry about me, I'm good at surviving. Besides, being on that bull made me realize that this profession probably isn't the best option for me."

"Really?" I ask, surprised.

"Yeah. I have actually put a lot of thought into it--before this, not on the bull--and I suppose going into the military, at least for a little while, isn't the worst decision in the world. It could guarantee a job, insurance, education. And it would make my mom happy. So, I think I'll look into it a little more, and I'm gonna do it."

"Wow. That's a big choice," I mumble. "I think I'm going to try to go back to school. I'm not sure when, but at some point I might need to. If I want to have a future, that is."

"Well, some part of a plan is better than nothing right?"

"Right."

"I'm really glad you're talking to me again. Let's please just try to not have any more fights for at least another week? I don't think my heart could handle you being mad at me any more." I burst out laughing and he gives me an admiring smile. "How about we go out there and find our friends then get something to eat? I'm starving."

"Sounds perfect."

===

After a drive where Alex got to control the music, which was a pretty brutal ride, we arrived at the restaurant. Nick already got his money, but I told him I was paying for us to at least somewhat make up for the dinner he bought me the other night. Reluctantly, he agreed to that.

The wait wasn't too long for a Saturday night, and before long we were sitting in a booth, laughing and having a good time. Alex and Nick were bullying George for wanting to order water when everyone else--besides me--was drinking, while Clay and I sat back and laughed. They then moved on to teasing Nick and I for the way we hugged each other after the competition, because apparently that is hilarious.

"Shut up," Nicks says, glaring at Alex. "You're just jealous 'cuz you're the only one here who isn't dating anyone."

"What are you talking about? I literally have a girlfriend," he responds in the most serious voice he can muster. It's so good that I almost believe him, but I know Alex, and I know what's coming next.

"Wait, what? Who? Since when?"

"Since like a week ago, your mom and I have been having-"

George interrupts him by blowing his straw wrapper at him. Alex angrily throws it back, but because it's paper, it just floats back down to the table, which we all find hilarious, of course.

"My moms are literally lesbians, idiot," Nick laughs.

"Well that's weird because she didn't seem to be complaining. Neither did the other one when we did it the next night. Maybe I converted them."

"I literally hate you. Like seriously, why am I friends with you?"

"Because I'm the funniest one here. Don't try to lie, you love me."

"I don't think that's true," George says, sipping on his water.

"Shut up, no one asked you Geroge. Just keep drinking your water like the pussy you are. Karlos, you like me, right?"

"Depends on the day," I answer, eating a fried green bean while Clay and Nick laugh.

"I swear, you all text about me behind my back and just agree to bully me. It's true, I know it's true! My friends secretly hate me and don't even have the heart to tell me! Why am I even here if I'm just gonna be fifth wheeling?"

"Oh calm down, you dick, you know we love you," Clay says between laughs, patting Alex on the shoulder.

"DO I know that?"

"Yes you do, nerd," I say, wrapping one arm around his shoulder.

"Fine, maybe I do. But I don't love you guys back, I just want to make that known."

"You can leave then. No one's stopping you," George says.

"After you you little-" a string of curse words follows this sentence.

Word Count- 1333

a/n- this is the last real chapter before a sort of conclusion and then an epilogue. i tried to include as much of their friendship and bantering as possible, so i hope you laughed lmao