actions speak louder than words {karlnap}

chapter 20

CW// very slight angst i guess

(Nick POV)

Part of me knows I should be angry.

But the rest of me expected it. 

The way his eyes light up when he talked about Alex was enough. For me, at least. It wasn't an "I'm in love" gleam in his eyes, but an "I might be crushing" gleam. And I didn't pay much attention to it. I knew that, if something did happen between them, he'd still come home, he'd still love me, he'd still be with me. Maybe when he went back, it wouldn't matter anymore, but I wouldn't care, because I would have the memories we made over Christmas. 

The stars wink down at Karl and I as we lay in the middle of the field across from the school. He rests his head on my shoulder as my arm curls over his shoulders. My other arm is tucked under my own head because neck problems aren't fun, according to Granny. 

"How's Cherry?" Karl asks quietly, as if he's scared the moment will be ruined if he's too loud. 

"They're good," I reply. "I walked in on them and my mom cuddling the other day, and they both giggled when I caught them. They seem really happy together."

Karl doesn't immediatley reply, and I'm sure his brain is piecing together an image of what I saw. "I'm glad," he mutters. 

"Cherry did actually come over once while Mom was at work to talk to me," I say. "Just last week or so, the day after mom told me. They sat with me on the couch and told me about when I was younger. They said that they were there when I took my first steps, and Mom got jealous when it was towards them and not her. They were also there when I said my first words, which were -- and I kid you not -- 'mama Cherry'."

Karl coos. "That's adorable."

I giggle. "Mom always lied and told me I just said 'dada' or something, and I believed her, even though I knew dear old Dad was never in the picture. But Cherry thinks I wasn't calling them my mom, which Mom seems to think, but instead I was trying to say 'mama and Cherry'."

"Baby you is too cute," Karl says, giggling. 

I smile and squeeze his bicep lightly. "What about you?" I ask. "What's something fun at school?"

He hums. "Well, I start my new job in two days," he says. "Ooh, you'll love this." Sarcasm is heavy in his voice. "Guess who DMed me recently?"

My brow furrows. "Who?"

"I swear to god if you react poorly I might leave you for Alex," he says. "Keith contacted me. He wants to be friends."

Rage boils my blood and I get the urge to stand up and go fight him, wherever he may be, but Karl doesn't seem injured in any way. So that must be a good sign, because clearly they've met up at some point. Either that or that's all Keith has done; texted him.

So all I say is "oh."

He bursts out laughing. "You are furious."

I scoff. "Obviously! He's an asshole! He deserves to be beat up!"

"He's aware," Karl says, smiling up at me. "I've told him if he so much as lays a finger on me, though, I leave. I break contact. Maybe I send you after him." He sends me a teasing smile. "He's left me with a berth of about 3 feet at all times except in the car."

"Car?" I ask, confused.

Karl reaches up to flick my forhead. "Dum-dum, who do you think I stayed with last night when I flew in?"

"You could've stayed with me," I whine. 

He giggles. "It was supposed to be a surprise!" he exclaims. Suddenly, his phone dings, cutting through the moment we were sharing. As he sits up and pulls out his phone, his face falls. "Well, speak of the devil. I gotta go; flight's in two hours."

"Wait, you're leaving already?" I ask, also sitting up. 

He grunts as he stands up. Such an old man. "Nick, I have school," he says. "And I need to make it right with Alex. I'm sorry, but I do."

I smile sadly. "I know you do," I murmur. "Actually, that reminds me."

He begins to walk towards the nearest parking lot. "Of what?"

"Well, I did some research after the first hints I got that you liked him-"

"You could tell?" he asks. "Fuck, I'm sorry."

I laugh. "Don't worry about it. Anwyas, I looked into it, and... well, have you ever heard of polyamoury?" 

~~

I walk him over to Keith's car, fingers laced together. I wish he could stay, but school is hell and he'd probably fall behind if he missed a day. 

He leads me over towards Keith's purple Jeep -- tacky thing -- and turns to face me. We stare at each other for a moment before we settle into a passion-filled embrace. His hugs have always been the best things for me, even in the short span of time I've known him. 

His hands cradle my jaw, and my hands slip down to rest on his waist. For a moment I wonder if he won't kiss me, simply because of what he's told me. So I move forward, tilting my head up, to catch his lips in a kiss. His arms drape around my shoulders in the process. 

I kiss him like I'll never get the chance again, because who knows? Maybe I've put too much trust in him, and he'll leave me for Alex.

But as I pull away, as he pulls me back and kisses me like the world is ending, that's when I know.

He wouldn't leave me for anyone.

(Karl POV)

I open the passenger side door of Keith's ugly-ass car, and I crank -- crank, I know -- the window down. Nick rests his arms on the door, peering in. He gives Keith a deadpan look and a bro nod, obviously holding back for me. 

"Hey Nick," Keith says, a cautious smile on his lips. 

"Sup," Nick says in reply. His calm demeanor lasts another three seconds before he snaps. "Okay, I swear to god, Keith, if you hurt Karl again-"

"Nick," I groan. 

He gives me a surprised look, and shoots a glance at Keith. I laugh. 

"Nick, he's heard my voice," I say. "We were best friends for a few years, believe it or not."

"Oh right."

Oh my god. 

Keith offers Nick a smile. "I'm genuinely trying to be his friend again, Nick," he says. "I won't hurt him."

Nick narrows his eyes and hums like he doesn't believe him. 

"Hey," I say, lifting a hand to force him to look at me. "I'll see you in two months, okay?"

"Can we have a FaceTime date?" he asks. "With everyone. Tomorrow. Possibly including Ranboo, Tubbo, and Tommy. They really wanna meet you."

I smile. "Of course!" I exclaim. "I wanna meet them too."

He grins. "Great."

I lift another hand and gently pull him down. He's gentle with the kiss, as always, respecting my boundaries. And I love him so much for it. 

Keith clears his throat, mutters something about my flight, and starts the car. I pull away, my hand lingering on his cheek. 

"I love you, Nick," I say, holding back tears. 

He grins. "I love you too, Karl," he says. "Only two more months!" 

I laugh. "I'll text you when I land."

"You better."

And Keith pulls away from the curb.

Word Count 1224

~A/N~

dont get mad at me over the polyamoury thing ;-; @iamafwsimp is holding a cat at gunpoint i have to give them something /hj

i am kinda tempted to aim it towards karlnapity now tho idk why... idk i prolly won't but we'll see

remember personal hygiene is actually kinda useful <3