KARLNAP- DETENTION.

Chapter 8: Hurricane

TW: Knife, mention of nude photograph, sexual innuendo

"Why do you have a knife?" Karl stuttered.

"Seriously, why do you look terrified?"

"Nick, what are you doing?"

"Just let me speak-"

"Stop."

"I was going to suggest we carve our initials into a tree, but if you're so scared of knives-"

"You scared me." Karl put his head in his hands. He sighed. "Maybe next time don't pull out a knife on me with no explanation. In the middle of a forest."

"Oh," Nick looked down at the pointed blade. "Sorry."

He sat down on the log beside Karl, gently pulling Karl's hands away from his face. "I'm sorry. I should have mentioned I had it before. I just didn't think." Nick said.

Karl looked at him. "It's fine, seriously. I'm fine."

"You look kind of shaken."

"I said I'm fine!" Karl said, a little louder than he'd meant to. He stared down at his hands, fidgeting with his fingers.

Nick took a deep breath. "Karl," He said quietly. "Karl, look at me."

Karl looked up to see Nick's eyes glistening, brimming with tears.

"I don't want you to-" Nick's voice cracked, "I don't want you to look at me like that ever again. Like you're scared of me."

Karl felt his heart sink and found himself unable to speak.

"Everyone is becoming fucking scared of me."

"No-"

"You looked scared." Nick continued. "Did you think I would hurt you?"

"No," Karl gulped. He grabbed Nick's hand. "I was jumpy already. I was already creeped out by the woods, and the dark in here, and the noises... Like I said, I wasn't expecting anyone to have a knife. It just shocked me. That's all."

"Is that true?" Nick asked.

"It is. I promise." Karl stroked Nick's hand with his thumb.

Nick looked down as a tear fell down his cheek. "Don't be scared of me, Karl. I'd never hurt you."

"I know." Karl blinked away tears from his own eyes.

He reached out a hand and wiped a tear from Nick's face. "We've been through some shit together," Karl said, "And all that you've proved is how loyal you are. You've protected me."

"You've seen me hurt other people, though. I don't want you to think I'd ever do that to you."

"Have you seriously been worrying about this?"

"Yeah. A lot." Nick nodded.

"I've never felt safer with another person than I do with you, Nick. Ever. You make me feel so safe."

"Really?" Nick sniffed and wiped his eyes.

"Yeah. When I'm with you, I just want to stay like that forever. I feel like... like nobody can touch me."

Nick looked into Karl's eyes. "You make me feel safe too, Karl."

Karl smiled.

"And," Nick laughed, "Trust, I'm not going to let anybody else touch you."

"Good." Karl said, as a little more light began to come through the trees.

"Thank you." Nick said, pulling Karl into a hug. "I'm so sorry."