Family. (DNF angst)

Chapter 9: Smile.

♡Clay pov♡

I helped George carry his things up to his room. After the run-in with Tony's friends, he went completely quiet, barely even looking at us. After we got everything in his room, he shut and locked the door.

"Can you tell me more about his ex?" I asked.

Karl had his head rested on Sapnaps lap. Sapnaps hand was on Karl's waist. Karl looked at me.

"I don't think I should without his permission. I'll ask at an appropriate time. He's really upset right now. He needs some time alone." Karl said.

I nodded.

"You think those guys did anything to him? He seemed terrified after that." I pointed out.

Karl nodded.

"He never mentioned them when we talked. I wouldn't doubt they did something to him at some point from the way they talked. God knows Tony wouldn't defend him." Karl stated.

"When is he going on trial?" I asked.

Karl shrugged.

"George is gonna have to testify, though. He'll have to see that asshole again. I feel horrible." Karl mumbled.

I frowned.

I don't want George to have to see him ever again. Let alone be in the same room as him.

"Does George know he's gonna have to testify?" I asked.

"I'd assume. We should look into getting him a lawyer." Karl said.

I nodded in agreement. I heard a thud from upstairs.

"I'll go check on him." I stated.

I stood up and went to the stairs. I went up several flights and then went down the hall. I got to George's door, and I knocked.

"George, are you okay!?" I asked loudly.

I listened, and I heard panicked breathing and crying. I turned the handle and cracked the door a bit.

"I'm gonna open it, okay?" I asked.

He didn't answer.

I slowly pushed open the door. He was standing in the middle of the room, trembling and crying. He had dropped a stack of books, and that was clearly the source of the loud noise.

"Are you okay? Are you hurt?" I asked softly.

I stepped into the room, and his eyes darted to me.

"George." I mumbled.

He backed away from me.

"I'm sorry. I didn't mean to be loud. I-I'm so s-sorry." He stuttered through sobs, his voice shaky.

I moved closer to him, and he backed himself into the corner.

"George, it's okay. You didn't mean to. I'm not mad." I assured him.

I stepped closer, and his hands flew up to protect his face.

"D-Don't hit me, please." He sobbed.

He's scared of me. That's why he won't listen. Shit. I'm stupid.

I backed away from him. He curled up in the corner on the ground, crying and begging me not to hurt him. I left the room and quickly went downstairs.

"Karl, he's having a panic attack or something like that. I'm not sure. He's scared of me. I need your help." I stated.

Karl quickly got up and followed me upstairs. Sapnap followed as well, worried about George. The sobs and panicked breathing had gotten worse. Karl went into the room and slowly walked over to George. Karl sat in front of him.