actions speak louder than words {karlnap}

chapter 1

(Karl POV)

I never thought I'd be here.

Okay, that's a partial lie.

I always knew I'd graduate. I'm smart. I get good grades... most of the time. But I never thought I'd be here, graduating next to two of my best friends, while my other two best friends and boyfriend sit in the audience. While my boyfriend's mom is there too. 

As I accept my high school diploma from the principal, a sharp whistle rings in my ears. I look down towards Nick; he's whistling loud enough that everyone can hear it over the din of the gymnasium. I smile at him. He blows me a kiss, which I catch. I press my fingers against my own lips as I walk off the stage, still looking at him. He smiles bigger.

I walk down the steps off the stage and take my spot in the first row. All the graduates are in the first and second rows, waiting patiently for their turn to be adults. 

The buzzing in my chest doesn't stop. Adrenaline rushes through my veins as I watch everyone else graduate. When George and Skeppy graduate, Nick whistles again. I'm clapping as hard as I can. I'd cheer, but, you know.

I don't talk. Still.

My dad died in seventh grade. And I was bullied mercilessly for it, because I didn't talk to anyone, including my teachers. I thought I'd be safe from my bullies in high school. But, no, my ex-best-friend-turned-worst-nightmare showed up and turned the entire basketball team against me. 

I swear, though, in sophomore year, God sent me an angel named Nick Snap, nicknamed Sapnap by his best friends. He defended me from the bullies as hard as he could, until one day he introduced himself. We became friends, even though I don't speak. I mean, not usually. I talk to him. At first it was only one or two words, and it was very rare even then. But I've grown more comfortable with him.

Anyway, long story short, he helped me through a pretty rough time, and now we're dating. We've been dating for nearly six months at this point. I haven't been hit in five. My bullies stopped trying for four. My life has been easier to handle ever since. 

Nick changed my life.

(Nick POV)

As soon as friends and families are allowed to go see the graduates, I run towards Karl. His back is turned, but I still throw my arms around him. He lets out a small squeal, and immediately covers his mouth with a hand. Our friends still don't know he's been talking to me.

"Hey," I murmur into his ear. He smiles and turns his head to look at me.

"Hi," he says quietly. I press a small kiss to his cheek.

"You graduated," I say. He nods happily. 

George scoffs. "We did to!" He gives me a "show me some love too, Sappy Nappy" look and motions between him and Skeppy. I giggle and walk over to him, arms outstretched.

"Oh, I'm sorry, Georgie Porgie," I say in a baby voice. "I forgot to give you kisses!" 

He yelps and shoves me away from him. I snicker and scurry back to Karl. 

"Yeah, you better run," Dream mutters as he passes me, hitting me over the head. He loops an arm around George's waist before kissing him. 

I stick out my tongue at them when they finally pull back for air. "Oh, yeah? We can do that too."

Karl shoots me a look and grins. I pull him closer, a hand settling on his waist, another on his back. Fortunately my mom made me take a month of salsa classes when I was in sixth grade, otherwise I'd drop Karl as I dip him.