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It was, by technicality, late morning, which was only dictated by the fact that Karkat had just woken up. He had come to notice after so much time of sleeping in both a bed and recuperacoon interchangeably, sleeping in a bed- with another person, mind you- had been much more comfortable after getting used to it. Especially since he was going to bed with the love of his life. Karkat stretched, arising from his recuperacoon to start his day. After changing out of his slime-stained pajamas, he scuttled out of his respiteblock, tired, wrapped in his favorite blanket, and ready to get some coffee. Just as he entered the kitchen, said love of his life (and constant pain in his ass) stopped all plans of his.
DAVE: haha holy shit dude
DAVE: you look like a vampire
DAVE: you got the “cape” and teeth and everything
Karkat simply stared at Dave, brows furrowed in puzzlement. After a brief period of silence, Dave spoke again.
DAVE: what
KARKAT: NOTHING, JUST... WHAT THE FUCK IS A VAMPIRE?
DAVE: right uhh
DAVE: what was your guys term for it again
Another period of silence ensued as Dave thought and thought. It was a bit hard for him to remember the lingo of Alternia because trolls use a lot more of a complicated vernacular than humans do. While Dave stewed in his thoughts, Karkat decided it was time to caffeinate. He turned on the coffee machine and shuffled to the fridge to grab the creamer. He closed the fridge with his hip and dragged his feet back over to the coffee machine, setting the creamer beside it before looking for his mug in a nearby cabinet. Once he found his bowl-like crab mug, he finally brewed his coffee. Mission accomplished.
DAVE: so
DAVE: how was your sleep honeynubs
Dave knew just how to push all of Karkat’s buttons; he knew that nickname pissed Karkat off to no end– or at least that’s how Karkat acted- but he used it anyway. Karkat poured in the creamer and stirred aggressively, not turning to look at Dave for the sake of not splashing hot coffee everywhere.
KARKAT: DON’T FUCKING CALL ME THAT.
KARKAT: MY SLEEP WAS FINE, I GUESS. I DIDN’T HAVE ANY WEIRD DREAMS THIS TIME.
DAVE: weird how
KARKAT: WHY WOULD I NEED TO EXPLAIN HOW I DEFINE WEIRD IF I DIDN’T EVEN HAVE A DREAM LIKE THAT?
DAVE: jeez i was just asking
DAVE: did you have a good dream at least
KARKAT: I DON’T REALLY REMEMBER. IT’D BE CONFUSING FOR BOTH OF US IF I EVEN ATTEMPTED TO EXPLAIN IT, ANYWAY.
Karkat eventually made his way to the main room, Dave following behind. The mood was somewhat awkward, mostly because of their earlier conversation; they both knew that would ease up once Karkat finished his coffee, though. Karkat sat on the couch and Dave sat next to him. They always sat very close to one another, whether it was intentional or not. Karkat turned on the TV whilst he sipped his coffee, and the two of them sat silently as Karkat looked for something to watch. It was too early for anything too intense, so no romance movies were in store. There were no Alternian sitcoms on the selection they had- though Karkat could have sworn they downloaded some- so he decided to put on a human one instead. Karkat’s tail swished in mild boredom, sort of zoning out as he continued to slowly drink down his coffee.
DAVE: you good
DAVE: you seem like youre lost in thought
Karkat was actually lost in a LACK of thought for once, and his peace was, OF COURSE, interrupted. He turned towards Dave and bonked his forehead against Dave’s shoulder as a playful way to say “I LOVE YOU, BUT SHUT THE FUCK UP.” Dave simply nodded and they continued to enjoy the quiet between themselves.
After Karkat had finished his coffee, he eventually found himself and Dave hanging out in Dave’s room. Dave worked on music on his computer and the two had some light conversation, lighter than their normal banter and jokes. Today must have just been a chill day- or as close to a day you can get when you can’t tell how much time passes by- in comparison to others. Dave suddenly stopped working and took his headphones off.
DAVE: a rainbow drinker
DAVE: thats what theyre called right
Karkat turned towards Dave, a bewildered expression spread across his face. That was WAY out of left field, but he was surprised in a good way at Dave’s ability to actually retain any Alternian terms.
KARKAT: FIRST OF ALL, I’M GENUINELY SURPRISED YOU REMEMBERED THAT. SECOND OF ALL, ARE YOU FUCKING KIDDING ME? JUST BECAUSE I’M WRAPPED IN A BLANKET DOESN’T MEAN I’M SOME MYSTERY-SHROUDED PAIL DRINKER WITH A DOUCHEY CAPE DRAPED AROUND ME. Y’KNOW, KINDA LIKE YOU. WITH THE DOUCHEY CAPE.
DAVE: well fuck okay then
DAVE: what even is a pail drinker is that a sex thing
KARKAT: YES, DUMBASS. WELL, TECHNICALLY. IT’S A DEROGATORY TERM FOR JADEBLOODS SINCE RAINBOW DRINKERS ARE USUALLY JADES AND PAILS ARE... THEY’RE FUCKING PAILS!!
DAVE: dont tell me you still get flustered with the mention of buckets
DAVE: its been like
DAVE: waaayy too long for you to still get worked up like that
KARKAT: WELL, HOW WOULD YOU FEEL IF I JUST BROUGHT UP HUMAN CONDOMS IN A CONVERSATION OUT OF THE BLUE, HM?
DAVE: uh
DAVE: i dont know?
KARKAT: EX-FUCKING-ACTLY.
DAVE: i mean you kinda brought them up since you were talking about pail drinking and all that shit so
KARKAT: OH WHATEVER!! JUST GO BACK TO WORKING ON WHATEVER SHITTY MUSIC YOU’RE WORKING ON.
Dave lightly smiled as he put his headphones back on, thinking to himself about how cute a blushing, flustered Karkat is. Some time passed, the two of them parallel-playing for about an hour. Karkat had gone and grabbed his laptop and was probably arguing about something on social media (or with himself over Trollian) while Dave continued to create his sick fires. It was what would be afternoon now, and everyone else was gathering in the kitchen area for lunch. Dave took his headphones off once again, hearing chatter from outside the room.
DAVE: theres movement out there
DAVE: should we go and scope things out or do you want to keep doing
DAVE: whatever were doing
KARKAT: I’M HUNGRY.
KARKAT: I MEAN, IF EVERYONE ELSE IS OUT THERE, WE SHOULDN’T HOLE OURSELVES UP IN THIS CRAMPED ASS ROOM.
DAVE: it aint that cramped but alright
DAVE: lets go
Dave closed his computer and Karkat shed his blanket, tossing it onto Dave’s bed before they left the room. Karkat and Dave met with everyone else in the kitchen, Karkat deciding not to socialize while Dave talked with Rose and Kanaya about whatever they talked about.
DAVE: so kanaya
DAVE: i wanna know something
KANAYA: If Its Going To Be Another Uncomfortable Question About Troll Anatomy I Dont Want To Hear It
DAVE: its not i promise
DAVE: i just wanted to know
DAVE: whats it like being a rainbow drinker
ROSE: It’s basically the same as an Earth vampire, Dave. That should be kind of obvious.
DAVE: right but like
DAVE: with all the different blood colors trolls have its gotta be somewhat different right
KANAYA: Not Really
KANAYA: There Isnt Much Difference In Flavor Between Castes
KANAYA: Karkat Is The Only One With A Drastic Taste Change
DAVE: have you like
DAVE: tasted his blood before?
KANAYA: Once
KANAYA: But It Was Too
KANAYA: Hmm
KANAYA: It Wasnt Great I Will Say That Much
DAVE: does it taste like human blood
ROSE: How would she know what human blood tastes like?
Dave simply raised his eyebrows, pointed to Kanaya, then pointed to Rose.
ROSE: You’re so gross.
DAVE: im not the one bloodletting for a real life vampire here
KANAYA: To Answer Your Question Dave No It Doesnt Taste Like Human Blood
KANAYA: Yours Is More Metallic Whilst Karkats Is Unbearably Sweet
KANAYA: Like Human Cherry Candies
KANAYA: Its Honestly Kind Of Gross
While the three discussed being a rainbow drinker, flavors of blood, and other weird vampire stuff, Karkat began to prepare himself some lunch. There was no use standing around in the corner being useless when you were hungry. He grabbed a tupperware with leftovers from last night’s dinner and popped it in the microwave, setting the time for a minute. While he waited for his food to heat, Karkat eavesdropped on the conversation that Dave, Rose, and Kanaya were having. Did his blood really taste that bad? Why did it have to be so different from everyone else’s blood? Was the taste a part of the mutation? Those were all just things to add to the list of blood-related insecurities, he supposed. The microwave beeped, pulling Karkat out of his thoughts. Karkat hummed quietly as he finished preparing his food, returning to the living room to eat. Dave was done with his conversation with Rose and Kanaya, so he followed Karkat to the living room.
DAVE: hey
DAVE: you alright over here
Karkat didn’t verbally respond because he had taken a bite of his food, simply nodding as he looked for a movie to watch.
DAVE: gotcha
Dave sat down next to Karkat, and Karkat leaned against Dave’s shoulder instinctively. He handed Dave the remote, deciding he’d let Dave pick something to watch for once. Dave hummed in surprise and settled on one of Karkat’s favorite human movies: Mamma Mia!, the first one. Karkat slightly smiled at Dave’s choice, taking another bite of food as the movie began.
While the movie was going, Karkat sang along to the songs, commented on characters’ choices, discussed theories of who Sophie’s dad is with Dave, (AUTHOR’S NOTE: YOU’LL ONLY UNDERSTAND IF YOU’VE SEEN THE MOVIE. I RECOMMEND YOU WATCH IT, IT’S MY FAVORITE MOVIE EVER!!) and of course, ate his food. When it ended, Dave and Karkat had realized their close proximity and decided they’d get closer after Karkat took care of the dish he just used. When Karkat returned to the living room and sat back down on the couch, Dave laid his head on Karkat’s lap.
KARKAT: IS SOMEONE FEELING AFFECTIONATE TODAY?
DAVE: maaaaaybe
KARKAT: GOOD, BECAUSE I AM TOO.
Karkat put his hand atop Dave’s head, gently petting Dave like one would a cat. Dave slightly smiled, overwhelmed with happiness at this moment, but trying to remain at least somewhat stoic. The movie was over by now, and Karkat was already looking for another one. He continued to pet Dave as he mindlessly scrolled through movie choices, eventually settling on 10 Things I Hate About You. (AUTHOR’S NOTE: ANOTHER ONE OF MY FAVORITE MOVIES!! WATCH IT NOW!!) Neither of them were really paying attention to it because they were having an intimate moment, it was really just on for background noise. Dave sat up and wrapped an arm around Karkat, leaning against him as well. Karkat leaned into Dave too, putting an arm around his waist. The two of them were like this and making idle chatter until the movie ended, but Dave stopped Karkat before he could put on another one.
DAVE: hold up
DAVE: i think were good on movies for now
KARKAT: BUT I WANTED TO WATCH 50 FIRST DATES! YOU KNOW I LOVE THAT ONE.
DAVE: yeah but wouldnt you wanna i dunno
DAVE: go cuddle or something
KARKAT: WE WERE ALREADY SORT OF DOING THAT.
DAVE: okay i get that but also
DAVE: lets go all the way
DAVE: full on snuggle up
DAVE: like in my bed or something
KARKAT: YOU’RE SUCH AN IDIOT... LET’S GO DO THAT.
The two of them moved back into Dave’s room, Karkat grabbing his blanket and laying down on Dave’s bed. He had forgotten how uncomfortable laying horizontally was, but he’d do it for a chance to snuggle with his matesprit-boyfriend-whatever. Dave laid down next to Karkat, facing him, then Karkat draped his blanket atop them both. They wrapped their arms around each other, nuzzling into one another and rubbing the other’s back. It was so good to be vulnerable with another person in such a way, letting someone hold onto you with the promise of being gentle. Karkat purred softly, a low rumble they could both feel, and both of them were so soothed by each other’s presence that they nearly fell asleep. Dave tiredly mumbled, realizing it was much too early to go to bed.
DAVE: hey kitkat
DAVE: wake up babe
Karkat slowly opened his eyes, humming inquisitively. He waited for Dave to speak once more, enjoying the sound of Dave’s tired voice, a quiet and somewhat raspy sound.
DAVE: its not bedtime for another few hours buddy
DAVE: lets not fall asleep just yet okay
KARKAT: MMH... OKAY.
Karkat untangled himself from their shared embrace, sitting up and stretching. He made a small squeak noise involuntarily, causing Dave to softly chuckle. Dave sat up as well, planting a kiss on Karkat’s cheek. Karkat smiled, an unusual but welcome expression. Karkat then kisses Dave back, instead on the lips. Dave decided he’d ruin the wonderfully sappy moment by speaking.
DAVE: hey uh
DAVE: yknow how we were talking about vampires and stuff earlier today
Karkat looked at Dave, brows furrowed in confusion, and tilted his head to the side. Dave scooted back and leaned against the wall.
KARKAT: WHAT ABOUT THEM?
DAVE: i just wanted to say
DAVE: okay this is kind of stupid but
DAVE: what if we pulled a rose and kanaya and you did some vampire-y stuff to me
Dave chuckled awkwardly and the two of them stared at each other in silence for about a minute. Maybe two. Karkat opened his mouth to speak, then closed it; oh no, now Dave feels like he fucked up.
DAVE: note to self: never ask something like that agai-
KARKAT: DON’T START WITH THAT. I WAS JUST A BIT SHOCKED.
KARKAT: I’LL HAVE YOU KNOW I’M ACTUALLY OPEN TO THAT IDEA.
Karkat crawled over to Dave before sitting on his lap. Dave felt his face heat up tremendously, and Karkat put a hand on Dave’s cheek.
KARKAT: YOU’RE SURE YOU WANT ME TO LIKE... BITE YOU OR SOMETHING?
DAVE: i mean i wouldnt have asked you if i didnt want you to
KARKAT: FAIR, BUT I JUST WANTED TO MAKE SURE YOU’RE COOL WITH THIS.
DAVE: of course im cool with it
DAVE: im cooler with it than a-
KARKAT: DON’T.
DAVE: well okay then
The two of them shared a brief kiss on the lips before Karkat drifted down towards Dave’s neck. Karkat’s teeth ghosted over the pale flesh, hesitating for a moment before gently nipping at it.
DAVE: hey
DAVE: you can be a little rougher than that
DAVE: im not fragile
KARKAT: YOU SURE? I JUST... I DON’T WANT TO HURT YOU.
DAVE: im very sure
DAVE: i promise you arent gonna hurt me
KARKAT: IF YOU SAY SO...
Karkat hesitated again, swallowing and feeling his throat go dry. After maybe 30 seconds of waiting, Karkat finally got on with it and bit Dave harder. Then he bit him again, this time drawing blood like he intended to. Or, did he intend to? Rainbow drinkers- er, vampires- draw blood when they bite, don’t they? Dave snapped Karkat out of his thoughts by writhing beneath him.
DAVE: okay okay this is actually really hot um
DAVE: sorry to chicken out but its a bit too hot and i dont feel like getting into that territory right now
Karkat pulled away from Dave’s neck and gave a nod of understanding before pulling the other male into a gentle hug.
KARKAT: THAT’S PERFECTLY OKAY. YOU’RE NOT A CLUCKBEAST FOR NOT WANTING TO GET SEXUAL, ALRIGHT?
DAVE: hehe cluckbeast
DAVE: for real though thanks for always reassuring me kat
KARKAT: OF COURSE, DAVE.
Karkat let go of Dave, then left Dave’s lap, sitting next to him instead. Now the two of them didn’t know what to do. Karkat leaned against Dave, his horns lightly bonking the other. Dave leaned against Karkat in return, the two of them sharing one another’s body heat. It felt warm. Warm and fuzzy. Dave turned his head to look at Karkat and smiled, just a smidge. He thinks to himself about how cute Karkat is and how lucky he is to have the troll as his partner. Karkat eventually noticed Dave was looking at him and spoke up about it.
KARKAT: YOU’RE STARING.
DAVE: how could i not
KARKAT: WHAT DO YOU EVEN SEE IN... ALL THIS?
Karkat gestured to his face, and then his body. He was just as insecure about his appearance than he was his blood.
DAVE: karkat
DAVE: babe
DAVE: have you looked in a mirror
DAVE: youre hotter than a billion suns
DAVE: your beauty is that of the gods
DAVE: y-
KARKAT: OKAY, I GET IT! I DON’T WANT TO HEAR YOUR ASININE RAMBLINGS RIGHT NOW.
DAVE: you know you love them
DAVE: just like you love meeeee
Karkat sighed, then laughed. Then he laughed harder. While he laughed, he pulled Dave into a hug from the side. Dave began to laugh as well. The two of them giggled together like gossiping teenage girls for about five minutes. After their collective fit subsided, Karkat wiped a couple of tears from his eyes and smiled for what seemed like the millionth time this day.
KARKAT: GOD, I LOVE YOU. SO MUCH.
DAVE: i love you too
DAVE: always and forever
After about another hour of messing around and being a stupidly lovey-dovey couple, Dave and Karkat decided it was bedtime. They said goodnight to the others on the meteor, then decided they’d sleep in Dave’s room, like they almost always do. (AUTHOR’S NOTE: I WROTE “ALMOST ALWAYS” BECAUSE THE PREVIOUS NIGHT, KARKAT HAD SLEPT IN HIS RECUPERACOON. YOU’D REMEMBER THAT IF YOU WERE PAYING ATTENTION TO WHAT YOU’RE READING THOUGH LOLOLOLOL.) Who would want to sleep in a pod full of slime vertically when you can cuddle with your man lover under a shit ton of fuzzy blankets horizontally? Karkat climbed into bed first, then Dave followed suit. They immediately tangled themselves in each other’s arms once they had settled under the blankets. They gave one another small, gentle kisses before saying goodnight and that they love the other.