Chapter Text
You're possibly the most overwhelmed you've ever been.
Your name is Karkat Vantas, and your life seems to become more and more of a drab. Nothing gets you out of your shell unless you’re physically dragged out of it, and all you do is complain whenever you are doing something worthwhile.
To the average outside person, troll, cherub, or other identified species, you might seem depressed. Filled with so much self hatred you take it out on the world and the people you love.
And that’s how you landed yourself at this random party. Your good friend Terezi insists you've "GOT TO GO OUT MOR3 B3FOR3 YOU LOOK L1K3 4 R41NBOW DR1NK3R OR 4 HOBO", and she thought this sorry gig was the best way to do it.
She’s left you alone, and you feel really nauseous and you can feel heat crawling up your neck from the couple of shots you've had. You never were good with drinking…
You really hate standing for so long, but you also don’t want to worm your way through the crowd just to sit at the bar. Why did parties have to be so difficult?? The lights, the noise, you couldn’t fathom how people enjoy this.
You feel yourself zoning out until Terezi bumps into you rather roughly, making you spill a bit of your drink on the floor. Oh well. Rest in peace, shitty vodka, you will not be missed.
TEREZI: H4V1NG FUN 1 HOP3?
KARKAT: IN WHAT FUCKED UP TIMELINE WOULD I BE HAVING FUN AT A TIME LIKE THIS?
KARKAT: IS THE ALCOHOL MESSING WITH YOUR BRAIN, OR IS THIS THE USUAL MORONIC BULLSHITTERY I’M FORCED TO PUT UP WITH WHENEVER I’M WITH YOU.
TEREZI: SOM3ON3S MOODY >:/
Terezi scratches her chin as if thinking really deeply, pursing her lips for dramatic effect.
TEREZI: TH3R3’S GOT TO B3 4 W4Y TO L1GHT3N YOU UP
TEREZI: 1 KNOW 1T >:]
KARKAT: *NO.*
KARKAT: THERE IS NO WORLD WHERE YOU CAN “LIGHTEN ME UP”, AND IF THERE IS THEN IT’S DEFINITELY NOT BY TAKING ME TO A LOUD, DRUNK-FILLED HOOPLA WHERE NOOK HUNGRY FUCKERS LURK.
KARKAT: WE’VE KNOWN EACH OTHER FOR SO LONG AND YOU STILL DON’T KNOW THIS?
TEREZI: :[
She sticks out her lower lip, slouching her shoulders slightly.
KARKAT: NO, NO, NO, *NO*.
Terezi’s face falls even further as she stares you dead in the eye. She knows exactly what she’s doing.
KARKAT: YOU’RE NOT GETTING ME WITH THIS, TEREZI.
She crosses her arms, turning her back to you. THe silence is loud for a moment, even drowning out the background noise of music and the other people surrounding you. Your sharp teeth dig into your own lip as you contemplate what to do.
TEREZI: BUT K4RK4T. . .
You observe her face that slowly keeps falling more and more, before taking a deep inhale and sighing loudly. You’re too easily swayed these days.
KARKAT: FINE.
KARKAT: FINE, YOU WIN I’LL TRY TO ENJOY MYSELF HERE.
You watch as Terezi swirls back around, smugly grinning. She twirls her cane around in her grasp before leaning on it.
TEREZI: TH4T’S WH4T 1 THOUGHT >:]
TEREZI: 4NYW4YS YOU WONT D13 1F 1 L34V3 YOU FOR 4 B1T W1LL YOU?
KARKAT: WHAT KIND OF DUMB QUESTION IS THAT?
KARKAT: DO YOU THINK I’M SOME KIND OF HELPLESS GRUB WHO FLAILS AROUND WHEN NO ONE AIDS IT?
KARKAT: I WON’T STARVE OF YOUR ATTENTION.
TEREZI: 1 DONT KNOW… 1 TH1NK 1TS 4 V3RY UND3RST4ND4BL3 QU3ST1ON CONS1D3R1NG TH3 F4CT YOU LOOK3D L1K3 YOU W3R3 GO1NG TO P4SS OUT B3FOR3 1 C4M3 OV3R
TEREZI: SM3LL YOU L4T3R K4RKL3S
You watch as Terezi leaves you to your lonesome, forced back into being isolated with nothing else but the burn of alcohol going down your throat.
As you stagger over to the seats, pushing your way through people, you exhale deeply. A headache forms, threatening to turn into a whole migraine, and you try to numb it by downing another shot.
A couple of random trolls come up to you, engaging in meaningless conversation. It surprisingly distracts you, even if you still wish deep down that you were back in your hive, watching your beloved movies. The one constantly adjusts their glasses on their face, while the other sports a video camera and constantly speaks to the glasses one about their “GrubTube channel”.
You drown them out and nod to everything they say until eventually, they leave. Other trolls and humans come and go, some talking with you and some not, and you find yourself getting bored. So bored you almost wish Terezi would come back. Wow isn’t that a crazy thought…
The night passes slowly, and you force yourself to pry your eyes away from the clock while you pound the phrase “a watched pot never boils” into your skull. Sooner than later, almost as if some divine force answered your prayers, Terezi hustles over. She slumps into the seat next to yours.
TEREZI: 1M OFF1C14LLY B34T
KARKAT: OH, FINALLY.
KARKAT: CAN WE LEAVE NOW?
TEREZI: HMMM…
TEREZI: OK, 1 W4S GO1NG TO M4K3 4 SN4RKY R3M4RK, BUT 1M 4CTU4LLY R34LLY T1R3D W3 C4N GO
KARKAT: OH THANK FUCK.
As you two got up to leave, you side-glanced Terezi before fully stopping her in place momentarily.
KARKAT: ALSO, WHAT THE FUCK WAS THAT?
KARKAT: YOU CLAIMED YOU WERE GOING TO LEAVE ME FOR A “BIT” BUT YOU WERE GONE SO LONG I THINK MY HAIR STARTED TO TURN GREY. AND OUR HAIR DOESNT EVEN TURN GREY WHEN WE AGE.
KARKAT: YOU LEFT ME FOR SUCH A WHILE THAT I EVOLVED AND PICKED UP HUMAN ATTRIBUTES.
TEREZI: I C4UGHT UP W1TH 4 COUPL3 OF P4LS
TEREZI: UNL1K3 SOM3ON3 WHO PROB4BLY W4ST3D H1S WHOL3 T1M3 H3R3…
TEREZI: :[
KARKAT: HEY, I TALKED TO OTHERS.
KARKAT: SOMEWHAT.
TEREZI: >:?
TEREZI: WHO?
TEREZI: 1 DONT B3L13V3 YOU
KARKAT: WAIT. . . . I HAVE TO USE THE BATHROOM.
As you scurried off to the bathroom, you could sense Terezi was heavily judging you. You pressed your back into the wall, sliding down to the floor and relaxing all your muscles. The tile was cool and the music was muffled, which all felt much better to your sensitive body. Your muscles felt sore, and your eyes drooped as if you were going to fall asleep right here and now. God, you wish you could sleep at a time like this.
You forgot this was a public restroom however, until a stranger’s voice intruded your Space.
STRANGER: uh dude
STRANGER: you good
You looked up to what appeared to be the DJ of the place, you recognized him faintly. He wore a red and white hoodie with a white graphic tee underneath and some jeans, with some matching headphones slung around his neck. His hair was curly and dyed a dirty blond, a small contrast against his tan skin.
STRANGER: hello earth to stranger
Oh right, you idiot, he’s trying to talk to you!
KARKAT: HI.
KARKAT: FUCK SORRY, PARTIES AREN’T MY THING, I’M KINDA TIRED.
STRANGER: oh shit thats valid
STRANGER: why are you here then
STRANGER: are you being held hostage
STRANGER: do i need to call emergency services
STRANGER: is there some party loving serial killer whos forcing people to go to parties or they get slaughtered
KARKAT: NO, BUT WITH MY SO CALLED FRIEND DRAGGING ME HERE THERE MIGHT AS FUCKING WELL BE.
KARKAT: THAT WAS A JOKE, BY THE WAY. I AM NOT KIDNAPPED.
You gulped, looking at up him. His eyes were concealed by shades, but you could tell he was giving you the look-over. What is your deal? You feel different around this guy. You shouldnt be overexplaining yourself like a bumbling nervous wreck.
STRANGER: ok good thatd probably be a bad look for the club
The DJ extends a scar-covered hand, and you hesitate before taking it. He lifts you up and you draw your hand back immediately once youre on two feet again. Don’t want him to think you’re getting too friendly...
You note his accent. He has a bit of a drawl, and he skips over the g in words ending with -ing. It’s not familiar to you, and it doesn’t make it impossible to understand him, but you kind of like it. Wait what
DAVE: names dave by the way
DAVE: dave strider
KARKAT: KARKAT.
DAVE: so did you come in here to take a piss or are you escaping from the crowd
DAVE: because i can help you find your friend if you want
KARKAT: OH.
KARKAT: YEAH, ME COMING INTO THE BATHROOM AND THROWING MYSELF ONTO THE FLOOR RENDERS ME USELESS TO FINDING MY OWN FRIEND.
KARKAT: BUY ME FLOWERS NEXT.
Dave raises his hands in self defense, taking a step back and shoving his hands into his pockets.
DAVE: i was just asking we dont want some lost damsel wandering around
DAVE: i may be but a simple dj but i care yo
DAVE: if its flowers you want though
Is he flirting with you already? Wow. This guy has low standards.
KARKAT: OH OKAY.
DAVE: shit did i come on too strong
DAVE: sorry if it made you like
DAVE: uncomfortable i can stop i know we just met
KARKAT: NO IT’S
KARKAT: FINE. I GUESS.
KARKAT: JUST NOT USED TO IT.
DAVE: gotcha
He chews on his lip for a second, before pulling his hands back out of his hoodie pockets and crossing his arms. Not in an aggressive manner…he looks calm in this pose somehow. Relaxed.
<
DAVE: so do you wanna keep hogging the bathroom like a couple of gaylords
DAVE: i dont wanna worry your friend
DAVE: and also i gotta bounce back any minute now
KARKAT: OH. NO, LET’S GO.
After youve left the bathroom are about to depart, Dave lightly grabs you by the elbow. You freeze, turning your head to face him. The glare reflecting off his glasses forces you to squint.
DAVE: also i know we just met and all
DAVE: but can i like
DAVE: nab your pesterchum trollian whatever the fuck
DAVE: you dont have to say yes
You think for about 20 seconds after processing what he just asked you. Reluctantly, you open trollian and hold out your device, offering to swap to trade handles.
KARKAT: FEEL LUCKY.
DAVE: fuck yes
Dave hurriedly types in his handle and hands it back to you before taking his phone back from you and going back to his DJ station. As you turn to find Terezi, none other than the troll herself is exactly who you bump into.
TEREZI: OOOOOOH?
TEREZI: WHO W4S TH4444T?
TEREZI: ;]
KARKAT: NONE OF YOUR BUSINESS, THATS WHO.
KARKAT: GOD YOU ARE *SO* NOSY.
TEREZI: SO 1M NOT 4LLOW3D TO B3 CUR1OUS 4BOUT MY FR13ND’S FR13NDS 4NYMOR3?
KARKAT: NO ACTUALLY, NO YOU’RE NOT.
Terezi gets up close to your face and sniffs you. You grimace, and push her face away with your hand.
TEREZI: 4R3 YOU *BLUSH1NG*?
KARKAT: EW, NO.
KARKAT: HOW DO YOU EVEN SMELL THAT, THAT SHOULD NOT BE HOW THAT WORKS.
TEREZI: H3H3H3H3
♬ —
You drag yourself to your hive, parting ways with Terezi as you close the door behind you. Your moirail slash roommate has all the lights off and is slouched over his computer. You can hear the keys rhythmically clacking at a rapid pace.
SOLLUX: hey kk
KARKAT: HEY. HAVE YOU SLEPT YET?
SOLLUX: no ii cant
SOLLUX: workiing
You walk over, standing next to his desk. You notice him cease typing to look up at you. Looking down at him, he looks kinda like a wet cat. Really pathetic.
KARKAT: SAVE YOUR PROGRESS ON WHATEVER YOU'RE DOING.
SOLLUX: what
Despite his confusion, you hear a click from his mouse, and you assume that’s him doing what you said. So, you turn the pc off, and watch his already-blank face fall even further.
SOLLUX: kk
SOLLUX: why diid
KARKAT: YOU ARE GOING TO BED SOON.
SOLLUX: who 2ay2
KARKAT: ME.
KARKAT: I FUCKING "2AY2".
KARKAT: I’M YOUR MOIRAIL DIPSHIT.
SOLLUX: yeah my moiiraiil not my lu2u2
You and sollux exist in silence for before he swivels his chair around to face you
SOLLUX: 2o you went two a party wiith gc
SOLLUX: how’d iit go
KARKAT: OH, IT WAS FUCKING FANTASTIC.
KARKAT: I SPENT HALF MY TIME GETTING WASTED AND TRYING TO IGNORE EVERYTHING, AND THEN I ESCAPED TO THE BATHROOM AND RAN INTO THIS RANDOM DJ.
KARKAT: HE FLIRTED WITH ME, SOLLUX. AND EVEN WORSE?
KARKAT HE WAS ACTUALLY FUCKING…
KARKAT: CHARMING.
KARKAT: I HATE MY LIFE AND I THINK YOU SHOULD KILL ME.
SOLLUX: 2urely youre not flu2hed already
SOLLUX: ii thought you were better than that kk
You make a fake gagging reaction, watching as Sollux’s eyebrow raises up above his eyebrow.
KARKAT: NO.
KARKAT: I ACTUALLY FUCKING REFUSE TO GET FEELINGS OVER SOME IMBECILE I RAN INTO IN THE BATHROOM.
KARKAT: ITS NOT HAPPENING.
SOLLUX: deniial ii2 the fiir2t 2tage for many
SOLLUX: iit2 ok ii dont get jealou2
KARKAT: FUCK YOU, YOURE THE WORST MOIRAIL EVER.
KARKAT: NOW GO TO SLEEP.
Sollux grumbles as he gets out of his chair, and you watch him go to his respiteblock and shut the door. You sigh and rub the sides of your nose as you too go to your respective respiteblock. You settle into an actual bed, different from the recuperacoon you grew up with on Alternia, and ponder about your night.
You think to yourself “JEEZ, I’D RATHER PLUCK MY SIGHTBALLS OUT AND BOIL THEM IN A VAT OF STEW BEFORE I’D EVER STEP BACK IN THAT PLACE AGAIN.”
***
The next night you do in fact step back in that place again.
This time, no one was with you. You came alone. Willingly. It’s a shocker to yourself really, but you found yourself drawn to coming back.
The bar is surprisingly empty of people, so you sit there. The lights are also less bright here, and even though the music and chatter is still loud, you can block it out a bit more. You don’t feel like drinking just yet, so you put your head in your arms and pray the only reason you came back is here tonight. You didn’t see him at the DJ booth, so your hopes are pretty low.
DAVE: wow look who the kat dragged in
You bring your head up to glance over at who’s just slyly slid into the seat beside yours, face flushing slightly as you recognize him instantly. Ew, get yourself together, Karkat!
DAVE: get it
DAVE: kat
DAVE: karkat
KARKAT: HA. HA. YOU ARE THE PINNACLE OF COMEDY.
DAVE: why thank you
DAVE: ladies gents one at a time one at a time
Dave's lack of headphones and a less partied-out look catches your attention. You figured he would be DJing, why else would he be here?.
KARKAT: WHY AREN’T YOU DJING RIGHT NOW?
KARKAT: ISN’T THAT LIKE.
KARKAT: YOUR JOB.
DAVE: oh im not doing it tonight
DAVE: i dont work all the time
He rests his hand in his palm, leaning his elbow against the counter. Dave kinda stares at you for a minute, and you find yourself wanting to shrivel up under his gaze and turn into dust. He continues to stare, but not in a rude prying way. He seems like he’s just taking you in.
DAVE: so what are you doing here again
DAVE: thought you didnt like parties
KARKAT: I WANTED TO TRY IT OUT AGAIN.
KARKAT: IS THAT A CRIME THESE DAYS? EXPOSURE THERAPY IS SUCH A FOREIGN CONCEPT TO EVERYONE IT SEEMS.
DAVE: i see i see
DAVE: i mean its not a problem
DAVE: i was kinda hoping to see you again
DAVE: so win for me
You whip your head around and stare at him with a quizzical expression. He looks stunned at your genuine confusion, just slightly flinching when you moved so fast.
DAVE: what
DAVE: is there something on my face
KARKAT: WHY WOULD YOU WANT TO SEE ME?
Dave pursed his lips, fiddling with his thumbs.
DAVE: i dont know actually
DAVE: i know weve barely known each other but youre just a very compelling guy
DAVE: id like to know you better
This startled you a bit, and you bite down on your tongue in order to regain your composure. the sweetish-metal taste of blood faintly settles on your tastesbuds.
KARKAT: I THINK I’D LIKE TO KNOW YOU BETTER TOO.
DAVE: sweet
He tries to stifle his reaction, but you can tell he’s not as nonchalant as he acts. A smile tugs at his lips, and he digs in his pocket to pull out a wallet.
DAVE: do you want a drink
KARKAT: NO THANKS.
KARKAT: I DON’T LIKE DRINKING.
DAVE: oh my bad
DAVE: i get it im not much of a drinker myself these days
DAVE: i prefer the kind embrace of powdered nose candy going up my nose
DAVE: or a crisp edible
Dave seems to realize he might’ve overshared and discretely studies your face for your reaction, trying to seem as if he's not looking at you, as if deep down he’s a bit worried you’ll judge or overreact. You really don’t care if people do drugs or not honestly, as long as they don’t make you indulge in it too.
KARKAT: YOU’RE LOOKING AT ME LIKE I’M ABOUT TO KILL YOUR BARKBEAST AND ENTIRE BLOODLINE OR SOME SHIT.
KARKAT: DO YOU THINK I’M GOING TO JUDGE YOU FOR THAT?
KARKAT: BELIEVE ME, I’VE HEARD WORSE.
DAVE: sorry
DAVE: i think im just used to people getting mad at me over it
DAVE: sometimes its like
DAVE: hello dave
DAVE: hi my roommate
DAVE: i found your stash
DAVE: ohhhh shit
DAVE: yeah now get out
DAVE: ohhhh shit
DAVE: whoa thats too much information
DAVE: i just served up oversharing on a silver platter for our vip guest karkat
DAVE: this restaurant should go out of business
As he rambles on, you really overthink on if THIS is the guy you’re possibly becoming attracted to. What the fuck is your life at this point?
KARKAT: JUST SHUT YOUR YAPHOLE FOR A SECOND.
KARKAT: I DON’T CARE IF YOU SNORT COKE 20 TIMES A DAY OR SMOKE OR WHATEVER THE FUCK.
KARKAT: IS IT BAD FOR YOU? YES. SHOULD YOU DO IT? NO.
KARKAT: BUT I KNOW THIS SHIT IS HARD TO GET OVER ONCE YOU START AND I WONT JUDGE YOU. JUST DONT INVOLVE ME.
DAVE: wow
DAVE: thanks karkat
DAVE: i really appreciate that actually
The both of you go quiet for a bit, but it’s not the awkward embarrassing silence. At least not as embarrassing as it could be. It takes you a bit, but you whip up the courage to ask Dave a question.
KARKAT: WILL YOU BE HERE TOMORROW?
DAVE: eh
DAVE: i have some stuff to work out so i might be gone for a couple days
DAVE: but ill pester you when i decide to come
KARKAT: I SEE.
It hurts a little when your heart pangs; it’s a new feeling you’re not used to. You go to grab for your glass to drink the feeling away, but its not until you realize you’re grabbing at air that you remember you didn’t order a drink. Fuck.
DAVE: so why do you hate parties
KARKAT: WHAT?
DAVE: you keep mentioning how you dont like them
DAVE: i know you said you wanted to try them out again
DAVE: but why do you not like them in the first place
KARKAT: OH, I’M SORRY, I WAS ACTUALLY JOKING ALL ALONG BECAUSE I JUST ADORE THE INCREDIBLY OVERWHELMING CROWD OF BOOZED BUTT SHAKING BEASTS EVERYWHERE WITH BASS BOOSTED MUSIC BLASTING MY EARDRUMS TO SMITHEREENS.
Dave slightly grins at your response, showing off a small gap in his teeth. You don’t know why, you didn’t mean to be funny really.
DAVE: boozed butt shaking beasts
DAVE: you have an interesting way with words i gotta hand it to you
KARKAT: THANKS, I WAS TOP OF MY CLASS.
DAVE: what really
DAVE: valedictorian of whipping up an accumulation of synonyms
KARKAT: OH MY GOD I WASN’T BEING SERIOUS.
KARKAT: WE DIDN’T EVEN HAVE SCHOOL.
KARKAT: BUT TO ANSWER YOUR QUESTION WITHOUT BEING A RAMBLING IDIOT-
KARKAT: I DON’T LIKE PARTIES BECAUSE THEY’RE TOO LOUD, TOO MANY PEOPLE IN ONE PLACE, AND…
KARKAT: I KNOW I’M NOT IN ANY DANGER LIKE I WAS BACK HOME.
KARKAT: BUT I STILL FEEL THAT ANXIETY.
DAVE: hold up
DAVE: what danger
Worry washes over you as you realize you also sort of talked too much. (wow you guys are really bad at not oversharing). You think really hard on whether or not you want to explain…It’s too early to traumadump on the guy, sheesh. Despite his face being blank and covered by shades, you can tell he’s expecting a response. Whatever.
KARKAT: MY BLOODS MUTATED.
KARKAT: ON ALTERNIA THEY DON’T LIKE THAT SHIT.
KARKAT: I HAD TO HIDE IT FOR A LONG TIME SO I DIDN’T GET CULLED, AND I STILL HIDE IT NOW. JUST AS PRECAUTION.
DAVE: oh wow
KARKAT: FUCK, SORRY.
When you tense up a bit and shy away, Dave reaches over and puts a hand on your shoulder, and the slight pressure feels really nice actually. You flinch before you loosen up slightly. His touch is light yet grounding.
DAVE: no dont apologize
DAVE: my fault if my response came off as rude or uninterested
DAVE: i was just a bit stunned
KARKAT: IT DOESN’T MATTER, WE JUST MET, I SHOULDN’T BE TRAUMADUMPING.
KARKAT: WEH WEH, IM KARKAT, I WAS AT RISK OF BEING CULLED MY WHOLE CHILDHOOD, PITY ME NOW.
DAVE: i mean i kinda vented to you already
DAVE: (kinda sus)
DAVE: about my roommate kicking me out
He slowly removes his touch, drawing his hand back to sit on the counter in front of him. You almost feel sort of disheartened at the loss.
Staying quiet for a minute, you think deeply about what he’s saying. He has a point there, but you still feel guilty about opening up about feelings or your past. You don’t know what kind of witchcraft he’s brewing up to make you feel safe enough to talk to him like this.
KARKAT: FINE. YOU HAVE A POINT.
KARKAT: DON’T EXPECT THIS TO BECOME A HABIT.
DAVE: got it boss
DAVE: habit expectations are at negative
DAVE: they went skyrocketed down like a stock market crash
DAVE: just started the second great depression with how low it dropped
KARKAT: WHAT THE FUCK ARE YOU TALKING ABOUT??????
DAVE: did they not have the great troll depression, starring troll hoover and troll roosevelt
DAVE: open up the schools
DAVE: wait that might be offensive i take that back
DAVE: im not xenophobic i swear on my life and my life is very important to me except for on mondays
You stare at him blankly, with one eye squinted. It takes all of your deepest willpower and strength to not slap your hand over his mouth or tell him to actually shut up.
KARKAT: YOU BAFFLE ME STRIDER.
KARKAT: EVERYTIME YOU SPEAK I FEEL LIKE IM LOSING BRAIN CELLS JUST LISTENING TO YOU.
DAVE: i hope thats a good thing.
DAVE: what if we shared a singular brain cell together
DAVE: wouldnt that be something
DAVE: wait sort of offtopic
DAVE: how many dates would it take to get you to come over to my place
DAVE: or me coming over to yours im not picky as long as youre not a serial killer
It takes a moment for his question to register in your brain from how unused you are to this. No one outside of your friend group has ever wanted to visit you or let you visit them (although this may be because you dont talk to anyone outside your friend group)
KARKAT: YOU DONT WANT TO COME TO MY PLACE.
KARKAT: MY ROOMMATE WOULD MAKE YOU WANT TO CURL UP AND DIE PROBABLY.
DAVE: im sure it would be fine ive met a lot of varieties of people
DAVE: but if you dont want me there thats fine
DAVE: you never answered my question though
KARKAT: WELL.
KARKAT: CAN I TRUST YOU ENOUGH TO BE WITH YOU ALONE?
KARKAT: THIS ISNT A SCHEME TO MURDER ME?
DAVE: i swear on my entire career i dont have any ulterior motives
DAVE: pinky promise
DAVE: every type of deep spiritual promise you can think of
DAVE: thats how serious i am about this
KARKAT: WHATEVER.
KARKAT: BUT IF YOU TRY ANYTHING IM KICKING YOUR ASS. OKAY?
DAVE: permission to kick strider ass granted
Dave laughs a bit at his own joke, and you cant help but stifle your own laugh. He picks up his phone and scrolls through it a bit, seeming to be in deep thought.
DAVE: is tomorrow night okay?
KARKAT: FINE WITH ME.
KARKAT: WHO’S GOING TO WHO’S PLACE?
DAVE: hmm
DAVE: well im kinda low on stock in suitable places to stay
DAVE: so we can get a hotel room or something
DAVE: or stay at my bro’s apartment
DAVE: unless you gracefully grant me permission to enter your home
KARKAT: I’M...FINE WITH A HOTEL ROOM. I CAN PAY.
DAVE: are you sure
KARKAT: YES?
KARKAT: WHY THE FUCK WOULD I SAY THAT IF I WASNT SURE.
DAVE: i dont want to rob you of money we can do something else
KARKAT: BE QUIET.
DAVE: yessir
KARKAT: I LITERALLY OFFERED, YOURE NOT ROBBING ME.
KARKAT: OH MY GOD DAVE. YOU ARE ROBBING ME OF ALL MY MONEY BECAUSE I WANTED TO PAY FOR A ROOM FOR US. YOU SHOULD BE ARRESTED.
KARKAT: YOU KNOW, I WOULD NEVER EXPECT YOU TO BE THE ANXIOUS TYPE.
DAVE: anxious
DAVE: whos anxious
DAVE: not me
DAVE: im cool as a cucumber
You roll your eyes, highly doubting what he’s saying. You’re about to object to his statement when Dave’s phone buzzes. He chews on his lip, a habit you’ve noticed he does a lot, and you watch him before he finally says something.
DAVE: ive gotta go
DAVE: ill see you tomorrow okay
DAVE: please dont die in a tragic car accident and leave me stranded and alone and sad waiting for you and then i turn on the tv and look at the news and see that youve died in some freak accident and i sob and eat 10 tubs of ice cream and die of diabetic shock
KARKAT: GOD YOU ARE INSUFFERABLE.
KARKAT: I’LL BE FINE.
KARKAT: NOW GO DO WHATEVER YOU HAVE TO DO.
He shoots you a thumbs up after he gets up, and walks away. A couple minutes after he walks out the door, your phone lights up.
- - turntechGodhead [TG] began pestering carcinoGenecist [CG] - -
TG: i had a good time tonight by the way
Your mouth goes dry as your heart skips a beat. This man is going to drive you crazy, which is sort of a first. In your moment of gay panic, you forget to text him back, and you wont realize it until hours later. Poor you.