It was a cool, breezy day in the heart of New York City. Dave Strider stepped out of the subway and onto the crowded sidewalk to await the arrival of his friend, Jade Harley. Jade wasn't much of a city lover and often struggled to get around, which is why she was always late. Cars zoomed by in Dave's vision and people in a hurry pushed past him, but as usual, Dave kept his cool. Dave spotted a short girl with long, black hair on the other side of the street. Jade. The girl looked up and saw that a crowd of people had begun crossing the street without her. She followed and was nearly hit by a yellow taxi. She mouthed "sorry" to the driver who, in return, stuck up his middle finger and drove off.
Jade sauntered off of the street and met Dave with a hug. Dave wrapped his friend tightly in his arms and smiled down at her.
"DAVE!" Jade said enthusiastically and pulled him in for another hug, "I've missed you so much!" she reached up and mussed his light blonde hair.
"Okay, okay" Dave said and shook his head, "I've missed you too." He smoothed his hair down and fixed his swooped bangs.
It had been almost five months since Dave and Jade had seen each other but they always kept in touch over Pesterchum, a chat server that they both used. Today they were meeting up to visit with their friends Rose Lalonde and John Egbert. Jade linked arms with Dave, beaming from ear to ear and the two made their way to Rose and John.
Rose Lalonde sat across from the ever-nerdy John Egbert in a small burger joint. Once again, John was rambling about some horrible romantic comedy that Rose couldn't stand. She had her head rested on her hand, a look of utter annoyance on her face John shoved another mouthful of burger into his mouth and continued with his story.
"Ugh!" Rose sighed and plopped her head down onto the table.
"Rose?" John asked, only to be shushed by Rose.
The bells above the restaurant entrance jingled and Jade Harley walked in followed by Dave Strider. John poked his head up and smiled at them. Dave smirked at him and adjusted his pointed shades.
John scooted over and motioned for Dave to join him. Rose lifted her head and moved over for Jade. Jade smiled widely at John and Rose. John smiled back and waved to her.
"We really should do this more often." John said, "I never see you two anymore." Rose shrugged and yawned and Jade nodded in agreement.
"Two?" Dave asked, "What about me?"
"Aw, come on Dave, I see you a lot, maybe too often." John smiled and giggled. Dave blushed a little under his glasses.
John reached under the table and squeezed Dave's hand. Dave tried to keep a straight face but it only made him blush more.
Jade and Rose looked at the two of them, both clearly confused.
"Uh," John said, glancing at Dave, "Rose, Jade." He cleared his throat, "Dave and I have something to tell you..."