Karkat rolled over on the bed, staring at the clock. 3 am. He had yet to fall asleep. Half due to the foreign feel of the bed, and the other half of the lack of his partner next to him. John. With a sigh he turned to stare at the ceiling. A slight breeze came through the window, moving the hot summer night air around.
"You fucking said you'd be here tonight." Karkat said in a hoarse whisper.
Lately it seemed the black haired, bucked tooth idiot seemed to be drifting away. He spent more time out with friends than with Karkat. Tonight though, John said he had no plans. He said he would come straight home after his job downtown. Karkat wasn't exactly sure what he did, as he zoned out when it was brought up, but he knew John never stayed late. At least, not this late.
Ever since Sburb ended, John and Karkat had become a couple. Both of the now 20 year old's still had heavy emotional damage from the game. A few scars as well, but that was nothing, just another reminder.
So now, 4 years later, John and Karkat lived together in a small apartment in the middle of the city, due to John's request so they could live closer to Dave. Karkat didn't mind, because most of the other trolls had taken up residence here, excluding Kanaya who lived with Rose out in the country.
The trolls were able to pass as normal humans thanks to Sollux, who programmed a device that clipped on the the belt. It allowed them to create a false image, and able to turn it on and off. Sollux named it the Sol 5000, which Karkat snorted at. 'What a fucking lame name, he's a narcissistic bulge munch.'
Karkat was jarred out of his thoughts by the gentle closing of the bedroom door. John was home.
Pretending to be asleep, Karkat didn't move. He was wondering why he had been out so late, and was curious to see what he'd do.
Sitting on the bed, John sighed and ran a hand through his hair. He stayed like that for a moment efforts changing into his pajamas, and laying down besides Karkat, who now was facing John as he lay and glaring.
"Do you know what time it is?" Karkat whispered through clenched teeth.
" 3:17." John said rather monotone, tiredness rather evident in his voice.
"You said you'd be here." Karkat croaked, voice wavering. 'Damn it!'
John frowned. "I'm sorry-"
"SORRY MY ASS!" Karkat interrupted with a bellow, before clearing his throat and returning to a whisper. Angry neighbors were never good after all.
"Why are you pushing me away? Am I not good enough for you?" Karkat continued. "You're never here anymore! At least have the fucking decency to tell me what I did wrong, asshole!"
John cringed visibly. "It's nothing you did..." He muttered, trailing off.
"Was it something I said then?" Karkat persisted.
"No..." John bit his lip.
"Then what?" Karkat was now thoroughly confused. What could it be?
"... I'm worried I'm boring you." John confessed. "It's the same thing day in and out. Everything we do is so routine now! I'm scared you resent me for it and want out. Which is why I haven't been home. To give you more reason to get out and make yourself happy." John sniffled, rubbing his eyes that were starting to wet.
"Fuck..." Karkat muttered and sat up, pulling John up with him and into a tight hug. "It never once even crossed my mind to think that, you ass wipe. What made you think that?" He responded, uncharacteristically soft as he rubbed circles on the heir's back.
"Some guys at work have been saying how you must hate me..." John said after a moments hesitation.
Karkat visibly stiffened and growled.
"Karkat...?" John asked warily.
"I'll beat them all up. Those morons obviously have brain damage already so why not add more? I don't hate you John. Fuck. I... I love you alright?!"
John's look of worry melted to a soft smile.
"Thanks. I love you too Karkat."