In so many ways, collage was different from high school. The classes were harder, the teachers were tougher, and there was so much freedom it was almost impossible not to fly off the handle. Kids threw even more parties and could even live on campus with no adult supervision. That was just the thing, by law, they were adults, but by heart? They were still hormone crazed teenagers, because some things just stayed the same. Most were still immature, people were still mean to each other, and Dave was still worshiped. He wasn't even sure why. He knew he was awesome, but idolization was just a thing you got as a Strider. They were raised on higher pedestals than normal people. Maybe it was there looks, or the air of mystery their shades provided, but for some reason wherever they went, someone was trying to impress them somehow.

Unless of course John was around. In a way, john was exactly the way he was in middle school. He was goofy, he pranked everyone and had an uncanny tendency to baffle people with his undying optimism. The kid never stopped smiling that buck toothed smile of his, and it was practically impossible to dislike him. He and Dave had been pen pals for most of their lives. In the sixth grade, they started video chatting daily, and they went through all of their awkward stages together. They confided in each other about everything. Their lives, their troubles, and their secrets were always safe with the other. Still, they were miles apart and had never met in person.
Until collage.
To celebrate his graduation, John and his father went on a cruse over the summer. Dave had worried, cruises were for spoiled families full of blondes and models, or rich snobs trying to chill without getting their feet wet. He was sure if those types of people would take to kindly to a lanky, overly friendly nerd like him trying to do magic tricks on deck. On top of that, John would have no internet on the boat. Their friendship would be limited to text messages and late night phone calls. The only thing that kept Dave going was the knowledge that come fall, they would finally meet in person. The two would be attending the same collage right on the sunny coast of California.
They day the met at the airport was the day Dave realized something. Even John Egbert could change.
Adulthood had hit John out of nowhere, like the guy had gone through some sort of super puberty. Maybe it was from all that sun, maybe it had been the water sports he had participated in, or perhaps the kid had been pumped with steroids on that boat but whatever it was, John arrived to that airport a total stud.
John had always been cute, but damn. When Dave first saw him, he was showing a group of sun kissed cheerleaders a card trick, impressing them with a stunt they would have rolled their eyes at from someone less attractive. He looked absolutely delighted, not by the female attention and not by his sudden muscle development, but by the sheer fact that someone was enjoying his magic tricks. The Strider laughed to himself, hooking his thumbs in his pockets and flashing a smile. "Cool it down, hot shot," Dave said smoothly. "Before you break some hearts."
Like they never existed, John pushed past the swooning girls and broke into a run, face alight with joy. He tackled Dave to the ground in an instant, knocking their luggage all over the floor. "Dave," He cheered, squeezing the squirming Strider as he struggled to stand. "Oh my God, Dave its really you!"
"Who else would it be?" He asked, shoving the goofball off of him.
"Im just so glad to finally meet you in person! No computer or phone to separate us!"
Dave rolled his eyes, giving an affectionate smile. "Glad enough to knock aside all that game?"
Puzzled, John stood, helping Dave up as well. "Game?"

"All those girls!" Dave said. "They were totally drooling, man!"
He blushed, laughing at the thought. "No, not over me, I was doing a magic trick."
Dave gave John a heart slap on the back, leading him towards the exit with a shit eating grin."You thick, asexual bastard."