AN: Well, I actually wrote this chapter at home! So it's longer than usual~~ I hope you guys like it! Review and tell me what you think!


PoV: Dave

John followed me nervously out the door after I had picked up my shades and returned them to my face, uncomfortable with the situation that had just taken place.

"Uhh..Dave?" he asked, trying to keep up with mY swift stride as we walked down the hall and down flights of stairs.

"Yeah?" I answered.

"What is going on? Did I ruin everything?" he asked, a little bit of fear hidden in his voice.

"Naw bro. Karkat can get really tempermental. It's normal for him," I said, waving off the blame he was directing towards himself. John considered this, and threw another question at me.

"Are you a homosexual, Dave?" he asked tentatively.

I chuckled. "Ever heard of bisexuality?" I asked him.

"Yeah, I guess. You did mention an ex-girlfriend, but it's pretty clear that you have..er...had a thing with Karkat. That means you're bisexual, right?"

"Yeah," I replied. I kept my poker face on, but inside, my heart was racing. Sure, Karkat could be tempermental and we got into arguments, but he had never threatened to end us, especially since we'd been together for 7 months so far. He had been on the edge lately, and guess I just hadn't paid attention. Maybe if I had, I would've been more prepared for this.

"I'm really sorry, Dave! I just met you yesterday, and I'm already screwing up your life..."

"Dude, chill! Everything's gonna be fine. He can't just kick me out. I still have my key, so I can go back anyways," I replied smoothly, refusing to let the poor boy take any blame. It wasn't his fault at all. If only I had cleaned up that stupid apple juice...

"So where are we going?" John asked me as we exited the apartment complex.

"I dunno. Anywhere, I guess," I answered. I mulled over a question in my head as we walked, and finally decided to ask it. "So why were you at the club yesterday? You know, that was a mostly gay club, and if you aren't a homosexual..."

"I was just trying to hide from Vriska!" John exclaimed, immediately on the defensive.

I stifled a laugh as I replied, "Okay, okay. I get it. Running from crazy ex. Noted."

John took a moment to steady his breaths as we walked. "Do you go to the university nearby?" he asked me.

"Yeah, both Karkat and I do. How about you? I haven't seen you around."

"Yeah, I go there too. I've seen you, but I guess you just didn't notice me! I'm majoring in performing arts!" he told me proudly.

I smiled and said, "Yeah, I'm sure you would've guessed, but I'm gonna be a DJ. Majoring in music. Karkat's majoring in Biology or some shit like that."

John gave a laugh and said, "Music's pretty fun! You know, I'm surprised you haven't seen me. We take classes in the same building, after all!"

"Yeah, but most of the time I'm zoned out, thinking of new sick beats to try out at the clubs and such. I don't take particular interest in my surroundings," I replied, realizing he was right. We were in the same building. Thinking back now, I realized that we saw each other a lot. I just never paid any mind.

"Oh, I see," John replied. We were passing a video game store, and John wanted to check it out. I agreed, so we walked inside.

John roamed the aisles of games aimlessly, picking up one labeled 'Sburb'.

"Heh," he gave a small laugh. "If I had time, I would play this. It looks pretty neat!"

One of the store guys standing nearby overheard John and rushed towards us.

"It's brand new!" he exclaimed. "It's supposed to be all the rage with the young ones!"

I looked him over. Why was he saying young ones when he wasn't more than 21 himself? He must mean young ones, like 13 year olds. Keeping this thought in mind, I turned to John and said,

"Yeah, maybe if I was still a puny little thirteen year old, I might have played it with you."

John just laughed as he set the game down. We looked around the store a little while longer, but eventually left without buying anything.

John and I wandered about downtown, looking in stores but never buying anything. At around noon, I suggested we stop to eat.

"Yo dude, I'm starved. We should eat, especially you, seeing as you never got any breakfast."

John nodded in agreement, and we settled down to eat at a local fast food place that I didn't catch the name of. We walked inside and ordered big after I gave John a wink and said, "It's on me, 'kay?"

John only blushed and mumbled something about not being a homosexual under his breath. Damn, this kid was real intent on telling people that he was straight. I'd known him for less than 24 hours and had already heard him say so 3 times. It was making me start to question him even more.

As we ate, I couldn't help but notice little things about John. The way his top teeth protruded slightly over his bottom lip, the way his glasses were sliding halfway down his nose and he didn't seem to notice, the way his eyes were the exact same shade of blue as the sky. Then he had that derpy little giggle, and slightly flushed face. Why was I noticing these things about him?

"Um..Dave?" John's voice jerked me out of my thoughts.

"Yeah?" I asked him, grateful for my shades, because it would've been weird if he actually caught me staring at him.

"Can I ask you a question? I mean, it's sorta personal, so you don't have to answer if you don't want to.."

My heart fluttered nervously in my chest, but I answered in a smooth voice, "Sure, John. I can take anything you throw at me!"

"Do you think Karkat really ended it? You seem to be in denial...but from what I saw, you guys aren't even that strong."

My eyes widened behind my shades, and I had to take a few steady breaths before answering. "I guess I don't know," I finally answered.

"Well what if he did? Where are you gonna go?" John asked, relentless with his inquiries.

"Then I guess he did. I'd have to stop by there to get my stuff and find a hotel somewhere while I sort out getting a dorm or something."

"Well you know, I wouldn't have a problem with you staying with me if you need to, Dave. I live alone, and honestly, you're a pretty cool guy. Also, I don't think Vriska will be as much of a threat if you're around!" John said, giving me a grin accompanied by a nervous laugh.

"That'd be cool. I'll call you if I need anything, okay?" I told him, pulling out my phone so we could exchange numbers. He stared at me for a second before pulling his phone out.

"Okay!" he replied cheerfully, and we exchanged numbers. After a moment of silence, he spoke up again. "Dave, do you think going back tonight is too soon?"

"I don't think I have a choice. I have class tomorrow, so whether Karkat likes it or not, I'm going back regardless," I answered him.

"Oh, okay! Well, I'm sorry to leave you hanging now, but I've really got to go! I have homework to finish..," John said to me as he stood up and stretched.

"You think you'll make it to your place okay without Vriska bothering you? Or should I be your escort or bodyguard or something?" I asked him teasingly, a bit of mirth in my voice.

"You can come with, if you want. At least then you'll know where I live if you need to make a quick escape!" John told me, and I stood up with him as we threw our trash away.

"Sounds cool, bro." I replied, and followed John out the door. We walked for awhile, towards the university.

"Oh, so you live on campus?" I asked him.

"Yeah," he replied. "I think it's more convenient.

"True. Karkat and I only rented the apartment because we wanted more room."

"Heh, yeah. The dorms can get pretty cramped. But since I live alone right now, it's pretty spacious."

"Well that's good," I said as we approached his dorm room, having already walked into the buildings. I took note of the number on his door and the dorm building name.

"Well, if you need anything, let me know, Dave!" John said as he unlocked his door.

"Will do, bro," I said, and held out my fist.

John looked at it for a few seconds, and finally brofisted back. I couldn't help but smile at that.

"See ya later, Dave!"

"See ya, John."

John walked into his dorm and shut the door behind him. I heard the click of the lock, and that's when I left. I began the journey to mine and Karkat's home, dreading the moment when I would have to walk in and face Karkat.