Sorry for the long wait! Also, if you like Johnkat, read Inner Demons! It's on my page!

Read on~

When the two had finally calmed down, Karkat had told John they needed to go get some clothes that would actually fit him. John protested greatly at this, saying he would refuse to let the troll buy him anything, but with one glare he had shut up.

Now they were on their way to the mall, John humming along to the song on the radio and Karkat staring out the window. He kept glancing at the troll from time to time. Karkat noticed these little looks, and tried his best not to smile. John hopped out once they got there, smiling like an idiot. It had been years since he had gone to the mall.

"Excited much?" Karkat chuckled softly as he led John through the doors of the entrance. John nodded and bounced a little in happiness as they walked through the mall.

"Ok. Here first." They stopped at a store and went inside.

For the next few hours, John tried on shirts and jeans and pants and sweaters. Mostly everything was too big on him though, so they had to pick some options from the kids section of the store, much to John's embarrassment. With bags on both hands, the two made their way to the food court and sat down.

"You hungry?" Karkat asked, and when John nodded, he passed him a crumpled ten bill.

"Thanks!" John kissed the troll's cheek, dashing off to examine the snack options. Karkat touched his cheek and blushed, a faint smile on his lips. The ebony came back with some fries and two sodas. He was also holding a pack of candy.

"Here!" The smiling teen handed Karkat a soda as he sat back down. The troll accepted it with a small grunt, taking it with a sip. John set down the fries and the candy. He took a few loud sips of his drink before ripping open the candy packet and popping a few gushers into his mouth.

They sat in peaceful, uneventful silence as the fries were devoured and the sodas were drank. Once they finished, the two grabbed the bags and headed for the car. Karkat loaded all the clothes inside.

As they drove home, John finished eating his candy. He stuffed the wrapper in a compartment of the car before looking at Karkat. The troll stopped at a red last and gave him a strange look.

"Thank you." John spoke sincerely and sweetly, his smile grateful. Karkat just nodded, his lips twitching into a small smile in reply.

Once they got home, John helped the troll unload and fold all the clothes, stacking them in the guest room closet. John flopped on the couch soon after that, tired from their shopping day.

Karkat sat next to him, and they watched TV for a while before the troll muted the volume and looked over at him. John glanced at him in confusion.

"Why did your dad kick you out of the house?" He questioned. John tensed up and bit his lip.

"At least tell me what happened between you and Dave." He said after a pause.

"Sorry. Those two questions are related and I can't answer either of them." John replied softly. Karkat frowned and opened his mouth to talk but the doorbell rang.

"I'll get it!" John said cheerfully before getting up and opening the door. Standing there was a pissed off Dave, but once he saw the ebony, his upset expression melted off and changed into one of regret.

Without thinking, John slammed the door, and then went back to the couch where Karkat was sitting up straight, frowning.

"Who was that and why the hell did you just slam it shut?" He asked, crossing his arms. But once he saw John's pale face and expression, the troll realized it had probably been Dave.

He patted John's head and then got up, going over to the door. Dave crossed his arms once he saw him. Karkat stepped outside, closing the door behind him.

"What do you want, Strider?" He snapped, glaring slightly at the other teen.

"I wanted to know if you knew where John was, but that question has already been answered." The blonde replied.

"Why?" The troll's glare didn't diminish even a little bit.

"I want to talk to him. I need to apologize properly." He sighed a little, and Karkat huffed.

"What if he doesn't want to talk to you?"
"Just bring him out." Dave pleaded, and annoyance flickered across Karkat's face, but he went back in to get John. The said boy looked up with anguished blue eyes that tore at the troll's heart.

"Just talk to him, ok? He seems genuine." Karkat said, and John stood up, nodding as he opened the door and slipped outside.

John bit his lip as he stood in front of his best friend—ex best friend, actually. Dave offered a small smile, which the ebony replied to with a blank stare. Sighing, the blond started to speak.

"Look, I know you probably hate me now. I screwed up, and I know that. I should have let you stay with me. I did some bad shit, and I get if you don't forgive me. I just want to make sure you're safe now, ok? John, you're my best bro." This last part was said in such a soft tone that John's lips curved into a smile.

"Ok. I forgive you." He said.

"Really? Aw, you're the best Egderp." Dave picked up the fragile boy and swung him around. Giggling, he clutched onto him, as this was something that they had done years ago.

"Ok, ok. All this mushy girly shit aside, I have to take you out for a night on the town. So, get ready. This Strider is gonna show you what it means to actually live. And get some meat on those bones." He set John down after shaking him slightly.

John rolled his eyes all throughout the blonde's rambling.

"Got it. Lemme tell Karkat." He gave Dave a quick hug before going inside. The troll had already heard the entire conversation, and looked pissed, for some reason.

"Um, can I borrow some clothes?" John couldn't help but smile widely; he was so happy to finally have his best friend back.

Karkat nodded and went upstairs with him to give him an outfit. John slipped on the jeans and the pale red shirt, taking a jacket with him.

"I'll be back tonight!" He leaned forward to kiss Karkat's cheek, and frowned when the troll muttered a, "Yeah, whatever," and moved away to go into the kitchen.

Shrugging it off, John bounded outside to meet Dave.

So for those of you who think John forgave Dave too easily, remember they used to be best friends, and John is virtually alone at this point, so of course he'd take Dave back.

Of course, that idiot blonde will screw up in later chapters x3

Review maybe?

~samx