BZZT. Karkat pressed the buzzer that had been attached to the flat's front door with duct tape. So far, the tower block where Equius' place was situated in matched Karkat's expectations perfectly; the building reeked of stale piss and was beyond repair. Jesus Christ, is that a used syringe over there? He shook the thought from his mind, as the door swung open, producing a hulking beast of a man. Karkat shifted uneasily as he felt himself being scrutinized from head to toe, although he couldn't be sure; for the man was wearing a pair of dark sunglasses with broken lenses.

The two stared at each other for a while, until Karkat broke the awkward silence.

"Uhh, I'm here for Nepeta's birthday party." Karkat explained. Equius didn't budge.

"Vantas. Why Nepeta chose to invite such a.. pathetic little runt, I do not know. But I respect her wishes. For it is her FIFTEENTH BIRTHDAY PARTY. However, if you are to upset her on this SPECIAL DAY, I'm sure you don't want to know what I'll do to you."

Karkat gulped, trying not to look at Equius' extremely muscled arms that bulged out from the ill-fitting black tank top he was wearing. The rancid stench of body odour emanating from the larger man was sickening; Karkat had to hold his breath as he walked past, into the apartment.

With watering eyes from the quality of Equius' hygiene, he surveyed the room. He assumed he was in the living room, as partygoers were already sprawled out on the sofas, watching some stupid show on TV, surrounded by various bottles, cans and plastic cups of booze. Splayed out upon the sticky-looking coffee table, were packets of greasy snacks and a box containing a half-eaten pizza; none of which seemed remotely appetizing. Before Karkat could even identify the other guests, he felt himself being drawn into a huge, internal organ-squeezing hug.

"Karkat! You made it! Thank you so much for your gift, it was just what I wanted, I'm wearing it right now!"

Karkat turned his head to see Nepeta clinging onto him from behind.

"Aw, it was really nothing special. Thought you'd like it." Karkat smiled genuinely; he was pleased that she'd liked her present. He made sure to drop it off at her house the previous day, so that he definitely didn't forget to give it to her. It was just a pendant he'd picked up at some dodgy town market; which featured a tiger's stone. "Are you having fun?"

"Well, Equius did make sure everyone said happy birthday to me, but to be quite honest, I think they're only here for the free food and drink. And I don't drink. So it's not a lot of fun for me. Plus, some of Equius' buddies freak me out..."

"Oh, that sucks." Karkat frowned. So he wasn't the only person who was uncomfortable here. "How long are you planning on staying here, then?"

"Well, I've been here for about 2 hours, and I'm pretty bored. I think in about an hour, I'll thank Equius and head off. I'd rather be at home playing on my new Wii U console. But you're welcome to stay as long as you want!"

"Heh." Karkat winced. He wasn't planning on spending any longer than he needed to in this dump of a place. "Well, thanks for inviting me. I probably won't be here too long; my parents don't want me out too late."

"Well, I'm going to raid Equius' snack cupboard. I'll see you in a bit!" exclaimed Nepeta, suddenly disappearing into another room. Now, he was alone.

In an attempt to find a non-alcoholic drink, Karkat scouted around the living room. He didn't want to get totally drunk tonight, as there was nothing much to celebrate. Whilst he was wandering by that disgusting-looking coffee table, a familiar voice called out for him.

"Hey Karkat! I didn't know you were gonna be here!"

Karkat swivelled around, to see none other than John Egbert sitting on the floor beside the table, with a can of cheap lager in one hand. Of course this idiot would be here, of all people. He took a swig of his drink, spilling most of it onto his stupid Ghostbusters tee. Karkat forced a smile.

"Hi John. I wasn't aware you would be gracing this shithole, either." Karkat grumbled, avoiding eye contact with the ebony-haired boy.

"I think this place is pretty awesome! Equius sure knows how to have a great party. Free drink, free food, and I just watched this cool film on TV!" John bubbled, attempting to take another sip of lager, dripping more of the golden beverage on himself.

So John wasn't visibly drunk. And from what Karkat had gathered, the clumsy teenager had dropped most of the alcohol he'd come into contact with down his shirt. This was more that could be said for the other guests, who heartily chugged down their beers and were beginning to slur their words. John was just a huge dork who clearly didn't drink very often.

Karkat sat down next to John. "So are you enjoying yourself-"

"OH MY GOD THAT IS THE COOLEST SHIRT EVER!" John gasped, pointing in awe at Karkat's crab t-shirt. "I totally get it! Snap, because that's the noise crabs make with their claws! Oh man, that's some funny shit, Karkat!"

Karkat eased back, pulling a slightly disturbed expression. "Are you okay? Maybe you shouldn't be drinking that."

"Are you calling me a light weight?" John accused, his tone becoming louder and slightly more aggressive. Another swig of lager. "I can hold my drink, Kar-KAT."

"I wasn't saying you were!" Karkat held both hands up in an act of submission, eyes widened. "Just go easy on that lager."

"You sound l-like.. Dave." John snorted, finishing off his drink and crushing the can between his palms. "Y-you think you know best.. Well you d-don't."

Oh dear. Karkat assumed that the consoling session he'd had with John a little while ago had put tensions concerning his ex, Dave Strider, to rest. But nope, clearly it was still fresh on John's mind.

John's voice softened. "Can we.. like, go somewhere? I just want to t-talk." John was beginning to sob. "I f-feel like shit."

"Christ, John..." Karkat pressed his fingertips to his temples. "Fine. Alright."

John struggled to stand, so Karkat had to lift the drunken teenager, wrapping his arms around the larger boy's waist and hoisting him up. John was heavy; he was fairly chubby for a boy of his age. Karkat blushed; I'm so close to him... No, that's wrong. John's in a vulnerable position right now, pull yourself together, Karkat. Embarrassedly, Karkat stumbled into the closest room he could find, dragging John along with him and closing the door behind him.

Wow. The first room he finds is the bathroom.