Notes: Hey guys! I'm back and it feels great. I still have classes and finals until the 18th, but most of my own personal chaos has passed. I'll be posting something (sometimes Davekat, sometimes this, or a couple of drabbles) every other day (or close to it) all month!

Another note: LOOK AT THE STORY ART! SEE THAT!? IT'S AWESOME ISN'T IT!? KFXGJWIRKSJGMKLK:JG:DFKMGRKmf *Happy Nerd Spazzes* That art was done my Linda065cliva. She also did the art for the Echo fic! Check out more of her stuff here:

Jake had been out all day. Dirk wasn't worried, not at all. They had a plan in place. If Jake wasn't back in time, Dirk would gather as many people as he could and go out and search of him. He was never this close to their appointed time before. He usually makes a point to come home an hour before. Dirk was biting his nails, a nervous habit he could usually hide pretty well. In front of others he could always suppress it. The need to shield his vulnerability typically outweighed the desperation to vent his anxiety. No one was here though, and that was the problem. He couldn't really mobilize anything yet, Jake wasn't even technically late. He still had ten minutes to come through that door as the happy goofball he was. Dirk shouldn't worry, Jake sometimes does this, disappears (again though, he hasn't REALLY disappeared…not yet anyway). He always comes back okay. Dirk is usually the one to get hurt, he has no reason to leave the house yet. Five minutes until the deadline, pacing now. The sound of his shoes shuffling across the carpet, static electricity, charging him more and more with energy that he could not comfortably release. Their house was closest to the forest, Jake would come here before anywhere else no matter what. So why wasn't he here yet? This house was too small, not enough air, maybe he should open a window.

One minute until the deadline Jake comes bursting in, with Roxy in his arms, both looking beat to hell. Roxy looked drowsy and her ankle was swelling. She had gone with Jake today, eager for some fresh air, poor thing. Dirk rushed forward taking the girl from his boyfriend's arms and gently setting her on the couch. He was in mission mode. All that restlessness was gone, fueled into a laser focus of taking care of the situation at hand. He quickly gathered ice and the first-aid kit, moving back into the living room. He didn't feel anything at that point, it would hit him later. This was how he worked, his mind felt blank, despite moving according to a plan of what to do…it was almost more like instinct, rather than actual thought. A very sophisticated instinct. It was like this when he brought them into the medium too. His mind was quiet, body moving only to complete a set list in his head. His adrenaline had been pumping he was nervous then, just like he is concerned now. However, the emotion was resting just against the bubble of his thoughts, expelled just like everything else. It was apparent and he was vaguely aware of it, but he had more important things to concentrate on first. He'll deal with his feelings later.

Jake was sitting down next to Roxy, he had placed her foot on a pillow and looked like he was about to go get the ice himself before he saw Dirk with everything in his hands. He grabbed the ice, applying it to the injury. Roxy was sniffling a little, clearly in a lot of pain. Dirk gently prodded the swollen extremity, the void player cried out in pain…this was out of his realm of expertise. They didn't have any hospitals available and were a bunch of teens, highly unlikely that they would be able to fix a broken bone…wait. Dirk ran to his computer, Lil Hal had been given a proper steel body by the game, why and how Dirk was unsure of, but still…as much as Dirk hated to admit it, Hal had more knowledge than him on almost everything. He pestered the android.

TT: Hey, Roxy's hurt. Get over here ASAP.

Dirk left it at that, he knew Hal would arrive, he and Roxy had their own bond. As expected, Hal arrived in minutes. Seeing Roxy on the couch he immediately inspected the injury. After a little prodding he came to a conclusion, "It's not broken, just badly sprained." The android took the bandages, expertly created a splint for the rogue with his nimble metallic hands. "I'm taking her home."

"Check her head first, I don't know what these two went through." Not looking at Jake.

Hal nodded and carefully examined Roxy's head, and per Dirk's request, Jake's (although the page did give some listless protest). Thankfully, both examinations showed an absence of head trauma. Some scrapes and cuts, could be seen on their bodies, but no serious bleeding. Both were coherent and clear headed as well. Fatigue affecting them more than anything. Roxy's ankle was the worst of it.

Dirk allowed Hal to carry Roxy home, while he grabbed a washcloth and started gently cleaning Jake's wounds. Silence lingered between the two, Jake was coming down from his adrenaline high from his ordeal, and Dirk just couldn't find the words in that moment. Instead the almost non-existent sound of cloth gently wiping the side of Jake's face was the only noise that filled the room. Jake watched Dirk as the prince cleaned and disinfected his wounds. He didn't flinch at the antiseptic, just watched as the Dirk's stone face focused on its task.

When every scratch on Jake's body was properly cleaned, Dirk allowed himself to speak. "You feel okay?" Monotone, to most maybe even cold, but Jake suspected something else.

"I'm fine, really, it's just a few scratches. I had gotten far worse from the island I lived on."

"You sure you don't hurt anywhere?"

"I'm sure."

Dirk stared for a long hard moment at his boyfriend, deciding he was telling the truth he gathered the first aid kit back together, putting everything in neatly, standing up and returning the kit to its proper place. When he returned to the living room Jake was still in the same position he had left him in. A little unsure what to do next. Sitting next to him, Dirk finally asked "What happened?"

Jake recounts his and Roxy's exploration of the caves. He said he chose relatively safe caves, been there a couple times, no incidents. He didn't want to put Roxy in any danger. Found more catacombs. He had let his excitement and curiosity get the best of him. Poking and prodding at the walls. Triggered a huge rock coming down on him. Roxy was the one to pull him out of danger's way. She hurt herself in the process. It was slow going for a while, the catacombs have low ceilings in some areas and carrying Roxy wasn't always easy and straightforward. But they made it and that's what counts, right?

Dirk sat back, wheels turning in his head. Roxy was hurt protecting Jake. Jake often goes adventuring out alone. To dangerous places apparently. Jake was almost seriously injured, if Roxy wasn't there he may have died before anyone found him…something had to be done. And with that thought Dirk was out of his seat, one sentence was all that left his lips before his workshop door was closed and locked "Don't go adventuring for a little while." It wasn't a request, it was an order.

Jake eventually realized that Dirk wasn't coming out of his workshop tonight and went to bed. The cold empty sheets and blankets were his only comfort after his harrowing night.

His lonesome existence continued instantly once he woke up. His dreams had been filled with the soft caresses of his lover, before the harsh reality of his seclusion set in upon his waking. Dirk wasn't in bed, probably never came to bed, if the covers were anything to go by. Walking down the hall his muscles cried for him to return to his bed and rest, his stomach continued to push him towards the kitchen. The door to his beloved's workshop was still closed. Tinkering could be heard, as well as a few muffled curses, followed by a mild crash. Like a stack of DVDs fell over. Probably was something more technical than DVDs, but Jake was too tired and sore to really think about it. More swearing. The sound of his swivel chair across the wood floor. Best to leave him to it and make breakfast.

Unfortunately, Dirk was exceptionally reclusive and difficult. Jake had left food by the door, but it hadn't been touched. His knocks were met with silence, or an irritated "What?" Any inquiries were met with "nothing" and any requests for company were answered with "not now." Jake was on his own.

He was too exhausted for much of anything and returned to his welcoming place of convalescence, holding Dirk's pillow close, imagining him gently carding his long fingers through Jake's hair. Telling him to be more cautious. Telling him he was scared, communicating anything really.

Sleep overtaking him only when he imagined Dirk's strong arms around him. He would never admit it out loud, or even to himself really. But the event from the night before scared him. And the lack of comfort or even scolding only increased his fear. Was Dirk fed up with him? Was that it? Does he want to break up? Should Jake move back to his own house? Who would feed Dirk then? The boy already doesn't eat like he's supposed to.

The days continued much in this pattern. Dirk isolating himself in his workshop, terse one word replies to Jake's questions. Like Jake was no longer worthy of real communication. His shades were off a lot of the time, probably focused better on whatever he was working on without the obstruction to his vision. He was eating, but it wasn't Jake's food, those plates were largely left untouched. No, instead random bits and pieces would be missing from the fridge and pantry. Bacon, eggs, milk, cheese, pepperoni, Doritos, bread. Jake never smelled any food cooking, so either Dirk was doing it in the dead of night, eating it raw, or had some other use for it. Nonetheless….food was always the mode of which Jake felt connected to Dirk. The prince's refusal of the food felt like a rejection of Jake's affections. Tears threatened to break free from his eyes whenever he thought about it. His bed had been cold for several nights too. He felt deserted.

The loneliness only continued. A few glimpses of Dirk was all the contact Jake had for the past week. Dirk hadn't asked him to leave, hadn't formally broken up with him, so there's hope right? Hope to save this? What was Dirk building? Jake was afraid to ask, a single word from him was always met with an agitated response. He tried not to take it personally at first, the boy was probably hungry or tired. After a week though, it was hard not to feel unwanted. His roboticist was probably making his replacement. Making a robot that could do everything Jake could without his issues, without the possibility of mortality. He needed out for a bit. Leaving a note, so as not to upset Dirk further, he went to the waterfall.

Swimming helped ease the suffering in his mind. Adventuring was his preference, but since it wasn't much of an option this did nicely. He had texted Jane once or twice about the issues he's having with Dirk, but she said she couldn't deal with it again. He couldn't burden Roxy, not after his antics hurt her. Hal was pissed at him for Roxy getting hurt. John was a nice guy, but was really hung up on the whole sexuality thing. It's not that he was against them, just that talking about details made him uncomfortable. Jade was someone he tried to go to, but she couldn't do much more than lend a sympathetic ear. He wasn't really comfortable bringing Rose or Dave into their mess. He tried a couple of trolls, but they merely offered acting as an auspistice. While that isn't a bad idea, it would require Dirk to come out of his room. One obstacle at a time.

Returning home he found the workshop door open and Dirk nowhere to be found. His initial reaction was one of worry. Did Dirk really leave him? Had he just been waiting for Jake to leave so he could get his stuff and get out peacefully? This was quickly disregarded as all of Dirk's stuff was still there. Besides, it was his house, if anyone was supposed to leave it would be Jake. The adventurer checked every room and the perimeter of the house, nothing. Should he go look? Should he make the others help? Where could Dirk have possible gone? Before the string of thoughts could continue Dirk walked through the door, paying absolutely no attention to Jake and was back in his workshop before a word could escape Jake's mouth.

Several days had passed once again, and Jake was getting desperate. He had gone on a little adventuring over the past few days. Just a little, and not to the catacombs, but to a few areas that he could explore, but still be back in the house before Dirk would realize it. Still, Dirk didn't even seem that interested in the fact that Jake was leaving the house. Dirk seemed completely over him.

So this is what Dirk felt when he had left him. This is that crushing feeling of abandonment, desperately hoping for a glance, an uttered syllable, a fleeting touch, ANYTHING to let him know that affection still lived in Dirk's heart for him. Nothing ever came. Not even after another week. Jake didn't need any more hints. He knew he wasn't wanted; he knew he wasn't needed. Tears streamed down his face as he felt the realization hit him. He tried so hard, he tried so hard to make it up to Dirk. Make up for his actions from their first bout together. Make up for Dirk's injuries and loneliness caused by Jake's abandonment. It wasn't enough. He tried to be more forthright about what he wanted and what he saw in Dirk. He tried to be the perfect boyfriend, but he couldn't keep it up. He faltered and brought down the bridge he had worked so hard to rebuild. Packing a bag filled with his clothes and a few sentimental items, one being one of Dirk's hat t-shirts. He wouldn't miss one. He could do without one. Jake needed it more. He needed it to remind him of the precious moments that he shared with Dirk. Those precious moments that would be his only reprieve from the weight of the sadness pressing in on him.

Before truly leaving, he wanted to try one more time to win Dirk back. Empty gun in hand he knocked on Dirk's workshop door, no answer, not surprising. He carefully opened the door to find Dirk's back to him, bent over the worktable, meticulously working on some device. Jake placed the gun to the back of Dirk's head and let his finger trail down the boy's spine. Dirk froze, trying to salvage a confident air Jake said "One your knees." Dirk acted as if he were about to comply and a flicker of hope filled Jake, filling his very being in the nanoseconds before Dirk truly reacted. The blonde ducked, avoiding the barrel and grabbing Jake's jacket by the collar. "Not now." A low dangerous tone. "I'm working." Abruptly releasing the page, letting him lose his balance and drop to the floor, back turned. Jake looked confused for a moment before the realization of the event dawned on him. Dirk really had no interest anymore.

It had been a month since Jake had come home with Roxy, hurt, in his arms. It had been roughly a week since Jake moved out. Dirk never called or asked why; probably still in his workshop. Jake was cleaning his favorite gun, taking it apart piece by piece. Cleaning it properly and putting it back together. There was a gun range downstairs, maybe he could shoot. He could go out adventuring, he had no one to tell him not to anymore. He had no set time to be home, he could be out all night even. Yeah, time to get back to his true love. The love of adventure! He grabbed a small backpack and started off. Back to the catacombs! He's been itching to get back ever since he left!

A few hours later, Jake had finally managed to get back to the spot he left off last time. Pressing forward, Dirk was the furthest thing from his mind. He was completely caught up in the wonders behind every bend. Flashlight in hand he felt along the walls, taking a mental note of everything nook and cranny and marking along the way. He hadn't learned his lesson from last time. He still wasn't careful enough. Tripping over an old root, no doubt from some ancient tree, in his path. Hand catching an unstable rock, pulling it down with him. With the rock gone a large boulder shifted, moving and falling toward the page before he could get away. The tunnel was too narrow, he could move it time. His mind only had enough time to brace himself for what would surely be a painful death…

Except it didn't come. No boulder, no death, nothing. Instead a protective metal dome surrounded him, loud noise above him, the sound of shattering rock. And the dome became a bubble around him, pressing him into a compact position. Movement. What was happening? Dark was all he could see, he was moving he knew that much, but to where? After several terrifying moments of internal chaos, Jake was essentially spit out into some grass. Two hands on him, checking his pulse, his face, and a general poking and prodding of various regions. It was Dirk.

"You idiot! I told you not to go adventuring for a while! Didn't I?! And not only do you ignore me, but you go back to the place that almost got you killed last time?!" Aside from his bout with depression, this was the most raw Jake had ever seen Dirk. Tears streaming down his face, hands in a vice grip on Jake's arms, like he was afraid if he let go, Jake would disappear. If he let go, Jake would still be in danger. Like Jake could still be hurt. Upon closer inspection Jake could see that Dirk was nothing short of a mess. His eyes bloodshot, near black circles around them, and bags so large Jake didn't even know it was possible. His skin was wan and sweaty. His usually perfect hair looked greasy, unkempt, and was sticking up in a thousand different directions. He smelled horribly and was the sight of madness. A pathetic, devoted madness.

Jake's voice was small. "You didn't want me anymore, what else was I supposed to do?"

"What are you even talking about?!" Before a response could be uttered a mechanical bark sounded to Jake's right.

Notes:

So this marks our half way point in this fic. Well, roughly. I'm moving towards an end now and each chapter will probably cover more time. I'll still experiment a little. But I've come up with more solidified idea of how I want this to end.