Dave P.O.V.
Jake had stepped to the side to let me in like the gentleman he always was. I glanced around the room and found it completely devoid of the blond I'd come here to talk to. "Sup …. Where's Dirk?"
"Oh! Right! He's washing up. You know how he is with that water tap, takes at least an hour before he's dubbed himself clean enough." He chuckled, looking towards the hall. I assumed by context clues that Dirk was in the shower. Or that Jake thought he took an hour to wash his hands and was some type of germophobe.
"Alright …. So what brings you here?" I asked, moving to sit on the couch and chill for a while. Jake shut the door and moved to sit on the opposite side of the couch from me.
"Ah, well. That's …. That is a very good question, isn't it?" He chuckled nervously and I immediately caught on. He was opening his mouth as if he was going to explain and then shutting it, like he couldn't find the words.
"I mean, obviously you're here for Dirk, right?" I supplied.
"Yes. Of course. I, ah. Just got here not long before you did actually. Been waiting on him for at least twenty minutes now." Jake was fucking awful at lying.
"Right … nice shirt by the way." I smirked, knowing for a fact that he was wearing one of Dirk's shirts. He seemed to get even more flustered by that comment.
"Golly gosh. This ol' thing. I spilled soda on myself is all and your brother is just the sort of nice chap to let me borrow his." A decent excuse, I'll give him that. But Dirk being Dirk would've just cleaned up the stain on the shirt or washed it and let Jake wander around shirtless.
I simply made a 'hm' noise in acknowledgement and grabbed the TV remote. The news was on for some reason. Apparently some guy had thrown on a Halloween costume and held up the 7-11.
"Good golly, a bloke really held the place up just for some donuts? That's friggin ridiculous." Jake exclaimed, clearly trying to break the silence.
"People go to 7-11 for things other than donuts, Jake."
"Don't know why they would. Not much else is worth the pretty penny you pay for it there. It's all absolute rubbish." He half-mumbled.
"To each their own I guess." I shrugged and started flipping through channels.
"Ooh. Ancient Aliens is on. Press the info button, I want to see which one it is. " Jake beamed. So I did. "Oh bother, nevermind. I've already seen that one a dozen times." And just like that he deflated. I decided on leaving it on cartoon network for a while, sort of just spacing out. It wasn't long until Dirk wandered into the living room with one towel around his waist and another on his head, covering his wet hair.
"So I was thinking we could grab some lunch or something before- oh shit. Dave. Didn't know you were coming over so soon." My brother. I swear.
"Dude its fucking 5 already. We've got sound check at 6:30." I deadpanned.
"I didn't know you two were playing again tonight." Jake chimed in. I shot Dirk a look that said 'you know if you don't invite him tonight then I will,'
"I was gonna mention it when I got out of the shower. It sort of slipped my mind earlier, as you can imagine." He then stared at Jake, trying to communicate something, and I picked up on the context clues. They had sex this morning.
"Right-o. My bad there chap." Jake gave another nervous chuckle.
"Well …..." Dirk clapped his hands together. "On that note, I'm gonna go put some pants on and dry my hair."
"Good idea. I'll keep your guest company." I quipped.
"You're both my guests, but sure, whatever. Help yourself to anything in the fridge while you're at it." And just like that he hurried back to his room to get himself put together.
And as soon as I realized what Dirk had failed to do and the fact that he was probably going to chicken out, I seized the opportunity. "So Jake, we're actually showcasing a new set tonight. If you wanna tag along and check it out you're more than welcome. I'm sure Dirk would love to have someone there to support him."
"That sounds swell. I'd be everfriggin delighted." And just like that, Dirk owed me again because he didn't hold up his end of the bargain and invite Jake himself. I made a mental note to discuss that with him later though.
It was at least twenty more minutes before Dirk came out again, his hair only half dried and kind of a mess compared to how he normally styled it. At least he had clothes on this time though.
"So, I guess we're just going to have to swing by a fast food place then. Since we've only got about half an hour to get there."
"Ok." I shrugged. Jake groaned in protest though. He really didn't like the idea of fast food. He was always more of the 'home cooked meal' type.
"I'm sorry your highness. You had full access to the kitchen while I was showering though. You could've made something if you were hungry." Dirk said sarcastically.
Jake huffed. "You know right well that I don't just go poking about others kitchens without them being present. That's just friggin rude and I'm not the sort to impose in someone else's household."
"It's not rude if I'm literally giving you the permission to do it." Dirk shot back with a raised eyebrow. Jake didn't seem to have anything else to say about that. "If it makes you feel any better you can pick where we go. As long as it's quick and we can take it to go."
"I'll see what I can do for a compromise." He mumbled.
Half an hour later we were pulling up to the club's back entrance with Subway sandwiches in hand. Jake and his penchant for eating healthy and all, it was either that or Chipotle. And there was no way in hell Dirk or I were going to risk getting burrito butt while working the new set. Blowing up the bathroom at the club would chase people away faster than anything. It just wasn't going to be a good night if Chipotle was the option. Point blank.
Instead of having Jake help with the grunt work of carrying all the amps and helping set up, Dirk led him back to our 'dressing room'. In reality it was just one of the backstage lounges, but they'd let us use it on the nights that we worked. So, left to do all the setup myself, I got to work.
When it was all nearly done, Dirk came back out to help, sporting a fresh red hickey on his neck that was pretty damn obvious. I rolled my eyes and stepped back, letting him do the rest himself.
"Dude, you should've worn a turtleneck if you were gonna do that shit. Under all those lights, that's gonna stick out like an emo kid at a country music festival."
"What the fuck are you talking about?" He seemed genuinely confused.
"Bro, Jake left a huge fucking hickey right in plain sight on your neck. I'm glad you guys are on again, but damn. He's really hitting it hard this time."
"Holy shit. You're joking right?" Dirk whipped out his phone and used the camera to look at his neck. "Fuck. I told him not to leave any noticeable marks. Goddamn it."
"If you have some makeup I can at least make it not look as red." I offered.
He deadpanned. "Do I look like the kind of guy who carries foundation around with him in his pockets."
"No you look like the kind of guy who carries a lighter, forty seven cents, and a pack of month old gum in your pockets." I said passively.
"Jesus christ dude. Normally I'd get super introspective about what you just said, and it's probably a fucking insult. But now is not the time. Do you know if Roxy works tonight? She always has extra shit in her purse."
"Yeah but she won't be in until 7. You know, when our set starts."
"Fuck. Can you start with your stuff then? Just buy me some time?" He seemed to be actually having a meltdown right now. I'd forgotten just how much he cared about shit like this. He hated having noticeable hickeys. Something about his pride or his image or some shit I guess? I'd never really asked him.
"Sure, I guess. But then you double owe me."
"Double?"
"You didn't invite Jake tonight. I had to do it for you just to get him here."
"You didn't give me a chance. I was in the shower." He protested.
"You had the whole morning with him. And presumably last night too."
"... Fuck. Point taken. I'm gonna go text Roxy and ask her if she can try and get here a few minutes early."
"You do that. I'll be here taking care of sound check."
Karkat P.O.V.
When Meenah had said that the place was slammed, she wasn't fucking kidding. There was hardly an empty table in the house. In fact, as soon as she saw the second bus pull up she'd had everyone pull out all the extra tables in the house and cram them out onto the dining floor. The bar had at least five extra stools crammed in around it as well. Roxy was out at 6 too so that meant that we had to deal with Cronus being thrown into working the bar after that. Hopefully I would be out of here soon after that so none of my tables drinks would get messed up. It's not that I thought Cronus would be bad at bartending so much as I knew for a fact that an inexperienced bartender wouldn't be able to handle a crowd like this.
Regardless of the shift switches, I was running my ass off. The only bright side was that dealing with this many people made the insults really easy to come by. Just about anybody would get what they were expecting by coming here right now since almost everyone was getting greeted with "You really had to fucking come here tonight of all nights, you fucking asswipe? We're fucking slammed thanks to you." Or something along those lines. Every single server was stressed out to the nines and we were definitely letting it out on the customers. I really did have the best job in the fucking world.
Miraculously I managed to get all of my checks closed around the same time and before Vriska could seat anyone else in my section. (Thank you Sollux for being a slow ass busboy and not clearing my tables just yet.) I checked the time while in the back and realized that Dave's show was about to start in like 15 minutes. I bolted to Meenah's office and composed myself before just letting myself in.
"Can I ask you a really fucking huge favor?"
"Karks what are you doin in here? Don't you have tables to take care a?" She asked, ignoring my question altogether.
"I dropped all their checks off. A miracle, I know, but they all finished around the same time. Speaking of, I need to leave. Like right now."
"Clam down. What's the rush? Somebody die?"
"No. I just- It's a long story but basically I fucking promised a certain someone that I'd be somewhere at 7 tonight and if I don't leave now then I won't be there on time or likely at all with how fucking busy we are."
"You had a date tonight an you came in anyway? Are you glubbin crazy?"
"It's not a fucking date! It's just, ugh. It's complicated."
"Whale, I'm gonna need more explanation than that."
I facepalmed and groaned. "Fine. I promised Dave that I'd come see his show tonight and if that all goes well then I fucking guess I could have a date. It's going really well and I don't want to fucking obliterate it. If you still need help afterwards I can always run back, but I really need to make this show. Please? I never fucking ask you for anything really. Just this one time, please?"
"I shoulda known that boy was gonna cause trouble." She sighed. "Whateva kat. You're free to go. I'll be needin your apron though. We're still short staffed an those tables ain't gonna serve themselves." She then stood up and buttoned a few more buttons on her blouse to seem more presentable. I assumed that meant she was going to be taking my place and waiting tables.
"Thank you. Thank you so fucking much." I hugged her and she froze, apparently shocked by it. I didn't have time to dwell on it though. I untied my apron, pulled out the tips I'd already made that night, and threw the empty cloth at her.
"Yea yea. This is a one time deal, ok? I ain't gonna go throwin on the uniform every time you wanna go run off with your boytoy. You betta appreciate this."
"I know, I do. Thanks so much. Gotta run, bye." And just like that I sprinted out of the building.
I fumbled with my car keys some while trying to unlock the door and cussed myself out for it, out loud, in the fucking parking lot. By the time I finally got in my car and the engine started, people were definitely staring at me. Great. I collected myself and lit up a cigarette to help take the edge off my nerves. I wouldn't be able to drive while running on this much adrenaline. I needed to take it down a notch. I checked the time again. Only seven minutes to get there now.
"Shit." I muttered to myself, tossing the cigarette out the window and putting the car in gear. I pulled out of the parking lot and headed across town.
After speeding at least 15 over the limit and running a red light (in my defense there were no other cars around and I did sit there for 3 full minutes waiting for it to change before I ran it), I finally made it there. The time was 7:06. Hopefully it wouldn't be noticeable that I was late. I prayed that it was busy so that I could make the excuse that he just hadn't seen me in the crowd.
I took a deep breath and checked my hair in the mirror, mostly for a confidence boost. I looked like shit though so it didn't do much for me. I decided not to procrastinate any longer and got my ass inside the building.
Dave was already up on stage in the middle of playing a track and monitoring it, not like I expected any different. It was pretty crowded though, so I decided to cut through a throng of people on the dancefloor and made it seem like that was where I'd been the whole time. I headed for an open booth near the front of the stage, hoping Dave would see me on my way there. He did. I waved. He nodded at me and smiled before turning back to the monitor.
When I finally found my seat a waitress came by and offered to get me a drink. I had to explain to her that I wasn't here to order anything, just a friend of the DJ. She then tried to give me a drink on the house, boasting something like "Any friend of Daves is a friend of mine."
I rolled my eyes at her and just told her point blank. "If you actually were his friend, he would've mentioned you to me at least once or twice and you would definitely know who the fuck I am. So stop trying to be coy and leave me alone. Please and thanks." She seemed kind of put off after that, but left me alone after that for the most part.
By the time I got settled in, the song that had been playing when I got here ended. Normally I wouldn't pay much mind to that, but Dave had stopped playing anything at all and it was weirdly quiet in the club. I glanced at him and he was staring straight at me, microphone in hand. My stomach erupted in nervous butterflies. I could just tell he was about to do something extremely embarrassing on my part.
"Hey. If I could just get everyone's attention for a second." He paused and someone in the crowd yelled "Play some music already".
"Yeah. I'm getting to that." He chuckled. "I just wanted to say that this next track was inspired by someone I've been spending a lot of time with lately. I hope he enjoys it as much as I enjoy his company." A pause. "Sorry for being sappy. I'll get back to your regularly scheduled program here guys." Then he put the microphone back on its stand and cued up the track.
Marianas Trench. I recognized it almost instantly. I couldn't really tell what he'd mashed it up with but it sounded good. Really good. I found myself getting up and gravitating towards the edge of the stage. All I could think was 'Holy shit my face had never been so red without being caused by a joke at my expense.'
I got lost in the music easily, being on the dancefloor listening to a song that was literally dedicated to and inspired by me. I stared up at Dave as I danced a little and he stared right back. I probably looked really out of place, dressed up like I was in my work attire. But that didn't matter as much as this moment. This connection. This feeling. It was absolutely electric. It was breathtaking. It was … dare I say it, fucking magic.
After the song was over there was a lot of clapping and wolf-whistling. I couldn't help it when the blush returned to my face. Dave had essentially just made a grand gesture of romance in public and I had no idea how to handle it. Lucky for me, he didn't make a big deal about it or make it super obvious that it was me that the song was for, so there was less to worry about. He just went about playing the next track, a huge grin on his face as he kept stealing glances at me.
A few tracks later Dirk popped in and took over, shooing Dave off the stage. Not many people seemed to notice apparently, only caring that there was still music playing overhead. I couldn't tell where Dave was going but he disappeared somewhere backstage. I went and headed towards the bar to ask Roxy about possibly getting back there when my phone buzzed.
TG: glad you made it
TG: meet me out back
CG: ON MY WAY
And just like that I left and walked around to the back of the building. Dave was waiting there, keeping the back door propped open with his foot. My breath caught in my throat for a second as I realized that I had no idea what I was going to say to him about the song.
"Hey." He greeted casually. Well I guess that's one fucking way to start talking. Say something back, Karkat you fucking idiot.
"Hello." I mentally slapped myself. Way to be fucking awkward.
"So uh, you made it."
"Fucking barely, but yeah. I mean I had to beg Meenah to let me fucking go because I didn't even get a second to breathe until it was like fifteen goddamn minutes away and so I had to rush and I was speeding the entire fucking time and I ran a red light on the way here but there weren't any damn cops around or any other cars so I guess that makes it ok somehow, right, and it's just been a hectic crazy fucking night, and then you, you and your sneaky tricks there mister, you fucking pulled the wool over my eyes there and caught me by surprise by dedicating that song to me, god that was fucking embarrassing as all hell, you goddamn asshole."
"Karkat." He brought me out of my thoughts. "Breathe. You're rambling. I don't want you passing out from lack of oxygen."
"Fuck you!" I outbursted, clearly too worked up to respond properly. Dave looked slightly hurt and I wanted to kick myself. "Shit. I'm sorry. I didn't mean that. I was just … y'know. I'm sorry."
"Hey, it's alright. I get it. You've had a crazy night." He stepped towards me, looking like he was about to offer a hug or some comfort of some sort. Then the door that his foot had been holding open, slammed shut really fucking loudly and scared me half to death. We both jumped and every nerve in my body was on edge. "Aaaand now we're locked out." Dave sighed.
"Again, I'm sorry."
"No, no. That one was my fault. Totally on me. I'll just text Dirk about it when it's time to go back in. But for now, … I just want to hang out with you." We walked a little and both sat on the edge of the sidewalk next to each other.
"That would be romantic as hell if we weren't right next to a dumpster." I mumbled, getting Dave to smile and snort at me.
"Dude really?"
"What? It's fucking true." I defended. He just broke out into laughter and after a second I joined him.
"God, we are a fucking mess." Dave exclaimed once we'd calmed down.
"Speak for yourself. I've moved past the mess tier a long time ago. I've gotta at least be at fucking public toilet tier by now." I joked.
"Gross."
"Yeah."
"Were you genuinely mad at me for dedicating that mix to you?" He asked.
"No. More shocked. Kind of embarrassed. But it was … sweet. No one's ever done something like that for me before." I smiled, looking down at my hands that were suddenly very interesting.
"Cool. I'm glad you liked it."
"I'm glad you made it. I mean. Like I'm glad you were inspired by me. Fuck, that's not quite right either. What I mean is, I'm glad I could help. I guess." I was just a goddamn mess right now.
"It's cool. I know what you mean." And just like that it was silent again for a long time. We both just sort of sat there looking down at our feet. I stole a glance only to find that Dave was just looking away from stealing a glance of his own. I smiled to myself and let my hand fall non-suspiciously between us. I heard him huff a silent chuckle and then felt his hand right next to mine. My move. I fucking went for it and grabbed his hand, lacing our fingers together.
"So I never did think of a better shitty nickname for you." I mused aloud.
"That's alright. You've got time. I'm not going anywhere anytime soon."
"I fucking hope not. Who else would I go get coffee with?" I grinned.
"Doesn't your roommate work at Starbucks though? I'm sure he'd get coffee with you if you asked." Dave pointed out, giving my hand a light squeeze. I squeezed back.
"Like hell I'd want to go there with him. I see enough of him at home. I don't need to spend more time with him. He's not exactly the easiest guy to be around 24/7."
"I'm sure his boyfriend begs to differ."
"Oh no. They're both insufferable assholes and they know it. They complete each other in the worst kind of way. Never invite them both somewhere unless you want them to ditch you, or annoy you until you're forced to try and ditch them."
"That bad?"
"Maybe …. Probably not. I just have a low tolerance for bullshit."
"Amongst other things." He chuckled, and I punched him lightly in the shoulder with my free hand..
"Fuck you. Blame Roxy for not cutting me off."
"Fine, fine. I'll let that one slide for now." He grinned. The damn charming asshole.
And again it was silent for a long moment. He started rubbing his thumb against my hand and I just sighed, looking up at the night sky. Light pollution caused a great lack of stars for viewing, but it was still a nice calm night. Gentle breeze blowing and not many people outside due to the show happening in the club.
"So-"
"Hey-"
We both tried to speak at the same time, sort of cutting each other off.
"You go first." I offered.
"No, go ahead. I insist."
"Dave, seriously, just say what you were going to say."
"No, no. I interrupted you. Go ahead."
I groaned and caved.
"Fine." I took a moment to collect my thoughts. "So, um." and another pause. "Well, I just-" I could not find the fucking words right now and it was killing me. He was so close to me and warm compared to the late fall air. Not to mention his lips looked inviting as hell right now. "Would it be ok if we…?"
"We?" He asked.
"If we … y'know." I glanced at his face and then down to his lips and back again, biting my own lip as I did so.
He lifted his shades to the top of his head and smiled genuinely at me. "If we kissed?" He offered.
I nodded, lost in the sight of his eyes. They were the most interesting and attractive mix of brown and red. More red than anything, and absolutely stunning. Before I knew what was happening, we were almost nose to nose, hesitating just a breath away from each other. I watched those red eyes slide shut and something in my chest fluttered alive as I followed suit, closing the distance.
The kiss lasted about six seconds, and they were the best six seconds of my life so far. His lips were much softer than I'd expected, and it made me want to just keep kissing him. I didn't though. And I was more than content with the one perfect kiss we'd just had.
When we pulled apart, I rested my head on his shoulder and he wrapped an arm around me. I was grinning from ear to ear, and I could feel the grin on his face as well as he rested his head against mine. We didn't say much for a long time, just content sighs and cuddling on a shitty curbside by a dumpster outside the club Dave worked at. Absolutely perfect.