Ok, I'm so sorry this took so long to type up. I ended up having to quit my math class so I should have more time to write now. Here's hoping I can get updates out faster than once a month. This chapter is a little short, but I wanted to keep it as just John, for the sake of clarity. The next chapter will be just Dave, then the next just Dirk, then just Jake. You have been warned. As usual, Homestuck is owned by the Huss, Read and review if you like. –edited-

Your name is John Egbert and you're starting to wonder how long you'll be working on this ranch. While you haven't minded the fact that you and Dave seemed to have hooked up, you know your parents won't let you stay out here forever. And when Dirk catches you and his brother making out behind the barn again, you figure that maybe you should go have a chat with one of the expedition starters to find out exactly what the plan is when you get sent away. It's not the first time Dirk has caught you and you're very grateful that it hasn't been Jane so far. Though Jade and Jake have both had their share of witnessed sloppy make-outs.

As you scamper away, you realize that Dirk truly is getting irritated with the relationship between you and his brother. And it makes you reflect on what you're going to do when you actually leave to finish the expedition. And what will happen afterwards. Which is why you find yourself traversing the dangerous world that is the garage where Jade is working on a car with Horuss Zahhak. You can't seem to find Jake anywhere, so you wait for her to slide out from under the vehicle she and the tall, silent black man are working on. "Jade? Do you know where Jake is?"

She looks up at you, frowning. "He should be cleaning the stalls. Why aren't you hanging out with Dave? He ignoring you again?"

You rub the back of your neck sheepishly at the accusation. "It's not that he ignores me. He just needs his space sometimes!" You assure her for about the hundredth time. You know it's not quite true, but you're sure Dave has a reason why he pretends like you don't exist sometimes. After all, it's not like he was doing it just to be mean! No one would do that kind of cruel, twisted thing after all.

Jade looks unconvinced but shrugs it off. "Why'd you want to talk to Jake?"

You blush as you realize you'd almost forgotten what you came to ask about in the first place. Thinking of Dave is just that much of a distraction you guess. "Well, we've been here for about a week now, and my parents won't be pleased as it is about the ranch work Jane and I have been doing. I was wondering how much longer we planned on trying to win Dirk over to get the horses…" From what you can tell, Dirk's opinion hasn't changed a bit since the day you all showed up. In fact, it might have gotten even worse, and as much as you hate that you have to leave, it's probably better if you leave soon.

Since you're getting so attached to Dave it's already going to be hard to leave such a fun place. But it's not like you can just take him home and introduce him to your family. This has to be just a short, summer affair. As much as you like him, you know it's just not possible for you to keep him. Which, in short, made those little days of being ignored so easy to bear. They help remind you of the way things have to be between you and Dave. You feel terrible for leading him on though, so despite having been caught making out with him just moments before you've come to a decision. Perhaps it'd be best for every one if you pushed the issue of leaving sooner, rather than later.

Jade doesn't seem to be fooled though. She smiles at you kindly shaking her head, and you know she's got your plan figured out. "Jake and I were going to bring it up at dinner tonight…" You nod, looking down at your untied shoes. "You sure you want to leave though? We could let you stay here with Dave while we finish the expedition. Your parents wouldn't need to know…"

Of all your friends back home, Jade was the only one that knew about you being gay, and had helped to hide it on more than one occasion. But now, after running into Dirk again, you realize that continuing to lead Dave on would be a mistake. As much as you like the man, you know he's off limits, and way out of your reach. "Nah, it's fine. We'll ask them tonight at dinner then. Which, should be in about an hour I think." Jade looks like she wants to say something else but you turn away, feet carrying you towards the door.

Halfway there you step on a rolling pipe and when you try to catch yourself with your other foot, the shoelace catches on something. You're heading face first for the floor when suddenly he's there, catching you. "You ok John?" There's genuine concern in Dave's voice when he speaks, and when your eyes meet you would almost swear you see a flash of fear in those scarlet irises before he hides it.

"Yeah! Just me being a klutz! Sorry about that." He just shakes his head and pulls you into a hug. Something seems to be off with him but he doesn't say anything, just dragging you off into the house after a moment. As you go you can hear a soft, disappointed sigh from Jade and it makes you feel better that she feels as bad as you do about having to leave one of the best boyfriends you've ever had behind. "Where are we going, Dave?" You ask as he leads you inside and starts heading up the stairs

"My room. I want to show you something."

BE DAVE STRIDER