AN: guys I'm so sorry for how long this hastaken.
-Katy
Karkat helped Gamzee into his suit, and made sure they both looked perfect. The arrival of John, also clad in his formal wear, signaled the time for them to leave. They all piled into Karkat's Equinox, and Karkat drove off.
It was a silent drive, but not uncomfortable. Nobody spoke, because nobody needed to. They pulled up to the funeral home, a light airy place that felt heavy to Karkat. He and his small group went in, and met with the director. He showed them to a blue and cream room, Lilies and orchids sat in fancy vases around the room. The casket sat at the far end of the room, and a wing off the side resounded a place for escape.
The first person to come shocked Karkat entirely. Dr. Carman walked in, somber faced, and holding himself with an air of sadness. He and Karkat hugged awkwardly, and Introductions went around.
"He took care of my mom and me in the hospital. I owe him a lot. Thank you for coming." Karkat sincerely offered, letting his eye wander to the few others that came in. He went and looked at his mother, and felt his stomach turn. She looked like she had never had an accident, scars gone, and skin perfected to every detail. He was sickened.
John looked around for his boyfriend, unable to see him in the main room. He trod into the side wing, and found a small shaking ball on the couch, pillows placed around him protectively. John went over, and sat down, wrapping his arms around Karkat, shushing and patting him.
"Karkat, it's okay. You have to go out there, for the people. I'll be there the whole time, alright? I promise." John rocked him, and the ball nodded. He unfurled, shaking. They walked out hand in hand to see many people had gathered, some schoolmates had even shown up.
He saw Gamzee standing near the casket with a familiar silhouette and stepped over to say hello to Sollux.
"I'm really thorry, KK. Really, thith thukth." Sollux gave Karkat a hug, and a sympathetic look.
"She's not here, but she's in the best place possible, I know that." Karkat sighed, And felt the back of his neck tingle with an urge to look behind him. He excused himself when he saw the small figure, accompanied by the towering one walk in. One in a green dress the other a blue suit.
"Equius, Nepeta, you came?" He asked flabbergasted, he knew of their allegiant friendship, just as close as he and Gamzee, but never expected the two to show up to something so grim.
"Of course we did, Karkat! We had to be here to support you!" Nepeta exclaimed, a look of hurt shock in her eyes. Karkat turned to face Equius who held a blank expression mirroring a grimace.
"I express extreme regret for what happened in the past, Karkat, and also for the situation that brings us here today." Equius had a deep, breathy voice, and sincere remorse showed in his blue eyes.
"It's all okay, Equius. Thank you, though, both of you, it means a lot that you came." Karkat gave them a small smile, and Nepeta hugged Karkat tightly, which he returned. She was stronger than she looked.
Karkat found Doctor Carman again, and tapped his shoulder. "Doctor, we... We need another Paul bearer... I was wondering if you'd do it? I mean, you're the only other person I'd trust with taking care of my mom... And you've done a pretty fucking great job until now..."
"I'd love to, Karkat. " it was the simple response that kept him going for the rest of the viewing. That and the small squeezes, and hugs John gave. It was brutally hard, greeting everyone with a somber smile, and receiving the hugs and attention he so desperately didn't want. it went on for a few more hours like that, shaking hands, making small talk, retreating for short periods of time to catch his breath, and wipe away stray tears with shaking hands.
It was nearly 8 when everyone filed out, leaving Karkat, John, and Gamzee to clean up. They took pots of flowers, and boards of photographs out to Karkat's car. John held a vase of Lilies when he heard a shatter. He turned to see water leaking onto the floor from broken glass, and Karkat hunched up, a man around six feet, heavier set, and barely passing as dressed up stood.
Karkat was snarling, lips set back, just like when Gamzee had hurt him. His voice was ragged, torn and ripped apart as it daggered through the air.
"You."