Not long after their first little study session Eridan found himself inviting Karkat over on a regular basis. At the very least once a week, sometimes it would be class work, other times they just set and talked for hours. They would start to get quite comfortable near one another. To the point Karkat had fallen asleep next to him around their midterm. He hasn't been sleeping in favor of studying his ass off. Eridan knew this all too well with the constant complaints he heard for the weeks leading up. But Eridan wasn't going to just push him away. So he played some history documentaries and let the poor man sleep. Wrapping a blanket around Karkat's shoulder. That was the first of many times that Karkat would nap while with Eridan. It was sweet in an odd way.
Most of the time they would just talk about random events of the week, bringing up pointless drama that plagued both of them. Which was nice in a sense, nice to have an outsider's perspective on their problems. Eridan was sure they both felt that way. They had also kept up the small flirts around Cronus. It was always amusing to watch him huff and wonder off. Though they were possibly a bit too convincing since Eridan's father had started calling Karkat his "little boyfriend". Eridan never corrected him however. So part of that was on him. This only led to his father suggesting he bring his date to some fancy party they were hosting. It was well known that the youngest Ampora was not the biggest fan of dressing up for their allies in the trade. It was all business and no fun at all.
Eridan didn't take much time to think this over however. He might as well, Karkat had always been into that romantic dinner bullshit and it would be nice to have someone to talk to in the long run. He wouldn't be stiff arming some guy or gal that is just there to flirt and get a leg up on computation. Or to get in good with his family so they are no longer a target. Everyone there was always fake and pretentious. The Vantas really would be a breath of fresh air. So the week before he had messaged him asking if he had plans. Surprisingly enough the offer was taken rather well. Maybe partly due to curiosity on how these little parties go over. Also the possible excuse to dress up for some dinner party. The day came much faster than Eridan anticipated, he had already offered to pick Karkat up so they didn't have two cars going out into the middle of the city. He wasn't the biggest fan of this plan considering he knew he would have to deal with a pissy Makara at best.
Karkat had been a tad bit excited for the little dinner party he was being invited to. Hey it wasn't everyday he got to dress up and go eat some fancy bullshit. It seemed more that Eridan wanted someone to talk to over this being an actual date- not that he considered any of their little hang out sessions dates. But the flirting had become more and more commonplace, so much so they had started doing it even without Cronus being around. Such as in class. It made Karkat question if all of it was purely platonic like he had assumed at first. There was just something so nice about the teasing and hurling up to the Ampora. Something he couldn't quite put his finger on.
Regardless of his current mixed up feelings this was simply just a dinner as friends. He was there for completely platonic company. Karkat glanced over himself in the mirror. He actually didn't look half bad. Dressed in a nice black vest with a white button up underneath. Gamzee told him he needed more color so a red tie was added on to complete the look. Black pressed slacks and some nice shoes as well. He thought he looked damn good personally. Though he didn't own a full suit this should be good enough for the time being. As he left his room towards the main living area the Makara was lounging over the couch. Completely spread across it, though his lanky form had his legs hanging off one end. Deep purple eyes glancing up at him from over the back of the couch. A soft, dopey smile on his face. All good signs.
"You heading out brother?" Gamzee questioned him. His eyes gave a little once over his form. Karkat was currently fixing the cuff of his shirt. Just to make it a little more neat and put together. "Damn don't you look sharp. I know you said this ain't a date, but you would make a hot one. You should start motherfucking dressing up more often." He said so casually as Karkat rolled those grey contact covered eyes. He made his way over to the clown painted figure on the couch. His hand casually ruffled his hair.
"No it isn't a date, damn. Also I am not wearing this shit all the time. It is tight and hard to move around in. I'm not that big of a fan, but I do agree I look decent in it." Karkat scoffed as he leaned against the back of the couch. He knew Gamzee had some objections when he first started hanging out with Eridan. But slowly he had grown used to it. Trusting Karkat not to get into shit with anyone. The clown scoffed to the hand in his messy hair and gently smacked it away.
"Fine fine, you're gonna be home tonight right? Can't have a motherfucker worrying about his best Bro. So send me a message if anything comes up, ya know I don't mind helping you out of some messy situations." Gamzee spoke in a tone that showed he was more serious about this. Which was very rare for him. He could tell the clown saw Eridan as dangerous. Karkat did slightly feel like he was being babysat, but it wasn't like he hadn't done the same shit to Gamzee in the past.
"I'll be fine Gamz. You know I don't take shit from anyone. Including you or them. But yeah… on the off chance anything does happen you will be the first one to hear about it I promise." With that there was a knock on the door and Karkat waved the clown off. Walking the small distance between the door and the couch. Gamzee had a clear shot of it since the TV was only mounted a few feet away. Those purple eyes glaring from behind Karkat as they met the violet orbs. Eridan stood in the doorway, dressed to the fucking nines, a complete tux suit and tie. Karkat felt completely underdressed already.
"Are you ready to go Kar?" Eridan spoke in a light tone, an actual smile on his lips as he stared down at the smaller man. He looked… stunning. He couldn't deny that in the least bit. One last wave to Gamzee and they were off. Luckily for both of them the clown didn't utter a word to Eridan.