Everybody made mistakes. Especially Karkat. His early call had confused Nepeta for a while before she had finally caught on.
"It turns out," he had stuttered, sounding extremely angry, most likely at himself. "That today is Wednesday instead of fucking Thursday, I have an early class today, so you can't come over until noon."
"... I'm sorry, can you repeat that?"
"Today is Wednesday, dumbass."
"Karkat you aren't making any se- OH. You mixed up the days. Hee hee, silly Karkitty."
"It's not funny, alright?"
"Sure sure. Getting enough rest, I hope?"
"Yeah yeah, I am, what the fuck ever, I'll see you tomorrow, okay- God dammit, Gamzee STOP IT, You're going to break my fucking radio, turn that shit DOWN!"
He must have been dropping off Gamzee. Most likely at his job at the grocery over by the college they attended. Karkat had offered to pick her up when he got out of his class, but she declined. Cars. Yeech.
She began to wonder if Karkat ever had the time to eat breakfast, let alone lunch. Why not take time to make a nice salad? One big enough to tide him over today and tomorrow. As she stood at the counter slicing large chunks of lettuce, Pounce weaved in between her feet, tail tip twitching expectantly. The small stereo in the living room filled the house with music, something that was a necessity to her. There always had to be noise. Never silence. Nobody likes silence. No one! Well, at least she didn't. She knew Dave liked his tunes. Equius surely listened to something while he went out jogging or hung out around the gym. Even Karkat liked his music. He had a tendency of turning it up loud as he passed by her house, alerting her that he was tearing through the quiet streets. Whenever she heard it, a silly little grin stayed on her lips for at least ten minutes. It was odd, but nice, too in a way. An obnoxious way of letting someone know that you're around. Pffhahaha. Alright, so most of the people she knew didn't like the silence. It wasn't just her.
Not that she'd care if it were only herself. She was a "strange" person in most people's book. So I like being cheerful and friendly, big deal. It's better than being in a cold mood like most of those sour faced strangers.
"They just need someone to cheer them up," She sang down to Pounce. "Somebody who can brighten up their day. There aren't many people like that, y'know." The cat replied with a mew, a purr vibrating in her throat. "Now let's see. Does Karkat like celery?" She held up the vegetable, smile replaced with a serious frown. "No... I don't think he'd like the taste. I know he likes tomatoes though. And carrots. I know! Maybe I can throw in this radish, too! Radishes are really good for you, I've heard. What do you think, Pouncey?"
"Meow~"
"That's what I think too," she agreed, dicing the veggies mercilessly. "And red peppers too. Those are full of antioxidants. Well, at least that's what Kanaya told me." She paused her chopping. Kanaya... She hadn't heard from her in a long time. She fought the urge to wash her hands and grab her phone, which was only a small distance away. Kanaya was a busy person, after all. Not nearly as busy as Karkitty, but still. Being a seamstress was a very demanding job. I'll call her tonight,she decided, picking up the cutting board and scraping the greens into a plastic bowl. She doused the salad in olive oil and sprinkled it with a pinch of sea salt and pepper. "There," she exclaimed, tossing the leafy treat together with her clean hands. "This will keep him energetic and ready to go!"
"Meow?"
"Don't be silly, Pounce! I'm just making this for him because, well, he probably doesn't have time to cook. It's not like I l-like him or anything!"
"Meow."
"Oh don't you get sassy with me, little lady! That is no way to talk to your mommy!"
"Meow!"
"Pounceyyyyy." Nepeta planted her hands firmly on her hips and mocked glared down at her cat, blowing a piece of caramel hair out of her face. "Mommy is just worrying over her very dear friend! Karkat is always very busy, running around. He's a busy body, you know." She turned to tend to the salad once more. "He needs good food to keep him going. After all he's done for me, this is the least I can do, you know."
"Mew?"
"No, you can't have a taste. Kitties eat kitty food, and that is that."
"Mrreow."
"Let's not have this conversation again, you silly cat." She ducked down and fished through a cabinet, looking for a lid. Upon finding it, she pressed it firmly onto the bowl's top until it clicked. With careful, oily fingers she slid the salad into a plastic bag she had kept from her recent shopping trip and leaned over to the sink, where she washed her hands thoroughly.
"Alright, so that's done," She informed herself, flicking her fingers briskly. "Let's see, I mopped the floors and folded my clothes. I fed you," She cooed, leaning down to take up Pounce into her arms. The cat twisted around until she managed to wrap her paws around Nepeta's neck in an embrace, purring loudly in her ear. The two nuzzled, affection passing between them. "Yess, oh yesss, mommy loves her baby, oh yes she doooes... Do you need to be brushed? I think you do!" She glanced over at the clock. "..And it is twelve forty five. I might as well head over, right? Right! Karkat's waiting for me. Do you think I'll need my camera...?"
"Meow."
"You're right, baby dear, maybe I can get him to take me to the park! We can talk pictures there! Or! We could go to the beach! I'll talk to him after he's done looking over my notes." She sat Pounce De Leon on the back of her tan couch and smoothed her fur. She planted a noisy kiss on her head. "He can show me how to take some seriously legit photos." And maybe I can tell him how I...
She shook her head. No no no, it's way too soon for that. I can't move too fast.
She looped an arm through the plastic bag's delicate gaps and equipped her bag with the other.
"Let's see, I have the salad, I have my camera. My phone is in my pockets..."
"Meow."
"Oh. You're right, Pounce." She burst out in a fit of laughter. "I do need to get dressed, huh! Alright alright, watch my things, I'll be right back!" Se ascended quickly up the stairs and hurried through her room, picking out a cream tank top and grassy green capris, along with her trusty slip on shoes. She fastened a black belt through the loop holes and fitted a hat on her head, the same shade of green as her pants. Throwing on some fingerless gloves at the last second and retrieving her phone from her robe's pocket, Nepeta scrambled back down the rickety steps. "Aaand my iPod is in my backpack. I'll turn down the music for you, Pouncey. I know you like your music just as much as I do." She rubbed noses with her companion before she opened her door and braced the outdoors. She shut it with a quiet thud.
Only to open it again to grab the salad and her bag.
"Hehe, okay, now I'm ready. Be good, miss Pounce De Leon~!"
–
"... I don't recall his house being this neat." But it definitely was. It was a big house compared to her own. Tall, classy, glowing bright ivory in the sun. Very clean, a nice green lawn, and not a cobweb in sight. She looked down at her phone to study the address. This was the place. But... Wow. What a gorgeous house! Since when did he start living the good life?
Since his photos got in calenders in postcards, and when countless people requested his talent from every corner of the states. It seemed like the college was paying him instead of Karkat paying loans. It was a perfect sized house for someone like Karkat. Looked like he took great care of it too. She nearly jumped out of her skin when the front door flew open with a bang! And he peered out at her, the usual look of crankiness dripping off his person.
"Are you going to stand there with your mouth hanging open like an idiot, or are you going to get your ass in here so I can look at your notes?"
"AAAAH, I'M SORRY!" She cried frantically.
"Dumbass," He grumbled, bopping her lightly on the head as she scrambled past him. And wow, was his house nice!
The walls throughout the entire interior were a crisp white color, decorated with pictures of the sea and mountains. The furniture was definitely interesting, comfortable looking even. He definitely had a taste in furniture. It looked too nice for someone like Karkat to live in. She assumed that the staircase to her left led up to his bedroom and study area.
"How can you afford such an incredible house," She asked breathlessly, frozen to the spot.
"It's not that fantastic, you dimwit. It's just a fucking house, now will you please get a move on?" Before Nepeta even had time to comply his request, he herded her towards the open spaced kitchen and forced her onto a chair at the counter. He sat across from her and reached over to drag his notebook closer to him. He must have prepared for her arrival. With a nervous swallow, Nepeta placed the plastic bag onto the silvery granite surface. Immediately Karkat's interest was piqued. "What's in the bag," He questioned, curiosity lacing his words.
"Oh! I made you a salad this morning! Here, lemme show you." With an excited grin, she pulled the vegetable mix out from it's plastic sheath and presented it to him. He raised an eyebrow and took it, studying its contents closely.
"...Huh. This actually doesn't look too bad. What's that," He asked, pointing to a thin slice of radish.
"That's a radish. Oh, don't make that face, they taste really good!"
"I have no intention of trying it anytime soon."
"Oooooh, no you don't, Mr. Vantas! I made this just for you, so you better gobble it down!" He looked through the clear container once more before he sighed through loose lips and stood.
"Fine fine, we'll have some. I haven't eaten anything since yesterday afternoon, anyway. Take out your notes and a pencil and I'll get some plates." A smile still on her face, Nepeta leaned over and zipped open her bag and wrestled out a kitten folder. She tossed it onto the table and flipped it open, withdrawing her notes and a pencil.
"I filled out four pages, I hope you don't mind."
"Four?" He sounded surprised, and he looked over his shoulder to give her a look of astonishment. "Where the hell did you get the extra problems from?"
"I wanted to try solving them different ways. Y'know, try to find an easier way."
"Oh. Well if that's the case, good job," He praised, returning to slide a plate over to her, along with a fork. She gave him a quick 'thank you' before shoveling some pieces of lettuce into her mouth. Wow, I did a good job! She watched him anxiously as he played with a piece of radish with his fork, eyes narrowed in what looked like concentration. After a moment of picking through the contents of his plate, he gave the dish a hearty stab, spearing chunks of lettuce and tomatoes. As soon as he was satisfied he had gathered enough of the leafy greens, he gave it one last look over before he closed his mouth cautiously around it. Nepeta swallowed her mouthful nervously as she watched him chew slowly, thinking carefully. Her heart skipped a beat as he swallowed and licked his lips. He gave her a satisfied nod and she melted in relief. "Very good," He told her before taking another bite. "You know what it needs though?"
"No, what?" He held up a finger as he chewed. After he had swallowed again he stood from his chair and approached his fridge and pried open the door, and then excavated its interior, mumbling to himself. He returned with a bag of what looked like- "Shrimp?" Karkat unsealed the bag and dumped most of its contents into the bowl and mixed it together with his fork.
"I was going to make pasta last night," He explained. " After I buttered the shrimp and everything I remembered at the last damn second I had no noodles." Nepeta couldn't hold back a bubbly laugh.
"Aw, Karkitty, that's awful." He offered her some of the succulent shellfish before he dumped the remainder onto his own plate. She gave it an experimental chew before crunching down on it completely. "Wow. Karkat, you are a genius."
"Damn straight. So here's breakfast and lunch for me. Thanks, Leijon." There it is. Right on his face. Shining right at her. Her heart skyrocketed into the clouds, leaving a red faced Nepeta behind. He was smiling just for her. Not a speck of lettuce on those pearly whites. She twisted her feet together and shyly slumped away, looking down at her salad.
"You're welcome. I just thought I'd make you something you can take on the go quickly, because you're always so busy. It's also the least I can do." Karkat shrugged, smiling slightly before he continued to munch on his lunch.
"You're too kind. I appreciate it. Now," He said, tapping her notes. "Let's get started."
–
Her entire body glowed with pride. She had done good, in Karkat's opinion, which really did say something!
"Your methods are a little confusing," He told her, squinting as he studied her scribbles. "..But, you did get the answers right. Who am I to force a certain formula on you, it's your fucking grade, after all."
"That you're helping me with," Nepeta had chimed back, spinning happily in her seat. She even managed to drag him to the park, where she had him judge her way of taking photos. Something that he was very strict about. Sure, he criticized her harshly but it hadn't harmed her. She was too focused on the press of his body against hers as Karkat moved her limbs like a doll, bending her to his will. She had tried very hard not to look at his face, fearing he'd see the furious blush that had covered her cheeks. Her heart pounded so furiously against her ribs, she was almost certain her could feel it through the veins in her arms. He showed no sign of acknowledging it however, as he barked out orders, which she obeyed.
And on the way back to her house, he had even asked if she would like to stay for dinner. Of course she had said yes, otherwise she wouldn't have been curled up on his couch watching a movie! She couldn't quite understand the plot, but she nodded whenever Karkat had pointed put something that had excited him in the film. He was almost... childish? Whatever it was, it amused her. She hadn't really seen him this animated about something unrelated to impatience.
"Bathroom?" She asked him, suddenly overcome with that feeling.
"Down the hall, first left," He told her, not once looking away from the TV's wide screen. She mumbled her thanks as she quickly scampered towards the direction he had pointed out.
As she was returning something had caught her eye, placed on a small table. She paused, eying it carefully. It was a worn out case, faded black. The object was somewhat large, thin, and half the size of a microwave. It looked like it had seen better days. There was a combination lock fastened under the handle, however. It screamed 'keep away'.
"...Hey, Karkitty!" She called, still mildly interested in the mysterious case. She heard him grunt from the living room. "What's this?" She heard the noise from the movie stop. He must have paused it.
"What's what?"
"This case thingy! What's in it?" There was a moment of silence before she heard him struggle to his feet. The light over Nepeta's head flicked on as Karkat approached her, eyes now fixed upon what she was staring at.
"What, this?" He asked, brushing a hand over it's surface. "Why do you want to know?" She returned the question with a shrug.
"I just wanna know what's in it," She replied innocently. Karkat rolled his eyes.
"Whatever." He picked up the case gingerly, as if it were a fragile vase, and played around with the combination. It opened with a sharp clicking noise, and he carefully guided his hand inside to withdraw something quite peculiar. It made Nepeta's mouth drop open.
The item that Karkat wielded was a shiny, onyx sickle.
It was curved gracefully, dripping with menace. The light reflected off of it beautifully, from the handle to the sharp, curved edge. It made her shiver. It was a gruesome looking weapon, made for hacking through bones and tendons.
"Why do you have that?" She said, watching him trace a finger over it fondly.
"I take fighting classes," he replied. "I have them every Thursday and Sunday."
"I didn't know you liked this sort of thing." But it made sense. An aggressive fighting style for an aggressive person. Karkat widened his stance a little and raised the weapon upright, holding out a hand. Nepeta flinched with a squeak. After scanning his figure, she leaned closer. "... Why are you holding out your hand like that? Hee hee, you look sort of sill- KARKAT, NO!" She screeched as he suddenly grabbed the front of her shirt roughly and pulled her forward, fitting the curve of his sickle around her slender neck. He laughed and spared her neck of the sharp edge, allowing her to collapse against him, shivering like a leaf.
"Silly, huh? Fuck that shit. Fighting with a sickle is all about strategy, no time for goofing around. That's why you hold out a hand when you're about to strife, so you can grab shit. What about you? Isn't that also the reason you hold out a hand when you perform judo?" Okay sure, he had a point. But she didn't threaten to lop off his head!
"Th-that's not funny," She complained, trying to regain the feeling in her legs. "I though you were seriously going to murder me, Karkat, you could have warned me!"
"If I had you would have broken my wrist, and that's something I don't want to go through. I need it for taking pictures." He rubbed her shoulders reassuringly and she stopped breathing. They were close. If he wasn't holding her, she didn't know what it was. She was tempted to melt into his arms, intertwine her hands around his slender waist and breath in his scent. Fear was replaced with nervousness as she mentally followed the slow, rhythmic strokes he provided her shivering shoulder with. I have to say it, She willed herself, closing her eyes tightly. Blush bloomed on her cheeks. Karkat...
"Hey Karkat?" Karkat, I...
"What now?" I just need to tell you...
"Well um... I was wondering..." His fingers gently kneaded behind her neck, sickle still in his right hand. "I need to ask you something." I want you to know...
"Just spit it out already." Karkat, I...
"... What time is it?" The hand on the skin of her neck stopped and he glanced over at a cyan colored clock.
"... Oh fuck, Nepeta it's ten thirty! God, look how dark it is. Hang on, I'll go start the car, and don't give me any of that 'I'm scared of cars,' shit, I'm not letting you walk home." His arm withdrew from around her torso, and she almost latched onto it, feeling more desperate than ever. "Stay here, I'll be right back." He placed his sickle in it's case and closed it before he turned and practically raced to the front door, slamming it behind him loudly, the sound resonating through the empty house.
...I love you. She held back a sob and supported herself against the wall. "I am so stupid," She whispered breathlessly through her fingers. "I am such a coward..." She shook her head, attempting to get a grip on herself. With sad, dragging feet, she shuffled over and grabbed her bag with a limp arm. She let out a shaky sigh. After a minute of silence, a loud, impatient honk summoned for her from outside. She took one last look around Karkat's home before she exited through his door.
His silver car's frame shook, and she could see his figure start and heard a muffled curse as he lurched forward to turn down his blasting stereo. By the sound of the bass, Gamzee had forgotten his CD. She stood outside the passenger door, chewing nervously on her nails. Her legs shook from a different fear this time. Karkat rolled down the window and shot her an annoyed glare.
"Nepeta, get your ass in here, I'll hurry alright? Don't make me force you in. We both know that wont be fun." Summoning up her courage, her arm shot out and she whipped open the door, flinging herself inside and fastening her seat belt. Her heart was slamming against her ribs and her palms grew sweaty as she gripped the door handle tightly. It creaked in protest as she applied more pressure. Karkat put the shift into drive and pulled out of his parking place, rolling down the street at a steady pace. He glanced at Nepeta and had a double-take. "Jesus fuck, Nepeta, calm down, it's only a five minute drive." He received a furious nod from her, wide hazel eyes glued to to street. Five minutes seemed like five hours as Karkat made his way around the twists and turns of the neighborhood, left hand propping up the side of his face. She should relax and enjoy the ride, but good golly, she was so darn petrified.
The minute he pulled up to her house she struggled to open the door, panicking when she found it locked. When Karkat unlocked it the door flew open from her frantic pushing and she ended up sprawled all over the cold sidewalk. She didn't really have the strength to push herself to her feet. She was too busy relishing the feel of solid ground.
"Oh my fucking god, Nepeta you are so damn hopeless." She heard his door open and slam, as well as his long, quick strides as he made his way towards her. Soon she was nose-to-toe with the tips of his red and black shoes. When she was unresponsive he heaved a sigh. "Good grief, what the hell am I going to do with you. You're way too old for this." She felt his firm hands grip her underarms. He hefted her up, holding her like she was a sleeping child. She locked her arms around his neck and rested her cheek on his shoulder. It was hard to see at first, but if she squinted, she could see pure white hair starting to peek through his false brownish black strands. He'd have to re-dye his hair soon.
"'M sorry, Karkitty." His chest rose and fell around her middle as he sighed in exasperation. He happened to do that a lot around her.
"Yeah, well you can't help it. This is what I get for scaring you shitless twice. Might as well get you inside." And with that he leaned over and removed her lime green bag from the passenger door, which he shut with his heel. When he arrived at her doorstep he took the keys from around her belt loop and unlocked the door, carefully maneuvering around Pounce De Leon, who followed him curiously. Nepeta laughed bitterly, remembering the way she held Pounce earlier. She shut the door behind him as Karkat continued onward and up the stairs. Ugh, for once she was self conscious about her trashed home. "Oh fuck," He hissed, looking over her room. He shrugged under her wait and with careful footing he made his way towards her unmade bed, trying his best not to break anything beneath his ruthless feet. He set her down gently on top of her comforter and dumped her bag next to her nightstand. With a gusty exhale he plopped on the edge of the bed, turning on her lamp. After a couple moments of silence he looked at her, suddenly sneering. "What do you weigh, ninety five pounds?"
"A hundred and five," She retorted weakly. He rolled his eyes and leaned forward to scratch Pounce's rump. "Can you do me a favor and feed her? Her food's on the counter."
"Oh sure, your highness. Anything else you want? Tidy up your house?" A shaky hand smacked him pathetically on the arm, earning her a snicker. "Yeah yeah, I'll get it." He pushed himself back up and made his way towards the stairs, Pounce hot on his heels.
"Karkat?"
"Yeah?" Nepeta inhaled and smiled at him, gratefully.
"Turn off the stereo too?"
"Ugh. Yeah sure, whatever." She turned her back to him as he descended down the stairs. With clumsy fingers she fumbled with her clock's radio, attempting to find the button for music. A song she knew too well erupted to life. She couldn't help but quietly mouth along with the tune's plea:
"Please don't be in love with someone else,
Please don't have someone waiting on you." She felt tears start to form at the corners of her eyes.
"Alrighty, I'm done! See you tomorrow, Nepeta!"
"Goodbye!" The front door slammed. After a few quiet moments, she heard his engines rev as he shot down the street, away from her. A pillow was pulled close so she could tuck her face within its depths.
"I won't hand him over that easily, Terezi." I love him, too.