Tires screeched to a halt in front of the tidy little house. It wasn't that Karkat had suddenly hit the breaks, no. In fact they were just low on air. He sighed as he pulled into the driveway, pulling to the side to let the other car that belonged to his aunt to return. He rubbed his eyes as he stepped out of the car, taking a deep breath.

The short male's eyes drifted to the neat little green car that was parked perfectly. Kanaya was already home apparently. He yawned widely, grabbing his bag from the floor before shutting the door shut. Of course he was given the chance to have a new car just like her, but he wanted his dad's old car.

Karkat fumbled with the keys as he walked up to the front steps, the bag slung over his shoulder. He pushed it open before he threw the keys into a bowl near the door, stopping to survey his home. It was a large house, to say the least. There was a long hallway, two large gaps opposite from eachother. One led to a living room, decorated to the last spec. There was a large TV on the wall, paintings and a large bay window. Black leather couches were strategically positioned so everyone would have a view of the screen. The carpet was a starched white, looking like it was brand new.

Across was the kitchen. It had an oven, and a fridge he found to be too big. The freezer was on the bottom of the damn thing, and nothing scared the piss out of him more than getting a drink and a blast of cold air attacking his crotch. There was an island that had a flat top stove, the granite countertops polished to a shine. Other appliances were placed, though he had no business with any others but the dishwasher, microwave, toaster, and coffee maker.

Hollow paps echoed from his shoes as he made his way down the hall, past the door that held a bathroom and to the stairs that turned upstairs. He was quick on his feet, hoping to get to his room and relax. Maybe take a sleeping pill and get some rest like Terezi suggested. However, he was stopped by a tall, slim figure.

"Karkat if I dare say so, you are awfully quiet today. Normally I can hear you coming up the stairs from the attic. "

Kanaya.

Karkat sighed, looking up at her. She had beautifully tanned skin, her hair styled skillfully. It was a wonder she did it herself with nothing but a comb and hairspray. Her skirt fell just past her knees, a beautiful patter of oceanic blues. It let to a white blouse and a pale like yellow overshirt. However, folded arms covered the necklace he knew she was wearing.

"My bad. I forgot it's my job to be obnoxious. " Karkat deadpanned, looking at his cousin. He stepped around her, huffing when her hand grabbed the hood of his sweatshirt.

"Unfortunately you have a habit of being the loudest object in a room. You must not be feeling well or something is wrong. " Kanaya huffed, letting go of his hood after a moment.

"...When do I ever feel okay?" Karkat said after a moment, looking back at her. He stared for a moment. Eventually he heard her sigh.

"I see. Come on, I'll tell my mother you already did your homework. " Kanaya said, grabbing Karkat's arm.

It was much more common than he would like to admit. The doctors called it PTSD, but he liked to think of it as life giving him a swift kick to the nads. But it was normal. He'd come home absolutely exhausted, and Kanaya would work her magic.

She'd lay him on his bed, bring him water and his prescribed dose of sleeping aides and would play with his hair and just be there until he fell asleep. The doctor couldn't help the night terrors, but he did help him get sleep.

"Lay down. "

As usual, he did. Laying on his stomach, trying to relax the knots that had tied themselves inside his stomach. He gave a low sigh, his eyes opening to look at his cousin. She looked out of place. His room was painted a dull grey, tidy to the last drawer. The posters were perfectly straight, if they weren't, it would drive him crazy.

She clashed with the dull colors, giving the room a new sort of air. A calmer one from the usual tense atmosphere that had followed him.

Karkat sat up, methodically taking a couple sips before swallowing the little caplets. He laid down again, curling on his side and closing his eyes. It would take awhile for them to finally take effect, and they both knew it.

Feeling the bed dip under her weight, Karkat knew Kanaya sat on the edge. And just like always she began to run a hand through his hair. They never talked about it, because he always cried. It reminded him of his mother comforting him after a nightmare. Except he didn't seem to be waking up from this one any time soon.

"I'll be sure to wake you up a couple hours before dinner. "

"Okay. "

Karkat sighed gently, feeling himself relax. He was exhausted to the point his arms burned. They burned so bad- but it wasn't actually burning. He was more or less inclined, to take matters into his own hands again.

Though, instead he let his cousin lull him to sleep, seeing darkness before he began to relive the worst night of his life all over again.