The fifth time Dave Strider saw Karkat Vantas, he broke his hand. He'd begun a conversation again with the express purpose of asking the gorgeous boy out on a date. Because his heart still skipped a beat at every glance between them and a goofy grin spread across his face at any mention of his name and no matter what, Dave was pretty sure he loved him. Dave, who had never believed in love at first sight, was pretty sure he was experiencing it. And then Dave Strider's whole world fell apart, because before he could ask him out, Karkat Vantas let it slip that he was married. And when he walked away, Dave Strider punched a wall, and broke his hand. They were acquaintances. They were friends. But they most certainly were not lovers, and no matter how much Dave wanted that to change, it never would.