It's seriously raining here like every day. Now I know how people in Washington really feel! I was gonna hold off a few more days on an update, but a reader told me she's going out of town and would like the newest chapter before she left, so I figure, why not? (plus it's all on me that she's even in this fandom now, haha.) So let's get on with your love! luckycat222, I figure Dave would do whatever it takes to piss Karkat off. I know I would! But it's my troll nature, haha. I'm so glad you love my writing! That makes me happy! PLATONIC BRO CUDDLES THAT AREN'T ACTUALLY PLATONIC ALWAYS WINS! Kira-Lime Orijima, John is halfway out of that closet. We just have to prod him a little. John simply passed out before he could pester her! Fret not, there will be a John/Jade conversation soon! YOU ALWAYS THINK I'M PLANNNG SOMETHING! NyaddieLove, thank you so much! Yes, it is hard swapping personalities so often for all the characters! Honestly, I feel I write best from John's POV, but Dave's is much more fun, haha. I think all of us have had firecrackers and such thrown at us every now and then. ArtsyreaderVOI, *takes fix, pockets quickly* Ahem. Yes, I love me some Kanaya/Rose. Next time I write a Homestuck story, I'll make sure to add them in person, but yes, they are together in New York in this story! Kerra-Chan, here it isssss! Rai Rai Blue, I'm not a tease! No, don't look at me that way! I'm NOT! Yeah, so I'm a tease. SUE ME. You always think of foreboding things when I write! I mean, I usually make that happen, but c'mon, trust me, woman! *tugs John back* And I fixed the problem! I noticed it a little before your review, but didn't fix it till way after, haha. I get lazy sometimes. Hope your trip is fun! And this early update shall be your present. darkestlight96, yeah, you know me. I get involved in a story, and have to update more often because I get just as impatient as you guys. (I remember updating WTCF daily, whether I was busy or not, because I wanted to write it.) EVERYONE can use laughter! Also, I noticed your posts on tumblr range from happy to really sad sometimes. If you ever need to talk, I'm here! Don't let life get you down, love. SACHI LOVES YOU! lovemahBF, I LOVED WRITING IT! I'm going to make Dave use the southern accent pet names, because those are best! I call everyone 'sweetie', haha. It's how we operate in the south. Seriously, your reviews make me so happy! KEEP THEM COMINGGGGG! Sophia Lena Duchannes Riddle, I NEED MY FIX THOUGH! GIMME! Fish puns, eh? GLUB GLUB TO YOU TOO! Anyfin can happen at this point. Red-Rayne, ah, thank you! Makes me happier than you know!
Confession 7: There was no confession six. WHAT.
Boogie Down
(MGMT)
[Riding in your tank like you own it, oh. You keep on riding in your tank like you own it, uh. I said you know I wanna check out your components, uh, girl. You know I wanna check out your components. Bombing up the place like you own it, oh. You keep on bombing up the place like you own it, oh. I said you got the good stuff baby, won't you flaunt it, oh yeah. You got the good stuff, baby won't you flaunt it, gonna flaunt it.]
You're Dave Strider, and you're slouched in the passenger seat of John's bright green Prius. You had offered to drive, but he had adamantly refused, saying he didn't trust you to get him to the club in one piece. Of course you know how to drive, you're not stupid. You just like driving fast. And while it's a crime, it shouldn't be, as long as the one speeding actually knows how to drive. Either way, he didn't buy it, so now you've been demoted to passenger while John takes the wheel.
Talking to him in real life is just as easy as doing it online, you've discovered. The upside of hiding behind a computer screen is being able to articulate your thoughts better, and, of course, not showing as much emotion. You can't help laughing at his little jokes and tales from his childhood, which you would never do over the internet. The biggest upside of seeing him in person, you've decided, is learning all of his little habits. Each time he smiles widely, flashing all of his teeth at you, he immediately covers them with his hand, and you know he's still self-conscious about his slight overbite. You might tell him later that it's not nearly as bad as he thinks, since he grew into them, but for now, seeing him blush and cover them with his hand is just too cute. His laugh is infectious, and whenever his bright blue eyes look into your shades, you can't help but feel…content. That's a good way to describe it.
Since he didn't dry his hair before leaving, it's wilder than usual, sticking in every direction. Still, it suits him in a weird way. If he ever tried to style his hair, you have no doubt that it wouldn't look as good as letting it be. Not to mention, it's raining outside, so the humidity isn't doing either of your coifs any good.
The radio is on, but it's turned down low so you could hear more about him. You don't think you could ever get tired of hearing him talk. He's very animated when he speaks, and his hands move all through the air when they're not gripping the wheel. He looks over at you again, the same brilliant grin flashed at you. He's talking about his dad, and you can tell how much he misses him.
"So then I went downstairs, and he's seriously frosting another cake, which he then proceeds to stack on top of the other one. They weren't even the same flavor!"
"Dude, you're the only guy in the world who wouldn't be happy to be showered in baked goods. I wish Bro would've cooked more. I lived off take-out for almost my whole life," you say.
"At least you had someone to spar with. My dad tried to start a strife once, but he ended up spraying me with shaving cream until I left the room."
At this, you can't contain your laughter, and he looks over at you again while you struggle to regain your poker face. When your gaze meets his, he blushes again, and hurriedly looks back towards the road.
"Everything okay over there, Egderp?" you ask. He nods too quickly, his wild hair swaying on his head.
"Yeah, yeah, fine. It's just…I like your laugh," he replies quietly, adamantly refusing to look at you. He must be feeling the same as you are. Or at least, you hope he is. There's been a strange sort of feeling around the two of you since you first woke up, making everything just a little awkward. It's almost like a weight you can't describe, threatening to crash down on both of you. At least, that's how you feel.
Throwing caution to the wind, you reach your hand over the glove box, catching his with yours. His blush is back as he looks down at your joined hands, but you soon feel his nimble fingers entwine with yours. Neither of you mention it, because that would only ruin the magnetic energy coursing through both of you, and add to the pressure. So instead, you both look ahead at the road, and you risk brushing your thumb over his smooth skin, sighing happily when he does the same. You feel a vibration in your pocket, and while he uses his free hand to turn the radio up at a stop light, you use yours to answer your phone.
It's a pester from Dirk, of all people.
-timaeusTestified [TT] began pestering turntechGodhead [TG] at 13:15-
TT: Having fun?
TG: since youre pestering me i assume you want to know how cal is
TT: You know what they say about assumptions, little brother.
TG: fuck you
TG: and fuck you more for putting that puppet asshole in my suitcase
TG: putting him in the woodchipper would be a fate too good for him
TG: im lighting him on fire
TT: Do it, and I'll deep fry all of your records you left here. It might interest you to know that I came across John's chumhandle on your account.
TG: you hacked my account
TT: No, I opened your laptop, and it was on the page you never signed out of.
TG: my laptop has a lock
TG: a password
TG: you know my password
TT: It wasn't hard to figure out.
TG: i swear to god
TG: i hate you so much
TG: why are you near my laptop
TT: I'm in your apartment.
TG: fuckin figures
TT: Have you made a move on Egbert kid yet? We all know that was the entire point of this little visit.
TG: no i havent
TG: making moves is not the point of this visit
TG: cant you impose on someone elses life for once besides mine
TG: what about your little boytoy jake he actually likes your meddling
TT: He agrees with me that you need to stop beating around the bush.
TT: You've been infatuated with this guy for how many years now? It's more than a little sad that someone who shares my badass last name and good looks can't man up enough to make a move. No one likes seeing you fawn over him quietly.
TG: fuck you im not fawning
TG: and seriously get the fuck out of my apartment
TT: Jake is cleaning out your fridge. We'll leave after that.
TG: jake cant clean
TT: I know. That's why it's funny. I'm pretty sure he just threw out apple juice that was completely good.
TG: ill kill him i swear
TT: His intentions are good. As are mine. Which is why I'm telling you to grow a pair.
TG: whatevert
TG: dammit *whatever
TG: im typing one handed
TT: Should I message John and let him know of your perverted intentions?
TG: that is what you should not do
TG: there is a list of things i would rather you do than that
TG: including ripping out my spinal cord
TT: Wow, you're dramatic.
TG: im ending this conversation
TG: fuck you and fuck jake
TG: and dont message john seriously that wouldnt even be ironically cool
-turntechGodhead [TG] ceased pestering timaeusTestified [TT] at 13:20-
Sighing irritably, you place your phone in your lap, and look back down at your hand wrapped around John's. He's looking at you out of the corner of his eye.
"Everything alright?" he asks.
"Bro is being a dick."
"Oh. Uh, isn't he kind of always?"
"Truer words were never spoken."
Your phone vibrates again, and you hiss as you unlock it to see who it is.
-timaeusTestified [TT] began pestering turntechGodhead [TG] at 13:21-
TT: David?
TT: This is jake. I put your juice back!
TG: sweet
TG: now you just need to get your ass out of my place and i might be cool with you again
TT: We are about to leave. Dirk is jonesing for a rather good bit of pranking though. Ive been instructed not to inform you of his hijinks.
TG: shit whats he doing
TT: Exercise the utmost of caution while opening your cabinets! I daresay he has them booby-trapped more than indiana joness lost ark! There were quite a bit of colorful plushes being shoved in them last i ventured to look.
TG: smuppets huh
TT: Afraid so chap.
TG: so i gotta know
TG: do you ever just lay awake at night
TG: and think to yourself
TG: man im sleeping with this asshole whos obsessed with puppets and orange soda
TG: my life sucks
TT: Hahaha! Dirk is *absolutely* bully! I think his quirks are what make him so interesting. Hes his own person for sure but his attitude is certainly more than alright by my standards!
TG: thats a nice way of putting it
TT: Egad! He sees me on his phone! I must bid you farewell david and i hope to ring you a bell with my own account next time!
TG: later dude
-timaeusTestified [TT] ceased pestering turntechGodhead [TG] at 13:27-
"Dirk again?" John asks.
"Nah, his boyfriend. Sometimes it's hard talking to him though. He talks like a Bond villain."
"Haha, a Bond villain? I should add him then! I love Bond!"
"Ugh, you two would probably get along great. English loves cinematic trash as much as you do."
John squeezes your fingers indignantly. "You don't even know good movies, Dave. So your opinion is invalid."
The buildings around the car are starting to multiply, and soon, the Space Needle is visible. You can't help but look at it interestedly, since you've never actually been to Seattle before. You wonder if you'll have time to sight see before the gig, but set up takes a while, so you doubt it. Maybe next time you visit.
"Where is this place?" John asks. You pull out your phone and open your GPS, and give him directions until you're parked outside a large brick building. It's empty right now, save for one car, which you can only assume is the owner's car you booked the gig with. John parks the car, and you're forced to let go of his hand as you both make to exit the vehicle, and you immediately miss the warmth. He walks around to stand beside you, and you lead him inside.
You immediately see all your equipment on stage, already unpacked, but not set up. If this is anything like last time, you're going to have a hell of a time untangling the wires. Your hand finds John's again, and you tug him towards the stage, only to be stopped by a loud female voice.
"Hey, you! Are you the DJ I spoke with?"
You turn to observe a blonde woman, a little taller than John due to her heels, come marching toward you. Her bright pink shirt is hanging a little off her shoulder, and her eyes seem to be the same carnation color.
"Sure am," you say. Her hand stretches towards yours, and you immediately notice the little cats painted on her nails. She notices your staring as you shake hands.
"Do you like my meow-nacure?" she giggles. "My girlfriend picked them out. She said they suited me well."
"No arguing there, ma'am," you say, and she laughs again.
"Yes, you're definitely the same smooth talking southern gentleman I spoke with. I'm Roxy. And you're as handsome as I figured! If I wasn't taken, I might just put the moves on you."
"Yeah, you said that last time, but you were drunk, I think. So is everything ready for tonight?" you ask, tugging John along as you follow Roxy.
"Yes, Janey made sure to tell the movers to use special care while moving your stuff. As instructed, we didn't try to set up for you. I know how bitchy you DJ's can be if someone else touches your turntables."
"Sweet. C'mere, John, I wanna show you my equipment."
The wires are tangled pretty badly, but you're trying not to fret over that right now. John immediately moves towards the turntables, and reaches out to touch them, but stops himself while looking at you sheepishly.
"Sorry," he mumbles.
"Nah, it's cool, bro. I don't mind if you touch them. Just be careful."
His megawatt smile is blinding as he reaches out again, fingers delicately brushing over the surface. Laughing slightly, you roam around him to locate the wire, and plug it in the wall so it's on. You move back towards him and place your hand over his, spinning the record and making it skip. He makes a delighted noise and looks up at you with glee, silently asking you to continue. You spin a few more times, making an easy beat, and John is your excellent audience of one, ooh-ing and ahh-ing at the right moments. He's bouncing on the balls of his feet in anticipation by the time you stop.
"I can't wait for this!" he says. "You're gonna be so cool up here. I can't wait to see you play!"
You lean towards him and pull him in your arms before you can stop yourself. He hugs you back easily, giggling into your neck.
"I can't wait to play for you," you tell him, your mouth at his ear. He shivers, and pulls back to look at you, eyes wide. Wordlessly, he reaches up to push your shades away from your eyes, removing your poker face so your emotions are completely on display, and you let him, because you want to look at him without the barrier. The heavy weight around the two of you seems to be lifting away as you stare at each other, and his eyes dart to your lips before he stands on his toes, leaning in-
"So what time do you think you'll be all set up, Mr. Strider?" Roxy's voice floats over, breaking the atmosphere around you and John, and making him snap back like a rubber band. Your shades slide back down to rest on your nose. His face is redder than you've ever seen it, and he busies himself by moving down to start untangling wires as you look over to the blonde woman eyeing you.
"Call me Dave. And I dunno, couple hours?" you sigh, secretly hating her a little.
"Nice. This is the biggest club in the area. If you do well here, it'll open a lot of doors for you. I've heard your stuff online, naturally, so I really don't have any worries about you. Just make sure to make this a night to remember, yeah?" she smiles, pink eyes glinting.
"I always do," you grin, eyes darting over to John, who's making it a point not to look at you.
If only you knew the truth of that statement. Tonight will definitely be a night you'll never forget.
[I'm playing my guitar like I own it, oh. I keep on playing my guitar like I own it, yeah. I said you know you wanna check out my components, yeah. That's right, you know you wanna check out my components. You're touching on my hand like you own it, oh. You keep on touching on my hand like you own it, uh. I said you got the good stuff, baby won't you flaunt it, yeah. I said you got the good stuff baby won't you flaunt it. Gonna flaunt it, yeah. Said it's cool, you're touching my hand. Yeah it's cool, it's cool, where we riding to? So come on sugar, touching my hand. Yeah it's cool, it's cool, where we riding to? So come on, yeah come on. So where we riding to? Yeah come on. So come on. I said, where we riding to?]
Sachi: So starting the next chapter I think will be the fun stuff. The gig will be pretty good, but after will be epic! So review for love, and a quicker update for the next chapter! *looks around suspiciously* Gimme another fix, yo. I'm good for it!