"You look like you could use something sweet," Kankri said when Cronus arrived the next day. He hadn't had much sleep due to a combination of nerves and the fact he'd ingested quite a bit of sugar yesterday.
"I'm good."
"Is something wrong?" Kankri looked concerned.
"No, not at all." Well apart from the fact that his heart was beating fast against his chest. When did he ever let his feelings get the better of him like this? He needed to calm down or he'd never get the words out.
"As long as you're sure." They ascended the stairs and went into Kankri's room where they settled into the usual positions of Cronus on the bed and Kankri on his chair. "I'm just a little worried about you."
"What's there to worry about?"
"Well, ten sweeps is a big number – perhaps not for sea dwellers, but still it's double figures and I was worried you'd do something stupid."
Cronus laughed. "The thing I'm going to say…to tell you, could be viewed as stupid."
"Please just tell me so I can relax," Kankri begged.
Cronus took a deep breath and exhaled. "Kankri, I…" It was so hard with the other staring right at him with that concerned expression. He decided to look down at his hands for the most part, flicking his eyes up periodically. "I think you're a really great person – you're the best friend I've ever had. And that's why this is stupid. Because I never want to destroy that. But I have to do this." God, if Karkat was wrong he was going to cull him personally. "Take as much time as you want when I…when I finally get round to saying it." He laughed at his own stalling. "Okay." It all came out very fast, "I really like you in a red kind of way and have done for so long because you're so wonderful. I'm flushed for you, Kan, and I want you to be my matesprit." Oh god, he'd done it and now he couldn't bear to look up from his clenched hands. The silence was killing him.
He heard Kankri clear his throat, but he still kept his eyes down. "Cronus…I…" Oh no, Kankri was speechless. That wasn't good. Wait. Maybe that meant he wanted to say yes? Was this silence the sound of an internal struggle?
"I really like you too."
Cronus looked up with a smile and was met with Kankri's pained face.
"But…I…this wouldn't work."
"Huh? You…we both like each other, so why not?" Cronus reached for Kankri's hand, but the Cancer pulled away.
"I can never be the matesprit you deserve."
Cronus shook his head. "You're perfect to me; no one would suit me better. If this is about blood, it doesn't matter; I never cared about the spectrum."
"The red quadrant is a concupiscent one," Kankri said. "I vowed not to get involved in them." He'd told Cronus he loved him…maybe that had been a mistake. He should have just repressed his feelings.
"I just want to hold you because I love you; I want to tell you how beautiful you are without seeming odd." He held out a hand, hoping that Kankri would take it. "We don't have to be in the red quadrant in its entirety. We just have to be in love and act the way our feelings are telling us to." Kankri hovered a hand above Cronus's. "I'll never ask you to do anything you're not comfortable with." He dropped his hand. "We don't even have to touch." Kankri picked up his hand and held it in his. It was warm and a little sweaty.
"I want to be close to you," Kankri said quietly. "I want to act like matesprits when I'm with you. I just don't want to disappoint you."
"You can't do that if I don't have expectations."
"And I want to do all these things, but I'm not ready yet. And I don't know when or if I will be."
"That's absolutely fine."
Kankri smiled and squeezed his hand. "Thank you, Cronus."
"I'll wait for you until I die."
That was probably the sweetest thing anyone had ever said to him. He could feel his eyes beginning to water. "I need to go to the ablution block."
Kankri left in quite a hurry and Cronus was left to breathe a huge sigh of relief. He'd done it and it had gone well – or as well as he could have hoped.
He wandered downstairs in search of a cold drink and noticed the TV on. He walked in to see Karkat with Gamzee's head resting on his lap, a hand lost in thick black curls.
"Oh, sorry," Cronus said as he back tracked. "Didn't mean to interrupt a feelings jam."
"Is it done?" Karkat asked. "Or can I expect -"
"I told him. And I can't believe it."
Karkat shoved Gamzee off him so he could turn to look Cronus in the eye. "He said yes?"
Cronus laughed nervously. "Yeah. I…he said yes." Or at least that's what he thought that 'thank you' meant.
"Fucking incredible."
"Yeah…" The Aquarius was replaying it in his head, and each time it seemed less real.
"Well, you'd better get back before he starts wondering what happened to you."
Cronus nodded and returned back upstairs, forgetting why he had gone down there in the first place. Kankri still hadn't returned, so he knocked on the door of the ablution block. "You okay, Kan?" There was no reply and he couldn't hear any noises from within. "Kankri?" A little worry crept into his voice.
The door opened a moment later and Kankri stood there smiling at him. "I'm just fine."
"Good. I just thought that maybe I'd…I don't know, done something…"
"I just needed a moment," Kankri said as they returned to his room. "Our conversation was quite overwhelming."
"I didn't pressure you into any of that, did I? Tell me the truth, Kan."
"No, I needed to tell you at some point. It's been tearing me up for ages. I really do love you, Cronus. But I could never bring myself to admit it."
There was a flutter in his chest when Kankri said it. It was one thing for Karkat to say he said it, but it was so much better to hear it from Kankri's own mouth. "There's no shame in telling someone that you care for them so deeply." He reclined on the bed and closed his eyes. Kankri sat watching him; still thinking about the fact he was breaking a vow by accepting Cronus's quadrant invitation. But sometimes happiness came first, right? It wasn't as if his vows mattered to anyone else, they were his personal moral code, something that he could change when he pleased. Of course past versions of himself would be disappointed, but they wouldn't understand. He wanted Cronus to be happy. He wanted himself to be happy and stop denying himself a simple relationship. As long as their relationship was non-sexual he didn't see a problem with it existing.
"Cronus." Prod. "Cronus, wake up."
"Mmm?" He sat up and rubbed his eyes. "Oh, sorry, Kan, I didn't mean to fall asleep on you like that."
"You looked like you needed some sleep, but the sun will rise soon."
"Oh right, yeah." He got up and stretched. "I won't always be a lousy matesprit, promise."
"I'm the lousy one; now hurry before you get burnt."
He saw Cronus out, stopping to take his hand and squeeze it. "Thank you for today."
Cronus wanted to reach out and hug him, but knew that he shouldn't. Not yet. He settled for squeezing back before departing, wanting to yell into the approaching dawn about how happy he was.
casanovasAnchor [CA] began trolling carcinoGeneticist [CG]
CA: thank you.
CA: for everything youvwe done in this vwhole thing.
CA: ivwe nevwer been more happy.
CG: OH GOD IF YOU'RE GOING TO BE THIS FUCKING SOPPY I'LL BLOCK YOU.
CA: chill, im just trying to showv my gratitude.
CG: FINE. I'M GLAD EVERYTHING WORKED OUT FOR YOU. NOW WHAT DO YOU PLAN TO DO?
CA: vwhat? i thought you vwere the one making the plans.
CG: I GOT YOU THIS FAR. WHY SHOULD I HAVE ANYTHING MORE TO DO WITH YOUR NOW EXISTANT LOVE LIFE?
CA: because i need your help. i thought you vwere in this to get him to break a vwowv.
CG: I GUESS. PHASE 2 JUST TOOK SO LONG THAT I KIND OF GAVE UP ON THAT. TOO MUCH EFFORT. I HAVE MY OWN QUADRANTS TO THINK ABOUT YOU KNOW.
CA: come on, chief, help a guy out here. you knowv howv these things vwork.
CG: FINE. I NEVER THOUGHT HE'D ACTUALLY AGREE TO ANY OF THIS, SO I HAVEN'T GOT A PLAN FOR PHASE 3. OFF THE TOP OF MY HEAD I'D SUGGEST THAT YOU CONTINUE AS YOU ARE AND LET HIM ADJUST TO THE IDEA FIRST.
CG: ANYWAY I HAVE BETTER THINGS TO DO RIGHT NOW.
carcinoGeneticist [CG] ceased trolling casanovasAnchor [CA]
A knock at the door.
"I don't think now's a good time," Karkat said.
"Why?" Cronus asked.
From upstairs they heard Kankri call, "Let him in."
Karkat stepped aside and allowed the Aquarius in. "Sort him out."
Cronus raised an eyebrow, but Karkat was already returning to the film pile he'd been rummaging through. He ascended the stairs and was greeted by the sight of a very odd looking Kankri. The Cancer sat with his head against the wall near the open window, clothed in only shorts and a sleeveless top. He'd never seen Kankri in so little.
"What's up?" Cronus asked. "Not really the weather to be sitting with the window open like that."
"I'm just a little warm," Kankri said airily. "I can close it if you want."
"Kan, are you okay?"
The other nodded, but it wasn't very convincing. Cronus walked over and placed the back of his hand against Kankri's bare arm. The troll had warm blood, but this was warmer than his usual mutant heat. Kankri flinched at the contact.
"I'm fine."
"No you're not." Cronus put a hand to his forehead which was just as warm as his arm. "Why aren't you resting?"
"I am." Kankri gave a small cough. "I thought we could watch something and relax together."
"So you got up and got ready just for me?" He was touched. "I appreciate that, Kan, but you look terrible. Now I want you to get in your recuperacoon and stay there."
"But I want to spend time with you."
"And I want you to get better."
"It's just a fever."
Cronus rolled his eyes. "I'll leave if you don't hop in that recuperacoon."
"But -"
"No buts." He began to lift the hem of Kankri's shirt.
"Stop, stop!" Kankri grabbed Cronus's wrists. "Fine. I'll get in. Just wait outside."
"Thank you." Cronus left and closed the door behind him, only re-entering when Kankri called him back.
The Cancer sat up to his neck in slime, resting his chin on the edge of the recuperacoon.
"Better?" Cronus asked as he pulled a chair closer.
"Yes."
"Good."
Kankri closed his eyes, beginning to feel drowsy. "I'm sorry."
Cronus laughed. "For being ill?"
"For making you drive all the way out here to find me like this."
"Don't worry about it."
They lapsed into silence and Cronus took his leave once he was certain Kankri was asleep. He would have loved to have sat there and watched over the other, but he'd probably end up being more of a distraction.
"That didn't take long," Karkat said. "He wouldn't listen to me."
"Wasn't hard. Anyway, see you."
He wished Kankri could be ill more often if he got rid of Cronus that quickly.
ooo
Karkat allowed Cronus to attend the weekly Vantas movie night. The two would alternate who got to chose the film and this week it was once again Karkat's pleasure to inflict a rom-com on the pair. Today's film of choice was courtesy of John; human 50 First Dates. He'd seen the troll version more times than he was willing to admit – it was such a heart wrenching story – so he figured he'd give the human version a try.
He sat in his chair, the prime position in the room, curled up with a tub of ice cream. Cronus and Kankri took the sofa. They started with at least a few inches between them, no contact being made. Over the course of the film Kankri edged closer to the other until they were right next to each other. Cronus let his arm slide down from the top of the sofa and rest around Kankri's shoulders. The smaller troll said nothing and rested his head against the other's shoulder. By the end of the film the Cancer was asleep against him. Why did the film have to end? Couldn't they just lay here like this a while longer? Forever?
"It's almost tempting to take a picture," Karkat whispered. "Can't believe he fell asleep though. The film wasn't that bad, was it?"
"I liked it."
"You would."
"Should I wake him?" Cronus asked.
Karkat shrugged. "You could, or you could carry him upstairs and lay him on his bed, probably more comfortable. Doubt he'd want you to put him in his recuperacoon."
Cronus nodded and lifted the other in his arms. He thought he'd woken Kankri, but the troll just nuzzled into his chest. God, he could watch him sleep all day, especially when he was being this adorable.
"Oh. And once you've done that, leave."
"Don't trust me?"
"Just a reminder not to screw this up."
Cronus rolled his eyes. As if he would now he'd gotten this far. Carefully he ascended the stairs and gently placed Kankri on the bed. The other held onto him and drowsily whispered his name. He smiled and gave Kankri a pillow to clutch onto instead then bent over and placed a quick kiss on his forehead. "Sleep well, my love."
He returned downstairs where Karkat gave him a pleased nod. "You can sleep on the sofa or the movie pile, but the cases dig in."
"Thanks, chief."
Karkat left him and he kicked back on the sofa, hoping that tonight's closeness wouldn't be a one off.
ooo
"Where's Cronus?" Kankri asked.
"I don't know," Karkat replied as he ate breakfast. "Left him in the main room, but I guess he left as soon as the sun was down."
"Oh." He was slightly disappointed. "Did he take me upstairs last night?"
"Yeah."
"And he didn't opt to stay with me? How odd."
Karkat shrugged. "Thought you didn't want that."
Kankri said nothing and went about pouring himself some grub juice. Sometimes he just wanted to have sweet cuddle sessions, but he could never pluck up the courage to initiate them.
"Well you know you can invite him to stay for a day and actually be with you rather than watching my film and falling asleep on him."
"I didn't mean to fall asleep like that," Kankri said. "But if you're okay with that then maybe I will one day."
casanovasAnchor [CA] began trolling carcinoGeneticist [CG]
CA: he finally hugged me of his ovwn accord today.
CG: GOOD FOR YOU.
CA: come on, thats real progress right there.
CG: I KNOW. GET BACK TO ME WHEN HE FINALLY GETS TO KISSING.
CA: vwhats up vwith you today?
CG: NONE OF YOUR FUCKING BUSINESS.
CA: alright, alright.
CA: i just vwanted to ask if you think its a good time for me to ask him out to dinner.
CG: SURE. DON'T NEED TO ASK MY PERMISSION.
carcinoGeneticist [CG] ceased trolling casanovasAnchor [CA]
casanovasAnchor [CA] began trolling castelessGuardian [CG]
CA: hey babe.
CG: Hell9. H9w are y9u t9day?
CA: im great. And you?
CG: W9nderful.
CA: so i vwas thinking…id like to take you out to dinner.
CG: 99h, h9w exciting. Where are we g9ing?
CA: just a little place i like. vwanted to take you there as a treat.
CG: I can't wait.
CG: 3
CA: 3
casanovasAnchor [CA] ceased trolling castelessGuardian [CG]
The restaurant in question was more like a drinking house that sold food. Not quite what Kankri had been expecting when Cronus had offered to take him out, but this was definitely his style. There was live music and the place got progressively more crowded the longer they were there. It was okay, but he really wanted to be able to hear what Cronus was saying, rather than yelling and making hand gestures. They finished dessert and Cronus held out a hand. Kankri took it and Cronus led him to the area before the stage where people were dancing. He wasn't particularly good at dancing or overly comfortable with attempting to in public. But Cronus was there moving to the beat and he took Kankri's hands and began to move him too. Soon his feet were moving, matching what Cronus was doing and he was smiling. This was fun and wonderful and they were becoming so lost in their own little world.
Cronus pulled him close. "We should go." He began to lead him out of the crowd.
Kankri was sad that it was over so soon, but now that he finally sat down on the motor vehicle he could feel how tired he was.
Cronus dropped him off and they shared a hug before he departed.
"Thank you for this evening. It was great."
Cronus smiled. "I'm so glad you enjoyed it." He had worried that Kankri was going to hate it, but sometimes you just had to take a chance.
Kankri's arms rested around Cronus' neck and he hesitated a moment longer before placing a quick chaste kiss on the Aquarius' cheek.
Cronus stood there rather shocked, a hand coming up to ghost over the place where Kankri's lips had touched him. God he wanted so much to show Kankri a proper kiss. Surely he knew how much of a tease he was being? Instead he just smiled and said goodbye.
casanovasAnchor [CA] began trolling carcinoGeneticist [CG]
CA: dude he kissed me!
CG: HOLY SHIT ALREADY?
CA: vwell, just on the cheek, but thats good enough.
CG: FUCK OFF. I DON'T NEED EVERY SINGLE UPDATE ABOUT YOUR LOVE LIFE.
CA: but
CG: NO. GO AWAY.
carcinoGeneticist [CG] blocked casanovasAnchor [CA]
caligulasAquarium [CA] began trolling carcinoGeneticist [CG]
CA: hey kar wwhats up
CG: NOTHING.
CA: okay just checkin because wwe havvent spoken for a wwhile
CG: I KNOW CRONUS IS PROBABLY STANDING RIGHT BEHIND YOU.
CA: i don't let anyone stand right behind me but he did say i should check on you
CG: WELL YOU CAN TELL HIM TO FUCK OFF.
CA: he says hes sorry
CG: FOR WHAT?
CA: he doesnt knoww wwhat he did to upset you but he says sorry
CG: HE JUST NEEDS TO LEAVE ME ALONE. TELL HIM I'LL TALK TO HIM AGAIN WHEN I'M READY.
CA: he didnt look happy but hes gone noww
CA: so wwhats the deal
CG: NOTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT.
CA: fine
CA: just trying to help a bro out
CG: I'LL BE FINE WHEN GAMZEE GETS BACK.
CA: wwhered he go
CG: NO FUCKING CLUE. NO ONE KNOWS AND I HAVE NO IDEA WHEN HE'LL BE BACK.
CA: maybe you should think about callin it off wwith him and findin a neww moirail
CG: CAN'T JUST DITCH HIM. WE NEED EACH OTHER. ANYWAY I'M NOT TALKING ABOUT MY SHITTY PROBLEMS WITH YOU.
carcinoGeneticist [CG] ceased trolling caligulasAquarium [CA]
casanovasAnchor [CA] began trolling castelessGuardian [CG]
CA: did you catch damaras invwite?
CG: Yes. Half in Japanese, 6ut she made a decent attempt. At least I was a6le t9 understand her message.
CA: are you going?
CG: N9.
CA: awv, vwhy not? itll be fun.
CG: I really w9uld rather n9t. 6ut have fun with the 9thers.
CA: ill be lonely vwithout you babe.
CG: Cr9nus, I said I'm n9t g9ing and that's final.
CA: sorry.
casanovasAnchor [CA] ceased trolling castelessGuardian [CG]
"Cronus?" Kankri was surprised to see him on the doorstep. "I thought you were out with the others?"
"Yeah, I was." Cronus walked in and pulled Kankri into his arms. "But I was missing something, you know."
"Are you drunk?" Kankri asked as he pushed Cronus away.
"No. I stayed for a few, but I'm good. Managed to drive here, didn't I?"
Kankri still didn't look too impressed. "I suppose."
"I'll go if you want me to, but I just wanted to see you. Haven't seen you since last week."
"I know and I really wanted to see you too." Kankri took his hand. "I was thinking a lot… Um, I'll meet you upstairs."
Kankri arrived with a glass of water each, taking a seat in his chair as usual. "I thought I would have seen you sooner."
"Had a few things to do." He scratched the back of his neck. He'd been staying away because of the thing with Karkat, but he wasn't going to tell Kankri that. "But I'm here now."
"I'm glad." He set his glass down and took a seat on the bed next to Cronus. "I just…" He couldn't get the words out. Was now the time? Maybe he should wait for a better moment. No, it was all he could think about now. He was finally comfortable with the idea of kissing Cronus and he wanted to do it now.
He lifted a hand and traced the highblood's lips. "I love you so much, Cronus. And I want to try something." He moved so that he was able to place both of his hands on Cronus's shoulders and then slowly moved in so that his lips brushed against the Aquarius's. Okay, he really was a tease Cronus decided when the other moved away again after the brief contact. He couldn't help himself, and he knew he probably shouldn't, but he really wanted to. He pulled Kankri back towards him; bringing their lips together once more, moving against him and pushing him back down onto the bed. Kankri made a noise that he wasn't sure if it meant 'no' or 'yes'. He decided the later was more likely. His tongue began to explore Kankri's mouth and hands began to grip onto his shirt and press against him. Kankri pounded against his chest and he broke the kiss, both needing air.
"Cronus," Kankri breathed as he began to place kisses on the Cancer's jaw. "Cronus, stop."
"Aren't you enjoying this?" Cronus asked as he slid a hand under the hem of Kankri's sweater.
"No, this is too fast." His voice was becoming higher pitched. "Cronus, stop it!" He struggled against the bigger troll. "Stop!"
Cronus stroked his cheek. "Shh, no need to yell so loud, babe."
"Then get the fuck off me!" Kankri yelled as Cronus sat straddling him, a hand still on his bare stomach.
At that moment Karkat burst in and pulled Cronus unceremoniously by the fin off of his dancestor.
"Woah, chill with the fin pinching," Cronus cried.
"Out!" Karkat ordered. He pushed the older troll down the hall and followed him down the stairs.
"I was just -" Cronus tried to explain.
"Just go." Karkat shoved him out the door and slammed it behind him. Then he ran upstairs to find Kankri sat with his knees pulled up to his chest. "Are you okay?"
"Yeah."
"Did he hurt you?"
"No," Kankri said as he pulled his knees in tighter. "Just a little triggering."
Karkat walked over and pulled his dancestor into his arms. He couldn't replace Porrim, but it was the best he could do right now.
"I told him that it wouldn't work, but he insisted that we could try and be matesprits."
"He was doing a pretty good job," Karkat said. Sure he disliked the guy with a passion, but he was surprised that they'd made it work for so long without an incident.
"He was," Kankri agreed. "This was my fault."
"Hey. No blaming yourself for this."
"But I started it by kissing him."
Karkat gave him a small pap on the cheek. "But he's the one that took it further. Let me know if there's anything you need." He let go of the other, deciding that was enough contact for one night lest he trigger Kankri more.
Kankri smiled. "I'm not a wiggler, but thank you."
carcinoGeneticist [CG] unblocked casanovasAnchor [CA]
CG: YOU THINKPANLESS PRIMITIVE PILE OF STEAMING SHIT. WHAT IN THE NAME OF SWEET GLOBE TICKLING FUCK WAS THAT? I THOUGHT YOU HAD THIS ALL COVERED AND THEN YOU GO AND PULL A STUPENDOULY STUPID MOVE LIKE THAT? YOU KNOW I ACTUALLY HAD SOME HOPE FOR YOU, AMPORA. THOUGHT YOU MIGHT ACTUALLY BE ABLE TO CRACK THIS NUT. BUT TURNS OUT YOU'RE AS IDIOTIC AS I ORIGINALLY SUGGESTED. THANK YOU FOR PROVING ME RIGHT.
CA: i feel like a complete tvwat. i really am vworthless and i should just go and vwait for the sun to burn me as punishment.
CG: WELL I'M GLAD YOU REALISE THE SEVERITY OF THIS.
CA: i vwas just about to get off him vwhen you vwalked in.
CG: NOT FUCKING QUICK ENOUGH, NOOKSTAIN.
CA: i knowv. i vwas a bit tipsier than i thought. things just got out of hand and i couldnt help myself.
CG: AND NOW YOU'RE GOING TO PAY THE PRICE. GOOD LUCK WITH THAT, BECAUSE I'M NOT HELPING YOU.
CG: HAVE YOU APOLOGISED YET?
CA: i vwas vwriting something just before you started yelling at me.
CG: MAKE IT GOOD.
carcinoGeneticist [CG] ceased trolling casanovasAnchor [CA]
casanovasAnchors [CA] began trolling castelessGuardian [CG]
CA: kankri, i really cant apologise enough for vwhat happened last night. i vwas a little tipsy and i knowv thats no excuse. i vwas going to stop, but i vwas a bit slowv on the uptake. sorry i triggered you by being a complete douchebag. i don't expect you to forgivwe me, so if you nevwer vwant to see me again, that's fine.
CA: i just vwant you to knowv that ill nevwer stop regretting it.
CA: forget i said that. i don't vwant you to forgivwe me because i guilt tripped you into it.
CG: I sh9uldn't have kissed y9u when I knew y9u'd 6een 9ut.
CA: kan, none of this is your fault.
CG: 6ut if I hadn't then n9ne 9f that w9uld have happened.
CA: stop it, kan. its my fault. just tell me if you're okay.
CG: I'm fine. And I d9 want t9 see y9u again…I d9n't want t9 n9t 6e friends anym9re. I said that this might n9t w9rk 9ut, 6ut I'd 6e happy t9 g9 6ack t9 h9w we were 6ef9re.
CA: i dont vwant that. i lovwe you, kan. i vwant to stay in the red vwith you.
CG: 6ut it's n9t w9rking. My v9ws are just never g9ing t9 all9w us t9 6e t9gether h9w y9u want us to 6e.
CA: thats not howv i vwant it to be. i vwant it to be howv you vwant it to be.
CG: Y9u can't deny that what happened last night was what y9u truly desire deep d9wn. It's what any matesprit w9uld want.
CA: kan, please, youre making this so hard for me.
CG: It's n9t easy f9r me either. I really d9 want t9 6e with y9u, Cr9nus, 6ut I'd rather we ended it n9w while it's still early days. This is 9nly g9ing t9 get harder f9r us 69th.
CA: kan…i cant do this. can i come ovwer and vwell talk about this?
CG: I guess.
casanovasAnchor [CA] ceased trolling castelessGuardian [CG]
He really wanted to do this online. He knew that as soon as Cronus was there with him in the flesh his resolve would break and he'd be unable to say no. But it was unfair on them both to continue going like they were.
"Karkat."
"What?" The younger Vantas pulled off his headphones.
"What should I do about Cronus?"
"Did he apologise?"
"Yes, and he wants us to stay together."
"Do you want that?"
A pained look crossed Kankri's face. "I do, but this isn't working."
Karkat hadn't really put much more thought into which side he was going to go for. Sure he thought that Cronus had been way out of line, but the guy treated Kankri better than everyone else and would probably never make a mistake like that again. And if they were to break up then it would probably be a long time before Kankri found someone else who would put up with his bullshit.
"If you want my honest opinion," Karkat said, "I think you should stay with him. He's clearly a good match for you and he cares more than I do, so that's something."
"Well that's nice to hear," Kankri said sarcastically.
"Hey, I'm trying to make him seem like a nice guy for once. And I know that if you break it off you'll regret it. So just tell him how you want this to play out and I would bet money that he agrees to all your terms and conditions."
"Okay, thank you for your input." Now it was going to be even harder.
ooo
"Cronus," Kankri greeted him when he opened the door.
"Ampora!" Karkat rushed down the stairs and pushed him back outside, closing the front door behind them. "Walk with me." Cronus followed obediently until Karkat was satisfied that Kankri wouldn't be able to hear them from where he stood in the doorway, watching them with surprise and confusion. Karkat actually talking to Cronus? Not something that happened everyday.
"Look, he's probably going to take you back."
"Really? It sounded like I was in for a tough time."
"I spoke to him and he really does want to make it work, with his rules of course," Karkat explained. "I'm not saying you have to accept them, you're free to walk out of this and just be his friend or whatever. But if you do accept his offer, you better stick to it properly this time. If you fuck it up I will not hesitate to throw your greasy ass out and never let you back into my hive. Am I clear?"
"As clear as water, chief."
"Good. I want this to work for the both of you, but I won't just stand there and watch if you start hurting him, physically or otherwise."
"I got it."
"Good luck then." He walked back to the hive and Kankri eyed them both, trying to figure out what Karkat had said.
"Do I get to know what that was about?"
"Just Karkat being the best dancestor you could ask for." Cronus gave Karkat a squeeze around the shoulders.
"Get the fuck off me."
Cronus smiled and let go, following Kankri up to his respiteblock.
"So," Cronus began.
"So…" Kankri repeated.
"Are you still dead set against us staying together?"
"I don't know," Kankri said quietly. "It's unfair on you."
"No, it's not. It's everything I want and need."
"Why do you need me when there are trolls out there that will fulfil your every need?"
"I don't love them like I do you."
Kankri sighed. "You just haven't met the right one yet."
"You are the right one. I've known that for a long time. And no matter how many Alternian trolls I meet, I will never find one as kind hearted and lovely as you."
"They'd have me culled."
"Kan, you can use that excuse as many times as you wish, but I'd never leave you because of that. Now tell me what I can do to make sure we stay together?"
A frown appeared on Kankri's face. "If I'm honest it's a list of things that restricts you and I don't want to do that."
Cronus held out a hand as he had done before. "We can go back to square one: no touching."
Kankri took his hand. "No, I would allow some contact."
"Tell me where the line is and I'll never cross it. Oh – Kan, what's wrong?"
Kankri shook his head and rubbed his eyes. "It's just…you're too nice to me, Cronus." He sniffed. "I really don't deserve someone as wonderful as you."
Cronus reached out and wiped a tear from his cheek. "But you really do. Come here." He held out his arms and Kankri accepted the hug, sitting in Cronus's lap. "This okay?"
"Yeah, I'm happy to cuddle with you." He pushed Cronus down onto the bed and snuggled up to him. "I like this. It's nice."
"Relaxing."
"We should just lie like this more often. Rather than sitting so far apart."
"I'd like that."
Kankri put an ear to his chest. "I can hear your blood pusher. Are you nervous?"
"Maybe a little."
He stayed like that for a while, waiting for Cronus's heart to slow, enjoying the feeling of his chest rising and falling.
"Can I kiss you?" Kankri asked.
"If you want."
"You're okay with that?"
"I can control myself, if that's what you're worried about."
Kankri moved so that he could capture Cronus' lips in a slow kiss. For someone who hadn't had much practise, Kankri sure was a good kisser. He let his hands find Kankri's body as he deepened the kiss, but he didn't move them, just held him there.
When they broke Cronus asked, "Is this okay?" Patting his hips where his hands had ended up.
"Yes, I'm sure you can figure out what's off limits."
"This is perfect as it is." He wrapped his arms around Kankri. "I love you."
"I love you too."
carcinoGeneticist [CG] began trolling casanovasAnchor [CA]
CG: WILL YOU TWO CUT IT OUT?
CA: vwhat? vwhy are you trolling me vwhen im just dovwnstairs?
CG: BECAUSE YOU TWO JUST LAY ON THE COUCH ALL DAY HAVING YOUR SLOPPY MAKEOUTS AND IT'S DISGUSTING.
CA: vwhat?! i thought that vwas the plan.
CA: and nowv its happening you dont like it? tough.
CG: I DON'T LIKE IT EVERY FUCKING DAY IN MY HIVE. GO BACK TO YOURS.
CG: I SWEAR TO GOD I WILL BRING GAMZEE OVER HERE AND WE WILL HAVE OUR OWN SLOPPY MAKE OUT RIGHT NEXT TO YOU.
CA: thats just vwrong.
CG: WE WILL IF WE HAVE TO. I GAVE KANKRI A ROOM FOR A REASON. USE IT.
CA: okay, chill out.
CA: Karkat, I d9n't appreciate y9u harassing my matesprit like this. If y9u have a pr96lem y9u c9uld just tell me.
CG: USE YOUR ROOM YOU UNGRATEFUL FUCK.
CA: Language.
CG: NEXT TIME I WALK PAST THAT PILE OF SOP I'M GOING TO THROW UP ON IT.
carcinoGeneticist [CG] ceased trolling casanovasAnchor [CA]
A few weeks later Cronus walked in to find Karkat straddling Gamzee on the couch, looking pretty smug with himself. He pecked Gamzee on the lips when Cronus walked in.
"S'up?" he asked as Gamzee pecked his cheek.
Cronus just raised an eyebrow at the two. "You weren't kidding. I can't believe it."
"I told you to piss off into his room." He slid a finger up one of Gamzee's horns, earning a low chuckle and both of Cronus's eyebrows rising.
The older troll held up his hands and made a heart shape, then a diamond with his fingers, ending by breaking them in a questioning manner. Karkat put two fingers up at Cronus before joining them with Gamzee to make a diamond.
"Jealous?"
"Of being with a Makara? No way." Karkat returned his fingers to pointing in Cronus's direction. "Besides there's that saying 'rails don't pail' so it's not like I'm missing out on much."
Karkat ground his hips down against Gamzee. "At least I get this far."
"You wanna go further, bro?" Gamzee asked, sliding a hand down between them.
Karkat swatted his hand away. "Not in front of this asshole." He leaned in for another kiss.
"Well, I don't know what got into you today, and I really thought we were just beginning to become good friends, but I'm going now." And just like that he'd managed to get rid of Cronus for the rest of the evening. Success.
"Gamzee, were you serious about going further?"
"Whatever a brother wants to do."
"You're with Tavros though; you can't be having a pale-red vacillation, unless you're not telling me something."
"It's just about helping a brother to get his motherfucking relax on. No flushed feelings here for my palebro."
"Okay, good, because you and Tav are meant to be."
ooo
Months in the future, but not many, Kankri would have the hive to himself with Karkat being out at the Makaras'. He and Cronus were able to enjoy themselves without Karkat rolling his eyes every time he spotted them having a moment. They were currently on the bed, enjoying each other's lips as usual. Kankri's hand was on Cronus's chest, sliding down until he was able to slip it under his shirt and begin to feel bare flesh, moving it across defined abs.
Cronus pulled away. "Woah there, what are you doing?" It wasn't that he didn't want Kankri to touch him, but if he couldn't do the same then there was no way he could allow it. He was sure it would only land him in an embarrassing situation.
Kankri removed his hand and sat up. "Cronus, I've been thinking…about things…us. And we've been matesprits for a while now and I think we should enjoy each other as matesprits do." God, he was blushing furiously.
"Wait. You mean…" Cronus looked at him and Kankri nodded, knowing exactly what he was implying. "But what about your vows?"
"I'm okay with breaking them. I love you, Cronus, and I want to show you how much."
"I know you love me, you don't have to do anything else."
Kankri ran a hand through Cronus's hair, making sure to brush the base of a horn.
"Kan, stop."
"Why? Don't you want to touch me?"
"I do, but I don't want you to regret this."
Kankri smiled. "This is why you're my matesprit. I appreciate that you think I will regret it, but I've been thinking about this for a while and I've come to the conclusion that now is a good time to open myself up to you completely. I'm comfortable enough with you now to allow this."
"The way you phrased that didn't convince me that you want to do this."
Kankri straddled his hips. "Well there are some things I'd like to wait to do, but I want us to feel good together."
"I'm tempted to make you tie my hands down so that when you decide this was a bad idea I can say I told you so."
"Well you're not exactly running away in refusal, are you?"
"Can't lie and say that I'm not interested in what you're planning."
Kankri pulled Cronus's shirt over his head and then discarded his own sweater before lying down on Cronus's chest. "Nowhere is off limits today." He returned to devouring the highblood's face, hands finding the lightening bolt horns. As much as Cronus wanted to get in on the fun, he wasn't going to just yet. He kept his hands on Kankri's hips as he always did. It was becoming harder to stay relaxed with Kankri massaging the base of his horns like that.
"You're not being very fun," Kankri complained. He placed his hands over Cronus's and moved them so that they brushed against the nubs on his head, making himself shiver. "They're really sensitive."
Cronus snatched his hands back and used them to cover his eyes. "I'm sorry, Kan. This is really hard for me."
"And I'm getting really hard for you."
"Fuck. I stopped all of this. I stopped thinking of this ever happening, hell I even stopped this all is my wildest fantasies. Do you know how hard it is to suddenly be told you can have it?"
"I do," he said as he fingered the button of Cronus's jeans. "That's why it's taken so long for me to allow this. But it'll be so wonderful when you just relax and allow it to happen."
Cronus sighed. "Whatever you say. I'll try." Then he had an idea. "How about you play with yourself to get me started?"
"Okay then." Kankri adopted a familiar position; one hand on a horn, the other tweaking a nipple. It felt odd to have someone watch him, but there was something rather arousing about the fact that it was Cronus. This was his fantasies coming to life. He closed his eyes and let out some pleased noises as he became more relaxed, feeling his bulge beginning to wake. Cronus began to mirror Kankri's movements on his own body, finally getting into the mood.
The Cancer began to undo his trousers, a little hesitant as he slipped them off. He'd never been naked in front of anyone else before and he certainly didn't have the most impressive body, especially with his half out red tinted bulge. He reminded himself that Cronus was fine with his blood colour, but there was still an ingrained instinct that made him want to cover it up. A wave of regret swept over him as he realised what he'd gotten himself into. Here he was naked on top of Cronus about to do something he'd always sworn never to do. Was it too late to back out? No, he wanted this. Maybe a small part of his mind was still against it, but his body was already stimulated enough to make him continue.
Cronus swept his eyes over the other, beautiful as he was, his best feature was still his flushing face. Kankri caught the other watching him and got to relieving Cronus of the rest of his clothes, sliding a hand up his leg experimentally.
"Kan."
Kankri looked up from the bulge he had been staring at. "Yes?"
Cronus slid back and propped himself up against the headboard. "Come here. We're not ready for that yet." Kankri wrapped his arms around Cronus, glad for a little more time.
"What are we doing then?"
"More sloppy make outs with inappropriate touching until one of us can't take it anymore."
Kankri smirked. "Sounds like a plan."
They locked lips once more and let hands loose on each other. Kankri went for delicate fins while Cronus worked his way up from hips, ghosting across his ribs, brushing against nipples. The Aquarius got the upper hand when he began to give Kankri's horns the attention he'd denied them earlier, making Kankri gasp into their kiss. He moved so that he was kissing his neck instead, letting the sweet sounds fill the room.
"Ah – Cronus…stop."
Cronus let his hands fall and laughed. "I thought I was going to have to lick them to get you to give in."
Kankri relaxed with his head on Cronus's shoulder. "It felt really good; I didn't want you to stop."
"I can keep going."
"No." He moved his hips closer to Cronus and guided his slick bulge to the violet one so that they entwined.
Cronus let out a contented sigh as they began to slide over each other. "God, Kan, that's amazing."
"Mmm…it is."
Hands found his horns once more and he was reduced to a moaning mess, calling Cronus's name just like the recording he'd replayed so many times. He rocked his hips slowly, making sure to keep their bulges in contact, but needing to move.
Cronus slid a hand between Kankri's legs, but the Cancer pulled away.
"Ah – no – I need a pail." He leaned over the side of the bed and pulled out the one he always left under there, then wedged it between his legs. Cronus got on his knees too, resuming where he'd left off, this time running his tongue up a horn. Kankri gripped him tightly as he released his genetic material, panting heavily.
"How was that?" Cronus asked once he'd caught his breath.
"Amazing."
"Good, now you gonna help me out?"
Kankri moved the bucket so it was between Cronus's legs and then used a hand to start stroking his writhing bulge. It felt odd to be touching one that wasn't his own, but it was just as rewarding when he listened to his matesprit's breath hitch. He resumed kissing the Aquarius while his other hand wrapped around a horn.
"Ngh, finger me, Kan."
"I'm not comfortable with that." Nooks were a no-go for now; he didn't even touch his own.
"Ah, fine. Go a bit faster then. Mmm…I'm so close, Kan."
Kankri pumped his bulge a few more times and then Cronus let out a satisfied moan as he released. The Cancer kept going as he rode out his orgasm, enjoying the look on Cronus's flushed face.
"I cannot believe we just did that," Cronus said as he removed the bucket from between his legs.
"Me neither." Kankri fell back on the bed, not a single ounce of regret left.
"And look, together we make tyrian." Cronus held the bucket out toward him and Kankri pushed it away.
"You're spoiling the nice afterglow."
Cronus set the bucket down and lay down next to the Cancer. "Aw, I'm sorry." He ran a hand through Kankri's hair, admiring his face before placing a kiss on his forehead. "Love you."
"What's with the cute act?"
"Nothing, you just look particularly adorable right now."
Kankri pulled a pillow up to his face. He thought Cronus would be complimenting him on how sexy he was, rather than how cute he was. Which he really didn't consider himself worthy of either adjective, but definitely not 'adorable.'
"And now you look even sweeter." That earned him a pillow to the face. "Not my fault you're the prettiest thing I've ever seen." He pulled Kankri into a spoon position and placed a kiss on his neck. "You tired?"
"Yeah," he whispered, glad for a change of subject. "Can we stay like this?"
"That was the plan."
ooo
"Okay. My fucks just flew out the window." Karkat said when he walked in the next day to find a topless Cronus in his food block alongside a Kankri in nothing but a thin robe that he didn't even wear around the house when it was just him and Karkat. Kankri was cooking them something and Cronus was just putting some cutlery on the table.
"It's a little warm in here," Kankri said.
Karkat gave him a sarcastic 'sure' look, but the other Vantas was too busy with what he was cooking to notice. Karkat pointed at Cronus, then to Kankri and then made a hole with a thumb and index finger which he then put his other index finger through. Cronus waved a hand in a 'sort of' motion to which Karkat held his hands up to say 'what does that even mean?' They either broke the vow or they didn't. And by the looks of things they did. So Karkat made a snapping motion and Cronus nodded eagerly. Karkat nodded slowly with an expression that said 'not bad.' He gave him a thumbs up before heading upstairs. Well, that took the fun out of things now it was over and done with.
ooo
It all went downhill from there for Karkat. And he only had himself to blame. He'd been the one spurring them on, trying to get Kankri laid. And now he had it turned out Kankri quite enjoyed it. Enough to have Cronus round more than half of the week and occasionally making it so that Karkat would end up leaving his room in favour of the film pile downstairs. The whole 'Kankri sounds hot' novelty had worn off and it certainly wasn't fun when Cronus was grunting alongside him. Once again they seemed to have forgotten whose hive it was.
Well, he'd just have to take a trip to the Ampora hive and fuck shit up there. With Eridan's permission of course, although he was almost certain the more tolerable Aquarius would more than happily grant him access to Cronus's block. The war was just beginning.
A/N: I don't even know where to end. So I'll stop there before I subject you to more sex and an angry Karkat.