You are now Dave Strider and you don't really like this. It is Thanksgiving morning and you feel like shit. However, you weren't really feeling any good prior, but today it's just worse. You're pretty sure you've got the flu, or something along the lines of that. You're head hurts like hell, your throat is itchy, you feel like you've been lifting heavy weights for days, your neck is stiff, and you can barely open your eyes without the light in the room bothering you.
What's worse is that you feel shitty today. Why couldn't you have felt shitty on any other day? You had aimed to cuddle the shit out of Karkat ('cause who knows when you'll ever get the chance to again) and to torment Egbert about knocking up Serket.
Right, you aren't supposed to know that (you found out a week ago). But you do, because John can't keep secrets. So he's going to be a father – you jokingly call him Papa John, 'cause it's funny. It's no surprise that he and Vriska would be parents first – to you any way. No one's really sure who they thought would be parents first, because let's be honest, you are a bunch of fucked up kids that are technically adults – shit, you feel so immature that you forget you're an adult – that probably shouldn't be taking care of toddlers. But John (and Jane) is someone who is able to work with children, and Vriska… well, she is obsessed with having a "descendent to carry on the Serket name in all its glory".
Admittedly, you're worried about their kid since they're going to have to undergo a countless number of pranks and who knows what Vriska has planned – but John assured you that Vriska will become that bubbly overprotective mom who will worry the shit out of everything. You kind of find that hard to believe.
The kid or soon to be new member to the team makes you wonder how many more will come along. Will Rose and Kanaya have kids next? Maybe Aradia and Sollux? You aren't sure, but it's like another slap to the face by reality. People are going to grow old, get married, and have kids like you would (maybe) have before if Sburb hadn't happened.
Of course, then you realize, that's not going to be a future you'll have with Karkat.
Yes, dig that knife into your chest even more, that'll make you feel better.
However, there's still the off chance that Karkat won't die when the maturation thing hits him. He's a fighter, a knight, for Christ's sake. He has a greater chance of surviving it than Kankri did – and Kankri survived.
You can't tell if you're in denial, or just pointing out an actually possibility. But to make things hurt less you'll stick with the latter.
You reach to the bedside table and grab your shades, which are worn for more than sentimental value and for looking cool, they're to keep your presently sensitive eyes from the light that just wants you to hurt. Your eyes tended to be sensitive to light, but they were never this bad.
God, you're just going to ruin Thanksgiving.
Just as you get yourself out of bed, there's a knock on the door. It opens and good ole' Terezi walks in like you invited her, when you did not. You are practically naked in front of her and you can't help but feel uncomfortable, until you notice she has a red ribbon tied around her eyes.
She either wears a blindfold or her red tinted glasses and when she wears her glasses she keeps her eyes closed. You know she doesn't overly like having eyesight, but there's no blazing Alternian sun to blind her here.
"Sup, TZ." You greet her, and sort through your clothes in the dresser for something that'll make you look at least decent.
She sniffs the air and grimaces. "You smell horrible. Like a dying dog, or some animal that reeks when it's near its end."
"Gee, thanks. If you're just here to insult my smell, the door is behind you."
"Wow, way to be rude, Dave, especially to a 'blind' girl." She snickers. "Besides, I just wanted to see how Mr. Strawberry was doing since you smelled like shit last night. And you did nearly fall down the stairs – three times. But you smell even worse this morning."
"Yeah, yeah. I'm not feeling the best at all. You can see right through me, Pyrope." You retort, throwing on a pair of jeans and a simple white t-shirt.
She rests her chin on the top of her dragon themed cane. Some things never change. "Hm, maybe you should stay in bed, or I don't know not do whatever it is you were planning to do. Seriously, I know the smell of 'I need to take a break' notably well."
You pull a hoodie over your head, shrugging. "That's a great idea but I'd rather not."
She sighs, "Dave, are you sure that's a good idea? I know you probably want to smother Karkat in tooth decaying smooches. But just think about that and the consequences. What do you think will happen if he gets the flu, and he ends going through maturation at the same time."
Once again, you are slapped in the face – metaphorically. If you got Karkat sick, it would decrease his chances of surviving it. Like hell you want to be the cause of him dying.
Sighing, you reply, "Okay, I'll-"
"But, of course, studies show that he's bound to get a fever before he enters maturation anyway, so getting the flu would not have much effect on his health. So, I guess your fine."
Wow, fuck you and fuck her. "Way to give me a heart palpitation, Terezi."
She smiles, and sits down on your bed. "Sorry. I just wanted you to keep in mind that there are a lot of things still to consider. I mean, don't treat him like he's a cinnamon bun too good for this world; just be aware."
You nod, vaguely remembering that she can probably not smell you actions. "Thanks- I think." You sit down on the bed next to her. "So, since you can smell things and I quote 'nothing can get passed you', do you know-"
"That Vriska going to be a mommy and John's going to cry. Yep." She cackles like she just stole the last donut out of the box. "Also, they just broke out the news to everyone last night after you went to pass out."
You smirk, figures they couldn't keep it a secret until today. "What do you think about that?"
"Predictable, amusing, and slightly concerning."
"Concerning because?"
"Who knows what their kid is going to be like. Seriously, imagine a kid with Vriska's personality but they also are obsessed with pranks and movies."
…
"Dear god, we are fucked." You exasperate. Wait, why are you shocked? Didn't you say to John that you think his children would take over the world before? Yes, you did – but that was before they were actually going to have a kid.
"Thoroughly." She nods. John should also be scared to though. His title as Pranking Master is bound to be overthrown by his own kin, who will become the Lord of the Pranking's.
You spend the next several minutes chatting away, talking about things that happened in the past couple of months. She shares some things she knows about the others, what they've done (apparently some time ago, Eridan got stuck in a store for an entire night). The thing that sticks out to you the most is that she tends to refer back to Nepeta multiple times.
It looks like someone's pinning for a certain Leijon. Of course, you will not interfere. If you're smart, this is one relationship you will not try to assist unless it is asked of you. Terezi will bring her cane down on you, or anyone, if you try without her permission. She is a "fierce dragon capable of making any troll or human swoon".
You end up discussing shows, and somehow it reminds Terezi why she came into your room in the first place.
"Karkat's here, he's been here for over an hour" She says.
"Really?" She snorts at how you involuntarily bounce in childish excitement.
"Geeze, you're like a little dog whose owner just got back from vacation." She gets up, just as you do. "Go to your little T-human before you self-destruct."
"Okay, okay. No need to rush, I'm going." You head for the door, and for a split-second glance back you find Terezi looking at you seriously.
"He tastes like woe. You should talk to him." There's a lump in your throat.
"I'll do just that." You exit the room, and Terezi leaves in the direction of Nepeta's room.
You find Karkat with ease. Okay that's a lie, the place is big, especially since they have expanded. So, it looks like Dirk will be moving in with Jake. Jade has her own little area now that's far away enough from Jake's so she won't hear what ever disturbing noises they make. Bless.
Anyhow, you find him in the garden with Jade. She's sitting on a bench, chatting happily with him about, surprise, surprise, John and Vriska – and the mini one. Looks like those two are the talk of the town. She's excited about becoming an aunt (she gives you hope for the kid).
Karkat looks as if he is totally going to use this information for the same reason as you: tease the shit out of Egbert. You can tell that while he finds it amusing, he's also happy for John. It's just that look in his eye. You're happy for John as well, obviously. Of course, no one could be happier than Dad-Egbert. You think he actually shed tears of joy when John told him.
Jade sees notices you in the corner of her eye and stops mid-sentence to greet you. "Hey, Dave." Her smile stretches wide and brightly.
"Hey to you too, Harley." You say. Your gaze flashes to Karkat, whose eyes are trailing over you.
"You look like hell, Strider," Is the first thing he says to you. Charming.
"Stunning observation. What gave it away? My voice doesn't sound bad does it? It's one of my many moneymakers and I can't risk losing it." Karkat rolls his eyes, and Jade begins to pull out the mother stance – hands on her hips, back straight, looking at the target (you) dead in the eyes.
"You know, he is right. You look worse than you did yesterday." Jade points out and chews on her lip nervously. "Did you sleep at all last night?"
"Yes, I did. It was not wonderful, but I did get over eight hours of sleep." Karkat looks baffled and Jade continues to look concerned.
"Seriously?" Karkat starts, "You look like you haven't slept in days."
"Could say the same thing as you." You shoot back.
"Excuse you, I always look like this," He retorts. "You, on the other hand, normally don't look like you got hit by a truck."
Jade interjects, possibly saving you from a smack down of a lifetime. "Maybe you should go back to bed."
"I'd rather not. Besides, doesn't fresh air help?" You counter. As much as going to bed sounds nice, you'd prefer to be awake.
"Hmm, I guess." She taps her lips and thinks. "Since, you're going to be difficult, I'm going to find something to help your health. I think we've got some drugs that'll do the trick. But you have to promise you'll go to bed early, got it. Otherwise, I'll get Bec involved."
"Yes, ma'am."
"Good. Karkat, make sure he doesn't get into trouble." Sometimes it's like she is an actual mother. She heads out, and leaves you alone with Karkat.
You sit down next to him on the bench, pondering over how you're going to calmly ask him what's bothering him without scaring him off. Before you can even pull together a plan, he asks, "Are you okay?"
His crimson, doe eyes study you with trepidation. You're pretty sure you look worse than you think – maybe you should have stopped by a mirror or something. Now that you think about it, all you did was throw on some clothes. Your hair is most likely a huge mess, probably looks like a bird nest or something. You should have taken a shower before you decided to hunt down your boyfriend.
"I'm fine," You reply, although not so sincerely. "I've just been under the weather for the past few days, nothing too big."
He doesn't buy it, "How many days?"
"Not too many. Relax. I'm not going to die or whatever. It's just the flu." You discard his concern.
He sighs, "Fine. But don't try to play the 'invincible' card, otherwise I'll slap you and Jade will set Bec on you."
"Chill out, I'm not going to go around and do parkour like Dirk was last night. I mean maybe I'll do parkour, but not off the fucking tower, just over furniture." He groans and runs his hands through his auburn hair.
You notice his skin isn't as pale anymore. In fact, he seems to be sporting a slight tan. You're glad that he doesn't look so dead, but the bags under his eyes give away any stress he's been feeling.
"Whatever," He exhales. "But I will slap you if you do something stupid." He leans against you, resting his head on your shoulder. You wrap your arm around his waist and pull him closer."
"That's fine by me." You mumbled. There's a soothing quiet, between that you'd hate to interrupt. But with the way he clings to you, it's best you address this unknown issue now.
"Everything alright?" You ask simply and softly. You don't want him to hide away and you don't want him to explode.
"Not really." He replies in a hushed voice. He sounds like a kid who's talking to his friend at a sleepover in the middle of the night.
"Do you want to talk about it?"
"…No."
"Okay." You won't push him any farther. He'll talk about it when he wants to. So to compensate for it, you take his hand and hold it comfortingly.
He's incredibly warm, a little warmer than usual, almost feverish – that could be just you though – and you can't ignore the mild dread that digs it claws into your chest. You'd rather this day not be the last day you see him, but there's not much you can do to stop it.
You rest your cheek against his head, mindful of his nubby horns. He smells nice, you note, kind of like… cherries? Huh, Terezi might just be influencing you. His hair is still the silky, soft mess it was before and–
"What shampoo and conditioner do you use?" Way to ruin to mood.
Karkat pulls away and looks at you dead in the eye, confounded. You do your best to keep your stoic expression, hiding any apprehension. His lips twitch upward, and suddenly a noise you rarely hear emits from his mouth. His face becomes flushed as his smile grows and he laughs.
Are you blushing? You're blushing aren't you? It's really not your fault that you find him incredibly attractive especially when he's laughing. Regardless, you laugh along with him.
Once he's calmed down, you can't stop what happens next - not that you would want to. He kisses you intently. His kisses are always with so much care and gentleness, yet are powerful – it's breathtaking.
When he pulls away you both smile.
"Seriously, what do you use? Your hair is like soft hair heaven."
He snorts, "TRESemmé."
"Isn't that for girls?"
"It works doesn't it?"
"…That is true."
Jade returns with a bottle of flu medication – Relenza, you think it's called – and asks you and Karkat if the both of you are up for a game of Mario Kart. It was a challenge neither of you could refuse.
"You're going down, Dave." Dirk says, as he places is right hand on a red dot.
"Yeah right," You remark. That flu medication Jade gave you was certainly doing the trick. You didn't feel so bad, and that shower you had before you played Mario Kart did help.
Speaking of Mario Kart, you had your ass handed to you by Sollux, who won against everyone. But you did beat Egbert and Karkat – they've never been very good at Mario Kart. Several different games after Mario Kart, someone pulled out Twister, and now you are facing Dirk in the final battle. It's a good thing Terezi didn't play this game, because you'd be screwed.
Nepeta spins the arrow and says, "Left foot, blue."
You groan simultaneously with Dirk, who has to twist his body around a bit to move his foot to the blue dot. You move yourself easily, although the position you and Dirk are in is getting to be a bit uncomfortable. One wrong move and you could be hugging each other.
"Left hand, green."
"Move your shoulder," Dirk orders, as he begins to move his left hand to a green spot.
"No way, man, I intend to win." You say, but end up moving you shoulder anyway because you have to put your left hand which is connected to said shoulder on the green.
Nepeta spins again. "Right hand, yellow."
"Oh, for fuck sakes." You've been at this for at least twenty minutes and it getting boring – but you aim to beat Dirk and embarrass him in front of Jake. Although, Jake's attention isn't on the game, it's more on Dirk's ass.
"Right foot, green."
This goes on for another ten minutes and by then you and Dirk are getting really annoyed with each other.
"Oh my god, lose already." You groan.
"Never." He shifts, but refuses to show any signs of quitting.
Vriska who's been watching with an amused look says to John. "Kind of looks like they're about make out, huh."
"Okay, you win." You fall down and John bursts out laughing to the brink of tears, not because of what Vriska said but because of your reaction to what she said.
Terezi walks in and says, "I smelt the misery of a defeated, Strider. Who won?"
"I did; no surprise there." Dirk says, moving to sit next to Jake, who finally snapped out his trance. You roll your eyes and get up.
"I see. Dave, I'm disappointed in you." She pouts.
"Sorry, but if your 'sister' there wasn't making inappropriate comments, maybe I would have won."
Vriska smirks, "Hey, you chose to let it embarrass you." She turns to Terezi and holds out her hand, "You owe me twenty bucks."
"You play dirty, Serket." She states.
"Haven't I always?"
Terezi sighs and pulls a bill out of her pocket, "Here."
"This's a ten dollar bill."
"Well, excuse me. It's not my fault that all the money I have is the same color. I should move to Canada, they've got brightly colored money there." She digs through her pocket again and pulls out another the bill. "Here."
John pipes up, "Uh, that's a-"
"Shhhh…" Vriska shushes, and takes the fifty dollar bill and puts it in her back pocket.
Your pretty sure Terezi knows what's going on.
"Oh yeah," Terezi ignores Vriska who's trying to keep John's mouth shut. "Dinner's ready."
Everyone makes their way to the kitchen while Roxy and Dirk pack up the game. You notice in the corner of you eye that Terezi sneaks behind Vriska and takes back the fifty. You hold back a laugh and sit next to Karkat at the massive table set up.
It's probably one of the most crowded events you've been to, since there's like… 48 people. 48 fucking people sitting at a massive table, all conversing and most about different topics. Honestly, the commotion is making you a bit dizzy. Or maybe you're just exhausted. Why not both?
Even so, whoever was cooking, you know for a fact that Jane and Dad-Egbert were the ones who made the deserts because it was fucking superb. So, it was a pretty good dinner, minus the part where there was almost a food fight – Sollux and Eridan got put in a time out, ha-ha.
Once everyone was done, they crowded in the living room, which also expanded and is able to fit more than 48 people – thank god. Karkat stayed behind with some others to help with the dishes and clean up. John whipped out some cards and now Slap is being played, (someone opted for monopoly, but no one wanted to deal with the murders).
However, Slap is a dangerous game. There were other versions so there was some confusion at the beginning. Everyone settled with Slap: Same Suits. Your hand was completely red by the time you ran out of cards. Dirk is going against Kanaya, Aradia and Damara. They are all incredibly fast and good and knowing whether or not there is a pair within the cards being put down at top speed. In the end, Kanaya won (she is a rainbow-drinker with rainbow-drinker speed).
Unfortunately, half way through the next round your headache came back. Fuck, it hurt like a bitch. You had drop out, luckily Tavros took your place, he was pretty good to but he can't really handle slaps.
You almost trip over someone – Gamzee and he was passed out on the floor – on your way to the bathroom.
You find a bottle of Advil there and take two. You take a deep breath and glance at your reflection in the mirror.
"Fuck." Not only do you feel exhausted but you also look like it. You rub the back of your neck and wince at it stiffness. Everything's sore and you wish you could just pass out in the bathroom – but you're not drunk, so it'd be difficult to explain to someone why you were asleep in here. But you might as well be drunk when you stumble out of the bathroom.
When you return, Jake is playing against Meulin and by the looks of it he is losing.
You watch the battle undergo, and stand next to Jade, who sits on the couch next to Terezi who is on Nepeta's lap. You can't tell if it's platonic cuddling, or if they've hooked up in whatever quadrant. Either way, they look pretty content.
You don't notice Rose walk in until she pokes you in the arm, and you don't nearly jump out of your skin.
"Jesus, Rose. Don't scare people like that."
She looks at you with pink eyes, "I'm Roxy, Dave." Oh. That's Roxy. Maybe it's time you hit the hay.
"My bad. But you two do really like a like in my defense." You say, even though you know the difference between them well. Roxy has tanned skin not pale skin, blonde hair not white hair, and is tall not short.
Her eyebrows crease together, and she bites the inside of her cheek. "Dave," She starts, "Are you okay? You've been really off lately. I know you're sick but you can't so sick that you'd actually confuse me with Rose." She presses the back of her hand to your forehead, "Jesus, you're really burn up."
"Its fine, I'm fine." You mutter and brush her off, vaguely noticing that the room sways a little.
You see Karkat walk in (you're pretty sure it's him). His attention goes straight to you and something must be up because he the look he gives you is mixed with unease and concern – or maybe fear, or anger. Okay you have no idea what look he's giving you because his faced is blurry.
Your eyes flip back to Roxy whose lips are moving but nothing is heard. Is it just you or is the world suddenly spinning? You think gravity is getting stronger because you suddenly feel really heavy. There's a loud thrumming in your ears.
You're suffocating.
You don't realize you're falling until someone shouts your name and warm arms wrap around you.
The last thing you see are scared, red eyes before darkness claims the world around you.
Bet none of you thought i would do this huh? There are clues to what's going on with Dave, btw.
Anyway, sorry for any grammar mistakes and the fact that the end of the chapter is a little rushed.
Things are also only going to get worse from here.