You are Kanaya Maryam and apparently what was just going to be a trip to the grocery store turned into a day hanging out at a mall. You sit across from Karkat in the food court, close to finishing your meal. While you would have preferred to just stay at his apartment, this was nice. You managed to get some books that you've been wanting, as you too are a sucker for attention grabbing stories. Karkat, strangely, didn't grab any books or movies like he would normally target, but he explained that he already had the ones he was interested in.

From what you can tell, Karkat looks fine. The bags under his eyes have lessened, and his back isn't as slouched like he was carrying a large weight on his back. Although he still is pale, like he's being drained but still managing to keep up his energy. Not to mention, he's seems to be distracted and he's constantly looking at his phone. He's probably worried about Dave, you guess.

"So, where to next?" You ask, jabbing a fork into your meal.

"I was thinking about hitting that new shop they added." He hums, "I hear they've got some nice stuff." He sips at his drink.

"Sounds good," you reply, finishing the rest of the fast food and disposing of the trash.

The store Karkat recommended was better than expected. They had clothes of your style that ranged from reasonable sizes, rather than the "one size fits all" nonsense. Here Karkat finds some shirts to replace worn out ones and a few sweaters which are a few sizes too big as usual. You still don't understand why he picks large sweaters over correctly fitting ones, but you guess he will be experiencing a growth spurt soon.

You find some clothes that you admire, a pair of waisted jeans and a couple of tops to go with. Just when you think you've found everything you want, you spot a gorgeous dress. With silky frills and golden lace shaping the light white skirt and a belt suited with a matching golden bow around the waistline. The top had folds, making the silk look similar to the form of a rose and had a halter strap for the neckline.

You, of course, don't picture yourself in the dress. Instead, you picture Rose. It certainly would form to her figure in a pleasantly delicate way. It was almost like it was made specifically for her. And while that thought is merely an exaggeration, since of course it wasn't, you can't help but feel like it would be a tragedy for her to not where it.

That's the kicker though; you're not sure how you could even recommend her to wear or whether she would even like it. So it's a tragedy nonetheless. She so busy and it'd be rude just to pull her away from important things just so you could see her wear something you like.

"Are you going to get that?" Karkat asks, causing a jolt of surprise rush through you. You gesture to the dress, swishing his head since his hands are occupied with bags.

You glance back at the striking dress, "no."

"No?" His nose scrunches up, and he shakes his head. "You were looking at it for a long time and with giant, fucking starry eyes. Yet, you say you're not going to buy it? Why not?"

"Too pricy."

"Are you seriously pulling the cheapskate bullshit on me, Kanaya? Do I have to I remind you that we're so rich because of the game that we could buy ourselves the world. Twice."

"Well, that may be true but-"

"No buts. What's the real reason? Spill it or I swear on the green sun I'll buy that dress myself."

You sigh, "Fine. I was thinking about getting it for Rose. But, I'm not sure it's something she would… not like." Your shoulders slump and look at a small speck of dirt on the floor.

"You're kidding me?" He groaned. You look back up to see him walking towards the dress, taking it from its spot. You open your mouth to speak but he shoves it in your face. "That is the most ridiculous excuse I've ever heard, Kanaya. And I've heard a fuck ton of excuses from John."

You take the dress from him, "Honestly, it doesn't seem like the best gift to give her." His expression is indifferent.

"Once again, shitty excuse. If it wasn't a good idea, you wouldn't have thought of it in the first place. And I'm willing to bet that Rose would love this dress. I'll even pay for half of it if it'll get you to get the damned thing." He begins to pull out his wallet before you top him. "Seriously, Kanaya, whether or not it's the ideal gift, it's the thought that counts and it wouldn't hurt at all."

He stands his ground, and you sort of feel cornered. But he is right. You huff, but concede it. He nods, proud whether of his own victory or of you doing something for Rose.

When you pay for the items and leave the store you notice he's checking his phone again. He pockets it before saying, "This way," and heading towards the exit of the mall. You curiously follow.

Outside has notably change, a lot brighter than it was earlier today. You would say it has also gotten warmer, but the chilly wind denies the heat. Karkat stops right outside the mall and you think it's because he's exhausted, since you both are carrying a lot of bags, or that's he's called a taxi. It would be a pain to carry all these bags back to his place.

He scans the parking lot, before he spots something. "There they are." He mumbles. Following his gaze, your heart makes a leap. Roxy is waving, with a bright and excited smile; she's followed by Porrim who's talking to Rose.

The first thing you note about Rose is that she looks sleepy, like she had just woken up. However, her makeup and hair are neat so it suggests otherwise. You guess she's been stressing about Dave, or stressing about Dirk who's also stressing about Dave. She looks your way and her eyes widen as well. You're suddenly not feeling so comfortable anymore.

"Hey! Looks like someone decided to go on a shopping spree. And when it's this cold to?" Roxy giggles as she walks right up to the both of you.

Karkat rolls his eyes, "yes, because unlike the rest of you my skin is immune to being frozen by a cool breeze and as a result I am capable of doing mundane chores while every else has to cower in front of a fireplace wondering when your murderous heat will return from war."

Porrim chuckles, "whatever you say, Elsa." He glares at her.

"So," you but in, "what are you guys doing here?"

"Two words, Kan: surprise sleepover." Roxy smirks, "and this guy's hosting it."

"Oh, so is it just us or are there more?"

"Just us five. Everyone else is busy and just too far away," she shrugs.

"I thought it was weird that you wanted to drag me all the way to Vancouver," Rose hummed.

"You didn't know?" You stare, befuddled.

"No," she winces, her cheeks going pink.

"Well that was stupid; they could have been trying to murder you for your testament." Karkat blurts out, and Roxy giggles and slaps his back.

"Very funny, but we all know she's just gunna give her stuff to the cat."

A strong gust of wind bites at your skin. Roxy shivers, "Jesus, it's getting colder by the second. Everybody agree that we get the fuck out of here before we all turn to icicles?" Every nods and follows Roxy back to their vehicle.

You follow from the back, and barely notice Rose slow down until she's walking next to you. "I can take one your bags for you," she says, and you almost flinch. "Here," she takes on of the bags and for a second you're worried that she took the one with the dress it but it's just some of Karkat's groceries.

"Thank you," you reply.

She clears her throat, "you could have let me know that you'd be visiting Karkat for the weekend. Just a thought."

You wince, and almost stop walking. You knew there was something you had forgotten before you left. Actually, you didn't even think about it. Gosh, you must have made her worry. She would have come back from the hospital to the apartment you had been temporarily staying in, close to where the strider's live, and find it empty with a good portion of your clothes gone. Oh god, she might have thought you were going to break up with her.

"Sorry," your voice wavers.

"It's alright," she replies, "I was just worried, that's all."

That's oddly comforting. You still hope you didn't give her the wrong impression.

Once back at Karkat's apartment, everyone settles down. Karkat orders a pizza for later while you unpack the groceries, sneaking the bag with your clothes and the dress behind your back and luckily no one notices. Roxy reveals a movie she had brought, one that everyone agrees to, and puts it on. Porrim and Rose both converse with one another, you're not sure what about but you don't bother to intrude and ask. They both set out some snacks that they brought and you suppose they knew that Karkat wouldn't have a whole lot.

You're unsure of what to do with yourself, and decide to excuse yourself from the room. Roxy was laughing at something Karkat had said as you head down the hall. You think you should figure out what do you with the items you bought.

You enter Karkat's room and go straight to the closet where you put the bag. However, you take out the dress and hold it in the air. You sigh, unsure of what to do with it. You want to give Rose the dress, obviously, but you're not sure how to do so. Should you give it to her know or maybe later, and should it be wrapped up as a surprise or just given to her? You want to do it in a romantic way, but you don't know when you'll find the time to go on a date with her. Maybe it could be a Christmas present.

You brush your thumb against the silk. Maybe Karkat was right, Rose would love this dress. Every time you've given her something, she always adores it – especially if you made it. You gave her a necklace a few years ago for her birthday, it was a simple, silver chain with a small rose made of jade gemstones, and you don't think you've ever seen her without since.

You blush at the thought. You were overreacting weren't you? Rose still loves you, she's just been busy. Whatever keeps her busy must be important, so you shouldn't be making a big deal out of it. Once she's no longer so busy you'll go back to being closer again. You just need to be patient.

"That's a beautiful dress," Rose's voice makes you jump. You are definitely flushed with so much jade.

"Oh! Um, yes it is beautiful." You nearly choke. So much for a surprise. Rose smiles, its soft and kind, like she can't believe she's dating someone so adorable. Did you just refer to yourself as adorable? Yes, but only because you know that's what Rose is thinking.

She walks up two and takes the dress from your hands, holding up for herself. "It would look nice on you. A beautiful dress for a beautiful woman," she compliments. You have to resist the urge to cover your face, but one hand does make its way to your cheek.

"Oh, I guess that's a shame," you breathe out. You need to turn this around, play this smooth. "Since, I won't be wearing it."

Rose blinks at you, "Why not?"

"Because it's for you," You smile in the way you know make's her blush. And she does just that.

"Really? Are you sure? I mean, this dress is just... so gorgeous. I couldn't." She's just beaming with flattery.

"Yes. When I saw it, the first thing I could think was of you." You put a hand on her shoulder, pressing your lips to her temple. "I love you." You don't mean to say, but it's just comes out of you like it's the most normal and right thing to say.

"I'm sorry." Rose blurts out. Your heart seizes. "I'm sorry, for making you worry."

"What?" You ask, as you are a little baffled at the sudden apology.

She almost drops the dress when she pulls you into an embrace. "I know I've been making you feel horrible, because I've been too busy over thinking things and completely ignoring you. I'm sorry, Kanaya, I never meant to do that. I love you so much, and I wanted things to be perfect that I got carried away. You were hurting and I didn't see it. I'm sorry."

You hesitate for a second, before wrapping your arms around her, resting your chin on her head. You always liked her height because you could always hold her like this. "Shh, it's okay."

"No, it's not."

"Yes it is. You want to know why? Because you just apologized. And besides, I was overreacting. I just forgot all the things that we had been through and every other evidence that proved things were still fine between us."

"Still, you had every right to feel that way, and you have every right to be mad at me. And yet you go a buy me something beautiful because you love me still."

"As if I could get mad at you." You grin, and kiss the top her head. She tilts her head up, and cupping her face in your hands you press a kiss to her lips. She's kisses back, bringing her arms from your waist to around your neck.

All you can think is that you don't this to end. You want to keep holding her; you want to stand by her side till the end of time and space. You can't tell if you want to devour her or if you want to be devoured by her. Either way, you want nothing to come between you two and to embrace one another for an eternity.

Unfortunately, Rose has to pull away, gasping for air. She grins, face flushed red and lipstick smudged. Incredibly attractive.

She shakes her head and looks to the floor, "I wanted things to be perfect, but I don't think I can wait." She looks up to you, meeting your eyes dead on with so much love you think your chest might burst open. "Kanaya, will you marry me?"

You think you might have nearly turned to stone, and not in the bad way but more in the shocked way. You do feel sort of stupid for not seeing that coming and for reacting slightly negative, since Rose now looks worried. You force yourself to breath, and give her a reassuring smile.

"This is what you were so busy with?"

Rose returns your smile with a more embarrassed one. "Yes, I wanted it to be romantic and a surprise. I even got a ring, you would love it, but it's at home since I had everything planned out and wasn't thinking this would happen. Sorry again."

"Its fine, I can wait a little while longer before putting it on."

Rose's eyes widen, "so, that's a yes?"

You chuckle and kiss her forehead, "always a yes." When you pull away she's bright red, but also grinning.

You hold her hand tightly and bring them up to your lips, aiming to make her blush brighter and succeed. She finally breaks, though, and giggles before pulling you closer and gracefully pulling you in for a passionate kiss.

Neither of you pull away until you here Karkat's voice yell, "You two better not be fucking in my room!"

Everybody loves a little rosemary sprinkled in their story right? as you can see this is just me prolonging the end. Why? I don't know.

But yeah, rose and kanaya are engaged and they're ridiculous over thinking conflict has been solved.

Hope you enjoyed this chapter of rosemary and sweet innocence. Enjoy it while you can.