Don't hurt me! I did it all in the name of plot development. I hope this chapter makes up for it. If not, I'm sorry. But I really think this will make up for it. :)
As you may have noticed, I use the typing quirks when they text each other. I will do this with all characters, simply because I think it's fun.
Also: I apologize for not getting this chapter up in time. I had some stuff going on preventing me from doing this. I feel bad. Sorry.
DISCLAIMER: Hussie owns Homestuck and everything in it. I own absolutely nothing. I want to, but I can't. Oh well…
Chapter 6
"Oh shoot! I thought we were actually going to win this time!" Karkat yelled, frustrated that he and Dave were losing one of the Halo campaign missions repeatedly. He threw the controller down in frustration. "I'm so done with this freaking game! It's clearly out to get me."
Dave looked at the redhead and grinned, putting down his controller and switching the tv off. "Alright Karkles chill. Maybe we should take a break from playing games. I have something I want to ask you anyway." He shifted in his chair.
Giving Dave a curious glare, Karkat obliged. "Alright, what is it? Someone bothering you? No one's making fun of you again are they?" Dave never liked to talk about things seriously, so Karkat knew something was up when the blond actually chose to open up about something.
The taller boy chuckled nervously. "No no it's nothing like that. Actually, this is somewhat of a positive topic. I just want your advice on something. It's about this person I like. I know we talked about it earlier, admittedly more light-heartedly, but it's really been bothering me for the past while."
Wow. He must really like this girl if he's this flustered about it. "Of course man. You know I am always available for stuff like this. You're like my best bro. What is it exactly you need advice on?" Karkat scooted closer to Dave, making sure he was aware full attention was being given.
Dave sighed, clearly trying to collect his thoughts. "Okay. So, I have known this person for a long time, we've been friends since, like, elementary school. Only recently have I truly discovered that I like this person. Which is great, except I am absolutely positive they like someone. And I am pretty sure that someone isn't me. I guess, I just don't know what to do. Do I tell them how I feel, and risk embarrassing myself, or do I just leave my feelings unsaid?" His face was going a light shade of red.
"Uh… Well…" Karkat started off, not sure how to react. This is more serious than he thought. "I think it really depends on the person. To fully decide how you should approach this situation, I need to know who it is. Would it kill you to tell me who it is? This girl is clearly very important to you."
Dave looked at Karkat through his shades. "I mean… I really don't know that you're going to like what you hear."
If it was possible for him to be any more red, I haven't seen it. Karkat knew this has been bothering him for a long time. He could see it in his friends' actions, the way he talked, the way he did things. "Nothing you could say would hurt me. I'm here for you bro. If you don't want to say it, I won't force you, but I don't think I can give you very good advice if you don't-" The smaller boy's words were cut off by the blonds lips crashing against his. His heart started beating rapidly, but it only took him a moment to react. Soon he was kissing him back. He scooted closer to Dave, wrapping his arms around his skinny frame. Karkat felt tears rolling down Dave's cheeks. He eventually broke it off, needing air.
Dave started stammering for something to say. "I… that was… what just happened? I mean, I'm so sorry."
"Why are you sorry? Dave, this is the best thing that's happened in a long time. I wouldn't do something like that just because. Dave, I have liked you for so long too. I never said anything because you were Mr. Cool Kid. I never thought you were even into guys, and even if you were, you wouldn't be into me. Don't cry. It's okay. You have nothing to worry about." Karkat reached up and wiped the tears off the other boy's cheeks.
The blond sniffled. "That's actually such a relief. So, I hate to ask the obvious question, but does this make us a thing now? If so, what do we do about it?"
"Well, that all depends on you. I'm not going to force anything on to you, but I'm pretty sure I know what you're going to say. I guess we should make this a bit more formal." Karkat turned towards Dave, staring straight into his shades. "Dave, would you like to go out with me?"
Dave took the redhead's hands and grinned. "Of course I would. That is all I want." He leaned in and gave Karkat a sweet kiss, smiling into it. "Now, do you want to tell Bro, or should I?"
Karkat chuckled. "Why don't we tell him together?" They stood up, locked fingers, then went out to the main room.
After the movie ended, Rose turned to Kanaya, who was crying from laughing so much. "I take it you liked the movie." She chuckled, sitting up and facing her.
"Yeah I loved it. I mean, I had seen it before, but it never fails to be funny. Anyway, on another topic, you still have your creative writing assignment to do. Do you need to still ask questions?" Kanaya asked, reverting back to her shy self.
Rose thought for a second, then nodded. "Mhm, I suppose I should finish it. Okay, let me just get my notebook." She stood up from the bed and walked across her room, carefully avoiding her various knitting projects. She eventually found it, and returned to her bed.
Kanaya's phone buzzed. "Sorry. Let me see who it is." She pulled it out and opened her messages.
Porrim: Hey Kanaya. Is everything all go+o+d with yo+u? Is Ro+se alright?
Kanaya: Yeah, She's Just Fine. I'm Probably Just Going To Spend The Rest Of Today With Her Instead Of Tomorrow If That's Alright.
Porrim: Yes, that's fine. Stay there as lo+ng as yo+u need. I Lo+ve yo+u.
Kanaya: Love You Too Porrim.
After finishing the quick exchange, Kanaya locked her phone, and returned her attention to Rose. "Sorry about that. Anyway, what's your first question?"
"Uh… Okay, so you only live with your sister right? What's that like?" Rose queried and readied her pen and paper.
Kanaya thought about this for a moment, then answered. "Well, it's actually not all that bad. I mean, being sisters of course we fight, but I have just gotten so use to Porrim being like my mother, that I look up to her that way. We rely on each other for a lot of things, and we understand each other without getting in the other's way much. Does that answer the question?"
"Yes I think it does. That sound like fun. I would like to properly meet your sister sometime." Rose said as she continued to write. After finishing that paragraph, she asked another question. "Alright, what do you like to do in your spare time?"
"Oh that's easy. I love to practice my violin, sew, and draw. Well, the drawing is mostly for the sewing, but it works. I love sewing. It takes me to a peaceful and relaxing place I don't find much anymore." Kanaya's eyes lit up when she said that.
Rose finished writing then looked up at Kanaya. "Knitting does the same for me. It allows me to not think about things going on in my life. I can just let go of everything. I'm glad I'm not the only one with something like that." The blond put her notebook aside. "I should be able to write a decent paper from that. Thank you."
"So… um… about earlier. What happens now?" Kanaya asked.
The shorter girl thought about the question for a second before answering. "Unless you want to do anything, we do nothing. We live our life as friends for now, and if you want to do more than that, tell me. I don't want you to feel pressured into anything like this, especially since you kinda just moved here."
"I like that idea. Thank you for being so understanding. Making friends has been hard for me since we move so much, so just having a friend for now would be nice." Kanaya smiled.
The blond smiled back. "I get it. Making friends has been hard for me ever since I got out of intensive therapy for that… stuff… so I understand where you're coming from. And don't forget, you have Dave and Karkat and John. All my friends are your friends."
Kanaya sighed in relief. "Cool. So, now what do we do? We have a lot of time to kill."
"Uh… I have a PS3 downstairs. Do you want to play games on that?"
Would I?! "Of course! That sounds awesome!" The girls started to walk downstairs. "Okay, so I want to bet money on something." Kanaya said.
Rose looked up at her with confusion. "Bet money? On what?"
"So, you know how you were saying Dave is most likely gay but won't admit it? I want to challenge you on that. I think he's already dating someone. If not, he has a serious crush on someone. I don't know who yet, but I just get the feeling he really digs someone."
Intrigued by this statement, Rose smirked. "Alright. Then the bet is you think he's dating or almost dating someone. I don't think he is to be perfectly honest. I guess I figured he wouldn't say anything if I asked, but he would show it if he was. I bet $20 he isn't dating anyone. Deal?"
The taller girl grinned. "It's a deal. I am so going to win. We will decide who is right on Monday." They shook on it, then started playing PS3 games for the afternoon.
After spending the entire rest of the day playing games, Kanaya turned to Rose, slightly upset. "I suppose I should get going. You cool with that?"
"Yeah I suppose. Thank you so much for coming over. It really meant a lot to me. We definitely have to hang out again sometime soon." Both the girls stood up and the two girls hugged. As they did, Rose's mom came in.
Kanaya looked at her. "Oh, hello Ms. Lal… Roxy. I was actually just about to leave. It was very nice meeting you." She walked over and shook her hand.
"Thank you so much for coming over. You are welcome here any time. It was nice meeting you too. You seem like such a lovely girl." Roxy hugged Kanaya, and Kanaya tried to hold in a cough. The woman smelled strongly of alcohol and cleaning products.
Rose walked to the door and opened it. "Thanks again. See you on Monday. Don't forget about our promise. And our bet." She grinned at that last part.
The other girl giggled. "Don't worry. I won't. I will not forget either. I want my $20 after all. Goodbye." She waved as Rose closed the door, and walked to her house. When she arrived, she tested the door, seeing if she could just walk in. It was, as she suspected, unlocked. Kanaya walked in and called out. "Hey. I'm home! Porrim?" She must be out getting something. Weird. I figured she would have said something. Oh well, I'll just text her. She opened up her phone, and went into the messages.
Kanaya: Hey Porrim. I'm Home. You Left The Door Unlocked Again. It's Alright Though. Everything Seems To Still Be Here. Do You Want Me To Make Dinner?
After a few minutes, Kanaya's phone buzzed.
Porrim: No+, it's alright. I'm gro+cery sho+pping, so+ I will just pick stuff up. Want anything in particular?
Kanaya: Uh… Some Ben And Jerry's Mint Chocolate Cookie Ice Cream?
Porrim: So+unds great. See yo+u later.
Before putting her phone down, she quickly texted Dave.
Kanaya: Hey. Did You Make Karkat Watch Black Butler? Did He Like It?
She waited a few minutes, but didn't get a response. They must be playing a game or something. Oh well. Kanaya went up to her room, turned on some music, and continued sewing her latest project until she heard the front door open. She then turned off the music and headed downstairs to see Porrim carrying several grocery bags. Kanaya walked up to her older sister, helping her carry some of the bags to the kitchen. "Hey Porrim. Did you have a good time while I was gone?"
"I never fully have a good time without my little sis, but I had an okay time. I watched some tv, played some games, checked my email a few times…" Porrim trailed off, making Kanaya think something exciting happened.
The younger girl put away some groceries, then eventually turned to her sister. "Alright. What's up? I can tell something happened while I was out."
Porrim smiled, unable to contain herself. "I may have gotten an email from the elementary school. I got the teaching job! I start on Monday."
Unable to hide her excitement, though why would she want to, Kanaya jumped and hugged her sister. "Oh Porrim that's great. I'm so proud of you!" That's great. Maybe we will finally settle down somewhere.
"Thank you. It's good to have such encouragement. And because of this, I decided we feast tonight! I was planning on making chicken and rice and carrots and potatoes. Then for dessert…" Porrim turns around and pulls Kanaya's favorite ice cream out of a bag. "I figured we could eat ice cream. Sound good?"
Kanaya was almost speechless. "Sound good? That sounds fantastic! I'm just thrilled you got a job. Would you like help with dinner?"
Porrim smiled and embraced her younger sister. "Yes. That would be great. Thank you." They started to prepare their food. "So, how was your night with Rose? Why did you have to rush over exactly?"
"Oh. Yeah it was good." Shoot. I forgot I never told her about why I had to run over. Kanaya sighed, then continued with her story. "I had to rush over because her mom had called. She sounded very worried on the phone, and I went over to discover she had gotten herself totally wasted. She had been beaten up by the girls at school who were mean to me because they thought she was the reason I was back-talking them. That's why she went home early from school that day. So I-" Kanaya was cut off by her own sobs. She was enveloped by the arms of her older sister.
Filled with concern, Porrim assumed her motherly role for Kanaya. "Aw honey that's terrible. Why did she end up so drunk though? I mean, I don't want to sound insensitive, but that seem such an odd reason to get that upset."
The younger girl collected herself before continuing. "She felt responsible for everything. She thought that it was her fault that they came after me, which of course is not true. Anyway, I talked to her for a bit and then she…" Kanaya stopped. And then she kissed me. And I liked it. No. I loved it. More than I probably should have.
"She what, Kanaya?" Porrim looked at her younger sister with concern.
Kanaya cleared her throat. "And then she just fell asleep. I ended up sleeping most of the night too. I woke up the next morning and waited for her to do so as well. When she did, she freaked. She told me this long story about how she came to acting like this, how she gets so upset because she's turning into her mother and stuff. I made a deal with her. I told her I would stop if she did-"
Semi-alarmed, Porrim cut her off. "You would stop? Stop what? I didn't think you drank. I was hoping it wouldn't extend from me to you. Oh no I can't-"
"No no no. I don't drink. Don't worry." Kanaya calmed her older sister down. "I guess I never really told you, though I'm surprised you never found out." She shrugged off her jacket once more, throwing it into the next room, revealing her arm. Porrim gasped. "Yeah. Pretty bad huh? This started when you had very bad drinking episodes. You would yell at me, calling me useless and disappointing and stuff like that. You never physically hurt me, but I was weak at heart. I got so upset by that stuff, and you never remembered it the next day. It got to the point where I was so broken that I needed to relieve the pain somehow. This is how I got rid of the pain, even if only for a little while. I suppose it's a habit I never really got out of." She started to cry again. "I'm sorry. I should have told you, but at the time, I never thought you would believe me."
Porrim embraced her sister again, comforting her. "Shhh. It's alright. I am the one who should apologize. I never thought I hurt you so badly. Shhh. Don't cry. It's okay."
The two stood embracing for a few minutes while Kanaya sobbed. Eventually, she sniffed and pulled away. "Thanks. Anyway, I made that deal with her. Afterwards we talked about some stuff, the friends I seemed to have made, my classes, any crushes either of us had. Then we… uh, we watched a movie. Later, I asked her questions for my creative writing assignment, then we played video games, and I left."
After Kanaya had finished her story, Porrim raised her eyebrow. "Okay… sounds like you two had fun. Seems like the two of you are getting really close really fast. Good for you." She looked at the oven and put the chicken in. "Well, dinner will be in about an hour and a half or so. Feel free to do whatever you would like until then.
"Kay. Sounds good." Kanaya walked quickly up to her room. She seemed kinda suspicious about my story. Was it too obvious that I left out the kissing stuff? Not that it should matter right? She settled on to her bed with her laptop until dinner.
Well, I hope you forgive me for stuff. I really enjoyed writing this chapter. I couldn't stop grinning. Anyway, Until next time.
~Jane