Sorry I uploaded a week late! But, that just means you get chapters two weeks in a row. I hope you are enjoying this story. Now for this chapter, I invested a lot of feeling into it. I hope you find it… Exciting. Also, this chapter is extremely long, so it may mean I have a shorter chapter next. I'm not sure yet.

DISCLAIMER: Homestuck: Hussie's, not mine.

Chapter 8

The end of the week couldn't arrive fast enough. Rose was super excited to get to Saturday so she could spend the entire day with Kanaya going dress shopping. The big debate for Rose was what type of dress to get, more specifically, what color. She could either find a dress that matched her black lipstick, or she could ditch the lipstick and rather find a dress in a color she really wanted. Maybe it's best to wait for Kanaya's opinion. That might help me decide.

"Rose! Come down for dinner!" Roxy shouted from the kitchen.

"Coming!" Rose responded. Rose noticed her mom had become more of a guardian-like figure within the past month. She wasn't sure what triggered it, or how long it will last, but she liked it. She put down her writing book and walked downstairs, sitting down at the table to some spaghetti and meatballs.

Roxy immediately started to dig in. "So, how was school today?"

Rose started to eat. Man this is good. "Oh. Same old same old I guess. I'm going dress shopping with Kanaya on Saturday though." She smiled a little at that. She didn't know why, but Kanaya always brought her such great joy.

"Oh? That's great! I'll put some money on your card so you can get whatever dress you want, and then you two can get something to eat." Roxy said. She seemed pretty happy that Rose was going somewhere with a friend.

"Thanks. That sounds great." The two women continued to eat for a while, having little conversation, but enjoying each other's company nonetheless. Around a half hour later, Rose stood up and collected their plates. "Thanks for dinner. I think I'm going to go upstairs for a bit and do some more writing." Roxy nodded, then stood up and headed to the living room, martini in hand.

As Rose got to her room, her phone buzzed. She sat on her bed and checked her messages.

Dave: So, howzit goin?

Rose smirked and rolled her eyes.

Rose: Fine. Aren't you too busy macking on your *boyfriend* to even text me.

Dave: Gasp. I should feel offended at that. You know that's not all we do. For your information, we have only kissed once… or twice, but that's beside the point! We still hang out like normal bros tho. Anyway, that's not why I texted you. Well, it's sorta related I guess. I was wondering what color flower I should put in mine and Karkat's jacket for the dance next weekend. I think it would be nice if something of ours was matching, and you're pretty good with colors, so…

Rose: Wow. Coming to me for fashion advice? Alright. Ummm… I would say red, since it will bring out Karkat's hair color.

Dave: Thanks sis. That sounds perfect.

Rose: No problem bro.

Rose chuckled then put her phone down, picking up her writing book again. She was glad Dave was happy. It was such a drastic change from a year or two ago. If Karkat ever hurts Dave, I swear he will never see the light of day again. I can't see him unhappy anymore. Rose decided to not dwell on those thoughts and focus on her writing for much of the evening.

Saturday eventually rolled around and Kanaya couldn't be more excited. She had talked with Porrim for the whole week about what dress to get, telling her over and over she is not wearing something very showy like Porrim would. Kanaya could hardly sit still as she waited for 11 am to arrive.

"Kan, calm down. Your breakfast is going to fly everywhere if you keep bouncing like a trampoline." Porrim noted, chuckling at her younger sibling.

Kanaya stopped bouncing and started to eat her pancakes. "I know, I'm just so happy. This is the first dance I have ever gone to and I get to go with an actual friend. This is practically a first you know." She said matter-of-factually. Porrim just smiled.

After talking at the table for a while, the doorbell rang, and Kanaya sprang up. "I'll get it!" She ran to the door and swung it open, grinning ear to ear. "Hey Rose! Ready to go?"

"Yep. Got my card and I'm ready to shop. Also, lunch is on me, just so you know." Rose stated, not allowing for Kanaya to object.

The raven nodded and grabbed the car keys and her bag. "Alright Porrim. I'll text you when we get to the mall, and when we leave, kay?"

"Sure thing. Oh! And a picture of your dress. I want to see it as soon as you buy it. Yours too Rose." Porrim pointed at the blond and smiled. "You two have fun."

The two girls smiled, said goodbye to Porrim, and headed out. On the way to the mall, the two discussed what type of dress they each wanted, and made sure they agreed on colors so they wouldn't look bad together.

"Well, I think we have both agreed black lipstick is a must, so we will find dresses to match that. Should we stick with the purple and green, or will that look to Mardi-Gras?" Kanaya asked Rose.

The other girl pondered this for a second. "I think purple and green will work fine, since those are technically in the theme of Halloween." They pulled up to the mall, got out, and walked into a really nice dress store. The two of them tried on what seemed like thousands of dresses before deciding on their dresses. Rose ended up with a medium length deep purple dress with a little beading and no sleeves, and Kanaya ended up with a full length emerald green dress with no beading and no sleeves. They both payed for their dresses and walked to the food court.

"So, where do you want to go for lunch? I like all of these places so I don't mind where." Kanaya said, giving a little shrug.

Rose thought for a moment, surveying the food court. "How about Panda Express? I'm kinda in the mood for Chinese."

The taller one smiled. "Sounds good." The two linked arms and walked to the restaurant together, both ordering what they wanted, then finding a place to sit. "What do you want to do after this?"

As she was caught in mid bite when the question was asked, Rose held up a finger and finished her mouthful before speaking. "Well, we could just walk around some more I suppose. Since I have some extra money, maybe I'll buy something for the guys."

"Yeah, key chains, t-shirts, a down payment on their honeymoon…" Kanaya trailed off and smirked, Rose hitting her on the arm, laughing.

"Well, I would say that's preposterous, but seeing as they are both the happiest I have seen them in years, that may be an accurate gift. No, I'll probably find a t-shirt or something." Rose stated.

The girls continued to talk for a while longer until they had finished their food. Then they got up and started to walk around the mall a while longer, stopping in different stores to look at the various wares. Kanaya saw a couple walk past them holding hands, and she felt her chest tighten. Why am I feeling this way? It wouldn't be like this with anyone else either, only while I'm with Rose. This is getting ridiculous. She's my friend and nothing more. That's all she wanted, so that's all I should want. Even if that means never getting to truly love the only person I have ever felt this way about. Hehe, even if it means being like Porrim's friend Kankri and never being romantically involved with anyone ever. Maybe that would be easier, swearing myself to celibacy. Not that I would want that in the slightest if it came to Rose. Regardless, I have got to keep these feelings hidden. No ifs, ands, or buts about it. I just- Kanaya stopped her thoughts mid-sentence, a curious Rose looking at her. "I- I'm sorry. I guess I just spaced out. What did you say?"

Rose narrowed her eyes at the other one, unsure of what just happened. "I asked you if you wanted to go into that store over there," she asked, pointing to a store in the corner of the mall that seemed to sell many Asian goods as well as anime merchandise.

"Uh, sure. Then I think I'm done shopping after that. I've almost run myself out of money and the noise is getting too much for me." Kanaya responded.

The blond nodded, and the two walked into the store, looked around a bit, purchased two cold ramune sodas, and walked to the car to drive home with their dresses and all their other purchases.

The next week seemed to drag on forever for Rose. Her classes were boring as usual, the teachers were rude as usual, and the school was as peppy as they usually were for the week before both Halloween and the dance. The only thing that wasn't usual was obviously her. She had never cared at all about the homecoming dances, but suddenly this year that's all she could think about. Is it because of Kanaya? I mean, I was pretty forward with how I felt, but I thought maybe I had scared her off, so the easiest thing to do was to just play it off like it's better we're friends. Do I want it that way? Absolutely not! However, I know she just moved here, and I don't want her being made fun of or something like I have been in the past. No, I am excited to go to the dance because we are just friends, and we get to hang out as just friends together. It will be nice. Rose took a deep breath and changed her mind to other topics, like her homework. She needed to finish this creative writing assignment. She usually has no problem writing them, but her mind has been so distracted that she can't find any inspiration to write. She just decided to type stuff until her mom got home and made dinner. Even if she passed with a 70, it was better than failing the assignment.

Just as she had finished writing, Roxy walked in and screamed "Rose! I brought home dinner and cat food!" Rose rolled her eyes, wondering why she needed to know they had more cat food, but nonetheless, she walked downstairs to some Chinese food. "So, how was your day today Rosie?" Her mother always called her Rosie when she either wanted something, or she had bad news.

"Fine. Spit it out. What do you want?" Rose asked bitterly. She hated when her mother 'needed' things. It usually ended up with her being drunk, beat up, or with a new boyfriend. The third option would inevitably lead to the two others.

Roxy looked at her daughter in shock. "Why sweetie. Why would you ever think I want something?" Rose raised her eyebrow, not buying the act. Her mother sighed. "Okay so here's the deal. I have a date tonight. I know you have your dance thing, but if you could just make sure you feed the cats before you go, then that's all I want. Is that fine?"

The daughter looked at her mom, narrowing her eyes. Is that really all she wants? "Hm. Okay. That's fine. I hope this new date of yours doesn't get you in trouble, because you know how fed up I am with-" Rose stopped, realizing she was raising her voice. Her mom looked at her slightly frightened. She took a deep breath. "I mean… just, be careful okay? If anything feels fishy, call me and I will come and pick you up from wherever. I just don't want you getting into any more trouble."

Roxy smiled. "Of course dear. Thank you. You know I only want the best for you, even if it doesn't always look like it. This time, I am making one hundred percent sure this guy is nice and caring and okay with different things before I even introduce him to you. I can't stand to see you get hurt anymore because of me." The two smiled at each other thoughtfully, then continued eating their food.

A few minutes passed, and Rose looked at the clock. "I'm going to head up in a few minutes to get ready if that's okay with you."

Her mom nodded. "Oh but first." She stood up, walked to the couch, pulled out a box from behind it, and sat back down, handing the package to her daughter. "I wanted you to have something really nice to go with you dress."

Rose opened the package. In it was a necklace laced with fake amethysts and diamonds, though they looked real. She gasped. "Mom… This… This is beautiful. You didn't have to do this." She teared up just a bit. "Thank you. I love it." She got up and gave her mom a huge hug, both women making it worth the while, since they didn't do this often.

Roxy broke away. "Alright. Now go get ready. I want to see you all dolled up.

The younger one nodded, took the box, and walked upstairs. She closed her door and set the box on her bed, going to her closet to pull out the purple dress. She slipped it on, put on her heels. I've gotta be at least close to Kanaya's height. Then she did all her makeup, making sure it complimented the dress without being overbearing. She grabbed her purse and the necklace and walked downstairs. "Okay mom I'm coming down!" She shouted, even though she knew her mom would be at the bottom of the stairs waiting with a camera. As she walked down, she could hear her mother gasp. Rose smiled.

"Rose… You look stunning." Her mother said. "Kanaya is a very lucky girl to have you in her life."

Rose stopped when her mother said that, her chest tightening, her cheeks flaring. "Mom, we are just friends, alright? I'm going to the dance with her because we thought it would be a good idea to actually go and socialize. It's not like it's a date or anything."

Her mother smiled. "Well, I actually didn't say anything about it being a date. Only you did. Come here." She motioned to the couch and the two sat down. "You really care for Kanaya don't you? I have never seen you get this way when talking about someone. I know you say you are just friends, but I have been in enough relationships to know that you don't mean it. The way you look when her name is simply brought up in conversation. It's like the whole galaxy lights up in your eyes. I'm happy for you. Just be careful. I was the exact same a few years ago, you know that. And I think Kanaya is a lovely girl. I just want you to be happy. And safe. Alright?"

The daughter looked into her mother's eyes and simply nodded, going in for a second hug. "Well, I better get going. You should too. You have an actual date coming up."

"Yes I suppose I should." They both got up from the couch. "Stay safe. Have fun. Call me if you need anything and just text me if you get home before me." Roxy said. "My date is driving me so you can have the car, but if you need anything I will take a taxi or get him to drive me."

"Okay mom. I'm sure I'll be fine. But thanks. And call me if you need anything too." Rose said, walking towards the garage with her purse and keys. "Alright. Love you." She walked out the door, waving to her mom.

It was Saturday night, and Kanaya couldn't be more excited. She was checking the clock over and over again to see what time she should start getting ready. So if the dance starts at 7, then I should be ready by about 6:45. It will take me about 5 minutes to do my hair, 15 minutes to put on makeup, and 5 minutes to put on my dress. That's 25 minutes in total, so I should probably get ready at about 6:20. Oh but its only 6:00. I can't wait another 20 minutes! Maybe I'll just go get ready now. Yeah! Because 'Rim will want to take pictures and stuff. She got up off the couch, switched off the TV, and went upstairs to her room to change. She put on her gorgeous green dress and some black flats she stole from her sister's closet. She hadn't worn them in ages, so she wouldn't miss them too much. She then put on her makeup on, making sure not to look too overdramatic. She was attending a dance after all, not a drag show. She put her sister's hair clip, adorned with a few fake diamonds in the shape of a flower, in her hair, then looked at herself in the mirror. She smiled as she admired her appearance. Satisfied with how she looked, she proceeded to walk downstairs. Not even a second as she came into view of the downstairs floor did hear her sister gasp. When she could see her, her hand was over her mouth and her eyes were a bit teary.

"Oh Kanaya. You look positively beautiful. That dress looks stunning on you and you look so grown up." Porrim started to cry. "I wish mom and dad could see you like this."

Kanaya walked over and embraced her sister. "'Rim, I'm sure they can, we just won't know their response. However, I'm sure they would love it. Now stop crying, you're going to make me cry and I can't ruin my makeup." The two then chuckled, pulling away from each other. "Well, I still have a couple minutes before Rose will show up."

The older sister nodded. "Yeah. Why don't we talk for a bit. I've been meaning to anyway." They sat on the couch. "So, I know you just moved here, but you know me, always wanting you to be happy. Have you made any friends? Other than Rose I mean."

The younger one rolled her eyes. "'Rim! Oh my gosh. Yes, I have made friends. In fact I'll tell you about them. Dave, who is in my grade, use to be step siblings with Rose, but stuff happened and now Dave just lives with his brother, but they still consider each other siblings. Karkat, who has been friends with Dave since they were little, is quite the short and angry sophomore. He has red hair that matches his fiery personality, and he and Dave are… let's just say, very close to each other. Then there's John. He's pretty nerdy and stuff but he seems cool. He really likes ghostbusters and Nick Cage."

"That's it? Well I suppose it's better to have a few close friends you can count on. That's good. What about other than friends? Any cute boys at the school?" Porrim was always the invasive one when it came to relationships. She seemed to almost always be in one, but they never lasted long.

"Ugh no. That's gross. All the guys at school are very douchy. Well, except for the three I just mentioned, but John seems to in love with movies to do dating and Dave and Karkat both have special someones." Yeah, each other. Kanaya decided not to add that little bit.

Porrim half-smiled and looked at her sister, sighing. "Alright. I can't have everything I suppose. I'm sure you'll find a nice boy someday. But for now, you've got Rose as a close friend."

Close friend, probably best friend, sort-of-secret love of my life… Kanaya would have continued her thoughts if the doorbell hadn't gone off. Before she could react, her sister was already at the door. She opened it, getting a nice view of a lovely Rose adorned in purple.

"Oh Rose you look fabulous! That dress does really suit you. I think you both look amazing though. I hope you two have fun tonight. Don't get too crazy." Porrim said, though Rose didn't seem to react much to any of it except a simple thank you.

"'Rim, stop. You can be so embarrassing sometimes." Kanaya said, then stopped, noticing Rose was staring at her. "Uh, is everything alright Rose?"

Rose seemed to snap out of a daze. "What? Yeah I'm fine. Ready to go?" The girls linked arms, heading out the door.

The taller girl tuned around, waving to her sister. "Bye Porrim!" Porrim waved goodbye back and closed the door. Kanaya got into the passenger seat of the car, buckling her seatbelt. "I'm so excited for tonight. I think it's going to be a lot of fun."

The blond nodded, starting up the car. The drive was only about two minutes long, since they lived across the street, but it was a nice drive nonetheless. Rose parked the car and Kanaya watched her get out and run around to open her door. She was very flattered by this gesture. "Thank you, you really don't have to do that."

"I know, but I like doing simple nice things for people I am close to." Rose responded.

Kanaya nodded and smiled. They both walked in together, handed the parent at the front their tickets, and walked into the cafeteria. There were flashing lights everywhere, and there was loud music playing. A row of tables was set up, adorned with all types of unhealthy junk food, expected of a high school dance. Some people were dancing, but a lot of people were just talking to each other. Kanaya surveyed the room for anyone she knew, not taking long to find a bright blond and vibrant red head heading towards her and Rose, hand in hand.

"Wassup ladies? You two are looking very beautiful tonight." Dave remarked, gesturing to the girl's nice dresses.

Rose smiled. "Why thank you Dave. Not that you look too bad yourselves. I think those flowers worked out really well for the two of you."

She wasn't wrong. Both Dave and Karkat had on similar suits, both holding matching red flowers in their chest pocket. Dave looked very pleased with himself, while Karkat had his usual scowl on his face, but it seemed slightly softer looking. He seemed happy. It made Kanaya smile, seeing him that way. Even though she hadn't known the short boy for long, she felt as if she was extremely close with him. Like she could do anything for him without giving it thought. Almost like one would do for a lover, but this felt different. Like a strong friendship bond you only typically make with someone you have known your whole life.

The four teens had turned to discussing different topics, like what was going on in each other's lives and such, when Kanaya happened to see some big blonde and strawberry blonde hair headed towards her. She sneered, bumping Rose on the arm.

"Well, if it isn't the wonder twins. Oh Rosey darling. I see those bruises healed up nicely." Vriska remarked, crossing her arms.

Rose shoved passed Kanaya, getting up in Vriska's face. "What do you think you're doing? We just came here to have fun, not start something. But, if you want to pick a fight." She turned around. "Kanaya, hold my purse."

Just before Kanaya could stop her, another girl ran up to the group. "Hey hey. Let's be nice to each other, okay? This is just a fun dance event right?" The girl had long black wavy hair, round glasses, and a very pretty black and green dress on. She turned to Vriska and Feferi, whispering something to them, then shooing them away. She then turned back towards Rose, Kanaya, Dave, and Karkat. "Sorry about that. I promise Feferi is very nice once you get to know her. She just wants to impress Vriska because their families are huge business partners. Feferi is actually really sweet though. Oh! I'm sorry. Introductions are in order. I'm Jade. Hey, aren't you three in my grade?" She asked, pointing at Dave, Karkat, and Kanaya. "I think I have seen you in some of my classes."

Not one to turn down the opportunity to make a friend, Kanaya smiled. "Yeah, I think so. Hi. I'm Kanaya, and these are my friends Dave, Karkat, and Rose. So, not to sound rude, but you seem really nice. Why are you friends with girls like Feferi and Vriska?"

"That's actually a good question. See, my grandfather was the gardener at Feferi's mansion when I was little, so the two of us would always play together, and we became really good friends. We hung out less and less the older we got, though we still hang out a little. When she started high school and I was in 8th grade, she became friends with Vriska. She was cool at first, but then started being very controlling of Feferi, saying that being an heiress to such a large company means you have to act powerful. So, from then on, Feferi started to act like a total brat. I'm the only one who still truly knows what she is like when not around Vriska." Jade explained. She seemed to look slightly sad while explaining that story.

Kanaya took Jade's hand. "You're a great friend for sticking by Feferi even when it didn't seem like you should. Do you wanna hang out with us?"

Jade nodded. The five of them proceeded to talk and dance for the next hour.

Suddenly, the music died down, and announcements started for the homecoming court. As Rose told Kanaya, Homecoming court worked differently at Alternia High. Instead of Dukes and Duchesses for the lower grades and a King and Queen for the seniors, every grade had a King and a Queen.

"Hey. I gotta go outside for a minute and take this." Rose said to Kanaya.

"I'll come with you." Kanaya responded.

The girls walked outside and Rose held the phone up to her ear, then listens for a minute. Suddenly, all the blood drains from her face. "O-okay. Give me a few minutes." Then she hung up the phone, pale as a ghost.

"Rose… Rose are you okay? What's wrong? What happened?" Kanaya asked, becoming increasingly concerned.

Rose looked at the taller girl. "It's my mom. She's in the hospital. She was in a car accident."

Don't kill me! See you in a week.

~Jane