Nubs and Shades book 1 chapter 1

Nubs and Shades 1

Karkat sat on the couch in the apartment he shared with his boyfriend, Dave Strider. Karkat had a pretty shitty day and wanted to confide in his boyfriend. However the blonde was at his job. He was a DJ and big time rapper.

John Egbert, an annoying shit-muffin had come over earlier in the day wanting to 'spend the night.' if you know what I mean. After Karkat had promptly said "NO," in his own fashion, John had left with tears in his deep blue eyes. Now that Karkat thought over what he said, he felt awful.

"Why the fuck would I?! You're so fucking annoying and a nook-sniffing pervert! I'd rather pail with Feferi than your sorry ass! Get the fuck out of my apartment before I change my mind on culling your ass!

Sure, he had feelings for John once when they were together, but they've been over for a long time and Karkat wanted nothing to do with the raven haired jokester. John had caused Karkat enough pain as it is. Then Dave came and showed Karkat it was okay, and that's when they got together.

Karkat jumped when he heard the doorknob twist and the being opened. Realizing he had been crying, Karkat quickly wiped his tears and stared at the TV like he was watching something even though it was off.

"Hey Nubs," Dave called, entering the living room where Karkat sat. He strode behind the couch. Bending over Karkat, Dave gave him a peck on the forehead. "What are you watch-"Dave cut himself off, seeing that the TV was off even though Karkat stared at it so intently like one of him RomComs. Dave glanced down at Karkat behind his shades before hopping over the back of the couch beside Karkat. "What's up Karkat?" Dave asked seriously, but Karkat continued his façade of watching TV.     "I'm just watching a movie." Karkat said simply. Dave looked to the TV to see if it was actually on. "Karkat the TV isn't even-Have you been crying?"  Dave asked as he brushed a thumb over Karkat's cheek softly. There were faint red lines that had been stained by Karkat's tears. Karkat's bored stare at the TV wavered a bit.

"N-no..." Karkat tried to lie. Dave pulled his boyfriend into a hug. This was a trick Dave had learned with Karkat.  If Dave wanted Karkat to spill, all he had to do was embrace him. Karkat broke into sobs and buried his face into Dave's shirt. It would be slightly stained with Karkat's tears but Dave didn't mind in the slightest.  "What happened Nubs?" Dave murmured as he stroked the troll's hair. Careful to avoid the horns.

"J-J-John...h-he came today... I s-s-said th-things and made him c-cry." Karkat hiccupped. Dave's hand stopped stroking Karkat's hair abruptly when Karkat said this. John was still a sensitive topic on both sides. Karkat had fallen into a deep depression after he and John broke up. It had taken Dave months of comforting Karkat to get him out.  

Dave spoke softly and carefully, for he didn't want to upset his boyfriend any further. "What exactly did John say Karkat?" Karkat didn't answer for a moment, trying to find his voice. "H-he...wanted to...fill a pail with m-me." Karkat sniffed. Dave's collected façade crumbled with anger. "He fucking did WHAT?!" Dave snarled. Karkat flinched away and quickly ducked out of Dave's embrace. "I knew I shouldn't have told you..." He whimpered. He ran out of the living to the hallway that leads to their shared bedroom. Slamming the door closed and the click of the lock reached Dave's ears. Dave sighed as he stared down the hallway with a look of anger and sadness. He knew Karkat wouldn't be the normal hot tempered troll that he was before he and John broke up but he still missed the troll's smart ass comments. Bow he's a lot more sensitive and skittish. Sighing, Dave stood and made his way to the bedroom.

Dave stopped in front of the locked door before raising his hand and knocking softly on the door. "...Nubs. Hey, please let me in...I'm sorry for getting mad. It's just...you know. I'm not mad at you Hun'...you know that." After a moment of silence, Dave heard some shuffling and the click of the door unlocking once again. Dave opened the door slowly and stuck his head inside. Karkat sat on the king sized black sheeted bed. His hands wound tightly in his lap and his head hung low. His shoulders shook slightly as he cried silently. "Oh Kitten..." Dave murmured as he made his way to Karkat's side.  Scooping up the smaller troll into his arms, Dave slowly rocked Karkat back and forth. After a moment Dave spoke up. "Hey how 'bout we go out for a while. Just forget about everything for a bit. Okay?" Dave said as gently as he could.  "..O-okay." Karkat sniffed. Dave let a wide grin form on his lips then leaned in to kiss his boyfriends forehead. "Okay." Dave chuckled. This got a shaky smile and a giggle from Karkat. "We're not in 'The Fault in Our Stars' Dave...sadly."  Karkat sighed dramatically. Dave gave a small laugh. Karkat was already back...sort of.  Dave stood and stretched with a grunt before holding his hand out to Karkat. Karkat smiled up at Dave before taking the offered hand.