Each Touch

5th

A single individual walked down the sidewalk of the many lined white houses in the quiet neighborhood. No one was outside. It's even currently a nice, warm evening; the sun hadn't even touched the horizon yet. A gust of wind ran through the air, moving little things like leaves, dust, wind chimes....

"It doesn't really matter on who apologizes and makes up first, as long as you two understand each other while it's happening."

Lips pursed together in a straight line as reminders repeated themselves in the blond's mind. Dave took in deep breaths as he clenched his fists together; he had spoken with Rose about his predicament. While they had been chatting, he had met with one of his cousin's, Dirk Strider. He had also helped out with his problem, having been in a relationship problem once before.

"It's terrifying how you look so much like Bro."

"That's how you know we're all related." 

He had overreacted that day, he knew that. He shouldn't have kicked John out like that because he was in a bad mood after the strife, but anger makes you say things you don't really mean. Spending that rest of the day alone and frustrated wasn't the ideal way to cool off.

"If he doesn't come to you first, it'd be nice to go to him on that special day since it's coming up. It'll let him know that you've been thinking of him."

School was a bore without having John around. It seemed like he was avoiding him all day and not to mention all week for the matter. John probably hated him now, having treated him like that. He wouldn't blame him though.

"It's better to patch a single stitch than to let the piece rip further until it can't be found in the pile of regrets."

The advice Dirk had given him had made things seem so easy, and sometimes it's like that. Easy. But life has it's wheel of fortune, fate, knowing how things will end and start. Luck is out of the question though, whoever believes in luck just has an easy route laid out for them.

Red eyes looked at the designated house he was so familiar with, memories of the two of them over the span of 5 years were made there; out in the yard, in the living room, in John's room. Not being able to come back here made him pull his eyebrows together in a distressed expression.

"You can bring a gift too, that will be relevant."

Dave had debated on bringing a gift. What was he to bring? Something big? Small? Something that John would like? (Well, obviously something that John would like.) Something for him to keep forever? Something edible? The variables were endless. 

Just a bit further until he had to face the baby faced John he had fallen head over heels for so long ago. His blue eyes were gorgeous and his black rimmed glasses framed his face so perfectly. John's lips were so perfect, so kissable. 

"First loves are the most difficult. Trust me, I'm dating  my first love and it's not as easy as it is in movies, it can't even compare to movies because our drama was much more intense."

"Just make sure he smiles, alright Dave?"

Smiles. His smiles were the best.

---

The soft sound of a fan blowing filled the room, said fan was blowing warm air into the dark haired male's face. John had his glasses off and set to the side as His head was resting on his arms, eyes drooping from exhaustion. His hair was a mess, strands of black laid down upon his head and face. 

Karkat had been dragged around school by John that whole week as to avoid Dave, but it had seem that Dave made no effort to try to approach and talk to him at all. The disappointment in John had left him in the dirt.

Sleep was just about to over take him, but the doorbell rang. He jumped up, heart quickening by the scare of the doorbell ringing. John blinked a few times before rubbing his eyes, grabbing his glasses before he walked out of his room to open the front door. His father was out, so who could it be? Karkat? 

"Hello?" 

Standing in front of him was the one person he's been wanting to see this whole week, Dave Strider. His lips parted as his eyes widened, focusing on the albino. A crooked smile laid out on his lips as he had an arm hidden behind his back. Dave looked perfectly back to normal though, which was a relieve.

"D-Dave!"

"Hey John." 

It felt comforting to hear his name come from Dave, he never knew how weird it felt not to hear Dave's voice in general. He's missed it. 

"Before you say anything, I want to apologize for...You know." said Dave, "I was in a fucking mood, didn't feel so great you know. Didn't know what came into me."

So it wasn't his fault.

"I'm not mad that you saw my papers. I think that's what you've been thinking? Those were bullshit papers anyway."

Relief surged through John and a smile stretched across his face as he looked at Dave, they're still friends. Still best bros. His hands were brought down to his sides, brushing his shorts that he had on at the moment. 

"I'm sorry too," John said, "I shouldn't have been touching your things anyway."

"It's alright bro, just papers."

"S-Speaking of that day. I finally got to see your resolutions."

Dave chuckled and his other hand went to scratch the back of his head. It was bound to happen sooner or later, just not how he had expected it but it happened. Though it was embarrassing, having John discover his one goal that he can never go through with.

"They're amazing, way more better than mine."

"Yours are much more interesting though."

"But I can never do those."

"It's worth a try."

They were conversing normally again, kind of felt like none of that had ever even happened. This experience is sure something for the both of them to remember for a while.

"But...Dave...What was it that you wanted to ask me?? You've been keeping it back for a long time now." asked John.

The dreaded question he's been hoping not to hear.

"I...John I..."

He took in a breath, stepping closer to place their foreheads together. His hand coming to rest on John's shoulder. Bright red eyes looked down through two layers of glass to meet with John's deep blue eyes, the same eyes that he's grown to love. The same eyes that fit his face so perfectly.

Heat started to move up to his face, cheeks turning pink. John's face was no different, a blush tinting his cheeks as he stuttered trying to say something. Dave brought his other hand to the front, now revealing what he was holding.

A single red, thorn-less rose.

"Happy 5th Broversary."

"Eww Dave, so cheesy." giggled John, "But that isn't what you wanted to ask is it?"

"Hey, at least I tried." pouted Dave.

"Fine, fine, I'll give you credit."

"Now then, what did you get for me?"

John paused and blinked, "Ahh..."

It wasn't unusual for John to forget things, happens all the time. It was actually kind of cute, yet inconvenient at the same time too. 

"Then how about a kiss on the cheek?" 

"W-Wha-"

"Just kidding." chimed Dave, "Just pushing your buttons."

The blue eyed male huffed and glared up at Dave, lips perking out as he stared at the laughing blond. Two can play it that way. John lifted himself on his tiptoes, moving his head to the side and placed his lips on the pale cheek softly; Dave stopped laughing, eyes widening as he saw John pull back with a smug smile.

"There, I gave you your gift." said John.

And I've just fallen even harder for you.