Each Touch

New Girl

September 5th. 7:20 AM. School. Yes, school was back in session and everyone wasn't too happy on the idea. John rubbed his eyes as he said goodbye to Aradia. He trudged into the school, going towards his new locker, which wasn't that far from his other one. Placing his new folders and supplies in the holder, he yawned. Being back in the school setting was both heartwarming, yet dreadful. 

There was a soft knock on the locker door, looking behind it revealed a disheveled platinum blond who didn't look too happy about coming back to school either. John gave a small smile and laugh, seeing Dave here brightened up his day a bit. The blond rolled his eyes and leaned against the lockers, a hand coming to cover the yawn that escaped his mouth.

"C'mon John, Dirk wants us all to meet Jake's sister," said Dave.

"Oh, yeah right. I forgot she was coming here," replied John as he shut his locker.

The two walked through the crowded entrance hall and to the library where everyone crowded near the bookcases. Upon advancing, they saw a girl their age. She had long black hair and green eyes, skin tone a nice tan just like Jake, circular glasses rested upon her face. Rose and said girl were greeting each other until the blonde caught sight of Dave.

"Nice of you to finally join us Dave, John," smiled Rose.

"Yeah, yeah, don't give me that tone." Dave strolled over to the crowd standing next to Dirk. John stood beside the blond, a soft smile on his face as he observed the new girl.

"They do look alike," said the green eyed girl.

"Told you," said Jake.

The girl walked up to the boys and smiled, "Hi~ My name's Jade Harley."

"I'm John."

"Dave Strider."

Jade spoke with her brother as another blond stood besides John, Karkat. He surprisingly looked fine this school morning despite the slight tired look that was on his face. The dark haired boy turned and smiled at his friend, telling him what was going on. 

The Norwegian pursed his lips as his eyes lingered on Jade, a discomforted look in his eyes as he observed her talking to Dave. He blinked a few times before facing John, eyes glancing at Nepeta who was nearby. Hands went to rest on his hips as he shook his head.

"What's wrong?" asked John.

"I can see some horrible things happening and I don't like it," said Karkat, "I'll talk to you later."

John blinked a few times as he watched Karkat walk off, soon talking animatedly with Nepeta. He arched a brow before looking back into the crowd of friends; his circle of friends has never been this big before. It was nice. 

---

John walked into the lunchroom, his bagged lunch in his had as he look around to find anyone he felt comfortable eating. It just so happened Dave shared the same lunch period, which was a huge relief, but beside him sat Jade Harley. He smiled as he walked over to them, sitting on the other side of his best friend.

"Hi Dave, hi Jade," smiled John.

"Hey bro," said Dave.

"Hi John!" smiled Jade.

"You didn't get a lunch Dave?" asked John to the blond.

"Not today no, was just going to munch off of you."

"You're lucky my dad pumps out sweets like a factory."

"Oh- Dave I forgot one part!" said Jade as she was trying to recall part of her story that she was telling Dave.

Dave turned back to listen to Jade, a small forced smile curled on his lips as he looked at her. Now he was no jerk, it's rude not to listen to a person. He let Jade talk, telling her stories of living on an island with her grandfather. The story are interesting, that's no lie, he'd just rather talk with John.

"Hey, we're sitting here."

The dark haired male looked up and saw Karkat with Kanaya. He smiled and nodded, telling them to go right on ahead. The two friends sat next to John, continuing their discussion. Looking next to him, it looked like he was the only one without anyone to talk to. He looked down at his lunch and began to eat.

No more than 10 minutes later did Karkat poke John, catching his attention. The Norwegian's red eyes locked onto Jade and Dave, a murderous look in his eyes. John gave a small smile as he asked Karkat if something was bothering him.

"Bothering me? Oh no John I poked you just to piss you off, of course something is bothering me," said Karkat.

"Well what is it?" asked John.

"Don't you see that?" Karkat moved his head at the other two student's direction.

Arching an eyebrow, John glanced at his two conversing friends. They have been talking this whole time...Jade has anyway. Looking back at Karkat, he nodded.

"Yeah, so?"

"You haven't spoken to Dave at all haven't you?"

"I did, when I came over to sit here." said John.

"And after that?"

John stopped and thought, no he hasn't spoken to Dave after he came to sit over here. It wasn't weird though, he was talking to Jade; she was new and the only friends she had was their small circle of people so if course she'll stick with them. Though it was weird on how she wasn't talking to him at all.

"No," replied John.

"After all Nepeta and I have talked about," mumbled Karkat as he moved to face Kanaya.

"What? What's wrong with it?" asked John.

"Nothing, nothing," said Karkat, "This time, you figure this out on your own."