The Pages Between Us (Karkat Vantas x Reader)

Chapter Four

"I am not showing you the original picture, (Name)." Achlys sighed for what felt like the hundredth time today, unwavered by the pout you were wearing on your lips. "And stop doing that. It won't work on me. Nuh-uh."

You, too, sighed: but in your case, it was mostly just you admitting your defeat. Carci had sent you the image earlier, which you completely flipped out about when you got back to your phone. The mere fact that you finally had something you could use as a clue for finding out his identity was enough to eclipse your nervousness in calling up your project partner Karkat Vantas. It was a short and straightforward conversation, and it was easy to arrange a meet-up with him at the local mall later that night.

But the anxiety circled back and pummeled you in the face when you realized that the proposal sounded like a very casual invite to a date (Dave "overheard" your little phone conversation and pointed that little detail out. Now he won't stop teasing you over it. Thanks a lot, Dave). You've decided to ask Achlys to come along and spare you from the sheer awkwardness, since the two apparently knew each other. Both Dave and Dirk had asked to come with, most likely because they wanted to see what events would transpire. The decision was obvious to you the moment Dirk opened his mouth: abscond.

The walk through the trollian security measures was quick: as per usual, a dosage of drugs were administered intravenously to prevent unlawful thoughts and intentions from surfacing in your mind. It was a recent development for security measures in malls, schools, airports, and other public areas that effectively lessens the occurrence of crime in public places. Achlys, being a troll, received a larger dose than you. You pressed down on the cotton ball covering the wound, which was as large as a pinprick, thankful that you weren't afraid of needles like the person who went right after you.

"Where did you say you were going to meet up?" Achlys asked.

Your mind went blank.

"I'm going to call him to see where he is."

Achlys couldn't resist the urge to facepalm as you fished out your phone and dialed Karkat's number. It rang several times before Karkat picked up. "Hello?" You were a little taken aback by the politeness in his tone.

"Ohh, hey, Karkat!" You said, swatting away Achlys when she tried to press her ear against the back of your phone.

"Who the fuck is this?" Karkat spat out.

You take back what you said about him being polite.

"It's me, (Name)." You replied. You hear a very intensely whispered argument on the other side of the phone call before you decide to speak up again. "I was, uh, wondering where you are right now. Achlys and I just arrived at the mall. I brought her along, I hope you don't mind. We were thinking we should come to meet you wherever you are right now." You heard very intrusive (and obviously fake) moaning sounds in the background. You stifle your laughter with a hand. "I understand if you're busy right now." You said teasingly.

"Ignore the moaning, everything is wholesome here - god, shut the fuck up, Sollux, I will punch you - we're at the fountain right now. Not the one on the ground floor, though. It's the useless fucking fountain with no water."

You nod understandingly. "Yes, we know where that is. See you there, Karkat!"

"Don't take too long, (Surname). I don't know how much longer I can survive with these idiots on my own--" His sentence is cut off by a very faint"KK is in love!" chant in the background. Karkat speaks up immediately after that. "Feferi, for fuck's sake--"

The call ended, leaving you very amused. You briefly fill Achlys in on the call and make your way to the Pavilion, which was a spacious garden at the rooftop of the mall. It was the one area in the mall that would be vacant by day and crowded by sunset, the only reason being that the view from up there was very lovely.