Typical Quadrants.

Him.

Small Recap~

"Maybe later or something, if you want to, we could probably go out to like a c-cafe or something?"

Fuck. I stuttered. No Strider stutters, ever.
Karkat quickly shot his head towards me, giving me the widest eyes I've ever seen from him. He then softly smiled, which of course, made my heart melt.
"..SURE."

[Karkat P.O.V]

I stare at Dave in shock for just a second before I felt a smile begin to creep up on my face. Things may be a bit awkward between us after what just happened, but come on. He *technically* just asked me out. On a date. And whoop-dee-fucking-do, I'm flushed for the piece of shit!
"..SURE."
The immediate second after I agreed, my heart picked up speed. It might as well have exploded out of my chest from how fast it was beating, and I couldn't take it. My thoughts were cut off by Dave clearing his throat,
"So.. uh, do you wanna go now, or..?"
I had nothing else to do, I was never busy, nor did I have a job. Plus, who would pass up an opportunity to go out with your crush? The answer was obvious.
"OH. UH, YEAH."
I could hear him mutter a quiet "cool" before he turned on his heel, disappeared down the hall, and to his room to get ready.

A few minutes later, Dave reappears in the living room wearing a casual red flannel and and denim jeans. Not gonna lie, he looked good.
I stood up and nodded at him, and he motioned towards the door. We both walked to the door, and exited without a word.
Dave had said that the cafe was walking distance, and insisted we walked, even though we own a car.

The walk on the way was awkward, like everything else. This. Is. Killing me.

My attention turned to Dave as he coughed and spoke up.
"You know, I think we should actually start talking to each other?"
I nodded,
"Y-YEAH, I THINK SO TOO."
"So, are you still in touch with your brother?"
"I MEAN, I GUESS? THERE'S THE OCCASIONAL CONVERSATION HERE AND THERE, BUT OTHER THAN THAT WE DON'T TALK MUCH. YOU?"
"Me too. Except those occasional conversations involve Dirk gushing about how much he loves Jake. I guess it's nice and all, but jeez."
We both chuckle. Hearing Dave's genuine laugh makes my heart skip and my face go a little red, his laugh is so much more lovable when it's not a cocky chuckle.
"THEY'RE TOGETHER? I THOUGHT THEY BROKE UP A WHILE AGO?"
"They did break up at one point, but I guess they worked it out. Either way, it's just nice to see Dirk happy."
I smile to myself before we finally make it to the cafe. I take a long look at the building, but Dave cuts off my examination by clearing his throat. Apparently he has been holding the door open for me, and I didn't notice. I blush, and look away as I walk through the doors. I can hear his chuckle and the door shut behind me, and he catches up to me, walking by my side.
"What are you gonna get? I'll order for us."
I examine the menu and the glass case full of a variety of desserts. I pointed at the small chocolate-caramel cupcake and turned to Dave with wide eyes.
"THAT."
He raises an eyebrow at me and shoots a crooked smile,
"You sure you wanna have that with no drink?"
I groan, and look back up at the menu.
"THE PEPPERMINT MACCHIATO. EXTRA PEPPERMINT."
Dave laughs again, and motions towards a table for two.
"You can wait there while I order, 'kay?"
I nod, and make my way to the table. Once I sit down, I finally take it all in. The aromas of the coffees and desserts from the counter, the warmth of it all, and the overall calm setting. It was relaxing, and I couldn't get enough of it. I zoned out during all this, not realizing that Dave had sat down in front of me and placed my dessert in front of me. He was watching me, as if he were waiting for me to snap back into reality, but he had a grin on his face. I furrowed my eyebrows and glared at him,
"WHAT?"
"Nothing. You just look so weird when zoned out."
He laughs for what felt like the fiftieth time, and I roll my eyes. He may chuckle at everything like a smug asshole, but I love it. Only a little. I turn my gaze outside the window next to me, and watch as cars and pedestrians go about their day. I took my dessert, and bit off a small piece before sipping on the hot drink. Dave raises an eyebrow at me again, and I raise an eyebrow at him back.
"Does the coffee not burn you?"
"NAH. I'VE HAD FAR WORSE SHIT HAPPEN TO ME, A HOT COFFEE IS NOTHING AT THIS POINT."
He shakes his head and grins.
"You're freaky, Vantas."
"AND YOU'RE AN ASS."
"At least people like asses."
He pulls down his shades just enough for me to see his smug wink. I squint at him, but take another sip of coffee without a word. He was right. He's an ass, but I love him.