Unspoken Attraction (Dave/Karkat)

"Don't tell his dad," Dave muttered softly. "He can't know about this."

"And why the fuck not?" Bro practically snarled

"Please?" Dave asked, swallowing nervously. He didn't want to risk losing his best friend, and destroying his dad's faith in him, well, that was a pretty good way down that path. "Just promise you won't."

"Fine, but don't expect any more fuckin favors until I get a good fuckin explanation from you" Bro replied, dropping Dave and storming downstairs.

Dave slid to the floor, his knees shaking too hard to keep him upright.

John peered out the door with a sniffle. "Dave?"

Dave smiled weakly at John, not rising to his feet only because he didn't trust his footing. "Hey, buddy. Sup?"

"Are you okay?" John asked, stepping out to crouch by him.

"Never better," Dave chuckled dryly, pulling John to his side. "Don't let any of Bro's garbage get to you. He's just assuming the worst."

John nodded, curling into Dave's side and hunching his shoulders.

Dave wrapped an arm around John's shoulders, squeezing him gently. "I love you, dude."

John nodded. "Is he gonna tell my dad?" he asked softly.

"No," Dave assured him, kissing the side of John's head. "Just gotta explain things a little more clearly to my bro later, that's all."

"Really?" John asked hopefully, looking up at him.

"Really." Dave leaned against John to help push himself back up, rising to his unsteady feet. At least the initial shock had worn off, so he could stand on his own now.

John helped him up the best he could.

"Wanna play some more Mario Kart?" Dave asked.

"Dinner's done" John mumbled. "That's what your Bro came to tell us"

"I figured as much." Dave took careful steps towards the stairs, waving John off. "I'm fine now, you go on ahead."

John stayed behind Dave, following him slowly.

Dave found the strength in his legs again and managed to climb down the rest of the stairs with ease, already heading towards the dining room.

John trailed after him silently.

Robert was just finishing up setting dinner on the table.

Dave whistled at the laid out table of food, grabbing a seat. "Lookin' good, Mr. E."

"Thank you Dave" Robert smiled "I spent a lot of time making it"

"I can tell." Dave inspected his glass before deeming it safe to fill it with the pitcher of lemonade next to him. "If it tastes anything like it smells, I know it's got to be amazing."