Unspoken Attraction (Dave/Karkat)

"Go take your shower" Bro stated. "I'll be in here waiting for you"

Dave wordlessly stepped into the bathroom, stripped, and took a half an hour shower consisting mostly of just staring blankly at one of the shower walls while his hands mindlessly lathered himself in suds.

After a bit Bro knocked on the door before coming in. "Are you alright Dave?" he asked gently. "Do you need me to get in with you?"

Dave was thankful for the opaque shower glass door when his brother entered the bathroom suddenly, providing his naked form some cover behind the shrouded glass. He knew Bro just wanted to help, but getting in the shower with him? That seemed insane, but right now, he really did just need someone around to keep him feeling safe. Who knows, maybe it would help? "Sure hop in," Dave chuckled, laugh echoing through the small bathroom, his voice thick with tears.

Bro stripped to his underwear. "I'm gonna keep my boxers on." he stated. "Do you want to open the door? Or is it okay for me to come in? Its all about what you want Dave."

"Hold on." Dave slid the shower door open a crack, reaching for one of the hand towels and wrapping the cloth around his waist. He pulled the door open the rest of the way and took a step back into the spray. "Okay... you can get in now."

Bro hesitated. "Do you want me to get you a pair of clean underwear to wear instead of that?" he asked

Dave slumped the back of his head against the wall, heaving a deep sigh filled with embarrassment and frustration. "Shit's gonna get a whole lot weirder with wet panties in the mix, so just get in here already."

Bro got in the shower, closing the door behind him. He held his arms out to Dave invitingly.

Dave gave Bro a weak smile and stepped in front of him, linking his arms behind Bro's back as he pulled him into a hug.

Bro wrapped his arms loosely around him and gently stroked his back. "Its alright. I'm here."

Dave nodded against Bro's chest, tears mixing with water as he tucked his head down to hide his face.

Bro gently rubbed his back, humming. "its alright. I'm here for you. I'll protect you."

"I love you so much," Dave mumbled, kissing Bro's sternum.

"I know." Bro smiled gently. "I love you too"

"No." Dave squeezed Bro tighter. "Not like I do."

"Not like you do?" Bro asked questioningly. "What do you mean?"

Dave hesitantly slid his hands up Bro's back, kissing his neck once before hiding his face again in his chest.

"Dave?" Bro asked with a little frown. "I don't understand what you mean"

"Forget I said anything," Dave muttered, falling silent.

"I'm sorry" Bro mumbled

"Nah," Dave muttered quietly. "It's probably better this way."

Bro just continued to rub Dave's back soothingly.

Dave let go of Bro so that he could step back, wiping away the fresh batch of tears starting for an entirely different reason.

Bro frowned when he saw the tear tracks. He cupped Dave's face in his hands and shushed him gently, pressing a gentle kiss to his forehead. "Hey, hey don't cry."