bang goes my heart

Kankri tightened his grip on Karkat. "I'm going to need the rest of the day to do this work. We can come back another time and play with Bec."

"I don't want to play with Bec" Karkat snapped, mood instantly sour "Don't fucking patronize me, put me down"

"I'm not putting you down," Kankri snapped back at him. "We need to leave. We will never get home if I put you down. Don't be a brat."

"We're not even going home home is in washington!" Karkat snarled, trying to hit Kankri

Kankri glared at Karkat before opening the passenger door of his car. "Just shut up and get in. Don't make me call Dad."

"Fuck you!" Karkat snapped, swinging again.

Dave crossed his arms, watching the scene in front of him.

Kankri ignored Karkat as he placed him in the car.

"Fuck you!" Karkat snapped trying to get out. "Fucking fine! If you're gonna be a fucking asshole, I'll end my hungerstrike if it means I can play with the fucking dog!"

Kankri crossed his arms. "Watch you language. And we don't even know this guy. He probably doesn't want to waste his time with strangers."

"I live next door, I have literally nothing better to do" Dirk admitted with a shrug. "And Achilles wants to play, so I don't see why not. Plus I'm all for ending child hunger, voluntary or not." He held the hand out that wasn't holding Achilles's leash. "Dirk Strider"

Kankri shook his hand, sighing. "Kankri. Are you sure? I don't want to bother you or intrude..."

"I don't mind at all." Dirk replied "Like I said, nothing better to do today so. Besides, the exercise'll be good for both of them and it'll give me time to grab the sunblock."

Kankri looked back to Karkat. "And you'll start eating again? Hungry strike over? You promise?"

"I fucking promise" Karkat glared at him, crossing his arms.

Kankri huffed but stepped out of the way. "Fine. Go."

Karkat got out of the car, only having to wiggle a little to get out of the seat, and moved to sit on the ground in front of Achilles. He immediately buried his hands in the fur around the dog's neck and ruffled it.

Achilles made a pleased noise and bowled Karkat over, licking his face energetically.

Kankri pointed to the house. "I'll be in there. Going to see if the gentleman of the house needs anymore help." He turned to walk towards the house then stopped. He turned back to the blonde and hummed. "You said Dirk Strider, right?"

"Yeah." Dirk nodded. "Mr Harley's hip acting up again?"

Kankri nodded at him. "Yes. Have you talked to Jake yet? He must be excited. He used to talk about you all the time."

"A little yesterday" Dirk admitted "But I haven't seen him today. Which is a shame because I wanted him to meet Achilles"

Karkat giggled slightly, pushing Achilles's face away and only getting his hand licked for the trouble

Kankri nodded at him. "He's at home now. Why don't you see if he wants to spend some time with you. Might cheer him up."

Dirk hummed. "Yeah, that's a good idea I guess." he turned to Dave. "Hey, why don't you play with the dog and the kid? Keep an eye on them while I see if Jake wants to join us?"

Dave shrugged as he sat down with Achilles and Karkat. Kankri turned to go back to the house.

Dirk passed the leash to Dave and turned to follow Kankri.

Achilles turned and bowled Dave over, slobbering on his shades.

Dave laughed as Achilles licked his face. "Mutt."

When Kankri got to the door he knocked before going in. "Josh?"