Karkat looked at John. John looked back. In that moment, the room seemed to silence: that kind of moment where nobody else mattered except the two of them. Of course the party continued to thrive, and this feeling was confined to the vast empty pockets of johns subconscious. He slowly made his way across the crowded apartment, stopping along the way to welcome his guests and to find a space to lay down the heavy assortment of gifts he has been bombarded with. Jeeze, Who thought that turning 24 was such a big deal. John came to a gradual stop as he approached the far corner of the room. Standing in front of his was the short, slim boy he remembered. He extended a long arm in Johns direction. A small box with dark blue rapping was thrust to Johns chest. 'T-thanks.' John choked.

'Happy Birthday.' Karkat wished with a more cheerful voice than John was used to hearing from him. The two exchanged the usual pleasantries: the polite 'hello, how are you?' that had become all to familiar. They talked for the remainder of the party and for long after the party had ended.

'God. This has been crazy...Its really good to see you.' John gushed, overwhelmed by the events of the day.

'Its good to see you too John. Its been so long.. I..' Karkat rubbed his palm across the back of his neck, contemplating his choice of words. 'I've missed this..' He took his hand and placed it on johns knee. A small smile danced across Karkat's lips for a brief moment. 'I've missed you.' The two became close for a moment. Karkat's eyes scanned the contours of Johns face, studying it carefully. His gaze burned hot as did Johns as he looked longingly back into Karkat's eyes. Karkat pulled him close as their lips met, falling into a passionate embrace. The two were intimate for several moments, their lips meeting; hand caressing; bodies entwining. Karkat's hot breath forced the hairs upon johns neck. He moaned softly as Karkat grazed his fingertips across his soft skin. John arched his back as he leaned into his touch. The two moved to Johns bedroom, where they spend the rest of the night together.

Morning broke. A single sun beam cracked through a small gap in johns blinds. In the harsh light of day, everything seemed clearer. John sat up, reaching around for his glasses, cleaning them and placing them atop the high ridge of his nose. He slumped back, hitting his head firmly on the pillow behind him, breathing a deep sigh.