Oh goodness, it's been a while,, yeah?

School's been keeping me busy, and my niece(s) - Cause my sister just had her second one last month,, and my bro-in-law was also released from the Hospital last month (a week before my second niece was born). He's gotten all of his skin graphs done and is now just doing physical therapy and junk,, but he's happy and smiling so,, yay!

Mm,, I know that a handful of people asked questions in the reviews, but I don't currently have time to answer them.. so if you had a asked something you really wanted answered, ask it again and next time I'll make sure to get it. ((Although there is one person I'm going to answer: UrfavoriteNepeta! I will most definitely read your fanfics! And no offense taken! The idea's are free to be used! :3 ))

Thank you everyone for all the support and patience with me! ('specially since I haven't had time to update)

Eh.. before you read,, I feel I should warn you I wrote most of this chapter a LONG time ago,, like right after my bro's accident.. So I don't really know how well this chapter flows. I also didn't really check for errors and junk because of everything that's going on, so like.. give me a break okay?

Enjoy!~

Chap. 20 – Dave: Today Has Sucked, But Tonight Will Make Up For It.

I yelled at him, and went from shaking him to punching his chest, "It's not funny, you fucker!" 'If he keeps calling me Davesis someone was bond to hear!' I lowered my voice, "Stop calling me sis!"

"Honk!" He smiled up at me with his stupid relaxed smile. 'Doe he not realize how serious this is!?' I raised my fist to hit him again only to be picked up off him by my waist. I continued to swing at Gamzee a couple more times and struggled to get out of the hold, until I realized who it was that had me.

"Little one, you need to calm down." Jake said quietly, "Mr. Ampora is coming and he's not going to be happy." I stopped my thrashing and Jake loosened his grip on my waist, then placed me back on my two feet. Kurloz was helping his brother up, Gamzee just waved off the weird look his brother was giving him and laughed again.

"What the hell was that!?" Orphaner yelled seething as he got over too us. "Basketball is not a contact sport! And even if it was, why would you attack your own team members?!"

I was still trying to calm down, luckily for me Gamzee decided to speak, "Well you see, it was all my motherfucking fault. I tripped and fell on Davebro, then made a crude motherfucking comment and it bothered him, so he all up and hit me."

Orphaner looked bemused by the explanation and seemed hesitant on decided how he should feel about it. He ended up scowling at me, "Strider, don't be such a baby! Did Makara hurt your wittle feelings? You wanna cry about it?" He mocked me, "Why don't you man up, Strider? Stop being such a girl and try to be more like your brother."

'Well I am a girl you ass-hat.' I frowned, 'Relax, Davinity, the last thing you want is another detention.' "Sorry, Mr. Ampora. I'll make sure I man up." He nodded,

"Make sure you do, Strider." He got ready to walk back off the court when Jane approached him.

"Mr. Ampora, Dave and Gamzee need to go to the Nurses Office to make sure they aren't injured."

"I think they're fine, Miss Crocker. I don't think that fall hurt Strider any, and I doubt Strider could punch worth a shit." I rolled my eyes.

"Yes, but school protocol requires any potential injury to go to the nurses office." Jane argued, "Mrs. Peixes wouldn't be happy to hear that you didn't follow protocol when it comes to her students. Besides, if you don't send them now and they are hurt then you can be sued by their families."

Orphaner was taken aback by the sudden information. He shook his head, "Alright, they can go."

"It's protocol that someone walks them, in case they pass out." Jane added.

"I'll walk with them." Jake interjected stepping forward. Orphaner shook his head looking at the Brit,

"Oh no, you seem like one of those pud-puffers. I saw how quickly you got yourself over to Strider."

Jake looked absolutely appalled, "I beg your pardon?"

"I rest my case. You're way too polite to be a real man." Orphaner looked from him to Jane, "Crocker you take them. They don't seem to be your type. Plus, you're working under Ursala, right? If the nurse isn't in, then you can help them."

Jake scoffed, folding his arms in front of him, then walked off to where his gym bag was sitting. Jane nodded though, a big cheery smile on her face, "Yes, Mr. Ampora. I'll get them taken care of and back here in two shakes."

She grabbed my wrist with one hand and pulled me over to Gamzee who she gently pushed towards the doors. We were about half way there when a pair of tan arms encircled me and slipped into the pocket on the hoodie I was wearing. I didn't even have time to jump, because they were gone as quickly as they appeared. I turned my head back to the left while Jane continued to pull me only to see Jake standing still a couple of paces behind me. He winked one of his dark green eyes and pointed at his stomach where my pocket would have been on him.

I looked down at my pocket, placing my freehand in it and feeling a slightly rough material. 'My chest wrapping!' I looked back at him mouthing "How?" He just smirked and gave a two finger wave.

By the time we'd reached the door I heard Orphaner blow his whistle again, "Alright lets have Red verses Yellow!"

Jane let go of my wrist once we got outside, and me and Gamzee fell in step behind her as she led us to the Nurses Office in the main building. She led us into the empty office and shut the door behind us, locking it, then turned to look at us. "So, I think you have some talking to do, Davinity."

Gamzee looked over at me from where he was leaning against the wall. His usual happy look on his white and grey face. I sighed and moved to sit down on the cot that was shoved in the corner.

"Yeah…" I nodded and looked up at my clown friend, "So… I'm a girl." I started and he just smiled bigger, "My full name is Davinity Lee Strider. I've been a girl since I was born… and…" I looked over at Jane, "I'm not really sure what else to say..?" She did a funny little hand motion, telling me to continue somehow. I fingered the wrap in my hoodie pocket uncomfortably, "I… I'm sorry… for not saying anything about it sooner."

Gamzee laughed causing me to look up, "Shit, brother- sister. You ain't got no motherfucking reason to apologize. It's my own motherfucking fault for not realizing it." He moved from the wall and sat on the cot by me, wrapping his long lanky arm around my shoulder and pulling me to his side. "Davesis, I do have a fucking question for you though. How come you never had boobs until today?"

I coughed awkwardly, 'Only Gamz would ask something like that.' I pulled the wrap out of my pocket and showed it to him. I blinked surprised and laughed,

"Motherfuckin' miraculous!"

"Yeah, yeah." I waved my hand, "Super cool, but Gamzee, you can't tell anyone about this okay? It's a secret." Gamzee nodded,

"Course motherfucker." He chuckled, "Is it some kind of prank you and Johnbro set up?"

"Ah, actually, John doesn't know I'm a girl." He stopped laughing and looked confused, "And it's really important that you don't tell him." He looked at Jane,

"You know and I know, but… Johnbro don't know?"

"Yup!" Jane nodded, "And Rose's family knows, the Captor family knows, Kanaya knows, my family knows, except for John, and now you know too." I groaned,

"Karkles knows too now." I ran my hand through my hair, "He found out on the way to class. This has just not been my day."

I felt Gamzee rub my back reassuringly, but once he felt my bra strap he pulled his hand away and coughed, "Um, like I motherfucking said, Davesis, your secret is safe with me. I won't let it slip to any fucking soul." He squeezed my shoulder before standing and stretching. "You know what motherfucker? You hit pretty hard for a girl." He rubbed his cheek and laughed to himself.

"Sorry about that, Gamz." I rubbed the back of my neck. He waved me off, "Ain't a big deal, besides, I all up and deserved it." There was a breath of silence, then Jane spoke up,

"Now that that's all cleared up, I think it's okay to go back to class. Dave will you need help with that wrap?"

"Nah, I do it every day by myself, I got it."

"Would you like us to wait for you outside the door?"

I shook my head this time, "Nah, I'll just wrap myself up and make my way back. Y'all can go on without me." Jane nodded,

"Alright, we'll see you over there then. Let's go Gamzee." Gamzee gave me one last smile then followed Jane out of the room, shutting the door behind them. I fell back onto the cot. 'Today has just not gone the way it was supposed to, and it's only second hour.' I laid there for a minute before pushing myself up to go lock the door. I took off Sollux's hoodie and my shirt and started wrapping my chest.

I sighed through my nose as I finished and slipped my shirt back on. 'I was just supposed to come and get through school so I could go home and spend the rest of the day chilling with John. But nooooooo I guess I asked too much by wanting that'. I pulled on the hoodie and ran my fingers through my hair a couple of times before I made my way back out of the office to the gym.

When I had got back over there class was more than halfway done. Jade was the first one to see me walk in, "DAVE!" She ran at me full speed and jumped, wrapping her arms around my neck as we fell to the floor.

I grunted, "Shit, Jade! You're going to send me back to the nurse's office!" She ignored me, "Dave! Are you alright?! Jane told us Gamzee knows now, is he mad at you?! Did he say anything?!"

"Good heavens, Jade. Let the poor girl breath for a minute."

Jake appeared over us and picked his enthusiastic cousin up off of me. Rose and Kanaya were next to him. "Dave, are you alright? That was two pretty rough falls within small amount of time." Kanaya asked.

Rose offered me a hand, pulling me up to my feet. "Yeah, I'm fine. I just wish someone would keep Fido here on a leash." I jerked a thumb at Jade, who huffed and knocked her dark brown bangs out of her face,

"I'm just worried about you cool kid. That makes two accidents already today were people found out. John's going to find out before you have the chance to tell him if you're not careful."

I rolled my eyes, "Yeah, thank you Captain Obvious, I already realized that." She frowned at me and put her hands on her hips. I groaned, "Shit- Look, I'm sorry Jade. I'm just frustrated. I wanted to tell John first, but Karkat and Gamzee found out first-"

"We warned you that would happen if you kept putting it off." Rose interrupted. "You should have told him the first night you were back."

"Yeah, I realize that now, but there isn't anything I can do about it! It's not like I can go back in time or anything like that." I shook my head, "I'll tell him soon- tonight." I corrected myself when they all started to give me the 'Yeah we've heard that before' look. They seemed to content with the idea of me telling him tonight so they let it go and the five of us made our way to the bleachers.

"Hey English," I asked before we got in earshot of everyone else, "How did you end up with my chest wrap?"

He chuckled for a moment, "Well you see, Jade and I stopped by your house this morning to see if you'd like a ride, but when we got there Dirk was just walking outside, saying that Cal had sped up your alarm clock by an hour. So that when you woke up you thought you had been running behind. You ended up getting ready so quickly that you forgot to, ahem, wrap yourself down." He coughed slightly, "He was so busy scolding Cal, that he didn't realize you had already left. So he asked if I could give it to you at school."

We sat down with the rest of the kids that weren't playing. After a few minutes of watching the game Jake seemed to realize something. He looked around me to his cousin, "Jade…?"

"Yeah, Jake?"

"Aren't you supposed to be out there playing with your team?"

"Oh yeah!" Jade said jumping from the bleachers and running out to join the game, without so much as a second thought. I frowned,

"How the fuck did she manage to get out of the game without Orphaner noticing?! If I so much as sneeze that asshole gives me a lecture about it!"

"I feel as though he may have a soft spot for Jade." Kanaya explained from her spot behind me, "I have also noticed that she tends to get away with a lot of things."

"I don't think he's the only one." Latula laughed from the other side of Jake. My attention was drawn to where Kankri seemed to be talking about the game to an extremely annoyed looking Karkat. Karkat started to yell something, but Jade smacked the back of his head, probably saying something along the lines of 'Respect your elders'. She pushed Karkat more into the game, and he moved away from them willingly. Kankri smiled at her, she did the same with pink on her cheeks.

I was surprised that she stole the ball from John as he went to run by her. She dribbled it taking a few steps before passing it off to Kankri who took it to the hoop. Latula clapped and cheered, "Way to be Kankri! Good team work Jade!" She looked over at us, standing up and pointing over towards where the bathrooms were, "I'll be right back guys, make sure he doesn't notice, kay?"

Orphaner blew his whistle, "Game end! Team Red wins! Now I want Red verses Blue! This will be the last game for today. Hustle! Hustle!"

"Seeya Chap." Jake said getting up and walking onto the court with Rose, Kanaya and the rest of their team. John took his place, slumping back on the bleachers closing his eyes. He looked exhausted, he face was a little pink and there was sweat on his forehead. I couldn't help myself,

I smirked, "Looking good, Egderp."

He chuckled under his breath, "I know. Sorry we can't all get out of putting in an actual effort." He cracked open a baby blue, "You know, I tried that whole getting knocked down thing, and all that happened is I got a sore ass."

I laughed, "You're acting must be rusty. You've got to fall fabulously."

"Oh, well maybe that's where I made my mistake." He wiped the back of his hand across his forehead, "Please teach me, all knowing one. I am a lost and helpless frog without your magnificent teachings."

"Fear not, I, being the gracious man that I am, will help you out." I patted his leg.

A shadow fell over us, "Hey~, John." 'Ugh.' I didn't even have to look up to know it was Vriska. She smiled at me, "Strider."

"Serket."

"Oh hey, Vriska." John sat up straight and smiled at her, "Good job out there."

"Thanks, John. I was going to tell you the same thing." She laughed into her hand, "Those muscles of yours sure do come in handy, huh?"

It took everything in my power not to let my frown show, 'Stupid bitch. I swear Terezi said they were dating, so why is she flirting with John?' She looked at me and smirked, before laughing at whatever John had just said. She grabbed his arm and ran her hand down it,

"Don't be so modest, John. Look at your muscles. You're so strong. Any girl would be lucky to have you, you know."

John's face flushed a little and he rubbed the back of his neck, "Oh, I don't know about that-"

I snapped, "Don't you have a girlfriend to be macking on or something, Serket?" John looked surprised, but Vriska looked triumphant.

"What's the matter, Dave?" She stressed my name in the same fashion the Rose does when we're alone. I raised an eyebrow and studied her face. 'She's up to something.' "Does it bother you that I'm friends with John?" She flipped her blonde, blue-tipped hair over her shoulder.

"Friends? Ha! You're incapable of making real friends, you bitch."

"Dave." John frowned, I should have kept my mouth shut. I could hear the warning on the edge of his voice, but I ignored him and continued,

"What bothers me is that you have the fucking gull to stand here and openly flirt with a boy who has no interest in you or your kind, when you have a perfectly loving and spunky girlfriend you could be with. What bothers me is that you think you're some kind of bad bitch when in reality all you are is bad and a bitch. What bothers me is you're a bully because you're insecure about who and what you are. What bothers me is you have Daddy issues that you take out on everybody else because you're incapable of knowing how to treat others. What bothers me is how you think you're better than everyone else. In other would what bothers me is you. YOU bother me. Face it, Vriska. You are a terrible excuse for a human being, and it's a wonder anyone hasn't told you this yet. But what's more of a wonder is how you got someone like Egbert here to even consider you as a friend, because you are a complete opposite of him. He's funny and fun to be around. You're not. He lights up a room when he walks in it. You suck the light out of everything. I still can't figure out how you got someone like him to date you, let alone how you now have Terezi thinking you're some kind of supercool badass, when you're nothing but a huge bitch."

'Awh, fuck.' I hadn't meant to say any of that out loud. Vriska looked like she'd just watched someone kill her puppy, John looked somewhere between upset and thoughtful. 'John's going to be so freaking mad at me for thi-'

Sollux's laughter had brought me out of my thoughts. He was sitting in the row behind me with his brother and a couple of kids I didn't recognize. "Oh shit. You sure told her, Dave." The rest of them started to laugh, and soon everyone in the bleachers was laughing. I looked back at Vriska whose face had started to turn red from embarrassment.

At that moment Terezi and Latula walked up, now changed out of their P.E. clothes, "What happened?" Latula asked sitting down by me. Terezi stayed standing, she grabbed Vriska's hand,

"Are you alright?"

Vriska pulled her hand from Terezi and stormed out of the room, looking like she was close to tears. 'I am a terrible person…' John glared at me before he stood and ran out after her. I stood up reflexively,

"J-John! Damn…" He was already gone. I slumped back down in my seat and frowned, 'He's never going to forgive me for that…' Terezi tapped my foot with her walking stick,

"Hey cool kid. What did you do to Vriska?" I groaned,

"..Sorry, TZ." She continued to stare at me, waiting for me to continue, but I stayed quiet. She eventually shrugged it off and walked out after her girlfriend. Once she was gone, Latula re-asked her question, and Mituna filled her in on what she'd missed.

I zoned out for the rest of class, waiting for John to come back… He never did.

It's already 7th hour and John still refuses to talk to me. We were just watching a movie today in our Science class, which is normally when we'd sit in the back and goof off, but John has refused to look away from the stupid movie since it started. Actually if I'm going to be honest, he's refused to look at me since he left the gym after Vriska.

I've tried apologizing, but he ignores me and pretends he can't hear me. Lunch was awkward as hell, that's for sure. Now it was to the point where I was starting to get anxious, if he refused to talk to me how was I supposed to have bro's night with him? How was I supposed to tell him I was a girl? 'Actually maybe it's a good thing he's not talking to me.'

I looked over at him for the 7th hundred time since class started. His beautiful eyes glued to the screen in front of us. 'Oh who am I kidding.. I can't take him not looking at me. I'm so freaking needy.' I scooted my chair over to him as quietly as I could, but it still scrapped across the floor, waking up a few kids who had fallen asleep. John didn't make any movement.

I stopped once the sides of our legs were touching, he still hadn't even acknowledged me. I nudged him in the side, "John." I whispered, "John. I'm sorry, John." He continued to ignore me, "I'm really sorry for what I said. John. John. John. Please say something, John."

He blinked and opened his mouth, I sat up straight hoping he'd say something to me, he yawned and closed his mouth again. My shoulders slumped. I scooted to the edge of my stool, and draped my legs over his lap.

"Johnnnnnn." I held out his name, and nudged him in the shoulder with my face, "John. John. John. Egbert. Egderp. Derpy-derp. Johnny boy. John. John. John. John." I repeated nudging him with my face over and over again. I was more than well aware that there were people watching us now. What happened with Vriska in the gym was all over the school like wildfire, everyone was laughing at her. She was furious, and the fact that John wasn't talking to me was also going around. People were saying that it was because he had feelings for her. 'Blech, as if.' I frowned, then remember my task at hand.

I laid my head on his shoulder and looked up at his face, 'Here goes nothing.' I started to whisper sing his favorite song making sure to keep my Dave voice from cracking. "Please tell me baby, how do I go on? If you ever leave, Baby you would take away everything, I need you with me. Baby don't you know that you're everything good in my life? And tell me now," I could see the corners of his mouth start to turn up slightly. "How do I live without you, I want to know. How do I breathe without you? If you ever go, how do I ever, ever survive?!" I nuzzled his shoulder, and I smiled when I heard him chuckle lightly, "How do I- How do I- Oh how do I live? How do I live without you? How do I live without you, Jooohn?"

"Okay, please stop, Dave. You're ruining that song." John smiled down at me. I chuckled,

"Only if you'll stop ignoring me."

"Frick, I forgot what an attention whore you are." He rolled his eyes, but there was no malic in his voice, "You're like a cat, Dave. You only want attention when I don't want to give it to you, but when I do want to pay attention to you, you ignore me."

'I always want your attention.' I sat up straight and pulled my legs from his lap, "Sorry, this kitten is moody sometimes."

"Try all the time." He chuckled, "See, now that you have my attention you're leaving. Woe is me. How did I end up with such a bipolar cat?"

"You're just a pussy magnet."

"Shh!" A kid in the front of the room turned around and shush us. When they turned back around John and I both made faces at the back of their head and laughed some more.

We ended up goofing off the rest of the period, and then failed the 5 question assignment that Castor handed out after the movie. Our final class passed without anything interesting really happening. Tavros and I had a rap off, John told overused and unfunny jokes to Karkat, and then the four of us got lectured by Mrs. Maryam about not paying attention in class and how we could miss something important if we don't listen. Just as she'd finished laying into us the bell chimed, normally I'd be happy about this, but today I had detention. Yay.

"Have, u-uh, fun in detention guys." Tavros said packing up his books, "Try to not get in anymore, um, trouble."

"No promises." I smirked standing. Karkat rolled his eyes, but this made a face imaging mine,

"Have fun on your date tonight." Tavros turned red and sputtered. I looked between them confused,

"What date?"

"Did you hear?" John smiled, "Gamz asked Tav out."

"H-he didn't. He um, just asked me to hang o-out." Tavros shook his head, his brown hair flopped in the process, "W-we're just, uh, j-just bros-" We made our way out of the classroom and into the student filled hallway,

"You don't have to lie to us, Tavros." Karkat interrupted still looking smug, "Just don't do anything we wouldn't do."

"I-I… d-do you really, um, think it's, uh... uh, a d-date?"

"Absolutely!" Jade chimed in appearing by our sides. She smiled down at Tavros, "Aren't you excited!?" She bounced, Tavros looked unsure on how to answer, and Jade being Jade picked up on his hesitation, "Don't worry, Tavvy! You'll be fine, and you have a super time tonight. Promise!"

I snorted, "How do you know he's going to have a super time?" She rolled her green eyes before staring at me,

"Because cool kid, unlike you I pay attention when people are talking and I know exactly where they're going tonight!"

"Um… you do?"

"Why yes I do!" She beamed, "Gamz is taking you to the Carnival while it's in town." I heard Karkat mutter 'Cliché.' under his breath. Jade either didn't hear, or didn't care, "If you get nervous or anything, just message me, okay? I'll be walking around there with Kankri, Meulin, and some of the others."

"Um… okay. Thanks, Jade." Tavros gave her a small smile before she turned and skipped down the hallway to her locker. "I think I'm gonna, uhm.. go meet Gamzee. L-later bros."

"Seeya Tav."

"Later fuckass."

"Bye." I gave a two finger salute before turning to my two P.I.C.'s "Ready for some Detention?" Karkat groaned while John smiled and nodded and the three of us took off towards the Cafeteria where we'd be sitting bored out of our minds for the next hour.

When we got there Sollux was already sitting at a table. We made our way over to him and sat down, Karkat next to him, me across from Karkat and John across from Sollux. "So welcome to detention." Sollux looked at me and John.

"Kinda dull. I figured there'd be more going on." I looked around the room that was empty besides us. Karkat snorted,

"Surprisingly not many kids wanna get detention."

"I don't really find it surprising that no one wants to spend time with Orphaner." John replied. He laid his head down on the table and blew his bangs out of his face. "Some party."

The guys nodded, I just glanced around the room. 'This is going to be the most boring detention I've ever had.'

"What exactly do you think you guys are doing?" Orphaner stood at the end of our table, hands on his hips. "Different tables. Now."

"Are you serious?" I asked. He just raised a black eyebrow at me,

"Does this look like a face that jokes?"

'It doesn't even look like a face.' I stood and grabbed my bag, choosing a table that was two behind and one to the left of the table I had originally been at. John took one that was in the same row as before, but was 4 to the left. Karkat did almost the opposite of me, moving two rows in front of the original table, and two places to the left. We ended up making a weird box like shape. Orphaner walked to the center and looked between us, "Alright now for the next hour, for you and Egbert," he said looking at me, "and two hours for Captor and Vantas, there will be no talking to each other. There will be no note passing, no texting or phones in general, no playing on any hand held games. You will sit in your seat and not make a sound. You can do homework, or read a text book, but no 'just for fun' books." He said using quotes. "Any questions."

"Yeah," Karkat asked, "Can I use my pencils to gouge out my eyes, or would do you consider that a fun activity?" I chuckled,

"Listen here, you litt-"

"Bromwell-" A smooth deep voice cut in, interrupting his little almost speech and Karkat's addition on his detention. I could've told you exactly who it was even if I hadn't turned around. Cato Vantas stood a little ways away from where my table was, watching the Gym teacher carefully, "Ursala wants to see you, she said it was urgent. Something about the swim team. I'm going to take over your detention until you get back."

Orphaner let out what sounded like a small growl, "Fine. I'll be back, Vantas." He grumbled something about 'filthy waist of air' and 'that woman can't do anything alone' as he walked out of the room. I shook my head, 'Take you time, asshole.'

There was a deep rumble next to me- laughing. "He's quiet the character, huh?" Cato said pulling himself up to sit on my table. 'Attractive older man- uh, hello there.' I may, possibly, be head over heels for my best friend, but that doesn't mean I can't appreciate good looks when they graciously appear in front of me. And it was a well-known fact that Cato Vantas was the best looking teacher in the entire school. "I think he wasn't hugged enough as a kid." I scoffed and rolled my eyes, even though I know he couldn't see it,

"Yeah, or maybe he's just a spoiled asshole like his sons. I can't stand those guys." Cato chuckled again and patted my head,

"Now, now. Ignorance breeds ignorance. Hatred breeds hatred. But love," He placed his hands over his heart for a moment before making a small sweeping motion with them. "Breeds love." He smiled at me, dark red eyes gleaming, "Remember that next time you're around them, Davinity. Maybe they just need someone to show them what love is." He winked, then hoped off the table and made his way to John.

'Damn, that was kinda romantic, smooth, and cool at the same time. Maybe Karkat gets his Rom-Com obsession from Cato. I wonder if John is romantic..? I kind of hope so-' I was so busy swooning that it took me a minute to catch that he called me by real name. "OH MY GOD!"

The four people in the room turned to look at me, three of them confused, one knowing. I looked over at my History teacher who winked again and called from where he was talking to John, "Calm down, Strider. It's not the end of the world. Teachers have the ability to get their hands on that kind of information." I heard John ask,

"What kind of information?" Cato smiled, 'Oh no. It's all over for me-'

"Oh, just old work he did back in pre-school. There's a record of every student that goes here and it's got things you do from every year. Like what you said you wanted to be when you grew up, drawings of your family, copies of your first test, and pictures from every school year."

There are no words to explain the feeling of relaxation that washed over me. 'Oh thank God he didn't tell. That would have been terrible..' I heard John laugh,

"Oh yeah? What'd Dave wanna be when he grew up?"

"Oh," Cato tapped his chin, "I believe it was something like a 'Warrior Princess Doctor'." My blue eyed friend laughed again and looked over at me,

"You wanted to be a cross-dressing life saver?"

"I don't really think you can laugh, John. Yours says you wanted to be a Dinosaur Racecar Driving Weatherman." Cato smirked.

"Hey! Dinosaurs are cool!" John defended himself. I smiled slightly listening to them bicker. Sollux had stopped paying attention to them and was working over a notebook, and Karkat was staring at me intensely. I looked back and cocked my head to the side, 'What's his deal?'

I felt my phone buzz in my pocket. I pulled it out and opened it, letting the screen flash:

CarcinoGeneticist [CG] has began trolling turntechGodhead [TG]

CG: SO IF YOU COULD LIKE, YOU KNOW, NOT FUCKING HIT ON MY BROTHER, THAT WOULD BE GREAT.

TG: sorry karkles

TG: it's the ponytail honest

TG: it screams sexy and sophisticated

CG: YEAH WELL IT'S NOT THE ONLY FUCKING THING SCREAMING. MY BRAIN IS SCREAMING FROM THE SCARRING IMAGE OF YOU HITTING ON MY BROTHER. MY BROTHER WHO'S LIKE 25. HAVE YOU NO FUCKING SELF-RESPECT?

TG: i dont need self-respect if i could fuck your brother

TG: then id be screaming too

TG: something along the lines of

TG: OH MISTER VANTAS! YES!

CG: OH MY GOD! PLEASE STOP!

TG: actually itd be more like

TG: dont stop but youre pretty fucking close bro

TG: DONT STOP CATO!

TG: oh i know exactly how to earn that A+

CG: KNOCK IT OFF BEFORE I COME OVER THERE AND MAKE YOU!

TG: oh karkles

TG: you know i love it when you take control like that

TG: maybe i dont need fuck cato

TG: can i fuck you instead?

CG: FOR FUCK SAKE STRIDER! YOU CAN'T JUST SAY SHIT LIKE THAT! YOU'RE A GIRL!

CG: TRY AND BE A LITTLE MORE PROPER, WOULD YOU?

'Proper? I'm supposed to be "proper" now?' I frowned down at my phone, then shot a quick glare across the room at Karkat.

TG: fuck you Vantas

TG: this is exactly why i didnt want any of you knowing i was a girl

TG: i knew youd treat me differently!

TG: you never found this kind of banter weird when you thought i was a boy

TG: but now that you know im a girl you expect me to be proper?!

TG: what? do you want me to sit here like a good little girl

TG: never saying a word

TG: wouldnt wanna ruin my super cute dainty image?!

TG: RIGHT?!

TG: well fuck you right in the fucking ass with a motherfucking pole assfucker

TG: i am who i am

TG: im not going to start acting differently just because YOU think i should.

CG: SHIT, DAVINITY—DAVE!

CG: I DIDN'T MEAN… I'M SORRY. IT'S JUST THAT..

CG: YOU KNOW.. IT IS DIFFERENT NOW. YOU ARE A GIRL AND I'M A DUDE..

TG: and whats your fucking point?

CG: WELL.. FUCK, OKAY. THERE ISN'T A WAY TO EXPLAIN IT WITHOUT IT SOUNDING WEIRD.

CG: IT'S JUST THAT WHEN I THOUGHT YOU WERE A GUY AND YOU'D SAY SHIT LIKE THAT IT WAS EASY TO BRUSH OFF, I MEAN, WE WERE BOTH DUDES, IT WAS BRO BANTER. BUT NOW THAT I KNOW YOU'RE A GIRL

CG: I MEAN, YOU KNOW. NORMALLY BOYS AND GIRLS HAVE SEX, SO WHEN YOU SAY SHIT LIKE THAT, NOW THAT I KNOW YOU'RE A GIRL… IT'S JUST… WEIRD.

CG: WEIRD IS THE ONLY WORD I CAN THINK OF TO DISCRIBE IT. NOW IT'S LIKE A POSSIBILITY, YOU KNOW WHAT I MEAN?

TG: are you trying to say you wanna have sex

CG: WHAT?! FUCK! NO! YOU'RE NOT FOLLOWING, STRIDER. BOYS AND GIRLS HAVE SEX. BOYS AND BOYS/GIRLS AND GIRLS DON'T. SO WHEN YOU SAID IT AS A BOY, I DIDN'T EVEN GIVE IT A SECOND THOUGHT IT WAS LIKE A JOKE BECAUSE IT WASN'T A POSSIBLITY, BUT NOW THAT YOU'RE A GIRL WHEN YOU SAY IT, IT KINDA APPEARS IN MY HEAD AND IT'S… WEIRD.

TG: so you dont wanna have sex

CG: GOD FUCKING DAMN IT DAVE. WILL YOU STOP WITH THE SEX THING! I'M MORE LIKELY TO HAVE SEX WITH BOY YOU THEN GIRL YOU.

TG: didnt you just say boys dont have sex with boys—

TG: wait,

TG: so if i pretend im a boy youll fuck me right?

I heard him snort. He looked up at me and I smirked giving him a 'How you doing?' head nod. He rolled his eyes but smiled,

CG: SURE. IF IT'LL SHUT YOU THE FUCK UP FOR FIVE SECONDS.

CG: GOD STRIDER, YOU'RE SO NEEDY.

TG: i know

TG: but back on the subject on me being a girl

TG: cato knows

TG: thats what he was talking about when i yelled

CG: I WONDERED WHAT YOU GUYS WERE REALLY TALKING ABOUT. I DIDN'T BUY THAT BULLSHIT STORY THAT HE TOLD JOHN. POOR BRAINLESS SAP. AND SPEAKING OF THAT DUMB FUCK, WHY DOES HE NOT KNOW ABOUT… YOU?

TG: well because i havent told him and you know hes completely useless without me

CG: WELL DON'T YOU THINK YOU SHOULD TELL HIM NOW?

TG: um

TG: well

TG: not really

CG: WHY NOT?

TG: its just… what if he gets mad at me for it?

TG: what if he doesnt wanna be my friend anymore?

TG: he could hate me?!

TG: Oh my God! Karkat I CANT HANDLE THAT!

CG: EXCUSE ME DAVE, YOUR VAGINIA IS SHOWING.

CG: WILL YOU CHILL THE FUCK OUT. I HIGHLY DOUBT EGBERT IS GOING TO HATE YOU.

TG: but what if he does…. i cant have him hate me

TG: i just cant…

CG …

CG: DAVE… DO YOU… DO YOU LIKE JOHN?

TG: what?! NO!

CG: oh my god you do!

CG: i think you just shocked me out of my caps button.

TG: ha. ha. asshole.

CG: BUT IN ALL SERIOUSNESS. WOW.

CG: I WISH YOU ALL THE BEST.

CG: AND IT KIND OF WORKS SINCE JOHNS 'NOT A HOMO'

CG: YOU SHOULD REALLY TELL HIM.

CG: BUT LEAVE A LITTLE SPACE BETWEEN EACH THING, BECAUSE I FEEL LIKE IF YOU TELL HIM BOTH AT ONCE, HE'LL PROBABLY EXPLODE INTO A FIREY BOOM OF COLORFUL STREAMERS AND GLITTER. AND HIS DERPYNESS WILL RAIN FROM THE SKY.

TG: gee thanks karkles

CG: HDI H JAkhjkh duaegf k

TG: uh karkles?

TG: If you'd really like to earn an A+ I know exactly how you can. ;)

'What..? Oh no…' I looked up from my phone to see Cato holding Karkat's phone out of his reach. 'Oh sweet ironic beings kill me now.' He looked over at me and smirked. 'Fuckkkkkkkkkkkk.'

TG: heyyyyy mr. vantas

CG: Please, as I've told you before, call me Cato, Davinity.

TG: sure thing mr. vantas..

TG: um about those messages

TG: i was totally kidding..

CG: So you don't find me sexy and sophisticated?

TG: i… i-i dont know how to answer that without earning myself another detention

I heard him laughing from across the room. He shook his head at me still amused,

CG: Calm down, Davinity. I'm only joking.

CG: We both know I'm attractive ;)

CG: On the subject of attractiveness, I do agree with Crab-Cakes. You should tell John soon, you know. You two would make such a nice couple with the way you complement each other. Remember Davinity, only your lips can express the love you feel for another.

CG: Anyways, I'm going to give Crab-Cakes back his phone, but I hope this has taught you a lesson to be careful with what you write. Anyone could end up seeing it, you know.

CG: Also you both need to make sure your phones are away before Bromwell gets back, or he'll throw a fit.

TG: yes mr. vantas

CG: FUCK! THAT JERK JUST CAME AND TOOK MY PHONE!

TG: you dont say?

I rolled my eyes and Karkat did the same right back at me. 'This has been a terrible day.' I sighed putting my head down and closing my eyes. 'Maybe I can sleep through my detention.'

"I thought that hour would never end. I'm just glad Orphaner was gone for most of it." John said as we walked down the street. We were halfway to my house, we probably could have been there sooner if we'd taken the bus, but walking sounded like more fun. Plus I was tired of sitting after an hour of detention.

"Dude, I bet him and Principle Peixes were banging." I looked up at him, "Hey, don't make that face, you were totally thinking the same thing, Egbert."

"Yeah, maybe." He laughed, nodding to an elderly couple that passed us, "But in all seriousness, I really can't stand Orphaner, so having Cato be our Detention teacher was a blessing." He chuckled, "He's kind of a smooth operator though. When he came over to ask me how I got detention this time we ended up talking about relationships. He taught me all sorts of different pick-up lines and different things to say to make people swoon—I mean, the environment and mood has to be right for them to work, but they were pretty freaking sweet, bro."

'Sauvé Egbert? I might just sell my soul to see that.' I shook my head and laughed, "I can't really see you as a Casanova Egbert. You're more like a-" John had stopped walking and grabbed my hand. He twirled me around twice before dipping me backwards and holding me there.

I could hear my heart beat pounding in my ear. He was staring down at me, the mischievous twinkle in his blue eyes gleamed as he smiled at me. 'I wonder if he realizes exactly how attractive he is.' There was a lump in my throat keeping me from speaking, but John seemed to have no problem. "Hey Dave." He whispered huskily. 'Since we did his voice start sounding husky!? This is not okay! Abort mission! Abort mission!'

My heart started pounding faster, he was leaning his face in towards mine. 'Oh my God! Don't squeal! Is this actually happening!?' I tried to ask what he was doing, but my voice decided to take a flying leap off a cliff. His lips were inches away from my own now. I blinked hopping he couldn't see the anxiety and excitement on my face.

"Dave…" He whispered getting a little closer, then he stopped. I waited. 'Come on, Egbert. Don't leave me hanging.' "…Nice weather were having isn't it?"

I blinked. 'Eh, what?'

His prankster smile graced his lips as he backed his face away and stood me up right again. "Okay, so maybe you're right, Dave. Casanova isn't really my thing anyway though. I prefer being funny anyways." He laughed and started walking again.

'That.. THAT'S IT?! REALLY!?' I was fuming on the inside, 'That.. That ASSHOLE! UGH! Toying with me like that! And he's PROUD OF IT!' I laughed darkly under my breath, walking quickly to catch up to him. "See, told you, Egderp. Romance just isn't your thing." I kept my face neutral even though there was a storm raging in my gut. 'I'm going to get you back for that, John. You mark my fucking words. You're derpy ass is going down.'

He glanced down at me, the prankster glint in his eyes twinkling happily. He didn't say anything but he chuckled and draped an arm around my shoulders as we walked the rest of the way to my apartment. 'Enjoy yourself while you can. Because I will get you back, Egbert. You're not the only one that knows how to prank, John.'

"I'm home!" I yelled as we opened the door to the apartment. "And I brought Egbert!" I elbowed him in the side, he chuckled and yelled a greeting too as we walked into the living room. Dirk sat on the couch, happy smirk on his face, with Jake a little ways away from him, with an almost guilty looking smile on his face as they turned to look at us.

"Evening, chaps. Have a nice day?" Jake greeted, Dirk just stared at us. I shared a look with John, forgetting my grudge as we both smirked. He made a small nod, almost unnoticeable if you weren't paying attention. I opened my mouth ready to let out a whole slew of homo innuendos, but then I noticed the blue eyes and blonde hair that was standing between them behind the couch. 'There's the little shit that caused my day to start off bad!'

Cal smirked at me and waved before ducking behind the couch completely.

"YOU!" I seethed dropping my bag. "YOU LITTLE SHIT!" I ran, jumping on the couch just barely missing kicking Dirk in the face as I launch myself over the couch to grab him, only to find that he was already gone. "WHERE DID YOU GO!?" His giggles echoed around the living room. 'I HATE it when he does that!' I stood up and looked around the room, "WHEN I FIND YOU YOU'RE SO DEAD, BRO!"

Before I could move any farther though, a hand gripped my shoulder, "Speaking of dead things, Lil' Man. School got out an hour ago. Where exactly have you been?" Dirk asked, his parent like authority dripping from his voice.

'Fuck. I forgot about that.' I toed the ground with my shoe, there was really no point in lying. Dirk always found things out I didn't want him too. "I got detention."

"Why?"

"Because I forgot my gym clothes at home." I frowned and glared around the room, "Because Cal set my alarm and made me think that I was late."

"Don't blame Cal." Dirk said. "You should have known it was a prank. When have you ever been late before?"

"…never..."

"And that's because..?"

"…because you're always up in time to make sure we get to school early." I mumbled. 'I can't believe I'm actually getting lectured, and in front of John too! This is so uncool.' I looked over at him, 'Look at him! Laughing at me! I will never hear the end of this.' Dirk patted my shoulder,

"That's right Lil' Man. Now, you know the rules and technically since you got detention, you're not allowed to have friends over this weekend." I frowned, I wanted to beg him to make an exception this time, but that's only get me in more trouble. I looked at John, he wasn't laughing any more, just frowning like me. 'This sucks..'

"Strider…" I looked up when I heard Jake speak. He had a hand on Dirks arm, "I.. I don't wish to speak out of line by saying this, seeing as you're Dave's caretaker and all, but…" He looked from my brother to me, 'Oh please dear God, do what I think you're going to.' "Don't you think that maybe, just this once you could let Dave off with a warning, instead of a punishment?"

Dirk's hand fell from my shoulder and he turned himself back to face Jake, "What exactly are you proposing, English?" Jake's green eyes snapped back to Dirk's shaded face,

"Well, seeing as it's the first weekend that Dave's been back in a year.." He chewed on his lip for a moment before smiling sweetly. "I'd think, seeing as you're the wonderful older brother you are, you'd let this little incident slide- for now at least, so that Dave could spend some time with his best friend. A best friend that he's greatly missed, and who's missed him in return. Isn't that right chaps?" He looked between us with an eyebrow raise that told us to agree immediately,

"O-Oh yes, Mr. Strider! I don't think I can go another day without spending bro time with Dave."

"Yeah, Dirk. Please? You can ground me later or something." I said watching him. To anyone that wasn't a Strider, or a Lalonde- man those women are scary good at reading people, Dirk would seem emotionless, like he didn't care. But to the trained eye, you could tell that he was thinking it over. The small raise in his eyebrow and the tilt in his lips showed that he was close to agreeing, but wasn't there yet.

Jake moved his hand from Dirks arm and placed it over his hand, "Dirk, I think it'd mean quiet a lot to these two if you'd just let them hangout tonight. It'd be such a caring brotherly thing to do." He sighed dreamily and dramatically looked away. Lowering his voice slightly, like he wasn't wanting to be heard, "Nothing is more attractive than an older brother that cares."

'Oh that sly, sly Brit.' I tried to contain my smirk as Dirk's shoulders tensed slightly and he straightened his posture slightly. Dirk grunted then sighed,

"Fine. I'll let it slide this time, but only because you guys haven't hung out in a year." 'Of course it has nothing to do with the British boy that just pushed your buttons.' I nodded,

"Thanks Dirk, you're the best and most caring older brother that ever walked the earth!" I hugged his head playfully. He swatted at me,

"Yeah, yeah. Now get out of my hair."

I didn't need to be told twice, that's for sure. With one last look at Jake to smile and mouth 'Thank you', I was right back next to John grabbing my bag off the floor and shoving him up the stairs. "Let's go, Egbert."

"H-hey, wait." He said, but didn't try to stop me from pushing him to my room, "What did Jake say that made your brother agree?"

"I've got absolutely no idea." I smirked. He shuttered, "Must have been something good since he agreed. Think they're a thing?"

"Who knows?" I shook my head and he laughed as we entered my room. We tossed our bags onto the floor and he flopped back onto my bed and let out a content sigh. I strolled slowly over to the side of my bed and looked down at him, "So, what do you want to do first, Egbert?"

He opened one eye slowly and smiled sweetly before opening the other blue gem. He pushed himself up onto his elbows and continued to give me the sweetest smile he could muster up. 'Oh no, I know that look.' I groaned and unconsciously placed my hands on my hips,

"You're not serious are you, Egbert?" He just continued to smile, "Damn it, it's not even time to go to bed yet! Normally you can wait 'til we're getting ready to sleep." He chuckled and pushed himself the rest of the way up into a sitting position,

"What can I say, Dave, you got me in the mood." He pulled my hands off of my hips and pulled me closer to him, "Please Dave? Pretty please? Can we?"

"Ugh, don't beg me you homo. Don't you have any dignity?"

"No. Please! Please! Please! Please!" He moved to rest his forehead on my stomach and squeezed my hands like a child pleading with an adult. "Come on, be a bro!"

'For the love of-' "Fine. Fine. Just stop that." I sighed in mock exasperation. He jumped up so fast I almost fell as I stumbled back from him. He moved over to where my turn tables sat and expertly navigated through the movies that sat on the shelves above them. He let out a happy laugh as he grabbed the one he was looking for, he turned and held up the movie that I unfortunately had memorized do to the obsessive way my best friend watched it. Con Air.

As much as I can't stand that movie, the smile it caused to appear on John's face was infectious, and I could help but smile too as he moved to put the movie in the disc drive of my computer. As the movie's opening started he turned back to me, "Aha! I knew you liked this movie, Dave! You can't hide your happiness from me!"

I wiped my smile off my face and replaced it with a smirk and an eyebrow raise. "As if Egbert. This movie isn't even good in an ironic way-"

"Shhhhh." John said outstretching an arm to cover my mouth with his hand, "Just get comfy, Strider. You're going to enjoy this movie with me." He moved past me and crawled across my bed to sit against the wall. He patted the spot next to him, "Move your ass cool kid."

"Yeah, yeah, I'm coming." I tried not to seem too excited about sitting next to him. I dropped my head on his shoulder as casually as I could, "This movie blows. I hope you don't mind if I sleep through it." John chuckled and tossed his arm around my shoulder,

"Sure you're going to sleep. No one can sleep through the awesomeness that is Nic Cage, Dave. Not even a cool kid like you. You don't have to be a closet Nic Cage fan any more, you'll find no judgment here, bro." He said as he turned to focus on my computer screen. I rolled my eyes from behind my shades but then settled them on the screen and enjoyed the overrated movie, totally not cuddling into John's side.

By the time the credits were rolling I moved so that my head was resting on Johns lap. My bedroom door was pushed open and Cal stood on the other side, "Oh, am I interrupting something?" He giggled pulling the door closed until it was only opened a crack, "Dirk said suppers done…" He whispered before he paused and then screeched, "DIRK! DAVE'S HAVING UNPROTECTED SEX WITH THE DERPY KID!"

My door was slammed shut and the pitter-patter of his feet running away was over powered by the heavy slamming footsteps of Dirk. With the slightly less powerful sounding steps of Jake.

"Uh, should we hide?" John asked as the pounding got closer.

"Nah… Just pretend you're asleep." I answered turning my head towards the door and closing my eyes. The door to my room slammed open, I felt John jump. 'So much for playing the asleep card.' I tilted my head towards the door. "Hey, Dirk. Jake. What's up?"

Jake stood looking confused, hiding slightly behind Dirk, who looked like he was slowly relaxing from the enraged state that I'm guessing he was in a moment before.

"Dave…" Dirk breathed slowly, "Suppers ready." He turned on his heels and disappeared from my view. "CAL~!"

'Heh, payback.'

Jake moved to go after him, but stopped when I called out to him. "You should probably just let ignore what you're about to hear, and the three of us show head down stairs." Jake looked worriedly down the hallway when there was a loud crash.

"…Are you sure?"

"Hella." I answered getting myself pushed off the bed. I groaned, looking up at John as he hopped off the bed,

"Dave, no one says hella. It's so last year." He offered me his hand. I took it and as he pulled me up I smirked,

"Hella last year." He dropped my hand, but thankfully I had enough balance to stay on my feet. He rolled his eyes and made his way out of my room. Jake and I followed behind idly chatting. The smell of Chinese filled our noses.

"Yum, take-out. Dude, your brother sure knows how to treat a girl." John laughed grabbing a box and sitting down at the table. Jake grabbed a box of his own before sitting down next to him, while I took a seat across from John. "Do you think Dirk would teach me his tricks?"

"Sorry, Egbert, it's a Strider secret." I said getting ready to open my own box when my phone went off. I pulled it out of my pocket; anunknown number appeared on my screen.

Unknown Number [UN] has messagedturntechGodhead [TG]

UN: You think you're so fucking cute, don't you.

TG: um yeah pretty much

UN: Figures. We'll see how cute you think you are once everyone finds out your secret.

UN: How cute everyone thinks you are.

UN: How cute John thinks you are.

'John?' I frowned, 'Who is this?' I glanced across the table, thinking maybe it was one of John's pranks. However he was in the middle of a conversation with Jake. He looked up at me and frowned at my expression, "Are you okay, Dave?"

"Huh? Yeah, I'm cool, dude." My phone buzzed again.

UN: You've made a fool of me, Davinity Strider and now I'm going to have my revenge.

UN: Unless you wanna settle this girl to girl.

TG: …who are you?

UN: Can't you guess?

UN: It doesn't really matter, you'll know soon enough.

UN: Just like everyone will know your secret.

TG: look—dude i dont know who you are or how you got my number

TG: but whatever i did

TG: im sorry okay

TG: im sure theres a better way to get back at me than outing me to the school

TG: do i really deserve that?

UN: YES!

UN: AFTER WHAT YOU DID TO ME IN THE GYM-

TG: gym?

TG: serket?

My blood ran cold this couldn't be happening. This is some kind of cruel joke, right? 'Oh no. It's Vriska, isn't it? She knows. H-how does Vriska know?!' I could feel my heart speed up, I reached up clutching at the fabric of my shirt. 'Breathe, count backwards from 10.'

"Dave?"

I looked up from my phone. John and Jake were both watching me with concerned looks, "Are you alright there, Chap?" I nodded, not trusting my voice at the moment. Thankfully they weren't able to question me anymore since Dirk entered the room carrying a pouting Cal under his arm. He sat Cal down at the end of the table before taking the seat next to me. He didn't say anything to me, but the look he gave asked what he didn't; 'Are you alright, Lil' Sis?'

I gave an affirmative thumbs up, he nodded before directing his attention over to Jake and John. My cellphone buzzed again.

UN: Guess the cat's out of the bag, huh? Oh well, that will make this easier.

UN: You have two choices, Davinity.

UN: You can either do everything I say, or I will tell your secret to everyone, starting with John.

'Honestly neither option sounds like a good choice.' I frowned at the plastic device.

TG: and if i pick neither?

TG: what then? im planning on telling John about me being.. well you know so you wouldnt be able to do anything.

UN: There are other ways for me to make your life a living hell you know, Davinity.

UN: Pick one, or I'll kill someone you care about.

TG: oh bullshit.

TG: you may be a bitch but youre not fucking crazy, serket.

UN: No, I'm not crazy. Just determined to make you suffer.

UN: 'Hell hath no fury like a woman scorned' is a famous quote for a reason.

TG: i dont really see how that applies to us.

UN: The point is, you ruined me.

UN: Now I will ruin you.

UN: You have one week to decide your fate.

UN: Tootles.

I reread he last messages a couple of times. 'One week to decide my fate..' I sighed through my nose. 'She's not crazy enough to actually hurt anyone, I know that much, but she will tell John if I don't. So that just means I have to tell him tonight-' I was brought out of my thoughts by a rouge dumpling that hit me in the face before landing on the table in front of me. My eyes shot down the table to where Cal was smiling and eating his noodles.

"Bro... I think you dropped this." I smiled slightly and picked up the dumpling, tossing it up in the air then attempted to catch it, only to have Dirk grab it out of the air.

"Nuh-uh. Not tonight you two, we have company."

"He started it!" I said pointing at Cal, who looked genuinely confused. No childish smile or creepy giggles. His blue eyes squinted and he tilted his head to the side.

"I didn't throw it." My eyebrows came together and I frowned, 'If Cal didn't, then…' I turned my attention to the other blue eyed boy in the room. John was smiling impishly down at his food. 'Of course.' I grabbed the dumpling out of Dirks hands and threw it at John, aiming for the middle of his forehead. He must have been paying attention though because he reached up and caught it.

"Thanks dude. I wanted this back." While he smugly took a bite out of it, I grabbed some orange chicken and threw it at him. It hit the side of his face and slid down his cheek before falling into his lap. He blinked in surprise before smiling,

"Oh it's on." He moved to grab a handful of white rice, while I grabbed another handful or orange chicken.

Dirk grabbed my wrist and leaned over to me, "Davie, what did I just say? Is it too much to ask for one night withou-" His sentence died as John threw the white rice and it covered both of us. John's laughter is what pulled Dirk from his broken train of thought. "Oh, Egbert. You're going to his you hadn't done that." Dirk took the chicken from my hand and launched it at John.

John, being the pranking master he is, pulled Jake in front of him. The chicken hit both of them- but mainly the Brit. Jake blinked slowly, like he was just now aware of the food being thrown around him. Dirk looked horrified,

"Oh, Jake- I-I, dude, I'm sor-"

"Well then, if it's a fight you want, it's a fight you'll get, Mr. Strider."

"-ry. I didn't mean-wait- what?" As soon as Dirk had finished speaking noodles were plastered into his hair and on his face, a couple strands draped across his shades. John and I snorted, while he opened and closed his mouth like a fish. He finally closed his mouth and smirked reaching for another box of food. He nodded to me and I grabbed another handful of chicken arming myself against John. "It's on, Derp-Boys."

Somewhere in the middle of our long dramatic-Chinese-food-battle-to-the-death Cal disappeared frown the chicken. The battle ended with the dramatic slaying of Dirk, Jake, and myself. John officially declared himself food fight champion of the world. Dirk ordered John, Jake, and I to go take showers and change, while he cleaned up. Jake of course refused to leave the mess to him, so he stayed to help and then showered once the kitchen was clean again.

After we were all showered and changed the five of us, once we found Cal, all gathered in the living room to watch some kind of Adventure movie. I sat on one end with Jake on my other side, then Dirk with John squished on the other end of the couch. Cal sat on Dirk's lap, playing his DS and surprisingly being good for once in his life. My phone buzzed, I pulled it out of my pocket and checked the screen. A pesterchum message from Tavros.

adiosToreador has began trolling turntechGodhead [TG]

AT: uHH,, hEY…

AT: cAN i aSK yOU a,, uMM.. qUESTION..?

TG: sure thing tav

TG: whats up?

AT: wELL,, i wAS jUST wONDERING…

AT: wHY iS iT tHAT eVERYONE tHINKS yOU'RE a bOY?

TG: ….

TG: what?

AT: oH-H,, i tHOUGHT yOU cOULD tELL…

AT: i'M sORRY tO bE tHE oNE tO bREAK iT tO yOU

AT: bUT jOHN aND tHE gUYS,, tHEY tHINK yOU'RE a gUY

AT: wHICH iS wEIRD bECAUSE… yOU wERE dEFINITELY pART oF tHE gIRLS pLAY iN pRE-K…

AT: yOU dIDN'T nOTICE…?

TG: tav…

TG: exactly how long have you known

AT: uHH,,, fOREVER?

AT: sO i aM rIGHT tHEN? i wASN'T gOING cRAZY?

TG: no. no youre right dude

TG: i am a girl

TG: lady friend all up in this thing…

AT: …yEAH,, i know.

AT: sO aRE yOU gOING tO tELL tHEM aT sOME pOINT?

TG: gamz karkat rose jade sollux mituna kanaya jake jane roxy and oh i dont know

TG: maybe like a handful of others.. they already know.

AT: oHH,, cOOL.

AT: sO i tAKE iT iT's kINDA a sECRET?

TG: ….yeah

AT: aLRIGHT,, jUST cHECKING bRO..

AT: wELL yOUR sECRET iS sAFE wITH mE,,, bUT i'M gONNA gO nOW.

AT: sEE yA MONDAY!

TG: yeah

TG: bye dude.

adiosToreador has stopped trolling turntechGodhead [TG]

I frowned at me phone, 'This day just keeps getting better and better.' Just as I put my phone away Jakes went off. He pulled it out of his pocket, answering the call without even bothering to look at the ID. "Hello!"

There was a small pause when the other person talked, he frowned, "Oh, golly! I'm so sorry, Jade. I-I'll head your way right now, okay?" Another pause and he let out an embarrassed sounding chuckle, "Y-Yeah, well I'm an adult. I can do what I want and-" Short pause, then a squeal, "JADE! BE QUIET! What if someone hears you!? Just- Jus- JADE!" He groaned covering his face with the hand that wasn't holding his phone to his ear, "Just give me two minutes and I'll head your way. Okay? Okay, by- BYE!"

Jake hung up his phone and sighed. Dirk raised an eyebrow adjusting Cal on his lap so he could face Jake. I looked around the two of them at John who gave me a curt nod. The two of us stood up giving our goodbyes to Jake, our goodnights to Dirk and Cal, and then went back up to my room. The rest of the night was spent with us playing video games until we were tired enough to wrap ourselves up in blankets to lean against my wall while sitting on my bed. We put in a random movie and let it play while we zoned out. Before I knew it, the movie was almost over.

"John." I whispered, cutting out the sound of the movie playing from my desktop. "John are you still awake?"

There was a slight shuffle on my left and a sleepy answer of, "Yes, Dave?" I turned my head up at the same that he turned his towards me. The glow of the computer reflected off his glasses and illuminated the curve of his jaw. I felt my heart stop, 'It's now or never, D. Just say it.'

The silence continued. I felt John shuffle next to me again, his arm slide around my shoulder and he pulled me tightly to his side. "Mm.. Dave… Davey, Dave, Dave… what do you need, gorgeous..?" He mumbled something under his breath and sat his chin on top of my head.

"John..? Ugh, Egbert, please wake up.. I need to tell you something important."

He mumbled into my hair, "I'm all ears.." 'Okay, deep breaths, ready… and go.'

"Okay, so John, the thing is that I don't think you realize it but, I'm a girl, and I figured I should let you know because you're my best friend, in all honesty I really would have figured it's something you'd already know, but I guess I make a pretty convincing guy, not that I'm surprise though, I mean, Striders are the best at everything they do—Okay I might be off topic now, but I'm a girl, so yeah."

I took a much needed breath and prepared myself for what I expected to be a long silence as in took in that lovely little fact about me. However I was surprised when he spoke almost immediately,

"Mm.. I always knew you were hot, Dave."

"W-what? What the hell are you talking about, Egbert?"

"You said you're a grill, but I already knew you were hot, dude. That's old news."

'Grill?' I pushed against his side to try to put distance between us. I felt annoyance bubble in my stomach, 'I'm going to kill this kid.' "Ugh! Egbert I didn't say grill, I said I was a gi-"

"Shh, Dave." He pulled me back to him, making me partly in his lap, "Go to sleep, Gorgeous."

'Is he nuzzling the top of my head?... God damn it.' I frown, but didn't resist- 'cause hey, John wasn't cuddly all the time. I'll take it when I can get it. 'Maybe he subconsciously heard me, but it just hasn't sunk in yet, because he's tired. Hopefully he'll wake up knowing.' I sighed keeping my thick blanket, wrapped tightly around me and tucking my head in the crook of his neck. "Night Beautiful."

"Goodnight Gorgeous." John whispered back, and I swear on my life that he kissed the top of my head.

I apologize for any typos or spelling errors.. I didn't actually go over this before uploading.

p.s. did the website update or something? The upload style looks really different...

The next chapter is supposed to be John's p.o.v. for the night.. and then the guy(s) and their "dates" in the chapters after, but I'm just shoving it all into one chapter that jumps around, then going back to Dave where she finally becomes a woman.

As a side note,, Cato (Sufferer) and Bromwell (Orphaner) are my favorite,,

Until next time!~