Well this wasn't quite what they expected. They had arrived at their new domain only days ago. However, the planet wasn't what they thought it would be. Their world was still under construction. The game had provided them each a house that suited their tastes and was outfitted with everything pertaining to who they are; their sense of identity. They were practically their own little village, surrounded by forest. Jake, as expected, went out to explore the very next day. Everyone was curious about their new habitat, but no one's energy could match that of the page. He called Roxy over to keep an eye on Dirk; much to the prince's protest, however he had proved himself to be imprudent with his own health. Someone needed to make sure he didn't work himself into the ground.

In Jake's exploration he found a barrier, there was a protective dome around the gods of this land and out there, there was nothing more than hot lava and noxious fumes. He had rushed back to tell everyone his discovery. The next day a small group followed him to the phenomenon; only to be met with a cooled rocky wasteland. Not at all like the description the page had given. Rose could piece together what was happened quickly enough and retreated into her library. The game had seen it fit to give her an expansive library with tomes on every subject. The next few days she spent returning to that spot, writing down the differences in appearance and taking copious. After only three days she formed her hypothesis.

"The world is going through its entire evolutionary history. It's a little hard for me to say for sure, but it seems like the dome accelerates our perception of time passing. According to the books I've read it is changing at nearly the same rate that it would if you were to condense Earth's history into one Earth year."

"So, in other words, we are stuck in this dome thing until this new world catches up?" Dave asked.

"Precisely."

That was two weeks ago. Everyone had since resigned themselves to the 365 day wait. Surprisingly, it was an easy shift for most. Everyone welcomed the break. A chance to really get to know their fellow gods. A chance to not worry about the future, merely wonder what it might be. They had everything they needed and wanted in that dome. Rose had books, Kanaya had materials for fashionable creations, Jake had the surprisingly expansive woods to explore; everyone had something to keep them occupied. Still, there were those that didn't know how to handle peace. That didn't know how to handle the idea of impending doom not being an issue. They didn't know how to deal with not needing to fight. So, they sparred with each other; just so they could feel normal for a few moments.

The clash of sickle and sword echoed throughout the room, both fighters panting heavily however, they were unwilling to stop their fight. The lunged at each other once more, a clash of strength and speed and agility. Dodging and weaving, trying to get a hit in on the other. Dave sat off to the side, watching. He never really liked fighting; Karkat had an excessive amount of nervous energy, he always seemed better after a match with Dirk. Dave wanted to support them. As for Dirk, it was part of his physical therapy. He wanted to get back into top form; regardless of whether he ever needed to fight again, he was determined to regain his strength. The boy never knew when to quit though.

He stood there, Karkat across from him, his image wavering. Dirk was tired, no, more like exhausted, the match wasn't over yet. He wasn't going to lose because his body didn't want to cooperate, because it was weak. This was how to get stronger, ignore any perceived limitation. He could still fight. Little did he realize he was swaying as he stood there, sword poised for another attack. Dave chimed in

"I think it's time you guys call it a day."

Dirk wasn't about to quit "Why? The match isn't over yet." He was always too good at covering his weakness for his own good. He kept his speech clear and coherent, despite the fog that was starting to cloud his brain and the darkness dancing around the edges of his vision.

"Bro, you are fucking swaying where you stand. You're still healing from a serious injury, you should take it easy."

"I'm fine" Dirk snapped. He wasn't about concede his limitations. He had no limitations. Only weaknesses that had to be overcome.

"I have to agree with Dave. You look pale, you really should rest and get something to drink." Now Karkat was adding his two cents.

Dirk wasn't about to admit defeat, which is what taking a break would entail. "No." his voice icy and determined. He lunged at the troll, his strike was caught, but now he had determination on his side. His movement suddenly faster and stronger than before, it took everything Karkat had to keep up. Dirk was tapping into every last reserve of energy he had. He would reclaim his strength, he wouldn't look weak. And in less than two minutes Karkat was on his back, a sword in his face and the heart player standing over him. "I win." Dirk removed the blade from its position towards the blood player and offered his hand, helping the troll up. "C'mon, waters, in here." He started making his way to the kitchen, all too aware of the black creeping further and further into his vision. Dave was saying something, he sounded really far away though. Shit.

Dave saw Dirk swaying and stumbling as he made his way out of the room. "You sure you're okay?" No response. He was about to ask again, when Dirk started to fall forward. Dave rushed forward to catch him, but struggling to lift him up. "Karkat, help me will you?"

"Sure." The two knights carried the prince to his bedroom, tucking him in.

"You know, if the bro from my timeline was as hard on himself as Dirk is…it kind of explains a lot."

"In what way?"

Dave still hadn't really told Karkat his feelings towards his bro, and he didn't really feel the need to go into it now. Instead he used a more abstract example. "I think no matter what, every variation of him is a prince of heart. Remember when Calli went over the meanings of each aspect and class last week? How they each kind of related to our personalities?"

"Yeah." "Well, prince is an active destruction class, and heart is the path of the self. So, doesn't that make the prince-heart player self-destructive? Bro was kind of like that, I was too young to see it at the time, but he was pretty self-destructive." His bro's isolation, the fact that he never saw his bro with any friends, maybe even the way he had treated Dave was a form of self-destruction. To keep himself isolated.

"Oh dear, did he overdo it again?" Jake appeared in the doorway, having just return from yet another outing in the lush forest that surrounds their inhabitants. Truth is he had been listening for a few minutes and heard Dave's musings. He didn't want to appear like an eavesdropper though, so he kept quiet about it.

"Yeah, you know Dirk."

"You two go home, I'll take care of him."

The knights nodded in agreement and departed, leaving the page to look over his boyfriend with a sigh. Self-destructive? He hadn't considered that. Right now he wanted more than anything to climb into bed next to the prince, but he was entirely too sweaty. He went into the bathroom for a quick shower, emerging a little later and climbing in next to Dirk, draping his arm protectively over the pale boy. His dear sweet prince, under attack from his own mind. How lonely he must have been with all that time in isolation, only solitude and his own self-loathing to companion himself with. He hadn't seen the self-loathing at first, too in awe of the magnificent person that Dirk is. Now, he sees it all too clearly, and he wants to help him, help him see how fantastic he is. It will be a long road though. Jake's handling of their relational troubles certainly hadn't helped anything, rather than constantly reaching out to him; Dirk now seemed hesitant to accept the hand of love offered to him. Afraid of imposing on Jake with his presence, fearful of showing himself again. Yet, Jake knew the boy loved him. Those subtle hints that peppered his every day. Dirk always left bottles of water, sunscreen, and energy bars by the door, before Jake departed for his morning exploration. And when the prince hadn't pushed himself to hard, the adventurer was greeted upon his return with a change of clothes and a hot bath drawn for him. The boy was too kind to hate himself so much. Jake vowed that he would do everything in his power to free Dirk from his own abusive mindset.

The prince had recovered. The people rejoiced. However, there was a barrier that the prince just could not tear down. His isolation had made it difficult of him to really connect with anyone. He didn't know how to communicate with his people. That was okay though, the people were just happy that their loving prince was healthy.

The prince's automated men appeared shortly after the prince's recovery. He used them to help the village he held so dear. Helping the people with their daily tasks and making lives easier for all. The prince did what he could with his own hands; which shocked the people. The prince was exceptionally egalitarian in nature; unwilling to view himself above menial work. Still, he didn't talk much. His personality only came through during downtime in the evening. The prince put on a show for the whole village, fighting 3 automated men at once and putting on a spectacular performance for all. He also accepted challengers. Never decimating them, he held back and everyone knew it. He adjusted his level to be only just above those he fought, to teach them, to help them grow. When the defeated challengers approached him, asking how they may improve, the stolid, laconic prince became animated and loquacious. He loved helping others. It surprised the few he showed this too. The people wanted the prince to show this side of himself more. He seemed ashamed though, as he would soon catch himself in these talkative moments and reel himself back to his impassive demeanor. Why must he hide himself so?

Jake insisted on taking Dirk with him today. Grasping the blonde's hand in his own, he led him down a trail he had found. Nothing too strenuous, Dirk already pushed himself too hard. Jake was dead set on the blonde allowing himself to have a break. As they walked the trail Dirk managed to surprise Jake for the umpteenth time in their relationship. He was gathering plants he found as they walked; captchalogging them. "What are you doing, love?"

Dirk pulled out a few of the plants. "Rose said once that she liked dandelion tea, once these are dried they should be good enough to use. And this is aloe vera, you keep forgetting to put sunscreen on the back of your neck and ears, this will help." As if to emphasize his point, Dirk ripped open one of the leaves as the gel-like substance pooled in his hand. He rubbed it between his fingers, approached Jake and gently placed it on the burns that decorated the sensitive areas. It was cool and refreshing, relieving the slight sting from the burns. Dirk was so gentle, so kind, so caring, so unassuming in his consideration for others. Such an amazing person. Jake leaned forward and brushed his lips against the blonde's.

"Thanks love." And he was rewarded with a soft smile, a smile that showed his tenderheartedness, his love for all that is so delicate he feels the need to hide it; expressing it only in ways that most people would overlook. Jake took his hand, he needed to return such magnanimity, let him know that he was in Jake's thought just as much as Jake was in his. He led Dirk to a clearing, laying down a blanket and un-captchalogging a basket; filled with Dirk's favorite foods. The light that shone in the blonde's eyes was more precious than anything Jake had seen. Dirk was losing himself in the moment, such a rare feat for him, but beneficial to his well-being. Nothing to calculate, nothing to consider how it will affect the future, nothing to consider how he must look, or act, or how it could be used against him. It was these moments Jake cherished and it was these moments that he felt redemption from his actions only weeks ago and a modicum of repayment for Dirk's heroic actions. He could never fully repay him, but he would just be happy with seeing more of those smiles.

They ate and talked, soon filling their bellies, too full to move when they were done. Jake forced himself up, their sky was clouding over. He had a clear tent for the two of them. All his time outdoors had attuned Jake with the weather patterns in the dome. Three or four days of sun, and then a downpour of rain. Each time it rained Dirk would lay out on the deck until Jake arrived home, both shivering and wet. They always remedied it by changing clothes and cuddling under a mountain of blankets, adding to the warmth with tender kisses and sweet nothings. Like they were the only two that existed in that moment. This time though, Jake wanted Dirk to enjoy the rain with Jake, not just the after math.

So the boys laid on their blanket, another draped over them to shield them from any cold and the clear plastic tent above them to protect them from the rain. Dirk buried his face in Jake's chest at first, only to pull away and give the page the biggest, brightest grin that the page had seen from the boy. A smile so bright that if the energy could have been captured and released to the heavens, surely it would make a second sun. "Thanks, hun."

Jake simpered "You're welcome love."

For a while they just past time like this. Jake could feel that nagging question in his mind since yesterday. He hated to ruin the mood, but he had to know. "Do you remember, a few days after we arrived here and Calli was going over how everyone's personality matched their classpect?"

"Yeah, this is about the self-destruction thing isn't it?" Dirk wasn't upset, he had been expecting people to ask him about it since Calli talked about it. She had phrased it differently, not meaning it to sound like he was a mental case. She didn't even realize how it would be taken in their culture. In fact, he's still pretty sure she was clueless to the implications of her words.

"Yeah….do you think you're self-destructive?"

"Probably, I know you're aware of the whole self-loathing thing; but I'm fine with it. I think it suits me."

"Is that really what you want, love? Do you like hating yourself?"

Dirk shook his head. "It's not quite like that. It's not that I outright hate myself. Saying that would mean I have no chance of ever being satisfied. It's more like I'm dissatisfied with who I am. And that in turn becomes a type of loathing. However, it is what pushes me to learn things and better myself. That maybe one day I'll do enough, be enough, to consider myself worthy."

"Worthy of what, love?" Jake was now tracing circles on Dirks scalp. Threading his fingers through his hair. Jake didn't want to present any disapproval with Dirk's thoughts. He knew the boy would just shut down; viewing it as a kind of rejection. No, Dirk was letting him into his mind a little, letting him see what makes him tick; he could tell his precious darling prince was scared to let Jake see; so it was up to Jake to reassure him at every turn.

"Worthy of you, worthy of this, worthy of life, worthy of everything." His face was stone; his voice monotone. Dirk couldn't handle letting his thoughts and emotions showing at the same time. This was hard enough. But it was Jake and he loved Jake, he wanted to be with Jake. The cost was a little vulnerability. He was so uncomfortable at that moment; but Jake didn't react with vehement refusal to accept his mentality or cry that he was too cruel to himself. Jake was merely listened and accepted his words; which was enough to make the blonde cry if he let himself.

With his admission out there, hanging in the air, Jake felt as though the words were a thread adding to the many threads that already connected the two; with each thread their relationship grew closer. He leaned down kissing the boy who had closed his eyes, clearly afraid to look. With his tender affections expressed, prince's eyes were opened, filled with gratitude and a little bit of wonder. No censure or admonishment; merely acceptance, a gift so rare he could weep with joy. Instead, the boys kissed and cuddled and caressed each other until the rain was through.

It took a long time, but the prince slowly let down his guard among the people. He embraced their friendships and their kindness. However, every other week the prince would lock himself away in a cabin far in the woods; unwilling to meet with anyone. The page attempted to bring him back more than once, however the prince refused; instead, allowing the page to visit a few days each time he took a seclusion break. This frightened the people at first; that is until at the end of his withdrawal; the prince returned with something new to help the citizens of the village. Sometimes another automated person, sometimes he fixed the many broken items that had been discarded as trash and returned them to the original owners; and sometimes he brought forth something to entertain the people. The prince wasn't a misanthrope, merely solitary in nature. So when the prince closed himself off the next time, the people put a plan into action.

When the prince arrived in town after his self-imposed break from society, he found a tower waiting for him just outside of the village. It wasn't as tall or as imposing as his tower before, but it was a welcomed sight nonetheless. The people revealed it to be a special home for their beloved ruler. Something that would allow him the solitude he craved, while staying close to those that cared for him. There were no traps or battlements, and it was fixed with a bell and sign. The sign, to express when he wished for isolation or if he was amenable to social engagements; which people could then use the bell to get his attention. This wasn't all though, no, not even close. The people had prepared a feast in expectation of news. The prince didn't know this yet though, as the page had whisked him away to a waterfall. The prince did so love the sound. And as they sat there taking in the mist that came off it, they page proposed. "I know I am, but a page, and I know I have caused you pain in the past. Please, believe my sincerest regrets about those events. However, we have grown close these past few months, and I care for you deeply. If your eminence will have me, I should love to spend the rest of my life with you."

The prince was overjoyed. He loved the page immensely, the person who worked so hard and accepted him. He agreed. As they arrived back a while later, they were greeted with food and drink and merriment…the witch never could keep a secret. The boys smiled and rejoiced with the town. Ending their night in their tower.

Dirk finished reading, he couldn't help but laugh to himself. No matter how many versions of him there are, they all seem to have the same issues. He didn't want to be like Dave's bro. He didn't want to hurt those around him with his own self-destruction. So he will try, like the prince in this odd little book. He will work on his issues and try to connect more. He will never be social, like the prince, he is a loner by nature. Still, maybe he could find a balance; and with that balance will come self-acceptance, and with that acceptance will come happiness. It was his road that hope had opened for him, and he also knows he has a page by his side to help him through.

Notes: I may have unintentionally made way for a sequel to this. Something about the year gap before they are reintroduced to their world as masters of the universe? Hmm...something to think about. Thoughts?

My next fic will be another 30 day OTP fic. Davekat this time. It will take place on the meteor, post retcon and Dave is dealing with some issues about his bro. So a little more angsty than this one, but will probably be less extreme. I'm taking a week break and then I will be back. Look out for "Strider and Strident"

I just want to thank everyone who has reviewed, favorite, and/or followed this story. This has been so encouraging for me and I really appreciate it! Thank you for any and all feedback. YOU GUYS ARE AWESOME!