Dave wasn't the most enthusiastic resident of the Strider household when Casey announced that she 'has to pee'.

Dirk had been in the shower for nearly five hours, Dave guessed, and it didn't sound like he was going to finish up for a loooong while. Dave checked his phone, and indeed, the motherfucker had been in there for a very long fucking time.

Casey stared up at them from the couch. She was surrounded by empty plates which once held perfectly out of date (but frozen) pizzas (which were totally not gonna kill anyone). Her legs squeezed together and a remarkable frown dawned on her round face. Holy shit the kid was going to explode if she didn't reach the whoopy throne soon.

"Dirk!" Dave yelled, and walked towards the bathroom, expecting nothing.

"What?"

Dirk did not sound happy, Dave noted. He rattled his knuckles against the door anyway. "Someone needs in there!"

"Fuck off."

"Thanks a lot, man! You know what, we all hate you by the way. We all know you're really a colossal dickhead that screws around with his mother in the bathroom, oh no, but wait, here's a plot twist, he's actually screwing big brother, because both their parents are hollow corpses right now too far into decay that they are literally dust, and to top all that, he's a gay pony loving fucktard that eats shit for recreational purposes during his time in the poop dungeon instead of being courteous to other members of the household that need to pee!"

"You were adopted!"

"OH HA FUCKIN' HA. I can hear you guys in there by the way, 'oh, bro, dude', go fuck yourself while you're at it!"

Dave returned to the living room, where he caught John covering Casey's ears while a huge smirk covered his face. John shook his head in disbelief.

"Don't let me start on your problems, Egbert," Dave raised a white brow above his shades. "Fuck knows you have enough for me to pick on."

John shrugged, and stuck out his tongue.

"Mr. Dave... I really need to go..." Casey whined from the couch.

"Uh, shit," Dave hummed, and scratched the back of his head. "Yeah, there's a few apartments below us we could use. Might be a mess though, haven't been used since the world ended I guess."

John nodded, and picked up Casey, who wrapped herself around his torso and rested her chin against his shoulder. She looked like a baby. How fucking old was she anyway? Maybe Mama Egbert knew?

"Yo, John," Dave started, and shook away the idea. The kid was right there, he could ask her. But the words had escaped his mouth already, and John had acknowledged his invitation to nak nak with an inquisitive gurgle. "I think, that maybe Casey would be better off on the island with your family than here with mine. You know."

Casey looked around at that. "Island?"

John appeared thoughtful.

Dave let him think, and honestly that was a good idea he came up with on the spot. Bro would hate it if he'd adopted a human kid on his first solo hunt. Fuck... He just realised how badly he'd fucked up. But don't like seventy percent of all hunts go unsuccessful or some shit? Well, maybe in Africa with like, lions, or leopards, or something. Not demons. Successful nine times out of ten. That one time, was when they found something better. Or, the huntee had a decent ass weapon. Both, actually, yeah both.

Dave opened the door, and kept it open for John and their daughter. Wow, he had a kid now. With the Egderp. Fuck, Bro really was going to be mad.

The apartments verged silence. Nothing was living there except the Striders and maybe some stray dogs or rats. Casey might not like those. He sniffed at the air every now and then to make sure, but found nothing interesting. Well, actually, there was one thing he recognised as intriguing.

"Need any help?" Dave asked as they guided Casey towards the nearest toilet in the apartment below.

"Nope!" She barely said as she jumped out of John's grasp and flew into the toilet. The last thing they heard was the door slamming, and her shouting, "don't listen to me! I can't do anything if you're listening!"

Dave chuckled, and spared a glance at his best bro. John smiled, and looked back at his shades.

'She's coming out of her shell.'

"Yeah, it's better than before," Dave nodded, and leaned a little closer to make sure his excellent sense of smell wasn't glitching out.

"Ugh," John grumbled, and motioned nervously, 'what are you doing?'

He took in a short whiff and frowned; it was still there. "You smell fuckin' weird again."

John's dark brow arched, 'I don't...' "Ugh..."

"Calm your tits, bro. I'm not actin' funny or anything. It's just weird, not bad weird, just weird. It's not you, I know that much... Oh shit, are you wearing perfume? And I don't mean burly cologne. You smell sweet and... Yeah. No homo."

John looked away slowly and shrugged.

Great, now he thought Dave was a freaking creeper.

"Dude, awesome senses, I just know shit, okay?" Dave groaned through every word. Of course John knew that, they were practically siblings; they grew up together.

'It's just weird.'

He was avoiding eye contact, and any contact for that matter. Fine Egbert, be that way. Dave would have folded his arms, but he was too cool for that.

The flush of the toilet sounded, and it was a welcome noise. Things had begun to get awkward anyway.

"You done, kid?" Dave asked.

"Uhuh, washing my hands!"

"'Kay"

'You could be a good dad one day,' John 'said' out of the blew, and finally looked at his face. Oh crabsticks, Dave forgot that John wasn't wearing his glasses. Good thing his best bro wasn't totally blind, his vision was just out of whack a little. 'For real, I mean. Like, girlfriend children.'

"Girlfriend children? Rose would have a field day with those choice of words..."

John hit his arm, 'you know what I mean, smartass.'

Dave rolled his eyes behind his shades, "like that's happening anytime soon. No boobies, no babies, no whoopsies. I should put that on a flag. Dirk would love it, Bro not so much."

John sniggered at that.

Casey then came out of the bathroom, and wiped her hands on her shorts. "All done. Thank you, Mr. John and Mr. Dave."

"Just Dave and John is fine, Cas'."

She nodded, and held out her hand for John to take.

Dave would have cringed, but he recognised that any normal person would go for the angel kid than the demon kid. Internal shrugs galore.

"So John, I think we should head to town, you need new glasses."

John nodded slowly after a minute of lip biting. But he looked down at Casey for a final answer.

Dave nodded, and crouched down to meet her eye level. "Yo, Casey. We're gonna head into town for some shopping. You up to the challenge, little hunter?"

Casey's eyes widened, but she agreed with a meek "yes..." She then gripped John's hand tighter.

"Don't worry, you got dorky and the beast with you, you'll be fine."

John sulked at that for a while, before they headed out of the apartment building, and into the ruined city.

...

Jade woke to see her brother using her computer.

She rubbed the sleep from her eyes and released a much needed yawn. "Morning..." She mumbled as she searched for her glasses on her bedside table.

"Good evening," he corrected, and looked down at her from the opposite end of her bed.

Jade frowned as she put on her glasses and the world came into focus. "Very funny, Jake."

He stopped typing for a moment to stare vaguely at her, a smirk then lifted his face. "Not really when it's..." He glanced down at the light glow of the screen for a moment, "like nine."

Her eyes widened and she erupted from the bed, effectively scaring the bejegus out of Jake as he nearly dropped the screen he held. She headed straight for the bathroom with the clothes from yesterday she'd tossed on the floor. "This is not good, Jake! I promised Karkat that- Oh great!"

She bounded down the stairs like lightning to find the nearest bathroom, luckily there was one just below their room. She was hardly going to change in front of her brother, that hadn't happened since before they learned to shoot, which was many years ago. But crap, she was so late. Very, very late. She'd slept all day again. The stupid narcolepsy had taken another day from her. She'd awaken every now and then, but fell back asleep when she noticed no one was around.

Karkat was going to be extra mad at her.

They had a deal!

"Come on, stupid!" She growled at herself as she forced her shoes on.

It was a scramble of clothes and frustration and panic. But she managed to dress quickly, not quickly enough, but still.

She rushed down the thousands of steps again. After years of practice, she never lost her footing, her balance was as fluent as her aim. Although, they were pretty big steps! Jade wasn't that big a person, she was tiny compared to her brother, in her opinion.

"Important moirail business I've got to go I'll be back later love you bye!" She yelled through the many hallways and rooms until she exited the towers.

She'd missed out on her chores that day as well. They had the garden and the farm to keep up with. Her poor Grandma must have nearly broke her back helping Jake, John and Jane. They needed everyone to help with those things. They had pigs and chickens, and a rather large garden with too many pumpkins. Lots and lots of upkeep was required to stop things dying. Jade felt a wave of guilt sway through her.

She was a real screw up lately.

Jade shook her head and ran as fast as her legs could carry her. She was headed for the lake, which was a mile behind her family home. She'd made a deal with Karkat a year ago that tuesday was wash day, or rather, the Official Jade and Karkat Moiraillegiance Fruity Booty Chill Out Party Rumpus (NO ASSHOLES ALLOWED) Day. Wash day for short, for obvious reasons.

It was dark out, the sky above was painted a deep shade of blue, and the stars were the only company for the lonely waxing moon. They lightly lit the jungle, which reflected the purity of above. Jade passed a small flock of tinkerbulls, or herd? She had no idea what to call a group of those things. It didn't matter, they were friendly enough, and ignored her as she rushed through them, "sorry, guys! Excuse me! Thank you!"

Finally the lake was in her sights.

A menacing snarl echoed behind her, and she dared to peek back to see one of the cat lusii chasing her keenly. Jade screamed, and sprinted for the water. Cats hated water!

The cat pounced, and knocked the young Harley off her feet. Luckily, she managed to fall into a decent youth roll, which confused the albino cat beast. She took a breath, and ran again for the water.

The cat followed, hissing and spitting as if it was on crack. Jade met the water, and jumped. She saw Karkat not far away, walking along the edge of the water. He had a look of shock and awe, and in that brief moment of eye contact, she could practically hear his internal 'what the fucks'.

From the water, an aquatic goat exploded with it's jaws spread wide. Jade pierced the water and was submerged, while around her, green blood spread. Once she reached the surface for air, she saw nothing but green, and the watergoat retreated back underwater with a full belly.

"What the everliving fuck was that, Harley?"

Jade turned her head to look up. Karkat's eyes were wider than his gaping mouth.

She shrugged, which lifted her shoulders above the water for a moment. "I forgot my gun, I guess..."

"..." He didn't reply for a while, he just stared at her.

"You're late," he finally spoke, and crossed his arms while a sore look appeared about his features.

"I know!" She emphasised as she waved her arms poorly, "I was sleeping! And I just woke up like fifteen minutes ago and I am super dooper sorry, Karkat!"

"Super dooper sorry isn't worth shit in reality, it's a bottomless pit of whoopsies and fuck ups, and meaningless shit stained apologetic etiquette that really means you still want something from the stupid gullible fuckass who actually listens."

Jade pouted at that, and swam to the edge of the lake to distract herself from his babbling.

When she pressed her hands on the dirt to pull herself out of the bloodied water, she noticed his hand was offered down in front of her. She looked up, and tilted her head before she allowed him to help her up out of the horrible olive coloured liquid filth.

"But luckily for you this place hardly counts as reality," he held her hand a while longer after she could stand, as if in greeting.

She smiled and rolled her eyes, "you just don't want to acknowledge you are a fuckass."

Karkat puffed some air through those sharp teeth of his and pulled his hand away so he could fold his arms again. "That was some fucking entrance though, trying to compensate for your pathetically flawed head shit?"

"That is the worst insult yet! In a not so insulting way I might add!" Her hands rested on her hips.

"Uhuh, better than anything you could do," his retaliation was a half assed effort, she noticed. His voice was less ecstatic, and lower.

Jade sighed, and shook the blood and water from her sleeves. "This is disgusting, now I might actually need to shower, or bathe, or-" she paused, and looked back up at him curiously.

"We're not going in there, even I can see that's dumb," he gestured toward the small lake. "Plus, recently Gamzee likes spending time around this place, he could be out there right now, staring at us or something..."

She shuddered as he did. Gamzee was freaking crazy.

"We are not cancelling wash day!" She said after realising what he was getting at.

The stare he gave her was no less than grumpy.

She would have suggested going back to the towers for their Official Jade and Karkat Moiraillegiance Fruity Booty Chill Out Party Rumpus (NO ASSHOLES ALLOWED) Day, but the thought of having to explain the arrangement to her family was a little more than daunting. They barely understood moiraillegiance, hell, Jade barely did and she was part of one. But it wasn't like anything they did involved anything that might concern her family. They even kept underwear on during the wash time sessions. Even more, Karkat had a matesprit, so it wasn't like that kind of thing was an issue. Wash day was the one day they could chill together as moirails, and do moiraily stuff like bitch about life and equalise consolation.

"You're place," she suggested, and smiled.

"Fuck no," he replied swiftly.

"Yes," she nodded, and leaned closer.

"No."

"Yes."

"What the fuck don't you understand about personal space?" He moved a few steps back.

"That is the issue?" She giggled. "It's not like I will go around touching or relocating your belongings, or moving in or anything!"

He hummed, but not in thought.

"Please," she fluttered her eyelashes and made the silliest grin she could.

"Firstly, there's no plumbing," he raised one finger, and then another, "secondly, quite that creepy thing your doing with your fugly face."

"Awww! That one was mean!" She knew he didn't mean it, she was used to all of his insults and aggression. "Well, mister grumpycat, I am putting my foot down on this matter!"

"You're acting stupid."

"And you are acting like a bad moirail!"

"No, fuck off with that statement and shove it up your ass while you're at it."

"Grrrrr..."

"That hell bubble might have been threatening if you actually had fangs like one of us."

"I will immediately get my gun, and I won't waste any silver bullets on you. I'm going to hit you with it like a piñata."

"Whoa," he raised his hands submissively, "stop it, Harley. I am not going for a black romance here. You're not nearly as despicable as you try to be. I don't feel that way about you."

Jade let a short giggle escape her, "I wasn't intending to give you that impression. You are... Pretty okay too."

"Good," he nodded.

"How are things on the other sides anyway?"

He shrugged, "it's normal. Nepeta is great."

"No others?" She inquired, and held her hands behind her back.

"... A little bit of black I guess... For someone." He turned away from her and began to walk.

"Oh really?" She followed, and each step she took she heard her feet slush.

"Yeah, but just a little, I dunno."

She couldn't read his expression while he kept his back her to. She grumbled, and grabbed his hand to stop him. "Karkat."

He turned back with a clear look of surprise, which faded into his usual frown, "do you want to see my place or not?"

She gasped, and an extraordinary smile spread across her cheeks. "Really? You finally trust me?"

"I can tell you need some space from your family. I mean, the towers and all that... And just for the record, Harley. I've always trusted you. What I don't trust is your stupid narcoleptic bullshit. You've been out for a full forty eight hours before. And, I am not dragging your fat ass back home. You're family hates me, and I don't give enough fucks."

"Hmmmmmmm..." She grumbled in return. "I will TRY and contain my drowsiness. You know I care about you, Karkat. You're like another brother to me, only you don't coddle me or are a useless lying lovesick glasses wearing tall contradicting-"

"WHOA." He forced his palm over her mouth, "I get it. Strongly bonded moirails, happy joyful caring load of shit. Now, let's get going. I think I have a bucket somewhere, i can throw that at you, I collect water, so, uh, yeah."

Jade held his hand and lowered it to their sides as they walked off towards wherever Karkat's house place was. She cheered and waved his hand back and worth, to his reluctance and dismay.

...

It was dark out when Dirk finally exited the shower.

It might have seemed ridiculous to Dave and Bro how long he spent in there, but it was the highlight of his existence nowadays.

Shower time meant alone time. And he didn't get much of that the past ten years. Ever since his elder brother turned up those few years ago out of the blew with a boy in his arms. Dirk had been minding his own business, chilling in his apartment and blending in with the humans perfectly, and then boof. Family. It was the first time he'd seen his brother in over three hundred years. The last time he'd seen him, he only had a daughter. And now he had two daughters, and a son.

Territory was the main issue in the beginning, and was still a little problematic.

Dirk had settled himself in Houston for the past seventy years. Any other demon that entered Houston got kicked out. Sometimes literally. More often than not, he'd just flash his blade and they'd piss off. Sometimes, they'd want his territory. He still ruled Houston, so his fighting abilities spoke for themselves. But now, he ruled fuck all. Prince of desolation was his new title. But it was still his.

So when his brother turned up as the world crumbled around them, Dirk was ready to fight. Bro was more than capable of beating him, he was crowned by the Condesce herself as a Lord, but demons don't back down easily. So Dirk was more than surprised when his brother did the unthinkable. Bro bowed to him, and pleaded for shelter.

Despite the shock of Bro's submission, he was going to turn him away. It was Dirk's territory, and with a declining source of humans to feed on, he needed to maintain it strictly. They were generally solitary creatures when it came to hunting grounds. But then Dirk saw the kid. He was called Dave after some human that aided in the birth of nephilim and was the mate of their ally Calliope. His eyes were large and red, and he had no idea what was going on. His eyes were curious, if anything. That's what made him agree to keeping them under his roof.

He loved that stupid kid, and what continued to elude Dirk was the fact that Bro did too. Bro had humiliated himself before his younger brother. For someone of his standing, to bow was to admit total defeat and announce that he was at his younger brother's mercy. Bro had never done that for anyone; he was a proud and powerful man after all. He was also a cold and stubborn man. So the kid must have been of great value to him. Although, Dave was the youngest Strider, he was the gold and silver of the apocalypse, and he was much too vulnerable at such a young age.

If anything happened to Dave, it would break them.

To not be able to protect your own was the greatest humiliation, and the greatest sadness.

Dirk sighed as he shifted his shades on, an almost silent gesture. It hadn't taken him long to get dressed, he'd been far too lost in thought as of late. Especially since he'd come into contact with golgothasTerror. That 'handsome chap' was quite the topic of interest in his head as of late. He was John's cousin, he knew that from John obviously. It was actually John's idea that Dirk and him start talking, as he thought it would be good for Dirk to get chatting with someone he didn't think of as intrusive or delicious.

And it had worked. After a couple of pesters in the cousin's direction, he'd started pestering back. They exchanged names and started really talking. Jake was his name, and he was definitely something. At first, Dirk left random messages, sometimes he even liked to screw around with him by saying 'I like that shirt' or 'nice ass', mainly for shits and giggles. Jake took the bait almost every time. He wasn't the sharpest tool in the shed either. John was right, Jake wasn't intrusive or a food source; he was decent company. He was interesting, for a human.

It had been a good few months since they'd exchanged names. Never surnames though. Jake might be naive, but he could recognise the Strider name. If that happened, he might stop talking. Or mount Dirk's skull on his living room wall, right above the roasty toasty fireplace. Some hunters had promised to do that to him, the human 'resistance.' Or what remained of them. But by fuck did silver bullets hurt, and Dirk had been hit by two to know. Well, one bullet, and one knife.

Jake mentioned having silver bullets once when he guessed what Dirk was. He'd threatened him with them, but Dirk had to point out he couldn't actually see him, let alone be in his vicinity because of the barrier from the seal. Bro could, as he'd raised the guardian since it was a pup, but Dirk never thought to mention that. After a couple of awkward and brief conversations, Jake warmed up to him again, for some reason. He even expressed an interest in them meeting.

He didn't know if they should ever meet. It would ruin the whole distant connection thing they had going. And it would only be a matter of time before he'd want something from him. But that wasn't completely a bad thing. Maybe he could have some permanent contract happen. Like with Dave and John. 'Hey, let's be pals' and 'sure, let me feed on you from now on.' Mind you, Dave and John had been best friends for as long as anyone could remember, even before the whole apocalypse thing happened.

Could that work with Jake?

Dirk slammed onto his bed, and lay flat on his back with his arm supporting the back of his head. He checked his phone and logged onto Pesterchum.

tipsyGnostalgic is online.

turntechGodhead is offline.

tentacleTherapist is offline.

ectoBiologist is online.

golgothasTerror is online.

Good, he was online.

Dirk noted that Bro didn't have a chumhandle; he couldn't be bothered with that sort of bullshit faceless confrontation. He was more of an old fashioned sort of guy.

- timaeusTestified [TT] began pestering golgothasTerror [GT] at 20:46 -

TT: Hello, Jake.

TT: What are you doing?

TT: Obviously you're busy.

TT: I could use some intell here, if you don't mind.

GT: Oh frig, ive been dreadfully busy, dirk.

GT: But how did you know?

TT: I would shrug to reply, but that would be pointless, wouldn't it?

GT: You did mention it though.

GT: Are you certain our communication is limited to this chatroom? you always say things like youre standing behind me, unless im leaning or sitting against a wall i suppose. but i find it strange, and quite frankly, it makes me downright uncomfortable!

TT: I'm pretty fucking sure.

GT: So you cant even see me?

TT: We've been over this, Jake.

TT: I can't see you or hear you.

TT: I don't even know where you are exactly.

GT: You could always be lying, dirk.

TT: You'd believe me even if I was lying.

GT: Which youre not I assume, mate?

TT: Don't call me that. It's a touchy subject, and I mean literally.

GT: Funny, mate.

GT: Wait wait, i was just pulling your leg. apologies, chum.

GT: So is something the matter, dirk? you seem a little off today.

TT: It's nothing.

GT: Im afraid i dont believe you this time, old chum.

TT: Very perceptive of you, Jake.

TT: But I didn't mean nothing in terms of there being nothing bothering me. It's more for your benefit I say nothing, because you're simply incapable of understanding my issues.

GT: You dont know that.

TT: I do.

TT: I've attempted to communicate with others like you. Most of them tried to shoot me.

GT: Um.

TT: Trust me on this one. You're better off left in the dark when it comes to my troubles. There's a lot of them, and you wouldn't understand.

GT: I do wish I could help. do you think you could at least speak, so i could then listen and nod aimlessly because you cant see me?

TT: That was almost funny, bro.

TT: But my answer is still no.

GT: Are you subliminally rapping?

TT: Nah.

TT: I could if you want, but it would be a half-assed riddle of no one gives a fuck.

GT: Are you hungry?

TT: Why are you asking?

GT: Jade gets a little grumpy when shes hungry. perhaps this could be the case for you?

TT: Oh.

TT: I'm good actually, but I might go out hunting later. It might make me feel better.

GT: Hunting.

TT: Yeah.

TT: Hunting.

TT: As in I go out, track down some food, and eat it.

GT: I know.

GT: But the word hunting gives me chills, its ludicrously barbaric. i mean, you hunt people, dirk!

TT: Well it's that or starve and I'd rather die from something a little less retarded.

GT: I suppose so.

GT: As much as it sounds foolish of me, i would be sad if you died, dirk.

TT: I'm flattered.

TT: That sounded sarcastic because I'd like to lighten the mood. But thanks, I feel the same way.

TT: About you, I mean.

TT: I'm almost positive I wouldn't feel much of anything if I died.

GT: Good one, chap.

GT: So you were asking what i was doing?

TT: I was.

GT: Jane went missing.

TT: Your cousin? The nephil?

GT: Yes, we couldnt find her all day.

TT: By your calm demeanour, I assume you found her eventually.

GT: She was in the attic, looking through old journals and books.

TT: That's strange. I'm guessing that's not her typical behaviour?

GT: Not in the least, chum.

GT: The strangest thing was she was looking through grandpas books on demons.

GT: She looked like she hadnt slept a wink.

TT: You're implying she's plagued by a demon?

GT: Were concerned. but she hasnt said anything. shes with grandma right now, finally getting some sleep.

TT: That does sound like a problem. Did you notice any markings or bites on her? Maybe she was hiding skin she wouldn't normally hide?

GT: Not that i noticed.

TT: She'll be fine.

TT: But it would be best if you kept an eye on her for the next week or two.

GT: Shes not in any danger is she?

TT: I wouldn't think so.

TT: She's been selected out of the group. Whoever is stalking her has made a move but hasn't marked her. That's abnormal.

GT: Marked?

TT: You're like a fucking echo.

GT: Im sorry, chum. im just uneducated in the whole demonology malarkey, its confusing and unfamiliar and it makes me friggin jumpy!

TT: Dude, chill. I can explain if you'd like.

GT: That would be most helpful.

TT: If we favour someone, we mark them.

TT: By your lack of response, I assume you have no idea what I'm talking about again.

GT: Youre enjoying this, aren't you.

GT: Dragging this out is making you giddy as all hell.

TT: You're good company, I like dragging out our conversations.

GT: Oh.

GT: Well, thats nice.

GT: I like you too.

TT: Really?

GT: Of course! you can be rather frustrating at times, but i wouldnt hold that against you, old chum.

GT: So what was this marking business you were on about?

GT: Mate?

TT: Yeah, it's basically like pissing on a tree. Well, that can work too if you get new territory. But we're talking about people here.

TT: Territorial ownership and defence is our main goal. It's all relative.

TT: One good bite will make others leave that person alone, or at least discourage them from trying anything with that person. It's the scent that sticks to it that informs everyone else to fuck off, because that person is therefore favoured by someone already. Although it varies, if someone of greater rank or strength likes someone you marked, they have every right to remark them, if you can't defend them that is. Some marks will be ignored if it's old enough, or if the marker is gone or lost interest in the markee. It's complicated to explain.

GT: Oh i get it.

GT: But Jane doesnt have that.

GT: Does that mean this demon doesnt 'favour' her? isnt this good?

TT: Depends.

TT: Just means he hasn't given her his protection. It's almost an insult.

GT: You think its a he?

TT: Probably.

TT: He either lost interest in her, or she rejected him. Maybe both.

TT: But if she was kept awake and under stress, it likely means he's coming back. She probably rejected him, and he respected that. We prefer a consensual contract for these kind of matters, it makes it easier, and more delightful an experience. Depends which kind of marking you go for really, all are possessive though, in a 'this is mine' kind of way.

GT: But he is coming back.

TT: We can be stubborn.

GT: Dirk.

TT: What?

GT: Would you do that to me?

TT: You mean mark you?

GT: Yes.

TT: If the situation came to pass where we would somehow meet face to face.

GT: Yes?

TT: You do realise this means I'd feed on you, right?

TT: Blood wise.

GT: I believe.

GT: If you were in need of someone to help you out.

GT: I would like to be able to assist you in this regard.

TT: How considerate of you.

TT: There's also the bonding kind of marking, but I don't think your looking for something that intimate.

GT: Um.

GT: So?

TT: I have lots of options, it's not like I go hungry. None of my kind can stay in Houston without my say so. I basically rule the city, so every food source belongs to me.

GT: Oh.

GT: Thats pretty impressive, mate. in a sociopathic sort of way. but if thats what is normal to you people then who am i to judge!

TT: You have no idea you're flirting, do you?

GT: Excuse me?

TT: I don't mind or anything, it's just annoying that you don't realise you're doing it.

GT: I assure you, mate, my intentions are pure! i just want to be a good friend. it gets frustrating being stuck with only your family. i know your a demon and all that, but your the first person ive ever talked to that wasnt related to me.

GT: Youre not related to me are you dirk?

TT: I fucking hope not.

TT: No offence.

TT: And for the record. My answer is yes.

GT: What the fuck?

TT: I would mark you.

GT: OH.

GT: Alright.

GT: Great.

TT: You don't sound pleased.

GT: Im chuffed, mate, really.

TT: If I like what I see, I might even offer a more intimate contract.

TT: This here is the part where I would wink if we were face to face.

GT: Oh now whos flirting!

TT: You started it.

TT: I'm half serious by the way.

GT: You realise im a man, dirk?

TT: I wasn't aware.

TT: I thought I was trying my luck at a pair of tits for once.

TT: See what those are like.

TT: Might even be nice.

TT: All that female anatomic dirty talk and other such heterosexual spunk.

GT: Dirk?

GT: Are you gay?

TT: No shit.

TT: What gave it away?

GT: Dont be like that. im just a little flabbergasted is all. i never gave much thought to you creatures having sexualities similar to humans...

TT: So?

GT: So when youve been saying implicating things to me, you were seriously attempting to flirt?

TT: Half serious.

TT: Interested?

GT: I think...

GT: I need a towel...

TT: Spill something, Jake?

TT: Make a mess?

TT: Need to clean up the evidence before anyone discovers the dirty mess you've made?

TT: Are you blushing from all that embarrassment I just caused you?

TT: Are you busy now?

TT: Must have been a pretty big mess you made, Jake.

TT: Jake?

TT: Hello?

- golgothasTerror [GT] is now offline -

TT: Fuck.

TT: Jake.

TT: Dude.

TT: I was joking.

TT: I'll talk to you later then.

TT: One last piece of advise for your cousin, Jake.

TT: Trust him.

- timaeusTestified [TT] ceased pestering golgathasTerror [GT] at 22:06 -

Dirk rubbed his forehead with a great deal of frustration.

Jake was so fucking stupid sometimes.

Groan.

At least he didn't have to meet him face to face, he would probably put him in a headlock. Or maybe follow up on the marking agenda. It would probably piss Dirk off if someone else did it. But this was all hypothetical. Unless John cared to intercede with the problem of the seal. He likely would, if Dirk asked. Maybe he should?

Dirk jumped up from the bed and stretched upward.

A hunt would be nice, he considered. The last time he fed was two days ago. He was a little peckish. He could go two weeks before he would become really hungry. Three weeks would be agony. A month without feeding would kill him. Dave was young, so he needed to be regularly fed. But the older they got, the longer they could last.

His phone buzzed in his hand, twice.

He stared at it a minute, and sighed.

- tipsyGnostalgic [TG] began pestering timaeusTestified [TT] at 22:08 -

TG: dirk

TG: HRY DIRK

TT: What do you need, Roxy?

TG: djrk!

TG: alas my heuo had arrriced

TG: *hero

TT: *arrived

TG: dont partronise me dirk

TG: i am here onb importnantt busines

TT: Okay.

TG: itz aboyt rosey she had snother prpesy today

TG: fucc

TG: * fucm

TG: *fuck

TT: Rose had another premonition, you mean?

TG: thatd what i said!

TT: And?

TG: i ws gettin to rhat

TG: SHIT

TT: What's wrong?

TG: oh niy dirk

TG: this is some setioys shit

TG: anf i mean serious!

TT: Roxy.

TT: Come on, relax. You're getting really hard to translate.

TG: there was like so much blodd

TG: lots andvlots og ir

TG: dmmut

TT: How much have you had today?

TG: why do you evnem care about my druihnking?

TG: itks not ur problem

TT: No, it's not.

TG: well them dont sasss me dirrl

TG: lol

TG: but hsit dirk i have to talk to you aboiut somethin

TG: rose has ben trippin outh like realy badsly lately

TG: like the lasr fw weeks she haf been ahvin weird dreams and pasiing out and actin difiernt

TG: she told me not top say anhyting because she

- tipsyGnostalgic [TG] is now offline -

TT: Roxy?

TT: Hey, Roxy?

TT: It's been ten minutes already, did something happen?

- tipsyGnostalgic [TG] is now online -

TG: sorry dfirk the catsb are geton a lil bit freaky here

TG: sounbs like they just knocked over a statuie downastairs

TG: wait dikr

TG: were you worried aboiut me?

TT: Of course I was.

TT: Why wouldn't I be?

TG: that is so sweat of you dirk

TG: *sweet

TG: this is why i talk to you you r the sweetest strider EVER

TT: We're family, drunkass.

TG: im no strider strider

TT: Like I've said before, you're still family.

TG: whoever you end upo with will be a lucksy guy

TG: u r the beeest

TT: Adoration aside.

TG: best unclebro ever

TT: Duly noted.

TG: this is why im tellijn you this dirk

TG: mom doesnt do anytin shes just likt itll be fine and dad just doesnt ant to hear shit feom me

TG: u were always thewre thpough you gave a shit

TG: rosey porpbaly thinks shew can change fdate if she doesnt tell us what she sees or somethin

TG: she was all smart tlakin and stuff aoivdin me and i cant watch her go throuhg thuis cause sheas in pain and i knows it

TG: it takes a lpt out of her

TT: You can't help it, Rose sees what she sees.

TT: It's not like she has any control over it.

TT: And she doesn't tell us about her visions because it's near impossible to stop those things happening. It's no use to try and do anything about them. If anything, the more we know, the more we aid in the events of the visions occurring to begin with. Self fulfilling bullshit.

TG: i guess

TG: but she was talkin doorin this one it was liuke she wads havin a panic attkc or somethin

TG: she kept sayin blood blod shas dead he killed her ther all dead all ofnthem

TT: Who killed who?

TT: Well, who is going to kill who?

TG: i dunno dirk but itz nont hood

TG: fuck this stupid writin ffuck faghgaf agagrl rf hrfnghjg

TT: It's fine, Roxy.

TT: Deep breaths.

TG: i lov u dirk

TG: u really r the besr

TG: *best

TG: mom is alwaus busy with sruff and rose is all secrerive

TG: u dont give a skit aboiut my slirun or my dirnkin

TG: well u do but u dont tell me im useles or nnythin ur always like its okay roxy

TG: nodody cars aboot me they think im a stupid slriin drink

TG: ur all i have rihgt now

There was a decent amount of time which passed before Roxy started typing again. Dirk bit his gum as he waited for her to decide what to type after the words TT is typing and TT has stopped typing.

TG: and the cats but they kinds of dont count cause they r cats

TG: :3

TT: You're alright, kid.

TG: dont start the bro crpa qirh me dork

TG: lol

TG: relaly thou we r almost the same age

TG: ur my bro but noy in a creeo sectet dad way

TG: what kis tere like a hungred year diffricne btween us or somethin?

TT: One hundred and forty six.

TG: THERE

TG: we are preety much litter mates

TG: but not

TG: i thikk i have a headhce dirk

TG: whoaaaa

TG: my ehad relaly hurs

TT: Maybe you need a nap.

TT: Is Miss Lalonde there? I need to talk to her.

TG: she wnt out yesterndy

TT: And she's not back yet?

TG: noooo thts kinda wierd dirk she ddoesnt like leavijn the house mcuh

TG: dirk

TG: why is it so quiet?

TG: the cats stoppwd makiin noiuse

TG: dirk

TG: dirk the stairs r crekaing

TG:dirk im scared

TT: Where are you?

TG: im in mu room

TT: Roxy, it's okay.

TG: r they comin dirk?

TG: did they fadsofkj

TG: oh fuck

TT: Roxy.

TG: it wsa jsut rose

TG: we have to go

TG: there herw dirk

TG: he founs us

TT: Roxy, are you all safe?

TG: it

TG: were leavin dirk

TG: i hve to go rose said her girlfirned wil let us stay

TG: its gonna be oakyy right?

TG: i love you dirk

- tipsyGnostalgic [TG] is now offline -

- tipsyGnostalgic [TG] ceased pestering timaeusTestified [TT] at 23:32 -