Thirty-four days. It had been thirty-four days since the disappearance of Eridan Ampora. Not a soul noticed. It just goes to show that people really can forget about you just like that if they hate you enough. Of course, it seemed everyone had a reason to. You killed Feferi and blinded Sollux right in front of Karkat. You also killed Kanaya, but she seemed to come back as a rainbow drinker. You're just as bad as the murderous juggalo who still roams the dream bubbles. You, Eridan, have been imprisoned for these thirty-four days in the direful basement of Sollux Captor. You and Sollux have never gotten along, but you never thought he would stoop this low. It's almost as if he's under the influence of some sort of dark science.
Your hands are chained behind your back and you are on your knees. You've been in this position for what seems like ages. Your rib cage and bones are practically piercing through your skin at this point. At least he's generous enough to give you water now and then, so you're still alive. But you are very malnourished and you could drop dead any moment if you don't get food soon. You hear several creeks coming from the stairs that ring through the silence of the room. Someone is coming down. Of course, it's none other than Captor. In his hands is a plate full of different human morsels. In the state you're in, they all look incredibly appetizing.
SOLLUX: I'm sorry, I completely forgot you were still down here.
ERIDAN: ...
SOLLUX: You should be grateful I came down here to talk to you at all.
ERIDAN: ...
SOLLUX: ... Maybe you should remind me why you're worth keeping alive down here.
ERIDAN: There aren't any reasons you should.
SOLLUX: Oh? So you decided to finally speak?
ERIDAN: Please just get it ovver wwith. Quickly.
SOLLUX: Heh, I'm not going to kill you. Not yet.
After having your head down most of the time he's been here, you lift it and your eyes wander toward the plate of scraps. A smirk appears on his face.
SOLLUX: Huh? Are you hungry?
He throws the entire plate across the room. It splatters all over the floor.
SOLLUX: Go get it then. Crawl over and lick it up like a good pet. Oh wait, I forgot you have chains restricting you! Don't worry. There is some company coming to join us tonight over a meal. If you intend to be good, maybe you can shower with warm water today.
ERIDAN: ...
SOLLUX: I want to show our guest how well-trained you are. So you listen to me, or I'll treat you even worse.
ERIDAN: ...
He walks over slowly. It makes you very anxious, but he ends up walking behind you and unlocking your chains. He hoists you up roughly and leads you up the stairs without another word. You can see a bright, clear night sky outside through the window. You realize now after being trapped for a little over a month that you could have been so much more grateful for the things you had, but you took everything for granted.
Sollux regains your attention as he shoves an outfit into your arms. This outfit consists of an expensive-looking tuxedo and dress pants along with an undershirt and violet tie to go with it.
SOLLUX: I expect you to be dressed and ready by 5:00 o'clock. Don't pull anything funny.
You stay silent as he walks off. Every word that exits his mouth is so cold and bitter. Although you have the perfect chance to escape right now, you think about the many things could go wrong. The main thing on your mind is being caught, no matter if you were to succeed in getting out of the house or not. You decide you don't have the strength to try anyway. Who knew you would come from such a doomed timeline.
You do as Sollux said and start by showering. This is only the second time you've showered in the time you've been here, and you're first experience was hell-like and freezing. To your surprise Sollux wasn't lying when he said he would provide you with a warm shower this time. The warmth soothes your muscles a bit, or what's left of them, but unfortunately due to your malnourishment you don't have the strength to cleanse yourself very well.
You don't want to disappoint Sollux and whoever is coming over, so as much as it embarrasses you, you call out for help. It takes him a few minutes, but he finally enters the room and examines your feeble body up and down.
SOLLUX: What do you want?
ERIDAN: I can't cleanse myself vvery wwell if I don't havve the strength to do anythin'.
SOLLUX: Ugh. So what, you expect me to do it for you?
ERIDAN: If you wwant me to look decent for the "guest," then yes.
SOLLUX: Fine. Just this once.
He gives a disgusted look but comes closer nevertheless and cleanses your body. He's very rough about it, as he has been rough with everything, and the pressure he's applying hurts somewhat. You ask as politely as you can for him to be more gentle. He scoffs.
SOLLUX: You don't get to decide anything, understood? I make the rules and you obey them. I can do what I want and you can't resist.
You let out a small sigh. After saying this he turns off the water and pushes you back to the wall with swift movements. He steps in the bathtub in which you stand and looms in front of you.
SOLLUX: And when I say I can do whatever I want... I mean...
You let out a small whimper as he grabs a hold on your bone bulge. He smirks and comes close to your ear, whispering.
SOLLUX: I can do whatever I want...
His body stays close to yours as his hand begins gently stroking. You try to resist by putting your hands out but he forces them above your head with his powers. You end up giving in and let out soft moans as he continues. It doesn't help that you are already warm and wet from the shower, but now you're beginning to sweat. His gemini t-shirt sticks to you as his hand caresses your shaft sweetly. For once in the thirty-four days you've been at the Captor residence it doesn't seem like he really means any harm.
His hand starts to move quicker and a bit harder as you bite your bottom lip. By this time, you're violet member is erected. As he continues, your lip eventually ends up bleeding. A violet streak of blood drips from the small wound. Sollux leans toward you, his face just inches away from yours. His snake-like tongue exits his mouth and licks up the blood emitting from your face. With one final thrust of your bone bulge, you let out a larger moan as a small line of semen squirts mostly onto Sollux's shirt and a small part of his pants.
He steps away from you and frees your hands from his power's grasp. He pulls his shirt out in front of him and examines it. He lets out a small sigh and shakes his head. You fear you've done something wrong, and feel as though you are going to be punished. Perhaps he's going to let you starve to death now? Or maybe die of dehydration? Maybe he'll just kill you out of his own will. You wait anxiously for some sort of response from him.
SOLLUX: Look what you've done...
He steps out of the tub and walks toward the door, his job being done as he did indeed cleanse you for the most part.
SOLLUX: I still expect you ready by 5:00 o'clock. So get to it.
He exits the bathroom. You feel your sins crawling on your back. He makes you feel like such a pathetic, hopeless lowblood. You shouldn't be getting treated like this. You should be ruling over HIM. You should have switched roles with him when you had the chance...
Although Sollux did wash you off, you feel dirty once more and decide to quickly rinse yourself again. You get out of the shower and dry off, putting on the uniform provided soon after. You check yourself out in the mirror to make sure you look okay. You look pretty scrawny and your cheek bones are a lot more defined than usual, but otherwise you suppose you look somewhat decent. You plug in a blow dryer and quickly dry your hair this way. Unfortunately, the color of your violet streak is fading a bit because it hasn't been given the proper care for about a month, but that's the least of your worries for the time being.
You search the cabinets for some pomade to finish off your hair style, but all you can find is hair gel. You normally don't use gel because it's water-based and it simply weighs everything down, but you manage to somehow make it work. You exit the bathroom after about thirty minutes of working on your hair. It seems to be a quarter till 5:00 o'clock now.
Sollux is sitting on the couch with his legs crossed. He seems to be wearing a new shirt and pair of pants, but it's nothing special. It's just his normal gemini shirt and dark gray pants.
ERIDAN: Wwhy do I havve to wwear this?
SOLLUX: Because you're going to be the waiter, in a sense.
ERIDAN: I thought you said I wwas goin' to get a meal.
SOLLUX: You are. I said you were going to be the waiter, "in a sense." You're simply going to serve the food and then you can come sit at the table while eating and socializing with the guest and I.
ERIDAN: Wwho is comin' ovver anywway?
SOLLUX: That's for me to know and you to find out.
ERIDAN: Fine. So is the food already prepared or wwould you like me to do that as wwell?
SOLLUX: That won't be necessary. I already made everything while you were getting ready.
You casually nod as the two of you wait for the supposed guest to arrive. It doesn't take that long as the person seems to arrive early. A couple knocks are heard from the front door as your eyes and Sollux's meet. He gives you a glare as if telling you to let the person in as he clears his throat and nods his head toward the door. You silently do what he gestures you to and open the door to greet the guest.
ERIDAN: Hello-... Kar?
It seems to be none other than the cancer troll himself, Karkat. You appear to be the only one wearing a tuxedo, which doesn't make you feel bad, but it doesn't make you feel good either.
KARKAT: Eridan? What the fuck are you doing here?
You glance back at Sollux for a moment and find him giving you another menacing glare. This one seems to be saying, "You better not mess this up or else." You quickly return your line of sight to Karkat and after a few seconds of silence, you clear your throat and avoid his question.
ERIDAN: Please, come in.
You step out of the way and Karkat walks around you suspiciously. It's obvious he can tell something is up. Maybe it's because your the only one wearing a tux. Or maybe he can just tell how boney you appear to be. He walks over to Sollux and you close the door quietly.
KARKAT: Hey.
SOLLUX: Sup, KK.
The two exchange a close yet somewhat awkward hug. You wonder why they seem so stiff as they embrace each other. Perhaps it's because you're standing there? Or maybe there is some other unknown reason. Karkat puts his hands in his pockets.
KARKAT: So, thanks for inviting me over...
SOLLUX: No problem.
KARKAT: Is there any specific reason you did?
SOLLUX: Not really. I just wanted to catch up with you a bit. Maybe have a meal together. It has been a pretty long time since we last did something like this.
KARKAT: Heh, we've never done something like this...! I've never even been to your hive before. I think you mean this is the first time since Sgrub that we've got to relax somewhat with no drama.
SOLLUX: Yeah...
A smile appears on his face for a moment, but then disappears as he looks at you. He clears his throat once more.
SOLLUX: Um... ED? Would you like to go to the kitchen and heat all the food up? I'm sure it's gotten a bit cold by now.
Karkat turns his attention toward you as you nod to Sollux and walk to the kitchen. In the living room you hear the two mumbling back and forth, but you can't identify what they're saying. On the kitchen table is a homemade grubloaf covered in tangy, golden grub sauce with a bowl of tuber paste beside it. Your mouth can't help but water a bit. You take out a spoon and mix the tuber paste. You taste-test it in a small spoonful and decide to put it in the microwave for a minute.
It tastes exceptionally good considering you haven't ate the whole time you've been at Sollux's hive. As you set the timer on the microwave, you feel the presence of someone walking in behind you. You fear it may be Sollux, but as you turn around you notice it's merely Karkat. Your dead fish-like eyes meet his somewhat lively ones, and your eyebrows seem to droop in a way that looks like even they have given up hope. You let out a soft sigh and look away, a bit embarrassed considering how repulsive you feel.
ERIDAN: Hey, Kar...
He doesn't say a word. Instead he walks closer to you. You find yourself looking back at him in curiosity. He's never this quiet. His soft, concerned eyes seem to be hard to resist and you find yourself getting lost in them. You almost even get the feeling everything is going to be okay, as if simply looking at him has made you regain some of your will to live. He lifts his hand up to gently touch your cheek, which suddenly breaks you out of your enchantment and makes you flinch back. You didn't realize how jumpy you really were.
He refrains a bit, but then softly lands his hand upon your face. You find yourself easing the tension that had suddenly come upon you as he begins quietly 'shooshing' you to calm your nerves.
KARKAT: Shhh... It's okay. I'm not going to hurt you.
His eyes seem to once again capture your attention. Why is he doing this? Surely he feels some sort of hatred or vengeance toward you. But this is neither of those. This is actual, legitimate concern. You notice a tear drip down his cheek as he stares into your eyes. He suddenly hugs you tightly, burying his face into your chest.
KARKAT: God damn it, I told you the next time I saw you that violet blood of yours would be coming out of your body but-... I didn't mean it. You had me worried sick, you asshole!
His words end up leaving you speechless. He steps back and looks up at you, though his arms remain wrapped around your small waist. He looks down as more tears fall down his cheeks, his face becoming somewhat red.
KARKAT: I- I mean... When I saw what Kanaya had done I-... I thought it was probably for the best anyway, but... I didn't realize how close of a friend you actually were to me until... Later...
The microwave goes off, signaling that the tuber paste is finished, but you ignore it. You lift Karkat's head gently and you wipe the tears from his eyes. This time it's your turn to comfort him.
ERIDAN: Shh, it's okay... You don't havve to explain anythin'...
KARKAT: What happened to you? How long have you been here?
ERIDAN: I... Probably shouldn't say...
KARKAT: You better fucking tell me. I'm crying over you right now.
ERIDAN: J-Just... Please don't tell Sol I told you any of this, alright?
KARKAT: Why shouldn't I?
ERIDAN: Just don't. Please.
You take a deep breath and exhale quietly. Your eyes close for a moment in preparation, and then reopen full of slight anxiety.
ERIDAN: I havve been here for thirty-four days, so a little ovver a month. I havven't ate anythin' evver since I came here in the first place and I've only showwered twwice, one of those times bein' today. For nearly the wwhole time I'vve been here I'vve been chained in the basement, and today... T-Today I...
You begin thinking of what happened today in the shower and how Sollux took advantage of you. Even if what he did could be considered something minor it still manages to get you flustered. Karkat seems to notice this and brings himself close to you in another embrace. This causes a light shade of violet to spread across your pale cheeks. This time you return his gesture and hug back with all the might you have left. Silence fills the room until he finally speaks up.
KARKAT: I'm going to fix this... Okay?
ERIDAN: Kar, please... You don't havve to-
KARKAT: Yes, I do! And there's nothing you can do to change my mind...!
You once again let out a small sigh. You feel so pathetic since you can't even do anything to stop him. You give him a small nod. He retreats his arms away from your waist and wraps them around your neck instead. He pulls you down a bit and stands on his tippy-toes, reaching up and giving you a quick but sweet kiss on the forehead. You can't help but blush a bit. This is probably the most color your face has had since you came here.
Speaking of which, you can't seem to recall how you even got here in the first place, and how you've ended up as Sollux's laughing stalk. Your mind starts to wonder a bit until your thoughts are broken with the feeling of Karkat pulling his arms away. He gives you a somewhat comforting smile and then proceeds to walk back into the living room.
You almost forgot why you came to the kitchen in the first place, and then you remember you put the tuber paste in the microwave. You're probably going to have to warm it up again considering it's just been sitting in there. You set the timer for another thirty seconds and once thats done you put the grubloaf in for a minute. You take out three plates from the cabinets and set one piece of grubloaf and a spoonful of tuber paste on each one. You're tempted to give yourself a little bit of extras, but you decide thats probably not the best idea.
You take one of the plates and balance it on your left forearm. You take the other two plates in your hands and walk into the dining room. The dining room table already seems to be set up. On each side there is one chair. You bring the plates of food to three of the seats and reposition some of the silver wear so you don't disappoint. After making sure everything looks neat and tidy, you walk into the living room and notify Karkat and Sollux that everything is ready. You step to the side as to allow them to pass you and be the first to pick out their seats, and Sollux gladly takes your offer.
He walks passed you and picks one of the seats on the ends, but as Karkat walks up he stops beside you and gestures for you to go in front of him. You refuse by gently shaking your head and he lets out a frustrated sigh, but doesn't make you. He picks the seat in the middle leaving you to sit on the end directly in front of Sollux. You look down at your plate of food, hungry as ever. Sollux is the first to start cutting into his grubloaf and eating it which leads you and Karkat to do the same. The whole atmosphere seems kind of awkward.
KARKAT: So, Sollux. How long have you and Eridan been getting along?
SOLLUX: Hm? Uh...
You seem to be pleasantly engrossed in your food until you hear your name. Sollux looks as through he's just been hit with a hard question and he's trying to come up with an answer fast. Suddenly a smile appears on his face and he relaxes a bit.
SOLLUX: Well, it happened about a month ago. Now, I wouldn't say we're getting along all the time, but we have our moments. It all started when I went to visit FF in her dream bubble. If you're familiar with the bubbles, you would know that ED's hive is in the same one. Unfortunately, things with FF just aren't working out as well as they used to, but we're still friends. It was at this time that ED came over. Heh, for once it wasn't even to flirt, but instead to apologize for what he did in the veil. FF forgave him after a bit of hesitation, so I decided that maybe I should do the same. So this all led to us being in a kismesis relationship today.
ERIDAN: Wwait, wwhat?
You didn't mean to speak up, but hearing Sollux say your in a "kismesis relationship" with him nearly made you choke on your food. He glares at you with a crooked smile. His face looks as though he could snap at any moment. He clears his throat.
SOLLUX: Is there something you have to say?
Karkat looks back and forth between you and Sollux. He can tell he shouldn't have asked what he did. He quickly tries to think of another question to regain Sollux's attention and save your ass from having to answer him.
KARKAT: Uh... So why didn't things work out with Feferi?
Sollux sighs and looks back at Karkat. He begins relaxing once more.
SOLLUX: Eh, it's one of those things I just couldn't control, ya know? Besides, me and AA are kinda starting to hit it off again. Now that she's not a ghost, or a frogsprite, or a robot.
KARKAT: Ah, I see. Well that's nice.
Now that he got off the topic of you for a moment to let Sollux cool down, he proceeds to question him more hoping to somehow get some sort of information. You decide to stay silent this time to avoid getting in trouble again.
KARKAT: So, let me get this straight. You said that you and Eridan are black for each other?
SOLLUX: Yep.
KARKAT: But I thought you told me you would "never be in a relationship with that asshole."
Sollux pauses for a moment, although he's managing himself fairly well considering all the lies he's telling.
SOLLUX: Well, yeah. I did. But that was before. This is now. I mean, you know ever since I was blinded I have been a lot more okay with everything.
KARKAT: Yeah... But you're no longer blind...
SOLLUX: How do you know that?
KARKAT: Well, you died. That's why you have your own dream bubble. And if you're dead that means that you would have you're sight back because you weren't always blind... Right?
SOLLUX: You don't know that...
He looks away from Karkat to the floor. His voice had suddenly become bitter with his last sentence. It was almost like the voice he uses with you.
KARKAT: Well, how about this. Can you use your powers?
SOLLUX: No...
You know that's a lie. You give him a silent glare. He returns your look and suddenly stands, slamming his hands on the table.
SOLLUX: If you have something to say, go ahead and fucking say it! I dare you!
Your ears fold back as a shiver is sent rushing down your spine. Although you admit to yourself he does scare you, that's merely because you don't have anything to defend yourself with. But a part of you is tempted to keep aggravating him. That way he may reveal he is lying. Karkat stands up and holds his hands out in front of him toward Sollux.
KARKAT: Alright now, there's no reason to start any fights while I'm here.
SOLLUX: ...
Sollux lets out another sigh and sits back down. Karkat does the same.
SOLLUX: I apologize.
An awkward silence fills the room for several moments. You look down at your plate and find yourself becoming full already. It looks like you've barely touched it. You didn't realize how much your stomach has actually shrunk.
KARKAT: So... I was thinking... What if Eridan came over to my hive for a little while? I mean, it seems like you guys have been catching up a lot but I've hardly seen him.
You look up to see what Sollux's reaction will be. He stays silent. You look back down and end up playing with your food, mashing it around with your fork.
SOLLUX: Well... I guess that would be alright...
Your ears perk up at his answer. This could be your chance. Your chance to regain strength. Your chance to regain dignity. Your chance to regain the weight you lost. But this isn't right. With what Sollux has done to you, he can't just be giving up so easily. Surely there's a catch. What is he really planning? It seems as though even Karkat is a bit surprised by his answer.
KARKAT: Really? I mean- alright.
The rest of the meal remains pretty awkward. After Sollux and Karkat finish their food, it leaves you to clean everything up. You gather up the plates and take them to the kitchen. Yours is the only one with food remaining on it, so you throw it in the trash. You put the plates in the sink and put the left overs in a couple containers. You put them in the hunger trunk and then proceed to wash and dry your hands.
After you finish this, you start to feel as though your losing your breath. It's almost as if someone is choking you. You reach your hands up to try to loosen whatever it is that is doing this to you, but find nothing to grab. Instead you find yourself getting shocked by some sort of electrical current. You're suddenly flung around to find this electric power is coming straight from the golden blood himself.
He walks closer and replaces the power with his hands instead. He squeezes tightly making you gag and wheeze.
SOLLUX: You ignorant BITCH!
Your sight becomes blurry and you begin losing consciousness when you hear the mumbling of someone yelling, "STOP!" The grasp around your neck is released and you fall to the ground. Your vision starts coming back slowly as you start coughing. You hear the swift "crack" of one person smacking another and one of the two trolls kneels beside you. You're breathing heavily as you notice it's Karkat. He's saying something, but you can't really make it out. Your ears have started ringing.
You stumble up to your feet with the help of him supporting you. He grasps your hand tightly as you wobble a bit and he angrily glares at Sollux. Sollux seems to be staring off into space while resting his hand upon his left cheek.
KARKAT: I can't BELIEVE you would do this! This isn't kismitude! Or at least not a healthy relationship of it! You're not suppose to actually try and bring fatal harm to your partner! That's just- being a total dick! Not that I fucking believed you in the first place...
SOLLUX: ...
KARKAT: Come on, Eri. Let's go.
Karkat leads you out the front door leaving no more words to be said. He takes you into a different dream bubble, one in which you've never seen before. You assume it's his own. He leads you up to a hive that sits within the bubble and invites you in. You gladly except his offer. It's not the coziest hive you've ever seen, but your not complaining. Not after coming from Sollux's hellhole. Karkat walks in after you and closes the door. He crosses his arms and sighs.
KARKAT: I have to admit, at first I didn't really know just how believable your story actually was. I'm not calling you a liar or anything, it just didn't seem like something Sollux would do... But I guess I've never been able to understand your guy's "relationship." Sollux has always been my close friend, so... I guess it was just hard to believe he would stoop this low...
ERIDAN: It's alright... I understand. I guess it wwould sound a bit outrageous from the wway I put it.
KARKAT: Listen...
He seems to start getting flustered. He points at you as if to look more serious, and begins blushing as he speaks.
KARKAT: You're going to be staying here, at my hive, until you're healthy enough to take care of yourself again. And who knows how long that will be. So you better get fucking comfortable.
ERIDAN: Wwell, can wwe at least stop by my hivve so I can grab some more comfortable clothes?
KARKAT: Right...
He takes a deep breath trying to regroup and follows you out the door. You realize he probably doesn't know where your hive is, so this time you get to lead him. You examine what bubble you're in at the moment and find a way to jump to your own bubble. You step onto the sandy island which holds your ship wreck you call "home." You walk over and open the front door, only to be blasted with cool air that smells like the sea.
The air sends a shiver down your spine as you walk inside. Karkat follows you awkwardly. There seems to be an eerie silence that fills the room, but it's nothing you're not used to. You walk to your room as the creaking sound of your door opening breaks the silence for a moment. You stand there for a moment, taking it all in. A part of you felt like you would never see this place again. You look around and walk in further, slowly. The room seems a bit dead without your lusus. Man, as much as you hate to admit it you actually miss your lusus.
You walk over to your closet and mindlessly open it, only to be pummeled by all your old wizard junk. You fall to the ground from the force as wands and wizard antiques fall into your lap and onto the floor.
ERIDAN: Gah-! Fuck...
You wonder why you even still have all this stuff. It was all kiddy play-time shit anyway. Karkat looks over after hearing you call out and rolls his eyes. He walks over and moves the wands and antiques away from your lap and to the side. In the process, he accidentally brushes against your crotch with his hand which makes you blush and wince a bit. He realizes what he did and a light shade of candy red flushes across his cheeks.
KARKAT: Uh... M-My bad... I didn't mean to-...
He shakes it off and helps you up. From your closet he grabs several shirts and pants and a couple scarves and capes. He hands you one of each.
KARKAT: Go change into these and meet me outside when your done, okay?
You nod and walk to the bathroom. You close the door, place the clothes on the counter, and then proceed to take off your tuxedo and dressy clothes. You throw them to the side for the time being and examine yourself in the mirror. Your body looks terrible. You put on your regular clothes and grab the clothes Sollux gave you in your arms, but you feel like your missing something...
Oh! You remember you should probably take some items to fix your hair up. You search through the cabinets and grab some violet hair dye and pomade, and then exit the bathroom. You walk back to your room and quickly throw the dressy clothes onto the floor. You'll pick them up later. You just don't have the energy to pick everything up right now. You meet Karkat outside.
KARKAT: Your seriously bringing that stuff with you?
ERIDAN: Yes, Kar. My body already looks like shit, so I could at least make my face and hair look good. I mean, really. Considerin' all the wweight I'vve lost evven YOUR clothes wwould probably fit me.
You look down at your shirt which is pretty baggy on you. It's suppose to be tight and form-fitting. You look back up at Karkat who scrunches up his nose.
KARKAT: Oh- shut the fuck up! I'm not that small, lord asshole! Ugh, come on. Let's get back to my hive.
You can't help but think it's sort of cute that he tries to act so tough when really it's totally obvious he's a softy. The two of you travel through the dream bubbles back to Karkat's hive and go inside.
KARKAT: Look, my hive isn't as big as yours whatsoever, so long story short there's... Only one bedroom. I-It's pretty big though, and it takes up practically the whole upstairs. So just- put your stuff up in my room.
A blush spreads across his face as he looks away in embarrassment. You understand and walk upstairs, placing your extra clothes in Karkat's room. You take your hair dye and pomade to the bathroom and figure you might as well do this now. You take the dye out of it's box. You had already made the mixture prior to this, and you also happened to put a pair of gloves in the box. You put on the gloves and apply the dye on your faded streak. You make sure to rub it in good.
After about 20 minutes, you finally wash the dye out and your hair looks as good as new. You clean up the mess you've made and blow dry your hair. After completing all the steps you had to take, you apply your pomade to style your hair and walk back downstairs to Karkat.
KARKAT: Geez, it took you long enough.
ERIDAN: Yeah, I knoww. I wwas doin' my hair.
KARKAT: I figured.
You sit down next to him on the couch. He appears to be watching one of his rom-com movies. You honestly think the movies are kind of cheesy and shitty, but that's just your opinion.
KARKAT: Hey, can I get you anything to eat? I mean, I know it hasn't been that long but... Ya know.
ERIDAN: Hm? Oh, I'm alright, for noww.
You close your eyes for a moment, but when you reopen them you see Karkat on his hands and knees leaning toward you. Who knew he could move so quickly. His body comes close to yours as his breath brushes across your cheek. His soft, sweet words ring around your head.
KARKAT: Are you sure~?
ERIDAN: I... Uh...
A tinge of violet spreads across your cheeks. Is he coming onto you? You don't really know what to say... Or what to do for that matter.
KARKAT: Eridan~?
ERIDAN: Hm?
KARKAT: Hello? Earth to Eridan!
ERIDAN: Wwait, wwhat?
You shake your head and realize you were simply day dreaming. Karkat is sitting in the same spot he was before and is giving you a weird look.
KARKAT: Um... Are you okay?
You begin blushing a bit in embarrassment. You've never actually had anybody witness you day dreaming. You smile nervously and try to shake it off.
ERIDAN: Er- yeah...
You find yourself waking up on the couch of the living room. You must have dozed off while watching Karkat's movie. All the lights are turned off and so is the television, and Karkat is no where to be found. You get up and look around.
ERIDAN: Kar...?
You begin walking upstairs. The house is honestly pretty creepy at night, but you assume Karkat already went to bed. You open the bedroom door and find an empty recuperacoon, but that seems to be the only thing in the room. Everything else is missing, even the extra clothes you brought.
ERIDAN: Kar, are you ther-...? Mph-!
You walk slowly into the room until someone grabs your face and kisses you somewhat passionately. Your eyes fly open from surprise and you realize the troll that is kissing you is none other than the troll you've been searching for, Karkat. You close your eyes slowly.
ERIDAN: Mmm~... Hm? Kar?
You open your eyes when Karkat suddenly breaks the kiss and backs away. He stands there silently for a moment, and then gives you a soulless glare. It seems as though he's gone from almost romantically irresistible to... Whatever this is.
ERIDAN: Kar? Wwhat's wwrong? Did I... Do somethin'...?
Silence fills the room. It's almost like a silence that fills you with loneliness, a loneliness that is simply unbearable. He takes a step forward and places his hands on your shoulders. They're blazing hot... It almost feels like they're burning you. You scrunch up your nose and wince a bit.
ERIDAN: Ow! Kar- that... T-That burns!
He doesn't remove his hands. They seem to have burned holes through your shirt and are now coming into contact with your skin. You reach your hands out and try to push him away, but you're just not strong enough. You close your eyes tightly, hoping he will just listen to you.
ERIDAN: KAR-!
You hear a soft growl as you begin shaking somewhat violently.
KARKAT: Eridan, wake the fuck up!
ERIDAN: Gah!
Your eyes open widely. The burning sensation in your arms begins slowly fading but your breathing becomes heavy. You realize it was all just a dream that turned into a nightmare.
KARKAT: Can you get your hands off my face?
You look around and realize your head is resting on Karkat's lap. Your hands are pushing his head away, so you slowly put them down and apologize shakily. You must have done that when you were trying to push Karkat away in your nightmare. He puts his hand on your arm gently trying to sooth you. You begin calming down and he speaks in a comforting tone.
KARKAT: Are you alright?
You give a small nod, but you're too flustered speak.
KARKAT: What happened?
You continue shaking lightly but allow yourself to calm down a bit more. You finally explain briefly.
ERIDAN: N-N-Nothing... I-It wwas just a nightmare.
You don't want to explain the dream. It was honestly kind of terrifying. You hope these nightmares don't become a regular thing. You take a deep breath and sit up. The television is off, and the lights are dim.
ERIDAN: Did you finish the movvie or somethin'?
KARKAT: Nah, I just turned it off so you could sleep better. Obviously that wouldn't really help anything if you had a nightmare though.
ERIDAN: Yeah...
KARKAT: It's gotten kind of late now. You were out for a while. Wanna go upstairs?
ERIDAN: Sure.
The two of you stand and walk upstairs to Karkat's room. Karkat goes to his closet and grabs a pair of shorts and a t-shirt with his gray cancer symbol on it.
KARKAT: I'll be back, okay?
You nod and he exits the room. You assume those are the clothes he sleeps in. You take off your cape and fold it. You put it to the side with your other clothes and take off your scarf and glasses. Karkat returns a few moments later and stretches. His back makes a couple cracks.
KARKAT: Nghh~... Never seen you without all your... Hipster facade shit.
ERIDAN: Heh, and I've nevver seen you wwithout your sweater.
Karkat shrugged lightly. He seemed too tired to care.
ERIDAN: So wwhy didn't you just go to bed a wwhile ago?
KARKAT: ... I just- didn't want to disturb you, alright? Don't think about it too much...
He lets out a small, frustrated sigh. It doesn't really seem like he's frustrated at you, but more at himself. He changes the topic.
KARKAT: So are you going to sleep or not?
ERIDAN: Eh, I don't think so. Not right noww.
KARKAT: Well I am. Look- you can... Scoot into my recuperacoon whenever you want. I-I mean if that's what you want to do...! If you're comfortable with that... Fuck, you know what I mean!
He seems to get a bit flustered and you notice a light blush spread across his face. You can't help but think it's kind of cute. He walks over and gets into his recuperacoon. You grab your phone which is sitting upon your extra clothing and decide to follow and get in with him, even though you don't plan on going back to sleep yet. It's a bit of a tight squeeze, since it's only designed for one troll, but at the same time you find it comfortable. You don't even remember the last time you slept in a recuperacoon, but the sopor slime eases your muscles.
Karkat's warm body presses against yours. The feeling you have is something you've never really felt before. It's dawned on you that maybe Karkat actually cares about you, at least as a friend. Maybe you're not alone. Not anymore. You look over and see Karkat is already out cold. You lean over and give him a soft kiss on the cheek. You make your voice into a soft whisper as to not wake him.
ERIDAN: Thanks... For evverything...
You would never have the courage to do something like that while he was awake. After all the times you've been rejected and dumped, it's not as easy for you to flirt anymore. Either way, Karkat gives you a different feeling. Something you've never really felt before. You just don't know how to explain it. As you keep your eyes on him for a moment, you see the corners of his mouth turn up ever so slightly. You can't help but smile in return.
You turn your attention to your phone and stare at it blankly for a moment. It feels like it's been ages since you were last on it, but you don't expect anything special. To your surprise, when you turn it on you see multiple messages from... Feferi. You unlock your phone and read what she wrote.
--[CC] cuttlefishCuller began trolling [CA] caligulasAquarium--
CC: )(---EY -ERIDAN! 38D
CC: Betc)(a ya didn't expect a message from me, )(u)(?
CC: )(e)(, not to make you feel anemonymore terribubble but I don't even know )(ow I managed to bring MYS)(-ELF to message you.
CC: But... We W---ER-E once moirails, rig)(t?
CC: And I t)(oug)(t you krilled Sollux at t)(e time, but turns out you merely knock )(im out...!
CC: -Even t)(ough you did krill me...
CC: But N-EV-ERT)(-EL-ESS!
CC: I t)(ink we s)(ould catc)( up sometime.
CC: Maybe you could even apologize for w)(at )(appened in t)(e veil? By c)(ance?
CC: Anemonyway, text me back w)(en you get the c)(ance, alright?
CC: I'll talk to you LAT-ER!
CC: BY---E! 38D
--[CC] cuttlefishCuller ceased trolling [CA] caligulasAquarium--
You exit out of this conversation and go to the next one. There appears to be three all together.
--[CC] cuttlefishCuller began trolling [CA] caligulasAquarium--
CC: )(ey again, -Eridan!
CC: It's been about a week and you still )(aven't answered my last text so... I guess I'm trying again.
CC: Are you mad at me or somefin?
CC: Because Sollux said even )(e's seen you, and )(e told me you guys are starting to get along!
CC: )(e said you were doing pretty good but... I kind of want to
)(ear t)(at from you...
CC: It's not t)(at I don't trust Sollux, t)(oug)(! But... )(e's been acting really strange lately.
CC: It's almost as if )(e's just... C)(anged.
CC: Course, I guess everyone c)(anges over time...
CC: U)(, anemonyway, I )(OP-E you get t)(ese messages and text me back soon!
CC: BY-E!
--[CC] cuttlefishCuller ceased trolling [CA] caligulasAquarium--
You exit this conversation and go to the final, most recent one.
--[CC] cuttlefishCuller began trolling [CA] caligulasAquarium--
CC: Please.
CC: Please respond.
CC: I'm worried about you.
CC: I mean, I know I shouldn't be. Especially after all the things you've done to hurt me and our fellow friends.
CC: But I know something's up.
CC: I can't put my finger on exactly what though. All I know is Sollux has gotten worse to the point he is sending me death threats.
CC: I mean, I know we're already dead but in the dream bubbles it's still possible to wipe someone from existence if you try hard enough.
CC: Please just message me and tell me your okay.
CC: Send me SOMETHING. ANYTHING to reassure me.
CC: Please...
--[CC] cuttlefishCuller ceased trolling [CA] caligulasAquarium--
This is so abnormal to you. You didn't realize how much Feferi would actually care. She even dropped her ridiculous typing quirk and fish puns in her last message. You hope she's okay. You guess even though you're no longer moirails, you can still be concerned for each other. You attempt to text her back even though the messages are somewhat expired.
--[CA] caligulasAquarium began trolling [CC] cuttlefishCuller--
CA: hey fef
CA: long time no... "sea" i guess
CA: sorry it took me so long to respond
CA: ill explain later
CA: anywway do you wwant to do somethin tomorrow?
CA: maybe i could meet at your hivve?
You were originally going to end the message but Feferi actually responds. You're surprised she's still awake.
CC: ---ERIDAN!
CC: S)(ore! We could do somefin like that! 38D
CC: Sea you tomorrow t)(en?
CA: sure
CA: see you tomorrow
--[CA] caligulasAquarium ceased trolling [CC] cuttlefishCuller--
You exit your texting app and look at the time. Only about twenty minutes have passed, but you hope that's been enough time to erase that nightmare you had from your mind. As you put your phone to the side, you feel Karkat grasp your arm. You look over at him and he seems to now be smiling like an idiot. You can't help but chuckle a bit as you make yourself comfortable again and end up falling asleep.
The next morning you wake up feeling refreshed. That was the first night in a month you actually got good sleep. Karkat appears to still be sleeping so you step out of the recuperacoon carefully attempting not to disturb him. You walk over to your extra clothes and realize you left a trail of sopor slime footprints across the floor behind you, so you clean up the mess you've made and change into fresh clothing. You finish off your look by putting on your glasses and fixing your hair. You decide since Karkat is still asleep, maybe now is the best time to visit Feferi. Surely he wouldn't mind right?
You go downstairs and exit the hive. It doesn't take you too long to find your dream bubble and like Sollux said, Feferi's hive is in the same one. You fly over the ocean using your princely aspect powers and arrive at her hive. Unlike you, she actually has a castle, but you can't really complain. She is the highest on the hemospectrum, so she kind of deserves it. You knock on the door and wait for a response. It takes her a couple moments, but the minute she opens the door she practically flings herself at you. You flinch a bit in surprise.
ERIDAN: Wwoah, Fef...!
You almost push her away gently, but you feel a bit of pity for her and end up hugging back slowly and lightly. She backs away.
FEFERI: Er- sorry. Uh, please come in!
She steps out of the way so you can walk in and you casually accept her gesture. She closes the door behind you and dashes to the kitchen. She seems really jittery, but you suppose that's nothing unusual for her. She comes back with two cups of tea and hands you one. The warmth on your hands feels nice. She sits down next to you and takes a sip of her tea.
FEFERI: I made your favorite. Remember when you told me that one time? You said it was green tea with a pinch of sugar... And you said you enjoyed it because it made you feel relaxed, but you never really got to drink it that often...
You look at her and give a small nod. You honestly hate thinking about the conversations you had with her in the past because it merely reminds you that you two are no longer moirails. You try not to let it bother you much anymore though.
ERIDAN: Hey, Fef, I wwanted to apologize for not respondin' to your texts sooner.
FEFERI: Oh! It's alright, I understand.
She looks away for a moment as if she's thinking about something, but then returns her attention to you. She puts on a fake smile.
FEFERI: So what was the problem?
ERIDAN: Uh, er- it's hard to explain.
FEFERI: Oh, come on! You can tell me! We WERE once moirails, weren't we?
The way she's acting has made you a bit suspicious. She's normally jittery, but not this jittery. This is also the second time she's said the line, "we were once moirails." Is she trying to hint at something?
ERIDAN: Wwell, yeah I guess but... I just shouldn't.
FEFERI: Why?
ERIDAN: I'vve just been busy, alright?
You begin getting a bit defensive and you realize your mistake, so you apologize. Feferi nods silently.
FEFERI: So, are you going to try your tea?
ERIDAN: Hm? Oh, yeah, maybe.
FEFERI: Maybe? Oh, come on! I worked hard to make that tea especially for you!
ERIDAN: Fine, fine. If you insist.
You take a sip of your tea. You don't really understand what's so spectacular about it. It just tastes like any regular, old, store-bought tea. Except there's something off about it... The taste is somewhat salty and chemically. You put your cup down on the table in front of you. The flavor is really starting to hit you and it gives you a headache.
FEFERI: Well~? How is it?
ERIDAN: It's uh... Um...
You begin feeling sick to your stomach and your throat is burning. What the hell was in that tea? You raise your hand to your head and feel as though you could pass out at any moment. As you try to remain conscious, she gives you an innocent smile as if nothing is happening to you. You cough dryly a couple times and then begin seeing blood come up with the continuing coughs. You reach in your pocket and search for your phone so you can send Karkat a quick text before you pass out, but it's not there. You must have left it at his hive. It doesn't take too much more time until you find yourself falling unconscious.
Your heart beats in and out of your chest. You wake up groggily in extreme pain. What happened while you were out? Did Karkat end up realizing you were missing and come to get you? Your question is quickly answered when you realize your heart IS beating in and out of your chest... Literally. You are lying down upon a cool, metal table and your hands and feet are strapped down. As you look downward you see why you're in so much pain. Your body has been cut into and your ribcage is showing. Violet blood is drenched everywhere and it's a miracle you're still somehow existing.
No one is in the room except for you. You can't move. Your body has been through too much trauma. You don't even have the strength to scream. The only way you can express your pain is by the violet tears streaming down your cheeks. Surely Karkat has realized you're missing by now, and he's on his way right this second. Or maybe you were wrong and he doesn't really care. You imagine you were just wrong and what he was doing before was all just an act. But where are you anyway? The only light in the room is a dim one above shining right on you. That is... Dim until it starts becoming brighter to the point it could nearly blind you.
You close your eyes tightly until you hear someone walk into the room. Your eyes end up adjusting to the bright light and you see a figure walk up to the table you're laying upon. He stands there for a moment silently and then leans into the light. His face is pure white and completely circular; and he's wearing a green undershirt with a bow tie. His voice echoes through the room with a tone that says if he had a face, he would be smirking.
Well, well, well... You're finally awake.
You try to speak but end up coughing instead. You see your lungs fill with air and then deflate. You begin shaking. He lets out a chuckle. You wonder how he can even talk without a mouth.
Oh, don't worry. We are almost finished. The only thing left to do is to puncture one of your vital organs and watch you bleed. But first... I think it would be most appropriate if I took a better "form," so to speak.
He takes a couple steps away from the metal table. You witness his limbs break away from the rest of his body to reveal bulky green arms and legs. His tuxedo rips and underneath his facade is a hefty, dark green monster wearing a lime robe with changing colors on the rims of the split in the middle. The robe parts so you can see his abs, and due to his sudden growth his white pants now look like stretched out, somewhat ripped shorts. One of his legs have a peg on the bottom half, and his face is skeleton-like with eyes that change between different pool balls. His teeth and claws are sharp, and look as though they could cut through anything.
He seems vaguely familiar, but you can't fit him with a name. He doesn't say a word, but you can tell he's examining your body as if he's choosing which of your organs he wants to use to kill you. He reaches his hand out slowly and ends up grabbing one of your ribs in front of your left lung. He waits a few moments as if to tease you, and then snaps it in half. You attempt screaming, but nothing rings out. All you can do is lay there stiffly in agonizing pain. He takes the bone he broke off and examines it in his large hand. Seconds seem to go by like minutes, and minutes like hours.
Within moments, he punctures your lung using the bone with swift movements. He leaves it in for a few seconds and twists it around, and then pulls it out quickly. You gasp for air but the air simply accumulates in your chest and begins pushing your other organs out of their places. At the rate in which the tension is increasing, death could be quick.
The skeleton-like monster puts his hand gently on your shoulder, and his eyes suddenly become soft. He talks for the first time in this new "form."
Eridan... Wake up... It's all just a nightmare...
You give him a confused look, and your breathing miraculously begins again. You look down at your body and your lung begins repairing itself, followed by the rest of your chest area. You look back up at the creature beside you and after blinking a couple times you realize you were just encaged in another nightmare. Instead of a green skeleton monster beside you, it's now, more realistically, Karkat. His hand is resting on your arm and you appear to be back on the couch.
Did everything with Feferi actually happen? Did she actually try to poison you? You try to piece everything together. Technically you are no longer in the recuperacoon and you don't see any reason why Karkat would move you. Plus, the sopor slime in the recuperacoon is suppose to prevent nightmares, and if what happened with Feferi really was just an illusion, you'd consider it one.
KARKAT: You were out long enough. You had me worried sick, fuckass...
He seems concerned but acts as though he's trying to hide it. You sit up.
ERIDAN: Ugh... Wwhat happened?
KARKAT: That fishy bitch poisoned your drink. You're fucking lucky I came when I did. Why would you trust her in the first place?
ERIDAN: I... don't knoww. Her messages seemed so sincere.
KARKAT: Okay, well how about next time you decide to go out and make dumb ass decisions, take your phone with you.
ERIDAN: Right...
KARKAT: Also, sorry for not bringing you upstairs to the recuperacoon... I would have had to drag you even though you're not as heavy as you used to be, and I didn't want to hurt you...
ERIDAN: Eh, I think I wwas in too much pain in my nightmare to notice anythin' in the real wworld.
KARKAT: So what exactly happened at Feferi's hive?
ERIDAN: I-It's nothin'... Just don't worry about it.
You try to wave off his question. You're still trying to take it all in that she would actually do that.
KARKAT: Eridan, I swear to fucking God if you don't tell me... I've already read all of Feferi's recent God damn messages to you.
ERIDAN: Fine, fine... Basically I wwent ovver to her hivve this morning and she wwas actin' kinda strange. She servved me some tea and, long story short, she encouraged me to try it. It made my throat really fuckin' burn and the taste gavve me a head ache... Then I ended up passin' out.
KARKAT: How about your nightmare? What happened in it?
ERIDAN: Uh...
You look away and wrap your arms around your waist. The thought of the nightmare you just had makes you feel uncomfortable. Karkat scoots closer to you and puts his arm around you to offer comfort. Your eyes meet for a moment until you look down at the floor and let out a small sigh. You're about ready to explain until Karkat speaks first.
KARKAT: It's alright. You don't have to tell me what it was about.
You give a small nod. Karkat lets out a long sigh.
KARKAT: I hate feeling so hopeless but... I think we're just in a doomed timeline.
ERIDAN: Wwait wwhat?
You look over at Karkat. Out of all the trolls you call "friends," you know Karkat would be the last to say something like that. It makes you feel as though your hope has just been lost again.
ERIDAN: W-Wwhy do you say that?
KARKAT: We might as well face it. Isn't it obvious? Everyone is turning against each other. I'm sure there are versions of ourselves somewhere out there that may even be happy. But we don't get to experience the joy they're feeling. No, we're fucking stuck here in our God damn chaos of a timeline where no one can be trusted for shit.
ERIDAN: Does that mean you don't trust me?
KARKAT: ... No, I trust you... I'm just frustrated. You want to know what happened when I came to get you?
ERIDAN: ... Sure...
KARKAT: The first greeting I get from that brainwashed, mother fucking "princess" is almost getting stabbed in the chest with a fucking trident. She didn't even apologize once. She did it on purpose and continued trying to do it. Luckily I was smart enough to bring my sickles with me, so I took them out and told her I didn't want to fight. All she did was just laugh maniacally and say, "Oh Karcrab, you're so silly! I'm merely doing this because I have to. I have to please Lord English or else it's bye bye for me! No hard feelings though, alright?" I managed to weaken her to the point I could get you out of there safely so I was kind of forced to fight... But now she's after both of us. So I encourage you to stay here at my hive at all costs.
You begin spacing out as you hear him say "Lord English." That name... You've heard it somewhere before.
ERIDAN: Lord English?
KARKAT: Yeah? What about him?
ERIDAN: Is he that bulky, green skeleton guy?
KARKAT: Yeah... Why?
ERIDAN: That wwas the guy in my nightmare...
KARKAT: Hm. Interesting.
You can tell Karkat's curiosity is growing, but you still just don't feel comfortable talking about the dream. Silence fills the room for a moment until you break the it and change the subject.
ERIDAN: Hey, wwould you like me to make somethin' for dinner?
KARKAT: Nah, you don't have to. I can handle it. Unless... You want to make something together?
ERIDAN: Sure.
You give him a small smile and to your surprise, he actually smiles back. He stands up and holds his hand out to offer you assistance. You gladly accept, and the two of you walk to the kitchen hand in hand.