Soul Meets Body (MSPA)

"Okay. Okay," Karkat said, a bit uneasy. "Just... okay. But, could you...? Could you be something else? Something more?"

"Like what, Karkat?" John asked. "What are you wanting me to be?"

"I'm... I'm not sure, okay? I've never had flushed feelings for anyone before! Fuck!"

"You have flushed feelings for me?" John asked in surprise.

"I... I don't fucking know anymore, okay? I think I do. I'm very confused. I just know... I just know that I want to be with you in a way that you can handle, whatever that may entail. Okay?"

John smiled. "Do you mean that Karkat?"

Karkat grumbled softly and stared at the sheets for a moment before answering. "Why would I waste my precious time lying to a grubfucker like you?"

John grinned and hugged Karkat, pulling him close to his chest.

Karkat let out a soft noise of surprise and clutched John's shoulders, having been thrown off-balance by the sudden movement. A few moments later he relaxed against John's chest and curled his claws into the boy's shirt. "I wish I understood my grubfucking feelings well enough to explain to you what I feel..."

"You could always try" John smiled. "I'll still listen"

"Ugh, fuck. I just... I need you, you grubfucking human. I need you like I've never needed anyone before. I spen all my fucking time wondering where you are, what you're doing, if you're safe, and it's annoying as fuck okay? Because I can't just fucking ask you, you know? I can't. I just... I can't. I... what is that stupid fucking human emotion of yours? I... worry about you, when you're not around. It makes my bladder-based vascular system ache when I can't know for certain that you're safe. I want to keep you here with me, where it's safe."

"You mean Affection?" John asked. "When you care about someone in a positive way"

"Affection? Is that what you weird motherfuckers call it? Then... yes. I suppose I do feel this.... 'affection' for you."

"See, you're already on your way to being real friends with me" John smiled. "Friendship is a form of affection"

Karkat suddenly shook his head fervently, his already messy hair flying all over the place and tangling around his horns. "No! No, John Egbert! I don't want to fucking be your friend! I want to be your Matesprit!" he blurted, then promptly turned an ungodly shade of pinkish red and pushed John away, hiding his face in his knees.

"..." John smiled and gave a small giggle. "That's a form of affection too y'know" he stated. "A stronger form, but still affection." He reached over and ruffled Karkat's hair affectionately.

"Sh-shut up! Gog, quit fucking giving me shit and just... Fucking accept my offer, gogdammit!"

"hmmmm. I think we should hang out more first." John replied. "I'm not the kinda guy that rushes into things like this"

"But, John...!" Karkat said, distressed. "You always... make excuses!"

"This isn't an excuse" John replied. "Its a legit reason and if you paid attention you would have noticed that there was acceptance in that entire statement"

"Gogdammit, John, I don't speak Human!" Karkat growled.

"Basically I said I'd do it so long as we can take it slow." John reiterated.

"...you... you mean that?" Karkat asked, in shock.

John smiled brightly. "Would this face lie to you?"

Karkat suddenly grabbed John and pulled him against his chest, nuzzling his face into the human's hair. He would never have admitted it, but there were tears in his eyes. "...thank you," he whispered.