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DAVE: john just trust me bro this is gonna blow your damn socks off your damn feet
JOHN: dave, you told me to put on a suit. i have no idea what you are doing, and it kind of worries me, honestly.
Dave was guiding a blindfolded John through the halls of the meteor. John was dressed nicely - his hair proper, his suit, posh. He was ready for something, he just wasn’t sure of exactly what yet.
DAVE: so are you saying you don’t trust me
JOHN: well, no, i-
Dave opened a door, and John felt a wind of scented candles hit his nose. The room was certainly more well lit than most of the meteor, with a smooth warmer lighting than the bright white hospital lights that usually filled the meteor.
DAVE: ok just be quiet for a second
John was hurried to a seat, and not too long after, he heard another door open, somewhere across the room. He heard more steps - someone was wearing just regular shoes, someone else wearing something much more hard-heeled. He heard someone messing with a chair, violin, and piano. Some muffled whispering, a brief cough from Dave, and he felt the blindfold come off his face…
He was face-to-face with Vriska in a small room, seated at a small wooden table with red roses in the middle, and a candle. They had plates in front of them, and utensils. Glasses of water were filled to the brim, ice cubes rocking around. Vriska was wearing a long, silky blue dress, sparkling in the warm light of the room. He noticed she too had prepared for the occasion, which he now assumed was some sort of set up date. Her hair was prepared neatly, her makeup ready as well. Terezi stood behind her, holding another blindfold.
VRISKA: What- huh-
JOHN: vriska?
He looked around. To his left, Dave, in a suit as well. He seemed to be their waiter, and he held two menus in his hand.
DAVE: welcome to dave’s italianeria. here’s the food.
He handed them each a menu, and John glanced back at Vriska, who had a light blue blush on her face. John had a light blush, too. He’d never really considered his feelings for her, but… this felt… right. Sort of. Dave turned back at Rose, Kanaya, and Eridan, each of them dressed properly too. They began to play instruments - rose on the violin, Kanaya on the piano, and Eridan on a saxophone. Vriska looked back, over her shoulder.
VRISKA: Terezi, what the hell is going on?
TEREZI: YOU'R3 W3LCOM3.
Terezi walked away. John looked at Vriska.
JOHN: vriska, did you know about this?
VRISKA: No, i didn’t! I never agreed to this.
DAVE: well enjoy it because we worked very hard to put this together
John looked at his menu.
JOHN: dave this is a- dave, what’s the name of this restaurant?
DAVE: it’s an italianeria where they make italians
JOHN: and how exactly are- you’re kidding right?
VRISKA: What’s an italian?
DAVE: don’t worry about it
DAVE: anyways tell me what you guys want
VRISKA: Uhhhh…. i’m still seriously really confused.
JOHN: do trolls not… uh… go on dates?
Vriska sighed, and looked at John dully.
VRISKA: No, John, we go on dates. That’s a commonality.
JOHN: oh.
VRISKA: I’m confused 8ecause i don’t understand what exactly… we are supposed to 8e eating.
Dave glanced at them both.
DAVE: you’re eating italians
John hit Dave’s leg under the table, and looked at him with slight anger. Dave simply smirked back.
DAVE: someone’s a little protective of his girl huh
JOHN: Dave- I-
John stammered, his face blushing once again.
VRISKA: Jooooohn… how nice of you.
Vriska giggled playfully.
JOHN: vriska, a italian is a kind of person. hes joking. we’re eating italian food.
John pushed his hands up to his face, lifting his glasses and rubbing his eyes in a bit of frustration, but also to cover his redness.
VRISKA: You know… where… exactly are we getting the food from?
DAVE: oh jade is alchemizing it in the kitchen
VRISKA: You can do that?
John finished rubbing his face and looked back at the menu.
DAVE: yeah man it’s actually pretty good
JOHN: dave. this menu is a google search. of the top 10 best italian foods for a quote on quote ‘geek and weird chick.’
DAVE: yeah ok and
JOHN: where’s the appetizers? the drinks?
DAVE: you want a cocktail?
JOHN: dave- no, whatever- vriska, i’m so sorry- this is probably really embarrassing for both of us-
VRISKA: John, calm your rumblespheres. It’s fine.
She gave a slight smile, and then looked at the menu.
VRISKA: I’m actually enjoying this.
JOHN: oh, well that’s… good to hear.
A brief pause, as they both scanned the menus. John began to think to himself about this whole situation. Vriska was enjoying it. He was too, honestly. He really liked seeing her smile, it-
DAVE: ok john what did you want
John looked up from the menu. Vriska was looking right at him - Dave was too. He was holding a pen and paper, and Vriska’s order was already taken.
JOHN: what did you get?
VRISKA: Chicken parmesan.
JOHN: that’s not how you say- actually, i’ll just have that too.
DAVE: got it guys be back soon
Dave walked off, leaving the room. The music continued. John turned back to Vriska.
JOHN: sooooo uhhhhhhhhh
VRISKA: You know, for a dorky loser, you’re pretty caring. 8uuuut i think that’s a given for dorky losers.
JOHN: you’re a dorky loser too. you just don’t realize it.
VRISKA: Really?
JOHN: yeah! you play dorky loser games with your friends, you like nic cage- well, partially because of me.
VRISKA: You’re right.
She took a sip of her water, picking it up with her robotic arm.
VRISKA: 8ut i do it faaar cooler than everyone else does. Especially you, John.
John rolled his eyes with slight sarcasm, and then turned to the three playing music not too far from them.
JOHN: since when could eridan play the saxophone?
He was really going to town on that thing, too. Like he had been playing since forever.
VRISKA: We do have a pretty similar instrument in our society. It’s called a 8ulge.
Eridan glanced over at the two, and gave Vriska a mean look while playing for a few seconds, before continuing on like nothing had happened.
JOHN: vriskaaa! stop being so mean.
She giggled to herself, and turned back to John.
VRISKA: John. You like tough girls. Come on, it’s why we’re here!
John tensed a bit. He blushed a little once again, and spoke.
JOHN: yeah but- that’s not being tough, vriska. that’s just bullying.
She broke out into a laugh.
VRISKA: John, are you going to lecture me? Of all people? On 8ullying?
JOHN: no, i know what kind of person you are, it’s just that i think you CAN be a better person.
Vriska stopped laughing, and John took a deep breath before continuing, leaning on the table.
JOHN: i’ll be honest with you. the whole teasing and bullying thing is sort of cute. i won’t lie about it.
She seemed to freeze for a moment.
JOHN: when it’s towards me, sure. but to others, or to people that don’t really deserve it, it’s… i don’t like that, vriska.
There was a brief silence. Eridan, Kanaya, and Rose were all looking at them now, playing slightly quieter to hear their conversation, but not enough as to be obvious. Vriska then awkwardly smirked.
VRISKA: John. It was a dick joke.
JOHN: you know you can be better, vriska. i can tell. you just keep this whole tough girl demeanor because you weren’t treated right early on. you weren’t treated right by troll society.
Vriska stammered, and John continued.
JOHN: you’ve told me how you grew up. in a society that encouraged fighting, that encouraged being tough, even when you were just a kid, confused by the world around you.
JOHN: i know it’s a dick joke, vriska. but if we’re seriously thinking of… you know, something bigger, which i assume you are since you haven’t got up and left on me yet…
JOHN: i want you to open up. sure, i like when you’re tough, pushy, it’s attractive to me.
JOHN: but when you’re open to me, when you’re truly YOU,
JOHN: you’re the sweetest thing in the world to me.
Vriska looked away from John, a light blue hue on her face, slight agitation and anger too. John leaned back, and took another deep breath. Eridan whispered to Rose, who whispered something else back. The music stopped for a brief second before a whisper from Kanaya picked it back up.
VRISKA: …you really do care about me, huh?
She giggled, this time with a hint of awkwardness and moved her hair away from her face. Her voice was quiet, almost a whisper.
JOHN: yeah.
VRISKA: I… i appreciate it, John. Seriously.
VRISKA: Like, i think that’s the nicest thing anyone has said to me in a while.
She finally raised her eyes to look at John.
VRISKA: You’ve 8een meaning to say that for a while, haven’t you?
John awkwardly chuckled.
JOHN: sorta.
Just then, Dave came into the room, holding two actually decent looking plates of chicken parmesan.
DAVE: what’s up guys
DAVE: chicken paaaaarm baby
He moved the plate in his right hand around in a circular motion, to show it off to them.
DAVE: oh shit
Dave fumbled around the plate in his right hand, barely keeping it on his hands before it flipped over straight onto his shoe.
DAVE: fuck
John and Vriska stared blankly at him.
DAVE: welp who wants one plate of chicken parm
DAVE: or the five second rule cuz thats still happening
JOHN: we can share.
VRISKA: We can share.
They both spoke at the same time, and then looked at each other.
DAVE: adorable
He placed the plate in the middle of the table, moving the flowers out of the way.
DAVE: i’ll clean up the chicken parm don’t worry
VRISKA: Uhhh… i was going to actually ask if you guys could all leave the room.
She gestured at everyone, including the three on their instruments.
VRISKA: Like, everyone.
Dave looked at John, giving him a couple eyebrow raises. John kicked Dave under the table in response. He silently grunted.
DAVE: no yeah we can do that
DAVE: ok guys clear out
Dave went onto the makeshift stage where they were playing and shooed them off towards a door, marinara sauce still covering his leg. Soon enough, however, it was just John and Vriska. She sighed.
VRISKA: John, listen. You want me to open up, right?
JOHN: yeah sure.
John glanced at the chicken parm plate face down on the floor, and then at Vriska. Her tone had changed, she was stern, serious. He could see her filling with guilt and regret.
VRISKA: I think- no, I know i’m a bad person, John.
VRISKA: I mean, I paralyzed one of my friends, then blinded another one.
VRISKA: It keeps me up at night, John, and…
VRISKA: and… I-...
She trembled off, trying to gather her thoughts. The silence in the room was erroneous.
VRISKA: I don’t want to justify anything I did, but… god damn it, I was 8orn with the ability to control people’s minds! Why wouldn’t stupid kid me use that?
She got animated with her hands, expressively moving them around.
VRISKA: One day, John… I’m scared because one day i’m going to get what I deserve.
She took a deep breath, looking away.
VRISKA: I’m not going to drag you down with me.
John stuttered, quickly moving to respond.
JOHN: vriska, don’t say that, I-
JOHN: i’m surprised you’d even say that you would drag me down, I- when have you?
VRISKA: John, I was the reason that Jack got so powerful. I fucked everything up. All because I wanted to 8e the hero.
JOHN: vriska.
John’s voice got firm.
JOHN: you might have done some stupid shit in the past, but it’s not the past anymore. it’s the present.
JOHN: we’re here, together, on this stupid rock in the middle of who knows where to help four people we barely even know anything about.
JOHN: you can change now, vriska. but you have to start now.
JOHN: and i’m willing to help you every single step of the way.
Vriska stared blankly at john for a second, and then started to laugh.
VRISKA: JOHN!
She started to laugh even more. John looked on in probably the single most confused expression he has had ever.
VRISKA: Oh my god…
She slammed the table, facepalming.
VRISKA: You sound- oh my… oh…
She was out of breath, laughing hysterically.
VRISKA: HAHA!
She started to calm down a bit. Something Vriska loved was John’s absolute dorkiness.
JOHN: you were lying, weren’t you?
John looked on dully.
VRISKA: No, no… I-... I was 8eing truthful, it’s… that’s just the corniest thing i’ve ever heard-
She kept laughing, grabbing johns hand. Her face was buried in the table, and continually she slammed on the table with her other hand.
VRISKA: Fuck, you’re funny.
She took a deep breath.
VRISKA: No, you’re right, you’re right.
She continued to try and gather herself, still chuckling every now and then. She looked up and straightened herself in her chair. John rolled his eyes sarcastically.
VRISKA: “i’m willing to help you every single step-”
She laughed a little more, until their eyes locked, and Vriska soon found her other hand holding John’s, a bowl of uneaten chicken parmesan in the middle. There was a brief silence once again, for what felt like hours, the two simply gazed at one another.
JOHN: vriska?
Vriska cringed.
VRISKA: Sorry, I… I get a little touchy sometimes, haha-
JOHN: no, I was more concerned about how you got lost in my gaze.
Vriska stared at John for a second before bursting out into laughter again. John had an awkward smirk on his face.
VRISKA: IS THAT YOU FLIRTING?
She started laughing again, but quickly stopped, containing herself.
VRISKA: Okay, no, let me… let me get one thing clear.
She firmly held John’s hands, and changed her expression to truly show how serious she was about what she would say next. John took a liking to her mood swings, she could be genuine and serious but also silly and a bit of a bully. It made her cute, in his eyes.
VRISKA: From the 8ottom of my heart, John. I really do appreciate how much you care about me.
VRISKA: Seriously.
VRISKA: It’s… complicated. How i feel.
VRISKA: 8ut if you really are trying to help me 8e 8etter…
She snickered a little bit, thinking about the comment again.
VRISKA: I’m willing.
She let go of his hands, and moved to her fork and knife.
VRISKA: Now let’s eat some italians.
JOHN: italian food- oh, whatever, italians, sure.
John smiled warmly and grabbed his utensils too. They dug in to the chicken parmesan that was mildly warm at best, since they had spent most of their time talking. Vriska took a bite, and her pupils seemed to widen.
VRISKA: Oh my god.
She seemed shocked, her eyes shot open.
JOHN: are you ok?
John seemed a little worried, maybe there was something wrong with the food. He wouldn’t be suprised.
VRISKA: This is the 8est fucking food i’ve ever had in my entire life.
She stared at the plate, then glanced back at John.
VRISKA: John. Do you guys have this stuff on earth all the time?
JOHN: i mean… i’ve gotta see if it’s really that good.
John took a bite, spinning up some spaghetti on his fork along with a slice of the chicken. He chewed for a minute, then swallowed.
JOHN: i mean, it’s alright. i’ve had better. but it’s not bad at all.
Vriska raised an eyebrow, genuinely confused.
VRISKA: Are you serious?
JOHN: yeah.
He nodded. Vriska put her elbows on the table and covered her face.
VRISKA: No, that’s.. that’s not…
She grabbed another scoop of spaghetti and a small slice of chicken from the plate. She was honestly making a bit of a mess, as she had no idea how to eat spaghetti.
VRISKA: Oh my- no. No, i refuse. This isn’t right.
VRISKA: John. Troll food tastes horrible.
The relevation was reality-shattering for Vriska. She’s had some rough patches in life, but maybe this really takes the cake. Her whole life - so many sweeps, and yet she’s never had good food. And for human standards? This is ALRIGHT. ALRIGHT! What do you even do about that? There’s better food than this? What the hell does it taste like? Dear god, the horror.
VRISKA: Whatever, it’s- it’s nothing. I’m sure.
They both enjoyed the food, and spent some time in some silence. Good silence, for sure, though. John spoke up soon after.
JOHN: oh, i should probably tell you how to eat spaghetti. you kinda twirl it around your fork, like this.
John twirled his fork around, picking up some spaghetti.
JOHN: there you go.
Vriska nodded and tried the strategy out, twirling up some spaghetti.
VRISKA: Huh. That’s pretty cool.
She took a bite, and then twirled some more up, but instead waited to eat it. She seemed to get an idea in her head, and then smirked.
VRISKA: Hey John.
She held up her fork, spaghetti twirled up on it’s prongs.
VRISKA: Open wide.
John blushed, and looked at her, then at the fork, then back at the spaghetti.
JOHN: uhhh… i-i… haha…
Vriska waited with the same smirk, slowly moving the fork closer to his face, reaching across the table. John stammered a little more, before his eyes showed defeat, and he bit her fork. Vriska giggled.
VRISKA: Awww. John!
John giggled too while chewing, more nervously though.
VRISKA: Cute.
They had worked their way decently through the chicken parmesan, basically all done at this point.
VRISKA: I’m honestly really suprised you did that. I took you for 8eing a little 8it into that sort of thing, but not that much.
John thought for a second, and then spoke.
JOHN: nobody else is around.
He shrugged. Vriska nodded.
VRISKA: That’s a good point… my question is, then…
She leaned in, across the table.
VRISKA: would you want to take advantage of that?
Her voice was low, sultry, and had a hint of malice. John’s face flared red again, and he leaned in slightly, looking away.
JOHN: WOAH, haha… vriska, that’s an awful-
She groaned, getting up from her chair, and yanking John by the arm out of his.
VRISKA: Come on. I know your answer.
They were now inches away from each other, Vriska holding John’s arm with her right hand, then holding his waist with her cold, robotic left arm. John’s hands were stuck to their sides, as he looked at her, a awkward, dorky smile still remaining on his face.
JOHN: i mean, it depends on what you mean by that-
She thrust herself forward, kissing John with passionate force. His hands opened in slight shock, his eyes shooting wide. Vriska closed her eyes, slowly deepening her kiss. John sort of sat there for a moment, again calculating what to do, before taking Vriska’s right hand off of his and holding it with his left, and placing his right hand on her cheek, and investing himself into the kiss. It was full of this odd, tensioned passion between the two, like a thought they couldn’t have waited any longer to share between one another. The grips between their hands tightened as the kiss went on, Vriska lightly touching John’s back with her other hand as opposed to the digging in of her nails with her right hand. John moved his other hand down to her waist, holding her gently. He could feel her chest pressing against his, as they continued on, before Vriska gently pulled away, still holding him close.
VRISKA: Mmmh… John…
John looked like he had seen a ghost.
JOHN: yeah…?
His voice was timid, his lips covered in a dark blue lipstick, some of it surrounding them too.
VRISKA: Did you… like that?
John nodded, giving a brief
JOHN: uh huh.
and adjusting his glasses quickly before repositioning his hand back on her waist.
VRISKA: …
She smiled, letting go of him.
VRISKA: If you wouldn’t mind… i’d like if you came 8ack to my room in the meteor with me. Spend some more time together.
JOHN: yeah, i… i can do that.
He paused.
JOHN: you want me to uh… bring anything or…
VRISKA: No. I’ve got plenty to do over there.
She started to walk off, adjusting her hair a bit.
VRISKA: Go to your room first and gra8 something to change into. I don’t want you sitting in a suit all night- er… day, or whatever it is.
JOHN: I can do that, yeah.
John walked to the opposite side of the room, approaching another set of doors.
JOHN: thanks vriska. this was great.
VRISKA: I don’t know what you’re saying thank you for yet, loser.
VRISKA: We’ve got a whole other half of this date.
She opened the door, waving goodbye.
VRISKA: Regardless, thanks John. I’ll see you in five.
JOHN: bye!
He waved back, and opened his own door.