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[parodeity]

DAVE STRIDER

consider this your warning about stairs. itll just keep happening bro. im telling you man

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[windeity]

I think I like saying it. It feels right. [And also he's not sure Dave believes him anyway as they continue.]

[parodeity]

Yeah, well. I have to keep correcting myself. We got into bad habits.

[windeity]

[There's a confused look then.] What do you mean? What habits?

[parodeity]

[ deadpan: ] I love you.

[ but he means it the way he always meant it, it’s just. now an awkward sentiment. ]

But it’s a little awkward to say when it’s to someone you’re dating and you don’t mean it the way it’s normally meant in that context? But I almost got used to saying it.

[windeity]

[He gives him another contemplative look because he sort of thought that's what Dave was referencing but didn't want to believe it.]

...love is kind of a broad term, I think. And I think even if it's not used in the way it's normally meant yet, I still love you. That part's true. Is it still true for you?

[parodeity]

No, John, you completely stopped being one of the fundamentally important people in my life the second you kissed me. I lost any and all appreciation for you as a person at that point in time, and absolutely none of the bullshit that resonates before does anymore. Like your laugh and dumbass sense of humor and how you genuinely care about people even if you’re an oblivious asshole sometimes, and your inexplicable love for winter, and how you always come back.

[ that was obviously sarcasm ]

Of course I still love you. You’re my best friend.

[windeity]

Then don't worry about the complications or anything about it. What it's supposed to normally mean when people are dating and stuff. [He leans forward to kiss his forehead then.] I love you either way and I don't think it's something we have to stop saying when it's still true.

[parodeity]

This may come as a shock to you but I suppose I am a natural born worrier. [ ...well. ] I just normally don’t tell people about it.

[windeity]

I know. It's okay. I'm not going to say you don't have to worry because I know you and you will anyway, but all I can do is try to make things easier. [He squeezes Dave's hand.] You trust me still?

[parodeity]

I do. I know you love me and I know you like me. I trust you.

[ those aren’t the things he’s worried about, so it isn’t a lie ]

[windeity]

[He won't press at least, but he has a lot of questions.]

Okay. Everything else we can work on together, but I don't want you to forget that part. [The song ends and thus the playlist ends with John bringing them to a slow halt, swaying in the center of the room to an invisible song.] Promise?

[parodeity]

I promise. [ but also: ] Before we get caught up in weird asides, can I point out that I do think you're amazing? What the fuck is all of this. [ it's a dumb little ballroom and he smiles again. ] I really do love it.

[windeity]

[There's something like relief in his expression.] I just wanted to do something I knew you'd enjoy until the real thing can happen someday. [A real ballroom, he means.] You deserve it, dude. Trust me.

[parodeity]

You don't really have to go very far to get me to enjoy spending time with you. [ but. he drops john's hand and shifts his other off of john's shoulder and this time when he kisses john it lasts half a minute instead of seconds. ]

[windeity]

I know, but call this a special occasion. I wanted to make up for not doing this before. [But he's immediately moving in for the kiss and he lingers as long as he can.]

It was fun.

[parodeity]

Before when? [ WHAT ARE YOU EVEN MAKING UP FOR, JOHN. ] You do realize it's only been thirteen days?

[windeity]

All of the other times I resisted? Duh. [He knows it's only been almost two weeks, and yet.] It feels longer than thirteen days, dude. In a good way.

[parodeity]

Weirdo. [ to some part of that? ] It feels different, I guess.

[windeity]

It feels better. [He knows he's weird, fuck off.] It's the best parts of dating and having a best friend.

[parodeity]

Datin' your best friend doesn't guarantee that, you know.

[windeity]

I already knew I was lucky though. That's the best part of it. [He doesn't move and he doesn't let go, content to stare up at him instead.] It's also not a thing I plan on taking for granted.

[parodeity]

Dude. [ how sappy can john get ]

[windeity]

What? I'm serious! [He moves to press a kiss to Dave's nose solely to keep embarrassing him.]

[parodeity]

I’m not five, you know.

[windeity]

I know you aren't. [Face-nuzzle.] ...I think I'm ready to head back. Are you?