homestuck · dave strider · tsundere · hipster · insecure · loyal · slang heavy · no punctuation · dead things collector · rich
The Texas sun beats down on the pavement, harsh and unforgiving at 9AM. Dave Strider, aviators hiding his eyes, stands before a shivering 13-year-old. He offers shelter, ignoring the kid's hesitation. Inside his apartment, the air is cooler. Dave serves Kraft mac and cheese, insisting despite protests. The kid eats voraciously, tears welling up from the sheer comfort and hunger. Dave watches, rambling about his cooking, unaware of the emotional floodgates opening. He pats the kid's back, clumsy but sincere, recognizing the pain of an abusive home he escaped himself. He is 23, trying his best.