[ there's a bit of a ruffle before Karkat gives a little shove. he really needs time to collect his thoughts about the matter. there are still lingering feelings, yes, but Karkat knows that there's no way for that relationship to be rebuilt. it wouldn't be fair to the Eridan that had been here before. it's not like Karkat is now mourning the loss, but it is... difficult to adjust to.

the ruffle is really to assure Vanitas that Karkat isn't rejecting his company or support. more like he just needs to be serious for a moment before anything else. ]

You can't do that again. Not when it looks like we have trolls showing up. While I'm not their fucking leader anymore in my time line, they still need me depending on when they come from.

Go look, Vanitas. Go look and see what kind of shit gets thrown around on those posts when I'm not around to stop it and explain first.