[He's spent enough time dealing with Sharru's demands for attention to draw that connection, and the fact that it's Dave and not an asshole cat doing it makes all the difference—namely, anyway. He'd be just as willing to scritch between the Espurr's ears as he is Dave's now, but with his moirail, he won't grumble.]

I know.

[Scritch, scritch. This is just as relaxing to do for someone as it is to be on the receiving end, what the hell is that? Moirallegiance is what. And, while Dave's lack of horns does rob him of convenient targets, Karkat is keeping a close eye on his reactions to see which spots on his scalp yield the most favorable response. Prepare to be spoiled, Strider.]

I still don't get how you didn't figure it out sooner. I wasn't... trying to hit on you, but it was hard to, uh. I mean. [Fuck, why did he introduce this topic, Dave can't see him blushing again, right?] Okay, let's mutually agree this part of the conversation never happened, all right?

[aslkdjfgd every fucking time]

And shut your blasphemous mouth, no one's as good at hugs as the Mayor.

[Yes he did notice Dave said "almost," he's just trying to change the subject.]