Karkat wakes up.

He should have realized it was a dream. He doesn't have it in him to imagine Jade dying for him (though his mind likes the idea of tormenting him with it).

Jade's still a year away. Safe from harm on that ship. Safe from him. Safe from Gamzee.

She won't die for him. Of that he's sure.

John isn't to die for him either. Not to keep him happy or for any reason at all.

Those paradox twins aren't allowed to die again. Not for him. Not for anyone.

Karkat is more than willing to die for them.

Kill for them.

But mostly die for them.