Cherubplay

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"I don't think so. Better to have at least /something/ to do rather than just staring at the gogdamn wall the whole fucking time," Karkat was a bit annoyed. He would have gone on a rant about the kind of shit he saw when he was a kid when Gamzee emerged after shutting the door to the guest room quietly.

"Uh, he's alright for now, Ms. Kanaya, just sleeping now," the purple blood informed her when he got over to the table, glancing at Karkat. "Hungry, Mr. Vantas?"

Karkat was a little surprised by the title. "Uh, just Karkat, please. And yea, starving..." he would have gotten up if Gamzee hadn't put a hand up to indicate he should remain seated.

"It's alright, I like cooking," he wandered into the kitchen to make some food for their new guest, a little distracted sounding.

2014-08-16 05:36:17
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Thinking that Gamzee may need something to just keep him distracted, Kanaya let him be for the time being. They'd probably just go to bed soon; Gamzee and Tavros in the guest bedroom, herself and Sollux in his, (and she would deal with his hogging of the blankets) and Karkat on the futon. It was starting to get late, and Kanaya thought that they really ought to get to bed soon, "Let's all rest soon. Perhaps after Karkat eats?" She directed a smile to him, starting to move towards the living room, "Is the futon alright, dear?"

Sollux yawned, feeling tired himself. He took the tea set back to the kitchen and glanced to Gamzee briefly before moving towards his bedroom after bidding good night to everyone. He couldn't get to work because of the meeting and everything else, but he'd still be expected to don his uniform, which he would probably argue takes plenty of rest.

2014-08-16 06:04:15
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"Yea, that sounds great, thanks," the cherry blood thanked her. They were all so surprisingly nice here, it was a little shocking after so long in isolation.

Gamzee was just finishing up a quick heavy dish for Karkat when Sollux came in, and before he left spoke. "I'll do the dishes before I turn in, no worries." After giving Karkat his food, he did just that, washing up the teaset delicately and the pan he'd used, waiting for Karkat to finish before washing that up too.

Karkat ate, almost ravenously when he tasted the food. It was the best thing he'd had in sweeps, simple or not. He did try to maintain some decorum though, and when Gamzee took his plate he thanked him somewhat effusively before turning in, almost immediately asleep on the comfy surface.

Gamzee finished up and wandered back to the bedroom, curling up next to his matesprit again and falling asleep shortly after getting properly settled in.

2014-08-16 06:17:27
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Karkat is still asleep on the couch when the purple blood wanders in. He woke up pretty early with how worried he was about Tavros and the other two. He'd made sure Tavros was alright and had left the door open a crack so he'd know he was just making them all breakfast. Automatically he makes another egg and toast dish, this time cooking the eggs in cut out wholes in thick slices of bread. He cuts up some of the fruits too, and makes some tea when he remembers, setting the table while waiting for breakfast to cook completely and everyone to wake up. Eventually the smell of fresh food wakes Karkat and he gets up, sitting at the same place at the table, stunned that it wasn't all a dream.

2014-08-16 06:30:36
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The smell of food wafted throughout the apartment, and, slowly but surely, the other inhabitants began to weed out of their rooms for breakfast. Kanaya appeared first, her hair delicately combed and styled and her makeup impeccable. She, in good spirits, offered a cheery 'Good morning, dears!' to Gamzee and Karkat before peering over the purpleblood's shoulder curiously to see what breakfast was. "Ah, looks brilliant! I cannot wait to sink my fangs into breakfast," She flashed him a joking grin before going back into the bedroom to check if Sollux was getting up. As she had expected, he was not too keen on moving.

Tavros had gotten dressed and tied the ribbon back into his hair, looking a bit tired but in a better mood than he was yesterday. He looked to be, past his mild exhaustion, with a rejuvenated determination. He was going to fix things to his best ability today, he was going to make sure that everything was going to be alright. He had promised. He bid everyone a good morning once most all were in full attendance at the table. Kanaya had managed to get Sollux dressed and looking, more or less, decent enough for public exposure. Tavros stood beside Gamzee, a hand settled on his lower back as he kissed his shoulder, "And an extra special good morning to you, love."

2014-08-17 00:40:01
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Karkat did his best to appear sociable at the table, feeling a bit shabby in comparison to everyone else in this house. He reasoned there was nothing he could actually do about that, and he wasn't willing to ask the person closest in size for extra clothes. He was around Tavros's height but stockier, thin from his long imprisonment but not petite at all. And he did not under any circumstances want to wear a dress. However, he could barely concentrate on that thought, as he was hungrier than he had realized and the smell of whatever was being concocted in the kitchen was almost too much to bear.

Grinning at Kanaya's joke, Gamzee tried pulling his awareness less out of his own thoughts. Tavros's affection and lightened mood helped his endeavor, and he turned and bent slightly to give his matesprit a quick peck on the lips and a smile. He put an arm around the other's shoulders in a quick hug as he flipped the egg in toasts one handed. "Good morning to you, darlin', ....thought maybe if there wasn't anything else goin' on I might try making something sweet for my sweetheart while you're off fixing the world. What do you think?"

Taking the pan off the stove, he took Tavros to the table and let him go to sit down at one of the spots as he served one of the breakfast creations onto each plate before going back to the kitchen to retrieve the bowl of fruit salad and the tea. He sat down after placing everything on the table and making sure everyone had what they needed.

It was all the cherry blood could do to be patient and wait for everyone else to be settled and pick up their forks before he started eating with them. It was once again delicious, and after a bite dished himself some fruit salad before handing the bowl off to the next person to pass around.

2014-08-17 02:04:58
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Tavros, always excited for whatever it was that Gamzee decided to make, shone a grin up at his matesprit and nuzzled his chest softly with his nose, "I fancy that! I look forward to whatever it is," He moved to sit at a place at the table, offering smiles to all before looking down at what Gamzee had created. "Wow! How amazing!"

"As always," Kanaya prepared herself a cup of tea, sweetening it with cream and sugar as she spoke, "Mr. Makara has outdone himself!"

Sollux, reasonably impressed that such a display was even capable in his hive, offered Gamzee his thanks, "Damn. Thanks, Gamzee. You didn't have to do all of this." Even as he said that, he couldn't help but have his mind wander to other things. Namely, what they were going to do in regards to Karkat. It seemed the general consensus was to just treat him like they would anyone else, but shouldn't they address his imprisonment and all the things tied to it? He supposed it wasn't really his place to talk about it, -he wasn't some kind of adventuring expert like apparently those around him- and last night wasn't the ideal condition in which to discuss it. Inwardly, he gave a shrug; they'd sort something out among themselves.

2014-08-18 02:32:56
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The bowl went around, and the remaining members of the table took their desired amount of fruit, the chatter among them nothing too cheery but nothing too depressing, either. It was clear that neither Kanaya nor Tavros were too keen on being gleeful just yet; Tavros soon fell into a slightly mournful silence that Kanaya did not talk about. Instead, she spoke to Sollux about the meeting:

"So, dear Sollux," She initiated, "Who all are going to accompany you and Tavros to the meeting? Everyone?"

He furrowed his brows, lips pursed, "Perhaps it would be best if we kept Gamzee and Karkat here? Kanaya, you've got a bit more freedom, but I highly doubt any members of Parliament will be too excited to see a violet and their prisoner -the prisoner they're currently searching for- just strolling into a meeting. They don't have much power themselves, necessarily, but it would get messy if they decided to call someone in to eradicate the problem."

2014-08-18 02:37:47
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As he took his seat next to Tavros Gamzee's face turned quite violet. "Hell, you guys are gonna give me an ego, it ain't nothin special." He'd never been called Mr before and it kind of weirded him out a little. He also wasn't sure how much outdoing of himself he could really do. He was glad they all enjoyed the cooking though; that was what really mattered to him. Though the compliments were somewhat intimidating he did like them, and it made him feel good to be appreciated for something he loved doing.

Both he and Karkat were none too gleeful either, Gamzee with his worry over all of them, especially Tavros and the captured pair, and how they would fair the rest of their mission. Karkat was too used to being serious to stop now, and was well aware of the sacrifices already made on his behalf, and of the seriousness of what they were doing and how difficult it would be to even question the current status quo. He was more than willing to question it, though. His imprisonment had only solidified his resolve and disdain for the monarchy and caste system and all the inequality that entailed.

Kanaya and Sollux's exchange made a good point. The very mention made Gamzee quite nervous, though. He had no interest in going anywhere /near/ a red. Let alone a full room of them. It was hard enough being within the city with all manner of highblood and no escape. He'd practically have to be dragged out of the apartment unless Tavros needed him for something. His devotion to his matesprit was probably one of the only things that could overcome his fright.

Karkat agreed with Sollux, and wasnt' too keen on seeing anyone outside this little band of rebels either. "Yea, let's not get us both decapitated before supper, huh? I could use more of this amazing food... and even if a couple of them do recognize me from my childhood that isn't necessarily good... I wasn't exactly a quiet child. They know how I stand on matters."

2014-08-18 03:07:04
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"That is a good point," Tavros mused, but it was less musing and more of him stalling a tad bit to sip his tea, "Alright. Karkat and Gamzee will stay here. Are you, uh, coming too, Kanaya?"

She shook her head, giving a grin, "No, no. Someone has to ensure these rascals stay out of trouble, yes?"

Sollux rolled his dual-colored eyes, "What are you, the resident lusus?"

Kanaya took a bite of her food with a dramatic upturn of her nose, "I may as well be."

"Anyway," Tavros continued after their quick banter, "What time is the meeting again?"

He yawned behind his hand, though refrained from rubbing at his eyes, opting for a tiny dabbing of his napkin to soak up the tears produced, "At eleven this morning. We have, what? An hour and a half until then? It looks good to be early, though."

"Okay," Some down time again, though Tavros hoped that they could utilize that time to get to know Karkat. He was interested in the other half to this 'catalyst' and definitely wanted to know how he felt about all types of things. He would keep that discussion for after breakfast. "So we have plenty of time."

"Mm hmm," The yellowblood scowled, "Plenty of time for me to put on that wretched uniform."

2014-08-18 03:37:34
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Gamzee wondered if he was much of a rascal and what kind of trouble he could possibly get into. Making too much food, perhaps? He wasn't all that sure about having a lusus again either...well, not that he'd ever had a real lusus before. Kanaya was sweet, though, so he'd accept her mothering. Karkat wasn't really interested in being mothered, but was sure he'd get his fair share. She seemed like the doting type, and if he asked about clothing he was sure she'd fuss, though he hoped not too much.

The cherry blood did wonder how he'd amuse himself when they were away when they were gone, though. Maybe the purple, Gamzee, had some reading material... maybe Sollux had some books? Though maybe he'd be talking too much to worry about doing something. He was kind of interested in the purple blood; wondering how he'd survived the pretty much genocidal tendency of the highbloods for sweeps. Maybe they'd talk later.

"Are you really from a different world?" he asked Tavros, too interested in that sudden thought to resist asking it until after breakfast.

2014-08-18 03:51:11
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His mouth was full of food at the question and, at first, Tavros gave a little nod, -which prompted a laugh on Sollux's part- before chewing and swallowing, "Yes! It is much like Wonderland, only, um, I guess. Backwards? Alternia is much like the counterpart to Wonderland, I would like to think." He gave a small smile to Karkat, glad to see that he was legitimately interested in him. "Unfortunately, the same type of discrimination is still present, even if the caste is inverted..."

Sollux, actually, hadn't heard much about what Alternia was like and was intrigued to know these little tidbits. Kanaya ate quietly, inwardly making a to-do list for herself. She'd have to find clothing for Karkat and get him a nice bath, then a hair cut and a toothbrush. Kanaya wondered how much a toothbrush would cost in Starnette and she inwardly grimaced. Everything seemed to be of gold and silver here, and she hoped some simple products weren't going to make her break the bank.

2014-08-18 04:06:35
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Karkat raised an eyebrow, really looking over Tavros now. "How long have you been here? You don't look--"

Gamzee cut him off quickly, figuring he knew what was coming. "It ain't quite as bad there from what Tav has told me," he smiled to belay any strangeness of the interruption, and added some explanation as cover, "got kinda frustrated when he found out I couldn't really carry gold."

Karkat shut his mouth, scowling slightly in thought and grunting understanding as he nodded. He suspected Tavros did not know the full extent of the abuses suffered by the lower classes, and by his reaction his apparent matesprit did not want him to know. He figured he could understand why...he didn't like pity either. He wondered if any of them really knew what it was like. Karkat only did because he'd made it his business to know, befriending those of lower classes secretly in his adolescents and viewing the disparities that they experienced. He doubted Gamzee knew, but it was he who had pushed for the legislation to stop the executions. Sure, it hadn't passed until they thought purples were wiped out, but at least it had gotten through eventually.

2014-08-18 04:20:18
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It was true, Tavros really was not aware as to all the horrors that Wonderland had to offer. His own world of Alternia was dastardly in its own ways, -ways that he was unaware of- but there were components to Wonderland that were much worse.

Recognition flickered across Kanaya's face as it became apparent just what Gamzee was doing; she wouldn't have been so quick to keep tabs on what Tavros knew and didn't know, especially his role in Wonderland at the moment, but it would probably be best to slowly let him know things about Wonderland, rather than give him a huge dose of reality all at once.

Sollux popped a couple pieces of fruit into his mouth, watching the scene with interest. He thought it fascinating that Gamzee would willingly try to censor what Tavros knew about Wonderland, moreso because the brownblood had been so open with him. It was even more intriguing to see that Tavros did not understand the social cues flourishing right in front of him. Or, perhaps, he was choosing to ignore them? This hypothesis was quickly killed when Tavros asked in a friendly tone, "Do you have any questions for me? I certainly have plenty, for you, Karkat."

2014-08-18 04:49:09
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Likely the cherry and purple blooded trolls were somewhat unaware of the social cues Sollux picked up on as well. Karkat shook his head at the question. "Not that I can really think of. I guess you've been lead by some map and riddles so far? And that's how you knew about me. And I can guess you've got as much of a plan for the rest of this as possible at this point, which is really something of a play by play with how things go... assuming they're the same as when I got secluded. Though I don't imagine things have changed much..." He sipped at his tea before continuing. "If you have questions please go ahead and ask. I'll try answering to the best of my abilities."

Keeping the same slightly strained smile on his face, Gamzee glanced at Kanaya and Sollux. He was hoping they wouldn't say much. He really didn't want Tavros to get upset, potentially on his behalf. Seeing how upset his matesprit had gotten over the small scratches and very slight bleeding had solidified his resolve to keep him from the knowledge of abuses as long as he could. Even if there was a slight thought that he would need to tell him eventually he sure hoped not. He couldn't begin to imagine the kind of reaction Tavros would have to the knowledge.

2014-08-18 05:08:35
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Kanaya, seeing that Karkat and Tavros were engaged in conversation at the moment, saw the golden opportunity to catch Gamzee's attention with her eyes, then flick her gaze to Tavros with the tiniest inclination of her head. Sollux could tell what she was doing; she was trying to get Gamzee to talk about past injustices at some point, or even ask 'what the hell are you doing?' It just didn't seem fair that everyone knew of Wonderland's horrific discrimination except the one person that was central in changing it.

"Well," Tavros began, finishing up his food after a bit and sipping his tea politely, "Can you tell me, maybe, what your life was like, imprisonment included? I mean, I did not even know you existed until, uh, just a couple days ago, which gives me the implication that there is still a lot that I am unaware of."

Sollux nearly dropped his face in his hands. He didn't even know the half of it. Kanaya gave a knowing glance to Gamzee again.

2014-08-18 15:19:30
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The purple blood grimaced and shook his head slightly. He couldn't lay that all on Tavros right after he'd been so devastated yesterday. And even if he trusted his word it wasn't like he could back up claims of the physical abuse; a perk of being a purple was that he didn't scar easily. Tavros had seen some of the disparities anyway...enough to want to fix the place.

He used some sign language out of sight of Tavros (it was designed to be secretive), though he doubted they knew it not being lowbloods, to say 'you saw how he was yesterday how do you expect me to tell him he'll get way too upset'. Adding to that he glanced at the kitchen and took some of the empty plates. They could talk privately there.

Karkat started talking while this silent conversation was going on. "Well, I grew up in the palace until my blood color started to show. Then the put me in that cell. The queen was older than I was so while they didn't know my blood color it was fine for me to be there, dissenting opinions and all. But then I was even redder and had more legitimacy to the thrown by their own fucked up system so they had to get rid of me, knowing I'd upset the status quo. Being imprisoned was pretty boring. A lot of sitting around stewing." He caught the sign language, having taught himself at a young age because he wanted to communicate with lower bloods without them getting in trouble. He signed back 'you haven't told him shit, have you?'

2014-08-18 16:18:41
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Neither Sollux nor Kanaya had any idea as to what Gamzee was signing; it was the first time Sollux had ever seen it. Kanaya had seen sign language before but not enough to discern what was being silently said. Gathering up a couple plates and utensils, the jadeblood stood and made her way into the kitchen, hoping to talk to Gamzee away from Tavros.

The brownblood, oblivious to all, seemed quite interested in Karkat's words, eager to know any and all, "I see," He began, pouring himself some more tea, "Did you ever have any contact with the White Rabbit at all?" He was curious to know all he could about the palace and its inner workings, and who better to ask than someone that was legitimately part of it?

2014-08-18 18:20:24
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"Not really, I only have one vague memory of them. They weren't too pleased; had been sent to some dangerous world and had almost not come back, I gathered," Karkat sipped his tea and watched the two others leave the room. He didn't envy the purple blood's position. Obviously the other two thought Tavros should know everything... but it was difficult knowledge to handle, hence the high levels of cushy ignorance among highblooded populations.

Gamzee went straight for the sink, washing up and hoping the running water covered their voices some. "What? I can't tell him all that. He was upset enough as it was in the first city. And after yesterday?" he whispered to the jadeblood. "He won't take it well. And how will he really believe me?"

2014-08-18 18:34:40
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"You're his matesprit, dear," She murmured, busying herself with tidying up, but not nearly moving fast enough to cut their conversation short, "Do you think he would be so foolish as to mistrust you? Furthermore, he is the /Alice./ He ought to know the innerworkings and massive misdeeds conducted if he is going to save Wonderland."

"It's ridiculous what other highbloods will do just to get an edge in power," A hint from Sollux that Tavros should have a better understanding of the world around him. Ignorance may be bliss, but it won't assist him in improving and drastically altering Wonderland with Karkat. "This massive amount of strength still isn't enough for them, it seems. Like I want another yellowblooded asshole getting his rocks off with some authority over colderbloods. This country's run by idiots."

Tavros pursed his lips, "It seems so...I hope I will be able to do something about it."

2014-08-18 18:42:33
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Sighing over the dishes as he washed them, Gamzee tensed up somewhat, knowing he'd be forced to tell the copperblood one way or another. "Where should we start?"

"It's worse than that, they're tyrannical idiots. Content to crush those that oppose them and squash those they see as lesser just for the fun of it. The monarchy is fucked and should be thrown out. Screw the current system; it's broken beyond repair. This hellish place needs complete reworking and it can't come soon enough. Pity it will have to be slower than I think any of us would like." Karkat got a bit animated, not having had a descent conversation in sweeps and feeling some seriously revolutionary spirit.

2014-08-18 18:58:47
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She knew it would be hard for Gamzee to detail everything to Tavros, but it would be better for this to happen now rather than later. "Anywhere," Kanaya smiled reassuringly, "But perhaps it would be best to start with some history? How much does he know about Wonderland?"

"But how are we supposed to do that?" Tavros questioned, starting to see where Karkat would definitely come in handy in a way that wasn't solely tied to him being the highest caste of them all, "I realize that, uh, there is much to be done, but a starting place when it comes to the government and all would be nice." He knew they would have to take down the entire monarchy and start from scratch, but that was easier said than done with no further planning, "Things have to be taken down and started over, but what would the replacement, be?"

2014-08-18 21:19:31
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"He knows some about the previous Alice, and the kingdoms and wars, and seadweller and purple history. He already saw some of the disparities in the first city; the mixed one."

"Well, I imagine we're going to have to start by infiltrating the current system. First order of business is to displace the queen. I take over presumably and use the current system to my advantage to lay the groundwork. Then introduce representatives from different cities and classes which become advisers in the public eye but are really on the same level as I am behind the scenes, and the group makes decisions on what needs to be changed and how to go about it. One of the first things is destabilizing the police structure to weed out abusers, which will automatically give the colder bloods more freedom through lessened oppression. Obviously it's going to get very complex with how tangled all this shit is."

2014-08-18 21:40:20
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"If he already witnessed prior disparities, then what is the issue now? The time for censorship is over, and even little tidbits dropped here and there, dear. What he needs is a crash course in Wonderlandian history and the current events, otherwise, he will be an ignorant troublemaker in the eyes of royalty and nothing will change."

Already, he was beginning to feel stressed. Tavros wasn't sure what he was going to do to actually make that happen; they couldn't just waltz in and declare Karkat the new king! A broadened plan felt better and more sturdy, but Sollux found holes in the plan and was quick to speak:

"Displacing the Queen? All well and good, but how are you going to go about that?" He asked, an eyebrow raised, "The general public may not give much care to who is in the current seat of power, but those within the Inner Circle will. This has been a Queendom ever since the last Alice, and I'm sure you know that you can't just stroll in and declare that you're the king. We need more people on the inside, not just some random yellowblood you all are using the residence of. A rebellion from the inside out works much better than the outside in."

2014-08-19 00:32:35
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"Well obviously! You can't really expect me to have a plan worked out completely, can you? So you go to parliament today, state your case however you decide is best, some empathizers become aware of you. Hopefully you catch wind of them by observation or them saying something to you, they help find other folks in the government who believe the same way and want things to change. It's going to take a lot of time after that too. Certainly we should keep things progressing orderly but we can't rush things." Karkat was quick to retort. He didn't even really want to be king, he was musing and brainstorming just like the rest of them.

"I may not be the best to talk over the most current events..." Gamzee looked at her. "Didn't even up and know about the paint rule change 'til you mentioned it. Think they kept me in the dark some too. All I got to go on is what I've read in old books and personal experience and observations. He only got a taste and he's up and ready to do something about it, I don't want to upset him too much by getting into the depths of the shit. Wouldn't be good to go in angry and not able to think clear and logical," he muttered.

2014-08-19 01:02:15