Cherubplay

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The entire apartment was relatively silent, aside from the crackling of the fire and the near-rhythmic sounds of the sewing machine as Kanaya worked in another part of the living room. Tavros was in a rather comfortable position, slumping some against Gamzee's side, he was mostly supported and looked well on his way to sleeping. "We should eat some together, very late at night," He muttered, his eyes still closed as he yawned himself, "A midnight snack, while we admire the snow. It'll be..." He rubbed at his closed eyes before dropping his hand back around Gamzee, "Romantic."

She would never admit it, but she did like Eridan's voice. Vriska was not one for singing and would never claim to be any good at it, but Eridan seemed to have a bit of a knack for it. Following along with him, they fell into beat easily, swaying and moving bout the room as Vriska, despite herself, smiled some. "So far, so good, Ampora," She praised, "Keep it up, and I may consider allowing you to be my date."

2014-08-22 04:05:05
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Gamzee smiled. "I dunno, you gonna be awake in the middle of the night? I'm nodding off here, myself," he chuckled sleepily, seeing Tavros was well on his way to snoozing as well. "I'm all up for that romantical notion, though, sounds excellent..." He laughed lightly again, another thought coming to him randomly. "I think Karkat might get jealous, though. You shoulda seen the way he was eyeing it. Caught him sneakin a look at the finished product when he didn't think I was looking. Nice to know someone likes what I make so much..."

"So you were paying attention, damn," Karkat, done with the cleaning up interrupted their quiet time for just a second. "And yea I would be, that thing looks bloody fancy as something they'd serve here if they had any taste at all. Tavros, you should have smelled it when it came out..." at that he left their little bubble to check up on Kanaya. "You're not working too hard over here, I hope."

Eridan grinned brightly at that, fins flaring a bit in happiness. "Maybe something a little jazzier will convince you? Or the tango? Someone with tastes as discerning as yours certainly might like a large yet quality repertoire from a potential accomplice for an evening." He thought of a snappier tune, humming it out loud for a while before twirling her slowly yet playfully once. For this dance only hands were held for the most part, so it was less close but more fun.

2014-08-22 04:22:17
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The brownblood couldn't help but smile, wondering if they should just slice up a piece for Karkat so he wouldn't have to keep pining over it. He opened his eyes and sat up some, speaking softly to Gamzee, "Let's, uh, just give him a piece, yeah? A taste before everyone else."

She sat back in her seat, a hand draped over her eyes, "Not hard enough, it seems," Kanaya dropped her hand, flexing both then to make sure they did not cramp from extended use, "With the news of the ball, I realized that I must alter this coat even further to match the red expectation /without/ becoming a gaudy mess of complete tackiness. I still have to create a vest and your shirt, and the buttons for the vest are not at all what I would like them to be. In fact, I think I may have to do dye them, how horrid. Still," She smiled a bit at Karkat, "You look much better now with some proper clothing, a shower, and warm food in your stomach. Practically glowing in good health, dear."

"I am less impressed by your repertoire and more by your ability to make sure we don't hit any fucking furniture," She laughed, narrowly avoiding a dresser as they moved about. It had been a long time since Vriska had felt this weightless and happy. She was normally so uptight, so unwilling to let even positive emotions shine through because she thought of them as weakness. If someone had asked her even a week ago to dance with Eridan the way she was now, she would have thought that were absolutely mad.

2014-08-22 04:34:49
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He opened his eyes too, chuckling a little. "Could invite everyone for a slice, too. But him first, I think he'd like that, yea. Spoil a motherfucker a wee bit," he whispered and smiled back. "Shall we sneak off to the kitchen?"

"I feel much better," half his mouth pulled up in a smile. "The warmth alone is doing wonders, I think... And the food! I don't know if I've ever eaten so well. If all goes well I'll hire that damn troll if he wants to spend so much time in a kitchen." He looked over the coat she had done. "And I wouldn't worry too much, I like plainer things. They can deal with it if I'm not up to their ridiculous expectations externally... It'll suit me better, and you won't work your fingers to the bone," he grinned.

"I've had practice avoiding corals in the deep. Damn things'll cut up a troll if they get to wild with their two-step," he grinned. At the end of the song he pulled her into a hug from a sort of twisting spin, enveloping her warmly for a few moments before pulling away. He propped a fist on a jutted out hip, grinning. "So, do I pass? Or will I have to ask someone else?"

2014-08-22 04:52:32
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With a nod, Tavros stood up, pocketing his coins and making his way into the kitchen. He thought it would be nice to give Karkat just little things to show they cared about him, since it was obvious that no one else had in the past.

"A tad late for that, it seems," Kanaya complained, looking over her slightly green-tinged fingers, then decided that she ought to just keep calm for a bit and take a break. She could always work on things tomorrow. "I do thank you, though. It saves me plenty of time, I still have to dye the fabric of the buttons, though," She peered at the buttons that were all in a small box on the table, "It is not difficult work, necessarily, just time consuming!"

Vriska had to admit, she actually enjoyed the close contact. How long had it been since she had a real hug? She had always been afraid that their relationship would get too red when they were supposed to be black, but now that their kismesistude was over, did that mean matespritship was on the table? It was much too early for her to gauge if she felt flushed for him or not, but being with Eridan was certainly preferred to anyone else; he already understood her on a deeper level than others, knew what made her happy or irritated her. Perhaps it would be best to just go with those emotions should they arise, rather than fighting them off like she did most others. "Just barely," Vriska declared, flipping her long hair over her shoulder with a grin, "There were a couple moments when I thought that I may have to look for someone else, but you're decent enough. You'll have to do, I suppose."

2014-08-22 16:27:42
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Gamzee followed his matesprit up and to the kitchen, smiling at their somewhat mischievous kindness. Sneaking around to give people cake was the best kind of sneaking. He went to the fridge and brought it out. It was perfectly coated in the white frosting, smooth all around and on top. The top was decorated with the cleaned perfect sections of clementine in the centre as flower petals, with small graceful swirls of the pale orange icing flavored with the juice and zest around the outer edge of the top. There was a little more of it along the bottom where the cake sat on the plate, just to make it balanced looking. Finding a small plate and a large knife and fork, he prepared to cut a slice for Karkat. "What do you think, Tav? Karkat overblown your expectations?" he grinned.

He was a bit startled at the state of her fingers. "Kanaya! You really must not work so hard. You're taking a break, come away from that infernal machine or you'll have to dye everything." He shooed her away to sit by the fire and just relax, wondering where those other two had gotten off to.

Eridan sighed in relief. "Tough customer. I'm going to have to up my game, I fear, or you might find someone more suitable when we arrive!" He couldn't keep from smiling some; it was nice to be lighthearted like this. "I suppose I could let you take your bath now and see what the others are up to." He didn't move to leave right away though, spending this time together had been so refreshing he wasn't sure he wanted to leave their comfortable space just yet.

2014-08-22 16:56:07
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"Wow..." He had never seen a cake like that that was actually within his grasp. In Alternia, he had passed the local bakery plenty of times and had seen all the delicious pastries and grand cakes in the display, just begging for someone to purchase it. Of course, he had been much too poor to even afford a slice, but it was tempting. "I like him plenty," He smiled, taking a moment to peek out the kitchen and briefly watch Karkat shoo Kanaya away from her makeshift work station, "I am fond of how he cares so deeply but is still so abrasive. It is cute." He reminded Tavros a bit of Vriska in that regard, "I think he enjoys having someone care, uh, for him, even if he doesn't show it sometimes." Returning to Gamzee's side, he looked over the cake again, mouth watering, "Gosh, how long did this take? I thought the cake balls, were remarkable, but this is something else entirely.."

She blushed a tad, flustered not in a romantic sense but in just a generally shocked sense. Kanaya was, more often than not, the one that doted on everyone else, and it was strange to have someone else worry about her safety or her health. "Oh, dear, you needn't concern yourself," She often worked herself to the fullest extent of her capacity, and Kanaya gauged that she probably still had an hour or two left in her, "I am nearly finished with the coat!"

"Surely ye must be kidding. Who else would I dance with? 'Tis obvious Kanaya and her yellowblood will be an item, Gamzee with Alice, and that only leaves Karkat. Could you imagine us on the dancefloor?" It would probably be the both of them growling at each other, threats of various different kinds of violence jutted back and forth while intentional steps on the foot were made. "We would probably kill each other. Or someone else. Anyway," She rummaged through her bag again for a change of clothes and something to put her hair up with, "You are welcome to take a bath with me. I don't think you've ever been this long without water, it might do you some good."

2014-08-22 17:10:21
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That hadn't been what Gamzee had meant, but it was interesting none the less. He thought it was pretty cute, too. If Kanaya hadn't been so motherly, surely he would have taken up the position, though while complaining, surely. "It is pretty adorable," he whispered. When he cut out the slice, the cake layers were a similar light peach color, with the orange frosting in between the layers. He made sure there was a section of clementine on top, and put it delicately on the smaller plate with a fork. "Oh, not really sure, couple hours or less including baking?" He looked over at Tavros's face, seeing the hungry look, and smiled. "Should I cut you a slice?"

"Well then it won't be a problem tip finish it tomorrow, will it? And I can probably help with dyeing buttons or something if it's not too hard to learn. Just suit and take a break, no need to work into the night. How about some tea?"

"I don't know if our dear matesprits will be allowed to dance with each other. Tavros may be stuck with Karkat..." Oh dear, what would happen to their dear purple cook then? he thought. The offer of a shared bath was unexpected but perfect. "Thank you... I'd like that," Eridan smiled and got a change of clothes himself, following Vriska into the bathroom. It had been a while, and after the delusions loosing it a soak would be wonderful.

2014-08-22 19:41:37
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"Yes!" He beamed up at him, reasonably impressed by all the time and effort Gamzee put into the cake. "You are so talented. I could not bake anything even half this lovely," And Tavros had no doubts that it was absolutely delicious. If they have a home life after the initial issues with Wonderland were taken care of, Tavros could not wait to see what he would cook for their meals.

Thankful that someone was willing to care for her for a little bit, Kanaya nodded gratefully, requesting a bit sheepishly, "And could you get my blood bottle as well, dear? I believe I left it on the table. Thank you." Unwinding with a cup of half-blood, half-tea would settle her down plenty.

Shrugging, she ran the water for the tub and shut the door once Eridan was inside, "Alice is so keen on breaking the rules that he may just do it as a proper 'fuck you' to everyone else." It wasn't like he had made a tremendous effort to be some type of upstanding citizen. He fell in love with a purple, assisted a seadweller and a pirate, befriended a jadeblood, and even broke the hidden mutant out of his imprisonment. It didn't seem like he was on his way to keep things socially or lawfully correct. "Truthfully, I'd love to see everyone's expression when they dance across the floor. You know they would both do their absolute best to appear the pinnacle of sophistication. And in Kanaya's designs, no less!"

2014-08-22 20:14:06
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"Sure, no problem," Karkat replied, moving into the kitchen where the other two were cutting up cake. He set about boiling water before he really noticed what they were doing. "You two! You didn't let everyone take in the beauty of that thing before you cut it! Lord! That monstrosity is tantalizing for the eyes and mouth, I'm going to guess!" Some good natured irritability coming out as he made tea.

Gamzee giggled through the tirade, and handed him the first plate before cutting Tavros's slice and handing that over. "Why don't you tell us?"

"Oh, I have to try it first so if it's poison I'll die before your darling tries it, eh? This is the queen's elaborate plot to off me, is it?" Karkat took a bite and chewed thoroughly. The citrus notes were perfect and light, with a slight brightening tang from the zest. "This is the best poison I've ever tasted!" he decreed, taking out the bottle of blood and tea things to Kanaya. "Offer some to everyone else; it'll be best to die happy as a group."

"Oh, it'll be delightful. Hattie you're completely correct!" Eridan giggled, undressing with his usual lack of shame. There were more bruises than he'd expected, standing out in blotchy violet against the gray of his skin. The largest was on his ribs, about eight inches long, extending in a line toward his shoulder blade where he'd been shoved into something. He didn't remember clearly, though, as he'd felt to frightened by being separated to notice too much detail about them knocking him about. He wasn't really in pain though, and didn't hinder him any. There were other smaller ones on his opposite shoulder and some on his ribs elsewhere, a few on his legs from a kick or two. He'd slip in the water with Vriska after she'd settled. He was happy and looking forward to their soak.

2014-08-22 20:53:18
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Tavros laughed, though he lightly blushed at the mention of 'darling.' He wasn't sure why he was still embarrassed by things like that, as it was no secret that he and Gamzee were an item. Nevertheless, he waited patiently until Karkat had taken a bite and declared it, then took a bite himself and his eyes lit up. "Mmh, yes, definitely," Tavros agreed, setting down his fork for the time being. The cake was marvelous; clementines were still such a new flavor for him that it was enhanced further by the cake, which was airy but provided just enough tang on his palate. "Ahh, 'Zee, I could eat anything you make forever."

Kanaya glanced back a bit from her seat, questioning, "Offer some of what?" She hadn't been eavesdropping, necessarily, but she had caught bits of Karkat's last sentence and was eager to know just what else was going on.

Vriska had slid into the water, her back against the smooth porcelain as she sighed in content. Her eyes glanced at Eridan, and she gave a snort of indignation, "Hah. Those reds are nothing but a joke," She declared, "I did worse to you when we were still kismeses." Her claws had a tendency to prick and rake, and blood often pooled from one of their escapades. "The hot water will help with any aches, though. I am sure it is nice for you to be acquainted with the medium you are so familiar with," She sank further, Sollux's tub being much deeper than the one back at the inn, and wider. Another perk of Starnette living. Her hair floated atop the surface and sank some underneath, her whole body nearly immersed, aside from the tops of her shoulders, "To be honest, I kind of like being here," She admitted quietly, "I could do without the rude comments, but you can just see it on the highblooded faces, how /shocked/ they are that trolls like us even exist. Dignified, elegant, even. It's like they can hardly even process it. It must frighten them to pieces to know that not even Gamzee is a savage, but more gentlemanly than they'll ever be."

2014-08-22 21:39:34
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“Aww, Tav,” Gamzee flushed lightly at the compliment and thanked him for the comment with a short kiss. He cut another slice for Kanaya, assuming she’d like some once she knew what Karkat was talking about. He made it at perfect as the other two, then carried it into the other room, following Karkat. “Why don’t you sit by the fire again, Tav, and I’ll go ask the others before sitting down with you again?”

“Cake, Kanaya?” the purple blood asked as he offered her the plate while Karkat served her the blood-laced tea, his own plate set aside for now. He thought she could use a bit of spoiling since she took care of them all so well.

Eridan slipped into the water next to her, sighing in contentment at the feel of water. He did submerge completely for a minute, looking up at her through his nictitating eyelid under the water. A small purr escaped him before he remembered that wasn’t something done on land, and cut it off. He stayed under for a little longer before coming back up slowly and smoothing his bangs back out of his face. That, though not completely the nicest way to phrase it, was probably one of the nicest things Vriska had said about someone in his presence. “You mean here, Starnette, or here with all of us?” he asked quietly. “It’s kind of glaringly horrible to look at... though living in a city would be nice. And being around others who give a shit about us.” It was a little hard not to show how content he was in the water next to her, and it took some concentration to keep from showing it through purrs.

2014-08-22 23:28:15
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He nodded curtly, sitting down in front of the fire, near Kanaya's place on the couch. Tavros had set aside his cake for the time being so that he and Gamzee could eat together, even though he mostly wanted to devour his slice completely. Kanaya, having curled up by then on the couch, looked reasonably surprised to see both the tea and the cake offered to her. "Oh, goodness me, where on Wonderland did all this pampering come from?" She smiled brightly, blown away by their kindness but not opposing it as she took the slice and the tea thankfully, "Thank you both, this is so sweet of you!"

Vriska had slumped a bit on one side of the tub, her cheek laying against the porcelain as she closed her eyes briefly. She wasn't asleep, just relaxing, and she peeked open an eye when he spoke to her, "I meant with other people. You're all well and good to be around when you aren't out to annoy me, but the Screechlands were awfully lonely, even with the islanders." She traveled a lot, but she spent more time in the Screechlands than she did anywhere else. "Starnette's a shitty place to be no matter what angle you look at it from. I liked Undlegire a lot, but it is so far from water. I prefer being by the sea, as I'm sure you do, as well. I hope we can all settle someplace together when this is all over," She mumbled, looking embarrassed to even be speaking, "I mean, outside of you, everyone else, they are my only friends. You had all your sea dwelling friends, but I could only really see them when it got warmer since I hate the cold, and we never quite got along as swimmingly as you and I did. It was just you and the odd times I island-hopped. I don't want to get separated again,"

2014-08-22 23:58:37
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Noticing Tavros's pausing on eating the cake, the purple blood spoke. "Go ahead and eat, Tav. I know how much you like sweets," Gamzee smiled before going down the hall to knock gently on Sollux's door, asking if he wanted a slice of cake. The other two in the bathroom he left, figuring they needed time to relax and could get sweets later.

Karkat sat with his slice of cake and took another bite. "Well, you needed some returned affection for being so wonderful." He savored the cake, just as good as all the other food turned out of the kitchen. "I'm not sure I'll be able to let Gamzee out of my sight. I think I'll just stick around forever just for the food. I don't take up too much room; think you can stand me, Tavros?" he joked, grinning broadly at the copperblood.

Nodding along with what she was saying. "It would be nice to settle someplace all together. We'll have to go on another adventure to find a proper town to live in after all of this. Do you think you can stand to share an hive or something with me? Some cushy thing along the shore, so you can dock your ship and I can dive straight out the window into the bay," he giggled. He could build a dream in his head for the fun of it. "The others could live around town, Kanaya with her shop of course, Gamzee and Tavros in some place where the purple can cook and the copper can garden or play with Wocky or some creatures... What do you think the others would get up to? Sollux and Karkat?" This was obviously all some pie in the sky shenanigans, and he made it obvious through his tone. Certainly at least the little place they could share or whatever was possible, though the others might want to live elsewhere.

2014-08-23 00:25:51
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He couldn't tell if Gamzee had said that just because he wanted to make Tavros happy, or because he really looked like he wanted to eat the cake. Either way, he picked up his fork and took a bite, practically dancing in his seat at the taste.

"I do not mind in the slightest! That is, can you handle being around, a gigantic conglomeration of animals?" He smiled playfully, waggling his empty fork at him, "The Jabberwocky is something of, uh, a pet of ours. Are you up for the challenge, Vantas?"

Sollux wasn't too big on sweets, but if Gamzee was asking him if he wanted any, that could only mean that the others were eating, too. He nearly declined, but he was sure Gamzee had to have worked hard on it. Besides, what would Kanaya say? Probably chastise him and claim he was a stick in the mud. He set down his work for the time being, calling that a slice would be lovely. Sollux shuffled a hand through his hair, making sure his papers and the like were organized before leaving his bedroom. He saw Kanaya with her cake and tea, and he offered her a slim smile when she looked a him. He'd probably never explicitly state that he was pale for her, but in moments like that, it was obvious.

"A nice wraparound bungalow, yeah? There's plenty of gold between the two of us, I am positive that we could construct the graaaaaaaandest of all hives by the water," She decided, tucking a lock of hair behind her ear; all this imagining was lightening her spirits, "All that space would be good for when we have the others over. We can't just let Kanaya show us up when it comes to dinner party. A seafood extravaganza to knock her fashionable socks off! As for the other two..." Sollux seemed content with being close to Kanaya, whether that meant living with her or three hours away, "I'm sure Captor would stay in the same city as Kanaya. I mean, the only thing really tying him to Starnette is his job, really, right?" Vriska figured that he stayed in Starnette so Kanaya could have a kind of rendezvous point when she needed other types of supplies from the much larger city. "I haven't a clue as to where Karkat would go. I don't know...maybe he would stick with Alice and Gamzee? I think they all get along fairly well. Unless he decides to stick around forever in the capital to ensure things do not go awry."

2014-08-23 00:57:24
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“Hmm, I think I might be able to manage living with a conglomerate. It would certainly be interesting. Though if he slobbers... I probably won’t be too keen on getting to know him that well.” Karkat was loving the cake, and Tavros looked like he was just as delighted by it.

“Hmm, we can just stick them both in the same city with us for the ease of it,” Eridan decided. “Ah...we could make the most resplendent hive... and fresh seafood for sure, straight out of the ocean not hours before! And teas, Vriska, we’ll have to make sure where we pick is close enough to our favourite blue blooded island. And then we could throw a tea party and show them all our favourites, and see what each of them likes best.” He giggled in delight and bumped her shoulder lightly. “You could decorate with some of your treasures, and we could find some ship wrecks to get some other items from.”

Moving on from Sollux’s room, Gamzee did tap gently on the door and tell them that there was cake when they wanted it.

He proceeded to the kitchen and sliced another piece for Sollux, and one for himself so Tavros could have his own slice, then handed one of the plates to Sollux before settling next to Tavros.

2014-08-23 02:21:59
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While he had been pretty worried about meeting Karkat and interacting with him, Tavros was glad that everyone had reached a point where they all got along. It was like a family that he had never had in Alternia, "He slobbers when he eats," Tavros admitted with a sheepish smile, "But Wocky is a sweetheart! He, uh, can be a tiny bit ferocious, -he nearly dislocated my shoulder- but he is much calmer now. He just wanted some friends, is all."

"We should place a fireplace in each room," Vriska added, liking the idea of their new hive life already, "I hate the cold, you know. Dreadful. I do hope we can find a way to rejuvenate my tea magic," She flicked her wrist a tad, as if something would move should she do so, "Being so far from the Screechlands has severely impaired it, I suppose. I'm not a genius when it comes to the smaller magics. I can probably buy a ring or something to create a permanent tea magic barrier. I'd have to look into it," She shrugged; it had, originally, saddened her, but she had bigger, more important irons in the fire and couldn't worry about something like that. "I can't amaze guests if I can't even raise a tea cup with my magic!"

Sollux thanked him for the cake and sat next to Kanaya on the couch, trying to ignore the beaming smile she sent him, fangs and all. However, he had a weakness for her happiness and found himself comfortably smiling in return, attempting to hide it with bites of the sweet cake. Kanaya just patted his knee and sipped her mixed tea.

As Gamzee sat down next to him, Tavros smiled gingerly, leaning up to kiss his forehead, "Look how happy you have made everyone, 'Zee." He peered at the fire briefly before looking up at his matesprit, "Your wonderful food is part of what has made us so close. It is, uh. A bonding experience, if you will. You are like emotional glue!"

2014-08-23 04:22:02
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Karkat listened to Tavros talk about the Jabberwocky, thinking about the beast wanting friendship. He could understand that, from his solitary confinement; not even guards to talk to at random. “Well, as long as he’s alright with me, I think we could be friends,” the cherry blood nodded, smiling some.

Eridan liked that idea quite a lot. “Indeed! A warm hive /would/ be nice... and yes we should figure out how we can restore your magic. It’s quite impressive, your floaty magics with the tea. Maybe if we brought some of the sand with us?” Eridan hypothesized. “But I’m sure guests will be more than impressed with your treasures. Only even more impressed by your magics...” he relaxed a little toward her, feeling quite connected at that moment with his long time companion. Eridan took notice of the availability of sweets, but didn’t make a move to leave; much too invested in his pleasant time with Vriska.

Gamzee liked how friendly Kanaya and Sollux were. Honestly it made him able to be more comfortable around the yellow-blood. He didn’t want to be caste-ist like they were about him, but they were the main bullies and he had come to fear the color yellow, somewhat. It was part of the reason why he was still so formal with Sollux over everyone else.

He did enjoy the cake, too. The lighter, not quite as sweet flavour was nice. He didn’t have much to say to Tavros’s praise; though he did turn completely purple in the face at such high praise. “...nah...” he muttered so quietly, smiling happily even as his blush flooded his face. He finally took a bite of the cake he'd worked on, loving how bright and flavorful it was.

2014-08-23 05:32:28
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Sollux had noticed that Gamzee seemed to be a little more polite with him than with anyone else, but he hadn't paid much mind to it. He wasn't going to force him to treat him in a more casual manner. He spoke quietly with Kanaya, who teased that he'd be less grumpy if he drank mixed tea, but he stuck his tongue out with obvious disgust.

Tavros smiled sweetly and nuzzled his neck with his nose, resting his head against him as he finished up his cake. "I mean it," He murmured, sitting comfortably against him as he looked over his coins again, "We would be much more scattered, without you."

"Seems plausible," She agreed, "We'd probably end up in that direction to gather all our things to begin with. I can't wait to permanently leave the Screechlands," Vriska sighed in content after she dipped her head underneath the water to wet her hair, "I am so tired of drab monochrome! I had almost forgotten how vivid the rest of the world was. Especially Starnette, hah."

2014-08-23 16:49:37
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"Thanks, Tav," Gamzee smiled, snuggling Tavros close, "means a lot." It really warmed his heart to know he was thought so highly of. He ate his own slice slowly, content with how it had turned out. He offered a bite to his matesprit seeing he'd finished his, wanting to spoil him a little extra.

Karkat sat quietly and gazed at the fire. The warmth from it, sweet dessert, and general familial feeling among all of them was so ... heartening. He'd only known them for a couple days now, and he already felt so comfortable with them.

"It is nice to see other parts with more color. It'll be good to leave the Screechlands behind, for the most part. The beaches are pretty, though." He smiled over at her. He felt a little bad that he'd never really been able to show her his home under the sea. It could be quite colorful, especially around the reefs.

2014-08-23 17:28:23
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Sollux's apartment was a mess.

Clothes were strung around, brushes and ribbons and pins in different places, thread and a needle sitting on the coffee table as Kanaya currently occupied herself with brushing Tavros's hair into some semblance of neatness. While his hair was nothing like Gamzee's mane, or even Vriska's, it was wavy and had a tendency to stick up in random places, ribbon or not. She had found a different ribbon to use to keep his bangs in place since he refused to cut them, then tied his hair back neatly. "There," She put her hands on her hips, "You are all set."

Most everyone was dressed as formally as they could ever be, all the clothing being that of Kanaya's design. Vriska had pinned her hair in a delicate updo, though her makeup had been of Kanaya's doing, since she hadn't bothered with anything more than a tad bit of eyeliner and mascara in all her sweeps. Vriska rubbed her lips together, a cerulean color pigmenting them as she looked over herself in the mirror of the bathroom. She had to admit, the makeup was enough to bring out her features, to light up her eyes and accentuate her high cheekbones. Perhaps this ball would not be so bad.

Kanaya, reasonably pleased with her work, made one last adjustment to Karkat's vest when a particularly irritating button did not stay in place before handing it off to him. She slipped on a pair of heels, a solid red to match the red accents in her gown, before pulling on her coat. "What do you think, Alice, dear?" She questioned, watching with a fond smile as Vriska returned from the bathroom and readjusted his coat on him, and Tavros beamed up at her, "I think we are ready to go. Thank you for, uh, making sure everything went accordingly, Kanaya."

"I have an eye for order, is all," She replied, handing him the red envelope that held the formal invitation. Sollux adjusted his tie, black with nearly-gold accents, his suit-coat ebony with gold buttons; Kanaya had always stated that she found it difficult to work with yellow and opted for gold-ish statements, like his watch or his buttons rather than the color yellow itself. "And you all are sure everything is fine? It's not like we can just come back once we're in the ball, we're the esteemed guests."

2014-08-23 19:06:51
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"We'll all just have to live with it now. I'm not staying behind to molder after all the effort put in to making these garments and all the planning we went through," Karkat huffed. His hair had been straightened out to be orderly, though he wasn't sure how long it would really last as it tended to have a mind of it's own. His eventual haircut courtesy of their dear rainbow drinker had helped substantially, however.

Eridan, of course, was as comfortable in the fancy garments as he was in any of his nice clothing. His outfit also suited him to a fault so pulling it off had been effortless. He stood proudly next to Vriska, and admired Kanaya's handiwork all around. "Ah, Kanaya, you've pulled us all together so splendidly. What a group we make!" He smiled, of course ignoring any trepidation he felt.

The other purple was trying to channel something knightly and dignified, as this was his first time in such formal attire. They'd said he looked fine the first time he'd tried the suit on in the shop, and he was going to have to trust that it was the case. He'd actually managed to tame his hair into something presentable through a lot of struggle. The curly character was still present, but they weren't everywhere, neatly tied back with a black ribbon in a slightly historical style, but it suited him and matched the rest of his attire, which was more important, he figured. Gamzee was also quite ready to go, and get at least get the preliminary introduction to the ball over with. After they got there it might feel a little easier to lay low and blend in as they could.

2014-08-23 19:32:49
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"Let's get going, then," Sollux opened the door, allowing everyone to come out before he locked his apartment up and led them out into the cold world. It had snowed again, the night before, and the entire city seemed to be purified with the freezing water. The frost over all the gaudy buildings gave the aura of something old and forgotten, even with all the people moving about. The walk was brisk, and, as they approached the grand palace, Sollux noted all the guards standing about and up the long, wide stairs that led into the massive ballroom of the palace.

The ballroom was, actually, three separate rooms connected by archways, giving the look of an even huger place. The main entrance was through the middle room after going up the stairs, which proved to only be for the purpose of looks and introduction, as there was a platform high above the dancefloor -but not the thrones- so that all may gaze upon who entered. Sollux was not impressed by the decor nor the people, even if the former seemed to have taken a note from Undlegire and toned it down some. As they all stood on the platform, Sollux tried to refrain from grimacing. He knew what was happening next, and he held out an arm for Kanaya to take. Here, they were to stand as they were called and presented to the mass of highbloods gawking over their impressive appearance.

One of the guards took their formal invitation and ripped it in half to signify that they had arrived and were not coming with intents to crash the ball, then a bugle sounded on the other side of the platform. "Ladies and gentlemen, we are blessed with the utmost honor to welcome our esteemed guests of the evening of the Winter Solstice. Before our Queen, we announce: Karkat Vantas and Chief Architect Solluc Captor of Starnette," The guard appeared very slightly annoyed at that, "The March Hare Eridan Ampora and The Mad Hatter Vriska Serket, of the Screechlands," A soft gasp settled into the rooms below, "Kanaya Maryam, of Undlegire and Gamzee Makara of Tulgey City and, our most respected guest, Tavros Nitram of Alternia, the second Alice." Widened eyes and further gasps resounded in the room, and Sollux and Kanaya, who were first in the group, descended the stairs easily, fully expecting everyone else to follow suit. Tavros swallowed thickly, not sure that he was fond of that introduction but managed to smile anyway, his fingers plucking up his gown some to ensure that he could walk down the stairs neatly, and Vriska followed suit.

The Queen, seated with the Princess across the large room, stood from her seat and offered a slim smile. Tavros was undoubtedly nervous as people parted to make way for them, whispers of all types leaving the highbloods as they approached the Queen, her rust-colored eyes fixated upon them all.

2014-08-23 19:52:29
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The ballrooms were certainly something to behold, as were all the people in their resplendent attire. At least it was not as overdone as the exterior and less of an assault on the eyes. It was intimidating to be up in front of everyone, looked at by the masses of highbloods.

Following Sollux’s example, Eridan held his arm out for Vriska as they followed. His posing pompousness made him feel marginally better about the looks and the audible gasp across the room when they were announced. Apparently they were pretty well known, even among the landed gentry. He stood straight as they walked down behind the others, appearing as elegant as possible.

Gamzee and Karkat didn’t really know where to walk, following along with Tavros. Gamzee didn’t put his arm up for his matesprit, as the others had, since he wasn’t sure if Tavros would want to be open with any affection like that. He concentrated on being polite and non-threatening...and gentlemanly of course. Karkat followed along, still managing to be grouchy looking though he tried not to scowl. He made no effort to hide his bright red eyes as he followed along toward the queen.

The ruler in question smiled a tight lipped smile at their approach, not all together happy as she cast her eyes over them, stabbing at their appearance like daggers. “Alice and company... welcome to our Winter Solstice Ball... I do hope you will enjoy yourselves as our special guests this evening.” She gestured across the room. “Please, enjoy yourselves and socialize. I am sure many will want to talk with our guests.”

2014-08-23 21:40:22
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He gripped his dress just marginally tighter, giving a tiny nod as he spoke, "Yes, thank you for having us, Your Highness. It is truly an honor," He curtsied politely, but as soon as he stood straight, it was as if the invisible barrier keeping them all from the curiosity of others had been placed down. The music, courtesy of a large band little ways from the royalty, started up once more, something loud but also pleasant, popular music of the time for dancing. The attendees of the party made little effort to disguise their desire to dance, but Tavros really only had eyes for Gamzee, at this point. He was not sure how sweet he could be towards him, and thought he should exercise some caution, just in case. He declined a couple men and women that asked if they could have that dance, making his way towards Gamzee and clasping his hand. He smiled a bit sheepishly, "Would you care to dance?"

Vriska kept a close eye on Tavros until he was safely with Gamzee, then she turned to Eridan with a dastardly grin, "Let's show these highbloods how we do things in the Screechlands, yeah?" If Eridan's dancing from a couple days ago in the respiteblock was anything to go off of, he really knew what he was doing and Vriska was eager to see him show off in front of all those pompous trolls.

Sollux, despising being in crowds, naturally gravitated towards the conjoined room on the left side but did not exactly leave yet. He spoke to Kanaya for her judgement, "Where shall we run off to?" He questioned, looking irritated, "Being in crowds like this is unpleasant. Especially with all the attention." He nodded in Karkat's direction, where plenty of reds noted how peculiar his eyes seemed to be, how deeply and brightly red they were, and the muttered that he must be the mutant they were searching for not even a day ago.

2014-08-23 21:51:31