Cherubplay

●
Looping his arm with Gamzee's, he smiled brightly after pushing in his char and departing. The cold air was harsh, but Tavros did enjoy seeing all the snow about.

"Not as successful as I would have liked," Sollux confessed with a bit of a frown, "I've bought all the supplies, but, naturally, no one can start working on anything until the weather clears up. If this had been spring, they could have gotten started next week. Agh, it's a bloody mess," He complained, wishing that the orphanage could be rebuilt sooner, "Anyway. How was your date? Seems it went splendid, judging by those huge smiles."

2014-09-27 00:04:05
🌀
"Mhmm, it was great!" He was grinning ear to ear, but had to relax his face muscles since it was starting to hurt. "There were cool treats, and nice tea, and not too many interruptions. And of course excellent company," Gamzee giggled. "Does the snow normally last a long time in Starnette? Oh, and can we walk from here, or is it still too far?" If they were walking Gamzee wanted to start. It was a little colder than he liked, really, and Tavros would probably get colder than he did, so he didn't hesitate to put an arm around his matesprit to help keep him marginally warmer.

2014-09-27 00:09:20
●
He figured that from where they presently were, it would take a while longer than they were accustomed to in order to get home, but Sollux didn't mind the weather and if they wished to walk, he'd amuse them, "Sure, let's get going, then." At least snow meant delivered firewood, and Sollux had two extra arms to carry some wood up to his apartment.

Tavros cheered, hooking an arm around Gamzee's waist as he tested his boots' traction against the slipperiness of the sidewalk and found that the cobblestones made it less likely for him to slip and fall. Which was good for the brownblood, who was not the most graceful being there ever was.

"Oh, and to answer your question, Gamzee, Starnette's a little ways north, so the snow tends to wear out its welcome," Sollux preferred the cold to the warm so to him, the snow was nice, but it did hinder his line of work and that annoyed him. Sometimes he felt like there was just no pleasing him.

2014-09-27 00:16:31
🌀
It was nice to walk in the gently falling flakes, and a couple times the purple amused himself by catching a few snowflakes on his tongue. "I suppose I won't move north then. I think I like the shorter winters, though the snow is very pretty." He watched Tavros being careful a few times, and offered his other hand for balance on icier spots where snow had melted and then frozen over again, keeping the brownblood close to his side as they traipsed back to the apartment for warmth as well as companionship.

There wasn't much hassle on their way, the usual glares and a few nasty comments more quietly because they had the architect with them. Either Sollux's presence as an individual who worked for government was making a difference, or most people were just getting used to the pair through their being present for a while so they were more easily ignored.

2014-09-27 00:29:51
●
Once in the actual complex, Sollux went over to the large holding for the firewood and picked up a couple logs in his arms, watching as Tavros plucked up a few himself. The yellowblood was surprised to find that he wasn't as helpless as he looked, holding the logs comfortably in his arms. All that time toiling in the ground with tools and pushing wheelbarrows full of supplies or soil back in Alternia didn't make for one very weak individual.

Soon, they were back in the apartment, the wood piled by the fireplace and Sollux depositing his architectural supplies in his room before his shoes and coat were taken off. Tavros wondered if Kanaya had called or if anything, in general, had happened while they were gone.

2014-09-27 00:36:47
🌀
Gamzee deposited his armful of logs too, taking off his boots and coat after. The kitchen was already smelling up the place, apparently Karkat had really taken it upon himself to cook for all of them. Gamzee went in curiously, hypothesizing about what he could possibly be making. He was almost shooed out by the cherry blood, but when he saw who it was he gave a sigh of relief and immediately made him taste it and tell him what was missing. So the two stayed in there to finish up Karkat's meal.

Eridan was on the couch tending the fire, and looked fresh of face and hair, having taken a bath in their absence. "Hello, Tavros. You all seem to have had a decent time of it. Pretty calm around here, nothing to report. How were the kids?"

2014-09-27 00:56:57
●
"They were darlings!" Tavros exclaimed, excitedly sitting beside Eridan, his face flushed from the cold and his hair slightly damp from stray snow. "I can see why Sollux, ah...feels more inclined to assist them. It is an orphanage for all the misfits, like us," He smiled, "All the communers and psionics and anyone with an odd birthmark or peculiarity with their mental capabilities, anything. An orphanage for the undesirables, which is bloodpusherbreaking in its own right, but, uh, the familial bonds shared by all the children is remarkable. The older children tend to the younger ones, and the younger ones look out for the elders. Not a single child is left out or ridiculed or anything! I wish the entire world could operate that way." He shook his head some in disbelief, marveling at the wonder of the orphans; even if they played roughly or sometimes called each other names, he could tell that they all cared for each other deeply.

Sollux sank into a chair by the fire, a bit disappointed to hear that Kanaya had not yet called. He hoped that everything was alright on their end... Perhaps they were travelling and could not call? Hopeful as it was, he just felt better when he knew exactly if Kanaya was alright, and he was sure that Eridan felt similarly about Vriska.

2014-09-27 01:03:53
🌀
Gamzee came out with tea, having helped figure out what the missing thing was in Karkat's dish and thusly shooed. He set the tea service on the table and poured them all a cup, offering them all out before sitting next to Tavros. "Karkat's taken over the kitchen..." he murmured, amusement evident.

"The kids were great. They talked real easy with both of us... and the grubs were pretty curious too. It was a nice time... do you wanna tell them about your scroll or should we wait until the other two are back from Undlegire?" he asked Tavros. As if on cue, the phone rang, and Eridan got up to get it quickly. "Hello?"

2014-09-27 01:19:16
●
He perked up at the comment, wondering just what could possibly be in the kitchen of Karkat's creation. No doubt, it would probably be something delicious; Tavros had full confidence in his cooking abilities. "Ahh, I am excited to try anything he concocts."

At the ringing of the phone, Sollux immediately turned to its direction, seeing Eridan pick it up soothed his heart some - hopefully, it was their two dearest people.

It was Vriska on the line, absolutely furious, "We're coming back tonight," She announced, "Those HUED bastards have gone /way/ over the line, and if I stay in Undlegire any longer, I'm bound to /really/ let lose some pent up rage. I don't know how we're getting back, but we are, and you bet your asses someone is going to pay!"

2014-09-27 01:40:39
🌀
"Oh, okay, can you tell me what happened, Vris? You're both okay, right?" Eridan spoke urgently. Oh no, well, Vriska was obviously alright but what about Kanaya?

"I think it's going to be splendid. He's really worked hard on it. But he's sworn me to secrecy so I can't say anything more," Gamzee said, intrigued by the difference in Eridan's tone and not liking it one bit. He hugged Tavros a little to his side, wondering what was going on.

2014-09-27 01:46:34
●
"We're fine," She assured, then paused, "Well. I am. Kanaya's not doing so hot. Those pricks destroyed her store!" Her livelihood was in her shop, and HUED had destroyed her creations, those lovely pieces of clothing she made with her own two hands, "Once the chaos outside calmed down, Kanaya and I went back to her apartment to gather up some clothing and the like. We checked the store and, lo and motherfucking behold, her creations were slashed! Our jade's awful upset, she's in her room at the moment packing..."

Tavros could hardly focus on what was going on with the cooking, too concerned with Eridan's shift in tone. What could have possibly happened?

2014-09-27 01:54:41
🌀
"What?! Those assholes! At least you are both unhurt. I do hope it's quite possible for you to return this evening. Please be safe though. None of us can wait to have you back with us again. Do you have any idea how you'll do it? The train still isn't running, is it?" What if these monsters tried to attack them on their way out of town? And how would they get there? Maybe Kanaya had a friend with some transportation. Eridan was worried about them, wishing he were there to help if he could.

2014-09-27 02:01:30
●
Vriska sighed heavily into the phone, "The train is still down, yes. But where there's a will, there's a way, Marchie." Her voice dropped to a whisper, "I don't know how things are on your end, but Kanaya needs Sollux now more than ever. I have to get her in Starnette, otherwise things could get way worse for her emotionally. When she first saw all her clothes mangled and ripped, all she could do was cry and murmur to herself in shock, and now she has gone completely silent." There was another pause, and Vriska spoke normally into the phone, "She's out, now. Could you get Sollux on the phone?"

2014-09-27 02:09:59
🌀
"Yes, yes, of course." Eridan held the receiver away from his mouth. "Sollux, come talk to Kanaya..." he ushered him over. "HUED... they went way to far. They're both fine physically but ... they destroyed her store. The clothes, though the building might be fine since she was packing." He filled in the yellow quickly and handed off the phone to him, and then went to sit down on the couch again next to the pair.

2014-09-27 02:14:06
●
A red spark jerked from one of his eyes, then a second blue one followed from the other as he took hold of the phone and nodded solidly. "Kanaya? Hey, listen..." Sollux was cut off as she began to speak softly into the phone, her voice cracked by crying as she recounted the events again, and the yellowblood looked physically upset at her words, ":It'll be alright, Kan. Getting upset is what those assholes want." Though he was not fairing much better himself. Every few seconds, a red or blue crackle would twist by his eyes , and one red spark jutted out and hit the table the phone was on, causing a small crack in the wood. "I'll get someone to fix your window and your door, and I'll send shipments of new fabric to your store once everything calms down. We can look into some kind of protective magic, too. Just don't worry, sweetheart, everything will be fine." It was unusual to see Sollux be so kind and comforting to someone, but, at the same time, being angry and frustrated, "Just concern yourself with staying safe."

Tavros had only heard the last couple of words from Eridan when he spoke to Sollux, and he questioned, "What is happening?"

2014-09-27 02:33:49
🌀
Sitting down a bit heavily, Eridan took up his tea again. "The fucking HUED," he stated bitterly. "They broke into her shop," Eridan recounted the events as he'd been told them by Vriska, slow as he was kind of upset for her too. One of the kindest trolls in all Wonderland and they'd hurt her so greatly; she'd worked so hard for that shop! It was upsetting to all of them, since knowing Kanaya and being so very fond of their motherly companion.

Gamzee excused himself to go fill in Karkat, thinking he should probably be informed. Of course the cherry was quite pissed off, and raved into the food he was preparing. He hoped they'd get back soon and safe, wondering how they would. But the pair were clever, he was sure they would figure something out.

2014-09-27 02:44:34
●
The call lasted for quite a while longer, perhaps an hour or two before it finally ended. There wasn't much of a resolution; Kanaya just muttered that she was going to try to get a nap in, and Vriska interjected when she left into her respiteblock that she, herself, wasn't going to bed until she found a way for them to Starnette safely. Sollux lingered by the phone for a few moments to calm himself down, as there were a few cracks and splints in the wood of the table now, then moved to sit in a chair.

The story had Tavros angry, too, but not nearly as passionately as the rest; he kept a level head, even though he was upset. It would be best to try to think rationally and just hope for them to come home safe and sound, but it pained him to think that Kanaya's shop, lovely and with all that hard work put into it, was so shamelessly torn apart by some extremist bastards.

2014-09-27 03:02:12
🌀
By the time the phone call ended there was food ready. Karkat was much more solemn than he probably would have been, but it was terrible news. "Food's up," he called to them. He'd saved some for the girls already if they indeed got back that night, and he mentioned that so none of them felt bad about eating their fill.

He'd made a sort of beef curry, but without the spice since he wasn't sure anyone would be up for that. It was quite flavorful though, and there was airy flat bread and rice to go with it depending on everyone's personal preference. Of course they could have both, too. He sat and waited, already having gotten water for everyone. Gamzee was quick to compliment him quietly, so he knew his efforts were appreciated even with what had happened. Karkat wasn't one to get upset over something like that though, but was thankful for the sentiment anyways. Eridan also came over quickly, hungry from not eating much all day, too absorbed in other things.

2014-09-27 03:18:58
●
Tavros thanked him politely for his food, but Sollux's mind was clearly elsewhere. He was silent, mostly, eating contemplatively and slowly. The brownblood had only had a couple moirails in his entire life, and never under the stress that Kanaya and Sollux felt. He could only imagine what he must have been going through.

The curry was delicious, and Tavros ate his with rice, the food reminding him much of Alternia. The table was quiet, everyone's minds on Kanaya's dismantled store and Vriska's anger and tendency to enact revenge.

2014-09-27 03:37:23
🌀
It was pretty damn silent through dinner, and after everyone was finished Eridan and Karkat started picking up plates; Karkat quick to pick up Sollux's dishes. Gamzee was contemplative, not knowing what he should really get up to for the rest of the evening. He didn't really feel in the mood to bake, even though it probably would make him feel useful he didn't think the effort was worth it at the moment. They needed Kanaya and Vriska back more than anything at the moment. As soon as Kanaya was back some of the tension would leave all of them since they would know exactly where they were and that they were safe for the most part. To give himself something to do, he helped pick up, giving Tavros a soft peck before picking up both of their sets of dishes and heading into the kitchen.

2014-09-27 03:59:19
●
The rest of the night went by, more or less, uneventfully. Everyone settled into their sleeping spots, comfortable in their night clothes but stiff when trying to relax. Another snow began on Starnette and surrounding cities again, the house warm from the fire burning and crackling in the main room.

Then, there was a sharp knock on the front door in the middle of the night, rough and hard to rouse anyone within the apartment awake. Tavros, sleepily, peeked open an eye and rubbed at them, yawning as he did so. Sollux, however, was jumpy in his respiteblock and leapt awake, rushing from his room and to the front door to answer.

Standing in front of the door was Vriska and Kanaya, heavily bound in coats and scarves and gloves, their faces flushed from cold but relieved to finally be someplace safe. Vriska was right: where there was a will, there was a way.

2014-09-27 04:12:50
🌀
"Oh thank the fucking twelve," Karkat muttered from his place in the living room. Eridan nearly ran down the hall, pulling them both inside and closing the door behind them both. "Go sit, go sit! Get warm by the fire, I'll make tea... are either of you hungry? We saved food for both of you."

Gamzee got up slowly at the commotion, peaking out the door. "Tavros, they got back!" he said, smiling now. "C'mon, let's go welcome 'em back, eh?" Gamzee went and stoked the fire some to get it a little warmer for them.

2014-09-27 04:27:56
●
"Saved food for us? Sheesh, seems we were always on their minds, huh, Kanaya?" Vriska joked, pulling off her boots and coat and whatever other layers she had, as did Kanaya. The jadeblood looked a little out of it, but she smiled thinly, giving kind greetings to all and gradually gravitating towards Sollux, who hugged her tight and placed a kiss to her temple.

"Getting here was a frightful mess," Kanaya spoke, moving towards the couch and the warmth of the fire, "Could you fix my tea with blood, dear? It has been a long night."

2014-09-27 04:33:37
🌀
"Of course!" Eridan moved to go and do that, but was intercepted by Karkat, who turned him straight around and shoved him toward Vriska.

"No you don't. Go fucking be affectionate you." As Eridan was about to say something Karkat disappeared into the kitchen, heating food back up and making tea. Soon he was back out with the tea first, handing Kanaya her's laced with blood, about half and half as he vaguely recalled from before. Vriska's came as she typically liked it, handed to her in the chair that Eridan had directed them both too. "I'll be right back with food."

2014-09-27 04:40:35
●
Both women sat down, soon handed tea and later food, their friends sitting around them in relief and curiosity. How did they manage to get back with the trains down?

Tavros, head tilted, asked, "Did you get here by, neighbeast or something?"

Vriska shook her head, sipping her tea graciously as it warmed her up. "I stole one of the public carriages."

"Which is illegal," Kanaya interjected with some disbelief still evident in her voice, "We haven't the carriage anymore, though. Disposed of evidence, if you will."

"We abandoned the carriage by the train station and pretended that we were coming from some other city. The other trains to different cities are working fine, just the ones in Undlegire are all busted," Vriska shrugged.

"I took anything of value from my apartment," Kanaya murmured, her brows furrowed, "Just in case they decide to return and do anything else."

2014-09-27 15:40:15