Cherubplay

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"Hmm," that got Gamzee thinking about all sorts of summertime treats he could make up. "I think I saw some folk with milkshakes before... I got this thing back home that mom used to make fruit ones out of, 'cept she called them smoothies? Sometimes they had yogurt, which was real good, but most times there was just ice with fruit." He ruminated on what other sorts of things he could make in frozen or cold form. "Ooh, there are these cute dumplin' things with ice cream middles... I wonder if I could all up and make them. They look kinda hard, though."

"An' blackberries are fuckin' delicious. When we all up and go back to Tulgey maybe they'll be in season an' we can eat 'em right offa the vine. There are a bunch of brambles of different kinds there. Like raspberry and then they crossbred and made motherfuckin amazing black-raspberries. I'mma have to show you all around that place when we have more goddamn time and then figure out what the fuck to do with it all..." A troubled look passed over his face as he thought pretty hard about that. He had more stuff than was all that easy to transport, not that there was A LOT, just more than was easy to carry. Could he hire a cart? From where? Gamzee zoned out and got caught in all those questions.

2015-03-20 17:35:09
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"Perhaps when we have created a more stable Wonderland, we will be able to venture during some downtime. I can only imagine how nice a bit of a vacation will be. Oh, I mean-!" Immediately, his eyes widened, thin lips opened in a small 'o' shape, "Not that I do not love helping Wonderland and its inhabitants! It is the one thing, uh, that I have ever done in my life so far that has felt just and right and made sense to me. But, I know you are well aware of how exhausting it can be sometimes. I, occasionally, have small bouts of exasperation, but I think that everything that is meant to happen simply will."

He leaned back in his seat, finished with the rich dessert for now as he looked thoughtfully off to the side, confessing some dreams aloud, "I keep having this dream, over and over. Even when I just close my eyes, I see it. It is your home, back in Tulgey. Granted, I have only ever seen your home in the wintertime, and now it is much closer to spring, but I always dream of it in full bloom. The trees and plant life are lush and exquisite, and, the animals roam and feed as they so please. You and I are in the kitchen, baking some sort of confection, with the windows open and a warm breeze comes through. Wocky sits just outside the window, and he always sticks his tongue through it so we may sprinkle sugar in his mouth," He laughed, flicking his gaze to Gamzee, "That is all I want, truly. Just some peace."

2015-03-23 21:45:22
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Tavros' little surprise thing he did was goddamn adorable, Gamzee thought, and he smiled in a lazy, loving way at him. His red feelings were practically spilling out of his expression the way he was looking at the bronzeblood while he listened to his sweet dream.

"That sounds like the nicest little miracle I've ever done heard, Tavbro. Cute as the nose on your face," he reached over and poked it gently. "But then maybe it's your whole face, 'cause alla it is cute as anything else," he smiled and caressed Tavros' cheek. "Wonderful matesprit mine, from who's eyes love doth shine... well we got a start to somethin' there but no follow up. I'll work on it durin' a nap or sometime," he grinned and giggled at the surprise poetry.

"And I all up and grok you on the Wonderlandian saving mission stuff, yo. It's a lot of motherfucking work getting all this sorted with trolls everywhere all crazy with different situations. Ya got west people who need help, and east people who need help, and queen peeps who got to thinkin' oppressin' others be a-okay... it's a helluva clusterfuck, Tavbro. So you ever get your stressed out on, you come to yer ol' Gamzee and I'll chill ya out some if I can."

2015-03-29 18:03:52
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Gamzee's lazy grin was met with a bashful one from Tavros, who was not sure what to make of the deeply red feelings pouring from his matesprit's expression. At time, he was uncertain that he could match Gamzee's quiet passion; his love was quite potent, a bond so strong that Tavros sometimes felt as though his own red feelings were not up to par.

Lost in his own thoughts, he didn't come back to reality until he heard his darling's voice and felt his hand against his face, causing a slight jolt but nothing too noticeable as he gazed into his eyes. Gently, he kissed the side of Gamzee's mouth, purring, "I think that I will be perfectly fine if you are by my side through this journey's entirety," Tavros assured, "What with your, impromptu poetry and sweet caresses, surely I will be comforted enough."

"It does feel like quite a lot, at times," He admitted, "And, I confess, stress is a constant pressure on me, but this consistency accustoms me to it. It can only, uh, get worse before it can get better, after all, so when something bad happens, I am going to do my best to look for the positivity."

2015-03-30 22:41:58
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"You gotta be the most positive troll I ever done met, honey bunch. Full on amazing, you are." It was no wonder to Gamzee why everyone Tavros encountered seemed to like him...assuming, of course, that his policies didn't go directly against a troll's self interest. Also Tavros was just so gosh darned cute; and not just cute but /attractive/, sexy even in those damned thigh highs with his short Alice dress although the bronze really didn't present himself that way which sometimes made it worse. There were always weirdos with a thing for innocence. It wasn't as bad when they weren't around a lot of other highbloods, but there had been times when Vriska and Gamzee had been warding off too many lecherous looks.

Mostly he just did it for Tavros' protection and comfort (no matter how oblivious he was to it) but the indigo would have to admit that he did feel a bit threatened by them...but that was just a little normal matesprit possessiveness.

"Maybe we should all get to chillaxing somewheres a little more private like? Don't wanna be makin' no faux pas with kisses and maybe some massaging going on for your stressed out muscles all up in here. I done made enough of those, I think," he smiled sheepishly.

2015-03-31 00:38:46
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"Oh, sure," Came his easy agreement, and Tavros stood with a bit of a stretch before smiling sweetly at his matesprit, "But you do not have to be so focused on, uh, assuaging my tension, really. I do not want you to feel so, I suppose you could say, responsible for my relaxation."

Gathering up the few dishes to wash them shortly and place them in the appropriate cabinets. It was amazing to him, Vriska's ship, how it was a movable home, bank of sorts, and fortified vessel all at once. And yet, even if he knew the outside was defensive, the inside of the ship felt so much like a real home, like he was on solid ground. It was not some tough and tumble difference like Tavros had been expecting. As he dried his hands, he looked to Gamzee with an affectionate look before holding out a hand for him to take, "Shall we?0

2015-04-07 01:26:10
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"Nah, Tav, I don't have any of those responsibility feelings toward loosenin' ya up a bit. I just saw my red all up and havin' a bad time, and I got a feeling in my pan to dote on a motherfucker. ...am I not being proper romantic like?" For all the books he had read Gamzee hoped he was getting at least some of that right, though he did doubt himself a little since he was aware he didn't have many real life observances to go off. And while he had read a lot, his books weren't focused on romantic aspects like Karkat's.

Gamzee took his hand and wandered further into the interior of the ship. "I didn't have no fancy plans for after cake," Gamzee admitted as they walked together, "so I suppose we could go back up topside if you like that better."

2015-04-10 19:37:41
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He gave a brief nod, swinging Ehands with Gamzee as he moved towards the top of the ship again. Breathing in deeply, the saltwater spreading his lungs, Tavros let it out slowly through his nose and questioned quietly, "What do you think the West is really like?" there were reports of such ghastly, vile occurrences, but then there were assurances that this city or this village was safe, if only for the time being. "I just have this, uh. Mental picture of the West, and I do not think it is entirely accurate. Maybe it is worse than we think with very few good spots."

2015-04-14 01:21:14
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He shrugged and hugged Tavros loosely from behind, resting his chin lightly on top of the bronze's head while they looked at the ocean. "I don't have any clue what that place be all up and fuckin' like, Tav. I think maybe there are some nice places, but probably the people there are scared 'cause other places are gettin' hit by some real badness out there. Hopefully we just avoid any bad shit, 'cause I'm none to sure we'll all be able to do much about it, and I don't want to be loosing nobody." He might have been lackadaisical most of the time, but Gamzee did worry about any of them being captured or killed.

2015-04-14 01:28:34
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Naturally, Tavros was concerned, and for good reason. He had never been around a human that would do him harm, (though he sometimes questioned the White Rabbit) and while he figured that it wouldn't do the group any good to get captured, that was so much easier said than done. He wanted to keep them all safe, or at least as safe as possible in a grief stricken Wonderland. Especially after all his seafaring duo had gone through - another capture would shake their psyches, Tavros was sure of it.

One half of said duo was flaunting off a couple jewels from her ship's stash to the jade blood, who wished to get a better feel for sea apparel. Vriska, as was Eridan, was of the flashy sort, and made sure Kanaya understood fully that jewels, from the tiniest ornate detail to a gaudy eye catcher, were necessary components. Kanaya seemed somewhat weary and asked for Eridan's second opinion.

2015-04-16 01:02:25
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Being in the middle of the ocean on a familiar boat was doing wonders for Eridan's outlook, and he'd been less quick to anger and annoyance while they'd been on the ship. Since he thought talking with Kanaya was almost always a joy, he eagerly gave her his two cents on the matter of gemstones.

"Of course their nice, but much better for landdwellers and pirates who don't intend on getting wet. Occasionally we seadwellers will wear them to fancy parties when we don't have to swim very far, but the way their cut up here for the most part increases drag intolerably. Smooth ones like opals and turquoise are worn more often, though, since they're easy to shape smoothly without all those facets." He thought for a moment about other ornaments that were used on the seas. "Oh! Shells, I'll have to find you some nice ones to look at. And domebeast shells are lovely when prepared correctly. Some bigger pieces are even made into jewelry boxes... Vriska, don't you have one of those?"

2015-04-17 16:21:29
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Kanaya took in all the information with interest; seadwelling clothing was still such an entirely new subject to her. Naturally, she only dealt with landdwellers, and even then, she was, more or less, restricted to mid hued or warmer. The idea of inplementing some kind of jewel was interesting, but she was almost positive that doing so was next to impossible. Replicating precious stones was technically counterfeit under Wonderlandian law, but she assumed she could do well without them.

"I see , I see...unfortunately, I will be unable to replicate jewels and the like with the magic I use to create clones of my clothing," She gave a little pout, "They would be considered fake and also illegal."

"No worries, Kanaya." Vriska gave a shrug, then answered, "Yes, I do, actually! Two, in fact - one was from those lovely blue bloods as payment for fishing once, and another was a gift from Feferi. You can take a look see, Kanaya, though the latter one is a bit of an eyesore and crudely constructed."

2015-04-24 11:09:33
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"Don't be rude to Fef, Vris," Eridan chided, "especially when she's not here to glubbin' defend hershellf." He wasn't actually all that mad, which was pretty clear from his silly puns and lopsided smile.

"Maybe you could replicate the clothing before putting on the gemstones?" Karkat suggested as he wandered over to Kanaya's side. "I don't know how that all works, but if they're the last step in something maybe that would work." The mutant troll hadn't really wandered over to talk jewels and clothes, though. He'd noticed Kanaya looking tired and wondered if she was doing alright. Maybe it wasn't really his place to bother, but he cared about all of them. Though it was quite possible he cared about Kanaya a little extra from how nice she was. And someone had to mother the mom troll when she looked tired. He wondered if she needed blood.

2015-05-04 18:00:50
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Vriska rolled her eyes, playing with locks of her hair as she gave a nonchalant shrug, "I would say the same whether she was here or not. But you have to admit, using her hand in mind of creation is just...not her forte. Not at all."

Kanaya snickered some, covering her laughter with her hand, "You are so overly critical! Give the girl some slack, would you? She likely forged it with only positive thoughts in mind." As Karkat approached, she listened and gave a quick nod, "Yes, of course. Clothing replicated first, always; still, I think I would save all the gemstone outfits as a need to have basis. A sea dweller approaching me for a grand ball of some sort would have something special suited for them, absolutely."

2015-05-04 21:03:14
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Eridan bumped a hip into Vriska's and rolled his eyes at her continued derision. Even if she was right, he had a soft spot for his fellow seadweller. "Can you change the colors of the fabrics you use through magic?" Eridan asked Kanaya. He thought it might be simpler to change something magically rather than having to make multiple sets of something in different colors.

Karkat wasn't sure how to breach the subject of getting Kanaya to rest. So for now while the conversation was going he watched her for any other signs of exhaustion. He had no idea about clothing so couldn't contribute much. And he really didn't know what else he could do around the ship to keep busy, since Gamzee was over near the bow spoiling Tavros with sweet affection, and he'd finished his last book.

2015-05-04 21:48:52
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"Ah...yes, yes, it is a simple process, really," She yawned briefly, though she didn't rub at her eyes to avoid smudging her makeup, then stretched her arms over her head, "Just a small incantation, though it does become tricky with trying to get specific shades of colors and patterns."

Vriska didn't think she could ever memorize so many magical spells or even have the patience to go along with them; it was actually pretty admirable. Kanaya definitely loved her work and put so much hard work and effort into it, and it only made Vriska more determined to get revenge on those HUED bastards for their barbaric destruction of her store. She looked to Eridan with a pout, pinching his cheek as means of retaliation before remarking, "Karkat, do you know where Sollux is?"

2015-05-04 22:44:15
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The mutant touched the jade's elbow lightly and looked at her meaningfully before being asked this question. His brows knitted together and he frowned at Vriska. "No, why should I know where he is? I don't think he's likely to jump ship, so he's probably below decks." He looked up at Kanaya again. "Maybe we should get you some tea. Or you could take a nap; you look exhausted."

"That's true," Eridan nodded and grabbed Vriska's pinching hand before pulling her into a half-hug without hesitation. "It might be good for a few of us to get naps in before we get to shore. I think we'll want our wits about us."

2015-05-05 02:52:29
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Kanaya caught on to Vriska's tricks relatively quickly, and the knowing glance she sent the blueblood was met with a wide, mischievous grin. The jadeblood, however, did shift her attention to Karkat, and she sighed some, "My my. I must look a frightful mess with fatigue plastered on my face, hm? I must admit, my sleep has been less than pleasant - the impending arrival to the opposite side of Wonderland has rattled me so."

"Eridan's right, some shuteye never hurt anyone," Vriska agreed, hooking an arm around Eridan's waist as she offered to Kanaya, "There's a couple Somni Crystals in the kitchen; used to give 'em to new temporary recruits who'd have a hard time sleeping on a rocking ship."

2015-05-07 01:14:32
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Karkat's face was the definition of confusion at the looks the girls were exchanging. What the fuck was going on, and was he being had somehow. Since Eridan knew at least one of them damn well and he didn't look offended (his face was much closer to melting with flushed feelings) Karkat determined this suspicious behavior had to be ....something... oh for fuck's sake. He glared and rolled his eyes when he figured it must have to do with the yellow blood.

The seadweller seemed oblivious even if he wasn't, much too satisfied with being partly cuddled against Vriska's side as he followed along with his matesprit.

Before they left, though, Gamzee had excused himself from Tavros' side for a second to unwittingly increase Karkat's embarrassment. Realizing the shenanigans going on between the girls the mutant had a light tint of cherry on his cheeks and had started muttering under his breath. It only got worse when his gangling moirail draped himself over his shoulders with the most innocent smile. "Heeey there, motherfucker. All up and heard you grumbling, bro." With a little nuzzle of his cheek into Karkat's forehead and some very quiet purring directly into Karkat's ear (Gamzee didn't like not being able to purr loud but he was perhaps more quiet than necessary after his unwitting faux pas) the stocky troll's face and ears turned crimson.

2015-05-07 02:10:02
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Vriska couldn't contain her giggling, and she leaned up to whisper in Eridan's ear, -though not without a few feathery kisses dangerously close to his fin- "I wonder embarrassed we could get him, hm?"

Tavros, curiously, watched the goings-on, trotting over with clicks of his heels against the wood of the ship as he approached his ragtag family of sorts. From what he could gather, the main sport was teasing Karkat to a lovely rosy hue, and he wanted to have every part of it, though in the background, of course. Kanaya, with every intention to find her elusive moirail and bring him to his flushcrush, even if the title may have been not quite accurate.

The yellowblood in question, who had been admiring the architecture of the ship below decks, was walking briskly up to the top, a notepad in hand as he called, " 'Naya, you will never believe-" Abruptly, he stopped, noticing everyone else all huddled about, giggling or blushing as result of it, "...What is going on?" His dual eyes shined in confusion, and he glanced to Karkat, noting the surge of color to his face and assumed the worst, "Are you alright? You looked fevered."

2015-05-07 10:53:46
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Everyone was an asshole, Karkat decided, except maybe Tavros who hadn't done anything yet. Sollux was included among the rest of them because he knew exactly the sort of things that comment of his was going to get him. His wait for the inevitable was almost immediately over as Gamzee changed his position slightly to press his cheek against Karkat's forehead as a way of checking his temperature. Somehow the clown was remarkably straight-faced, even having the gall to look concerned.

"Oh yeah, Karbro's got a fever alright." Of course that only made the mutant's face impossibly more red and dialed up the intensity of his scowl to maximum. Eridan giggled at the sight though the kisses didn't help that any, either.

All the damn giggling was really getting on the short-fused troll's nerves. He really didn't want everyone fucking knowing about his stupid wrigglerish crush on that damned beanpole of a psionic. Karkat buried half his face in Gamzee's chest to calm himself down a little and prevent the swear-riddled rant that threatened to spill from his jaws. Gamzee was helpful in not talking and hugging around his shoulders, but it didn't last long since Karkat pushed away a minute later and moved passed them all so he could get into the ship and down to his room. "You guys are a bunch of fucking assholes. Guess I'll go get some gods damned rest."

2015-05-07 15:17:50
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Sollux, with a quirk of his eyebrow, watched them all with curiosity mixed with concern. Vriska tugged on Eridan, moving towards the rooms and such below decks, and Kanaya bid them a good rest as she took hold of Sollux's hand. She explained briefly, "I think he is quite alright, dear. Just...rattled, perhaps."

"Perhaps?" Tavros parroted with a giggle, "You all hounded him to the, brink of his sanity, surely."

Sollux looked a bit annoyed at their behavior, but Kanaya assured that it was all in good fun, "He will be fine, Sollux! Just a spot of amusement of a cute little thing."

2015-05-07 22:07:28
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Vriska didn't have to tug very much to get Eridan to follow along. He was eager for some cuddles and returned some of her tricky kisses as they walked. Just as they got below decks Karkat was closing the door to the cabin he shared where he flopped onto the bed. Rest did seem like a good idea, and sleeping was better than dwelling on embarrassment. Or annoyance, which he felt more. Take an interest in a friend's health and what did he get? Teasing. Geez! But Kanaya had Sollux to make sure she got some rest now, so it wasn't a big deal.

On deck Gamzee returned to his place by Tavros' side and looked thoughtfully at Sollux. "A brother got his concern on for Karbro? ...he's okay, just a temporary frustrated ya know; he was all up and concerned about you, Ms. Maryam. Probably wonderin' if you're gettin' enough nutrition in a way if you take my meaning. Prickly pear brother got his worry on all the time; gods-damned lusus troll, that one." Gamzee was almost wistful as he rambled and looked around at the water.

2015-05-07 23:07:11
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"What do you think will develop between those two?" Vriska questioned inquisitively, following the familiar way to her grand cabin. It was decorated with all sorts of spoils: a golden chain upon the wall above her bed, a heavy chest with a shimmery emerald on the lock, her desk engraved with anchors and sea stars all painted delicately. With a plop onto her bed, she pulled her hat off and set it on the headboard, "Karkat always tries to hide his feelings, that much is certain, but that Sollux is much trickier to decode."

"You shouldn't work him up like that," Sollux chastised lightly, but Kanaya rolled her eyes, "I am fine! Gamzee is right, I am due for a sip or two of wine, but I am by no means incapacitated."

The architect sighed deeply, "Karkat worries fervently, it wouldn't do well for his health if you neglected yours, 'Naya. It will be an endless cycle of shitty immune systems and fucking fevers, you dolt."

2015-05-07 23:22:32
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"I am not sure, cuddlefish," Eridan sat next to her on the bed and laid back on the mattress with his arms crossed behind his head. "I don't think Karkat will wait around forever, so if Sollux actually wants something with him... well. Who know's what to come. We might meet new people our romantic little cherryblood might get distracted by who take him more seriously. So it depends on who pushes the issue, I suppose. I doubt Karkat would be willing to initiate anything with anyone in something red or black. But he's comfortable with being pale, we know that. What do you think will happen?"

Gamzee was confused about Sollux's concern. "Uhhhhh, bro that weren't no sickness fever that all up and had him blushin' up like that...?" Sollux couldn't possibly be that oblivious, could he? The clownish troll had no idea. At least he seemed concerned about him, that was good. "You got enough wine for until we get ashore and some?" he asked Kanaya only a moment later.

2015-05-07 23:37:57