Cherubplay

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"Nah, just in the tent" he answered, not really much for talking as he tried to distract himself so he wouldn't start over thinking things. He wasn't the one who had been flirting so much, only reciprocating so far. This new sort of initiation worried him, and he hoped it didn't go badly. He really just wanted some freedom to cuddle Tavros a little and be affectionate like that. He hadn't thought of anything more in depth, as it were, than cuddling and nuzzling and maybe the occasional chaste kiss, nothing more. Of course he expected much less, and would be surprised if Tavros didn't avoid him from now on. But he was trying not to think about that!

He started a small cooking fire and got out bread for toast and some carefully packed eggs with a small frying pan. "How'd you like your egg on toast cooked?" he asked nonchalantly.

2014-07-04 01:59:53
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Tavros wasn't sure what he wanted out of Gamzee. He liked the way that they flirted and messed around like this, how they were both generally so juvenile and cute in what they did, and that satisfied him. Truthfully, he was glad Gamzee was even giving him the time of day; he could have easily shrugged him off, giving it up to Tavros looking for a way home, though he was starting to lean more towards staying in Wonderland as time went on. Who was going to miss him in Alternia, anyway?

"Over easy," She replied, watching as Tavros emerged from the tent, looking freshfaced and gleeful. Vriska noted the happy behavior, then Gamzee's quiet, reserved one, and she came to one single conclusion. They must have fucked while she and Eridan slept. It only made sense - of course Tavros would be grinning and excited, -though he really only was like that because of the kiss- and Gamzee was sure to keep his exploits with a /copperblood/ under wraps. No need to bring unnecessary attention when it came to Alice. She found herself grinning, but not commenting, not yet.

2014-07-04 02:29:23
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He cracked her egg into the pan and salt and peppered it, cutting bread while it cooked and setting it up to toast lightly. Hearing the light flap of someone exiting a tent, he looked back. Tavros looked happy, so, maybe things were okay? His expression showed some surprise. "How'd you like your egg, Tav?" he asked, a little shyly.

Eridan stirred at the smell of food. "Makin' breakfast without me?" he muttered, crawling out of the tent. He got up and did some languid stretching movements as he traipsed over to the fire. "Over hard for me, break the yolk too, please." He said before Gamzee could ask him.

2014-07-04 02:40:48
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The morning-after moods were already setting in, it seemed. The bashfulness, the careful treading to try to seamlessly move from lovers to outward friends was so cute, if not pathetic. At least, Vriska thought that was what had happened, but she could not be too sure.

"The same for me, please," Tavros answered politely, sitting beside Gamzee in front of the fire and looking over his map, "And, uh, thank you for being so kind when it comes to meals. I certainly could not cook what you manage to do." He had a tendency to fix the same few things for himself with a few variations depending on what mood he was in, but Gamzee had successfully managed to switch up his palate with ease.

2014-07-04 02:45:27
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Well that was a relief. Gamzee relaxed and smiled at the compliment. "Sure, I'm glad you like it. Never cooked for much anyone besides myself: pretty fuckin great cooking for others, too. I enjoy it." Gamzee cracked the other eggs one-handed into the pan, tossing the shells in the fire in the next fluid motion of an arm as he watched them cook, spicing them all well. The toast he put in a pile, as it got done faster than the eggs.

When they were cooked to their recipients specifications, he plated the toast and put the egg on top, then handed it to whomever it belonged to. He settled back with his to enjoy the warmth.

Eridan had been sunning himself in the morning light, only coming back towards the fire when his egg was finished. He didn't notice much different between the other two, but he had gotten up late. He did catch the Hatter's grin though, and raised an eyebrow mischievously in question.

2014-07-04 02:58:54
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He thanked Gamzee kindly for the food and settled happily in the sand, munching on his breakfast as he tried to solve the last riddle, but to no avail. Instead, he folded it and placed it in his pocket, focusing more on the current moments. He turned to Gamzee, chewing and swallowing before he asked, "How'd you sleep?"

Seeing that her grin had not gone unnoticed, she perked up some and looked to Eridan. Then, she tilted her head some to the pair in front of them, who were just as lovey dovey as ever. Tavros had leaned forward now, his hand out stretched as his thumb came out to swipe away a couple crumbs lingering on Gamzee's lower lip. It was almost painful to see how invested they were in each other.

2014-07-04 03:04:47
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"Like a log," Gamzee replied after swallowing a bite. This was one of his favorite breakfasts, but instead of savoring he took large bites, surprisingly hungry. "How about you?" he asked.

Eridan waggled his eyebrows after her indication of the pair, then stopped so he could look like he was asking a question again. Essentially he was communicating, 'something /interesting/?'

Gamzee almost dropped his plate when Tavros brushed the crumbs away. That was pretty exciting. So they were not just good they were a little extra good? he thought. Well that was a-okay and just fantastic by him. He smiled and pressed a kiss quickly to Tavros's brushing thumb before turning back to the fire with a grin trying to peak through his calm facade.

2014-07-04 03:16:51
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They had long since perfected the art of communication via expression, and Vriska nodded eagerly as she tore into her breakfast. Her eyes shifted to the pair again, then she made a quick, obscene gesture with her hands before either male on the other side of the fire could see her, stating silently, 'Probably fornication.'

The kiss was not lost on him, and Tavros smiled widely as he his a giggle in his breakfast. He could get used to this change in their friendship, and he didn't mind floating between friends and matesprits. It was kind of nice in its own regard, but Tavros did long for a title to whatever it was that they were participating in.

2014-07-04 03:50:19
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The giggle was infectious, Gamzee joined too, unable to keep a straight face. He let an arm trail slightly behind him and toward Tavros, opening his side if his companion wanted to scoot closer. Teasingly he looked at everything in front of him BUT Tavros, grinning and giggling but trying to hide his giddiness.

Eridan snorted, also giggling but puckishly at Vriska's obscene gesture. He mimed gagging at the cuteness of it behind the other males' backs. He ate hungrily, trying to keep his and his kismesis's conversation a secret from the other two, even though they didn't seem terribly interested in anyone but each other.

2014-07-04 03:59:29
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Tavros took the bait without much consideration, and he curled up against Gamzee's side as he munched away on his breakfast. When he finished, he brushed the crumbs from his mouth and skirt and readjusted his ribbon absently. He was completely oblivious to Vriska and Eridan as he laid his head against his companion's shoulder, "How far do you think, we will travel today?"

Vriska didn't pay much mind to whether or not the couple was looking because, at this point, she knew they were too invested in each other to even glance in their direction. She ate the remainder of her breakfast, then rolled her eyes in amusement at Tavros and Gamzee; if they didn't just kiss already, she was going to lose it.

2014-07-04 15:18:34
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When Tavros scooted in Gamzee moved his arm to hold him, hand resting on the other's waist. Finishing his breakfast quickly he also brushed crumbs away, also quite oblivious to the caliganous twosome behind them. He was enjoying these moments with Tavros immensely and felt a purr coming on, but tried not to give away how happy he was with such behavior. "Dunno, how long does it look to get to Undlegire?"

Eridan by now had figured the same thing and after finishing his food went over to stand next to Vriska. She looked like she was plotting to him, and he wanted in. He bumped her shoulder a little rougher than necessary to get her attention, and also partly to assuage any remaining doubts of his pitch attraction with anything softer.

2014-07-04 16:46:37
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"It appears to be much longer than just a half day. I'd say two days, if not more," Undlegire was horrendously far from the Screechlands, and while the Screechlands ended in its territory relatively soon, there was a huge expanse of in-between space that belonged to no one in particular. He could only imagine what was located inside. He sighed a little bit and pouted up at Gamzee, "Do we have, uh, enough rations for all of that?"

The bump to her shoulder didn't make her think any less of the pearl given to her yesterday, but it did manage to annoy her. Vriska, as easily aggravated as ever, directed her strange eyes to his with a glower befitting only the darkest of attractions. She then gave a snobbish upturn of her nose and moved towards one of the huge rocks close to the ocean, hoping she could warm up some before they went off today.

2014-07-04 17:00:23
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Gamzee smiled gently at the concerned pout. "Yea, Tavbro, we've got enough. We can probably always find a few things from wherever we are to supplement anyways, like the crab yesterday." He circled his other arm around Tavros and linked his hands together. "Don't you worry 'bout food, let the cook do that, eh?" No matter how hard he tried a couple short quiet purrs escaped through his hold.

Eridan smiled a bit wickedly at the glower directed at him, exposing sharkish teeth. He followed her over to the rocks. He thought a bit of sun and maybe even a short swim would be nice. Annoying his companion a little would be a worth while pursuit, too.

2014-07-04 17:11:41
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His reassurances were more than enough to put a smile back on Tavros's face, and he smiled, tiny body snuggling up against Gamzee as he returned the purrs wholeheartedly. He nuzzled his face against his neck, purring deeply in his chest for a few seconds at a time, a little giggle leaving him, "I have to worry though," He pointed out, "I am Alice and also, kind of, the leader of this group, so I have to be responsible."

She laid on her stomach, arms folded underneath her when she was situated comfortably on the smooth rock. Vriska noticed that her kismesis was following after her, and she offered a grin, "Oh, you just cannot seem to leave me alone, can you?" She sneered, "If you want to indulge a little bit, all you had to do was ask, Marchie."

2014-07-04 17:23:24
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Hearing Tavros's own and the extra snuggling and nuzzling convinced Gamzee he could let go of his strenuous hold. A deep rumble escaped, unlike his companions short purrs his was long and filled with his absolute contentment. He held his petite companion snuggly, returning the nuzzles and giving Tavros another peck, this time on his hairline near the ribbon. "Well, you've been super fuckin responsible so far. Let me help a little, you don't gotta worry over everything; you'll stress yourself out too much."

Eridan chuckled. "Oh, you think I was following you? Maybe I just wanted to go for a swim. Not that I wouldn't mind some antagonizing." He flipped his hair obnoxiously and made a show of removing his shirt to slowly reveal a toned abdomen and chest, as if he were preparing to jump in the ocean.

2014-07-04 17:39:27
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"A thinly veiled lie if I ever saw one," Vriska retorted, making a point to look away from him when he peeled off his shirt, "And your stripping needs some work. No one wants to see that pathetic excuse of a body you're trying to show off."

"I am trying awfully hard," He admitted, setting down the map as he reveled in the warmth of the sun. He was warmblooded, but that did not mean he didn't enjoy the sun's rays. "As the days go on, I realize more and more, uh, all that I have to do, and it is a little daunting. I mean, what if I fail? What am I going to do if I screw up somewhere?"

2014-07-04 17:44:25
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Eridan just laughed, self-assured about his physical appearance. "Suit yourself, sweetness. Hope you're not too lonely without me," he grinned sharply, tone one of rudeness and not concern. He dropped his pants and headed toward the water, dragging his nails across the rock near her as he went slowly.

"You won't screw up, Tavbro, you've been right this whole time. And what's the worst that could happen? Things'll just stay mostly the fuckin same, probably. Peeps aren't much for change and all that. So just take it a problem at a time. It may not be much fuckin comfort, but I'm here for you. And if things do go south, you can stay with me. It's nice out in the woods. There's plenty to eat and we don't have to go to the city very often. You might get sick of seeing me all the time though," he chuckled a little at the last part, trying his best to reassure his dear friend.

2014-07-04 17:57:41
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She didn't try to humor him with a response, instead hissing some at the sound of his nails against the rock. Vriska pulled her hair over her shoulder and laid her head down, closing her eyes as she stretched out on the rock. Fuck Eridan and his stupid tendencies and hot body. She would get along just fine without him for a little while. In all honesty, she was starting to think that they needed these little breaks.

He shrunk against Gamzee's chest, really beginning to worry about possible screw ups as Alice. He really only had one chance when it came to his journey, and he couldn't afford any mistakes. "I would not get sick of seeing you," Tavros murmured, peering up at him from underneath his lashes shyly, "I love, uh, being around you, Gamzee."

2014-07-04 18:07:30
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"Pouting really doesn't suit you, Hattie," Eridan commented, flopping down on his back on the other side of the rock to bask. "Something wrong? You're not nearly as mean today." He was a little disappointed at the lack of response, and worried her feelings were waning.

"I love being with you, too, Tavros," Gamzee replied, bending to rub noses gently. He lifted a hand to caress the copper blood's cheek, rubbing gently behind his ear with his finger tips as well. He held him securely with his other arm, and rubbed small circles between Tavros's shoulder blades with the heel and thumb of that hand, massaging gently to try to relieve some of the other's tension.

2014-07-04 18:24:34
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"And why does that matter to you?" Vriska snorted, flipping herself over and spreading her arms out as she hummed to herself, "I thought you wanted to go for a swim, not talk to me." She could just feel the disappointment in his voice, and that pleased her, to an extent, but she mostly wanted to just be alone.

The rubbing was starting to relax him some, and Tavros closed his eyes, purring loudly as he did so. "I have a feeling that we will be much more, busy in the upcoming days. It is kind of sad, really," Opening his eyes, he looked up at Gamzee, "I think the only time, uh, we will spend together will be in the tent."

2014-07-04 19:15:58
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"Obviously I /loathe/ it when you're nasty...and maybe I was lying!" he bit out, agitated. Maybe he hadn't been reacting enough to her insults and it was putting her off? Maybe some outward vexation would make her feel better. He scowled and crossed his arms over his chest.

Gamzee couldn't tell if Tavros was implying something by that last statement, but supposed he would find out later if it was meant that way. "We'll just have to make the most of it," he replied, innocent and cheerful. He lay back in the sand, taking his companion gently with him and sighed. He kept trying to relax Tavros and keep lighthearted. "Can't say I'm looking forward to being around a lot of other motherfuckers, though. Can't cuddle you and be nice like that so much."

2014-07-04 19:39:34
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Vriska peered up at him, lifting a hand to shield the sun from her eyes, "And why does that not surprise me?" He was acting so strangely that the Hatter almost didn't know how to react. Did he want her to be mean? Indifferent? A little sweeter? "You're being so hard to read! Ugh, it would be better if you just swam as far away from me as possible."

"Oh, um!" A dark blush bloomed onto his cheeks as he squeaked, sand darting into his hair as he covered his face in embarrassment, "The last thing I said sounded /horrible./ I did not mean it that way, honest, I just mean, uh, times like this, will be few and far between!" He hadn't meant anything of a sexual nature, just thinking about that made him nervous. He and Gamzee were still just friends! In a technical sense, of course, neither of them had formally asked the other to venture into something more romantic.

2014-07-04 20:03:04
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"It's alright, Tavbro, didn't take your meaning as that sorta thing. All these cuddles are the best fuckin thing, anyway. That's all I meant," Gamzee reassured, petting the sand out of his companion's hair. "Haven't even proper kissed this fucker yet, didn't figure you'd mean anything...uh...that way." He was quiet for a moment just being affectionate, but laughed a little while later. "Why's this shit so fuckin hard to talk about? Both of us gettin all sorts of awkward."

"You're supposed to be mean to me, we're pitch!" Eridan was actually a little frustrated. "Fuckin' hell I'll never try to show appreciation again," he got up and stomped toward the sea, swearing loudly as he went, "You'd fuckin think a show of appriciation for someone putting up with all your bullshit would be acceptable but no! of course fuckin not you fuckin scummy seadweller trash for fuck's sake," he rambled before jumping in with a noisy splash.

2014-07-04 20:22:19
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What the /hell/ was his problem? He was the most irritating scumbag she had ever encountered, and this only fueled her hatred more. Still, she couldn't help but feel a little sorry for him; she knew how Marchie got when they fought like this, when they /genuinely/ argued. Vriska blinked. Since when did she ever feel sorry for anyone but herself? Growling to herself, she screwed her eyes shut and tried to relax. He'd probably forget all about this after his swim, and she would, too.

"Yeah, um..." Tavros sat up, hurriedly standing as he moved away from Gamzee and brushed the sand from his clothing, "I think I am going to take a walk. Think a little bit. I will be back soon." This is what he had feared; he didn't want their friendship to waver because of some relationship. There was a chance that he would never see Gamzee again, and he didn't want to instill those feelings in either of them if it just meant that they could never be together. He hurried off, then, taking out the map and looking it over diligently, hoping to clear his mind somewhat if he focused on other things.

2014-07-04 20:32:46
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Gamzee hadn't picked up on any waver in their friendship, he'd just thought it was funny to avoid subjects like that. They were friends, so why couldn't they talk openly about that sort of thing? He relaxed by himself for a little bit in the sand before deciding he could probably get something done. Sitting up, he put out the remaining fire and then went to pick up their tent space, packing up the blankets and pillows before deconstructing the actual exterior. He hummed happily as he worked. He'd already thought some about what it would mean if Tavros didn't stay, and thought that while he'd be terribly sad to see him go, this happiness was better than how it would feel to never be so close. He could look back on these times and remember how happy he was instead of regretting doing nothing.

Eridan was upset. He didn't know what he was doing anymore, and couldn't figure out what Vriska wanted. The pearl had apparently really weirded her out. He didn't know how to fix things and was frustrated. All he seemed good for at the moment was getting down on himself, so he stayed beneath the waves and moped.

2014-07-04 20:44:14