Cherubplay

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"I just get worried," He mumbled, tilting his head some to kiss his lips gently, "If anything were to happen to you..." Tavros trailed off, giving a little grimace, "I just want to make sure that everything goes, uh, accordingly." He didn't know what he would do if that assassination went through; the entire plan would fall to pieces if Tavros died, but he figured that his friends would be able to flee should they find out soon enough. Things were not as certain with Gamzee; if anything occurred, he was not certain that he would be able to think logically at all. He turned to lay on his side, propped up by one elbow as he kissed his face in random spots, mumbling, "I love you a lot, okay?"

2014-08-27 19:19:39
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"Okay, I love you, too," Gamzee smiled up at him with such fondness it rendered his words paltry in comparison to what his face showed. He cupped Tavros's cheek, running the pad of his thumb gently along the copperblood's cheekbone. Gamzee leaned up, closing his eyes as he pressed their lips together lovingly.

"Need to get some rest, Tavbro," he murmured. "Lot of telling to do, tomorrow. Let me worry over those mad assassins, you've gotta worry about telling the princess all sorts of uncomfortable stuff. Just pay attention to how you're feeling, eh? We'll be fine."

2014-08-27 20:26:39
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He would stay awake until Tavros was settled. Sure it was unnerving to know people wanted to kill you, but anyone who wanted to kill him needed a reason, though it may have been a shitty one. He wasn't about to give them that reason, either. Anyone who waved to off Tavros was much more worrying, as they would have to be sneaky about it. They wanted to make a spectacle of Gamzee to prove themselves right about purples, which would be much more obvious and probably easier to avoid.

2014-08-27 20:36:24
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He finally just fell asleep on his back, the last bits of worry dissipating from his expression as he slept. Tavros had concerned himself to absolute exhaustion, and he was going to sleep up every bit of worry he had.

The next morning, Vriska had taken a long bath and lounged about in a tunic and tight trousers, barefoot with her hair piled atop her head in a slightly damp bun. She needed tea to jolt her up, but she figured she would wait for Eridan to enjoy some with him, even if it wasn't something she would have done before.

Sollux was already awake, having eaten a boiled egg and some toast at Kanaya's request, and she had already made tea for the both of them. They were sitting on the couch, curled up against each other as they spoke idly. The snow outside, in recent days, had melted to slush, but it was still cold outside, even with the sun's rays. There were raised platforms of carved stone out in the courtyard with tables set up on them specifically for the case of mildly bad weather, to ensure that patrons could sip tea and enjoy the gardens and the like without muddying their feet.

2014-08-28 00:04:43
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Gamzee stayed in bed with Tavros for a while, resting a little extra before getting up. He took a short shower after Vriska had finished in the bathroom. He got dressed in the first ensemble Kanaya had picked out for him in her shop. He figured it would be nice enough for a somewhat relaxed visit with the princess; surely they couldn’t expect them all to dress in such fancy attire all the time.

Yawning loudly, Eridan got up and pretty immediately left the room to see what Vriska was up to. Seeing how tired she looked he figured he’d fuss a bit, it was that kind of morning. “Hattie darling you’ve neglected your tea, come now, let’s get you some.” He walked into the kitchen and made something light he thought she’d enjoy. That might have been laying it on a bit thick, he thought to himself, but whatever. He was kind of always a little over the top in that way.

The book Gamzee had brought with him was getting some good use again and was being devoured by a very hungry Karkat. He thought it might have been slightly shitty of him not to make his own breakfast, but he would if their chef didn’t feel like it this morning without a problem. While he waited he sat and read ravenously—he was almost finished with it, too.

After dressing and putting nightclothes away, giving Tavros a gentle peck on the forehead as he left the room again, Gamzee came out into the living room. “Everyone eaten already?” he asked lightly, crossing over to make at least himself and Tavros breakfast.

2014-08-28 00:51:37
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"I believe so, dear. Help yourself to whatever's there if you feel the need to cook," Kanaya called, sipping her drink as she poured over the sketches she had drawn of the sea-oriented clothing. Sollux had his arm behind her on the couch, his side opened to partial cuddling that Kanaya took wholeheartedly. She showed him the designs and he seemed interested if only for the fact that she was excited about them; Sollux wasn't much of a man of fashion anyway.

"I have not neglected it," Vriska grumbled, her ears flicking up some and the earrings moving about as she did so, "I simply chose not to drink some as i waited for you to wake up, ass." She wasn't much of a morning person by any means, and she yawned, rubbing at her eyes, "I miss the sea."

Tavros trudged out of the bedroom after a while, dressed but looking a tad lethargic. His hair was messy from sleep and he hadn't made any attempts to tame it, his stockings wrinkled and sagging some on his legs. When he saw everyone awake, he rubbed at one eye and looked a bit surprised, "Ah...so I suppose I am the last one up."

2014-08-28 01:06:03
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Those two really were adorable, Karkat decided as he got up and headed into the kitchen. He removed some of his guilt by helping out where he could with breakfast. It was a more simple affair, various fruit pancakes and some scrambled eggs. Or simple by Gamzee's new standards of cooking. By the time Tavros got up Karkat had eaten the first small "test" batch (Karkat wondered how there were ever test batches around Gamzee when everything was delicious) and was finished with breakfast, dishes clean and the remaining pancakes being made. This was all according to their plan, though, as Karkat thought it would be nice for the pair of them to share breakfast together and not have him 'clogging up the place like a third wheel on a two-wheel device'. He left the kitchen and picked up the book again. "Your beau awaits," he said to Tavros, bowing a little and ushering him in with a smile before sitting down in an unobtrusive corner to read.

"...me too, Vriska, me too." Any chipper attitude he had was sunk into melancholy at the thought. He really wanted a good swim, surrounded in salt water. He sighed a bit in resignation that it probably would be a long time until he even got to see the ocean again. He handed Vriska her cup, smiling a little as he did before settling in a seat to sip at his own.

2014-08-28 01:37:10
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Kanaya noticed his ushering and decided to poke a bit of fun, "Karkat, dear, are you sure that you have not taken those romance novels to heart?"

Tavros smiled a little, curtsying in response as he scurried into the kitchen to meet Gamzee. "Good morning," He smiled wider, feeling more energized when he laid eyes on his matesprit, "Ooh. This looks yummy, and smells even better. What is it?"

Vriska liked the sea for the smell, the motion while she was on a ship, the transportation. She wasn't much for swimming, since the water was usually freezing and she hated the cold, but she did enjoy the atmosphere of it. She took the tea from him and sat down near Eridan, sipping it after plopping in a sugar cube or two, "I wonder what all your fellow seadwelling friends are up to."

2014-08-28 01:47:00
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"Oh for goodness sake," Karkat huffed, burying his nose in the book at his disposal. "If that's the case after I finish this I'll be just as good a cook as Gamzee."

He turned and pecked Tavros on the lips before doing anything else when he entered. "Well, there's scrambled eggs, and pancakes." He flipped some of them, checking they were done before dishing them out on to a couple plates. "There's different fruit in each of them... one with blueberries, another with blackberry, the third with raspberry and a hint of the last clementine."

Eridan suddenly felt quite homesick. "Oh, probably just swimming around. Fef with her cuddlefish, maybe Cro and Meenah hunting. Though I suppose my dear cousin could be attempting to woo whoever... and Meenah searching for treasures. I don't think we should let Cronus up on land if it becomes a thing. Surely he'll make an absolute annoyance of himself with his constant flirting." He was just rambling, a bit droopy looking though he tried not to show it.

2014-08-28 02:03:12
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"I should hope so," She grinned, "Perhaps we will have twice as much good food!"

He looked intrigued, peering at the different pancakes curiously, "Which ones do you want? Or do you, uh, want to share them all?" Tavros grinned excitedly, always eager to eat something Gamzee prepared, "You are so talented. I cannot cook at all."

Vriska let out a syllable of laughter, "Cronus would not help us advance in the slightest; if anything, he would set us back a hundred years." She remembered first meeting him and the disaster that had been; all he did was try to flirt with her, and she succeeded in stealing a couple of his items, as well as his heart. (As with every other living being, Vriska may add.) "Meenah was the best. I loved searching for treasures with her." She sighed quietly, "I bet she would jump for joy when she saw the haul from the night before."

2014-08-28 02:20:01
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"Don't get your hopes up," Karkat grumbled. He was kind of smiling though, it was a pleasant interaction even though he made himself seem grouchy.

"It's fun, it's what I like to do," Gamzee shrugged, smiling. "I made a couple of each so we can both have one... here," he separated one of each for either of them. "You really shouldn't say that until you've tried them, they could be horrible. I was a little worried about mixed one..." he admitted as he turned one of each onto plates, handing one to Tavros. "But Karkat had the first three and said I should make a diner solely based on cooking with that bitchtits citrus, so I think that means he liked it," Gamzee grinned.

"It was a pretty good one, we should invite her for the next ball and you two can really clean up," Eridan mused, cheering up a little at the dynamic duo's love for all things shiny and golden.

2014-08-28 02:38:59
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Sollux leaned over to whisper something in Kanaya's ear, which caused her to blush and smack at his arm with the back of her hand, "What are you, a lunatic?"

Tavros laughed, "And I think he is right! Besides, you should not doubt yourself," He stated with a knowledgeable tone, finding the appropriate utensils for them both, "Everything you have made has been wonderful."

"Wouldn't that be something?" Vriska grinned, her spirits higher now that she was focusing on the good rather than the nostalgia, "She's a loose canon, though. Worse off than I am. She'd likely've gotten us killed last night."

2014-08-28 02:57:07
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Karkat chuckled into his book, figuring the teasing had come full circle, but otherwise ignored the pair to their cuddly morning.

His grin only widened, "Thanks, Tav. I like cooking for all of you, nice to have more than just me eatin' my cooking. I never knew if it was good before or if I was the only one who liked it." He sat down, pulling out the seat next to him for Tavros. "Keep telling me things you like so I can try and fix 'em. Experimenting is fun and all, but if you've got favorites I wanna try my hand at them."

Eridan chuckled a little. "Because she would have been aggressive; found whoever and offed them herself. Or just not been as subtle with the stealing. Maybe Fef's a better bet then; she's always cheery and well-balanced, even if she appears naiive at times."

2014-08-28 03:07:07
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"Uhh, I do not know, really," He smiled sheepishly, "I never ate much before, meeting you. Just bread and rice and soups of different kinds. It was all I could afford to make, in Alternia." Tavros sat down and thanked him, crossing his legs at the ankle and taking a bite of food contemplatively. When he chewed and swallowed, he continued, "I do not like salty things," He gave a small nod, inwardly recalling a time when he tried salted pork for a soup and nearly spat it all out in disgust, "Or spicy things, for that matter."

She considered it, but opted that out of all the mutual sea dwelling friends, Feferi was the only one that was both smart enough to understand social cues but just sweet enough to continue conversations without falling into nastiness. "I suppose you are right. She does seem a lilt dimwitted for my tastes," Vriska shrugged, "I am not around her too often, though, I could be mistaken."

2014-08-28 03:38:48
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He stored this information for the future. "Well, I'll just have to cook for you more so you can come up with some." Gamzee smiled, taking a bite of blueberry pancake. "Mm, these are always good. Though not as fresh as home. I guess I'm pretty lucky there's all those plants in Tulgey in the garden. Get to eat a lot of fresh stuff.... Ooh! Since I can get flour and all that from Undlegire, I can make pie!" He was quite excited at the prospect of pie. It always looked so warm and lovely in shop windows. He'd only had it a couple times on a wriggling day or two with the Bibliosaurus, and had been instantly in love, especially with peach.

Eridan didn't have much more to say on the matter. "It will be good to see them all again, even my ridiculous cousin." He leaned int Vriska a little, still missing home. "We'll have to invite them for a visit to our resplendent bungalow and introduce them to everyone."

2014-08-28 04:00:17
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Tavros blinked, trying to even remember what pie was as he ate. He had a vague memory of pies in bakery windows, and he remembered seeing a couple when he got the cake balls for Gamzee, but other than that, he had never encountered one. "Oh, those. I have never eaten pie before," He hadn't eaten plenty of foods that seemed to be abundant in Starnette and Undlegire, "What is it like? Is it sweet?"

She looked over at him and his leaning, questioning curiously, "Are you and her still...?" Vriska meant still an awkward almost flushed but not quite flushed pair. She figured that she and Eridan were starting to lean that way, but she would definitely never voice that.

2014-08-28 04:11:18
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"Yes, it's cooked fruit in a crust. I've only had it a couple times, but it's good stuff. Sometimes they can be syrupy, or there are a couple I've seen that are open like? I dunno about those, though. But the fruit ones I'll definitely make." He sat and contemplated over another bite of pancake before speaking again. "And cheesecake! Or brownies... you like chocolate, yea? So definitely those.... Damn, all these things are just dessert!" he laughed. "We'll have to eat vegetables the rest of the time so we don't gain too much."

He didn't know what she was talking about right away, mind on completely different thoughts. "Oh no, we've not been that way for a number of perigees. Actually I think it was pretty stupid now that I think about it. I think I was probably just lonely or something."

2014-08-28 04:32:55
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"That sounds good," He looked excited just at the prospect of trying something new. Cheesecake did not sound as good as Gamzee was making it out to be -why would one eat a cake made from cheese?- but brownies sounded delicious if they were made from chocolate. "Heheh, that is true. We can just eat salads and cakes all day."

"Oh, what? And you never told me? Asshole," It was obvious that her insult was not sincere, and Vriska finished up her tea, leaving momentarily to wash it out, as well as her little spoon. She returned, continuing, "Do you have your eyes out for another guppy then?"

2014-08-28 16:24:30
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Gamzee nodded happily. "Think of all the kinds of salad we could have! Ones with fruit and nuts, or cold meats, different dressings... or just fruit, or all different kinds of vegetables and not much leafy greens... I'm getting carried away here, Tav. Gotta pull me back in; otherwise this culinary current is gonna pull me under," he laughed lightly. "So what do you think of the pancakes?"

"Well..." Eridan wondered if he should potentially give himself away like this. "I wouldn't call her a guppy... she's more like a shark." He couldn't keep the smile off his face. He wondered how quickly she'd be able to figure him out.

2014-08-28 16:47:09
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Tavros laughed, taking a bite of his food when Gamzee questioned him. He chewed and swallowed before answering enthusiastically, "I love them! They are sweet and filling," He smiled, "So filling that I do not think, uh, that I can finish them. Gosh, I wish I could, though, these are so good!"

She hadn't any idea that he was interested her in a red way, and Vriska furrowed her brows, "Are you talking about Meenah?" She questioned, which would be a staggering blow if it was true but that was the only person she could think of that was like a shark, and Vriska heavily doubted that Eridan would wish to venture flush with her after all their history together. He'd probably want to try something new.

2014-08-28 17:24:44
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"That's alright, Tavbro, we can save them, they heat up pretty well, and sometimes are good cold." He finished his three eventually, and was pretty full. He'd been very hungry though; worrying always increased his appetite. "After you're done we'll have to fix your hair some, and your stockings... how about a nice morning of fussin' over you, huh?" he smiled, kissing his cheek lightly

Eridan giggled a little. "No, not Meenah. Goodness, that would be ridiculous." The very image was staggering. "She's got a flush mate anyways, on an island somewhere. She's very mysterious about it but assures us she's very real." He looked over at Vriska. "What about you? Flush crushing on anyone? You could have had your pick last night you know; it wasn't just that one asshole who found you beautiful."

2014-08-28 17:47:23
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Surprised that Gamzee would want to fawn over him before seeing the princess again. He blushed, rubbing at the back of his neck, "Aw, 'Zee, I do not need any fussing..." Tavros replied modestly, "I mean, it is just tea, right?" The kiss made him smile, and he leaned over, planting a syrupy sweet one to his lips, "But if it means I get kisses then, uh, I will not oppose it."

"You cannot blame me for guessing! She is a shark by all extents of the word," Vriska exclaimed, now at a complete loss as to who it could be. She supposed that she was always going to admire Eridan and think highly of him, but it would not be reciprocated. "I am afraid that I do not know many others that we both know. As for those pricks at the party last night," She waved them off in annoyance, "I despised them all. They were idiots. Is it too much to ask for someone that knows how to treat someone else?"

2014-08-28 18:12:00
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"Good! Then we can get right down to it," he took what Tavros couldn't finish with a smile, putting it away before taking Tavros's hand and leading him to the bathroom. He pulled out a comb and dampened it slightly--the water would help with taming his matesprit's locks. He gave him a quick peck. "You wanna sit or stand?"

"I don't think so... I know someone who thinks quite highly of you, actually. They've been accused of being flushed, in fact, and don't think they can deny it, but aren't sure how you'd feel about it..." Eridan was just as unsure, wondering if Vriska would be interested in him as anything other than a friend now after their ex-kismesitude. "...and, if you'd like another hint, you do know who I'm flushed after...quite well, actually."

2014-08-28 18:33:37
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"I'll sit," He decided, sitting on the closed toilet and rustling a hand through his messy hair. "What are you going to do? Just, uh, tame it a little? I think I need a cut..." Tavros played with his bangs, which he had originally refused to cut by was now thinking about trimming them.

Vriska stared at him for a long while, then she stiffened some, eyes wide as recognition flickered across her face. "Ah..no! I know who it is," She leaned in to him, whispering, "It is /Kanaya/, isn't it? I am not surprised at all; you both with your fashion and sophistication and whatnot. I think you have some competition for her red quadrant, though." Kanaya would be a better fit for him, she decided. She was an elegant woman, hardworking and not up to anything criminal or underhanded like Vriska usually was. It would be good for Eridan to have someone so morally correct.

2014-08-28 18:51:58
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"Oh...do you want me to do that now? I was just gonna tame it a bit; also not too sure of my trimming abilities... but whatever you want, hun." He began combing his hair anyways; it would need to be damp anyways for either taming or a trim.

Eridan was surprised, and somewhat distraught. Was this her way of telling him she wasn't interested? "Um, no, it's not Kanaya, either..." He stared into the bottom of his teacup dejectedly for a long while, trying to formulate some sort of plan to find out what her goal was with all these questions about his red interests. He could come up with nothing good, though, so just looked determinedly at her before stubbornly giving her a peck as he stood to go to the kitchen to wash his own teacup. "That's the last hint you get, Vriska."

2014-08-28 19:17:11