Cherubplay

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After finding a suitable dish, and preheating the oven, he had Karkat fill the individual chambers since he'd greased them while the cherry blood was busy making sure the consistency was right. Baking didn't take long, so quickly he made up the berry mash filling, mostly blue but also black and raspberry, leaving enough for the eventual cake which would also have the strawberries. Hence, most of the cakes had blueberry or a mixed filling since they weren't planned for the other dessert.

"Do you like kids, Tavros?" Eridan asked, figuring that was why he was excited to go with Sollux. Personally he thought he was alright with the little buggers, but wasn't sure about Vriska's feelings. He wondered how Karkat and Gamzee and even Sollux felt about kids, wondering if his presumptions were correct.

Once the first batch were out of the oven, they had to cool. As the golden colored 'things' did, they got a nice glossy color on the tops of them, and it really started to smell sweetly once the oven was opened. A second batch was quickly put in to bake, and all they had to do now was wait as Gamzee set up a filling contraption, and Karkat gently sliced cavities into the cooling cakes.

2014-09-21 03:52:18
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A warm, sweet aroma was beginning to fill the apartment, and Sollux was growing suspicious but didn't move just yet, too focused on the current conversation.

Tavros beamed, "Yeah, definitely! I am not much bigger than they are, so we get along great," He joked, laughing some as he got comfortable on the couch and finished off his tea. Tavros knew rather well the stings of loneliness, and it did not take much to imagine how those children were feeling without someone to save them from their current situation. "But seriously, I enjoy being around them, and taking care of them, even the grubs! What about you, Eridan?"

2014-09-21 03:59:21
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All part of their discussed ploy, Karkat went to fill up teacups once again, this time Eridan partook of the refresher too. "Oh, I think they're alright. Not nearly so fond as you but I guess they aren't all that bad. I kind of liked playing with the little schools at home. All the little wrigglers learning how to throw harpoons and sometimes I'd stop to help one or two..." he smiled fondly at the memory.

While Karkat was outside secretly keeping people out during the final stages, Gamzee did the last bit of preparation. An even filling of berry for each cake, and a drizzle of warmed honey on top with a fork to the side of five plates. Once Karkat returned they were done, and the pair handed a plate each around. Karkat, proud of his idea, hands one to both Eridan and Sollux before settling down on the couch again to eat his own.

"Brunch is served! You've got Karkat to thank for the idea today," Gamzee smiled, making sure the cherry troll didn't go without proper credit as he handed Tavros one of the two plates he held.

2014-09-21 04:08:06
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The copper could see it, Eridan instructing them with a forced indifference, even though he could fight all his smiles. "Aw, that is cute! I bet they adored your, teaching," He hummed, then looked up as plates were passed around. "Ooh...this looks amazing, Karkat! What is this, exactly?"

"It's a honey cake," Sollux explained, a smile crossing his features as the secretive nature finally made sense. He was either going to get fat or spoiled at this rate with the cooking and kindness. "Well now, have you branched out and taken on a cooking pupil, Gamzee? Or is this a one time occurrence?" He hoped not, especially when he took a bite of the warm, berry filled cake. A quick glance to Tavros, who was savoring each bite with a huge smile on his face, gauged that he couldn't care less who made the cakes or his they were made or anything concerning the procedure, he just wanted more of them.

2014-09-21 04:20:25
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"Hmm, I think that's a grand idea; Karkat's damn attentive in the kitchen. He did most of it, too... think all I did was mush up the fruit, actually," he smiled at the cherry troll, happy someone else was interested in his passion. Karkat returned it with a wide grin, probably the happiest smile he'd expressed. The praise and Sollux's happiness with the creation made him elated as he dug in.

He hummed at the taste, "I think I'd like to be a pupil. After all, if I can cook, I can make whatever I want, right? And work in your future restaurant or bakery or whatever. I'm looking for job security, you see," he smirked.

The purple laughed. "Alright, sounds good. What should we call the place? Some sorta funny name to suit us... hmm..."

"My sense of humor is much to wry for this... 'problem caste confections', and 'purple mutations' are about the only things i can come up with..."

"Maybe something to do with fruit? Most of the things that've gotten baked so far had fruit... 'the berry bakery'? Doesn't feel general enough." Gamzee was kind of laughing at the idea, but amused by it. A good name was important though.

2014-09-21 04:39:26
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Tavros hummed in thought, chewing on his bite as he tried to think up a name. "I cannot think of a suitable name," He pouted, "They are much too silly to be taken seriously." He doubted that Karkat would want their future eating establishment to be called 'Purple Cat Confections' or 'The Violet Meow.'

Sollux took another bite of his honey cake, starting to warm up to the idea of brunch. Before, he had always thought it was some idiotic meal-time that the Starnetians were way too fond of, but it seemed less stupid now that he was eating with people he actually enjoyed being around.

"What do you think, Eridan?" Tavros questioned, trying to make sure that no one felt left out from the conversation, "Any good names?"

2014-09-21 15:02:30
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"Well..." Eridan glanced into his teacup, as if that would give him an answer. "If you wanted it to be a bit of an inside joke, you could call it the Black-Raspberry Patisserie... except on the sign just have a picture of the berries next to the word 'Patisserie'... like this." He did a doodle of a couple overlapping berries, a black berry (taller, obviously, slightly leaning to one side) and a raspberry (in front of it leaning aesthetically in the other direction) followed by the long fancy sounding word.

"It's a pretty complex joke... you know how us violent barbarians aren't supposed to read? Well, hence the picture. But then a fancier word paired with it. And besides that the two berries obviously represent you two down to a tee; don't you see the resemblance?" he chuckled a little. "It's not very snappy though."

2014-09-21 15:55:07
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The elaborateness to the joke made Tavros smile, and he finished off his cake with approval, "I like it! Even if it is not something quick and easy, I can appreciate the, uh, thoughts behind it," It was certainly better than any other names he had tried thinking of.

"I'm sure the pretentious lot won't get it straight away, but the quicker individuals will adore it," Sollux hummed, similarly finishing his cake and thinking about life after everything had ended. He would probably still be in the same place, stuck in Starnette with nary to do but sketch designs for buildings. Briefly, he checked the clock on the wall, then quietly excused himself so he could call his Marshal, -as much as he hated it- to ask if now was an appropriate time to go to the orphanage.

2014-09-21 16:06:43
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"Yea, I like it," Gamzee decided. "Our colors can be red and purple, too, for different decorations and things, like how Kanaya has a lot of pretty greens and that dark wood."

"Man, it's just enough of a jab at the system, that's brilliant, Eridan. I like how not everyone will get it, either. You'll have to be our marketing division or something."

"Don't you rope me into your elaborate schemes. ...not unless it's close to the ocean," he grinned.

They all finished their cakes too, then Karkat and Gamzee went to finish the rest of the batter. There was another batch to bake and the cooling ones to fill, and that was all. So in the end they had a baker's dozen for later on.

2014-09-21 16:20:31
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Sollux returned a couple minutes later, peering at Tavros with a raised eyebrow as he began to take up dishes, "Are you sure you want to go with me to the orphanage?"

"Hm? Oh, yes!" He smiled, looking excited at the prospect, "Besides, it beats staying cooped up inside all day, right? I promise that I will not get in the way of your, uh, working."

"Well..." He seemed to consider it some as he checked the clock again, then moved towards his respiteblock, "Ask if anyone else wants to go. Maybe you and Gamzee can make a date of it or something."

Surprised that Sollux was being so kind, -but he could tell he was embarrassed, evidenced by his scurrying off to his bedroom- and Tavros couldn't help but giggle a little to himself, "It is almost like he is afraid of being nice, huh, Eridan?"

2014-09-21 16:28:58
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"Being nice is pretty scary sometimes.... you remember when you first met Hatter and I? We were really quite unkind, as I recall. I think Vriska could empathize, if for different reasons. Oh dear, I'm going to start analyzing behaviors here if you don't stop me," he sipped his tea, smiling at Tavros. "Are you sure it's a good idea for Gamzee to go? Maybe they won't mess with you today, but I don't think HUED is going to spare orphans from a sight of their brutality seeing as they walked through Undlegire causing panic."

Karkat and Gamzee were too busy washing up the dishes and then storing the rest of the cakes for later. Furthermore, Gamzee was detailing his plans for the next cake, which Karkat was free to help out with. They didn't bother listening in on what Tavros was discussing for the moment.

2014-09-21 16:43:52
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"Ahh...I suppose it may be safer to keep him here." He furrowed his brows, tapping his chin in thought. "I feel bad that we all have to stay, uh, packed in here all the time. I am sure Gamzee would much rather be outside! I know I would," But at the same time, he didn't want to risk him suffering another injury just because he wanted to go off and do something. "I feel like a bad matesprit since cannot have real, actual dates."

2014-09-21 16:51:22
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"It's just that you can't have regular dates /yet/. It's part of what we're working towards, right? And you could elsewhere, probably, just not here or anywhere with those aggressive bastards. And that's their problem, don't act like it's yours, dear.... oh no, I seem to be taking on one of Kanaya's mannerisms... I'm sure he'd want to go, too...but...." Eridan's brows furrowed, suddenly conflicted.

2014-09-21 16:56:26
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"No, no, you are right," He shook his head, though the name of 'dear' did bring a soft smile to his face, "I should not act too hastily just yet. There will plenty of time for dates, and all, when things are much more stable and to our liking." Their little cake and bath date the night before wasn't so bad, but Tavros longed to actually go somewhere and be open with their love. He figured he could have done so back in Undlegire or even in the city Terezi was stationed in, Rial, but for now, he had to keep things under wraps. At least until he thought they were safe. "It is just so frustrating! It is not like Gamzee and I have done anything malicious or otherwise inappropriate, but we are still not accepted, here."

2014-09-21 17:02:06
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"Yes, but I can't help wondering if it might be helpful, if you're going to go hang out with a bunch of kids, for the younger generation to get exposed directly to the idea that purples aren't dangerous. It only goes so far to tell people, you know? And Gamzee's the perfect candidate for such a thing with how calm he can maintain himself, even with bullshit going on, you know? It wouldn't just be a date, more of a semi-diplomatic mission, and potentially with the interactions being recorded if Sollux is around? Might be a pretty good 'fuck you' to the government."

2014-09-21 17:08:35
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He hadn't even thought of that, and a look of new determination crossed his expression, "I think you may be on to something! Teaching all those impressionable minds to acceptable more than just their immediate castes would be wonderful," Even if they never saw another purple again for the rest of their lives, it would be still be important for them all to know that no one caste was better than the rest. He scrambled up from his seat, quietly excusing himself as he headed into the kitchen, "Hey, 'Zee?"

2014-09-21 17:12:16
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"Yea, sugar pie?" Gamzee giggled, "oops, hope ya don't mind a bunch of baker's sweetie names, Tavbro." He crossed over to Tavros, bending to give his cheek a kiss. "So what's up?"

Karkat was busy putting objects they'd been looking away, hiding ingredients in front of himself to keep them from Tavros's notice. They were both going to be horrendously secretive about their first time creations, wanting to surprise the group and see exactly how it came out and what the reactions were.

2014-09-21 17:17:59
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He could tell that they were being awfully secretive about whatever it was that was being made in the kitchen, so Tavros kept his distance at the entrance of the kitchen, amused, "Sollux is going off to the orphanage for some work, and I was wondering if you would like to come along with he and I? I thought it may be, uh, nice to get out the house for a while, yeah?" He grinned, "And I love the nicknames, 'Zee."

2014-09-21 17:28:25
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Gamzee grinned back at the positive affirmation of the nicknames, then looked a bit more contemplative about the trip. "Well... I suppose it might be alright. But just let me hang back if you go cavorting with the kids, alright? They can come up to me if they want, but I don't wanna make 'em all scared or nothin', ya know? Otherwise it'd be fun to see what Sollux does... but if three of us are going, what about Karkat and Eridan?"

2014-09-21 17:34:03
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"Perhaps it will be a kind of bonding experience for them?" He offered sheepishly, then shrugged some and fiddled with his fingers, "Um, well. Even if they love being around us, and we love being around them, I am sure that both Karkat and Eridan would, perhaps, like a bit of alone time? Just some quiet while they read or listen to the radio, or something."

2014-09-21 17:48:21
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"Yea, I suppose they'll be fine in the apartment, right?" Gamzee wasn't too worried. It wasn't like a third person would make much difference.

"Get the hell out of this apartment, Gamzee, and go out with Tavros. Enjoy yourself, mold some impressionable young minds! Build some buildings or whatever Sollux is doing. Maybe I'll come up with food while you're away to test how good of a pupil I'll be," Karkat near-ranted at them, smiling. "Have a good time!"

"Alright... suppose we should get proper dressed then, huh Tav?"

2014-09-21 17:53:06
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"Oh, uh, right, yes! Thank you for being so understanding, Karkat," He scampered off then, into the guest respiteblock. Tavros pulled on his standard black and white stockings, then his boots in case it started snowing while they were out. He changed his sweater for his coat, feeling much more like himself when he was in his normal Alice dress. It was strange how attached he had grown to the title of Alice, but he felt most comfortable in the entire garb.

2014-09-21 18:02:53
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Gamzee thought the outfit Kanaya had first picked out for him would be the best. There was enough purple for the police trolls, and the sweater made him feel and maybe look cozy. And it was pretty normal looking, like something anyone would bother wearing. He made his hair a little more neat, but didn't bother pulling it back yet, just tying his ribbon around his wrist for later if he needed it. Boots and coat on over top, he was ready as Tavros was. "Gonna be an interesting time, I'm sure... you gonna get too attached and stay on as a mama troll?" he giggled.

2014-09-21 18:09:56
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He laughed, "As much as I like being around wrigglers, I do not think I am cut out for the job presently." Tavros smoothed out any wrinkles in his dress, then headed out of the respiteblock to see Sollux with a messenger bag on his shoulder and his keys in hand. Tavros beamed, "Ready to go?"

The architect nodded, briefly checking his bag to make sure he had all his items before pulling on his coat at the door, "It'll be a little while until we get to the orphanage, it's on the other side of town. Either of you been in a carriage?"

Tavros shook his head, marveling at something that seemed to be so trivial to Sollux, but was definitely a big deal to him. Carriages were transportation reserved for the highbloods in Alternia, and he guessed that the same went for Starnette, more or less. He wondered if there would be any issues towards Gamzee, but with two highbloods around, hopefully nothing serious would occur.

2014-09-21 18:16:04
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"Once, when I was a wriggler myself," Gamzee said. It had been when his guardian and he had moved from where they had been living to Tulgey, they'd moved everything in a sort of carriage before walking the rest of the way once they got to the wood. It was more of a rugged vehicle, though. "Nothing so fine as a city carriage, just a movin' one." He was kind of excited, it had been a fun ride, as he recalled.

After saying adieu to the two staying behind, he followed the other pair when they left, doing whatever he was instructed by Sollux as he'd probably know best how to get around bureaucratic nonsense if there was any with getting into the carriage. Knowing going outside was dangerous, he decided to make the best of it anyways.

2014-09-21 18:25:53