Cherubplay

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He purred in delight, love blooming so warmly in his chest that Tavros wanted nothing more than to cuddle him right then and there. With a questioning chirp, he sat up a little straighter, his hand cupping the one Gamzee had placed on his cheek as he questioned, "Can we get out now? I want to cuddle a tad."

Kanaya and Sollux were naturally quiet beings, and were accustomed to sitting in silence with one another. Still, Kanaya thought she might check out some of the boutiques and shops to see what their selections were like, perhaps get a better understanding of seadwelling culture and clothing that way. As she packed her trusty tote full of her drawing supplies, she looked to Karkat by the window and asked softly, "Karkat, dear? I am going to head out in a minute or two, did you want to accompany me?"

She counted off a couple things in her mind, tying the cloth pouch around one of her belt loops and tugging on her coat. After tying back her hair into a ponytail, Vriska placed her hat upon her head and gestured to Eridan, "C'mon, love, we may as well see what all the hullabaloo about Rial is about, aye?"

2014-10-15 22:48:36
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"Yes!" Gamzee grinned. "Cuddles!" Careful not to spill anything, he nearly hopped up, stepping out of the tub and setting the water to drain. Grabbing a couple towels, he handed one to Tavros when he was ready before drying himself off. He hummed happily at random, flicking the lights back on in the other room and putting out the candles he'd set up for mood lighting.

Looking over in a daze, Karkat had to adjust to looking at something instead of just zoning out. He looked lost at first but replied eventually, though slowly. "...yea, sure. ...could do with a walk." Though he wasn't all together sure he wanted to be around anyone at that moment. The cherryblood felt at a loss of something but couldn't place what it was, instead just letting himself get up and slip shoes back on, ready to accompany Kanaya around town.

"Yes indeed! And we have to find you some place to brawl and dish seafaring tales, don't we?" the seadweller smiled, hopping up and taking her hand as they left the apartment. He locked their door behind them with a key, heading with her towards the elevators to go explore.

2014-10-15 22:59:48
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Giggling at his partner's enthusiasm, Tavros stepped carefully out after him, wrapping up in the towel and marveling at the fluffiness of it as he padded out into the remainder of the room. He rummaged through his pack, pulling on his usual lounging about garb: underwear, a sweater, and his stockings. "You know," He began thoughtfully as he buttoned up the sweater, "I really do miss those children back at the orphanage."

As Karkat stood to get his shoes, Kanaya turned to Sollux, an inquiring, chirping noise leaving her that he returned with a negative grumble. She rolled her eyes slightly at him but left him alone, planting a kiss to his temple and leaving with Karkat, "The both of you seem so out of it," She resisted a sigh, "I suppose you both prefer to be solitary if you can help it."

"A good scrap with another brute would be fantastic," She grinned, giving a squeeze to his hand as they went down the elevator and out the hotel, "A couple punches here, a kick there, and when I inevitably win, hopefully they'll give me a free drink."

2014-10-15 23:08:36
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"Yeah, me too. They were all real fuckin' sweet... Hey, you wanna head over to gran's early so I can make that cake? We could do it together, like a family and shit," Gamzee offered, smiling hopefully at his matesprit. That idea sounded so good to him, being a family. And after all the ruckus died down when hopefully Wonderland would be getting sorted out, and when they both were ready, it could get even bigger! It made the purpleblood practically glow with happiness at the thought.

"No!" Karkat reacted a bit more loudly than he'd intended. Some short alone time at that moment might have let him relax, but being solitary? No thanks, he'd been there and done that. Since he'd pretty much shouted, he thought he should explain why he felt kind of out of sorts. "I'm just acting weird because..." he looked around in his head for the right words, "...it's like I'm really /free/ here. Not like Starnette. The whole city may not have been a tunnel but it was still a prison."

"I wonder if their alcohol is different here like their tea and coffee preparation? Do you think we'll pick up on any slang? Wouldn't that be fun..." Eridan lead them around the opposite of the way they had come, exploring new territory and having complete confidence in both their senses of direction.

2014-10-15 23:29:13
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He nodded eagerly, checking the time on the clock in the room before sitting down on his bed with a thoughtful clicking noise, "When do you want to go? Now?" Tavros was tired from traveling but felt more energized after the bath and the sugar in his system, "It is your call, 'Zee."

The rainbowdrinker jumped at his sudden shout, eyes wide in confusion but her expression softened as he began to explain himself. "It is a great deal more liberating than that stifling hellhole Starnette," Kanaya agreed, "Even more than Undlegire. I have never been in a city that was not fortified," She found it strange that Rial was so open, and that had her thinking what kind of defenses they had. Surely kindness did not keep them safe all the time, especially not if they were near animals in that forest. "At any rate, I thought it would be nice for you to be out in a place like this," She continued, "Sollux may have been on hive arrest for a bit, but he has been a free man since his inception."

"It would do well to broaden my vocabulary, especially if this is a place we are looking to for the future," Vriska agreed, "This city is set up so differently from others! No core marketplace, no giant wall, no guards! Aren't all the shops on the outside of the city?"

2014-10-15 23:50:55
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"No, I need some cuddles first," he smiled. After he had his own clothes on, deciding on the lilac button down and some slacks and laying out a sweater for when they left, the purpleblood sat next to his matesprit and hugged him around the shoulders, nuzzling his soft locks.

"...yea, I agree, I want to go out and see what it's like. Not have to fucking worry about my stupid eyes or weird horns attracting fucking unwanted attention from those asshole guards. Just imagine, your bag won't be fucking searched as soon as you exit this place! I still can't believe they offered you blood so openly, what nice people. Though I suppose that's what comes with being harassed and understanding, huh? Maybe there are some other rainbow drinkers in town."

"It really is curious..." Eridan was thinking defensive tactics now, an interest of his. "How do you suppose they keep out unwanted persons or such like? Certainly not reputation alone, I wouldn't think. Even if there are a bunch of violets, right?" But what defenses could they put up? Perhaps the shops were set up in some way to help with that, some secret structure among them, he postulated. It would be something to find out, perhaps.

2014-10-16 00:07:37
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Tavros giggled some, but was glad to have some more downtime as he curled up against Gamzee's side, "I wonder what the children are doing," He murmured as he nuzzled his face against Gamzee's chest, "They are probably running around outside and playing games with each other." He sighed wistfully, "I miss holding the grubs! They were so cute."

"It was a surprise, that much is certain," She agreed, "Jade blood is already so rare, and with the stigma of rainbowdrinkers, it is not as if we are exactly reproducing to begin with, whether that be through traditional means or sending off material. If there are any rainbowdrinkers, I doubt they are here in the East. The West seems more probable to me." As they stepped out of the hotel and outside, she breathed in the fresh, mildly salty air and listened to the gulls overhead, feeling rejuvenated already.

She shrugged, "Perhaps magic? And with the knowledge of being full of violets, it seems likely to me that people would willingly seek the city out, treat it like a zoo of sorts like they do the Screechlands every once in a while." Vriska felt right at home mingled amongst seadwelling folks and bare-faced violets and blues, and to her, Rial was shaping up to be one of the best places she had ever visited.

2014-10-16 00:25:00
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"Mhmm, they all sure were. I hope I can help a little while we're here. It'd be nice if they could find homes too, wouldn't it? Rather than just having the place fixed up." Tavros really seemed to like the children. He had to admit that he did too, especially how accepting they were and playful after initial introductions. Getting used as a jungle gym was far superior to being feared, and Gamzee chuckled at the thought. "Once everything is settled we can go back, though I think it'll be hard to leave any behind, sweet things."

Randomly Karkat wondered if they had salt water taffy. The salty breeze had him thinking about it, and he wondered if they could find some in a shop. "Where shall we wander first? Near the shore around the shops there? We could see some other seadwellers, or see if they have any tailors or seamstresses and check out fashions if you're interested."

"It is so very lovely out!" Eridan smiled broadly, showing off sharky teeth without worrying about it. "Hattie, let's check out a cafe first, and see their local styles and preference. Perhaps we can ask after the best taverns, and about how outsiders treat this place! Hear what's what from the locals."

2014-10-16 00:39:59
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Tavros held his cheeks in his hands, pouting, "Oh, it will! I do not know how easily I will be able to part from them a second time," The grubs and children were absolute darlings, and woke some kind of maternal instinct in Tavros that he did not know he had. "The people in Rial seem open-minded enough. Perhaps the only reason, uh, that none of the children have been taken here is because of the distance? It is quite a while out from Starnette."

She gave a contemplative nod, "I think the shops would be best. I can get a better idea as to what is popular now and see some similarities in clothing that way," Kanaya gave a somewhat knowing grin to Karkat, "Perhaps while we are still out, we can see what honey or beef dishes Rialans specialize in."

Vriska, inwardly adoring his broad grin, could not help herself and planted a sweet kiss to his lips. "Alright, let's do that then. Had it occurred to you, though, that this is the only place we have ever been where we completely blend in?" There were blue and seadwelling couples all over, and Vriska hardly felt like she stuck out like a sore thumb here.

2014-10-17 11:32:41
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"Yeah, but four hours don't seem like much when they get so much out of it, ya know? The bigger issue might be that they don't let some people adopt." Gamzee shrugged, "maybe it's a little different at that place, maybe they'd let the purples here go ahead because all those kids are misfits or whatever. And you heard Sollux on a time or two about how Kanaya would make a great lusus but they won't let her 'cause of the rainbow drinkin' or whatever."

The cherryblood didn't know what way to take her last comment, for some reason it confused him and he turned a bit pink. "Heheh, yea, we gotta spoil your moirail a little; maybe get him out of his funk with some sort of small snack."

Eridan hummed at the kiss, fins flicking a little and he squeezed her hand affectionately. Looking around he noticed all the different couples in low color, mixed and unmixed just walking around. "Yes, it is nice, isn't it? To go unnoticed for once. People may not even recognize us as part of the Alice group." As they strolled, he looked around at all the signs and shops they passed, looking to pick one out. "How about that one, Hattie?" he pointed at a bright place, with more of the pinkish sandstone and tables and chairs outside as well as indoors.

2014-10-17 20:38:18
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"But does that extend to just the so-called Problem Castes or is it kind of like..a minimum coldness to the blood?" Tavros questioned, "Do you think blues could adopt, as well?" He supposed he would have seen some children adopted already by bluebloods, but it was not as if he were solely looking out for that and could not make a call, either way. "I am afraid that I am not privy to the subject, as a whole. Perhaps Sollux knows much more about this and can give us, uh, further insight. It would be appreciated. I mean," He furrowed his brows, "it is quite early to consider this at all, and while I do want to, I guess, have children of my own, (the way Mrs. Tourna described it was both horrifying and emotionally appealing) I still wish to adopt, too! It must be so bloodpusher-wrenching, to be without a lusus or a singular guardian of any kind. They seem to get along well, though..."

"Of course," She continued, inwardly cheering at the pink that dusted his cheeks, "But I am hoping that one day he will be more than just my moirail. That he will mean something to someone else," Kanaya could not outright accuse Karkat of having a crush on her moirail, -as tempting as that may have been- but she could drop hints here and there. "And, at any rate, you cook much better than I do and I think he will appreciate any and all dishes whipped up by you. If we find something early enough, perhaps those government officials can find a place in which you can flex your culinary muscles a bit, yes?"

"Gracious," Dramatically, Vriska shielded her eyes some, wincing, "A helluva a lot different than the Screechlands, I'll say. Suitable enough, though," She wondered if the cafe would be willing to host Gamzee and Karkat for their orphan-inspired campaigning. Being general misfits themselves, surely whoever it was that owned the cafe would be inclined to help, or at the very least, point them in the correct direction. As they walked in, the familiar sound of the bell tinkling above them, Vriska noticed the grand differences between blueblooded cafes and the highblood influenced others. The cafe was a long, rectangular shape, with the usual counter and baristas, but no cashier - instead, waiters and waitresses bounced from table to table, smiling and balancing porcelain trays with the mythological signs painted on them, or constellations. They wore similar outfits, pastel-ed like the remainder of the world around them, chatting with the patrons with an overall cheery, warm disposition. The employees, noticing the bell's sound, offered waves or friendly 'welcome!'s and 'hello!'s before a freed violet waitress briskly walked past them to grab menus from behind the counter, "Grab a seat anywhere, I'll be with you in just a sec!"

Vriska, reasonably intrigued by the change in atmosphere, as it was definitely less stuffy than the more highblooded way of doing things, took a glance to Eridan with a questioning raise of her eyebrow, "Inside or out?"

2014-10-19 00:10:55
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Gamzee nodded. "At least they got a lovin' environment and a place where they all up and belong in, even if it ain't with a guardian for each of 'em." It was true they did have a good place to live, and it seemed obvious to him that the children were very dear to each other. "We will have to ask Solbro about all that. Seems to have his know on about a lot." So, Tavros did want to have his own... well, Gamzee was fine with that. Although the traditional method terrified him for different reasons. It was pretty clear Tavros wanted to be the bearing party between the two of them, and that was terrifying. It seemed like something that would hurt, and that was the last thing Gamzee wanted to be responsible for. He also had other worries in the back of his head he found a little shameful, and not worth mentioning. But that was less about the method and more about him being a genetic parent.

"I'm sure he means a lot to a number of people, with all the work he does to help people! Just look at the orphanage, funds out of his own pocket." While Karkat was resolutely determined to not let Kanaya's words get to him, his skin and blood betrayed him. He turned much more magenta and got a furious look on his face as he felt the tips of his ears burning. His first statement was mainly a distraction, and probably a weak one. So he decided to concentrate on the last thing she'd said more than the subtle accusations. "I can cook alright, it's Gamzee we should look for some place for. Though I'm going to guess his grandmother will know something we can do, or who exactly to ask." He was proud that he even managed to keep his tone level mostly.

"Let's sit inside, Hattie," Eridan decided, pulling her lightly by the hand to an open table. Even though it was much warmer here he had noticed a breeze in the air and didn't want Vriska to get cold by sitting outside, knowing how much she hated that. He did pick one by the window, though, so they could watch passers by and people in the shop and just observe the different surroundings. "Interesting to have waiters and waitresses in a coffee shop, hmm? And so very welcoming." It was a breath of fresh air, to be treated without disdain and contempt on sight, and his thinkpan went in a sudden direction. "We are never ever letting Cronus know about this place. He will ruin everything. I don't care if that means we never tell Meenah or Feferi either."

2014-10-19 01:11:18
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It was absolutely frightening to consider having a grub himself. Tavros was not entirely sure how the process worked or what kind of pain he would be getting himself into or if it would be too much for his body to handle. He supposed he was relatively healthy, but maybe he would need to gain a bit more? A grub would suck all the nutrients right out of him, and at his current weight, even though he had gained at least a few pounds in that short month or so, it would not be too safe. Was his body even prepared for that type of thing? It was not as if he had a lusus to tell him anything like that...Tavros was not going to let it worry him, though. There was still much that he and Gamzee could know and learn and experience, and he wanted to get through all of that before trying to have a family. "What do you think, 'Zee? Uh, well," He smiled sheepishly, "I am making too many inward decisions, I think. I should not have decided that I wanted to bear any hypothetical children without asking." Tavros hadn't really thought Gamzee wanted to, as he seemed more inclined to adoption than the traditional procedure, but he thought he should still ask. They were in this together, after all.

She burst into laughter, "He would be livid if you said that," Kanaya ruffled his hair affectionately, like a mother to her child, "He is the type that would rather not have his good deeds blatantly acknowledged. Something subtle and lacking limelight is more up his alley. ...Oh!" Kanaya clapped her hands in quick succession, sudden delight sprinkled across her sharp features, "Do you think the Rialans have any of those golden lilies? We are surrounded by forestry, as well as water, where they thrive. Sollux has not had any tea sweetened with golden lilies in so long, I feel horrible that I have not been able to find a single one for him!"

It was, definitely, a change of pace to see everything so open and friendly. "Certainly is different from those stuffy Starnetian places. Even Undlegire is more detached than here," And Undlegire had been one of the places that she actually had liked. "Surely we can tell Feferi," Vriska remarked after a few silent moments of contemplation, "As airheaded as I think a' her, she would not ruin anything. Meenah, arguably. Cronus, without a shadow of a doubt. But Feferi? We can take her out once or twice if we swear her to secrecy, right?" She grinned, starting to feel more comfortable as she tugged her coat a bit closer to her.

The waitress returned, as promised, placing down two menus and a small porcelain saucer of sorts with saltwater in it that she sat beside Eridan's menu. Curious, Vriska questioned, "Excuse me? What is that for?"

The waitress seemed puzzled, "What is what for, Miss?"

"The saucer. Pardon, we aren't from around here, you know?"

"Oh, I see!" She giggled, "The seadwellers around here, they tend to be above water quite often. While the air is still salty and humid, it is nothing like the sea itself. So we give out these saucers of saltwater so the seadwellers can dab their gills a lil'. Kind of odd, I suppose," The waitress acknowledged with a sheepish smile, "Sorry it couldn't be actual seawater. A mandate went out a few months ago that says taking water from the ocean is a legal offense - we don't want anything happening to the wildlife or the seatrolls. Better to keep everything under wraps, yeah?"

2014-10-19 01:58:35
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"Well, if... if you really wanna do it that way when that all happens..." he assented, looking solemn and serious. "But, we gotta know exactly what the fuck it's gonna be like before you decide on that. And if you still like the idea enough, gotta prepare for that shit. And then you gotta let me take care o' you and wait on you hand and fuckin foot, no if ands or buts about that." Gamzee was very serious about that, stern almost. "Can't be havin' you over stressin' yourself none or have it take to much outta ya. No good of a way to do it if it hurts you." He really did think it was the brownblood's decision (it was his body and Gamzee didn't feel any right to make Tavros do anything just because of his personal feelings), so long as he was well informed, logical about it, and not taking too many risks. His other worries had to do with genetics, though, and how likely any children were to be purple or copper or whatever shade. It made him nervous to think they'd be lowblooded like him, especially if they were purples. He rather desperately did not want any children growing up experiencing the kind of hatred and fear that had been aimed his way.

He had been deciding if he was going to reply that Sollux's dislike of open acknowledgement was why he had started baking specifically with honey and cooking with beef in mind. Maybe it didn't end up being the most subtle thing since everyone in their group by now knew Sollux's preferences for those. But it had started as a way to spoil him a little without calling attention to his preferences or openly doing something to show appreciation. He had no idea if Sollux understood the gesture, but was happy enough knowing he liked what was being made. "You'll tell me I have to start cooking with them next," Karkat grumbled, actually having a couple recipes he'd been thinking of if such an event were to occur. "We can at least ask... here, there's a market..."

Karkat wandered over, checking out what was being sold before asking after the flowers when he didn't see anything there. The worker pointed them toward a shop closer to the forested area, and Karkat looked back at Kanaya. "Do you wanna go and check it out now or after we do more exploring?"

"I suppose we could tell Fef, but we really will have to swear her to secrecy. She can keep a secret, I think. It's just that she'd need not to glub it up by bubbling without thinking." Oh dear, the seadweller puns and word substitutions were starting to come out again. He supposed it was something to do with the sea air and not feeling nervous constantly. He hoped Vriska didn't mind too much.

Eridan looked up at the explanation, baffled, and looked back at Vriska. "Oh my lord," he muttered quietly looking at the dish. "Thank you..." This was ridiculous. Rial couldn't be real; it was nearly the perfect opposite of Starnette. And perhaps that was partially why he was completely speechless. He picked up the menu and handed it back to her. "I think I'll just have whatever the specialty is, or the tradition in the area, and that'll be good for me." He wasn't prepared to make decisions at this juncture, too flabbergasted by the strange kindness as his finger tips hovered over the edge of the saucer.

2014-10-19 02:42:27
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He smiled up at his matesprit lovingly, kissing the tip of his nose affectionately, "Gamzee, it is not like I will be bed-ridden for the entire time," The way he described almost made it seem like Tavros was going to be deathly sick and needed constant surveillance. Tavros would definitely need some assistance with most things, but it wasn't as if he was helpless. "We can ask Mrs. Tourna and even Borina about, uh, all the risks and what we would need to do for preparation. It is not like we are running out of time, necessarily," Tavros laughed, perhaps too lighthearted about their potential family, but he did not want Gamzee worrying himself too much about something that was way down the road, "There is still so much that I want us to do! I want us to keep traveling and to keep fighting for equality and to, uh, talk and meet new people with the same ideals. I want us to flesh out a nice space for Wocky back in Tulgey, and start a lovely flower garden, you know, if we even decide that we want to stay, uh, in Tulgey Woods anyway. The whole sweet, gradual family life, you know? There is still so much that I want not just with you, but from you, too."

Kanaya was well aware that Karkat was spoiling him, but she could not readily say if it was with romantic intent or not. Sollux did appreciate smaller gestures of kindness, and while he did notice that the foods were of his favorites, he did not think that it was anything more than appreciation. Like Tavros had said once before, they were all a family, and Sollux thought of it as just a sweet thought.

"We should check it out now," She decided, "It may prove to be helpful if there are other recipes out there. I am sure that if not you, then Gamzee, will be excited to learn of a new item in which to cook with." Kanaya gave a gesture after thanking the worker kindly as she wandered in that direction to the shop, "I brought a bit of money along. Perhaps, since I am assuming the lilies grow wild here, it will cheaper - conjuring them up by magic makes them so much more expensive!"

Vriska did not mind in the slightest, even if she would tease him about it. It just meant, to her at least, that Eridan was finally comfortable with where he was. He wasn't worrying about someone flashing him dirty looks or shouting obscene things, and Vriska did not have to concern herself with nearly starting a fight with whoever decided it would be a good idea to insult him.

"The specialty today are Crabcakes and Clouds," The waitress could understand his astonishment. There had been seadwellers from the West that were looking to escape the black market or any other dangers, or even just to see what the world was like across the Sun Sea, and were quite surprised to see what they found in Rial, the safe haven for the Problem Castes. "It is just a small crabcake that is inside a biscuit with a lemon-clam sauce atop it."

Vriska remembered the last time she had crab, and the memory of Tavros squirming and squeaking at the sight of the crustaceans brought a smile to her face, "I'll take one then, thanks. And an iced raspberry coffee."

The waitress scribbled it down on her notepad, "Two Crabcakes and Clouds, one raspberry on ice. Your drink, sir? If you ask me," She grinned, hovering her pen over her notepad, "A blueberry blend is perfect with this dish. Comes with caramel at the bottom of your cup that makes each sip sweeter and sweeter, since the drink itself is a little tart."

2014-10-19 03:27:49
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From him? What did Tavros mean by that, he wondered, looking over at him quite confused. He was a little calmer with the explanation, but now confused by the end. Had he not given Tavros something he wanted? Well that wouldn't do. Gamzee did admit he had maybe been a little dramatic about the whole thing, but he worried over his matesprit as it was, and he could tell his protectiveness would only get worse with the potential of grubs. Making a nice spot for Wocky would be very nice, and he smiled at the thought of having the creature around more often, with his happy tail wags and excitability. Eventually, though, distracted from his past thoughts, he did have to ask. "From me?"

Nodding, Karkat headed off in the direction of the shop, wandering leisurely with Kanaya. He kept looking around the town, half off in his own head. Honestly Karkat did not know really whether he had romantic intentions with Sollux or not. He supposed he was specifically not thinking about it because of how he'd observed the yellowblood acting toward actual advances at the ball, and how he'd acted when accidentally coming off as flirtatious. Thinking about it now did not really change his picture of the situation. He didn't expect Sollux to return any affections he may have harbored, for one, and for another didn't know how to least painfully go about flirting. Not that he wanted to, he told himself. "Are they difficult to conjure by magic? I thought fruits were easy, are the flowers somehow different?" he asked, trying to get out of his funk.

"That does sound interesting... yes, I'd like that, thank you," Eridan replied, smiling a little. At first he had forgotten that they did more coffee here than tea, and was confused by the blueberry for a moment. But it did sound good and he was interested in new experiences of the nice variety. It made him quite ridiculously happy to be here, since pretty much everything had been nice so far.

Looking back at the little dish, he curiously picked it up, using some of the water in it to dab at his gills lightly. It was nice, that bit of extra dampness. Maybe that was partly why he'd been so out of it, and uncomfortable. The air was probably too dry in a lot of places for him to really go comfortably, and somehow he'd never thought of just mixing some salt water. Whoever had thought of it was pretty brilliant, he thought.

Before the waitress left, he asked a quick question. "So you don't use ocean water because of disturbances it could create... is there swimming and relaxing on the beaches allowed?"

2014-10-19 04:26:10
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Tavros smiled joyously, "Yes! Gamzee, we have experienced plenty /with/ each other. Dealing with yellowblooded policetrolls, going to fancy balls, avoiding assassins and decoding riddles...all of it has been...Something else. But there are other things that I want to experience, uh, too. From you, you know? I want to be able to feel you and hear you and taste you in any way I can," A dreamy, affectionate look encompassed his expression as he sighed happily, "Oh, Gamzee. I want to receive from you everything, you are willing to give. Do I have permission to corrupt you in the gentlest way possible?"

Kanaya nodded somewhat grimly, "Oh, most definitely. You can conjure them, the flowers, I mean, easily. But it is the taste that matters - golden lilies have a complex taste. The initial burst of flavor is quite sour," She laughed, "The nectar is quite an eye-opener! But it immediately fades into sweetness as it disperses over your tastebuds. The petals, themselves, are fresh and watery, somewhat, but sweet, too. Much like a cross between a peach, an apple, and a pear."

"Hm? Oh, yeah, sure," She pocketed her pen after writing down the table number, "Not by the living areas, of course. There'll be zones marked off - tall poles that are either painted white or black. White zones are the public areas, black zones are the private ones."

2014-10-19 04:52:23
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"Oh," Gamzee could not help saying, realizing what Tavros meant now. Even before the implication became clear, he was more than willing to give Tavros anything. His look especially got to Gamzee, who kind of felt all warm and soft on the inside, and quite full of love. "Of course, though I ain't all that delicate, you know," he smiled, joking a little. Gamzee was aware of how he meant gently, and he was glad for that. It was such a relief to the tall purple that Tavros knew what he was doing in this area and could teach him some of the more subtle elements. He couldn't imagine what it would be like if it was the opposite way around, imagining he'd probably panic.

"That does sound complicated..." Karkat murmured, quite excited to try these flowers and experiment with them himself. They sounded really interesting, and he wondered what kinds of things he could make with them. The petals sounded less rambunctious to cook with than the nectar, but he liked a challenge, and would have to be creative and test recipes until he got it perfect. The cherry blood was kind of excited now.

"Alright, thank you so much," Eridan smiled pleasantly as she left with their order, then quickly turned his attention back to Vriska, reaching over the small table to take her hand. "Vris... I'm taking things too fast, bring me back to my glubbin' senses over here by being the scrupulous ship captain you are."

2014-10-19 05:19:06
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The little brownblood curled up against him, cupping the side of Gamzee's face with his hand as he planted a tender kiss to his lips. While it was a little painstaking to go so slowly, Tavros did not mind - the sensation he felt every time they advanced some in their boundaries was much more rewarding than any rushing of primal desire he had with past matesprits. Even if they never had sex or explored that zone of their bodies, Tavros was absolutely sure that he would still be hopelessly in love with Gamzee and attracted to him utterly. "Just let me know whenever you want to move forward some," He purred, nuzzling at his face, "And I can, teach you something new."

At the shop, Kanaya walked through the open doors. It was a greenhouse shop, glass everywhere and reinforced with steel, plants spiraling in every direction and soaking up the sun and humid air eagerly. The rainbowdrinker found herself looking at the flowers in awe, suddenly struck by inspiration as she hastily drew on her sketchpad. Thinking that she light to greet the shopowner, she looked up sheepishly. "Ah, yes, hello there."

"Hm? Oh, no," She gave a wave of her hand, "I am in no position, good sir! I am in a similar state of shock. The culture here is so remarkable! To think, a place like this existed so close to us, right under our damn noses," Rial was a fair time away from the Screechlands by land, but by sea, it couldn't have been more than a couple days. It was so perfect that she was looking for anything to be the matter, "We still have to look into defenses, March Hare."

2014-10-19 05:38:13
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Tavros's nuzzles were returned with a deep purr going with them. Deceptively strong arms looped around the copperblood, touch gentle and simultaneously solid. Gamzee kissed him with some passion, shivering some at Tavros's words to him over the past number of moments. As he pulled away, he purposely caught Tavros's lower lip between his own for a moment before nuzzling his cheek, laying pecks up to the top edge of where his ear met his cheek. "I'm lookin' forward to your lessons," he said in a murmuring drawl, letting his purr color his words and smiling fondly.

The shop owner waved with a friendly smile, moving back to what she had been watering. She didn't seem at all bothered by her sudden sketching. There were even a few small benches and chairs set among the plants. The place seemed to function as a greenhouse for selling plants as well as sitting among the greenery. Where Kanaya was all the plants were living in dirt, but further back in the shop there were a lot of bottles and jars of various plants, and even the occasional decorative fungus. There were actually a number of slim silvery fungi along the paths in small terracotta jars, and small arrangements on the counter in the back.

Kanaya's nubby horned companion was walking around, looking at all the colors with some wonder. He decided he liked the plants, though a couple of them made him sneeze. While the jadeblood was busy sketching, he approached the shop owner and asked about the flowers.

"Mm, yeah. And find you a suitable brawling place. Check out those seaman's taverns." It was odd they'd not heard of it. Perhaps the seadweller's around here did not move much, or just didn't speak of the place to the ones in their area. He wondered how many fushias there were and if they were just as rare as where he swam or not. "Are you excited for dinner this evening? You seemed to like Carala."

2014-10-19 16:28:17
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The brownblood purred at the kiss, reasonably surprised when Gamzee was a little more daring with his bottom lip. He grinned, kissing him in return quickly before he felt his lips against his ear and cheek, and Tavros murmured, "Do you want me to teach you now?" It had certainly seemed to him that Gamzee was willing to go further, and he was more than happy to lead him that way.

Golden lilies, to ensure their complex flavor, were grown naturally within the greenhouse. That, of course, made them much cheaper than if they were grown through magic, which could have altered the flavor and been much more difficult than simply growing them in a controlled setting. The shop owner directed Karkat towards the back of the shop, where the nectar could be bought, and to the right side of the front of the shop, where living golden lilies were. Only the petals of living golden lilies were delectable when cooked with, but few actually knew what to do with them other than put them in tea or water.

Kanaya sat down on a bench, her legs crossed as she examined nearby plants and wrote their names down beside a swift drawing of them. Her spring collection was coming along nicely so far, and she already had some colors and patterns in mind for when she started up clothing back in Undlegire.

Vriska also found it peculiar that they had not heard of Rial before, but she assumed that that secrecy was part of what kept Rial so safe. A place virtually perfect like that must be kept under wraps unless that information is given to someone that truly needs it, otherwise Rial will start looking like the fortified cities to its east. "She's an interesting gal, I'll give her that. I can't wait to see what kinds of stories and tales she has from days past."

2014-10-19 16:59:50
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"I don't see as how I would be averse to such a thing," Gamzee smirked a little, nodding. "So long as you're willin' to teach at present." He nuzzled at Tavros's cheek again, placing a kiss lightly at the top of his ear before returning his face in front of his matesprit's so he could kiss him sweetly. "Tav? I got a curiosity in my 'pan about something; you mind if I try somethin' and you tell me how it is?" It was just a small thing he'd noticed earlier and wondered if his presumption was accurate.

Well, experimentation would definitely need to be something Karkat did with these flowers. He went over to Kanaya, sitting next to her quietly for a while and looking around. When she seemed less distracted he told her about the nectar and living flowers, and he prices he'd found on them. He wanted to try cooking with both, but wasn't really going to mention that since he didn't want to be overly needy seeming or have other people spend much of their money on things he wanted. Kanaya had her own interests after all, and a hard time since her business had recently been sabotaged.

"It does seem like she's traveled a lot. But I have an 'eeling some of them won't be all that happy. But who of us reelly does have all happy shories," he muttered, a wry expression on his face. "This one right min/now/ is quite chipper, though!" he cheered up again, not letting himself get down in such a nice place. The oceanic vocabulary also made him giggle a little at himself.

2014-10-19 17:44:05
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"Go right ahead," He smiled, curious as to what he was going to try. It was rare to see Gamzee show some initiative like this, and Tavros felt some pride bloom in his chest - his matesprit was actually comfortable enough not to just go with the flow but do something on his own accord. "I am excited to see what you, uh, have up your sleeve, darling."

She did not mind purchasing the nectar, but she did want to know a fair bit more about the flowers before they bought them. "Hmm...Those are rather reasonable prices, and I have no qualms in buying the nectar. However, I am not sure if it would be wise to purchase the flowers if we do not know how to properly care for them. I am sure they are finicky little things."

Vriska rolled her eyes, her chin placed in the palm of her hand, amused with his antics, "This sea air has really opened up your puns. It is almost like you spent the day with one of the Peixes," The captain inspected her claws briefly, but was relaxed, if only on the basis of her matesprit being relaxed, "How's that saltwater doing?"

2014-10-19 18:16:57
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He smiled a little sheepishly. "Don't think it's all that much, just somethin' I thought you seemed to like once..." Instead of talking anymore, Gamzee went ahead and started kissing over his face again, moving down to Tavros's jaw. Since he didn't feel that was much, as he traveled to his destination on the brownblood's neck, he rubbed gently at the muscles of Tavros's back at the same time. He trailed kisses under Tavros's chin, waiting until he knew he was below Tavros's typical collar line to kiss more firmly, mouthing the area of his upper shoulder and neck.

"That seems like a good plan. I've no experience with gardening." Perhaps someone else would have more luck with the potentially tricky flowers. The nectar would provide quite enough of a challenge as it was. He sat back, relaxing and enjoying the light scents of the green house as Kanaya sketched what she wanted. Karkat was happy to just follow and get used to freedom slowly.

"Those corals do love their puns," he grinned. "It's nice, better than I expected." The added moisture was comforting, certainly. Eridan was quiet for a moment, looking outside. "Since the Screechlands are close by boat, do you think if there was time that we might catch passage over there to get your ship? Then we could bring it back and maybe continue on to other places with the others by boat."

2014-10-19 18:31:26
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The kisses were met with soft purrs and affectionate nuzzles,his arms wrapped comfortably around Gamzee's neck. So far, it had been nothing out of the ordinary or surprising, but as he dipped lower, the purrs grew louder and louder. A cinnamon blush darkened Tavros's cheeks as he felt his love's lips press firmly against his exposed skin, and, without warning, he let out a quiet mewl of pleasure coupled with a shiver. The reaction had surprised him to the point that he moved to hide his face against Gamzee's hair, his hold on him tightening some as he tried to figure out just why his reactions were suddenly so strong. Had it truly been that long since he had been touched like this, kissed like that? He had always been sensitive, but never to this extent, and he attributed the strength of the sensation to being fully and completely in love with Gamzee unlike anyone else he had ever been with.

"Ah, we could get Tavros's input. I believe he was a gardener back in Alternia," Someone with legitimate knowledge concerning plants would be imperative in keeping the lilies alive. She took to silence again, sketching happily and occasionally moving from one side of the greenhouse to the other, looking at specific flowers and leaves from all angles, inspecting vines and thistles with a close eye.

That hadn't been much of a pressing thought, but now that Eridan mentioned it, Vriska felt an ache in her chest to go back to the Screechlands, if only for a little while. "Other places like what? Across the Sun Sea? It is something to consider," She agreed, tapping her chin thoughtfully, "We ought to ask the others. I am sure Alice is just dying to see the Jabberwocky again. Do you think we could place him in the forests out there? We all seem to adore Rial to the ends of the planet, it is safe to say that Tavros and Gamzee may even settle here instead of Tulgey Wood."

2014-10-19 18:47:39