Mallstuck OR New Kids in the City

[nintendonut1]

John was perfectly content with holding Nepeta's hand when she reached for it, and it was pleasent as the group wandered into the mall. His gaze wondered here and there, making a mental checklist of possible investments once he had time to manage his boondollars, but his eyes would always come back to Nepeta.

On the surface she seemed to be enjoying herself... but she was shaking against him. She was holding him tight like a girl that lost her mother holding her teddy bear tightly. That itself was half the reason he didn't pull away, even after a long while when his arm had the slightest of aches from being constantly pulled at.

He frowned to himself. This was meant to be something for all of them to enjoy as a group of friends, but clearly whatever had happened was getting in the way. That just wouldn't do.

He waited until the two of them were on the opposite ends of a store from Gamzee and Tavros, wandering down a tightly-packed aisle of decorative pillows. This corner of the store seemed so soft and quiet, and he double-checked to make sure they had privacy before finally turning back to Nepeta.

"Hey, um..." he began, rubbing the back of his neck as he thought of what to say. His other hand was still laced with hers. "Are you... are you okay, Nepeta? You've been in a total funk all day! I might've not known you for a while yet, but it still seems so unlike you."

He met her with a sincere, concerned frown. "You can tell me anything."

[sleepZombie]

Somehow they eventually found themselves in some kind of kitschy home-makers themed store. Displays of paintings, cutlery, and aprons were everywhere, all with the same matching flower or checkered decor. Tavros had reached up to discreetly pass his hand over his shoulder, reaching back to rest his fingertips over Gamzee's hand as he held onto the handles of his chair and pushed - it was the best source of comfort he could offer.

That was until, looking around, the Taurus noticed that John and Nepeta weren't anywhere in sight. He was sure they'd find them if they had wanted to leave the store so that they didn't get separated so he was pretty sure the two of them were somewhere still in this place. For the moment, however, that was the least of Tavros' concerns.

"Gamzee?" He said the other troll's name hesitantly, felt his chair stop moving as the Capricorn stopped pushing, like maybe he'd been snapped out of a daze. It was like he hadn't really been focusing on what he was doing, and had just been pushing the chair on auto-pilot. Tavros half turned in his chair so he could look at the tall clown troll, his eyebrows creased in concern.

Looking around briefly to make sure that there really was no one else around, Tavros reached out to grasp Gamzee's wrist, tugging him lightly, coaxing him around the front of his chair until he was standing in front of him. "What's, what's wrong? Is it... is it Nepeta?" He chewed his lip in concern. Gamzee had told him... things. Things that really, honestly terrified him to his very core. Things that he found so hard to believe were true. But Gamzee wouldn't lie to him, so that meant that they were.

He was also still Gamzee. With a comforting sound escaping, Tavros reached out, hands shy and fumbling as he grasped Gamzee around the waist. His blood-pusher rocketed in pulse rate, his breathing fast and full of anxiety. He swallowed down the feeling of too fast too fast! and pulled Gamzee towards him just a little bit, not too hard as to knock him off balance but enough to coax him forward. Tavros banished his anxieties and nervousness to a far distant corner of his mind, spurned on by the physical ache and need to comfort his matesprit. Because in that moment Tavros had never pitied Gamzee more in his life. Not even when Gamzee would be upset about missing his Lusus.

"Come here, please." He leaned back, making room for Gamzee to slide onto his lap. His face was a burnt orange as he flushed, but he never let go of the Capricorn, pulling him gently but earnestly towards him.

[kisashika]

Gamzee had just kind of been.... Walking, completely zoned out, his mind completely blank. He really didn't want to think at the time and just moved with the group, subconsciously avoiding running Tavros into any other mall patrons. He wasn't completely aware of his surroundings or what kind of store they were in when Tavros snapped Gamzee out of his stupor.

He glanced around the store, not sure what the theme was to the decor and items, he was too far gone emotionally and mentally to care. Everything was just to neutral to him at the moment and not colorful and distracting as it usually was. His head turned a few times, not actually looking at anything in particular then the other reached out and touched him. Gamzee's tunnel vision immediately focused on Tavros when the Taurus spoke and tugged him forward.

Gamzee was extremely confused as to what was going on at first, but moved accordingly. Then the subtle tugs at his waist.... Was Tavros really asking him to sit in his lap? That was something Gamzee didn't quite expect, and it sure caught him off-guard, especially considering the state he was in at the moment. He wasn't used to such assertiveness from the other Troll, but it didn't bother him any.

The indigo-blood stepped forward and, quite goofily, settled himself in the others' lap; long legs lankly wrapped around the back of the chair. He gently rested his hands on the others' shoulders- Gamzee hadn't realized how much he craved this contact from Tavros until he actually settled down, it had to be the connection they shared now.

He leaned forward a bit, but not too much, keeping most of his weight to himself, then started to speak.

"Y-yeah." Gamzee admitted. "Remember what I said at the beach? I had really hoped that this wasn't the same Nep that-" He couldn't even bring himself to say it this time around. "-but it is. She remembers all the horrible fucking things I did, things I said." His voice dropped on those last words.

[shiftyPotentate]

Nepeta was fine just holding onto John's arm and hand, but when he talked to her, she snapped out of her trance. Though she'd been trying to avoid doing so, she kept mentally replaying the last few minutes of her previous life, over and over again. Each time, Equius's face grew more and more heartwrenching, and Gamzee's more and more terrifying.

"Well..." The urge to talk about her feelings welled up within Nepeta. She had an odd compulsion, and followed it, grabbing all the pillows she could - no doubt an employee within the mall was still upset over having to clean up the clothes from yesterday - making a nice big, soft pile. She took John's arm again, still guided by compulsion, and pulled him down onto the pile with her. Impromptu feelings jam time. She remembered her jam with Tavros, but she'd been the one comforting him. This time she needed it.

She stared at John for a moment, before crying olive tears silently and embracing him tight.

She tried to be as quiet as possible to not alert Tavros and Gamzee. "John... Gamzee... I didn't tell you what happened befur I arrived here yet... I owe you that much at least..."

So she explained. She recounted her version of the last hour or so on that asteroid before she died. She and Equius had taken shelter in a smaller computer lab. Equius talked to Karkat, and went out to try to reason with Gamzee, who'd apparently lost it. He asked her to hide in a deeper room, which she had.

Bored, she'd left that room to try to see what Equius was doing. She saw Gamzee and Equius. Gamzee shot an arroww through Equius's knee and strangled him with a bowstring. Then she leapt out at Gamzee to avenge Equius.

He'd self-inflicted the scratch marks on his face with her claws, before knocking her unconscious with a club.

She regained consciousness in time to watch Gamzee behead several of her friends, and, unable to move, he did the same to her as well. And that was the last thing she remembered before she found herself in the dream bubbles.

She spoke the last few sentences in an almost whisper quiet voice. Her face and shirt were well stained with olive now. She clung to John once more, tighter than before.

[nintendonut1]

"Wh-Oh!" Before he knew it, John had found himself sitting on a pile of pillows. Was this a thing that trolls just did naturally? Throwing and sitting soft things on the floor before gushing out their feelings? Well, sure, it was weird, but okay, he understood if it helped.

Which it certainly did, as Nepeta threw herself at him and painfully recounted her tale. Considering everything he had been through on his own, even a story as gruesome as hers shouldn't have struck him as much as it did. A sense of dread washed over him, and it took him a moment just to soak it all in.

Gamzee did... all of that? It seemed unbelievable, to think that chill as all chill trolls was even capable of such things. He remembered Vriska mentioning that all trolls held some levels of violent behavior, but that was just...

"...w-wow," he finally managed to get out, grunting as she embraced him again. "That... that's just... wow, I..."

John faltered, bringing his hands up to rub her back and do SOMEthing to try and comfort her. He was not expecting something this heavy, and he was speechless and felt absolutely useless all of the sudden.

But... maybe he wasn't the one she was supposed to be talking to about it.

"I... I think you and Gamzee should talk this through," he ventured, still rubbing her back. "I don't think you're going to feel any better until you do."

[sleepZombie]

Tavros' shifted, accommodating Gamzee's tall frame as best he could, finally sighing as the other settled. When he spoke it made his pulse jump out of fright, eyebrows pushed together anxiously. So... it was exactly what he'd been afraid of. It was all really confusing to him, and painful, he'd never seen Gamzee get like the way he'd been and it was very hard to imagine him like that but. There were the three scars right across his face.

He reached up, wrapping his arms around Gamzee's waist and pulling him in, closer, huddling the taller troll against him. He swept one hand up and down along his back... it was a little awkward. He'd never done something like this before - trolls were not natural soothers - but everything felt kind of instinctual and right as moved. The other hand came up to press at the back of Gamzee's neck and give a very tiny tug forward.

"Shh... it's. Uh. Well, it's not alright, I guess, if I am being honest. But it will be. And, if anything, I am here." He pulled Gamzee in until they were as close as he could draw them - it would be up to Gamzee to go the rest of the way if he wanted to. "And I, always will be. Okay? Shh..." He felt so wrung out and distraught over Gamzee's distress. "Maybe, talking will make you feel better? Because I can listen. I am pretty good at doing that, I think."

[kisashika]

Gamzee leaned into the warm hug, wrapping his arms around the smaller troll's shoulders, drinking in the affection. He squeezed back, letting out a relieved sigh; The Capricorn was unsure about spilling everything that happened out to his matesprit, but Tavros had every right in the universe to know.

"There was a lot of details I left out of the story before...." He went on explaining in detail everything that had gone on that day- not so much on the gore, though- wanting to spare Tavros the bloody imagery.

Gamzee repeated what he had said on the beach, putting in the minor details- of him shooting Equius in the leg and choking him. Breaking Nepeta's hand, the self-inflicted wounds, to clubbing her down. When he'd done that, he was sure that she was dead and continued on beheading the rest of their friends- including Tavros- and corralling them in a big group.

He even explained how he was convinced that he had to kill everyone and how it was part of some big, elaborate plan.

Once everything was off his chest, Gamzee slouched forward, leaning his head in the crook of Tavros' neck. It felt good to have that said, but it didn't get rid of the sick feeling in the pit of his belly. Nepeta was probably ready to kill him at any given moment for what he'd done.

"Thanks for letting me talk, Tav...." He sighed and snuggled close to the other troll.

[shiftyPotentate]

"B-But..." Nepeta wasn't sure how she felt anymore. It was all one confusing mixture of feelings. Anger, sadness, forgiveness... she didn't know what to do.

"But John, what if he... wh-what if he hates me or what if I hurt him or..." She stuttered out all of her worries at once. She buried her face in his arm.

"I don't think I can talk to Gamzee... I'm afraid..." She wasn't afraid of him, afraid of what she'd do. She clung to John even tighter. "John? W-Will... Will you stay with me? H-Help me through this?"

The buddings of pale feelings started to emerge for Nepeta. It was risky, because he was a human and probably wouldn't understand, but if he said yes, she would probably feel a lot better. Suddenly finding oneself without a moirail, a troll felt like they didn't have a leg to stand on. All Nepeta felt like she needed now was that support back.

[nintendonut1]

"Nepeta, of course I will!" John heartily replied, squeezing her back. "If it makes it any easier for you to do it, I'll totally have your back!"

He pulled away only slightly, so that she could see his reassuring smile. "I know this can't be easy for you. But still, it's gotta be worked out if we're going to all stick together in this crazy place." He brought a hand up to gently clutch her shoulder. "And you won't have to be scared if I'm there for you. I'll do whatever it takes to make sure no one gets hurt!"

He paused in thought, then chuckled. "I'll do my best to purrtect you!"

[sleepZombie]

Tav's jaw locked up as Gamzee finally divulged to him all of the details. Once Gamzee had muttered something about 'So much motherfucking blood.' and it had made the Taurus' muscles clench, shaking minutely as he described the urge to paint 'beautiful pictures' with all of the colors. Of heads. Of his head and how heart-breakingly small and tired his voice had gotten at that part.

When he finally tucked his head against the crook of his neck, face pressed lightly against his shoulder Tavros' arms flexed, drawing Gamzee even closer if it was possible. He pulled him in and held him and trembled against him but he held him. He realized he'd been crying in sympathy when he blinked and felt a fresh wave of salty warm heat drop down his cheeks and patter chocolaty brown onto Gamzee's shoulder.

"U-Uh, you're welcome." It was all he could think of to say because what COULD he say? The best speaking he could do was with actions, so he lightly pet and stroked Gamzee's back, nuzzling him back against his shoulder, mindful of his overlarge horns.

Finally, after thinking and sitting together curled into one tight ball, he murmured into Gamzee's ear. "I think, you should talk to her. Maybe not, tell her all the things you told me, but. Some of it? I can be there, if you want." He'd always be there, if Gamzee wanted. But he didn't say that, it didn't need to be spoken out loud because he was pretty sure the Capricorn knew.

[kisashika]

Gamzee leaned back a bit, enough to look the other Troll in the face; Gamzee wore an expression of worry. "You think.... Really? 'Cus, like, what if she attacks me? Or...." He gulped and looked downward, whispering. "... I attack her again...." As much as he wanted to apologize to Nepeta, he didn't want to die and lose out on this miracle. He honestly believed the deities he worshiped blessed him with this second chance.

Gamzee looked back up; maybe they also gave him a chance to redeem himself for all the havoc wreaked. Not only had they brought back Tavros, but Nepeta- there had to be a reason for this that didn't lead in tragedy. With that in mind, Gamzee couldn't help but smile a bit. "You know, that does sound like a good motherfucking idea, Tavros. As long as you're there." His smile widened and Gamzee leaned in, giving his matesprit a kiss.

[shiftyPotentate]

Nepeta stared at John. He used one of her cat puns! On top of that, he promised to protect her and support her!

She gave him a big hug, throwing her arms around him again and nuzzling her head against his shoulder. "Thanks, John... That means a lot to me..." She let go and clambered off the pile of pillows, helping John up as well. It was time to talk to Gamzee. She intended full well to forgive him.

Nepeta led John over to Tavros and Gamzee, and saw the two of them were sharing a tender kiss. If there were any doubt in her mind that Gamzee might have been the same violent troll that'd killed her, that would've washed it right away. She quietly awwwed, letting the two of them have their moment.

When they finished, she addressed Gamzee. "Uhm... G-Gamzee?" She reached back to John, taking his hand in hers. For support. "Can... I apawlogize? I've treated you with suspicion and worry and I shouldn't have... and... uhm..." She had trouble thinking of words. Oops.

[nintendonut1]

"Oop--aha, no problem!" he laughed after falling back snugly in the pillows when Nepeta once again embraced him with great enthusiasm. He was happy to have said the right thing to cheer her up. They weren't quite out of the ballpark yet, but now there was a bout of confidence that would hopefully help solve this dilemna.

Because John knew a happy team of friends was a healthy team of friends. That and... well... sadness did not fit Nepeta well. He couldn't help the warm flutter in his chest the moment her face had picked back up, especially after retelling her tragic tale. That had felt especially good to the friendleader, and he wanted to do everything he could to keep that smile there.

He quietly followed her, stopping short only as she did to come across a rather private moment between the two matesprits. He couldn't stop a flush in his cheeks, grinning goofily. It was good to see them happy too, if only for the moment.

The good mood dropped as Nepeta began to speak, though it was necessary. Gladly, he squeezed her hand back, staying silently and giving her an encouraging nod.

[sleepZombie]

Tavros' smile at Gamzee's confirmation of feeling better, if even a little bit, was covered up suddenly by the other troll's mouth. Tavros gasped a little bit into it - surprised and not expecting the gesture even though he knew he really should have. Timidly he pushed back into it, his lips closed but pressing soft against the Capricorn's, hands awkwardly resting on Gamzee's hips. He felt completely off-balance, like maybe he wasn't doing something right even though it felt pretty nice...

They drew apart slowly, a shy flush casting Tavros' cheeks faintly orange, ducking his head a little bit. It was then that he heard something behind them, a soft 'awww' of sound that made his blood-pusher leap up into his throat and make his back freeze. Ohgod did Nepeta and John come back?

Sure enough, there they were. His back was facing away from them and with Gamzee in his lap like he was Tavros couldn't exactly turn his chair so he just... sat, looking down into his lap so Gamzee wouldn't have to feel awkward about having someone staring intently into his face like Tavros wanted to do. Instead he very lightly slipping one hand into Gamzee's and squeezed, reminding him he was there.

But he was silent. This was something for these two to talk about. It made him feel relieved that Nepeta seemed to be trying to bridge the gap that was between them, extending the olive branch of peace.

[kisashika]

Gamzee couldn't help the short chuckle that left his throat when they parted, this talk really did make him feel better- his attention was quickly drawn from Tavros by the interruption of the others.

"Oh, hey." He looked up at John and Nepeta before climbing out of Tavros' lap to stand up next to him, gently squeezing his hand back.

"Naw, Nep, you ain't got any reason to be sorry.... This motherfucker should be, ya' know, for the horrible shit I did to you...." He moved a bit so Tavros could turn some. "There was no good reason for me doing any of that fuckery.... And-" Gamzee took in a deep breath. "And I'm really sorry; you have every right in the gog damned universe to be angry and suspicious of me and even.... Kill me." The last words were quiet, as much as he didn't want to say them, it was truth.

The grip he held on Tavros' hand tightened a bit.