Act 6 Count.

Gamzee saw the look on Tavros's face when he went to go escort the Pryopes out of their home. Lips drawn in a tight line, eyes glazed with fear, shoulder tense and nose twitching, he loved it. Gamzee loved every second of Tavros's discomfort, it showed the cornered beast that was tucked away under obedience.

I want to see that animal, Tavros. Gamzee thought as he stood to leave the table. Would the collar bring you back to your senses? Away from this obedience you so shamefully hide yourself under?

"Did you both plan this?" His father brought him back to the current situation. Kurloz and his brother shook their heads. "Well done. Very well done."

"Was the show enjoyable?" Gamzee asked, moving so Mituna could grab his plate.

It still surprises me that you could have gotten so close to the Pyropes, enough to fuck one and have her birth another. Gamzee watched as his timid, shaky hands take his plate. He could practically hear his quiet, distinct labored breathing that came with the rewiring of his head. Although, you were much more the troll than you are now.

"Enough for me to retire for the night," Master Makara stood, nodding. "I assume the Amporas will contact us in the coming days."

"I will relay you the message the moment it comes," Gamzee gave a nod, fixing his cuffs. "We will set up a meeting, the Feferi girl would probably like to wander over here. She prefers to communicate face to face."

"So be it. She is welcomed into this home, but," Oh there was that tone again. The incriminating, teasing, relentless tone. "I'd expect neither of you fuck her either."

"Father, would you place me that low enough to fuck a fellow business associate?" Gamzee lazily raised a brow.

"The younger Pyrope girl does not count as a business associate?" Master Makara didn't hesitate to shut down his youngest son. "My, my, with such crude behavior I'm beginning to think you truly are of worthy of my blood."

"I'll take that as a compliment." Gamzee gave a nod.

"A pinch of salt rather." The Grand Highblood dismissed them both.

Kurloz looked at his brother and signed "I believe those Pryopes are up to something. Did you find her?"

"I found her, sticking her tongue down my servant's throat. I do believe she's found out the truth again." Gamzee gave a nod. "I was just beginning to enjoy Tavros too."

"Fuck him now while you can. Seven times the Pryopes have tried to catch you in this act and each time they wander closer to the line, Gamzee." Kurloz warned.

"I do believe you are correct, brother." Gamzee gave a thought nod. "I don't intend to ruin this family because of my pleasures, do not worry. After all, I share the blood of a man who's killed, eaten and fucked hundreds of his own friends."

"Don't become father." Kurloz warned. "We both promised."

"Kurloz, I will fuck and eat whom I please but never my own blood. That is where the line dips down a cliffside I would never be able to climb up from." Gamzee left as soon as Kurloz gave a nod.

Where is my little bull slave now? Gamzee thought, a hunger eating at his mind. He could feel the heat in his chest, thunder all through his body. This excitement, this rush, everyone trying for his servant. To fuck him, to free him, to eat him. Everyone wanted some piece of his servant and Gamzee relished the feeling.

He is my own and no one elses. That is why they fight amongst themselves while I indulge myself in this troll.

"Gamzee." Tavros said his master's name, noticing the wicked look in his gaze. Gamzee had never walked so furiously toward him, nor has he twisted his arm so far back and pressed him hard against the wall. The slam resounded against the empty hall, making Gamzee come out of his heated fury.

Tavros took note of his breathing, harsh and shattered with emotion. Tavros couldn't figure out why Gamzee was being so forceful, he had done nothing wrong at dinner and he had done exactly what Gamzee told him to do.

Does he know about the card? His eyes widened at the thought. I wouldn't betray him. Please, he must understand.

"You. What did she tell you?" Even his voice dropped several octaves. "She always says something to everyone but us."

He knows. He knows. He knows. Tavros froze.

"What'd that whore tell you?" A hand went against his cheek, the pain made Tavros shout and nearly slap his master back. Gamzee's eye twitched at the sudden action.

Disobedience? Is he showing me disobedience? Gamzee lay a soft hand against the spot where he hit. The young master could feel where the anger and the fear clashed inside, making his skin hot and his face blank. Is this the push it took for you to finally break from that filthy mindset of believing I'd care for you forever?

"She didn't tell me anything, master Makara. She only told me to take care of your anger. So that you would not show her mother the same disrespect." Oh the lie was so smooth coming from Tavros's lips, Gamzee had almost believed it. Gamzee smiled.

"It was not I who spoke the words, Tavros. Do you not recall? It was my brother," Gamzee said softly, "Are we that alike?"

What is he doing? Tavros felt the hand curl gently against him, brushing away the last of the pain. Play the cards right and you will be free to see another day.

Gamzee dipped down, completely covering him as he landed a delicate kiss on to Tavros's lips. Tavros was hesitant at first, unsure of where this was going. The tempo remained the same. Soft, sweet, caring.

Tavros mumbled under his lips, opening his eyes and pressing hands against Gamzee's cheeks. For a moment they were stuck in silence, Gamzee waiting for what his servant will do now. Tavros noted his curious gaze, lips parted slightly and eyes wide and waiting.

"Am I in trouble, Gamzee?" Tavros asked quietly. His voice cracked a little.

"Of course not. This was my fault, Tavros. All of it." Gamzee reassured him softly. "Come, you look exhausted."

"I am." Tavros nodded his head slowly. "I'm very tired. She made me tired."

"Come. I will request you do nothing for me for tonight." Gamzee stepped off of Tavros and started to walk down the hall. "Tomorrow you will gather some supplies for me. I will hand you the list tomorrow."

Tavros gave a nod and followed Gamzee down the hall, passing over the dinner table.

It was strange how each of those teal-blood wrinkled their noses as they gathered the plates of the unfinished dinner. They chattered and mumbled under their breaths, but for what Tavros couldn't understand.

Master Makara sat at the table, thumbing his lip as he stared into space. For a moment, he turned his great head and met eyes with Tavros, smiling just a bit. It was enough to make Tavros snap his gaze away, focusing on follow Gamzee's lead.

He's letting me go out tomorrow. Tavros thought as Gamzee dressed him into his night clothes. I can find Terezi.

"Sleep well, Tavros." Gamzee mumbled as he curled up around him, throwing a blanket over them. "You have a long day ahead."

For once, Tavros didn't trust the tone of his voice.

Long day or journey, Gamzee? Tavros thought as he tried to sleep. You know. Don't you?