Zero101: I had planned to have this out on Christmas...but as you can tell, that didn't pan out too well.
Let's Go!
Hopefully Sasuke14u's back...

Sasuke14u~ I is. }:)

oOoOoOoO

It was already December 24th.

Christmas Eve and he was still in Rehab.

He was going to miss Tavros' Christmas.

Gamzee was never one to really celebrate Christmas anyway, always being by himself during the holidays due to his dad being away because of work, leaving him in the care of the help. He got everything he could ever want on x-mas though; toys, games, and clothes. (which he gave away to the neighboring children who didn't have a lot, much to his father's displeasure).

He had learned after the first time being left alone at five, the only thing he wanted was for his father to be home. To stop staring at him with so much sorrow and barely contained hatred for something he had no control of.

Today... was also his birthday.

And the day his mother died to bring him into this world.

As far as he could remember, the signs of his fathers unrestrained contempt for him were blatantly obvious. At the time, he didn't understand why his father never communicated with him, never hugged him or held his hand like he'd seen other childrens parents do. But now he knew. He blamed him for her death.

And when he wasn't angry, Kurloz would simply...pretend that Gamzee didn't exist.

Though the man did start caring after a certain incident when he was 14. But at that point the damage was done and he asked (or more like demanded) to live on his own, seeing as he had been doing just fine all this time. Kurloz agreed, knowing there was nothing he could do to make it up to his son.

So, Christmas never really was a good day for the clown. Having everything, but also, nothing to celebrate.

Now here he was, once again alone on Christmas Eve, with no hope of any visiters or chance of his father visiting him.

He glanced down at the object in his hands, wrapped clumsily in newspaper, seeing as the place didn't have fucking gift wrapping paper for some reason. Gamzee had made Tavros a gift, hoping to give it to his bro, but things weren't going as he'd hoped.

His caretaker thought it was necessary to extend his stay. He had no idea the reason why, the clown hadn't hurt anybody in over three weeks. He'd taken all his meds without question, he was even trying to make friends with the others here (not to much success), so he didn't understand why the extension was needed.

He glanced back down at the present in his hands, eyes narrowing.

This motherfucker is getting where he needs to go tonight...one way or another.

oOoOoOoOoO

Gamzee's going to miss Christmas, that sucks..

Tavros was home, sitting in the kitchen, helping his father finish wrapping the last few presents for his family that lived out of state. He pulled another foot of colorful paper with Santa's and frowned. "Uh...wouldn't it have been better...to do this sooner? They're...not going to make it on time now."

His father, Rufio, was basically what he dreamed of being. Tall, strong, most people mentioned that he looked just like his father, but sometimes...he just couldn't see it. His father shrugged his shoulders, ruffling his hair in the process. "Probably would." Rufio smirked at him. "Tired of helping your old man already?"

He snorted, reaching over for a bow. "Uh...yes. I am already so tired of wrapping presents...that we just now started."

Rufio chuckled, before his face sombered up. "So, is everything going okay in school?"

Tavros smiled. "A-Actually...yeah. I made up with some of my...old friends. Nepeta and me h-have been roleplaying again online, so Aradia can join."

"That's good. So, that girl of yours been leaving ya alone? You're in a much better mood now."

He faltered slightly at that, thinking carefully before replying. "I-I guess I'm happier. I don't...feel like I'm...disappointing anyone like...before." His dad sighed, reaching over and actually smacking the back of his head. "H-Hey!"

"I told you she wasn't good enough for you. Next time, listen to your dad every once an' awhile and nothing bad'll happen. But I guess you gotta learn some things on your own."

He chuckled. "S-Sure. Next time someone likes me...which will p-probably be never...I'll see what you think first."

Rufio sighed, putting down his scissors and giving him a level stare. "Then that brings me to my next question. About your... friend, the one getting help? Gamzee was his name, right?"

He flinched, a strained smile on his face. Honestly, he was surprised that his father had waited this long to mention his friend. But now he was afraid the man was going to try tell him to leave Gamzee alone. "Y-Yeah?"

"I'm not going to tell you that you can't be friends with him, you obviously wouldn't listen to me anyway. I'm just wondering how you got close to that boy. He seems...unstable at best."

He sighed, leaning back in his seat. "H-He really isn't. Gamzee's sometimes...spacey, and he forgets things...but he's really nice...and..." Tears were beginning to well up in his eyes and he frantically tried to wipe them off. Great, I'm about to start crying infront of dad. "C-Can you please...not talk about him...l-like he's crazy?"

oOoOoOoO

He stared down at his son, coming to an understanding that Tavros may have some unresolved feeling for that bastards son. Him and Kurloz were always at war during their school days, but now...needless to say, he was surprised when he heard from his son that he made a new friend whose father was the bane of his existence.

So, he did a little digging. Rufio had to make sure Tavros was safe after all.

What he discovered convinced him to keep a close eye on the boy, since outright telling his son probably wouldn't work. It wasn't exactly what he dug out that unnerved him, it was what he didn't find that did. There was almost nothing on the boy, and when there was...had gaps in the timelines. Like someone had tampered with any known files on the Makara.

And his first impression of Gamzee didn't really help his confidence. The teen hadn't noticed him one day when he arrived at school to pick up Tavros and he had caught the teen openly smoking pot while Kankri's kid yelled at him, eyes completely bloodshot. Wearing baggy spotted sweatpants and an oversized hoody didn't help his opinion either.

But Tavros was talking to him so...happily, smiling and everything that he didn't have the heart to question him about Gamzee.

And of course, the next time he sees the teen, he was in the hospital. Screaming about painting the walls with their blood and thrashing out at the nurses trying to calm him down.

This was what my son was hanging around with? This boy really is just like his wretched father.

He froze when his son moved closer to the rampaging teen on the bed, nearly getting hit again by a flailing limb that clanked against one of the arms of the chair. It took a moment for Gamzee, scarred up and bleeding again, to focus on Tavros. But as soon as his eyes focused on him, tears made their way down his bloody face, crying about how sorry he was.

So, right now Rufio couldn't figure out just how he felt about that boy being around his son. Yes, he was concerned about Tavros getting hurt by the Makara, and he didn't like his habits...but Tavros's outlook had improved so much over the past few months thanks to the friendship the two shared, he was wondering what he should do to access Gamzee.

"I'm just concerned is all about your safety. I mean, he hit you-"

"I-Its wasn't his fault...well, not entirely anyway. G-Gamzee wouldn't uh, hurt anyone on purpose." Tavros said, defending the other, eyes determined. "H-He really is super nice a-and-"

"Okay, okay. I understand. I just want to make sure you're going to be alright around him is all. You can't blame me for that."

"I-I uh...guess not."

Rufio sighed, patting Tavros's head and grinning. "Let's back to wrapping presents or we'll never get done." He grinned as Tavros smiled and nodded, reaching for a box. I have a feeling I'm going to be seeing a lot of Gamzee in the future. I hope he really isn't like Grant, it'll break Tav's heart if he's got that mans cruelty

oOoOoOoO

"Oooh, fuuuck." He shivered, arms wrapped tightly around himself to hold off the cold. His old hoody and sweats his old man left him on the first day of his rehabilatation weren't doing much to for the frostbite starting on his fingers and toes. At least the present he intended to give to his bro was safetly tucked inside his shirt.

How motherfuckin' far have I walked already?

Gamzee glanced around, hoping to catch a familar sign or building, but it was hard to make out anything with all the motherfucking snow everywhere.

He half glared up at the sky, flinching as flakes hit his cheeks. This is so motherfuckin' not right, man. Making a bro's trip all harsh and shit. Just stop motherfuckin' snowing already.

He shook his head and continued on his way, recognizing one of the signs. He still had about three more miles left...at least some nice old lady was kind enough to pick up his sorry ass and get him this close.

Now he just had to remember if he needed to turn left on second street...or right?

Well...fuck.

oOoOoOoOoO

Covered in strands of ribbons and tape, Rufio watched his son make his way to the bathroom to shower as he picked up the debris of wrapping paper. He glanced at the clock, barely focusing on the blinking 10:47 as he threw away the extra's and reaching up to pluck the bow Tavros had managed to stick on the back of his head off.

He chuckled, chucking it in the trash as well.

A sudden knock drew his attention to the door, confusing him. Who would be knocking this late...on Christmas Eve? Slowly making his way to the front, he stopped by his closet and pulled out a bat, not taking any chances on this being a robbery. People get crazy during the holidays.

Leaning against the door, he peered through the peephole and saw a tall figure standing on his porch, head down with his hood up, his arms around himself. Wearing pajama?

Did the guy breakdown somewhere?

He pulled the door open, eyes widening at who was on the other side.

Great, just what I needed to deal with tonight.

oOoOoOoO

Gamzee thanked the mirthful messiahs when he finally stumbled across his bro's familiar mailbox, meaning when he finally walked right into the thing and fell on his butt in the freezing snow.

It was only then that he thought about Tavros' old man and how he may react to seeing the clown appearing at their door in the middle of the night when he was supposed to be in rehab.

Too late now to back out.

Taking a deep breath, he trudged his way to the porch as fast as his frozen feet would let him and hesitantly knocked, the noise sounding louder than it probably should.

Fuck, what if they ain't even motherfuckin' wake now? He glanced around, clutching his chest tighter over Tavros' present. I can't just leave it on the motherfuckin' porch...

His thoughts were interrupted when the door suddenly opened, revealing a very confused and irritated Mr. Nitram...holding a bat.

Fuuuuck.

Gamzee was over six feet tall...but he never felt smaller in his life.

oOoOoOoOoO

Rufio slowly lowered the bat upon noticing the teen eyeing it warily. "Gamzee. What are you doing here?"

Gamzee shuffled awkwardly in his spot. "H-Hi mother...Mr. Nitram...uh...is Tavros here?"

His eyes narrowed slightly, stepping out onto the porch and closing the door behind him, ignoring the cold on his feet. He took notice of the other's appearance. Gamzee's scarred face was red from the blood trying to keep it warm, wearing sweatpants that were soaked at the bottom and a hoodie that seemed to bury the teen in the folds.

This kid's freezing his ass off.

"Gamzee, it's Christmas Eve. Do you honestly believe that he would be elsewhere other than home?" The clown flinced and glanced down. Okay, I could've been a little nicer. "Why are you out here? Aren't you supposed to be in rehabilation still?"

Gamzee laughed nervously. "Yeah..." Pausing, the teen shuffled around, pulling something out from under his shirt. He held the messily wrapped package close and looked up at him. "I just wanted to give my bro this...for Christmas."

He blinked, glancing down the street, noticing the long trail of footprints. "Did you...did you walk here?"

The clown shook his head. "Not all the way. Some nice lady gave me a lift for a few miles."

"How far did you walk, Gamzee?"

"...I'm not really sure. About two hours." He looked up at Rufio, almost surprised. "I didn't fu...know that it was so hard to walk in snow. And then I think I almost got lost..." Gamzee body shook and he held up the crudely wrapped gifts. "Listen, you probably don't want me to all up and see Tav and I can accept that."

His arms shook as he held up the package.

"Could ya at least let 'em have this? I won't cause ya any trouble. I'll head back to the center and everything, so...could Tavros have these? You don't even have to say it was from me..."

"Sounds like you don't even want him to know you were here."

The clown flinched, pulling his arms back. "I just...he probably doesn't wanna see too much of me." He crowded in on himself, holding out the gift again. "Please? I-I don't know what else I could say. I just wanna make a bro happy, is all."

"So...you walked for miles in the freezing snow, after breaking out of rehab, to hopefully drop off a present and then walk back. Did you even think this through or are you still completely messed up on drugs or something." Gamzee recoiled, head bowing. "What were you thinking? Why should I help you when you've hurt my son?"

Gamzee was quiet for a moment, looking down at the ground. He was quiet when he finally spoke. "Yeah. I-I'm sorry. I guess I deserve that. I'm sorry for bothering you." Oh fuck, he sounds like he's close to crying. I guess he is just a kid...damn it. The teen wrapped his arms around the gift. "I'll just leave. Sorry for...everything. Just...sorry." The clown took a step back, turning to make his way back.

Oh, shit. This isn't right. I can't just let him walk away like this. Rufio reached out, grasping Gamzee's shoulder before he could step off the porch. "Damn it, kid. Get the hell inside before you freeze."

The teen frowned, staring at him in confusion. "But-"

"Don't question me and come inside."

Pulling Gamzee inside, he tugged at the teens hoodie. He turned and left Gamzee in the door, ordering him to stay put. I must be losing my mind or something to be okay with this. He glanced back once more to the awkwardly standing teen, who was still clutching the present close as he stared at the floor.

This is going to be a long night.

oOoOoOoO

His stood there in the doorway, body freezing and shivering, confused as hell as to why the man had allowed him inside. Tavros' dad clearly disliked him, so why let him in at all? Why let him so close to his son, that he obviously wanted Gamzee to not have any part of?

He looked down at the package, running a hand over the plastic.

Gamzee really was just going to walk back, not caring (kind of caring) about the cold and the freezing wind. He just didn't want to cause anyone anymore trouble than he already had. Even if that meant not seeing his flushed crush anymore.

What am I motherfuckin' supposed to do?

Just as the thought left him, Tavros' dad came back with clothes in hand, looking slightly less intimidating. The man gave him a once-over. "Why didn't you take off those wet clothes like I asked?"

He blinked. Did he?

The man sighed, reaching over and gently taking the gift from Gamzee's hands, much to the clowns displeasure. "Come on, you're going to get sick if you don't change. Strip." Normally, he wasn't the shy type. But he didn't really want the man judging his...appearance more than he likely already had. Tavros's dad sighed, rolling his eyes. "Kid, you haven't got anything I hadn't seen before. Now get out of those clothes and put these on. They should fit...though they'll be baggy on you. Don't you eat?"

He was confused, though he normally is when someone took any form of interest in him. Whether positive or negative, he just wasn't used to people truly acting like they cared about him. He knew his friends (were they still friends, he wasn't sure) did/or had cared. They've just never really went out of their way to show it.

Karkat and Sollux helped him get into schools, yes. And Sol was nice enough to not mention about his mental disabilities. But other than that, the only person who'd shown geniune concern for his wellbeing without throwing a temper tantrum was...Tavros. His friend always asked about if he'd eaten or slept good. How he was feeling. How his day was.

He smiled. Tav really is a motherfuckin' miracle.

And now, his bro's father, who didn't even like him was trying to be nice and take care of him. As confused as he was, he wasn't going to turn down the miraculous kindness that he was being given.

oOoOoOoO

Standing before the teen, Rufio was surprised when a small smile appeared on the clowns face as he was lost in whatever thought had distracted him from reality. An odd sort of peace had befallen Gamzee and he wasn't sure how that happened.

The teen shook off his thoughts, looking up at him and reaching for the clothes. "Thanks. I...I really appreciate you letting me in and...and the clothes."

Rufio pulled the clothes back, brow raised. "First get rid of yours. You'll just get these wet to if you take 'em now." He made a whirling motion with hand. "Come on, unless you plan on standing in the doorway all night. We have to discuss what to do with the fact that you broke out of a rehabilitation facility."

Gamzee flinched as he tugged off the hoodie and shirt, before muttering. "I left them a note."

"..."

"..."

He slapped his forehead. How moronic can someone be? "You left them a fucking 'note'? That doesn't help your situation at all. Besides-" He handed the clown the clothes after Gamzee finally got his sweats off. "-weren't you supposed to be already let go?"

Gamzee tugged up his pants, and of course they hung too low on the teens hips. "I was, then my 'director' all up and said I had to stay longer. This morning. My caretaker was even surprised. I've been good and everything. Taking my new meds without a problem. It was mo...everything was fine." The teen sighed, steam running out.

"That still doesn't give you the right to simply leave like that. It was highly irresponsible and is going to get you into a lot of trouble when they realize you're gone. If they haven't already called the authorities." He paused. "How'd you escape anyway?"

A large grin appeared on Gamzee's face as he finished tugging the sweater over his head. "Miraculous thing, man. My caretaker guy actually left the keys to my door in my room. They were just laying there on my dresser. Always appreciate the small miracles that come."

That sounds...fucked up. There's no possible way they'd be that careless of their patients. "Uh...you sure they didn't leave that key to see if you were careless enough to breakout? They're more than likely going to not only extend your time, but put this on your record."

The clown blinked, standing slouched in the doorway. "Well...even if they all up and tricked this moth...uh, me, I still wanted to give my bro his gift."

"And you couldn't give it to him later because..."

"'Cause it's only Christmas tomorrow." The face Gamzee gave him made Rufio think of a five year old stating something completely obvious that really wasn't near the actual point.

Mind of a child in a 19 year old. That's just sad. I guess I'll have to call the facility to let them know he's here and what they want to do about it.

He sighed, running his hand through his mohawk. "Well, whatever the reason. Take a seat on the couch. I'll see if Tav even wants to see you." Gamzee frowned at the statement, smile gone, making Rufio feel guilty. It's like a kicked puppy.

oOoOoOoO

What if Tav doesn't even want to look at this motherfucker? Fuck, I shoulda thought this over some more before walking out in the motherfuckin' snow to freeze my motherufuckin' ass off...Fuck, I woulda done it anyways to give him his present.

Needless to say, Gamzee was a nervous wreck simply sitting on Tavros's couch, waiting for said boy to make an appearance...if he even would. He glanced down at the present.

Will he even want this?

He knew he was probably being ridiculous. He and Tavros seemed to part on good terms with everything that'd happened, even though the clowns feelings for the other had never been brought up during his time in the hospital.

He blinked. I'm motherfuckin' sure I said I liked him...right?

Gamzee wrapped himself around in the blanket that was laid over the back of the couch, bringing his feet up and enjoying the warmth. Head even covered as he stared at the electronic fire before him. Eyes slowly becoming heavy as the exhaustion and heat lulled him to sleep.

Maybe...just for a...minute.

oOoOoOoO

Rufio could see the conflict on his sons face, deciding whether or not to wake up his friend who was currently snoring softly on the couch, bundled in blankets. He honestly thought the other had left or was hiding when he came back, only to discover a large lump nestled in his furniture.

Kid must be exhausted.

He groaned, walking over and slamming his hand against the back of the couch by Gamzee's head. Causing the other to jerk awake, a string of curses slurring from his sleepy stupor. "If you aren't going to stay awake, then you can march your ass back to rehab."

The teen looked up, sleepily. "Huh?" Rufio pointed over to his son, watching the others eyes follow. His face lite up in an instant as he struggled out of the blankets. He snorted when the clown actually fell off the couch and slammed onto the floor in his excitement. "Tavros!"

He's lucky he didn't hit the table...He glanced between the two and shrugged. Better leave these two alone for awhile. I better call the facility to see what they want to do about this.

oOoOoOoO

He was happy to see his friend standing there, although now the excitement of the reunion seemed to fade into awkwardness. Gamzee, after distangling himself from the covers; now shifted on his feet, unclear of what feelings were between them.

Tavros smiled nervously and slowly held up his arms. "Uh...y-you going to hug a...bro? Or just leave him h-hanging?"

The clown blinked, slowly comphrending what he said, before lauching at him. Gamzee physically lifted him from his chair, arms wrapped around the mohawked teens waist as he buried his face in the others chest. "Tavros." His voice was muffled, but Tavros could tell his friend was crying.

Though normally he would have stressed at being off the ground, he simply wrapped his arms around Gamzee's neck, resting his chin on his friends head. "Missed you, Gamzee."

Gamzee sniffed, holding him tighter. "This motherfucker missed you too, Tav." Tavros blinked as the clown turned, still in his arms and gently placed him on the couch, taking the spot next to him. Gamzee gently grasped his cheeks in his hands and simply stared at him, a small smile on his face. "It's motherfuckin' miracles and shit that I get to see ya."

He blushed. I should be used to Gamzee's clinginess by now...He grinned to hide his concerns. "Y-yeah. It's really great to see you G-Gamzee." He paused, unsure if he should ask, but decided to anyway. "H-how'd you get here? I mean...you were let out today...right?"

The clown face turned sheepish as he glanced away. "Maaaybe." His face morphed back to a grin. "Doesn't matter how I all up and got here, this motherfucker's already here."

He frowned. "You just left, didn't you?" When he wasn't given an answer, he began to panic slightly. "Y-You're going to get in a lot of uh, trouble by doing that. Isn't that s-something they'll take...you to jail for? Gamzee, w-why did you do that?"

Gamzee's smile slowly dropped. "I wanted to see you." He shook his head and reached over the side of the couch and pulled up a messily wrapped package. "Let's not motherfuckin' worry about the shit i did and have you open this.

Hesitantly, Tavros reached over and grasped the present. "Y-you didn't have to...get me anything."

The clown grinned. "Didn't get a motherfucker nothin'. I made this shit."

It was then he realized, to his horror, that he hadn't gotten Gamzee's gift yet. He had completely forgotten to. "G-Gamzee...I-I haven't-"

Gamzee shook his head, still smiling. "Ain't gotta worry about getting this motherfucker anything. K? Now, come on. Open it."

oOoOoOoO

Gamzee watched as his friend tentatively peeled a corner of the newspaper he took from his caretaker, wishing he could've done a better job of the presentation. Wasn't that the rule of stuff like this? Presentation is everything?

He hoped Tavros couldn't really tell with the way his friend was staring at the canvas he revealed.

"G-Gamzee? What..."

He shrugged, pulling the blanket up and wrapping it around himself. "I remembered you telling me about your motherfuckin' dreams of fairies and shit. Magical creatures and other beasties. And this motherfucker thought of trying to give ya something that looked like that. I even tried painting in those bull fairies you liked so much."

"..."

The silence was starting to unnerve him. "Do you...not like it? Fuck, man. I'm sorry."

"Gamzee." His frown deepened at his friends shaken voice, wondering what else could be wrong than the botched painting. "T-This...this is-"

"Fuck, you don't like it, do you. I'm motherfuckin' sorry."

"Gamzee-" He looked up at Tavros, afraid of what he was going to say. "Shut up. I-I love it."

The clown grinned, reaching over and wrapping his arms around his friends shoulders, resting his forehead against the others. "That's motherfuckin' great, bro. This motherfucker was hoping you would."

oOoOoOoO

Tavros smiled, blushing at the nearness of his clown friend. Holding the painting to his chest, he awkwardly wrapped his arm around Gamzee's middle. "Thank you, Gamzee. I-I really do love it."

He opened his eyes, nearly gasping at the look his friend was giving him. It was the same look the clown always had when he was looking at him, not knowing Tavros had noticed. The same longing he had near the end of his episode.

Oh god, I'm not ready for this...

"G-Gamzee...I-"

The other sighed, a saddened expression taking over his face as he fell back into his spot on the other end of the couch. "I've all up and scared a motherfucker. I'm sorry, bro." Gamzee ran a hand through his hair. "I know you don't have the same motherfuckin' warm and fuzzy feeling I get when I'm around ya. And that's okay for this motherfucker."

Tavros began to panic. He's already rejected himself?

A wide grin spread across his face, even though his eyes shown how down he truly felt. "It's all good, motherfucker. As long as you still alright with being friends...even if I'm just a complete fuckup. Then everything's motherfuckin' chill with this guy."

oOoOoOoO

Oh man, Tav's shaking with the unhappy's now. Maybe I should just leave the motherfucker alone now. No one needs someone as fucked up as this motherfucker as a friend anyway. It's no wonder that Karkat hates me...I fuck everything up and make people sad.

His bro's face was tilted down over the painting still clutched tightly in his hands, Gamzee wouldn't be surprised if at this point the other to try and break the canvas out of spite. "Listen, bro...Tavros. This motherfucker's just gonna head on back the center. I think that's probably the best thing I can do at this point."

He made a move to rise, only to have the other suddenly reach out and grip his shirt, forcifully pulling him back down. "D-Damn it, Gamzee...who do you, uh, think you are?"

Gamzee blinked, confused. "Uh..."

Tavros looked completely livid as he stared up at the clown, angry tears pricking the corner of his eyes. "W-Who gave you the right to, uh, make the desicion about w-what's best for me? T-that you get to uh, decide where we...stand in our...whatever it is we're at right now?"

More confusion. "I'm sorry, but you're starting to confuse this motherfucker."

Tavros' present fell into his lap as he gripped his 'hawk in aggravation. "Just...fuck you and y-your unselfishness. Fuck your kindness. Fuck you for trying to always be the nice guy when it hurts you-"

He was frozen on his side of the couch as Tavros ranted, completely unsure what Tavros was going on about. Unselfishness? Gamzee was one of the most selfish people he knew, always thinking how Tavros should be with him...or at least someone nicer than that bitch he was dating. He really wasn't too sure about the kindness bit, he could be mean and as proven it.

Should I say something?

Tavros continued, his voice hitching now. "-and fuck you...for confusing me so much." The teens hands dragged down to covering his eyes. "You always say the most...infuriatingly nicest things. Or the most...ridiculious. You Left the rehab...probably getting yourself into a lot of trouble...to give me a present? How can you be so...idiotically kind."

Should I be insulted or flattered? And why is he using weird words? He guessed flattered because his face was starting to get warm, making him wish for his paint. He didn't know how to make his bro feel better in this kinda situation, if there was even really away to do so.

"Uh..." Yes, the universal language for cluelessness seemed always the route to go in this awkward bout of one-sided yelling. Tavros was starting to weep quietly, body hunched over. Hesitantly, Gamzee reached over and wrapped his arms around his friend. Though it was more like his arms curled around the top of Tavros's head since the teen was bowed down so low. "Tav, I'm not sure what to motherfuckin' do now. I can't tell what to say that could make whatever dark thoughts now plaguing youre thinkpan go away, and there seems to be a bunch of motherfuckin' negatives floating around about me. Tell me what to do. You want me to motherfuckin' leave? To stay?"

He felt his bro's hands clench his shirt and start straightening up, eyes leveling with the clown. Red rimmed and still tearing, his brows still furrowed in a upset scowl.

oOoOoOoO

Looking straight into Gamzee's distressed and confused face, he finally decided on his next course of action.

Fuck it.

He reached his hands up and tangled his fingers into Gamzees hair and pulled him close, literally smashing their faces together.

oOoOoOoO

Teeth clanked painfully as Gamzee's face burned and his eyes widened. Tavros' fingers still dug into his hair and the teen gasped in pain as he seperated and covered his mouth, blushing furiously. Okay, he didn't expect a kiss from his flushed crush, much less one that might have possibly chipped his tooth. He ran a tongue over his teeth, just to make sure.

Nope, still good.

Tavros was now back to staring down at his lap, ears pink in what was probably embarassment at the mess of the first kiss, hands still covering his mouth in pain. "O-Oh, god. I-I am so sorry. T-That was...really, uh, stupid of me and...I...I-I just...sorry."

He didn't know if Tavros had only kissed him in the heat of the moment or some twisted way of saying sorry. But Gamzee decided that he was going to clear this shit up now. He reached out and grasped the teens face, tilting his head up until they were making eye contact. "Not that this motherfucker is all sunshine and kittens about finally getting a kiss from you...can I ask if it was some kinda 'in the moment deal' or a 'I feel sorry for you shit'?"

Tavros's cheeks puffed out, making him look completely adorable (though he always is in Gamzee's eyes anyway). "I,uh, wouldn't have done it...if I didn't...want...to." The mohawked teens face reddened even futher before continuing. "I-I uh, think I...have really strong uh, feelings for you. Like, uh, as in more than...bros."

"..."

"P-Probably for uh, awhile now. Since before...me and...whatever. I uh, like you...Gamzee."

Well, if that isn't the cutest motherfuckin' confession a motherfucker could ask for.

"..."

Tears starting welling up again in Tav's eyes. "But I know...that you have to...uh, still be upset...about everything that-" Gamzee placed a finger over Tavros's lips.

"Shhhhh, as much as motherfuckin' love hearing your voice, you're talking waaaay too much about the unnecessaries bro." He leaned in close, foreheads touching. "Nothing could ever change my reds for you, brother. Now, you want to try this again, probably with a little less teeth clanking and rushing? I think we can do this right motherfuckin' proper, my friend."

Tavros snorted, a small laugh finally escaping through all the tears and sadness. "Y-yeah. I think so to."

He grinned, teeth flashing. "Now there's my brave wicked brother, all up with the smiles and jollies." Before Tavros could even laugh at the weird choice of words, Gamzee covered his lips with his own, arms looped loosely around the others shoulders.

This is the best motherfuckin' Christmas a motherfucker could ask for.

oOoOoOoO

Phone still clutched to his ear, he sighed as he saw the teens on his couch, macking on each other.

Teenagers.

"So, Gamzee's good to stay here then. Why did you go through all this trouble of lying to him about the time extension?"

The man on the other ended snorted, the sound of shuffling paper followed. "Just wanted to mess with the brat is all. I knew he would leave, regardless of what trouble he could get into. He just like his father in that retrospective."

"I suppose so. But still, doesn't that go against all your preaches about to not 'trigger' people? I think this goes in that category. It's almost downright mean to deny him release."

"Kurloz and I have already discussed this in length. He wanted to see what Gamzee's true intentions toward your son were, and from what you've described its seems the boys intentions are nothing but good. If slightly childish in reasoning."

"I still can't believe how well you and Kurloz still get along. The man's an asshole."

"Be careful, Nitram. He's still a colleague of mine and your insults could be quite triggering if pushed too far. Besides, it makes as much sense as Mituna still being his best friend. I suppose it mostly just you. Maybe he's still mad about how things ended between you and Horrace."

He sighed. "Probably." He glanced back over and sneered. "Well, I need to be kicking Gamzee into the spare bedroom before I have to get the bat again."

A pause. "Oh my. That escalated quickly. I don't quite remember teenagers in our day being so...so forward."

Rufio reached over and grasped his bat that he'd left leaning against the counter. "That's because you were too busy being celibate. I got to go. Hope you and Karkat have a good Christmas tomorrow. Later Kankri."

"And to you too. Have a Merry Christmas, Mr. Nitram."

He hung up the phone and tapped the bat to his shoulder as he made his way to the livingroom. "Am I going to have to beat both of your asses before throwing them into separate bedrooms?"

Ah, the joys of parenthood.