Chapter 4:

Feferi: Find the Bottom Line

The ex-heiress had taken to caring for the adorable pets humans made from woof and meow beasts. She even had taken in a couple of cats, as humans called them. Both were lovely and fluffy things that cost a good portion of her funds but she loved them both dearly. She actually got them while out with Sollux.

She let a smile grace her features at the thought. Her and Sollux were rather close the first few sweeps/years on the new world. He grew away from her though. He seemed wrapped up in his own world and she often thought it was because his mind had gone back to the game like Gamzee's had. That was a frightening thought. Gamzee had ran head first into war because of it. He fought against other trolls and humans with a disgusting viciousness. Feferi shuttered at the image. No. Sollux was just busy. They all were rather busy with the new world.

Everyone but Eridan which might have been why she reached out for him. Let him comfort her fears and worries. Let him talk her down from panic and heartache. She had honestly forgotten why she thought he would ever be a good moirail until they got back in touch. It was a bit...odd really. She found herself enjoying him more and more. He grew up. Eridan actually grew up and became more than a selfish brat. But her mind always went back to Sollux. He showed her wonder for the first time. Taught herself and who she really was. She would always owe him so much of herself even if they had grown apart. She really wish he would start talking again like he use to.

Feferi was currently reading over a message Eridan had sent her talking about visiting an island chain the humans loved so much. The seas were so clear and the food was amazing. It made her heart throb thinking about the possible fun. Maybe even...romantic opportunities. Her cheeks flushed a little. Was she actually thinking about Eridan in a red way? It made her stomach a little uneasy. He killed her in game and she thought he would be a good matesprit? No! You...you can't hold that game against someone, she told herself. If Eridan could be a good matesprit then he deserved a chance to prove it, right?

Feferi was about to message a happy and enthused agreement when her phone went off. She was quick to answer it thinking maybe something had happen to one of the over night animals at work. To her surprise Karkat's voice shouted through at her. "Thank fucking gods you answered! Look, I'll explain quickly. I'm on a date right now and there's some shit going on with Sollux. He isn't answering and honestly I'm having a pretty good time. I think he's just pissed at me because did the shopping wrong." Karkat paused for a minute grumbling to someone else, his date more than likely before continuing. "Can...can you go check on the bee brain?"

Feferi slowly processed the information she was given. Stuff was going on with Sollux and Karkat was busy but worried. "Is he sick? Have you taken him to Kanaya?" Feferi asked back.

"Yes I have, he isn't sick. He's carrying eggs." Karakt sounded annoyed but Feferi was a bit shocked. Trolls couldn't have eggs! At least not without a mother grub, but Sollux was having eggs. Carrying them. No wonder the troll had gone quiet!

"Oh glub! No wonder he's been so distant!" She smiled a bit happy to now have a reason behind the other troll's actions. "Not a problem Karpfish! I'll go see if he's alright right now!" Karkat barked a thanks before hanging up. Feferi sent a short message to Eridan apologizing but she was going to Sollux's to check on him. She excitedly added the fact Sollux was carrying eggs.

Sollux dropped shrimp into the boiling water as he shoved some frozen scallops into the oven. He never really cooked seafood before. He just stuck to the directions on the bag and grabbed some butter out of the fridge. He put a stick of butter in a bowl and set in in the microwave. He waited to actually start it though. Food had to cook first.

Names. Sollux smiled a little at the thought. Names for the grubs. Alright. He could think about that. Belkin, that was a cute name. Jacklin, he would die to have an adorable little Jacklin! He actually chuckled to himself before he started speaking out loud. "Castor and Pollux just for shit and giggles." He snickered looming over his cooking food. "One of you has to be Fallon. You'll get it when you're older." He prodded at the shrimp and peaked at the scallops. "Vanora," He mumbled to himself. A flash of shark like teeth and fluttering fins filled his sight for a moment before he shook his head. "Little white wave." He furrowed his brow his bow a bit. Was...was that a flash back? He only knew a hand full of seadwellers and he doubted Feferi had part in this. Eridan sure as hell didn't.

A quick series of knocks followed by his door opening up drew him from his thoughts. "Sooooooool!"~ Came the sing songy voice making the Gemini tense up. Fuck! He was honestly hoping maybe Feferi wouldn't find out. He was avoiding her because he didn't know how to bring it up. How the hell do you tell your still maybe matesprit your having eggs? Were they still matesprits? Probably not. He couldn't tell though. She was just so...happy all the damn time. If they had broken up he didn't notice it.

"I'm in here." He called back not surpised when Feferi was in the door way to the kitchen a second later with a wide smile.

"Look at you!" She giggled walking forward with open arms. "You have an adorable little tummy and you're actually the proper shade of gray. Having the eggs must be good for you!" She looked over the food he had on the stove as she finished speaking.

"I'm guessing KK sent you over then." Sollux sighed grabbing an oven mit to grab the scallops from the oven. "I would have told you I just…" Feferi cut him off.

"Don't worry about it. You have enough to trouble your mind over." She gave him a kind smile. "I'm assuming the other troll is just as excited." She added making Sollux chuckle nervously.

"Well, guess you know it's not you." He set the cookie sheet on top of the stove. "FF, look, I don't…" Again she cut him off.

"I'm not upset you had eggs with another troll, Sol." She said it slowly before grabbed his free hand. "It hurts a bit but I think we both know we haven't really been the best of matesprits. I owe you a lot and I'd like to think you owe me too. Seriously though, I'm not bothered by it. I'm honestly happy you stopped talking and grew distant because you found someone else to make you happy!" She leaned forward and kissed his forehead. "Now tell me whos the lucky troll?" She giggled.

"I...I don't know…" He mumbled not looking at Feferi. He was glad she wasn't hurt but he really hadn't moved on. He was just...depressed. At least he thought he was. There wasn't another troll. "It...it just happened, FF." Feferi was silent for a few moments before she slowly nodded.

"Are you okay?" She asked after a few moments. Sollux looked at her and slowly shook his head. He wasn't he could talk himself into all of this but he knew in his damn heart he wasn't ready. He was terrified and no one seemed to notice it.

"I...I just want the eggs to be okay now." He mumbled. "I...I just want the other troll to maybe come tell me before I lay. I'm not holding my breath for that…" He felt his eyes watering up. "I'm just really fucking hungry too." He added with a sad laugh. Feferi gave a sad smile back and helped the crying troll finish up with his food.

"I bet you are. Let's work on filling you up."