Okay guys I've decided that my updates are going to be once a month from now on. Also, this chapter was super close to being smut, but I just couldn't do it. I mean I'm going to write it, but I'm planning on putting it in with my series of one-shots that I write on my phone when I have time. So be on the look out for that real soon. I love you all and enjoy.

Disclaimer: Own Homestuck, me? Heh heh, no.

Chapter 11: Shut up, and get in the tub

The boys got to Tav's house to find the living room populated by Kanaya, Terezi, Nepeta, Aradia and three other girls. A girl with long brown hair who looked to be of Indian descent was standing on the coffee table while Kanaya was examining the black flapper styled dress she was wearing.

"It looks perfect on you Feferi." One of the other girls exclaimed. She had long black hair, thin round glasses in front of bright green eyes and a slightly bucked tooth smile. Tavros recognized her as Jade Harley, John's half - sister. He then realized that the blonde next to her was Rose Lalonde, Dave's cousin.

Tavros would've freaked out about that, but he was too tired and he had a feeling Rose wouldn't really care that her cousin got hurt, she'd see why he deserved it. All the girls, save Kanaya, were wearing black outfits of varying styles. They were starring in and getting ready for the first big musical of the year, Chicago. Upon seeing Tavros, Nepeta lunged at him in her black ballerina outfit, and tackled him in a hug.

"Oof, hey Nep, how's it going?" Tav asked coughing a little.

Hearing how strained his voice was Nepeta inspected Tavros by feeling his forehead and poking around his cheeks.

"Tav, you're burning up. Did something happen?" she asked worried, all the other girls turned to look at him with concern.

"Dave fucking assaulted him and Tav had a panic attack. Gamzee had to lunge at Dave and nearly beat the ever loving crap out of him." Karkat explained.

Gamzee grit his teeth. His meds had barely kicked in after taking them when the trio stopped at a Taco Bell. "Motherfucker needed know to keep his hands to his fucking self."

Deciding that the conversation was over Gamzee lifted Tavros out of his chair and carried him up the stairs. Karkat started to explain the whole story to Kanaya, who looked pissed after hearing what Dave had said about her uncle, and Rose who looked disappointed, but not surprised.

Gamzee took Tavros to his room, set him down on his bed and left to get the wheelchair. Tavros lied down and thought about the day's earlier events. He was pissed that Dave wouldn't just grow up and get over it, and he was glad Gamzee beat the crap out of him. His thoughts drifted towards his dad, and he thought about the next court hearing he had to go to. He would have to sit before the judge again, and testify against Vriska. He grimaced at the thought of seeing her again and possibly sending her to juvie. Although he was glad she was going to get what she deserved he still felt a little bad, but at least after that he won't have to worry about it.

He was pulled from his thoughts when he felt a solid weight settle next to him on the bed, and he knew it was Equius. He turned his head and looked at the teen and saw that he wasn't wearing his shades, his blue eyes looking down at him in concern.

"Gamzee said that you were sick and he told me about Dave. He definitely has a STRONG opinion on the incident and Strider. What do you have to say on the matter?" he asked. Tavros sighed and sat up looking at Equius' features. He only took his shades off when he wanted to have a serious conversation. Tavros sat in thought, trying to decide how to answer.

"Dave's a jerk, I've had three Snickers, four tacos and I just want to sleep." He answered coughing a little. Equius stared at him for a moment, he knew that there was more the Taurus wanted to say. He stared Tavros down, and Tav stared right back both of them having a silent argument before Tavros finally caved.

"Ugh, alright I miss my dad, okay? It feels like I haven't seen him in forever and I want to show him that I'm talking again, and make sure he's doing okay. All that shit Dave said really got to me, and the fact that he was all on me is just gross. I have to send Vriska to the big house, which by the way may send me into another freaking panic attack. The Spring Showcase is happening right after that, which honestly kind of freaks me out. Altogether I'm exhausted, I feel violated and I know I need to calm down." He said falling back onto the bed and mumbling something about needing a shower.

Equius chuckled lightly and ruffled Tavros hair. "Feel better?" he asked glad he got Tavros to vent.

"Yeah, a little. I just want…" He trailed off, blushing a little at what he couldn't say. Equius got the hint, and with a small grin he got up to leave.

"I'll let you and Gamzee have some privacy, no one will disturb you while you two discuss things." He said with a suggestive tone. Tavros shot up to look at his god-brother.

"Equius Applejack Zahhak!" he exclaimed in defensive tone.

"Tavros Fluttershy Nitram." Equius said simply before leaving the room letting Gamzee enter with the wheelchair.

"Did I up and motherfucking miss something babe?" he asked as Tavros got in the chair and moved to grab some clothes from his dresser.

"No. Now grab some clothes we're taking a fucking bath." Tavros grumbled as he moved to his big ass bathroom. Gamzee blushed a bit before grabbing some clothes out of his back pack. A thousand thoughts were running through his head. He and Tavros were going to be naked, in a tub, alone. He could feel the burn in his cheeks. They had been dating for about a month, and Gamz knew it was best to respect his boyfriend's demands, however rare they were.

'I have no motherfucking clue how I feel about this.' He thought as he stared down at the pajamas he grabbed. He walked to the bathroom closing the door as Tavros ran the bath water. He looked up to see that Tav was undressing taking his shirt off and tossing it to the corner. Usually Tav was shy about his scarred body, but right now he could care less and it showed through his actions. Gamzee sighed and began to get undressed as well.

Tavros turned the water off and slipped into the tub. He drew his knees to his chest and rested his forehead on them. Gamzee sat across from him looking at him in concern. Sometimes Tavros got moody and would go back to not speaking until he felt better. Usually Gamzee or Equius would find ways to get him to say what was bothering him.

"So, this gonna happen a lot or is this a one-time thing?" Gamzee asked. Tavros just shrugged still not meeting his boyfriend's gaze.

"Sorry, I kind of forced you into this. I'm just stressed and… I don't know what I was thinking." Tavros said in a quiet voice. Gamzee pulled Tavros' hands from around his knees glad he was met with no resistance.

"Hey, look at me." He said gently and Tavros slowly raised his head to make his brown eyes look at Gamzee's indigo. "I don't mind this. I just want to make sure you're okay." He said with a gentle smile. Tavros smiled back and put his legs down, moving them so that they rested on top of Gamzee's. The Capricorn grabbed his left foot and began playing with it pressing his thumb into the bottom, and watched Tavros' reaction. Tav was trying very hard to keep in his giggles, his face turning red from the effort. Gamz decided to put more pressure on the foot, and smiled as Tav burst into laughter.

Gamzee chuckled at the sight of his boyfriend's flushed face, and the sound of his giggles, he released the foot making sure to prevent a coughing fit. The Latino opened his eyes the blush still on his cheeks, he locked eyes with Gamzee.

"Damn you're motherfucking sexy." Gamzee said in quiet voice. Tavros blushed and smiled sheepishly.

"You're pretty fucking hot yourself." Now it was Gamzee's turn to blush. Tavros smirked glad that he could get such a reaction from his clown of a boyfriend. He didn't show it often, but sometimes Gamzee got insecure about his looks. Tavros loved reminding him that he was fucking handsome. The two stared at each other for a few moments taking in each other's appearance. Gamzee took in Tavros' scars already having known from previous make-out sessions that the skin there was very sensitive. Tavros' eyes fell to Gamzee's hair then his face that was still covered in face paint.

"Come here." Tavros said gently. Gamzee obeyed and shifted so that he was sitting between Tavros' legs. He was confused at first, but understood when he heard the clicking of a bottle cap and felt water fall on his head. He felt Tavros' warm hands rub through his hair and rub the shampoo into it. Damn it felt good, he leaned back against Tavros' chest as he felt nails scratch gently into his scalp. He relaxed and let Tavros do his thing, enjoying the attention. He knew the other needed this and he was happy to comply. Feeling Tavros' hands in his hair stirred something in him and he realized that he was two seconds to boner town.

'Shit no, not now!' he thought squirming slightly, but enough for Tavros to cease his movements. Gamzee turned his head and saw Tavros' confused expression and quickly turned back around. He was now blushing really hard and he was pretty sure Tav had noticed. As he panicked Tavros started giggling knowing exactly why Gamzee had freaked out.

"Babe, you want some help with that?" Tavros asked somehow managing to sound innocent yet seductive at the same time. He rinsed the shampoo out of Gamzee's hair and sat back waiting for an answer.

Well, shit.

~ Like 20 minutes later~

After learning that Tav was really, really good with his hands Gamzee helped his boyfriend out of the tub, and they got dressed. It was early evening when they left the bathroom, but knowing that Tavros was still really tired, and feeling worn out from previous activities the two decided to call it a night. As they snuggled under the covers Gamzee kissed the top of Tavros' head.

"I love you Tavros." He said without hesitation. His mind was made up, Tavros was the one.

"I love you too, Gamzee." Tavros said back pressing a kiss to Gamzee's neck.

Gamzee went to sleep with the goofiest grin on his face.