\Vriska sunk into her moirail's old, beat up couch. It was her dayoff for the week, and she spent it curled up in a ball, holding a pillow close to her with the arm she still had left. The metal socket at the base of her arm stub made it feel like the robotic one was still there, and that only served as a painful reminder that it was long gone. Eridan had taken the time to sit with her and comfort her, bringing her hot chocolate, letting her cry into his chest, and even telling Feferi not ot come over. He knew having Feferi around would make Vriska feel worse, even though she wasn't nearly as mean as Aradia.

Despite dressing in the most radical punk styles he could think of, Eridan was a gentle troll, and confident about everything he did. His smile was gentle and Vriska was ever grateful for him. She wasn't sure how long she could keep this up, working for Tavros. He treated her like shit, as if he owned her. The problem was, he pretty much did. If she tried to leave, he could make her life utter hell with a snap of his fingers. She hated it, especially since there was a part of her that resented being under him, but she repressed that. She didn't want another touch-up, and it was her resentment of being under Tavros that had triggered her memories. She'd take Tavros over being brainwashed again any day.

Of course, this backed her into a corner, and so she laid there, helpless and resigned to her fate.

o0o0o0o0o0

Terezi walked up to a small building in the middle of the city, Kanaya following close behind. A key in her pocket opened up the metal doors that slid up into the ceiling and revealed windows, and an entrance. The defenses she put on the place seemed excessive, but in this city it was absolutely necessary. Walking inside revealed a cluttered pawn shop, owned by Terezi, that she ran and often used to cheat her customers out of every possible penny. It was harsh yes, but there was no time for justice when everyone was stealing from each other already. It was a game, and she always knew she'd get nowhere if she didn't take it on ruthlessly.

Kanaya walked in after her, sitting on the counter, wearing white shorts and a stained, green, low-cut tank top. She proceeded to yarn, showing off her impressive set of fangs before she took another swallow of the beer in her hand. Despite her trashy appearance, she had a lot of sex appeal and Terezi liked to use that to her advantage. A hot and dangerous jadeblood served as effective advertisement.

Soon as she was finished opening the shop, the first customer of the day came in, but she could smell trouble before he waltzed through the door on his creaky metal legs. It was Tavros Nitram. She sighed at the smell of his peanut butter blood. What made him think he was welcome here?

"Hello, ladies." Said Tavros casually, strutting around as if he owned the place.

"What do you want, Nitram?" Asked Terezi, sharply.

"I'm surprised you even dared to show your face here." Giggled Kanaya, showing her fangs. "You made my matesprit upset and you know how I feel about people making her upset."

"Oh, don't be so territorial, Pyrope." Said Tavros. "We all wan to push Vantas around. It wouldn't be fair of you to keep him all to yourself. Think of it as a favor. I'm got him all nice and broken down for you."

Terezi scoffed. "I can keep him to myself all I want, thank-you very much. In fact, his roommate got a touch-up and because of it, I have legal custody over him now."

"Ha! Do you think I give a fuck about what the law has to say? I was the one who reported his roommate, and with all the power I have, the law fears me." He went up to Kanaya and stroked her jaw. "No matter how much you dislike what I do," he pulled his hand away before Kanaya could snap at him, "you can't even touch me."

Terezi was about to her angry, when Karkat walked in, wearing a beanie, v-neck, and large black hoodie, his eyes dark with fatigue.

He turned to Tavros and Kanaya, rolled his eyes, and went straight up to Terezi. "Tonight. 400 hours sharp. Don't be late. I'll give you the papers then." He said curtly, not wanting to spend any more time than necessary there.

Terezi crossed her arms. "Fine, see you then."

Karkat nodded and left without another word.

Tavros smirked. "Looks like someone has a date. I'm surprised you let him set the terms. Have fun, Pyrope." He chuckled, and left.

o0o0o0o0o0

"So Vantas is moving in with them?" Asked Nepeta, intrigued, as she landed next to Tavros and casually started walking with him down the street.

"Yes. It's certainly going to occupy Pyrope's attention." Answered Tavros, not surprised that she had appeared out of nowhere.

Nepeta smirked. "Well that certainly makes my job easier, oh and the drama is so much fun to watch. This just keeps getting more and more interesting."