wALK,, Chapter 7

I had to scarf my pancakes down before we left. It made my stomach hurt a bit as we walked along a strip mall to browse. So far I had found a nice pair of comfy house sandals. They were so much easier to get on and off than tennis shoes. Dad bought a few ties and cuff links for his work suits. There wasn't much around here on this side of town, but the FiduSpawn store was right around the corner. I was anxiously waiting to go see Gamzee. Dad decided to try on a few golfing hats. I stood there with an antsy feeling crawling along my spine. Dad took the hint, we left.
I had barely gotten through the door before I was slammed into the wall in a breath taking hug. Gamzee's hair fell into my face and tickled my nose. His grip was close to suffocating, but in a good way. I had no idea he was so strong. It felt nice. I hugged him and pat his back softly. He was shaking.

"Aw man motherfucker you had me so motherfucking scared bro!" I felt his shoulder heave. "You're my best motherfuckin bro man, I'm so sorry I couldn't do motherfuckin more for you!"
Something wet leaked onto my shirt. Sadness tugged at my heart, so I hugged him tighter. Was he really this worried about me? People inside the store whispered and stared. But I didn't care. I rubbed his lower back and stuck my cheek against his to reach his ear. Damn even hunched over like this he was tall.

"Sh Gamzee it's alright. I'm ok. See?" I pulled away and held my arms out a bit. He sniffled and wiped his eyes. His make-up smeared. "Y-yeah man and I'm so motherfucking glad bro. I didn't want to leave but I'm sure your dad didn't all up and want me to motherfuckin intrude."
My dad was smiling. I could see it out of the corner of my eye. He chuckled softly.
"Now why wouldn't I let you stay boy? You helped my son. You're family now." He walked over and ruffled Gamzee's hair a bit. Gamzee's face lit up. I beamed happily.
"We're, uh, going shopping Gamzee. Wanna come?"
"Aw hell yeah motherfucker, let me grab my motherfuckin wallet and talk to 'Uncle."
He strode into the back room. Karkat poked out from behind the counter and pushed his way through the crowd of people that had been watching.
"Alright assholes, show's over, get out of his business!"
They scattered. With a snort Karkat turned to me. "It's a good thing you showed up today. I was getting sick of seeing him like that." His face softened. "I hate it when he gets all worked up. I've only seen him do it once when his father left for a trip a long time ago. You're fucking lucky kid."
With that, he wondered back behind the counter. I felt a thin blush creep along my face. Gamzee hollered a goodbye to his uncle and leapt over the counter with a graceful swing of his legs. "Alright let's go motherfucker, I just got paid."