soul_campaign | [video, private texts] June 12, Mid Morning

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[video, private texts] June 12, Mid Morning

[Karkat has never thought he had a flattering face, but it's particularly ugly when he's worried, because he looks about two times his age. And he's worried alright, because a certain housemate has been missing for far too long for comfort.] Has anyone seen John? John Egbert. He's human, and he wears stupid glasses and has stupid messed up human dentition. Actually, wait, hold on, I drew a picture. A lot of you probably know him; he's the obnoxiously friendly type. Anyway, he hasn't come back to the hive in a while, and it's not like him to just disappear like that. Well, okay, it is, but not for this long. He would have finished setting up a prank by now. If anyone's seen him, let me know, because I'm going to run around the whole fucking city looking for him, and that's going to be a pain in the nook. If anyone wants to help look, that would be cool, just look for a guy running around that looks like my drawing.

Also, does anyone know how to take care of a hopbeast? ...Humans call them bunnies. It's John's, and I have no idea how the fuck to take care of it. I've just been feeding it carrots, and making sure it's still breathing. John's going to murder me if I kill this thing while he's gone.

[He sends a rapid fire text Dave's way. He wants to make certain Dave doesn't get into trouble.]
DAVE.
PLEASE TRY NOT TO GET IN TROUBLE WHILE I'M GONE.
AND NO, YOU AREN'T COMING, NO MATTER HOW FUCKING CONCERNED YOU ARE.
JOHN'S PROBABLY JUST FUCKING AROUND SOMEWHERE, AND HE'D BE PISSED AT ME FOR LETTING YOU TIRE YOURSELF OUT LOOKING FOR HIM.
AND ANYWAY, SOMEONE HAS TO WATCH THAT DAMN HOPBEAST.
SUNNY THE BUNNY, WHATEVER.

[It takes him a bit longer to send the second text, only because he feels weird about asking for help, because it's something he sucks at doing, and it doesn't happen often, but he's worried enough that he goes ahead with it. So, Signless' crew (Di, Psii, Rosa, and Signless), Kanaya, Aranea, Meenah and Sollux will get this text.]
IF YOU WANT TO HELP LOOK, YOU CAN.
I FIGURED I COULD PROBABLY USE A HAND, IF YOU'RE WILLING, SINCE I'VE GOT A LOT OF GROUND TO COVER AND JOHN'S A SLIPPERY BASTARD.
EVEN IF YOU'RE BUSY AND YOU DON'T GIVE A SHIT, I FIGURED I BETTER UPDATE EVERYONE ON THE SITUATION ANYWAY.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

If I were to keep only a select few materials out at a time I could conserve space, but I work better with a dedicated space that I can leave and return to without difficulty. So I can keep focused exclusively on my task.

He very well could have, we will not know unless we have checked for signs of him. [ A pause. ] Additionally, if he were pranking us and following yourself or Dave around without revealing himself, the more ground we cover the harder it becomes for him to stay concealed and observing us.

That makes sense. When you really get into something, it's really hard to stop and have to get up and get more supplies. I can understand that.

I don't think he'd pull a prank like this, at least not for this long. But it never hurts to check. I've underestimated the lengths he'll go for a good prank before.

[ A nod. ] Once I am able, perhaps I should consider making clothing for you as well if you would like.

At the very least we can search for now, a preliminary check is never a bad idea. If we do not find him today, we double our efforts tomorrow.

For me? Why? I have plenty of clothes.

Yeah. We should just sweep the area for now, and maybe check in some shops he might actually be inside.

For variety, if you would like. If not that, I imagine that yours will not last forever. [ A pause... she didn't expect to be running into Karkat while she was out, so. ] After we find John, or when we head back, I have something to give you that I found.

Does he perhaps have a penchant for sweets or snacks? [ Because bakeries and such.. ]

What's wrong with what I have? It fits and it's easy to move around in. I don't see what variety has to do with anything. _{[Hmm, what could she have found?]} For me? You didn't spend a ridiculous amount of money on a gift, did you?

Yeah, I guess. Just obviously not Betty Crocker stuff.

There is nothing specifically wrong with what you have, do not worry. It is only an offer. [ A reassuring smile. ] And I did not, though I did take a little bit of time to ensure that it was to your liking.

Then taking a few moments to glance within the various sweets shops could not hurt. A flash of blue will be hard to miss.

I just don't see the point. What I wear isn't going to change anything. Well, are you going to tell me what it is? Or are you going to keep me guessing like a chump?

Yeah. And any place that might have magic stuff. And movies.

I suppose it may not. [ She lets him be, she wouldn't force anything on him that he wouldn't want. ] I had preferred it to be a surprise, but I hope you will appreciate it all the same. A crab-themed umbrella.

Ah. Magic stuff for pranks, I imagine?

It you really want to, fine. Just don't expect me to understand the point. Oh, you found one? _{[Well, guess he lost the bet then.]} I don't really like surprises. Usually, they aren't good ones. Anyway, thanks. That'll come in handy during my late shift for the Watch, because it seems like the later it gets the more drool that moon spews. Or maybe it's just me.

Yeah. He's kind of an obnoxious housemate that way. Just when you think he's going to relax for a while and give you a break, and you're starting to get used to and enjoy the prank-free hive, bam, another one.

It may be something I consider for the future, then. [ A nod. ] I try for my surprises to be pleasant ones. I did find an umbrella, yes. The crab motif is of my doing, however, and it will not wash away. I hope it will prove useful more than once.

He likely pulls the pranks when you least expect it, which is unfortunate because it means you can never let down your guard. [ A pause. ] I would not appreciate it if he were to prank me, I admit.

Go nuts. I don't really care that much. What? You seriously made a crab to put on the umbrella? You didn't have to do that. I mean, I'm grateful, holy shit, but it wouldn't have been a big deal if you just gave me a plain umbrella.

You get used to it. And it's not like he's malicious about it. He just likes freaking me out, for some completely unfathomable reason.

Then.. have you been overly hot or cold, here in Death City? [ Because that will help her decide what sort of clothes she offers him. ] And I did, I promised you it as a gift and I fully intended to follow through; and I have. It is something I wanted you to have.

Hm. [ Yeah, that's a longer pause. ] Perhaps I could allow a single prank, or one on you, once we find him, if this disappearance is not a prank itself.

Hot, I guess. It is a desert. I told you to look, not to fucking make me one. Thanks though.

_{[A little laugh.]} Wow, how fucking gracious of you Kanaya.

I had to be certain. [ Another nod. ] And if it is of any comfort, I did not make the umbrella itself.

[ A grin. ] I am surely the most gracious in this regard.

But you made the crab right? Or did you find that too and just sew it on? Either way, you still made some part of it.

Guess he better come up with a good one for you, if it's the only one he's going to get.

The crab was entirely my doing. A small quantity of red ink, used within preplanned shapes drawn upon the umbrella's surface. There are twelve crabs, in all, on the umbrella itself.

[ A nod. ] I leave it to you to pass on the information, lest he waste the opportunity.

You drew twelve crabs? Just because you thought I'd like it? Fuck, Kanaya, it's like...it's like that whole meteor shit, those three years, were just a dream. Like we actually never stopped talking and seeing each other. It's...nice.

If we ever find him, I'll pass it on for sure. I'm actually sort of curious what sort of prank he'd pick.

Precisely, I would not settle for a lesser gift. [ A nod at his words, though. It was nice to spend time with him again. ] I must admit that I was unfortunately very... negligent, in many ways, on the meteor; and for that I must still apologize.

I suppose we will have to see, I doubt either of us have the capability to think as he does.

No, it's okay. It's not like you were just ignoring me for no reason you had a very good reason for not hanging out with me all the time. Rose needed you, and that's way more important than keeping me entertained.

We'd probably come up with something outrageous, and then he'd pick something completely simple that still works despite that.

While you are not incorrect, my actions were also not entirely correct. But I cannot change the past, I can only make up for my actions here in the present. [ A smile. He's at the top of her list of important people in Death City. ]

I suppose I should not hold my breath in anticipation in either case.

Yeah. Hey, I was thinking. Did you want to maybe get together sometime? We could, I don't know, watch movies or something. If you wanted to.

Just try not to strangle him. Believe me, it's a difficult struggle, especially when he's laughing his fucking ass off, but that's just how he expresses his messed up human affection.

[ She pauses for a moment, giving the offer some thought before nodding in response; and smiling happily. ] That would be most welcome, Karkat. I would love to.

[ Aaand at the suggestion to not strangle John, she feigns mock horror. Something Rose had done on multiple occasions, even if she would never even consider strangling him. ] Why, Karkat, it may simply prove far too tempting for me. I do not know if I have the self control to hold back when faced with his John-isms. He may already be doomed after we have found him.

Awesome. I'll have to track down some movies. I actually haven't had a chance to buy any yet.

Well, I guess I should start mourning him in advance then. _{[Oh no, Kanaya's girlfriend is rubbing off on her. Why are they so creepily alike? And also cute. What the fuck.]}

I can look as well, if you would like. Are there any in particular I should seek out? [ He's going to say Romcoms isn't he, he's going to say Romcoms. ]

[ That's what happens when two individuals spend so much time together, they rub off on eachother. ] True, humans are so very fragile sometimes, I might squeeze too hard by accident. Let us hope he will be spared, then, by my unending mercy. It simply knows no bounds.

[video, private texts] June 12, Mid Morning

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