i cxnt get you outtx my /-/exd

/-/ow many clowns does it take to c/-/ange a lig/-/tbulb? im /-/radil ud/-/opo. sometimes 5un7uu pleo5h takes over but /-/es usually asleep.

[radzuu]

creativegeneric:

Your first inclination is to wonder how much more fucked the ocean is than you thought while they talk. You’re definitely not moving into the water at all, given your constant ‘YOU WILL GO COLD AND DROWN AND DIE’ brain-screamings, but you’re good from where you are. Near enough that you won’t miss and catch your allquad mates in the crossfire if you need to deploy your sand traps. Just in case.

The troll seems happy to have their lusus handed to them, and shuffles the oar back into their sylladex. They brighten and their fins flick a little, “Yeah, they don’t really care how old you are, so long as you can shut up and get shit done. I’m glad to know I won’t have to deal with them coming after me, at least…” Their gaze shifts to Hradil and their head tilts. “I mean, she’s as alright as she can be. They fed her more than me, but she also didn’t really, like. Talk. Ever. I only heard her talk a few times in the perigees I was working cleanup with her for the bosses. They don’t like when we talk, because it could ‘give her ideas’ again. She mostly told me to keep quiet and keep eyes open and stuff like that, really.”

They do pause a moment when asked more about themselves, and look down at the fishbowl containing their lusus, who at least seems content to swim circles around the thing for the moment. “Finian Plooni. I’ve, yeah, I haven’t really eaten since I got out of the palace, was too busy trying to make sure they weren’t following me. I’ve never been topside before, really…”

You frown, nodding along as they speak. Sunzuu’s content to fall silent, so you ask the net few questions. “Well, shit. Shit. At least they’re actually keeping her alive, I guess. And you. I’m glad you got out of there, though.” The water rises around your calves and your claws sink into Sunzuu’s hip with a startle.

“That sucks.” Sunzuu huffs, lifting you out of the water to set you on the sand. “Tide’s gonna come in soon. Get out of the water, kid. If you’re not gonna attack us, you should talk with Karkat and we can figure something out. Give you some food, at least.”

[radzuu]

creativegeneric:

They definitely are calmer, though they’re also still anxious. As soon as Hradil comes closer, they take a few steps back. You follow after him, standing and remaining at the edge of the water. For once, you keep your mouth shut when dealing with someone new. Sunzuu seems to have a handle on things, from what you can see. You do give him an approval nod, though. Smart Sunzuu has this handled.

The troll, now that you’re closer and can see them better, can’t be more than six. They’re thin to a point that would be alarming, and have definitely never been outside of the water, judging by how much they’re shivering and how their clothes seem to hold no water and dry pretty quickly in the cooling weather. They wring their hands a little when the topic of their lusus is brought up “Yes, yeah, that’s my lusus. And I don’t know where else to go that they won’t find me.” They seem torn on how to handle getting their lusus into the bowl, not sure if they should take it from Sunzuu or let him scoop their lusus into the bowl.  

Their distress is quickly cut off when they’re spoken to by Hradil, fins flicking in concern. “Yeah, I worked there. Well….””Worked”” there.” They even do sarcastic air quotes around the word. “I was one of the people who they had working with her. Didn’t talk to her much. She’s pretty quiet. In an ‘eyes down, head down’ kind of way.”

Sunzuu places your hand on his hip, then bends down to scoop a little... Fish? That’s a fish. Like a real fish, a little black and white clownfish, which looks a little startled but mostly fine. Not that you’re an ichthyologist. He holds the bowl out to the little, shivery violet on the beach.

“They don’t come on land. My guy never even followed me up here, you just have to. Hide, I guess.” He shrugs, looks at the fish in the bowl, then back up. “They have you working? You’re... Tiny.”

You nod, squinting a little at them. “Is she okay? Like, they’re not starving her, are they?” You look this troll over. “What’s your name?” They look starved. “Are you hungry?”

[radzuu]

creativegeneric:

Where Hradil removes his knife, you just quickly check the first few slots of your sylladex to make sure they’re primed and ready to fire. Most of them are full of enough sand to bury a reasonably sized adult to the shoulders and require some time to dig out of. You’re focused on breathing, and while Hradil and Sunzuu are dealing with the new face, your eyes scan the water for any sign of another troll, just in case. All you see is a tiny little blip of a black and white fish that seems to be paddling in desperate circles a little bit away from the new troll and Sunzuu. That’s weird.

The new troll seems wary, but flips the oar paddle-down to use as a crutch to lean on while they get to their feet again. They listen to Sunzuu when he talks, and their fins perk slightly in curiosity as they relax, just slightly. “You, uh…you’re not going to take me back to them? I guess I should have, y’know, guessed that, because I don’t. I don’t recognize you from the palace at all. But, uh.” They seem to snap to after a moment, becoming alert and suspicious. “What are you gonna do, then?”

The troll seems calmer at least, that’s a good thing. You think. It might be a trick, but Sunzuu doesn’t seem worried. You stand up to move closer, but have to stop at the edge of the water, because riptides or whatever. You’re not scared.

“No. I don’t even live underwater.” Sunzuu puts his hands down, pointing at a fluttering black-and-white thing in the water. “Your lusus? Do you need a bowl?” He doesn’t snap back up, just drops a bowl out of his sylladex. “I mean, if you’re coming on land, give you this so you can take your lusus with you, I guess. Are you coming on land?”

You jump forward, grabbing Sunzuu’s arm to keep from maybe being pulled out. “You’ve been at the palace recently? Did you see the heiress?” Gods know someone has to remember the plan.

[radzuu]

creativegeneric:

Oh, you definitely notice Hradil’s sudden shift to alertness and stress, and it takes a few moments for you to be able to follow his gaze and see exactly why. That’s definitely a troll shaped something in the water.

You’re halfway to standing by the time Sunzuu gets to the shallowest part of the surf and motions to you and Hradil to stay, and you contemplate for a moment the idea of ignoring it. It’s short-lived, because you recognize that with your issues with water, you would be more of a hindrance than a help if a scuffle happened. You sit back down, though you’re ready to move closer the moment you’re needed.

The troll in question is fucking tiny, now that you’ve gotten a better look at them. Shorter than you, and that’s saying something. Their horns are long and tapered to a lightly rounded off point, straight with a slight wave in spots, and aimed slightly up and back. And when they’re addressed by Sunzuu, they seem to immediately yelp something about being eaten or brought back, attempt to stand, and produce an oar from their sylladex to swing from much too far away, which seems to unbalance them and cause them to tip back over into the waves with a sputter. 

You squeeze Karkat’s shoulders, pulling your knife out of your boot just in case. Even if the troll is tiny and looks half-starved and you remember Sunzuu when you first met him, which makes you kind of want to help them, which is annoying.

Sunzuu, for his part, doesn’t even flinch when they try to attack him, but does walk forward when they fall, hands up. “Hey, hey. I’m not old money, I’m not uh, gonna do that. Stop swinging that.” He stops a few feet off, but he doesn’t really seem worried. “We.” He looks back at the two of you, and you tuck your knife back into your boot. For now. “We aren’t gonna hurt you unless we have to.”

Maybe someday you’ll be able to just chill.

[creativegeneric]

@radzuu

>You’re pretty alright, you think. You’re fed and watching Sunzuu swimming in the surf, staying up close to the shore, from your spot up on the beach with Hradil. It’s quiet, which you appreciate at the moment. You’re happy to lean on Hradil and look him over, watching him glance at you for a moment and smile before his eyes return to tracking Sunzuu. It’s calm, and quiet, and the constant white noise of the water helps block the intrusive thoughts out. Tonight, you’re not a colony leader, you’re not a plotter or revolutionary or any of that jazz. Tonight you’re just Karkat. You don’t know that you remember how to separate yourself from all of that anymore. But you damn well plan to try.

Your gaze drops back to the water after a little bit. It’s calm for a while, just watching Sunzuu, and you mostly just let yourself zone out. You need a fucking break, dammit, can they blame you for not being hypervigilant during your downtime?

[radzuu]

>It’s nice to be able to just chill with Karkat for a while, with him being so stressed recently. Sunzuu’s enjoying himself, too, diving to drag up seashells and throwing them into a pile that you’re sure he’ll have you, and Kanaya, and Karkat all go through to pick the best ones.

You’re about to let yourself doze off, but something’s in the water. Something that’s not Sunzuu, and not an animal. You’re ready to dive in and probably definitely drown, but Sunzuu sees it to and climbs onshore, looking suspicious but not exactly worried as a troll crawls up on the beach after him.

“Who are you?” He asks, holding a hand out to keep them back, the other held out to keep you sitting.

[victoriousinpink]

\/\/orms are good, birds are terrible

[victoriousinpink]

im planning my garden

[radzuu]

[smearing gray paint on my face] t/-/is is fine 

[radzuu]

/-/onestly t/-/e biggest downside to t/-/e paint is t/-/at it /-/as to be special paint

[creativegeneric]

Ceteus: Explore!

[radzuu]

creativegeneric:

You’re so excited! You get to paint? That sounds like more fun! You’ll just clap your little hands together and chatter at Sunzuu and Hradil, super excited to get started.

“I miss you guys a lot, and I promise I’ll wait until I’m good to go. And honestly, coming home means you’d be more available to go find people, you know.  I’ll be around to help hold things together.” Karkat reaches up to run fingers through his hair on that little box, breathing slowly for a few moments before he speaks again. “I’m doing pretty good, so…y’know. Soon.”

Sunzuu finds a pen and paper, blows a kiss to Karkat, and slides to the floor to show them how to hold a pen to draw. “Look, use your fingers. Just move it on the paper like this.”

You smile at him, feeling suddenly old. “I know, but there’s no rush. Even when I find them, they have to travel here. Most of us never had scuttlecars, so it’d be a while. We’re holding the fort down. Greena has been helping here and there, but it hasn’t been too hard.” You move the camera to show Karkat the two on the floor. “We’ve missed you, but everyone is fine. Don’t worry about us, love, we’ll keep track of everything until you’re ready.”

[creativegeneric]

Ceteus: Explore!

[radzuu]

creativegeneric:

“I’m doing my best, yeah.” Karkat’s expression seems to jump from surprised alarm, to amused understanding as you bounce in place on Sunzuu’s lap, and then settles on amused seriousness. “They look good, at least. Ceteus…” Your name definitely catches your attention. That’s you! “Hradil’s paints are really pretty, I know. But they’re special, and important, okay? You need Hradil’s permission and help if you’re going to play with it. Can you say paint?”

The word comes out ‘pain,’ but you definitely try to say it. You have to ask for the paint. You can do that.

“Tonight or the next night or two, is what I’m thinking. Provided I go slow. I appreciate all the help you guys have been giving with this…”

At least he looks like he’s getting a kick out of it. You watch Ceteus chirp the word back and smile, rubbing halfheartedly at a smeared tooth painted on their face. The very idea of copying someone’s face is beyond illegal, but they would never know. Besides, it isn’t like you’re going to track down the Highblood to prosecute a grub.

“I’ll get you some paints and paper, okay?” Sunzuu coos, already prepared to spoil them. “But you can only paint your face if you’re a super-nerd like Raddy, and you don’t want that.”

Your ears burn a little. “Take as much time as you need, Karkies. We miss you, but don’t push yourself. We’ll be fine. It gives me more time to track down my friends from the clownpound, actually.” Sunzuu’s fins perk up, but he doesn’t look up from the drawer he’s digging through to get the grub some paper to draw on. “I'll let you know if I find anyone important, but really, don’t rush. I’m just glad you feel a little better.”

[creativegeneric]

Ceteus: Explore!

[radzuu]

creativegeneric:

You’re ridiculously confused about what he’s doing with the deskhusk. You know Karkat plays with one of those sometimes, and you know the word for it, but you’re not sure what it has to do with Karkat. Picture? Hive soon? And no yelling, because quiet time. You can do quiet. You’re a little huffy at the hair ruffle, but soon enough your attention is caught by Karkat responding on the computer.

The little video of Karkat waves, smiling tiredly. “Hello to you too. I’m doing pretty good, though I’m sleeping a lot still. Should be good to go soon. How about you? What’s up?”

It takes a lot of effort for you not to yell, but giggling and waving is super easy. You can see him in there! Hello!

“Good. I’m glad you’re resting.” You would say more, but the giggling to your right catches your attention, and you tilt the camera so that all three of you are in frame. “Our favorite monster got into my paints, so..”

Sunzuu holds Ceteus under their arms to let them stand on his lap. “Raddy isn’t good with grubs. He wanted to ask you to explain it to them, if you’re not too tired.” He pauses, shifting his hold. “How soon is soon, do you know?”

[creativegeneric]

Ceteus: Explore!

[radzuu]

creativegeneric:

You don’t mind your hands getting wiped a bit, really. Keeping your hands to yourself will be hard, but you will do your best! You nod excitedly when Hradil leans down to your level, adding a few excitable ‘yeah!’s. You don’t know how you’ll be seeing Karkat, exactly, but you’re happy anyways. Hold your hands up and then clap them together and hold them that way in an attempt to show that yes, you will keep hands to yourself. Yell ‘Kat!’ to see if you’re just missing your guardian hiding somewhere.

Nodding, you stand back upright and pull an extra chair to your desk, then set up a video call with Karkat while Sunzuu sits down next to you. “He’s going to be a picture for now, but he said he’ll be hive soon.” He’s explaining, his brushing their hair off their face. You’ll have to get them some watercolors, or something. “Try not to yell too much, it’ll hurt his ears.”

You mess their hair up, smiling at the bemused glare you get just as the line opens up and you brighten. “Karkat! How do you feel?”

[creativegeneric]

Ceteus: Explore!

[radzuu]

creativegeneric:

You’re getting so much attention, you love that! Pat your hands on Sunzuu, making happy little sounds at him. Exciting!  Hradil seems less enthused, but that’s okay. He’s probably tired. You don’t blame him for that, really. Being sleepy makes plenty of sense to you! The mention of Karkat makes you more excited. Yes, you want to see Karkat! You always want to see Karkat! Your excited chatter definitely relays that to the both of them. Clap your little hands together to show how happy you are.

Sunzuu bounces Ceteus in his arms, grinning down at them before looking back at you and nodding. “If you want to, I guess. We could just wash them off.” He trails off, using the edge of his shirt to wipe at their little hands before giving up.

“I’m not good at explaining it without getting upset.” You sigh, ruffling Ceteus’ hair and leaning down to address them directly. “We’re gonna call him on the computer, but you have to keep your hands to yourself, please. I’m sure he’ll be so excited to see you!”

[creativegeneric]

Ceteus: Explore!

[radzuu]

creativegeneric:

Attention received! You can definitely tell something is up, but they don’t look too bothered at the moment, so you’re not really concerned. Show them your still messy hands as proof of the creative thing you did. The jumble of sounds that come out of your mouth make perfect sense to you, though you’re aware that most of your meaning is lost to them. The only decipherable word in your response is ‘yeah,’ the rest meaning that you did find the pretty paints!

You’re happy to move for Sunzuu, figuring being picked up is always nice. Excited wiggles are a thing though. You did a good job! You’re happy to tell them all about what you did, the key decipherable words being ‘yeah, Raddle!’ You’re not great with controlling these chubby limbs yet, but you tried very hard to make yourself look presentable. Turn your head so they can see the fins you painted on too! You’re Sunzuu too!

Sunzuu looks them over carefully, smiling at their excited chirping. “Ooh, look! You put on fins, too.” He swings his legs off the bed, preparing to stand, then stops, tapping your thigh so you’ll follow.

“Yeah, uh.” You can’t bring yourself to say anything nice. Their blood color can’t even be in the church, let alone wear paint that has designs in it. “Nice fins.”

You stand, looking at the messy streaks of gray paint from the abulationsblock to your bed, and the grab-marks where they pulled themself up. Hopefully, you won’t have to break out your new paints. You don’t have more, and you really don’t want to go on a supply run with Karkat indisposed.

“Karkat.” You breathe, startling Sunzuu as he walks to the trap. “Hold on, Soonie. We should call Karkies. So he can see their work. Do you wanna see Karkat, Ceteus?”

[creativegeneric]

Ceteus: Explore!

You’re awake! And of course, as the nest you sleep in is up on your guardian’s bed, it takes a few minutes for you to work out how to climb down to the floor. You’re not used to the limbs you have now, so what would have taken you two seconds as a grub is significantly more complex now. You do figure it out eventually, though. You’re so smart.

Shuffling across the floor is much easier now that you can coordinate these four limbs better, and pushing the door open isn’t hard either. You gently butt your head against it, and the door swings open easily. You like not having to headbutt doors hard to get them to let you through! Very nice.

Your other guardians don’t seem to be awake. Or, rather, they don’t seem to be in the living room or kitchen. You don’t hear them, either. Are they hiding? You decide to check behind the furniture, just in case. Once you’re satisfied that no, they are not hiding behind or under the sofa or tables, you decide to check the other room, gently shuffling the door open like the smart little bug you are. Scaring them is bad, after all!

There they are! Asleep. You peek over the edge of the platform they’re on at them after pulling yourself upright, pausing long enough to look at the smeared paint on Hradil’s face. When neither stirs or talks to you, you shuffle off into the other room. Which is a room you like! It has the bath, which is loads of fun. There’s nothing in there right now, which is disappointing. But you do spot a pair of containers up on the counter. Pulling yourself upright again is an ordeal, but you do eventually manage, and from there, reaching the things is easy.

You recognize the smell of it as soon as you wiggle the lids off. This is the stuff Hradil uses on his face to make the pretty designs! You’re excited, really. You can do it too! It’s not hard to smear the stuff on yourself, and you do your best to mimic Hradil’s pattern. Belatedly, you contemplate adding a fin pattern to the sides of your face. You can be Hradil and Sunzuu at the same time, right? You’re pretty sure you can.

Soon as you’re finished, or as finished as you can be with your short attention span and the knowledge that there is stuff on your hands (fingers!) that leave fun marks on everything, you make a little of a mess on the floor before shuffling back out to the other room to show off your handiwork. You are amazing. And they are amazing. Time to climb your way up between them and pap their faces until they wake up and pay attention to you!

[radzuu]

>You’re a pretty light sleeper, so you were vaguely aware of them even before they started papping your face, but you’re lazy and worried and sleepy, so you let them crawl around and explore. There’s nothing they can hurt or be hurt by, anyway.

Though, when you open your eyes, your pusher skips a beat.

That’s super illegal. Or, at least, it was. Now it’s just not a good thing. “Ceteus?” You sit up, and Sunzuu blinks awake, shooting upright as well when he sees your wriggler’s face. “Grubby, did you get into my paints?” You make yourself calm. They shouldn’t freak out.

“Come here, tiny, let me look at you.” Sunzuu purrs, reaching for them, and you can tell that he’s feeling the same way as you are. “Oh, you look very cute. Almost like Raddy exactly.”

[radzuu]

creativegeneric:

Okay!! Excited to see how big they’ve gotten, and to see you two.

t/-/ey cant walk yet but t/-/ey’re already trying. sunzuu’s /-/appier t/-/an i’ve seen /-/im in a w/-/ile

[radzuu]

creativegeneric:

I’m glad to hear that, on both accounts. I’ve been wondering about em and how they’re doing, and I miss all of you, so please let me know when you’re gonna be good to drop by!!

t/-/ey’ll be finis/-/ed /-/ere in a little bit, so w/-/en t/-/eyre dressed and soonie’s dry, we’ll be on out way to see you