tentacletrainer | Chapter 11; Video/Filtered Video to Karkat

[[The feed flicks on to a view of four Pokemon. The first three are likely familiar to anyone who knows their trainer.

An all-too-cool Wooper, who currently seems rather put out and a little scratched up.
A primping and preening Pidgey, who seems quite proud of itself.
And a rather irritated looking Eevee, ruffled somewhat and glaring in the aforementioned Wooper's direction.
The fourth Pokemon, sitting quietly and watching the three with interest, is a Mareep.

From off camera comes the voice to confirm that yes, this is indeed Rose's team.]]

I am pleased to say we are finally making progress in level. Surprisingly, Dave has been putting forth a great deal of effort into his training. I am unsure as to why, but not complaining.

Woop!

That was a compliment. You should accept it as such.

Pilcrow, the Pidgey you see before you, has also gained a few levels of her own. Guillemot has earned the most, however. I am highly proud of her. I also have a new addition, of whom I have just caught. Halos the Mareep. He is quite the energetic one, and I am sure he will make an excellent addition to my team.

[[And now you get a view of the girl, who looks like she's recovering from a cold.]]

I have doubts of challenging the gym here before we leave, but I suppose that is not my duty as a breeder anyway, is it?

[[For everyone else, the feed ends here. However, Karkat gets one soon after.]]

[Filtered to Karkat]

...Karkat. Would I be able to ask a favor of you? It concerns living arrangements, as I have been unable to work for the past week due to both my illness and the incident with Dave, and therefor can no longer afford room and board.

Of course I intend to find work as soon as possible, but until then I have no where to stay...

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[Karkat is silent throughout her longwinded reply. But it's something he needs to hear, something he really can't hear enough. It may not be the same as when he told Crona, and it never will be, because Rose never had to go through having unusual blood. But still, what understanding she can provide - and the support that comes with it - are invaluable to him.]

[So, slowly, he relaxes. By the end he's not clinging to her quite as much, and in fact, he finally lets go.]

Even if you tell me all that, I'm not sure I can believe it.

But...

The fact that you can still say it. That. It--means a lot.

[[As he lets go, she moves to pull him into a hug, not caring at that point if he wants it or not. In her mind, he needs it.]]

I hope you will come to believe it someday, Karkat. I sincerely hope you will.

[Maybe he really did. Because when she hugs him? He can't help but hug her back. Quite tightly.]

... If it's even possible, I hope I can too. Because this. This is shit.

[[And she certainly tightens her hold when he returns it.]]

I am sure it is. And if it takes me reminding you every day of how important you are, I will do so, no matter how much rage ensues. Because, if nothing else, you are important to me. As both my moirail, and my friend. And that is something I refuse to allow you to even attempt to refute.

[After a moment following her words, he lets out a little snort of breath.]

I knew there was a reason I wanted you to be my moirail.

[[And he simply receives a chuckle in return, along with a brief squeeze. Though she still doesn't relinquish her hold.]]

I am happy to hear you say that.

...And I believe we have missed the entire second movie.

[Given the circumstances, Karkat will allow it.]

[He does, however, glance past her shoulder at the TV.]

Figures. Want to try the third or is this the part where we say 'fuck it' and try it another night?

This might be when we should simply give up. Partially because we will likely get onto yet another long-winded topic, and partially because I've a feeling once I get up, I will not be invited back into a hug. And it has been a while since I've actually wanted one, much less been in the mood to enjoy one.

[And you just ruined it, Rose. Because at the mention of the hug, he looks down at himself and at her, and extricates his arms from around her. Cheeks coloring just a touch.]

Yeah, well, you got one. I don't do it often, so don't bitch that I'm stopping.

[[Well just because he's removed his arms doesn't mean she's doing the same.]]

I am well aware you don't do it often. I'm surprised you'd be willing to give me one at all.

[[You're getting one final squeeze before she sits back and respects your personal space. ~~Note to self number two: Never mention that he's hugging.~~]]

[Now have a swat to the arm.]

Special circumstances!

I'm not complaining, Karkat.

[[And her retaliation?

Purple kitty hat in your direction, Karkat.]]

[Frown.]

Stop throwing your damn hat at me, damn flighty broad.

[He plops it back on her head.]

Well if I had a pillow, I would use that instead.

[[Tugging it down on her head and playing idly with the earflaps!]]

Well, if we are done hugging, perhaps we could try movie number three, provided you are up for watching it.

May as well give it a shot. And no fucking derailing it this time, or I'm going to grab my pillow off the bed and smack you with it.

[[Careful Karkat. She is actually sticking her tongue out at you. She never does this, who knows what that might mean.

Getting up with a chuckle, she obediently moves to change the movies, sitting this time without comment, and doing her best to refrain from commenting.

Movie enjoyment time.]]

[Yeah, he's gonna gawk at that. ~~Did her face break?~~]

[But now is movie time! Movie time is always good. He settles back against the couch, feeling more content now.]

Chapter 11; Video/Filtered Video to Karkat

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