I don't exactly blame 'em. None a us want to risk gettin' snatched up and hawe who the fuck knows what done to us in the interim between that and dyin' horribly.

[he makes no comment on Kanaya - it's been ages since they'd seen one another, and he's not sure if he's relieved or disappointed that she's managed to stay alive.

he stops at that last bit, hand on a large can on a back shelf. then, hissed low:]

Shit.

[there are voices outside the room, and he wastes no time tossing the paint can at Karkat.]

It's peach. We had to redo the buildin's coat a while back. Best you're gonna get on short notice, gutterblood.

[and he takes a step towards Karkat.]

Listen, I need you to punch me in the eye. The one missin' the contact. Considerin' the amount a ass currently sittin' right the fuck on the line for you, I think that's the least you god damn well owe me.