host-of-your-screen

[host-of-your-screen]

what's with the suit? just what are you planning?

So nosey! [ He chuffed from where a swatchling measured his arm, currently shirtless. Not that it mattered, it's all metal plating under there -- and lots of ports and slots in the upper part of his chest. ]

Can't I just dress nice? My old suit was soaked by that flood! I don't want to look like I almost drowned while walking Cyber City! It's terrible for my social status~!

[host-of-your-screen]

surprisingly, they're laying low for now. guess they DO have some sense, huh?

[ Hosts suspicion doesn't cease, instead only seeming to get more wary. Xe plucked the ad that displayed the ask out of Escorts hand. ]

Laying low, hm?

[ He turned, wading his way through the pool to where his -- yes, right, his jacket. It was being washed. He stared to where it was for a long few seconds. ]

Ah, Escort? [ The addison perked up. ] Could you tell the swatchlings to prepare Avalon~? [ He hoisted himself out of the water as he spoke, shaking water from his limbs before detaching his tail from where it was safely curled against the top of his back, swaying it from side to side. His entire apparel is soaked. ]

o-oh, your..? suit? i thought that was for the l-lightners?-

Bah! [ Host waved a hand. ] Doesn't hurt to break it in!

Buuut, [ He looks to the pop up still in xyr claws. ] Thank you for the information, dear viewer~!

[host-of-your-screen]

sweet and cap'n might still be nearby, y'know

[ his antenna pinned back more as he narrowed his screen. ]

Oh, and how do you know~? Trust me, I'm keeping an eye out...

[ His screen changed. Surveillance cameras.. He flicks through a few of them, before it goes back to his face. ] Why are you so interested, anyway? If they're wrecking peoples houses, it'd be great to hear, because it'd mean they've been in that area recently...

But don't you worry your little head off, I'll get them~!

[host-of-your-screen]

Oh please, [ he dismissively waved a hand. ]

I won't stop you! You'll need to ask the swatchlings first, though, they're the ones with all the cleaning equipment.

[ he taps at the side of his casing, letting out a hum. ] Oh, you could bring them my jacket, too! [ he points at it on the floor besides Selene. There wasn't anywhere else he could put it, there's only one entrance to this area, and.. Is... Is that a Spamton plush sitting wrapped up in it? ] it got wet from all the splashing around. Just remind them there's stuff in the pocket! Ooh, and to be careful with the sticker.. They know it needs to be handwashed, it should be fine!

[ He rambles on, making hand motions as he did. Xe looked particularly animated as they spoke. ]

Hello, Host, darling! I hope you are doing well on this fine day. My name is Selene. Should you ever need or want something, I'm here. Always happy to lend a helping hand! -@sweetselene13

Why thank you, thank you~! [ Host leans against one of the walls of the 'pool' (the 'acid' tunnel of love), where he still resided with Escort. He has a cheeky little smile on his screen. ]

Always nice to hear someone doesn't mind helping out! Unfortunately the only things right now that need to be worked on is cleaning... [ Xe checks his 'nails', as if he wasn't wearing gloves. ] Or setting up the studio, but all that equipment is still wet. I'm sure the lightners won't be here anytime soon anyway! Heard they're still in Card Kingdom, so I have time.

But it's a pleasure to grace you with my presence~! I'd get you an autograph if I was properly dressed! [ Xe says, fully clothed in the pool aside from his coat. Odd priorities. ]

[host-of-your-screen]

Hello, Host, darling! I hope you are doing well on this fine day. My name is Selene. Should you ever need or want something, I'm here. Always happy to lend a helping hand! -@sweetselene13

Why thank you, thank you~! [ Host leans against one of the walls of the 'pool' (the 'acid' tunnel of love), where he still resided with Escort. He has a cheeky little smile on his screen. ]

Always nice to hear someone doesn't mind helping out! Unfortunately the only things right now that need to be worked on is cleaning... [ Xe checks his 'nails', as if he wasn't wearing gloves. ] Or setting up the studio, but all that equipment is still wet. I'm sure the lightners won't be here anytime soon anyway! Heard they're still in Card Kingdom, so I have time.

But it's a pleasure to grace you with my presence~! I'd get you an autograph if I was properly dressed! [ Xe says, fully clothed in the pool aside from his coat. Odd priorities. ]

[host-of-your-screen]

* the slightest squeak of dirty rubber shoes on polished floors could be heard, a tall lonesome figure slowly trudging through the seemingly endless hallways.

* the walking was getting a bit harsh for his metal limbs; scraps barely woven together into things that could resemble arms and legs. he couldnt quite complain, though. these new clothes (an oddly comfortable suit!) he'd gotten from the swatchlings were snazzy! and he felt.. moderately more patched up than normal. rain atleast couldnt wedge itself into his insides now, always leaving the cracks in his torso and neck uncomfortably wet and moist. he was safe here. it seemed like he was, atleast. unbothered.

* that was he came to a stop, hearing two voices cheerily converse. ah. yes, ofcourse. the swatchlings.. well, they must work for someone! and he supposed he was now one of them.. in some weird pseudo-adoption type of way. and if he was one of them, and they likely served these voices, then that must mean that he..

* with a modicum of newfound vigor, dregs limped over to the source of the voices. nervously smoothing his suit down, he peeked into the 'acid' tunnel of love. seeing these two figures who he had known for an approximate 5 seconds seemed to shock him, though. his antenna just barely sparked as he tried to figure out what made these two people so... familiar. was it something about their statures?

* oh gosh. shoot. he had been totally standing there like a creep, hadnt he? ofcourse he did! he wouldve— he had to— "ahem, uhm— goodness im so sorry to interrupt you—" he attempted a short, curteous bow. "would thou‐ ah, thine, thy? thy.. majestys like anything?"

( @trashheap-blues )

[ The flatscreen had been chatting away with Escort, a soft, genuine smile across his screen. Whatever they were talking about seemed particularly captivating as neither of them seemed to notice dregs approach -- but Hosts attention snapped to him when he spoke. ]

[ He stared. who is this strange half broken down CRT. What is he doing in Hosts domain. He looks back to Escort, who had the slightest hint of blush on their face. ]

m-majesty? [ their face got redder as they finally noticed host was staring at them. they opened their mouth to speak but host spoke first. ]

Escort... [ xe cooed. ] Who is this~? [ the addison stumbles over their words, pulling up a pop-up and scrolling through what looked to be a list. they give host a nervous shrug. ]

um, i-i don't... k-know? oh b-boss, you know the swatchlings like adopting people..

[ Host leans back, once again looking to Dregs. Theres a smile on his face but it isn't particularly friendly. his antennae pinned back. ]

Why, yes! There is something I'd like~! [ He props his elbow on the swan boat, making escort yelp a little as they try and steady it. ] Your name, my dear viewer! [ he clasped his hands together. why is he still wearing gloves in the pool. ]

And what you're doing here~! I'm sure you understand how it feels to have another television wander right into your studio! [ his tone is laced with venom -- he clearly doesn't seem to like Dregs being here. ]

[host-of-your-screen]

how's finding those other two pesky robots going for you?

[ his antenna pinned back as he read the message displayed on the popup, rolling his face a little. ]

Oh, don't you worry your little head off! [ he swirled some of water with his claws as he leaned on the swan boat escort sat on (given theyre how he read the message), a smile on his screen. ] They'll be found soon~

[host-of-your-screen]

[A small package arrives in the mail. On it, pink cursive reads out Escort's name, with a simple pink and blue drawing of cotton candy beside it, as the addressing name. A letter is attached.]

"Hello, my love letter! I'm sorry I couldn't hand-deliver these to you, but I've been in a bit of a work rush lately, and I'm sure you're quite busy yourself with our boss. I know you like to take some of my truffles when I'm not looking, so I thought I'd make some for you. Please tell the boss that xyr order is almost ready! Just a few more days, and the stock will be fully prepared. I apologize for the delay, truly!

I love you, my sweet. Enjoy the extra merchandise!" ~ F. 🩷

[ Inside the box, expectantly, is a small bag of truffles, and a pink and blue glittery heart pin, merchandise of Pop-up Candy. It's emblazoned with a purple E on it, with a matching one with an H on it, for Host. A sample for some chocolate-covered coffee beans are in there as well, addressed for Host xyrself.]

[ Escort was getting checked by an Ambyu-Lance when a swatchling came in, tweeting and cooing a cacophony of sounds at Escort. They gently take the package from the swatchlings hands before glancing it over and noticing the letter. ]

oh, u-um, i'm not moving too much, am i..? [ Escort rasps to the Ambyu-Lance, who simply grumbled a 'no'. They took that as their inclination to open the letter and read it, facing it to the ceiling light to not impede the Ambyu-Lances work. ]

oh, how sw-sweet... [ they mumble before looking to the package and unpackaging it. they marvel at the glittery heart pin before tacking it onto their tie and then looking at the two things addressed to Host. it was an interesting order, those coffee beans. Escort couldn't possibly parse why Host would want something like that, but, they weren't one to judge. They'd just have to wait till they were patched up to deliver it. ]

um, b-boss, i got...

[ escorts footsteps stuttered ever so slightly as they stumbled into the room of the acid tunnel of love -- or, moreso, what was once the acid tunnel of love. the once neon green liquid was now replaced by the blue shimmer of water, lapping gently at the edge of the 'pool'. ]

[ Host attention snapped up from where he stood chest deep in the water. His entire outfit was sufficiently waterlogged -- though Escort did spy at least his coat on the floor besides them. ]

Escort~! [ Host clasped his hands together -- mystifyingly, xyr gloves were still on. ] I found the source of the flood!

[ Escort blinked, dumbfounded. ] I-- h-huh? i-it was in the pool? w... w-wait, does that mean all the water in the mansion had --

[ Host laughed, waving a hand dismissively. ] Oh, Escort! You're a riot! I know, I know, that strange cat creature drank some, but they seem fine! Ignoring that I haven't seen them in a bit... But finally, finally! This damned FLOOD is over! [ Host calmly waded over to Escort, placing his hands on the edge of the pool. ] Ooh, goodies for me?

um, [ Escort wasn't really sure what to say. ] .. y-yes? you.. um.. s-should really come out of the water, though --

Oh, come on, Escort! [ The addison lets out a yelp as they're picked up, promptly getting placed on the little swan boat in the pool. Well, at least it was dry. ] Hang out with me!

..b-boss, are you sure you're sober-

I did NOT drink the pool water! [ Host snarled, albeit playfully. ] That's unsanitary~!

s-so you'd drink it if it was sanitary..?

ENOUGH with the questions, Escort! What do you have?

f-floss finally brought some, um, samples of what you ordered. sweets s-said 🍬s (how did they say that with their mouth) really sorry i-its taking a bit.. [ Escort offered the box and Host delightfully plucked it from their hands, looking inside. ]

And something for my jacket, perfect! [ Host happily munched on the samples, letting out a pleased hum. ] Oh, these are even better than I thought they would be... We're going to replace all the breakroom M&M bowls with these when they arrive!

b-but i don't think most people like coffee..?

Well they're GOING to! [ Host teasingly rocked the boat, making Escort sqwak and flail. ] You can send a thank you to your partner later, we're hanging out now~!

i-- o-okay?

[ * the flooding has stopped! ]

[ * Escort and Host are now hanging out in the 'acid' tunnel of love for the time being. ]

[host-of-your-screen]

[ Swatch let out a sigh from where they stood, the glare on his face now more of neutral contempt. ]

If you are content living without functional arms, then be my guest. [ He moved over to the bowl of free samples -- It looks like candies of various flavors... All of them had flashy wrapping to them. They pick one up. ]

Such a shame, really. [ he pops the fun sized chocolate bar in their mouth. ] I'd have loved to give you one of these, but last I checked, only tasques eat out of bowls with their mouths, and they are not permitted in my cafe without Tasque Manager.

[ He picks up another. It's a glossy red - some sort of cinnamon candy, perhaps. ] This one even looks like you. Oh well. [ They just shrug and crunch away at this one as well. ]

If only there was someone to fix your arms so you'd be allowed a sweet treat. Truly, a loss. [ his voice flatly dances with sarcasm. ]

[ his face adjusts, a scowl mixing in with his grin. he wasn't exactly fond of his monologue being interrupted. ]

[ a small bar ticks up in the corner of hosts screen, turning up quite a few ticks. ]

That's an easy fix!

[ escort stared at k_k like he was crazy. Do you want to get more limbs removed?! ]

[ but neither host or escort say anything as they walk, seeming focused on the task at hand. host quietly mumbles things to escort -- something about patching them up -- but otherwise seemed to have taken a hint that anything host said would be drowned out. ]

[ it doesn't take too long for them to reach a less flooded part of the mansion. rice bags are stacked up against entrances to keep rushing water at bay and various mansion goers are making a desperate attempt to keep the water from going any further, but host paid them no mind. instead, he simply trotted into one of the open doorways. ]

[ They now stood in the Color Cafe, where a certain darkner could be seen at the counter, back facing the trio. ]

Oooh, Swatch~! I've come to inquire about your mechanical work?

[ Swatch lets out a sigh. ] Sir, I thought I told you that I -- [ he stopped in his tracks as he turned around, staring at K_K. it takes a few seconds for his glasses to then narrow at Host -- to the oil on his gloves. ] ... I see. I suppose I can make an exception.

[ Swatch opens the small gate that cut the counter of the cafe off from the rest of the establishment, ushering the others forward. However, as Host got close, he raised a hand. ]

I mean no offense to you sir, but I'm sure you have much more important matters to deal with at the moment. [ his eyes can be seen glancing to the hoard of rice bags gathered in the cafe, that some darkners crowded around to carry away to other locations. ] I will make this as quick as possible.

[ Host huffs lightly, but takes a step back. ] Fine, fine! But don't come crying to me when he bites you!

[ Swatch simply narrowed his eyes more. ] I assure you I am perfectly fit to defend myself if needed. Goodbye now, sir.

[ Host shot a glare at Swatch as he turned on his heels, clicking his finger to get Escort back to xyr side -- they had wandered ever so slightly closer to the counter to nab a free sample (despite Swatchs glowering gaze), but retreated to his side just as fast. ]

And please get an Ambyu-Lance for them. I'd prefer not to be cleaning blood from bedsheets again.

Yes, I know! [ Host snapped. ] Thank you for the advice, Swatch! [ And with that xe and Escort left, leaving just Swatch and K_K. ]

(this is supposed to be the end of this roleplay chain at least :3)

[host-of-your-screen]

timelines decently in sync now, so if you want to ask host about stuff relating to the fell scc/sour-capn-cakes thread you can. since i was kinda discouraging it till it was over hehe ]]

[host-of-your-screen]

[ his face adjusts, a scowl mixing in with his grin. he wasn't exactly fond of his monologue being interrupted. ]

[ a small bar ticks up in the corner of hosts screen, turning up quite a few ticks. ]

That's an easy fix!

[ escort stared at k_k like he was crazy. Do you want to get more limbs removed?! ]

[ but neither host or escort say anything as they walk, seeming focused on the task at hand. host quietly mumbles things to escort -- something about patching them up -- but otherwise seemed to have taken a hint that anything host said would be drowned out. ]

[ it doesn't take too long for them to reach a less flooded part of the mansion. rice bags are stacked up against entrances to keep rushing water at bay and various mansion goers are making a desperate attempt to keep the water from going any further, but host paid them no mind. instead, he simply trotted into one of the open doorways. ]

[ They now stood in the Color Cafe, where a certain darkner could be seen at the counter, back facing the trio. ]

Oooh, Swatch~! I've come to inquire about your mechanical work?

[ Swatch lets out a sigh. ] Sir, I thought I told you that I -- [ he stopped in his tracks as he turned around, staring at K_K. it takes a few seconds for his glasses to then narrow at Host -- to the oil on his gloves. ] ... I see. I suppose I can make an exception.

[ Swatch opens the small gate that cut the counter of the cafe off from the rest of the establishment, ushering the others forward. However, as Host got close, he raised a hand. ]

I mean no offense to you sir, but I'm sure you have much more important matters to deal with at the moment. [ his eyes can be seen glancing to the hoard of rice bags gathered in the cafe, that some darkners crowded around to carry away to other locations. ] I will make this as quick as possible.

[ Host huffs lightly, but takes a step back. ] Fine, fine! But don't come crying to me when he bites you!

[ Swatch simply narrowed his eyes more. ] I assure you I am perfectly fit to defend myself if needed. Goodbye now, sir.

[ Host shot a glare at Swatch as he turned on his heels, clicking his finger to get Escort back to xyr side -- they had wandered ever so slightly closer to the counter to nab a free sample (despite Swatchs glowering gaze), but retreated to his side just as fast. ]

And please get an Ambyu-Lance for them. I'd prefer not to be cleaning blood from bedsheets again.

Yes, I know! [ Host snapped. ] Thank you for the advice, Swatch! [ And with that xe and Escort left, leaving just Swatch and K_K. ]

(this is supposed to be the end of this roleplay chain at least :3)

Oh, but what kind of a contractor am I if I don't have papers on me? I'm a professional, after all!

[Host's sadistic smile seems to fall a little, but not by much. Xe glances down at Escort, trembling in fear at what he's doing. They're too paralyzed in fear to ACT. His face seems to contort into a worried frown -- but only just for a flash. He's back to staring at K_K with a sneer.]

After all.. How can I trust you won't try to run if I grab a paper from my coat? Perhaps I should remove your legs, too.....

[Host's foot taps a little in thought, only stopping when he's come to an idea.]

Ah, how could I forget.. I have these for a reason!

[Host finally digs his claws out from K_K's internals, producing a loud, cartoonish SNAP. A metallic figurine box seemingly appears out of nowhere around K_K, encasing him. Host sets the box down, and rummages around in xyr suit until he pulls out a dry piece of paper.]

Ah... [ A pause. He looks back to the addison leaned against his leg. ] Escort... [ His voice softens again, this time fully slipping out of its manic twinge. The blue coloration fades to a light lavender. ] Do you have a pen?

[ They look to Host like a startled fawn, but quickly summon one from a popup. ] h-here.. [ It's pulled out of their hand with surprising gentleness. ]

[ But his attention snaps back to K_K. He plucks the box off the ground before opening the top -- though the box was a bit too tall for K_K to jump out of... ]

Don't play stupid.

[ he shoves the pen into K_Ks mouth before presenting him with the paper -- in the matter of seconds it took for Host to take it out, it seems to have morphed into an actual contract. ]

I'm a television. I know a liar when I see one!

[ Xe leveled with the box, the glow of his screen harshly filling the small space. ]

I know you have friends. If you don't care for a threat thrown at yourself...

[ His screen changes. His face is replaced with that of a camera feed -- and as it focuses, the faint outlines of Cap'n and Sweets fleeing can be made out. ]

How about them?

[ His voice lowers. ]

I run this city.

[ The channel flickers. ]

There's cameras all over Cyber World. They can run, but I will find them. And when I do...

[ his spare hand digs into the box surrounding K_K. ]

[ But instead of finishing his sentence, Host bursts into laughter. Loud, uproarious laughter that crackles and warbles with the changing channels, never stable. ]

HAHAHA, HAHAHA!!!!!

[ the laughter abruptly cuts out as his expression falls dead flat.]

Sign the contract.

Unless you want to see what happens to your friends if you don't..?

[host-of-your-screen]

[ a part of him slightly regrets this contract all of a sudden. ]

[ but xe simply clasps xyr hands together, a smile that neared a grimace on his face. ]

Thats... Fine. As long as I can hear you, I don't care! Just don't want you wandering off is all~!

[ his claws idly scratched at the back of his hand as xe looked a bit off to the side. ] We should get you patched up though! New arms, new buttons, I'll even replace that speaker of yours too!

[ He turns on his heels, prompting Escort to scurry to Hosts side -- where they always stood. He cocked his head to look back at K_K. ]

I can't have my social image getting ruined by some busted up speaker, after all! Could you imagine what the presses would say? They'll think I did that to you! [ there's a shit-eating grin on his face. He did do that. He wasn't going to let anyone know he did. ]

Oh, but what kind of a contractor am I if I don't have papers on me? I'm a professional, after all!

[Host's sadistic smile seems to fall a little, but not by much. Xe glances down at Escort, trembling in fear at what he's doing. They're too paralyzed in fear to ACT. His face seems to contort into a worried frown -- but only just for a flash. He's back to staring at K_K with a sneer.]

After all.. How can I trust you won't try to run if I grab a paper from my coat? Perhaps I should remove your legs, too.....

[Host's foot taps a little in thought, only stopping when he's come to an idea.]

Ah, how could I forget.. I have these for a reason!

[Host finally digs his claws out from K_K's internals, producing a loud, cartoonish SNAP. A metallic figurine box seemingly appears out of nowhere around K_K, encasing him. Host sets the box down, and rummages around in xyr suit until he pulls out a dry piece of paper.]

Ah... [ A pause. He looks back to the addison leaned against his leg. ] Escort... [ His voice softens again, this time fully slipping out of its manic twinge. The blue coloration fades to a light lavender. ] Do you have a pen?

[ They look to Host like a startled fawn, but quickly summon one from a popup. ] h-here.. [ It's pulled out of their hand with surprising gentleness. ]

[ But his attention snaps back to K_K. He plucks the box off the ground before opening the top -- though the box was a bit too tall for K_K to jump out of... ]

Don't play stupid.

[ he shoves the pen into K_Ks mouth before presenting him with the paper -- in the matter of seconds it took for Host to take it out, it seems to have morphed into an actual contract. ]

I'm a television. I know a liar when I see one!

[ Xe leveled with the box, the glow of his screen harshly filling the small space. ]

I know you have friends. If you don't care for a threat thrown at yourself...

[ His screen changes. His face is replaced with that of a camera feed -- and as it focuses, the faint outlines of Cap'n and Sweets fleeing can be made out. ]

How about them?

[ His voice lowers. ]

I run this city.

[ The channel flickers. ]

There's cameras all over Cyber World. They can run, but I will find them. And when I do...

[ his spare hand digs into the box surrounding K_K. ]

[ But instead of finishing his sentence, Host bursts into laughter. Loud, uproarious laughter that crackles and warbles with the changing channels, never stable. ]

HAHAHA, HAHAHA!!!!!

[ the laughter abruptly cuts out as his expression falls dead flat.]

Sign the contract.

Unless you want to see what happens to your friends if you don't..?

[host-of-your-screen]

[ He growled, narrowing his face at K_K. He had a strong feeling if he did he was going to get bit -- but a part of xem was.. Admittedly a little curious. If he did bite him, that could give xem an excuse to rough him up more. ]

[ but enough being lost in thought. Xe didn't want to look like an idiot standing around in silence. ]

Okay. Fine. [ Host speaks bluntly. His face was starting to drain of color.. ]

[ he leans forward, tail slowly swaying from side as he looked over the buttons. ] So much to fix, so much to replace...Imperfect.. [ He mumbles under his breath as he jabbed a claw at the play button, not bothering to be gentle. ]

Oh, but what kind of a contractor am I if I don't have papers on me? I'm a professional, after all!

[Host's sadistic smile seems to fall a little, but not by much. Xe glances down at Escort, trembling in fear at what he's doing. They're too paralyzed in fear to ACT. His face seems to contort into a worried frown -- but only just for a flash. He's back to staring at K_K with a sneer.]

After all.. How can I trust you won't try to run if I grab a paper from my coat? Perhaps I should remove your legs, too.....

[Host's foot taps a little in thought, only stopping when he's come to an idea.]

Ah, how could I forget.. I have these for a reason!

[Host finally digs his claws out from K_K's internals, producing a loud, cartoonish SNAP. A metallic figurine box seemingly appears out of nowhere around K_K, encasing him. Host sets the box down, and rummages around in xyr suit until he pulls out a dry piece of paper.]

Ah... [ A pause. He looks back to the addison leaned against his leg. ] Escort... [ His voice softens again, this time fully slipping out of its manic twinge. The blue coloration fades to a light lavender. ] Do you have a pen?

[ They look to Host like a startled fawn, but quickly summon one from a popup. ] h-here.. [ It's pulled out of their hand with surprising gentleness. ]

[ But his attention snaps back to K_K. He plucks the box off the ground before opening the top -- though the box was a bit too tall for K_K to jump out of... ]

Don't play stupid.

[ he shoves the pen into K_Ks mouth before presenting him with the paper -- in the matter of seconds it took for Host to take it out, it seems to have morphed into an actual contract. ]

I'm a television. I know a liar when I see one!

[ Xe leveled with the box, the glow of his screen harshly filling the small space. ]

I know you have friends. If you don't care for a threat thrown at yourself...

[ His screen changes. His face is replaced with that of a camera feed -- and as it focuses, the faint outlines of Cap'n and Sweets fleeing can be made out. ]

How about them?

[ His voice lowers. ]

I run this city.

[ The channel flickers. ]

There's cameras all over Cyber World. They can run, but I will find them. And when I do...

[ his spare hand digs into the box surrounding K_K. ]

[ But instead of finishing his sentence, Host bursts into laughter. Loud, uproarious laughter that crackles and warbles with the changing channels, never stable. ]

HAHAHA, HAHAHA!!!!!

[ the laughter abruptly cuts out as his expression falls dead flat.]

Sign the contract.

Unless you want to see what happens to your friends if you don't..?

[host-of-your-screen]

Hey hi hey hey hello

What if I— *throws a slice of cheese at you*

HAH?--

[ It sticks to his screen.. ]

[ And starts melting from the heat his screen lets off. ]

Swatchlings. [ He speaks calmly. ]

THE WINDOW, PLEASE!

[ You are ungracefully thrown out the window. ]

[host-of-your-screen]

"I want you."

( @holycungadero hi pooksie )

[ There's a moment of dead silence from Host. ]

WHAT??

WHAT? WHAT?? WHAT??? GET OUT OF MY HOUSE

and come back with a GIFT, you uncultured swine!

[host-of-your-screen]

[ as soon as K_K is done writing (or Host presumes such, hes too impatient to care) he whips the contract out of the box, leaning back to look it over. He lets out a satisfied hum. ]

Well, well, well! It's lovely to have you on the team, K_K! [ xyr voice comes out as a sneer as a painfully fake smile rests on their screen. ] What a nice name you have! [ he didn't even attempt to make that sound genuine. ]

Well, I suppose I can't keep you trapped forever.. As much as I'd prefer to.. [ he plucks K_K out of the box, staring at him for a few seconds. ]

Just remember! [ he smiled. ] If you try to run away, I will find your friends! [ he cheerily chimes before placing K_K on the ground, giving him a condensing pat on the head. ]

[ Escort is still there, hiding behind Hosts leg. They shakily take their pen back as it's returned and place it back into their popup inventory, only briefly sparing K_K a glance (well, with closed eyes) before looking to the floor. Their throat had some cuts on it from K_Ks claws, but they didn't seem too concerned about fixing themself up.. Even if blood was starting to drench their turtleneck. It's fine.. Probably. ]

What are you waiting for, then? Bring the tunes on! But nothing too suggestive, can't be getting demonetized on stream!

Oh, but what kind of a contractor am I if I don't have papers on me? I'm a professional, after all!

[Host's sadistic smile seems to fall a little, but not by much. Xe glances down at Escort, trembling in fear at what he's doing. They're too paralyzed in fear to ACT. His face seems to contort into a worried frown -- but only just for a flash. He's back to staring at K_K with a sneer.]

After all.. How can I trust you won't try to run if I grab a paper from my coat? Perhaps I should remove your legs, too.....

[Host's foot taps a little in thought, only stopping when he's come to an idea.]

Ah, how could I forget.. I have these for a reason!

[Host finally digs his claws out from K_K's internals, producing a loud, cartoonish SNAP. A metallic figurine box seemingly appears out of nowhere around K_K, encasing him. Host sets the box down, and rummages around in xyr suit until he pulls out a dry piece of paper.]

Ah... [ A pause. He looks back to the addison leaned against his leg. ] Escort... [ His voice softens again, this time fully slipping out of its manic twinge. The blue coloration fades to a light lavender. ] Do you have a pen?

[ They look to Host like a startled fawn, but quickly summon one from a popup. ] h-here.. [ It's pulled out of their hand with surprising gentleness. ]

[ But his attention snaps back to K_K. He plucks the box off the ground before opening the top -- though the box was a bit too tall for K_K to jump out of... ]

Don't play stupid.

[ he shoves the pen into K_Ks mouth before presenting him with the paper -- in the matter of seconds it took for Host to take it out, it seems to have morphed into an actual contract. ]

I'm a television. I know a liar when I see one!

[ Xe leveled with the box, the glow of his screen harshly filling the small space. ]

I know you have friends. If you don't care for a threat thrown at yourself...

[ His screen changes. His face is replaced with that of a camera feed -- and as it focuses, the faint outlines of Cap'n and Sweets fleeing can be made out. ]

How about them?

[ His voice lowers. ]

I run this city.

[ The channel flickers. ]

There's cameras all over Cyber World. They can run, but I will find them. And when I do...

[ his spare hand digs into the box surrounding K_K. ]

[ But instead of finishing his sentence, Host bursts into laughter. Loud, uproarious laughter that crackles and warbles with the changing channels, never stable. ]

HAHAHA, HAHAHA!!!!!

[ the laughter abruptly cuts out as his expression falls dead flat.]

Sign the contract.

Unless you want to see what happens to your friends if you don't..?

[host-of-your-screen]

[ The coloration seems to fade ever so slightly as Spamton kept talking, though xyr tail still flicked from its place between his legs. He lets out an uncertain noise from the corner he was definitely not cowering in. ]

I'm sorry, did I catch that right? [ He cocked his head to the side suspiciously. ] A deal? What could you POSSIBLY have to offer to me besides scurrying through my crawlspaces to catch cobwebs?? [ he shuddered at the thought. ]

[[HOCHI MAMA]] ARE YOU [[Singles in your area]]????!?!!???????

— @holycungadero

AH! [ Host lets out a startled yelp as Spamton seemingly comes from nowhere, jumping away like he almost just stepped on a mouse. ]

[ Xe looks to him. Xe looks to the plushie of Spamton nestled into the front of his suit. ]

It's ... It's...

[ He points a finger at Spamton. ]

YOU!!!!

Are YOU the one who sent all that damn MERCH of yourself to me?! Are you trying to buy my affection?! Why, you -- WHERE are my Swatchlings?! SWATCHLINGS!! SAVE ME, THERE'S ANOTHER FREAK!!!!

[ Hes clutching that plushie for life, as if it was going to protect him from Spamton. ]