[ video / iPhone ]

[allinvein]

[It wasn't his original intention to simply disappear for so long. The move had, certainly, made John exceptionally busy, but the last few weeks had him avoiding the network for an entirely different reason--one that he didn't even really want to bring up to his friends. Still, trying to ignore the cause of his problems wasn't going to get him anywhere, which was why, with a heavy sigh, John was fishing out his phone and tapping his number into the device.

The video feed opens up with him looking a little sheepishly at the camera, a tired smile gracing his features. There's the slightest tremble to his hands, but he's quick to hide a jostling view by setting his phone down on the table. John clears his throat quietly and manages a tiny laugh.]

It's been a while, yeah? Sorry, I've... been a bit preoccupied.

[He scrubs a hand through his hair, not really sure where he's even going with this. For the briefest of moments, John considers letting the network know about his new, ah, condition, but he's quick to brush that aside, smiling much brighter this time.]

I moved. [The feed goes dark for a moment before John treats the network to a view of his new apartment, complete with stacks upon stacks of boxes.] Anthony's here, too.

[He goes quiet for a moment, trying to figure out what to say next.]

I've had a few people fill me in on a handful of things, but I suppose that's all on my end. Who's doing what nowadays, hm? [He grins.] And did anyone actually miss me?

[John's flattering himself now, but whatever. Anything to keep them from asking unbecoming questions, right?]

Comments

[handwritten]

[detectivetroll]

I know, I know. And now that you've put asterisks around it, it's much more convincing.

[allinvein]

See, you're getting better at this "reading emotions through text" business!

Look, if I need some sugar, you'll be the first I call. I'll call you before I even think about heading to the supermarket. Deal?

[detectivetroll]

It's because I've had such an awesome teacher.

Okay. Deal. But I've got plenty of sugar, okay? You can call me any time.

[allinvein]

Flattery will get you everywhere in life. ;)

...Should I be concerned about why you have so much sugar?

[detectivetroll]

Good thing I have lots of practice at it.

It's because I'm mediocre at baking. I keep getting sugar in vain hope, but then I never end up using it.

[allinvein]

*Clearly* the solution is for you to come and bake with Anthony and I. We'll put you *and* your sugar to good use.

--or you could just come and eat. I'll still take the sugar. :)

[detectivetroll]

I'll never turn down the offer to come and eat baked goods, man. And it wouldn't feel right to just sit around while you two did all of the hard work.

[allinvein]

I think we can manage to find you some batter to stir. Maybe we could even have you crack some eggs...

When *are* you free to come over again anyway? :)

[detectivetroll]

You're in luck there, I'm actually an expert at cracking eggs.

Now that you're so close? Any evening and any weekend, pretty much.

[allinvein]

Then we'll put you to work!

I'd say you should come tonight, but I've already got a guest coming over. Soon though! If you don't, I may have to come and spirit you away myself!

[detectivetroll]

As long as I get paid in cookies.

What else could I expect from my friendly neighborhood poltergeist?

[allinvein]

Of course!

I'd say chair stacking, but you know, I think the apartment is enough of a mess not to need that at the moment.

[detectivetroll]

You could probably manage a stack of two or three, but if there's not room for at least a pyramid, it's just not the same.

[allinvein]

I'll invite you offer for a proper chair stacking when we've got the space. How does that sound?

[detectivetroll]

You have a deal, my friend. Especially if there's baked goods involved.

[allinvein]

Consider it done. ;)