[The tune is distant and muffled but oddly familiar. And when he gets a little closer and it gets a bit clearer, it's even more odd in its familiarity, because he's pretty damn sure Squiddles isn't actually a thing in this world.

He only recognizes the voice as he's just ducking into the abandoned store to check it out. In his defense, he's only ever talked with Jade with actual spoken words on a handful of occasions, but he still feels like an idiot for not realizing sooner than when he's already got eyes on her, unexpectedly present and unsurprisingly cheerful in the middle of a warzone.

Actually seeing her is like a punch to the heart, in a not necessarily unpleasant way. There's the faint surge of anxiety, all the shit he hadn't yet had a chance to talk to her about suddenly a pressing issue again. But for the most part it's a pang of relief and excitement.

Shit, he's missed her.

Dave is quiet a moment, hanging back in the doorway. A breath to steady himself -- keep it cool, Strider -- before he actually speaks up.]

Jesus, Harley, this universe was lucky enough to be spared the kiddie show squid hell. Don't go inflicting that shit on an unsuspecting reality.