[By the time Yotsuba comes to a stop, Karkat has finished off his cone and licked the last, melted remains of ice cream from his fingers. It hasn't been as enjoyable as it usually is, because each uncertain turn has made the outcome of this venture clearer. A portion of it is spent trying to think what to say to her. He's sure he'll sound like an asshole no matter how he words it.]

[Now he rubs a hand through his mess of a hairdo, then kneels down before her. Something like a starfish crossed with a cellphone - his SFC - is suddenly in his hand.]

I'm going to try something for you. Tell me your earth dad's full name and I'll see if I can find it on this list here.

[He brings up the list of foreigners. He doesn't tell her the "if not".]