[ The greeting isn't quite what Alice expected — aside from the embarrassing nickname. That has become normal, much like the ones that Gin Ibushi distributed freely. Despite Komaeda addressing him as he usually would, however, something must be wrong for him to open the door so cautiously, and Alice regards what little he can see with a puzzled frown. He won't force his way in, obviously, but he can't fit through that crack...
The surprise in his pocket might, at least, if Komaeda isn't in the mood for company today. Being in this room surely means recalling painful memories — and memories that could have been happier before. ]
Er... yes. Is something the matter? Shall I come back later?
[ He offers to leave immediately, but he hesitates while he awaits Komaeda's response. The hand in his pocket tightens around the rock there, emerging after a moment, still a closed fist. ]
( it's his curiosity that komaeda catches, which must be about him, and he's quick to shake his head, and force a smile on his face. it's not that big of a deal, he doesn't have attachments, and everyone dies some day, they all leave. no one stays by him. )
Oh! No, no... ahaha! Everything's fine! I just haven't had the best sleep, come in, come in!
( alice will be invited in as komaeda opens the door wider, and inside he'll find the room to be nicely taken care of, along with the fish back in place. it's a lively place where the air feels cleaner than what's normally outside the room, but that's thanks to the plants.
there is a shelf of poison sitting in the corner with names written on a tag underneath them. and even a gun sitting on the bottom. )
How's everything in Star 4, I know Add-kun seems difficult to work with, but he's really kind! He may come off dark and brooding, but he's thoughtful of people...
[ How is everything fine?! Sleeping poorly already isn't fine, and by now Alice knows that even someone like Komaeda needs sleep! Of course, he has his guesses as to why Komaeda hasn't slept well, so he says nothing, merely persisting in his frowning as he enters the room. Fortunately, the rock in his grip won't shatter, no matter how hard he squeezes it.
The room beyond the door is a peaceful space, for the most part, its decor soothing compared to certain other areas around the dormitory, and the fish are swimming around undisturbed, but Alice's gaze wanders to that shelf filled with troubling items. Here, against the room's calming forest atmosphere, it really stands out. It's none of his business, but...
What was worrying before has become even more so, with the addition of a gun. ]
...You know, when we first met, I truly thought that you don't require sleep.
[ It's supposed to be something resembling a joke, but it falls flat. ]
Well, there's more room here than in Star 4, yes? It's full of people and odd things over there.
If I'm lucky, I won't need it! Oh, but... you know how the night time cancels out all sound? It's boring, so sleep is the next best thing!
( it's all that he can really do when he isn't running around doing bad things, sometimes he pulls all-nighters to murder, but the complete silence does nothing for him. it's only biding time until something happens, and so rather than waiting, he'll get a bit of shut-eye, but that hasn't been the best choice he's realized. he'll try, find himself staring up at the ceiling, and then stay like that for hours on end. it's fine since ranger doesn't actually have to sleep either, but hiding that he's even wake sometimes is tedious. )
It used to be really full, but then it got really empty! Now it's lively again.
( there's a smile as he says that, with it being full of people and having odd things is the best response he's heard yet about star 4. he continues, )
If you ever meet them, Goto Hikaru-kun used to live there, he's part of a cult. There was also Saihara Shuichi-kun, he was the Ultimate Detective, but he passed... because people here abused his talent.
( source needed on the last one, komaeda thinks that when an ultimate dies, it's everyone else's fault for being incompetent. that they should have did more than making him figure out all the murders, that they should have been smarter than what they are, and because they latched onto his light, it dimmed, and it died. )
So it was me and Hinata-kun! Add-kun's difficult, so I had to fight my way to make him join that room, because he likes to be alone! Between you and me, he really doesn't... he's made progress dealing with people, and then there were a few others who died, but then you came to us! It felt like... the perfect room! Star 4, where anything could happen. Do you like them, your roommates?
( let him waddle in front of the danger shelf so that alice can't look at it anymore. whoopsie! )
[ It's not a bad thing that Komaeda seems more chatty again, now that they're both on this side of the door. It lets Alice believe that his timing was a good decision after all, that it serves as a distraction from the boredom that Komaeda prefers to avoid. It's nothing that someone else couldn't have provided — they've thoroughly established that the Fairy Godmother of Hope isn't invisible to all — but even so, it feels like an accomplishment.
The conversation topic is rather depressing, though! Yes, Komaeda paints the latest roommate arrangement as a positive situation, but that doesn't make up for the numerous deaths!
Alice looks up, dismayed, his attention back on Komaeda instead of the alarming shelf. ]
What in the world— Did the cult member place a curse on the room before he left?!
[ How awful it must have been to go through losing roommate after roommate, over and over, if Komaeda enjoyed sharing the space with so many people, even approaching a fellow like Add to invite him there. The perfect room... Does he really like it so much?
Komaeda's question admittedly takes Alice by surprise — he's never considered it. Prompted to examine it now, he pauses, a little awkwardly. ]
Err... As for roommates... I don't dislike them. However, the last time that I shared a room with anyone was a long time ago.
( being able to cast spells would be fun, and maybe he could avoid some terrifying instances if he could. though, all he has it the item that add made for him that's more an advantage for cyborgs, and he also has— oh. )
I do have a curse on me though! I have someone's soul bound to me.
( and then when he graduates, it'll disappear, but it feels like a curse... housing someone else's soul with his own. it feels strange, he thinks, but he doesn't let it drive him.
because of the people he met, so of course it's perfect, but he can't have everything. he has to learn to live with other people even though it's terrifying with his luck in the way. they've been around him, all of them, and now with hinata as ultimate hope, nothing wrong will happen in that room. they're safe, it's truly the perfect room that keeps his talent humble.
this room can be scary...
ranger has always had bad luck... )
Oh, do you like rooming alone then...?
( there's this hesitance like maybe he jumped the gun dragging alice with so many people... )
[ Is this curse the truth, unlike the fairy godmother ghost tale? Komaeda speaks of it as if it's as ordinary as discussing today's weather. At every turn, he seems to consist of new surprises, all of which raise further questions... Some of that is written in the look that Alice gives Komaeda as he eyes him, stalling for time while he feels put on the spot himself.
First, he opts for a safer remark, or so he hopes, than curses and trapped souls. ]
You have other abilities, don't you? At any rate... I suppose I've grown accustomed to having roommates... It was simply different, in the past.
[ Rooming with scary fellow inmates wouldn't have been a welcome experience, but here, he's had fun, to tell the truth. Indeed, he can't say that he disliked those times that Komaeda decided to make conversation before the night's silent hours, or joining Shin Tsukimi and Helena Adams in that hotel room. ]
( does he not like that, maybe he should find another topic. komaeda's hands slip into the pockets of his jacket, thoughtful on what he can say that's normal. it's hard to be a decent human being when he's too busy getting into things that he shouldn't. souls attached to him, erasing people's memories, and other things like that really does offer him new experiences to share with people. )
I do! I wonder if I can show them all to you before it's too late!
( he laughs, shaking his head as he smiles at alice's words, and that in itself is comfortable. he feels happy to know that he's grown accustomed, and that those few people were ideal. )
Sakasaki-kun isn't too scary is he? I know he can have a bitter outlook on life, but believe me... he doesn't mean that either!
( since he's staying with them in star 4 for awhile, so he feels like he should apologize for them too. after everything he's gone through, natsume is sensitive, and alice is kind, which doesn't make the best combo. then again, he thinks alice is comforting enough that maybe he could calm natsume's nerves as well. )
I forgot my manners! Did you need something from me! Are you hungry? I never know what to do with guests!
( he's moving away from his spot now, walking over to a little mini fridge as he pops it open, checking to see what they have. )
[ Before it's too late...? What an ominous thing to say! Perhaps that wasn't a good choice of topic, either, even if Komaeda seems quite cheerful in contrast to that glimpse of his demeanor when he answered the door, laughing and smiling. Even he isn't impervious to pain and sorrow, is he?
If he's really forced to live with a curse, that might explain his constitution... ]
I'm not frightened of any of them. The two of you reconciled, then...
[ After the multitool incident, and the punches thrown. Alice watches Komaeda make his way to the mini fridge, crossing the floor himself after another moment's pause. ]
Hm? Oh, no, I'm not hungry at all... [ Maybe Komaeda won't believe him, considering how they met, but he isn't here to eat! It wouldn't feel right in this room anyway, on top of Komaeda barely eating. ] Didn't you want us to talk to the fish? I've even brought them a gift.
[ Now Alice turns his hand over, revealing the painted rock sitting in the center of his palm. Fish for the fish, see? ]
( he has to think about it, tapping his bottom lip in thought as he looks up at the ceiling, and then he snaps his fingers finally understanding. natsume did punch him twice for his actions, and he shakes his head, it's not like they reconciled, it's more that they were never negative towards each other. there was never a reason to apologize, nor did they have to be upset with each other, and that scenario was just life. )
That! It's normal what we did. Hm... Akehoshi-kun was too bold towards Amami-kun, it's a lesson I taught him. Now he should know to watch his own back.
( how amami should have had subaru's back, how amami should have done this and that, it truly isn't how life works. an ultimate can do whatever they want, and if they let komaeda place the narrative, then subaru was out of line. if anything, he'll think twice before acting such a way.
komaeda pats his pocket where his multitool is. he's pushing himself up to his feet as he hears why the other is here, and there's this sudden interest— like he's excited at the thought, that he actually remembered it. turning around, he makes his way over to alice to look at the rock in his hand that has the image of a fish on it. that's pretty rare to komaeda, considering it's difficult to get a specific one. )
How many attempts did it take!?
( he touches the rock in the other's hand, tracing the fish slowly, before withdrawing his hand. )
I think we should tell the fish about that one meeting! We can reenact it and everything! What do you say?
[ Komaeda intervened on Rantarou Amami's behalf, and Natsume Sakasaki did the same for Subaru Akehoshi, Alice imagines. The methods... Honestly, settling disputes with violence should be reserved for enemies, but if they've all recovered and there are no hard feelings, the matter is presumably forgiven on all sides. The fact that Natsume Sakasaki is temporarily using the top bunk where Komaeda slept is further proof!
With that settled, Alice takes a moment to note Komaeda's apparent excitement — so he's genuinely happy to see this rock?! It must be a rare one... Alice allows himself another moment for a laugh under his breath, a mwahaha of satisfaction, but all too soon, he has no choice but to divulge the full story behind his rock acquisition. ]
This? I... received it somewhere within a hundred pulls... I'd vowed to return, you see, and I kept my promise.
[ Not that the young shopkeeper could witness it any longer... Alice's gaze drops to the rock, resting there briefly before he meets Komaeda's eyes, expression curious. ]
What, you wish to reenact the entire meeting?! How would we divide up the roles? I mean, for example, neither of us is an intimidating little girl, if one of us has to lift the other into the air...
( he doesn't expect people to keep promises with him, because why would they? he's just wasting their time, and it's a quick promise that'll send komaeda on his way so that no one has to deal with him. alice could have taken advantage of that, and then avoided komaeda as soon as he left from the room. yet, the other stands here with a rock in hand, a funny little laugh, and komaeda finds himself slightly rejuvenated to handle eccentric company. )
Maybe I should make you promise again!
( he teases, placing a hand on his hip as the other points at alice, tapping his chest to prove his point. he pulls his hand away after, looking towards the fish as alice is right in that regard. neither of them are an intimidating little girl, and she surely is... intimidating. )
We could reenact the easiest part, just two people having an argument! Like when Akehoshi-kun was arguing with Amami-kun.
( which made komaeda do what he did, but the way he speaks about it is as if they play the role of both amami and subaru... at least that sounds safer. walking over to the fish tank, one of the pearlscale goldfish is fat, but wiggling around in the tank, and because he seems the most active with alice here. he looks to the other then back at the tank, he thinks this one deserves that special rock, but there's some fish cleaner spray next to the glass to clean the rock off first before setting it in. )
[ That argument, casting them as Rantarou Amami and Subaru Akehoshi... Alice's brows twitch upward in astonishment, but he wonders whether it's Komaeda's way of working through these recent events, somehow unburdening his heart. Rather than worsening the heartache of losing a friend, reliving memories like that might help him cope, then.
Alice steps up beside Komaeda by the fish tank, in position for their reenactment session, and for a better view of the fish as Komaeda presents them with their gift. The fat goldfish seems especially pleased, if its increase in activity can be taken as a sign of approval! ]
Very well... Let us tell the fish about that argument... Am I Subaru Akehoshi again today? I shall make another promise as well, worry not.
[ Komaeda has his hands full with cleaning the rock and finding the perfect spot to house it, so there are no hands left for outstretched pinkies. Instead, Alice lifts his right hand, placing the left against his chest. There! A solemn vow indeed. ]
I'm no good at being the common man, so I'll remain as I am! Nagito Komaeda, scum of Yogen High!
( it's said with a genuine smile as he takes a step back from the tank to watch as the fish move about. the two, tiny dwarf sea horses swimming around, minding their business as komaeda looks over to alice. he'll be subaru for now, so they need to find someone to be amami. he hums in thought as he looks around the room until he finds a broom to use. if they were in star four, then they could use add's anatomical model, but sadly this is where he remains now. )
This shall be Amami-kun!
( he takes off his jacket to turn it inside out, and drapes it over the broom so it can look like a person. there's some fake sea weed grass that's for the fish, but he takes two out the packet to place as the hair. looking around the room one last time for a hat or something that'll work, he can't find anything like that, and so he opts out for jewelry. a few strings of pipe cleaner that he makes into rings and bracelets to hook onto the sleeves of his jacket. )
Okay! Now be rude to him, you heard Akehoshi-kun! Sound as inconsiderate as possible.
The Fairy Godmother of Hope can't be scum at the same time... fool...
[ It's muttered, another attempt at a joke, brought on by thoughts of that gun, that entire shelf. Every time, Komaeda says such things as if they don't hurt, but is that really true? Thinking them comes from somewhere.
Alice won't comment on it beyond that; lapsing into silence, he lets Komaeda prepare "Amami-kun" without any interference. The attention to detail is pretty impressive... Hair and fashionable accessories for a broom?
Then it's time, Alice's cue to take the stage. This time, some effort to deliver convincing lines is required — he isn't playing an accomplice only there to carry out physical labor anymore — which takes him some moments of thought to gather together what he remembers of Subaru Akehoshi's behavior. Lively... the blithe type?
Arms crossed, Alice purses his lips to pout at the broom as though it dared to insult him. What did Subaru Akehoshi call Rantarou Amami again...? Weren't there a lot of cute nicknames for everyone?
He isn't certain, so coming up with his own will have to do! ]
Ran... Ran-chan! How could you?! You've broken my heart, and I'll never forgive you, you hear?! You're a big meanie, you seaweed head!
[ ...That feels like a little too much. In fact, even though they don't mean any of it, it doesn't feel good at all, here, after everything! ]
( he's numb to his own words, or so he likes to think that— if he's hated, despised, and disliked... then nothing has to hurt because then the world is right. to be frowned upon, to be detested, what other reason is there for his existence? and so, he doesn't respond to what's muttered, instead, he turns his head away as if he didn't hear it. that's why he's able to make something so hilarious in a timely manner, a dress-up broom of amami, because neither of them can bear the weight of his light.
as the show begins, komaeda takes a few steps back to watch alice's display, but the cute nickname (which is adorable, he's impressed) isn't the one that subaru actually uses. what does he use? that's how much attention komaeda pays to him actually. arms crossed, he watches the other before shaking his head! )
Cut, cut, cut!! You have to be more dramatic!! You know, stomp your foot down, and whine like a child!
( the way that subaru would do because he's inconsiderate and only thinks of himself, that's how it should be. it's funny, it's almost like directing a movie.
again, he stands in the way of the chemicals in the room, and with an "x" made with both his arms. )
You can hit him — ( fakemami ) It's fine! I'll come in right after, okay?
[ He thought that his performance met all the requirements! Wasn't he extremely rude? Trying to recall how Subaru Akehoshi might have thrown a tantrum, Alice draws a blank, but then, he wasn't eavesdropping on every single word spoken that day. In any case, it's probably not a bad idea to aim for a more heated take...
Though he may be bigger than the boy he's expected to portray, stomping his foot down with full force shouldn't be a problem. Here it comes, take two! Alice's foot hits the floor, not quietly. The pieces of furniture nearby shake just slightly; the water in the fish tank ripples.
"Amami" tips sideways — until Alice catches the broom, hands wrapped around its handle below the green hair. He won't give up! ]
The silent treatment?! You're really going to make me cry, Ran-chaaaan... You're such a bullyyyy...
[ With the back of one hand, he swats at the broom. ]
( take two is so much better than take one because there's a bit more violence, and that means komaeda can play his part just as genuinely as alice, or well "subaru alicehoshi". eyes remain on the other as he talks to "amami", and between his words and actions... it does really feel like subaru. childish, whiny, and needy for attention from someone who doesn't give it back all because he's placed his entire chips into the relationship. if komaeda could say it aloud, he'd understand that the way they acted were nothing but bickering cousins.
sadly, komaeda has never had a cousin to bicker with so he wouldn't properly know outside of movies. )
You're doing this perfectly, Mary Anne! Come on, keep it up! What next!
( grabbing a sheet of paper, he curls it so that he can use it as a megaphone for his thoughts. smacking it in his hand like one would handle a film, he walks over to see how close alice and the broom are. he knows that subaru would get super close to amami, unfortunately in a way that komaeda wasn't too fond of.
he taps alice's back gently with the rolled up piece if paper. )
Remember to complain that he never watches your back, but with feeling!
[ On the right track and praised for it, it's easy to get swept up in the dramatic action. Right now, Alice Yabusame is here no longer — Subaru Akehoshi stands there in his place, concerned only with his hurt feelings! The broom obviously lacks the ability to say or do anything in defense, so the argument is rather one-sided, but Alice shakes it until its pipe cleaner accessories begin to come loose, its borrowed jacket threatening to slide off entirely. Whether or not the fish are a rapt audience or focused on their own affairs, they will have a performance that captures those tense meetings!
Rantarou Amami losing his garments isn't accurate, and Alice hastily adjusts the jacket draped around the broom, holding it against the handle even as he gives one of the sleeves a tug. ]
See? You're so meaaaan, ignoring meeee! That's why you never watch my back! I thought we were friends, but I guess I was wrong...
[ Moving to shove the broom against the wall, he pins it there with his palms. ]
( yes, this is exactly what he wanted to see! it reminds him of that very moment in time, and alice takes great care in playing the role offered to him. blaming amami for everything, his attempt to make him feel like a bad person, and komaeda remains quiet with the audience as he watches a riveting display. he digs into his pockets, smiling wide while reflecting back on the situation—
subaru can be quite troublesome, but apparently what he does is called having a good heart. then what are those who are insufferable and rotton, what sort of puss oozes out of that muscle where he looks for reasons to break the skin of a person to see their weaker side. can that really be called having a good heart?
with his hand around his multitool, komaeda walks over to stare at the state of the dummy upon close inspection, but then there's a gasp as he lifts his hands from out of his pockets. he strikes alice's back— blade included as he just remembered at that moment! )
[ Correcting "Ran-chan" to "Amachan" isn't Alice's priority when Komaeda's concealed weapon connects with his back. Pain erupts at the site, spreading outward, searing through him. It knocks a grunt out of him, a sound of bewildered disbelief, and he staggers forward a step to drop to his knees, taking the broom with him. It clatters to the floor, not much of a surface to land on as Alice doubles over, momentarily caught in a blur of disorientation. ]
Wh... Why...?
[ He wheezes it out, fingers feeling along his back. Did Komaeda really stab him, instead of merely hitting him with that piece of paper...? Because he used the wrong nickname, or did his acting skills take Komaeda back to that day? But he and Subaru Akehoshi don't look or sound anything alike, in reality!
Moving is agony — still, Alice makes an attempt to climb to his feet, meaning to check what exactly happened by using a mirror. If he were seriously injured, there would be blood gushing out of him, right?!
Wincing, he turns his head to peer over his shoulder. ]
( it's the quick movement and sound of his voice that tips komaeda off, freezing him in place as be watches alice fall to his knees. his eyes widen slight, and there's a gasp as he looks at the weapon in his hand that's covered in red, and a few drops dripping from it. )
N...No, I didn't mean to... I...
( he wants to say it was an accident, that he had remembered that the name, and had forgotten that he was holding it. it wasn't komaeda's plan to actually harm him, and he's biting down on his tongue.
where there's scolding, komaeda slides the blade into his pocket as he watches alice check his own wound. )
I... didn't want to harm you.
( normally, he's good at remembering what he has on him at the moment. his health is probably deteriorating quicker than he realizes, and he feels... wrong, horrible, but he's quick to push those feelings under the rug as he looks to the other.
he wants to walk over, but what if he does something unfortunate again? )
Are you okay...? ( blood raises to the surface of alice's back, spreading on his shirt, but it's not oozing which must be good? )
[ Accidents happen — it could be said that Alice himself has done worse — and it's difficult to get upset about it when Komaeda seems so remorseful as soon as he realizes what has transpired. Every questionable item in Komaeda's possession is cause for concern, that's all. It's extreme, if it's to protect himself. And if he's planning something else, the opposite...
How strange to consider that even after weeks of sharing a room, Komaeda remains a mystery, but now isn't the time to press him for explanations, and perhaps it never will be.
Alice glances up, looks over at Komaeda. The immediate shock has begun to subside, and the pain isn't as sharp, as long as he makes no sudden movements to aggravate the wound's throbbing. Passing across the patch of fabric covering it, his fingertips come away slightly damp. ]
...It hurts, but I doubt I'll die from it, so I still won't break my promise.
[ Seizing the hem of his shirt, he pulls it a few centimeters up his torso to bare enough of his back for a look at the wound. It's no good — he can't twist comfortably to see anything, and within seconds, he has to give up on it, breath catching in a gasp of his own.
He tries to cover it up with another laugh, for fear of the consequences of today's mishap. ]
( if blood drips onto the floor then they'll be sent to the void, and he knows the last thing alice wants to deal with is the gardener outside the doors that roams the courtyard. he didn't seem fond of it first time, and a second time with forced exposure from stabbing. the multitool is slipped into his pocket, blood and all, as he walks over to the other to check out the state of his back. blood's already seeped through the fabric, but it doesn't seem to be the worst of an affair they've been through. due to komaeda's medical intel, he's able to reassure him just a bit as he speaks up, or so he's hoping for that. )
It's... not bad, but you have to do something about it...
( digging into his pockets for anything else, he doesn't have what's needed to stop the bleeding on hand, but with a few steps left towards the tanks—- then he can pick up an unused rag, holding it tightly as nails dig into the fabric leaving crescent-print idents. with pressure, it's applied to alice's back to stem the blood, and he'll probably feel an immediately burn because of it— dry fabric touching an open wound, and komaeda didn't even wait for him to pull his shirt back down. )
You were so spot on, I had forgotten it was in my hand! Hm hm... I'll get in trouble if I keep you here, I can walk you to the nurse's office...
[ Alice jolts, a pained hiss escaping between his teeth, the instant that the cloth touches his wound. All the same, he's grateful, not to mention relieved — Komaeda seems to be concentrating on practical measures, and he's right that bleeding could cause a problem. A big problem! It dawns on Alice then, spurring him into making sure that no blood is about to drip anywhere, not without a spike of panic. He absolutely doesn't want them to land in the spookier version of the school, let alone encounter that monster again! ]
Trouble...? Well, I'll allow the nurse to provide a second opinion... Subaru Akehoshi did the same, didn't he?
[ So even this is a continuation of the scene for the fish, though Alice could have done without his current discomfort. Walking exacerbates it, as he quickly discovers, and he can't keep it from lacing the tone of his voice. If the rag isn't enough to stanch the bleeding, his shirt will soak it up, clinging to the wound before long. He'd like to sit down. ]
What of you? Are you... It surprised me, but I know you didn't do it on purpose.
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no subject
The surprise in his pocket might, at least, if Komaeda isn't in the mood for company today. Being in this room surely means recalling painful memories — and memories that could have been happier before. ]
Er... yes. Is something the matter? Shall I come back later?
[ He offers to leave immediately, but he hesitates while he awaits Komaeda's response. The hand in his pocket tightens around the rock there, emerging after a moment, still a closed fist. ]
no subject
Oh! No, no... ahaha! Everything's fine! I just haven't had the best sleep, come in, come in!
( alice will be invited in as komaeda opens the door wider, and inside he'll find the room to be nicely taken care of, along with the fish back in place. it's a lively place where the air feels cleaner than what's normally outside the room, but that's thanks to the plants.
there is a shelf of poison sitting in the corner with names written on a tag underneath them. and even a gun sitting on the bottom. )
How's everything in Star 4, I know Add-kun seems difficult to work with, but he's really kind! He may come off dark and brooding, but he's thoughtful of people...
no subject
The room beyond the door is a peaceful space, for the most part, its decor soothing compared to certain other areas around the dormitory, and the fish are swimming around undisturbed, but Alice's gaze wanders to that shelf filled with troubling items. Here, against the room's calming forest atmosphere, it really stands out. It's none of his business, but...
What was worrying before has become even more so, with the addition of a gun. ]
...You know, when we first met, I truly thought that you don't require sleep.
[ It's supposed to be something resembling a joke, but it falls flat. ]
Well, there's more room here than in Star 4, yes? It's full of people and odd things over there.
no subject
( it's all that he can really do when he isn't running around doing bad things, sometimes he pulls all-nighters to murder, but the complete silence does nothing for him. it's only biding time until something happens, and so rather than waiting, he'll get a bit of shut-eye, but that hasn't been the best choice he's realized. he'll try, find himself staring up at the ceiling, and then stay like that for hours on end. it's fine since ranger doesn't actually have to sleep either, but hiding that he's even wake sometimes is tedious. )
It used to be really full, but then it got really empty! Now it's lively again.
( there's a smile as he says that, with it being full of people and having odd things is the best response he's heard yet about star 4. he continues, )
If you ever meet them, Goto Hikaru-kun used to live there, he's part of a cult. There was also Saihara Shuichi-kun, he was the Ultimate Detective, but he passed... because people here abused his talent.
( source needed on the last one, komaeda thinks that when an ultimate dies, it's everyone else's fault for being incompetent. that they should have did more than making him figure out all the murders, that they should have been smarter than what they are, and because they latched onto his light, it dimmed, and it died. )
So it was me and Hinata-kun! Add-kun's difficult, so I had to fight my way to make him join that room, because he likes to be alone! Between you and me, he really doesn't... he's made progress dealing with people, and then there were a few others who died, but then you came to us! It felt like... the perfect room! Star 4, where anything could happen. Do you like them, your roommates?
( let him waddle in front of the danger shelf so that alice can't look at it anymore. whoopsie! )
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The conversation topic is rather depressing, though! Yes, Komaeda paints the latest roommate arrangement as a positive situation, but that doesn't make up for the numerous deaths!
Alice looks up, dismayed, his attention back on Komaeda instead of the alarming shelf. ]
What in the world— Did the cult member place a curse on the room before he left?!
[ How awful it must have been to go through losing roommate after roommate, over and over, if Komaeda enjoyed sharing the space with so many people, even approaching a fellow like Add to invite him there. The perfect room... Does he really like it so much?
Komaeda's question admittedly takes Alice by surprise — he's never considered it. Prompted to examine it now, he pauses, a little awkwardly. ]
Err... As for roommates... I don't dislike them. However, the last time that I shared a room with anyone was a long time ago.
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( being able to cast spells would be fun, and maybe he could avoid some terrifying instances if he could. though, all he has it the item that add made for him that's more an advantage for cyborgs, and he also has— oh. )
I do have a curse on me though! I have someone's soul bound to me.
( and then when he graduates, it'll disappear, but it feels like a curse... housing someone else's soul with his own. it feels strange, he thinks, but he doesn't let it drive him.
because of the people he met, so of course it's perfect, but he can't have everything. he has to learn to live with other people even though it's terrifying with his luck in the way. they've been around him, all of them, and now with hinata as ultimate hope, nothing wrong will happen in that room. they're safe, it's truly the perfect room that keeps his talent humble.
this room can be scary...
ranger has always had bad luck... )
Oh, do you like rooming alone then...?
( there's this hesitance like maybe he jumped the gun dragging alice with so many people... )
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[ Is this curse the truth, unlike the fairy godmother ghost tale? Komaeda speaks of it as if it's as ordinary as discussing today's weather. At every turn, he seems to consist of new surprises, all of which raise further questions... Some of that is written in the look that Alice gives Komaeda as he eyes him, stalling for time while he feels put on the spot himself.
First, he opts for a safer remark, or so he hopes, than curses and trapped souls. ]
You have other abilities, don't you? At any rate... I suppose I've grown accustomed to having roommates... It was simply different, in the past.
[ Rooming with scary fellow inmates wouldn't have been a welcome experience, but here, he's had fun, to tell the truth. Indeed, he can't say that he disliked those times that Komaeda decided to make conversation before the night's silent hours, or joining Shin Tsukimi and Helena Adams in that hotel room. ]
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I do! I wonder if I can show them all to you before it's too late!
( he laughs, shaking his head as he smiles at alice's words, and that in itself is comfortable. he feels happy to know that he's grown accustomed, and that those few people were ideal. )
Sakasaki-kun isn't too scary is he? I know he can have a bitter outlook on life, but believe me... he doesn't mean that either!
( since he's staying with them in star 4 for awhile, so he feels like he should apologize for them too. after everything he's gone through, natsume is sensitive, and alice is kind, which doesn't make the best combo. then again, he thinks alice is comforting enough that maybe he could calm natsume's nerves as well. )
I forgot my manners! Did you need something from me! Are you hungry? I never know what to do with guests!
( he's moving away from his spot now, walking over to a little mini fridge as he pops it open, checking to see what they have. )
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If he's really forced to live with a curse, that might explain his constitution... ]
I'm not frightened of any of them. The two of you reconciled, then...
[ After the multitool incident, and the punches thrown. Alice watches Komaeda make his way to the mini fridge, crossing the floor himself after another moment's pause. ]
Hm? Oh, no, I'm not hungry at all... [ Maybe Komaeda won't believe him, considering how they met, but he isn't here to eat! It wouldn't feel right in this room anyway, on top of Komaeda barely eating. ] Didn't you want us to talk to the fish? I've even brought them a gift.
[ Now Alice turns his hand over, revealing the painted rock sitting in the center of his palm. Fish for the fish, see? ]
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( he has to think about it, tapping his bottom lip in thought as he looks up at the ceiling, and then he snaps his fingers finally understanding. natsume did punch him twice for his actions, and he shakes his head, it's not like they reconciled, it's more that they were never negative towards each other. there was never a reason to apologize, nor did they have to be upset with each other, and that scenario was just life. )
That! It's normal what we did. Hm... Akehoshi-kun was too bold towards Amami-kun, it's a lesson I taught him. Now he should know to watch his own back.
( how amami should have had subaru's back, how amami should have done this and that, it truly isn't how life works. an ultimate can do whatever they want, and if they let komaeda place the narrative, then subaru was out of line. if anything, he'll think twice before acting such a way.
komaeda pats his pocket where his multitool is. he's pushing himself up to his feet as he hears why the other is here, and there's this sudden interest— like he's excited at the thought, that he actually remembered it. turning around, he makes his way over to alice to look at the rock in his hand that has the image of a fish on it. that's pretty rare to komaeda, considering it's difficult to get a specific one. )
How many attempts did it take!?
( he touches the rock in the other's hand, tracing the fish slowly, before withdrawing his hand. )
I think we should tell the fish about that one meeting! We can reenact it and everything! What do you say?
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[ Komaeda intervened on Rantarou Amami's behalf, and Natsume Sakasaki did the same for Subaru Akehoshi, Alice imagines. The methods... Honestly, settling disputes with violence should be reserved for enemies, but if they've all recovered and there are no hard feelings, the matter is presumably forgiven on all sides. The fact that Natsume Sakasaki is temporarily using the top bunk where Komaeda slept is further proof!
With that settled, Alice takes a moment to note Komaeda's apparent excitement — so he's genuinely happy to see this rock?! It must be a rare one... Alice allows himself another moment for a laugh under his breath, a mwahaha of satisfaction, but all too soon, he has no choice but to divulge the full story behind his rock acquisition. ]
This? I... received it somewhere within a hundred pulls... I'd vowed to return, you see, and I kept my promise.
[ Not that the young shopkeeper could witness it any longer... Alice's gaze drops to the rock, resting there briefly before he meets Komaeda's eyes, expression curious. ]
What, you wish to reenact the entire meeting?! How would we divide up the roles? I mean, for example, neither of us is an intimidating little girl, if one of us has to lift the other into the air...
[ And punching Komaeda would go too far! ]
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( he doesn't expect people to keep promises with him, because why would they? he's just wasting their time, and it's a quick promise that'll send komaeda on his way so that no one has to deal with him. alice could have taken advantage of that, and then avoided komaeda as soon as he left from the room. yet, the other stands here with a rock in hand, a funny little laugh, and komaeda finds himself slightly rejuvenated to handle eccentric company. )
Maybe I should make you promise again!
( he teases, placing a hand on his hip as the other points at alice, tapping his chest to prove his point. he pulls his hand away after, looking towards the fish as alice is right in that regard. neither of them are an intimidating little girl, and she surely is... intimidating. )
We could reenact the easiest part, just two people having an argument! Like when Akehoshi-kun was arguing with Amami-kun.
( which made komaeda do what he did, but the way he speaks about it is as if they play the role of both amami and subaru... at least that sounds safer. walking over to the fish tank, one of the pearlscale goldfish is fat, but wiggling around in the tank, and because he seems the most active with alice here. he looks to the other then back at the tank, he thinks this one deserves that special rock, but there's some fish cleaner spray next to the glass to clean the rock off first before setting it in. )
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Alice steps up beside Komaeda by the fish tank, in position for their reenactment session, and for a better view of the fish as Komaeda presents them with their gift. The fat goldfish seems especially pleased, if its increase in activity can be taken as a sign of approval! ]
Very well... Let us tell the fish about that argument... Am I Subaru Akehoshi again today? I shall make another promise as well, worry not.
[ Komaeda has his hands full with cleaning the rock and finding the perfect spot to house it, so there are no hands left for outstretched pinkies. Instead, Alice lifts his right hand, placing the left against his chest. There! A solemn vow indeed. ]
I won't break it.
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( it's said with a genuine smile as he takes a step back from the tank to watch as the fish move about. the two, tiny dwarf sea horses swimming around, minding their business as komaeda looks over to alice. he'll be subaru for now, so they need to find someone to be amami. he hums in thought as he looks around the room until he finds a broom to use. if they were in star four, then they could use add's anatomical model, but sadly this is where he remains now. )
This shall be Amami-kun!
( he takes off his jacket to turn it inside out, and drapes it over the broom so it can look like a person. there's some fake sea weed grass that's for the fish, but he takes two out the packet to place as the hair. looking around the room one last time for a hat or something that'll work, he can't find anything like that, and so he opts out for jewelry. a few strings of pipe cleaner that he makes into rings and bracelets to hook onto the sleeves of his jacket. )
Okay! Now be rude to him, you heard Akehoshi-kun! Sound as inconsiderate as possible.
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[ It's muttered, another attempt at a joke, brought on by thoughts of that gun, that entire shelf. Every time, Komaeda says such things as if they don't hurt, but is that really true? Thinking them comes from somewhere.
Alice won't comment on it beyond that; lapsing into silence, he lets Komaeda prepare "Amami-kun" without any interference. The attention to detail is pretty impressive... Hair and fashionable accessories for a broom?
Then it's time, Alice's cue to take the stage. This time, some effort to deliver convincing lines is required — he isn't playing an accomplice only there to carry out physical labor anymore — which takes him some moments of thought to gather together what he remembers of Subaru Akehoshi's behavior. Lively... the blithe type?
Arms crossed, Alice purses his lips to pout at the broom as though it dared to insult him. What did Subaru Akehoshi call Rantarou Amami again...? Weren't there a lot of cute nicknames for everyone?
He isn't certain, so coming up with his own will have to do! ]
Ran... Ran-chan! How could you?! You've broken my heart, and I'll never forgive you, you hear?! You're a big meanie, you seaweed head!
[ ...That feels like a little too much. In fact, even though they don't mean any of it, it doesn't feel good at all, here, after everything! ]
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as the show begins, komaeda takes a few steps back to watch alice's display, but the cute nickname (which is adorable, he's impressed) isn't the one that subaru actually uses. what does he use? that's how much attention komaeda pays to him actually. arms crossed, he watches the other before shaking his head! )
Cut, cut, cut!! You have to be more dramatic!! You know, stomp your foot down, and whine like a child!
( the way that subaru would do because he's inconsiderate and only thinks of himself, that's how it should be. it's funny, it's almost like directing a movie.
again, he stands in the way of the chemicals in the room, and with an "x" made with both his arms. )
You can hit him — ( fakemami ) It's fine! I'll come in right after, okay?
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[ He thought that his performance met all the requirements! Wasn't he extremely rude? Trying to recall how Subaru Akehoshi might have thrown a tantrum, Alice draws a blank, but then, he wasn't eavesdropping on every single word spoken that day. In any case, it's probably not a bad idea to aim for a more heated take...
Though he may be bigger than the boy he's expected to portray, stomping his foot down with full force shouldn't be a problem. Here it comes, take two! Alice's foot hits the floor, not quietly. The pieces of furniture nearby shake just slightly; the water in the fish tank ripples.
"Amami" tips sideways — until Alice catches the broom, hands wrapped around its handle below the green hair. He won't give up! ]
The silent treatment?! You're really going to make me cry, Ran-chaaaan... You're such a bullyyyy...
[ With the back of one hand, he swats at the broom. ]
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sadly, komaeda has never had a cousin to bicker with so he wouldn't properly know outside of movies. )
You're doing this perfectly, Mary Anne! Come on, keep it up! What next!
( grabbing a sheet of paper, he curls it so that he can use it as a megaphone for his thoughts. smacking it in his hand like one would handle a film, he walks over to see how close alice and the broom are. he knows that subaru would get super close to amami, unfortunately in a way that komaeda wasn't too fond of.
he taps alice's back gently with the rolled up piece if paper. )
Remember to complain that he never watches your back, but with feeling!
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Rantarou Amami losing his garments isn't accurate, and Alice hastily adjusts the jacket draped around the broom, holding it against the handle even as he gives one of the sleeves a tug. ]
See? You're so meaaaan, ignoring meeee! That's why you never watch my back! I thought we were friends, but I guess I was wrong...
[ Moving to shove the broom against the wall, he pins it there with his palms. ]
Do you even watch anyone's back?!
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subaru can be quite troublesome, but apparently what he does is called having a good heart. then what are those who are insufferable and rotton, what sort of puss oozes out of that muscle where he looks for reasons to break the skin of a person to see their weaker side. can that really be called having a good heart?
with his hand around his multitool, komaeda walks over to stare at the state of the dummy upon close inspection, but then there's a gasp as he lifts his hands from out of his pockets. he strikes alice's back— blade included as he just remembered at that moment! )
Amachan! He disrespectfully calls him "Amachan!"
( ...
...
...
hopefully he didn't stab too deep, but... )
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Wh... Why...?
[ He wheezes it out, fingers feeling along his back. Did Komaeda really stab him, instead of merely hitting him with that piece of paper...? Because he used the wrong nickname, or did his acting skills take Komaeda back to that day? But he and Subaru Akehoshi don't look or sound anything alike, in reality!
Moving is agony — still, Alice makes an attempt to climb to his feet, meaning to check what exactly happened by using a mirror. If he were seriously injured, there would be blood gushing out of him, right?!
Wincing, he turns his head to peer over his shoulder. ]
I'm not really Subaru Akehoshi, you knoooow...!
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N...No, I didn't mean to... I...
( he wants to say it was an accident, that he had remembered that the name, and had forgotten that he was holding it. it wasn't komaeda's plan to actually harm him, and he's biting down on his tongue.
where there's scolding, komaeda slides the blade into his pocket as he watches alice check his own wound. )
I... didn't want to harm you.
( normally, he's good at remembering what he has on him at the moment. his health is probably deteriorating quicker than he realizes, and he feels... wrong, horrible, but he's quick to push those feelings under the rug as he looks to the other.
he wants to walk over, but what if he does something unfortunate again? )
Are you okay...? ( blood raises to the surface of alice's back, spreading on his shirt, but it's not oozing which must be good? )
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How strange to consider that even after weeks of sharing a room, Komaeda remains a mystery, but now isn't the time to press him for explanations, and perhaps it never will be.
Alice glances up, looks over at Komaeda. The immediate shock has begun to subside, and the pain isn't as sharp, as long as he makes no sudden movements to aggravate the wound's throbbing. Passing across the patch of fabric covering it, his fingertips come away slightly damp. ]
...It hurts, but I doubt I'll die from it, so I still won't break my promise.
[ Seizing the hem of his shirt, he pulls it a few centimeters up his torso to bare enough of his back for a look at the wound. It's no good — he can't twist comfortably to see anything, and within seconds, he has to give up on it, breath catching in a gasp of his own.
He tries to cover it up with another laugh, for fear of the consequences of today's mishap. ]
Plainly, my acting talent is truly formidable...
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( if blood drips onto the floor then they'll be sent to the void, and he knows the last thing alice wants to deal with is the gardener outside the doors that roams the courtyard. he didn't seem fond of it first time, and a second time with forced exposure from stabbing. the multitool is slipped into his pocket, blood and all, as he walks over to the other to check out the state of his back. blood's already seeped through the fabric, but it doesn't seem to be the worst of an affair they've been through. due to komaeda's medical intel, he's able to reassure him just a bit as he speaks up, or so he's hoping for that. )
It's... not bad, but you have to do something about it...
( digging into his pockets for anything else, he doesn't have what's needed to stop the bleeding on hand, but with a few steps left towards the tanks—- then he can pick up an unused rag, holding it tightly as nails dig into the fabric leaving crescent-print idents. with pressure, it's applied to alice's back to stem the blood, and he'll probably feel an immediately burn because of it— dry fabric touching an open wound, and komaeda didn't even wait for him to pull his shirt back down. )
You were so spot on, I had forgotten it was in my hand! Hm hm... I'll get in trouble if I keep you here, I can walk you to the nurse's office...
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Trouble...? Well, I'll allow the nurse to provide a second opinion... Subaru Akehoshi did the same, didn't he?
[ So even this is a continuation of the scene for the fish, though Alice could have done without his current discomfort. Walking exacerbates it, as he quickly discovers, and he can't keep it from lacing the tone of his voice. If the rag isn't enough to stanch the bleeding, his shirt will soak it up, clinging to the wound before long. He'd like to sit down. ]
What of you? Are you... It surprised me, but I know you didn't do it on purpose.
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