[ 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.
( alice is right, subaru went to the nurse's office along with amami, and his eyes glance between alice and then to the makeshift amami that they created. he takes his hand back to stuff them into his pocket before biting at the tip of his tongue, and with another step back he'll look over to the fish. they're still playing the same role as before, but komaeda didn't mean to actually stab him— he got excited! but even his happiness is dangerous, enough to cause other's pain if they're not careful, and is that not what he wrought towards the other? )
Amami-kun will take you to the office...
( the only part that isn't accurate is komaeda feeling bad about his stab, he shouldn't have concerns on whether alice will be fine or not. yet, here he is, tapping his foot on the floor as he can feel the blood covered on the weapon he used, and his thumb brushes along the surface. it's not about wiping his hands clean when he does that, or getting them even dirtier, rather him accepting the fact of his decision as he makes his way over to the door. fingers around the knob, turning it to one side, and with a click the door comes open, and komaeda pushes it forward.
stay in character, but also he's trying to get him out sooner than later. )
[ Komaeda's mood strikes Alice as subdued again, somehow distracted. Does he really feel so guilty for the accidental stabbing? It's no exaggeration that it's an unpleasant experience, but he took a look at the injury and acknowledged that it isn't serious, so it must be something that bandages and some rest will heal in no time, and since it wasn't intentional, of course he'll be forgiven!
That said, it's challenging to walk through the dormitory building as if there's nothing wrong, and crossing the courtyard to make it to the school steadily becomes even more taxing. Inevitably, Alice's feet shuffle along gingerly. He feels too aware of his body — it's like dragging that annoying ball and chain around all over again, like the chafing of his handcuffs rubbing against his wrist. ]
Cubetaro Hamburger endured being stabbed... I'll make a swift recovery...
[ Though he brushes the back of his hand across his brow, wiping away the sheen of perspiration inexplicably beading there, he casts about for some reassuring thing to say. ]
( while he could offer a polite "who," komaeda chooses to keep his lips shut tight, pursed together with everything else inside. his face speaks more than him by his sickly green eyes widening his words, and his eyelids blinking more than once to show his lack of familiarity with the name.
at least he didn't die and come here, that could help alice endure the pain that creeps up to that one specific spot. his own eyes slip out of focus, disconnecting with the sutuation on a mental level, and the two seem empty until he manages to shake his head, and white, fluffy hair hits against his cheek. stay strong, komaeda. )
I cause too many problems, so... pleasure survive?
( that comes out both awkward and sheepish, and though he's wrapped in his own concerns and worries; he doesn't want that to become comfortable. it's a habitual cloud of self-loathing and distaste for himself, disappointed that he hasn't held back, or allowed common sense to grab him by the wrist to hold him back. the hatred he has for himself is thick, indivisible; an indistinct welt of what used to be identifiable moments. he's separating himself, but the issue comes from how his mind works, and how hope eases his actions.
he survived, and will continue to as long as hope is a driving force—
komaeda holds out. )
I want Mary Anne to make a recovery, hope is the salve for when complicated events like this arise, you know...!
[ It's debatable whether Alice's efforts to reassure Komaeda are successful — as far as he can tell, they're slowly having the intended effect, but perhaps speaking of "hope" is the true key? Mentioning Cubetaro Hamburger doesn't mean much, since Komaeda hasn't met the man, and Komaeda still seems troubled, if he considers today's incident another instance of causing problems, so the reassurances so far haven't quite done the trick yet. It would also be weird and insulting to pat him on the head like a child, wouldn't it?!
Thankfully, it looks like he's returned from wherever his mind wandered to make him stare at nothing... Hope is the salve, is it? ]
I intend to survive, obviously! Hope, you say... Such as the fish hoping for my autograph? Or should I hope for the wound to heal without a scar?
[ Though it's not as if anyone, including himself, would have to look at it. The walking will end soon, too, and he's sure to make his promised swift recovery after obtaining his bandages and sitting still for a while. ]
Anyway, I'm certain that the nurse will let me leave after mere minutes...
[ Alice points out the hallway to the nurse's office, once it comes into view. ]
( the word changes the color of his world where that bleak darkness took over and it becomes something brighter, a bit more lively as he stares at the other with wide eyes. the term has mixed feelings between him and others, but when alice says it, it's almost like he understands... does he understand the way komaeda uses hope? how it helps a person thrive and prosper? how deaths motivate a person to act... he'd like to think so.
he does manage a smile, and even a laugh that surprises him being the second time alice has gotten one out of him. could today be looking up for him and his view of others? he wouldn't be surprised if alice felt offput around komaeda considering all that he's done between being a murderer and stabbing him when the convict has done no wrong. )
If you make it... you can sign a rock, and we'll put it in fish tank! But you have to return from war, okay?
( with that said as they finally make it to the nurse's office which is closed, he looks over to alice one last time. )
I'll go back to the dorm, if I don't cover up the smell of blood... Riokun will think I've done something I regret.
( now does this mean he doesn't regret, or maybe he's trying not to regret so that alice's efforts as of now don't seem meaningless. )
[ It seems that they've really uttered the magic word — Komaeda has cheered up, Alice thinks. If he's able to smile and laugh, and it's not forced, the accident that unfortunately cut short their fish session isn't weighing him down too much! A signed rock for the fish is a good idea...
As before, Alice rests one hand on his chest, raising the other for one more vow. ]
Of course! I shall return from war, and the fish will have my autograph... Since you're good at cleaning, there's nothing to regret.
[ The raised hand waves at Komaeda in parting until Alice is alone in front of the door to the nurse's office. Then he lets himself hunch over a bit against the jabs of pain prickling through him, laying his palm over the wound in his back before he turns to the closed door to knock.
Is anyone there...? It could be the wrong time of day, or the school nurse is busy with another patient. He'd rather avoid the visit altogether — coming here is too much of a reminder of that Asunaro facility's medical office, even without any dolls or strange devices around... ]
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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. )
no subject
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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( alice is right, subaru went to the nurse's office along with amami, and his eyes glance between alice and then to the makeshift amami that they created. he takes his hand back to stuff them into his pocket before biting at the tip of his tongue, and with another step back he'll look over to the fish. they're still playing the same role as before, but komaeda didn't mean to actually stab him— he got excited! but even his happiness is dangerous, enough to cause other's pain if they're not careful, and is that not what he wrought towards the other? )
Amami-kun will take you to the office...
( the only part that isn't accurate is komaeda feeling bad about his stab, he shouldn't have concerns on whether alice will be fine or not. yet, here he is, tapping his foot on the floor as he can feel the blood covered on the weapon he used, and his thumb brushes along the surface. it's not about wiping his hands clean when he does that, or getting them even dirtier, rather him accepting the fact of his decision as he makes his way over to the door. fingers around the knob, turning it to one side, and with a click the door comes open, and komaeda pushes it forward.
stay in character, but also he's trying to get him out sooner than later. )
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That said, it's challenging to walk through the dormitory building as if there's nothing wrong, and crossing the courtyard to make it to the school steadily becomes even more taxing. Inevitably, Alice's feet shuffle along gingerly. He feels too aware of his body — it's like dragging that annoying ball and chain around all over again, like the chafing of his handcuffs rubbing against his wrist. ]
Cubetaro Hamburger endured being stabbed... I'll make a swift recovery...
[ Though he brushes the back of his hand across his brow, wiping away the sheen of perspiration inexplicably beading there, he casts about for some reassuring thing to say. ]
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at least he didn't die and come here, that could help alice endure the pain that creeps up to that one specific spot. his own eyes slip out of focus, disconnecting with the sutuation on a mental level, and the two seem empty until he manages to shake his head, and white, fluffy hair hits against his cheek. stay strong, komaeda. )
I cause too many problems, so... pleasure survive?
( that comes out both awkward and sheepish, and though he's wrapped in his own concerns and worries; he doesn't want that to become comfortable. it's a habitual cloud of self-loathing and distaste for himself, disappointed that he hasn't held back, or allowed common sense to grab him by the wrist to hold him back. the hatred he has for himself is thick, indivisible; an indistinct welt of what used to be identifiable moments. he's separating himself, but the issue comes from how his mind works, and how hope eases his actions.
he survived, and will continue to as long as hope is a driving force—
komaeda holds out. )
I want Mary Anne to make a recovery, hope is the salve for when complicated events like this arise, you know...!
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Thankfully, it looks like he's returned from wherever his mind wandered to make him stare at nothing... Hope is the salve, is it? ]
I intend to survive, obviously! Hope, you say... Such as the fish hoping for my autograph? Or should I hope for the wound to heal without a scar?
[ Though it's not as if anyone, including himself, would have to look at it. The walking will end soon, too, and he's sure to make his promised swift recovery after obtaining his bandages and sitting still for a while. ]
Anyway, I'm certain that the nurse will let me leave after mere minutes...
[ Alice points out the hallway to the nurse's office, once it comes into view. ]
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( the word changes the color of his world where that bleak darkness took over and it becomes something brighter, a bit more lively as he stares at the other with wide eyes. the term has mixed feelings between him and others, but when alice says it, it's almost like he understands... does he understand the way komaeda uses hope? how it helps a person thrive and prosper? how deaths motivate a person to act... he'd like to think so.
he does manage a smile, and even a laugh that surprises him being the second time alice has gotten one out of him. could today be looking up for him and his view of others? he wouldn't be surprised if alice felt offput around komaeda considering all that he's done between being a murderer and stabbing him when the convict has done no wrong. )
If you make it... you can sign a rock, and we'll put it in fish tank! But you have to return from war, okay?
( with that said as they finally make it to the nurse's office which is closed, he looks over to alice one last time. )
I'll go back to the dorm, if I don't cover up the smell of blood... Riokun will think I've done something I regret.
( now does this mean he doesn't regret, or maybe he's trying not to regret so that alice's efforts as of now don't seem meaningless. )
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As before, Alice rests one hand on his chest, raising the other for one more vow. ]
Of course! I shall return from war, and the fish will have my autograph... Since you're good at cleaning, there's nothing to regret.
[ The raised hand waves at Komaeda in parting until Alice is alone in front of the door to the nurse's office. Then he lets himself hunch over a bit against the jabs of pain prickling through him, laying his palm over the wound in his back before he turns to the closed door to knock.
Is anyone there...? It could be the wrong time of day, or the school nurse is busy with another patient. He'd rather avoid the visit altogether — coming here is too much of a reminder of that Asunaro facility's medical office, even without any dolls or strange devices around... ]
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