🎉 if i celebrate, i want to offer my heartfelt and honest congratulations

[nortonnnn]

Who: Norton Campbell, Nagito Komaeda, and open to anyone who'd be willing to offer Komaeda birthday wishes of their own volition
When: April 28, after class
What: 3rd floor, music room

---

Arriving

( so, it's like this: nobody likes komaeda.

well, it seems that way a lot of the time, from what norton's observing, and the unfortunate fact of the matter? no matter how absolutely off-his-rocker insane he's been acting, he... well, real or not, he didn't seem to be a bad guy in those memories norton has of him. try as he might, he can't simply act as though they don't exist either. so instead, with a sigh of defeat and an important date that he'd learned in those strange memories in mind, he'll go about collecting those who seem to be... more tolerant (even if that's a generous way to express it) of komaeda lately.

he's already arranged for the most reliable chef he's yet to meet in this school to help by preparing a birthday cake, (and learned quite a bit in the process, actually,) and he's let the others know where they should gather. so, when norton decides it's about time to drag komaeda to the survival club's meeting room for some kind of survival club-related excuse of a reason, there should hopefully already be at least a couple of people there and waiting for them—including one boy holding a white cat who may or may not look a little out of his element.

his voice is soft, but as the cake and the small collection of people he's managed to gather come into view, norton offers a smile. )

Happy birthday.

---

01.) ♡

( so... how will you greet the birthday boy? tag-ins will be assumed to be for komaeda, unless otherwise indicated! )

Comments

closed leave me alone im killing you closed @ norton I HAVE TO KILL HIM

[commences]

( if you blink, you may miss the shortest moment where komaeda actually appears to be shocked by the arrangement, his eyes widen and the expression is out of his element. he couldn't remember the last time he was put in a position like this, nor can he remember this many people in one sitting even going this far, it's just... really unfamiliar. his lips twitch, almost curving up, but he tries really hard to not let his feelings slip through so easily, but some are mindful than others so whatever has been betrayed is already out there. especially when you work hard to seem like a horrible person around here, but mostly because of his obsession with hope and etc.

of course, komaeda turns on his heel towards the prospector, and he points one finger at him — if he can dismiss those feelings like they weren't there, play it off like he didn't do that. especially with how quick his attitude changes, sighing as if he's disappointed in this already... )

"Happy Birthday"?

( he sounds like he's waiting for an explanation, but there's just not enough time to do so as he speaks up again. )

Just because you're lonely doesn't mean you have to use me as an excuse to bring them together.

( his words hardly have a bite to them, but it's more of a comment to redirect the situation somewhere else. yeah, he's onto you norton, he's onto you! )

...That's what I'd say if it was the case, really, you're really wasting your time going this far for someone like me.

:3c

[nortonnnn]

( tragically for komaeda, norton doesn't miss that moment of weakness he shows. not at all. people are his primary skill, and while it's not something he'll brag about, that instant of surprise, of softness, isn't lost on norton by any means. so even though there is a bit of a sting when komaeda turns on him the way that he does, tone accusatory and expression judgmental, norton brushes it off dismissively with only a raised brow to show for komaeda's efforts. )

Whether it's a waste of time or not, isn't that something for them to decide?

( following komaeda's example, he doesn't offer the space for the other to answer, nodding in their direction instead. )

And it doesn't look like they agree with you there.

( he looks pretty satisfied with himself as he says it, too. though, through the show komaeda is putting on, norton feels like he's beginning to understand something, however small, about him. his expression softens for that, smile warm and sincere. )

...It's fine. You should be able to enjoy yourself today, at least.

[unsurely]

[ The boy holding a white cat does very much look out of his element, which is... honestly, because he is. And it's still an improvement from what he was doing earlier, standing stiffly with "Lily May" in his arms from the moment that Norton offered her, telling him to make sure she won't leave before she's had the chance to be part of the celebration. It makes sense, really... it's a cat, so there's no reason she'd understand that they're waiting for Komaeda or that they want her in this room specifically for a little longer, but... that doesn't change the fact that Saihara doesn't know what to do.

Even from the way he's trying to pet her right now, that's plenty apparent, his own fingers dodging clumsily around her face as she's trying to do... whatever she's trying, really. This was Enh's idea, blame him. ]

Ah... Happy birthday, Komaeda-kun.

[ He lifts his head when, after a while of waiting, Norton does appear with the intended guest, adding his own wish in a quiet, soft voice intermingled with the others. If Lily May is kind enough, maybe a mrow of recognition can be heard in the mix as well, idk Enh said Ori said we can NPC the cats so I'm going for it. She perks up in Saihara's arms, watching attentively as things happen in the room around the familiar figure she's spent time with before, and eventually... it's their turn.

Careful not to drop or disturb her too much, Saihara holds Lily May up with both arms as she swishes her tail and meows again like in greeting, eyes trained on Komaeda's face. She's climbing on him instead at the first chance she gets, she is smart and Ready. ]

H-Here... I don't know a lot about cats, but... I think she's trying to say it in person too, right?

[commences]

I know it's hard, but you can treat today like any other normal day.

( it's hard to tell how he feels... appreciative? acknowledged?, even though komaeda doesn't know how to say that forthright because it doesn't come natural to him like anything else. for now, he's passing on this day like it belongs to someone else or it just doesn't exist, but it's hard to turn away at times like this. his reactions are slightly delayed as he seems to be thinking about how to respond, and it's sort of awkward to have an ultimate here wishing him a happy birthday, not only that, lily may cradled right into his arms. )

It's lucky... she never comes around unless I trick her. ( which must be a good sign, ) So it's true, animals are attracted to strong hope... no wonder she's like that with you.

( he's out of his element, not too sure how to go about this especially making idle chitchat with saihara, and where komaeda's ready to fall into complete silence is lily may's perfect encouragement of climbing on him. where her paws fall, onto his arm and then onto his shoulder, there's a slight flinch visible from komaeda (along with a soft, but audible "ow") as he cants his head to the side to allow her full reign. it's almost like a nudge at the end of the day, one where his lips purse into a straight line as he glances off to the side, not too distant, but not too sure where to go from here.

he doesn't know if he should say thank you, or if he should continue to ignore why everyone's here — the loud purring in his ear is a reminder of how difficult it is for him to capture her, and yet they did it with ease. it's done slowly, how his eyes are hesitant to lock back into the ultimate's own, and for once... he feels slightly nervous. he doesn't deserve someone like saihara speaking to him like this, so naturally he feels the need to — )

I'm sorry... For an Ultimate Detective, there isn't much to find here. ( he pauses like he's ready to stop the conversation, but he continues. ) I'm happy that you weren't put off by someone like me. ( that's his way of saying happy to see you. )

[dokkans]

[ Okay, she has no idea who the hell Komaeda is. Bonnie either hasn't been paying enough attention or hasn't really cared too much to learn, but since there was something interesting going on, there was the knowledge of a survival club, and there was cake... how could she say no?

So, surprise! A newbie's here to give greetings! ]

Happy birthday~! ♥

[ now wheres that cake ]

[commences]

( does she want in on the survival club, ah, you know what that can be arranged especially with how komaeda's playing this day off. though, when she speaks to him, he's familiar with the notion of responding back when a child speaks to him — thank his earlier days for this, and all he manages is a short wave of his hand. )

...Ah, you're just in time!

( leave him alone, this is kind of hard since... bonnie doesn't even know who he is, do people really just do this? let's just say his luck is working out in their favor because komaeda doesn't eat sweets, but bonnie does. so what about this untouched slice of cake in his hand that she could possibly be eyeing if she's looking for that in general. don't get him wrong, nene has to be a great baker, but having someone else who can appreciate her skills will probably satisfy komaeda more than him eating it himself. he offers the plate with a nice sized cake over to her, and the eating utensil is wrapped in a napkin so she can understand it hasn't been touched. )

( yes, she SURE IS!! )

Here, a gift for you.

this is an open

[contrarily]

( because, despite this being a komaeda birthday party, she's not actually here to wish him happy birthday. no... norton told her about the cake, and about how there isn't going to be a lot of people, so she can have more than one slice, and so... she attends, despite not harboring any particularly positive feelings for the birthday boy. he's kinda annoying, alright? and weird. and talks about stuff she doesn't understand. and smells like a grandpa. and doesn't wash his hair. and probably a lot of other stuff she's too lazy to list here, but the POINT IS

when she arrives, she ignores everyone and beelines straight for the food table, no ifs and buts about it. )

Hey, did you guys bring the cake out yet? I'm hungry. ( she calls over her shoulder, to nobody in particular — before spotting it. it looks... well, it's fine, she wasn't expecting bakery quality, or anything...

so she takes a slice onto a paper plate and turns around, stuffing a piece into her mouth. )

This party sucks. Where's the music? Has nobody here attended a party before? Jeez.

thinkin how i cant make it rain rats

[commences]

( komaeda doesn't want this to be his birthday either, and no matter what he wants, people continue to wish him one or make it known that it's his day. rika, however, doesn't do anything like that, and as straight to the point she is — komaeda's kind of used to it. it's almost like a normal day, but there's this part of him that wonders why she came to begin with considering there's more sweets in the home ec room than there is in here. )

Oh, we thought you were bringing the music. Didn't you get the memo?

( actually, there was no memo, and komaeda's only teasing as he looks at how much of the cake she's ate into before staring back at her plate. damn, leave some cake for the other's you hungry ass bitch! he isn't doing anything else because he's waiting for what her response may be, didn't rika know that this whole party was counting on her? since she knows how a real party should go. little do they know, their one man rat band is on his way, just give him some time.

kick, push, kick, push and coooast. )

[closewithnewintown]

The only instrument we have is the piano; all the others are locked away. [which, considering steph can only play guitar... Not Ideal.] This place is pretty old; do you think they even have any CD players?

[hi stephanie is from maybe 2006 where she has access to time travel, virtual reality, and maybe an ipod nano.]

[closewithnewintown]

[absolutely unfair to spring a birthday on her so soon she usually has WEEKS to prepare her perfect gift. but that's okay she can make do. after all, all she needs is a piece of white construction paper and some colored pencils.

the card she, beaming proudly, hands to him is Big. at the top is HAPPY BIRTHDAY, in big bubble letters and decorated with little hearts. in the middle is a weirdly photorealistic drawing of Komaeda, looking very sane and happy because she has taken creative license, with the white cat curled around his neck. at the bottom is a simple "Love, Stephanie" and a drawing of a white calla lily.]

Happy birthday! Um, it's the best I could do on short notice! I hope you like it!

no.... shes cute.. be still my heart

[commences]

( you know what, everyone learning about his affiliation with lily may is going to get him in trouble one day, but they're not wrong. if komaeda's honest, he can't even remember the last time he was given a gift on his birthday — his parents left him at a really young age, and from there it wasn't like anyone cared to remember. nor did he have siblings to do the same either, so to have stephanie walk up to him with something in mind makes him stare.

he's a freak as always, a little slow in responding, but the moment his lips part: )

Stephanie-san. ( what happened to meanswell-san? why did he get even politer? is it because he doesn't know what to do? whatever it must be, he doesn't reject the gift that's offered to him as he looks it over properly from the hearts to the signature, and even the white calla lily. one hand raises to tap at the drawing of the white cat, and there's a smile that pulls on his lips as he looks towards her now. ) You're always showing me something new about yourself, but this sort of effort shouldn't have been given to me.

( you know, because he doesn't deserve it. )

♡ for the emotional support bastard ♡

[mermaidcursed]

( now, the truth is... nene's still mad at komaeda. he pulls her into weird, sketchy stuff and then rants about hope and murder and causes so many problems. all of it on purpose.

but she meant it when she said she doesn't hate him. so when norton asks for her help, she happily agrees! she even tries fishing for information- what flavors does he like? color? it's very important, you know! and once the time comes, she's ready. the cake is smoothly frosted with white and green (and she absolutely, lovingly bullied norton into helping with the frosting. he didn't even know about the crumb coating...) and she has a second, softer bundle in her arms. there's little she can do for wrapping paper in this place, but. well. hopefully he'll like his new blanket? )

Komaeda-san! Happy birthday!!

OK LET ME TELL U I LEARNED I HAVE TO CALL OLD PPL SAN LIKE TWO DAYS AGO

[commences]

( it's a little difficult for him, and maybe nene can see that the way komaeda seems to be staying to himself — he's not a wallflower, but he always have something on his mind. if he thinks in the back, there's no one who can ruin his concentration. what he's thinking about? why would everyone go this far for him especially after what he's done — the things he does doesn't make sense, but deep down in his mind the reason he acts like this is to protect them from him. he's a wildcard, unable to control himself, and here he is in a room with others.

though, when nene comes closer, his eyes fall on her, and for a moment his expression is softer than usual before it returns to that more positive, upbeat look he normally wears. that's a chance to learn that he's happy to see her, and don't get him wrong, he remembers how izumi took her away from him. while it's not the time to think about it, for some reason, it makes this meeting a little more special. )

Yashiro-san... ( sounds like he's trying to find something to say, but to see what she's come with also makes him silent. oh, if he doesn't say something in time... ) Did Campbell-san lie to you too?

closed, open, idk, leave me a comment and i'll write us sumn! c:

[commences]

( think of this an an infinite wildcard and whatever rolls for the birthday boy might be chaotic so good luck. )

CHAOS, CHAOS

[hatesdeerstalkers]

[hit me with your best shot because he doesn't know it's Komaeda's birthday, boy howdy.]

[adsum]

[ Give me something for me and Roku~n, who wasn't invited to Komaeda's birthday party as much as he just knew it was Komaeda's birthday and set out to find him after class. Look at him surrounded by so many people... cute... Roku~n is definitely surprised by this fact when he finally gets to the music room in his rounds and stumbles upon this gettogether, but he's also rather relieved, in the way you're worried about a sibling not fitting in at school but they prove you wrong when you surprise check up on them and it's just very nice to see. ]

i thought i PRESSED TEH WRONG BUTTON LOOKS AWAY

[englisch]

[ She is so excited to show him all of her WORK AND EFFORT!! It was extremely - extremely important, because Diona was watching Edgar and she learned this thing called 'layering.' The girl was so excited to learn this in doing art that she tried hard to make a very cool picture for Komaeda and his birthday. To which she were aware of because they were friends from their high school life.

After waiting til he was free- the girl scampers up to him and holds the painting out infront of the others face. ]

Happy Birthday! Komeowda!!!!

[crystallomancy]

( ...Nagito Komaeda isn't Natsume's favorite person, but he isn't his least favorite either. He's frustrating to figure out, but some of the things he says sets something off in Natsume's head, little ghosts of days gone past.

Not literally, as if they'd ever been friends in this high school, but echoes of other people he knows.

He's pretty much keeping to the back, using the excuse of two certain girls being here as his reason to be here, but if he catches Komaeda's eye he'll keep their gazes locked just long enough to imply a 'come here' before it shifts away, back to watching Nene and Stephanie.

...What, like he'd make this easy? )

[commences]

( where natsume lacks in feelings, komaeda manages to make up for it in his annoying way — he may not be too thrilled to be near the ultimate, but that doesn't mean he feels the same. or rather, komaeda's feelings are complicated as he's one who's unable to understand another person's, and perhaps that's why he's able to bother natsume without how he feels getting in the way. what he's slowly learning from this get together is that... he didn't expect certain people to show up.

actually, he didn't expect natsume if he was honest. sure, keeping an eye on nene and stephanie is a given, and one that komaeda mutually understands (from his despair days). though, seeing the other do this (while chit chatting idly with what girls are here) reminds him that the other can be soft at times, so it's why that resting bitchface he normally has the moment they lock eyes that he truly believes his thoughts.

of course, komaeda isn't easy either as he walks over with a wide smile on his face. ) Sakasaki-kun! ( unsurprisingly, he sounds exciting to see him. ) It's a shame you came all the way here, but it's also your lucky day.

( isn't this actually komaeda's day? well, it's because he spoke first so he's here to cause problems as fast as he can. )

open

[trialbyliar]

[Cake is a pretty solid excuse to come to a party, even if said party is for a lunatic weirdo. It's not 100% true, but "I wanna keep an eye on this freak" is a lot more likely to start a debate he doesn't want. That one doesn't really fit his brand, anyway.

So yes. Cake.

Kokichi's seated himself on the edge of a table, kicking his feet while he digs in hungrily (he's always hungry, lately).]

Ugh, gross. Who made this? It's waaaay too sweet. I can't handle sweet things, y'know.

[Whining not aimed at anyone in particular. He's just gotta be his normal annoying self.

(And of course, he doesn't actually stop eating it.)]



((ooc: also feel free to hit me with a wildcard starter if you prefer!!))

[commences]

( it wouldn't be a party if there wasn't any party games, so with his eyes covered by a blindfold, there's a leash in his hands as he tries to collar the.... donkey. you make do with what you have. think about it, had izumi not taken away komaeda's gun then he would be able to play russian roulette like every other normal person, but nothing's that easy. just because he doesn't care for his birthday doesn't mean he's against the party games like some sort of scrooge, but he's able to enjoy himself with the others to play around. besides, a few of the people were lucky in snapping it around komaeda's neck when it was their turn —

anyway, the thing about this is that komaeda's lucky, and other times, he isn't lucky at all — so how will his luck swing? well, towards ouma obviously.

he misses a few times when trying to collar someone, so with every step it brings him towards the ultimate — it's not like he's paying any mind to that. as much as he senses hope, despair and talent, he seems to be enjoying himself that he can't really tell. it's why while he can't see that he comes even closer towards ouma, and with the collar open.. will he try and snap it around the youth's neck! now it's time to rng whether komaeda's successful or ouma's going to cuss him the fuck out because... yeah.

komaeda's going for it! )

because u told me tooooo!

[mermaidcursed]

( given that he's still eating it, she's preeeeeeetty sure he's just whining to whine. but also. what if he's not. even though he's frankly not the intended recipient, she can't help but worry. )

Oh, did I really use too much sugar...?

( did she just open herself up to more teasing? yes.


fuck. )

/slides in bc you said it's open

[hatesdeerstalkers]

Then you shouldn't have taken it, should you?

[That comes from a blue eyed man who looks absolutely silly in a high school uniform, giving Kokichi a friendly wave and a smile.]

Though - I suspect you 'doth protest too much', hm?

[crystallomancy]

Then don't keep eating IT, unless you're planning on getting sick and embarrassing yourself in front of everyONE...

( .............actually. )

Never MIND, go ahead and continUE ♪

you know what this is

[futurebullets]

[It's taken a lot of convincing from undisclosed parties to get Hinata to show up, but he has enough affection for these certain undisclosed parties that he was swayed enough to make an appearance.

He has a lot of reasons not to. Out of anyone, considering just how much baggage he has with Komaeda Nagito, Hinata certainly has a lot of reasons to not show up today. Things already felt so complicated when it came to him, but now since they've been in this school, things feel even more complex...

But he didn't necessarily not want to show up. After all, even if he says it every chance he gets, Hinata doesn't actually hate Komaeda. Only wishes that he did.

It would make life a lot easier, if he did.

Throughout the party, most of his time is spent keeping an eye on things, expression either turning grumpy or pensive depending on what happens to be unfolding at any given moment. But eventually, when there's a lull in activity, Hinata will steel himself and walk up to Komaeda.

In spite of himelf, he kind of hates that he doesn't have a present. But his nerves shyness? are more overpowering than his lack of gift, so Hinata finds himself struggling to maintain eye contact for long.]

...Hey. [His voice is steady at least, even if his gaze keeps darting away from Komaeda.] It'd be weird if I hung around and didn't say anything considering what day it is, so...

[He forces his eyes forward, face just a little hint of red.]

...Happy birthday, Komaeda.

oh i exactly know what this is

[commences]

( komaeda has to be good today, actually. with everything put together, he has various eyes on him, and he wouldn't surprise him if hinata came as one as well. besides, he's self-appointed himself as someone to wrangle komaeda in when he's up to no good, and even when people all around are counting on him — he can't help but fall into his own feelings. the other has always been like this, and it's enough to make the ultimate chuckle when hinata decides to speak to him.

it's a surprise he's not bothered considering the last time he was at a party. he pauses, looking at the other as he contemplates over his choice of words. for him to say that... )

What are you doing, Hinata-kun! We aren't strangers, did you forget about that?

( because he looks so embarrassed, so komaeda can't help himself when he walks closer to the youth, and he reaches out to poke his warm cheek. )

So there's no need to be polite with me, especially when it's just between us. Go on, get down on your knees and tell me "Happy Birthday" properly.