🎉 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, 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.]

sometimes you need to plot semi murder at the party

[commences]

( komaeda's been sitting for quite awhile as everyone takes part in the party — rika's the life of the party, one wail and everyone will be instantly hooked, but that's not the case. she's just cute and adorable so who wouldn't love her? it's enough for komaeda to stay out of sight and out of mind, depending on who she's talking to, but everyone should always have the inkling suspicion to keep their eyes on komaeda. at this rate, he doesn't mind it, nor does he really think about what he's doing in terms of being here.

saying that they care for him is too bold, too much to think about so he finds himself flipping the lid of the piano, and he's picking out his switchblade from days ago as his weapon of choice. his fingers pinch at the strings in an attempt to see their durability, plucking the one and then another, and he figures that this will work. snipping a few of the strings — god, maya is going to be on his ASS — he holds them in one hand and slips the weapon back into his pocket.

not only that, he needs a stool. once he finds one, he'll put it at the entrance of music room's door, and climb atop as he proceeds to hold one of the piano wires up against the top like one would do a mistletoe. he's trying to decide whether he likes his idea or not, but only god knows what that happen to be. digging back into his pocket and withdrawing the switchblade again, he's pushing the blade and holding it against the wire with a cant of his head. though, the moment he hears footsteps walking towards the entrance of the music room, his eyes widen at who it is — )

Moriarty-san, it's nice to see you. ( well, it's not every day someone walks up on you while you're trying to cause some trouble. ) You shouldn't be here, there might be complications soon.

Oh you! /laugh track

[hatesdeerstalkers]

[Well. This - isn't surprising, of course. He'd get up to chaos if unwatched, and that seems to be the case - though as his eyes rove over the room, he can't help but notice it seems to be some sort of party...?

Regardless, he smiles and walks towards the stool, looking up at what Komaeda's doing with a placid expression.]

Piano wire, hm? Such a shame - I'd hoped to play a piece today, but it seems I shall have to do without.

[The most disappointed sigh in the world....Anyway.]

Still, surely it isn't such a bad thing I'm here, is it? Unless you wish for me to leave - and even in the midst of a party! Still, ah...I suppose I can take a hint...

[He seems to visibly droop, and turns around on his heel while looking so sad. He's so sad, Komaeda, look at what you've done.]

its time to put those teaching skills to work

[commences]

The party will be short-lived, so don't worry about that, Moriarty-san!

( he smiles,bringing his hands down with the wire in tow. it doesn't throw komaeda off that the man is aware of what he has, he's pretty smart for sure, but that's what he expects from a criminal of their time. the thing about komaeda is, he doesn't mind explaining himself with what he's doing. though, there's something that stands out to him that he can't let go, so as he watches the other start to walk away — )

How do you make them invisible? ( the piano wire, and while this isn't like the movies, he has a feeling that moriarty may as well have some insight on the matter as komaeda slowly drops down from the stool he's standing on, and he follows after moriarty before he can get away. he may be sad, but komaeda can't tell especially with the smile he keeps on his face as he follows the other. it's one step after the other until he meets with the servant side by side. )

I've never killed with piano wire, so having the basic knowledge will come in handy.

( teach time. )

[hatesdeerstalkers]

[Well, that certainly brings his joking sadness to a fucking halt. His shoulders suddenly square up, as he looks at the other with a quick, piercing gaze.]

....You can't truly make them invisible. You can place them in areas where the light will be less likely to flash on them, but if you are making a trap, then it would be best to put them in a darkened room, or catch your opponent by surprise if you are using it as a garrote.

[That kind of - tumbles out before he can stop it, but also -]

Though, I would wish to ask who you intend to kill.

[commences]

This place is a no-go.

( he's in thought as he listens while bringing a hand to his chin, tapping it softly while looking towards moriarty. it's a bit of guidance that komaeda accepts, willing to negotiate that maybe this room won't do well. turning to look back inside at everyone who seems to be enjoying themselves. for once, maybe everyone being near him doesn't mean impending doom, but all it'll take is a flick of the lights. )

A garrote's too messy, and requires a lot of cleaning.

( which he doesn't mind, but that's not the point. ) I'd want the people who find the body to figure it out, that'll exercise their brains. ( have their minds going, thinking more on how to confront the situation they find themselves in, but there's question posed to him that makes komaeda raise a brow. he replies, matter-of-factly. )

No one.

[hatesdeerstalkers]

....I suspect that this wasn't just idle speculation, however - which is why I was asking. You must admit, it's rather suspect - especially after you just mentioned the party would be short-lived.

[Moriarty isn't angry or alarmed - but his gaze is intense, blue eyes basically boring holes into Komaeda as he speaks.

There's a pause as he looks around, before quietly grabbing Komaeda's shoulder and attempting to drag him into a vacated, quiet room to talk in a low voice.]

If you are so determined, I would ask that you not kill any of our number. For now - it is much too soon to cause a death to gather the group together, and would be far more likely to cause splintering and arguments.

[commences]

Did I...? Must have not mattered, but what does is —

( is he ignoring what he said or has he simply forgotten, either way, he seems to focus on what has his attention and that's the way he's brought to a room — he keeps his high energy though, laughing softly once the door closes. he follows moriarty's que, and he lowers his already soft voice to exchange conversation. )

I trust them. ( he says this natural, looking at his hand in thought without a care in the world than into the other's eyes. ) If their hope is strong, they'll be able to avoid getting killed by trash like me.

( that's right, that's how it should work. )

[hatesdeerstalkers]

[He supresses the urge to sigh - his information on the murder that apparently happened before he and Holmes arrived is already shaky at best, and with everything else....

A Murder done by one of their own is the very last thing they need, in all honesty. It would immediately splinter their collective unity and make people group up in trusted pockets, treating others with suspicion...

While death of their own was, frankly, inevitable - to do it now would ruin everything.

The only thing he could do now was what came naturally - using his words to talk down this walking bomb and defuse him for the moment.]

Ah, I see...but, my dear boy, have you not considered? It is still too early. Acting now would be akin to cutting off the bud before it has the chance to flower - did you not way you wished to see their hopes flower before you? If you are to be the compost to nurture them, you must first give them time to orient themselves - to let their roots take hold.

After all, normal people cannot so easily accept a thing like this. While focusing on breaking out past this situation is the proper goal...Too much of a shakeup, too many nutrients too quickly...well. That could cause the opposite of what you want.

[commences]

They've already been watered, I wouldn't want them to drown...

( considering the murder that's already on their hands, they seem to be pretty fine with the circumstances of working together. none of them have receded back into their shells, and they continue to move forward rather well — it's almost endearing to see, and he should be satisfied with just that. his sickly, pale eyes look from left to right before they go back to moriarty. )

That's why they have no talent, if we were in a room with just Ultimates, I know they'd be able to handle whatever I do.

( they're superior because of the strong hope that they have, and with it, they'd never get set back by someone with a worthless talent like komaeda's. what the other is saying is understandable, but it does make him wonder if they need a little faster push — it's not like it isn't something they've seen before. if they break then they were weak, but if they manage to overcome this little hurdle komaeda makes then there was nothing to worry about. ) Oh, or are you worried about them? I know they're different compared to those you've lead, so you can't expect much out of them.

( he pauses, smiling. )

Is that it?

[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. ]

[commences]

( how dare he too be aware? you know, dealing with people in the room is a lot for komaeda, despite the way he smiles is a little dishonest here and there. if roku~n has known komaeda for as long as he says he has, then he may be able to see one or two genuine smiles, even though komaeda himself can't tell that they are. with a slice of cake in his hand, he notices a familiar face towards the door that seems like they're walking in, and oh...

quickly, komaeda rushes over, looking at the other with interest as he digs his fork into the cake, raising it up and holding for the other to take a bite. )

Did you forget? I said I'd look for you.

( look for him? for what? you guessed it, there's no need for him to realize what today is even though he knows himself. though, there is something he wants from roku~n so let's see if he's got the supply that komaeda demands! taking a step back, he's already trying to lure the student out the room with the cake which may look silly, but at least he's trying. )

[adsum]

You did not. [ Gently, like he's talking to his grandmother with a two minute memory span, but he reaches for the fork to take and feed himself before ??? Komaeda trips him and stabs him in the back of the throat or something, not that he thinks Komaeda would, but things tend to just happen around this guy and it's best to keep on your toes. ] This is good. [ He glances around the room, attention off Komaeda for a moment as he follows before looking back at him. ] It's pretty lively, too, so I didn't think you'd actually be here.

[commences]

Is it?

( this is coming from someone who hasn't taken a bite, he really isn't a sweets sort of guy, but he knows it has to be extremely good. he can take joy out of someone else indulging, so when he returns to nene to explain how great her skills are, at least she'll smile about them. ) Yashiro-san made it, I guess ordinary people really can enjoy things like this amongst one another.

( he raises a hand, brushing off the comment about himself. he didn't come here because he wanted to, but more he got dragged here. )

Actually, I'm not allowed to leave.

( but maybe he'll die now considering he's snipped a few piano wires from the piano... whoops. anyway, anyway! ) But you can! Which brings me to my next question. ( he smiles, holding the cake even closer to roku~n like he's trying to get on his good side. )

[adsum]

[ ?? ??? There is no question, just the offer of cake again that he doesn't know what to do with because he didn't come here for cake. He came here to see Komaeda, and even though it's nice seeing him in a room full of people... ... ] It's not like you're a ghost bound to this place. Do you want to leave? [ In that case, he takes the plate of cake. And smashes it in Komaeda's face. ]

[commences]

( i was literally playing sdr2, crying and then i saw this and i wanted to maul roku~n on the spot. so here i am.

listen, komaeda was going to ask for something since he can leave unlike him, but the prospect of being ghosts is an hilarious notion to come to. even though he wants to refute his reply, he can't with the plate smashing into his face — well deserved, and it sends a shiver down his spine. the worst part, this has happened to him before, and so he falls into silence... until... he laughs softly, the cool cream of the cake dropping onto his chest and to the floor. )

What a fine display of harassment, I hope you've managed to take your anger properly out on me —

( which he knows isn't the case, but he can't get the taste of the sweet frosting out of his mouth, and the general consensus has to be... it's not too bad. thanks roku~n for giving him this chance, however, he's moving closer to him, reaching out to grab the front end of the other's shirt before leaning forward to casually wipe his face. don't you just hate komaeda? he takes his sweet time too, and once he's finished — sadly, there's still some stuck in his hair — he smiles softly. ) I'll take it if it's from you.

( though, that's not the only thing he's about to do. ) So that means, you'll take the same from me? ....Right? ( despite saying that in a soft voice, he really isn't letting go of the other. )

[adsum]

UH—- [ STOP he meant it as like... providing Komaeda with a valid excuse to leave the room that wouldn't be rude to the people who set up the party, he doesn't want to get caked too, this is his kindness, Komaeda, please-- He may not be able to escape without tearing his shirt but he has the plate in his hand still? He holds this plate up in front of his face as if this would protect him from anything Komaeda has planned. ]

[commences]

Roku~n, what are you scared for? You knew this was coming.

( but it'll cause a problem if komaeda does anything, won't it? he knows norton is overseeing everything that happens, and with that reminder is enough to make the ultimate stop in his tracks. if he's going to do something, he should at least wait when he won't get in trouble, but it's not like he'd actually harm roku~n (maybe). also, it's him hiding behind the plate that makes komaeda lift his mechanical hand and pinch the corner with his thumb and index finger. with it in his grasp, he's pulling it down so that he can get a clear view at the other's face before closing the distance between them with a hug —

sure, there's still cream and frosting, along wit bread on komaeda's face that wasn't wiped away with his shirt, but he does rub his sticky cheeks against roku~n's own. )

Now we can be messy together... You're going to clean me up, right?

[adsum]

[ The curiosity and suspicion on his eyes gives way to surprise and there's the smallest of exhales when he feels the arms around him, shoulders jumping a little but then they slowly lower again as the reality of it all settles. Damn, when's the last time he's received a hug? When's the last time he allowed it, without the fear of somebody's hands at his back where he cannot see? Maybe the antsy feeling won't ever go away, but he can ignore it for this moment, lifting his own arms now that they're both free and wrapping his arms around Komaeda in return and pulling him close. ] ...Yeah. If I'm in this deep, I might as well take responsibility. [ He's smiling when he pulls back, hands on Komaeda's shoulders to hold him at arm's length. ] Let's go to the courtyard. I'm power hosing you down.

[commences]

( while roku~n is enjoying himself from avoiding any natural disasters that may come from komaeda — well, if you count the ceiling tile above them shifting oddly above them — they're literally avoiding harm's way. even doing something simple as hugging him isn't technically bad in komaeda's book, and he's always been affectionate as long as he goes first. the aftermath of attention that comes on the other's side is welcomed, and komaeda isn't as bothered if he had went first — he's able to stay in the embrace and then stand in place once hands make their way to his shoulders. )

The courtyard...?

( foreign concept, he's pretty sure they're not even allowed out there — well, transfer students aren't allowed. roku~n probably spends most of his time there if that's the location he wants to go to, and isn't the water there also bloody like what's inside...? mysterious, actually. he'll give it a try, but he knows that some unknown force will deny him the chance to exit this hell school. )

Well...

( it comes out kind, thoughtful as he looks back to make sure norton doesn't see them as komaeda pulls roku~n along, out into the hallway so it's just them — and the sound of a tile crashing onto the floor behind them. it's nothing big, but at least they narrowly escaped danger from where they were previously standing. )

I wouldn't mind seeing the wisteria with you.

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!!!!

ASLJSKJLDKJL TSOP U WERE EXXCITED FOR THE NYANTEAS

[commences]

That was for the game, you can call me "Komaeda" now.

( he doubts it, but when she offers him a picture that's... what is this. he looks it over to try and understand what's happening here. there's some green man... which he guesses is him because of the red specks. then a rabbit.. and he's going to guess that the.. person next to him is diona? despite having a general idea. )

It looks great, you really got my good side. ( he's pointing at the grass, showing it to her. ) It looks just like me, the perfect stepping stone for everyone here.

[englisch]

WHAT! Thats not you are you dumb!?!? [ Diona says, with a little anger. The normal sort a child would when someone mistakens their masterpiece for another way. She points at the man with the red spots on it.]

THAT is you, that is just GRASS! Of course grass is a stepping stone, we all step on it duh.

[commences]

And this one?

( he points to the character that has a :3 face, he already has a feeling who that may be, but it never hurts to ask. )

If you ask me... they look very familiar.