🎉 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

[commences]

Later? There's no need to wait, besides, if it's my party ... you have to do what I say.

( of course, his positive personality dies down into something low, very self-deprecating as he looks to the side. )

Besides... trash like me doesn't deserve all of this anyway.

( he probably doesn't want to leave because he's here watching over a few of the members, but they'll be fine as long as they're not near komaeda. he wants to say that aloud, but it should be a given as he extends his hand out towards natsume as he waits for him to take it. ) Everyone here is here for another purpose, so if I disappear, no one will care.

( not like he's wrong, but also. ) It'll be okay for us to be alone for awhile.

[crystallomancy]

( hey...

natsume's smile twitches slightly and he surveys the crowd - motions to norton, who held the party in the first place; motions to stephanie, who might think komaeda's insane but who is not a mean-spirited child at heart and who wants to befriend literally everyone she can; motions to nene, who is similarly pure of heart despite the frustration that's been inflicted on her so far; motions to shuichi, who is probably komaeda's friend because in natsume's experience he's absolutely soft-spoken enough to get bullied into the role and then just accept and enjoy it, despite komaeda being komaeda. )

What other purpose are they here FOR? While I might be here to make sure nothing happens to either Stephanie-chan or Nene-chan, and others might just be here to eat cake or cause trouBLE, there are people here who are here for you and you aLONE, whether you deserve it or not - whether you think you deserve it or NOT. The thing about humans IS, Komaeda-san, is that they are not logical creaTURES.

( which can be the only reason why he's giving some stupid, shitty speech - because he can't help himself, because as much as he may despise some people they don't deserve to be alone unless they've dug the grave themselves and act proud of the action, because unfortunately natsume is kinder than he says he is, consistently.

he doesn't take komaeda's hand. he crosses his arms instead, turning his face away. )

Talk like that is why you frustrated Nene-chan so MUCH, but it's also why she refuses to hate YOU... You want to be hated, don't YOU? Because then it confirms every single thought you have about yourSELF. ( ...maybe

that's a little too far, but he's never been known to bite his tongue. still, still, he shakes his head as if to dismiss it and sighs. ) Never mind; people won't listen unless they want to be HELPED... Finish up your birthday greeTINGS, and then I'll steal you away for half an hour to instruct YOU.

[commences]

( slowly his gaze follows where natsume's head motions to, the people he points out within the group who are here on their own volition. the start happens to be with norton, and komaeda acts as if he doesn't know him well, but that guy's confident, he has his head put together, and no matter what komaeda does, he remains there. if it's because of their shared memories of the past or what, the ultimate tries not to linger on them... but he has thought time and time again, what really keeps him grounded. stephanie, she's a young girl, and komaeda reacted badly the first time they met — though he made an attempt to respond normally, and he's learned that she carries weight like everyone else, but she remains positive. nene too, a young child who remains positive despite the people she stays around, truly hopeful and oblivious to the truth, but even she called out komaeda for his actions. well deserved, and that's because she's smart knowing deep down inside that komaeda's a horrible person. the motion towards saihara, komaeda stares, but his gaze quickly looks back towards natsume — an ultimate is an ultimate, and komaeda could never compare, but he finds that saihara is hope, and he should be proud of himself. as a stepping stone, he doesn't mind being that push.

finally, he may not put any attention there, but komaeda can't forget natsume sakasaki either — if he's so intent on pointing out the people in this room, it truly does show his kindness. in the end, komaeda doesn't deserve to stand here either only because he shouldn't waste time doing this for him. sadly, natsume isn't that type of person, is he? despite his attitude, he does care about those around him, and even with a sharp tongue, it's that same reason why he's able to say these things. it's because these harsh words are the truth of the matter, and it's not like he's wrong, no, komaeda accepts them — welcomes them really with a small smile that shifts into a frown. )

I'm sorry, I get really pessimistic...

( it can't be helped, it's difficult for him when it comes to the people around him when he's used to having no one. even now, he's surprised that everyone in this room hasn't die in a painful, unfortunate incident for even being around him. that's the sort of life he's used to — everyone he's known, his entire family, anyone that he's showed attention to. gone like that, and yet he's being told that these people around him care, and if komaeda had it his way, he'd rather they didn't. it'll be his fault, and the reason why is because he's lucky. it makes him wonder, is there a reason why they shouldn't hate him? in a way he's dangerous, but it's for their hope, as long as he can keep them on the right path at the cost of himself then... it's fine.

with that thought in mind, it doesn't change anything about him as he looks at natsume, sickly, pale green eyes trying to read his expression. if natsume is upset, it'd be understandable. does he want komaeda to agree with his statement about every horrible thing he's thought, or would he rather keep it a mystery. in the end, the ultimate points at ouma who's hogging the cake. )

If you say things like that, I might start to think I'm actually likeable. ( and his smile, warm and kind as always, and that's because he knows there's no way that someone like him... ah, it's this attitude to begin with. ) Half an hour? I understand you're very busy, but you can prolong that time can't you —

( that's what jesters do right? amuse. though, komaeda knows not to say that. not when natsume is offering his kindness the way that he is. )

Should I say "pretty please"?

( now he's teasing. )

[crystallomancy]

( natsume has spent his life at his mommy's side, watching her offer guidance to those in need of a helping hand. he's watched her crush frauds who only want money and don't care about others, and he's watched her dismantle cults and pull from their wreckage people who were so desperate for something that they would believe in just about anything. he's sat at the same table as celebrities and in the same breath he's danced the same steps as people who were swindled into scams, an exchange of "education" for his mommy's assistance in their lives.

pessimistic is one thing. self-sabotage is another.

he keeps it to himself, considering the other's not dismissing his words or sentiments out-right - which would be a much more serious offense than anything that expression might tip him off on. for his part, natsume doesn't seem to want anything from him as far as the question goes - he doesn't need it, not when he's sure of himself.

but. the quip gets an eye-roll, and the tease is even worse. )

It isn't going to take that long to make THEM, but I'll afford you ten more minutes so that we can test them OUT.

( HE GUESSES )

[commences]

Is that so, Sakasaki-kun...

( the average time to make a bomb would be... well, he shouldn't doubt the other's skills when this is his field of expertise. of course, it does make him wonder a few things about how it'd go and how long it'd really take to make one that's successful. he shouldn't just focus on that, there's something more he's interested about than just the bomb — that's a start, but how much can he learn about the other during it? it's a shame it'll be so short-lived, but there's something he wants to remind the other. )

Am I that unbearable to be around? Haha, I get it. ( he smiles, but before that, he walks closer to natsume to close the distance between them as he reaches out to grab his wrist. his metal fingers are clasped around him, and he proceeds to tug the other along as komaeda lifts his other arm (albiet a little slow) as he waves to the other's within the party. )

If I drag you along, then they'll blame me.

( it's not like he makes himself out to be the bad person on purpose, but instead, he doesn't really care about what others think of him. normally komaeda's acts on his own accord and can hardly be controlled, so his efforts to pulling natsume out of the room is... is he successful? )

[crystallomancy]

( natsume doesn't like being touched and he's decided he likes getting grabbed by metal even less, but - he'll go. if this is how komaeda wants to play it, if this is what's going to be easiest, then it's fine, he guesses.

better than making a scene of it in front of everyone else anyway. he looks the required amount of annoyed and irritated - though that stays when they're out of the room too, directed first at komaeda's hand on his wrist and then up at the obnoxiously tall existence that's decided to find him interesting. )

If you ever touch me without my permission aGAIN, I'll take your arm aPART. ( hissed quietly. ) That's a proMISE, Komaeda-san, birthday or NOT.

[commences]

This? ( he points to his mechanical arm and he listens to the soft whirr that comes from it as he clenches it into a fist. his eyes lower down to look it over, and after a curl of his fingers, he manages to look back down towards the youth before him. if he believes a threat like that will scare komaeda, he laughs softly as he points to his own hand now. )

That's pretty soft, Sakasaki-kun, by the looks of you... you can do better than that.

( is he provoking him or is this some sort of twisted komaeda praise, either way, he mulls over his response, before his mouth parts with an, "ah" and his eyes light up. ) You could cut off my other arm, or even decapitate my head, but you're choosing the easiest way out where it doesn't actually hurt me.

( komaeda's mind isn't filled with healthy thoughts. )

There's no need to worry if you're concerned, your strong hope will guide all your choices, and you won't die a pitiful death from thinking so low. ( a pause as he looks towards one direction, happy with his encouragement. ) Let's not stand here all day, you're only allowing me so much time with you!

( :) )

[crystallomancy]

( komaeda is such a mess, and natsume cannot wait to take his (mechanical) arm off and fill it with confetti so when he moves his hand it's like one of those party guns. )

...I'm not conCERNED. I'm just not fond of bloodying myself unnecessariLY. ( :/

anyway, off to....... the home ec room they go! natsume's going to be quiet on the way there, but as soon as they're at their destination he's shutting the door, locking it, and pointing at the aprons i'm sure they have because why wouldn't they. )

Put on one while I assemble our materiALS. ( ... ) I'd appreciate the cooperation more than any backtalk or questions you might HAVE. I'll take commentary once everything's in its PLACE.