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

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

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! )

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( 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.

( 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.

Is today even my birthday...

( he knows better than anyone he'd be born on such a complicated string of numbers, and it all feels unlucky to him as he thinks about it. it's hard getting out of this though when norton is more than aware of the truth behind his birthday, and he's starting to think these heat haze days memories are turning against him. he doesn't give him time to answer though since he already knows what the other could reply, so it's useless. ) I'm an adult, everyone stops celebrating around 21.

( who says that? listen, he's not complaining, yet he's pulling at straws as a sigh follows afterwards. there is one thing that stands out to him though, and he crosses his arms right over his chest as he speaks. though as he does it, he seems a little uncomfortable as he repositions one arm on the outside, and sighs deeply. )

I'm not going to celebrate any of their birthdays, neither yours, because scum like me knows this really means nothing. ( but he's willing to compromise, especially when he's compromised. ) So you take it.

You're going to run out of excuses if you go through them that quick.

( he comments simply. really, it'd be better if komaeda picked one and stuck to it until it was refuted—at least then he might look like he actually believed in anything that he's saying. for his part, norton looks rather amused with the whole ordeal; he doesn't let the pity show, mind you, only an expression as if he's watching a child try to make excuses for why they should be allowed to open their christmas presents early. it's like that as komaeda continues on. )

I waited my turn fair and square, so you're going to have to wait yours, too. On March 19 you can get me back for this. For now, well... you've been saying that even someone like you wants to be able to let people's "hope" shine, haven't you?

( something along those lines, he's pretty sure. )

I'm sure this counts, so you should take credit for it.

[ 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?

( is he rushing through them? he didn't even realize, and that's embarrassing to think he wasn't actually playing smart. give him a moment to take a deep breath, laughing it off the next as he shakes his head. it's a lot to deal with, and who wouldn't be thrown out their element when someone is doing extra? he follows up with a smile, looking back to the people who are within the room before turning back to norton. )

Last month, how unlucky... ( he pauses, thinking on a response until he hears hope being used against him — hm, how manipulative. ) What is this? Harassment? You're doing well at it, I didn't take you for that type of person.

( besides, something like this wouldn't feed their hope, and instead, it gets in the way. though, komaeda has always preached that overcoming such hurdles made their hope shine brighter. )

What I'm trying to say is that if it's my day, I make the rules. ( yep, yep this is how this works. ) Happy birthday, Campbell-san.

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. )

[ 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 ]

( 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.

( 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.

( 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. )

[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!

( 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!!

Edited (IM NOT USED TO USING HONORIFICS) 2021-04-25 21:13 (UTC)

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

Edited 2021-04-25 21:52 (UTC)

( 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. )

( 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?

[she just. sighs a little, shaking her head and grinning. repeatedly having to try to convince someone that they are worthy of friendship and constantly failing is way more frustrating than Sportacus always made it look! and yet.]

Everyone should get nice things on their birthday. [she smiles, gesturing around them.] Look! We're all here because you're our friend, and friends are always worth the effort.

[... okay a solid half of them are here solely for cake BUT STILL. IT'S A CAKE OF FRIENDSHIP.]

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

He most certainly did not.

( oh... could it be that he's embarrassed? oh noooo! but she's already got everything. so she just shakes her head to confirm that no, there was no lying- unless he wants to count his little games. )

Anyways... I wish I got this to you earlier, but I did make you something!

( without giving him a chance to spout any self-deprecation, nene holds out the bundle. it's a soothing dark green, the cloth is soft but plush... it's the Nene Blanket. a thing of legends, truly. )

[ 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. ]

( ...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? )

[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!!))

I never told him when —

( which alludes to the fact that him and komaeda may have those weird, heat haze memories unless norton has already spoke up about that. be it as it may, he's not in his element in celebrations like this, nor would he go out his way to do it for others. that's what komaeda says, and that's what he absolutely thinks, but that isn't something nene has to know about. why does it matter, though?

there's only so much that can be said on the matter, but when she holds out the blanket to him, he... freezes. not in the bad way, but not in a good way either, it's more of a pondering like he's trying to figure out how would someone reasonable respond back. however, his organic hand reaches out to pinch at the fabric, admiring the work behind it — )

Ahhh, Yashiro-saaaan..! It's so soft. ( it gets even better, he's plucking it from her hands to look it over properly. with it in his mechanical hand, he places his palm long the the blanket to feel the texture even more. ) There's absolutely no way this is meant for someone like me.

( 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.

( rika makes it well known that she's here for cake, and norton. there's just no in-between. that doesn't upset komaeda in the slightest because at least she's honest — not like everyone else isn't, but this just seems to convenient. or perhaps he's just grown to adjusted to living his life the way that he is.

she's absolutely right, it's a shame komaeda's unable to agree. instead, he's looking around and with a table close by, he's setting down the piece of art. turning back towards her — )

It'll be nice for the survivor club, what do you think? ( but he does get down on his knees in front of her, and he seems to be waiting for something. it's obvious... ) And, I'll even let you decide where we put it.

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

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

:3c

stop

no?

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you listen to ME

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this is an open

thinkin how i cant make it rain rats

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♡ for the emotional support bastard ♡

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

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

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

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CHAOS, CHAOS

komaedas being such a polite boy. whats the fucking catch

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open

STOPPPP HE CAN BE GOOD HE WAS GOOD FOR LIKE 15 mins of sdr2 it comes to him sometimes

sometimes you need to plot semi murder at the party

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