bakerstreet | getting comfy now .

( the worst part about this is that he doesn't have the body strength to pull him back, so the other running to the car would be.. he doesn't trust it. setting his bag back down on the bench, he turns around to follow after him as he pockets his hands into his coat. as they come closer to the vehicle, komaeda peers into the passenger's seat from the open window — the body appears limp, their head pressed against the dashboard and bleeding. )

...Yeah, small and insignificant. ( he repeats to himself slowly, confirming for the other that what he does isn't much. with that said, he removes one hand to pull at the door's handle to see if it'll unlock and unfortunately, it stays put together. that's more than enough for komaeda to pull his hand away, plucking the male's phone out from his pocket again to check something.. the time. )

You know, if you move these bodies, something bad might happen. ( he's not sure how the pendulum will swing with him here, and part of him isn't sure he wants to find out. ) The — ( he coughs from the smoke, turning his head away as he takes a step back. ) ...humans are fragile.

[At this point, he isn't paying the slightest bit of attention to Nagito. As he sees the lifeless bodies before him— what was he really expecting to see?— it's as if the reality finally sets in. Had he moved sooner, could he have done more? Done anything?

He starts to reach for the handle of the car, but before he moves enough to be even be considered an attempt, Nagito grabs it first. Having no luck without, however, he seems to instantly give up. Since that leaves room for Subaru to continue his attempt, as if it would produce a different result, he reaches and grasps the handle. Unsurprisingly, it doesn't open.

Immediately, he turns to search for anything— some rubble perhaps— to shatter the window, but once again, he doesn't get a chance to start before he's stopped, this time by Nagito's warning. With each development, he finds his frustration increasing and yet Nagito's demeanor remains the same, which only further infuriates him.]

Something "bad" might happen!? Are you seriously ignoring what's happening in front of you right now!? How could it get any worse than this!?

[He slams a fist into the car, though it hardly leaves a dent. Really, he's frustrated by his own inability to do anything, but even so, he can't understand or forgive the attitude that Nagito is taking with all of this.]

( komaeda's normal on certain days, more often than not, he does better at portraying emotions. he's able to stay positive no matter how bad something may seem, and even the smile he wears now must appear disgusting. his life has been full of ups and downs that he doesn't see a reason to frown when he believes something good will happen in the end. if he allows despair to overcome him because of something that can't be helped, then his entire life will come crumbling down. )

Man..

( he looks off to the side, sighing, disappointed in the other because he's been saying this entire time.. someone else will deal with this. ) I didn't think I'd meet someone hard of hearing.. ( even his voice sounds sad with this new information. ) ..how unlucky. I texted someone already to clean this up.

( he can tell from the other's tone that he's irritable, but maybe he should have moved the moment it happened. perhaps this really subaru's fault for being hesitant since every second counts, it's a big factor that even komaeda's dealing with today. he watches as the other slams his fist into the car, and despite not leaving a dent, more smoke happens to erupt in its place. )

...Well..

( to the male's question. komaeda looks away, staring at the bag that sits on the bench as if it'll answer subaru's inquiry. )

[Nagito may think that he's giving answers or even sufficient information to assume them, but Subaru probably couldn't pick up on them without being in a situation that's throwing him off his guard. So the sighs and side glances and vague monologues are only exacerbating Subaru's anger.]

You... Did you...

[It's time to ask the question he's been wanting to but has been too afraid to ask.]

Did you cause all of this!?

( the blame. this isn't the first time he's been in this situation nor will it be the last. truthfully, this never gets old because somehow it comes back to him. how does he explain this is because he's lucky, and sometimes he gets rather unlucky occurrences. this happens to be one of the unfortunate, but is asking someone to help fix this not enough to redeem him? well, not like he deserves it. )

Hey, calm down.. ( he crosses his arms, keeping his eyes on the bag sitting across from them. ) Don't worry, you shouldn't be so pessimistic, you're acting as if they're dead. ( again, he avoids the other's question as he brings them to a more important subject. )

You asked what's worse than this right? Well.. we're wasting time by standing here.

[It's ineffective— no, it's worse than that; no matter how much Nagito tries to explain himself, it's having the absolute opposite effect in assuaging Subaru's fears. Even though, if broken down to its base understanding, what he's saying is logical, it's completely unacceptable in Subaru's eyes.]

"Wasting time" is worse than this!? [He gestures wildly to the car, to the people that Nagito has so confidently proclaimed aren't dead.] How can you be so calm...? How can you be so sure that they're still alive!?

[You know what? Nagito's right. Standing there, wasting time arguing with him is counterproductive. Since he's so resolved to doing nothing, why is Subaru even bothering to get permission to take action? In reality, he wanted someone else to decide how to proceed, and when he realized that he didn't like the results of that decision...

But that's not important now. Turning his back to Nagito, he goes back to his original intent to smash open the window of the car to gain access. He coughs, having turned directly towards the smoke once more, and it stings his eyes as he steps further into it. But there ought to be something he can use here, something small enough to hold but heavy enough to serve his purpose. That's what he feels, but the closest he can see are cans of juice and soda, most of which have already been punctured as well— not that they would have worked, anyway.]

( what he's learning about his new companion is that he's passionate and his feelings leak profusely unlike how composed komaeda is. he doesn't blame him, no, but he thinks that the other should get ahold of himself. there's no hope in worrying about such an event when things will work out in the end, but not everyone can live a carefree life like komaeda. explaining anything to the other will be met with disbelief, just like now. )

We have quite the opposite outlook on life, huh.. if they're dead, you wouldn't be going through all of this to save dead bodies, would you?

( actually, that's not the perspective that komaeda's looking at this from. instead, he's looking from the direction he asked for help — an ultimate — and if one ultimate knows another, who's to say they can't get help from a nurse in the same field? but he won't tell subaru that, oh no, he questions his morals instead to see how that would have an effect on him. not just anyone would do all this in hopes to pull a dead body out from the car, komaeda has a faint suspicion that the other is hoping that they're alive. )

I'd wager my life, that's how certain I am. ( he says this without hesitation, his gaze falling upon the male's back to see if he'd react in anyway. ) ...Especially with that ticking bomb in my bag.. that should be proof enough, right? ( there's that classic smile of his, and a voice filled with hope curious to if subaru will believe him. ) If they die.. we should die, would that make you feel better?

( "we". )

[His hands freeze at the mention of "dead bodies." That's right... Of course he's trying to get to them because they could still be alive. Despite how they look, there's a chance... He keeps trying to reaffirm this to himself, but the situation does look rather grim. Even so, nothing's for certain until he can actually verify it, himself. With that in mind, he starts to move once again, but that disconcertingly lucid voice has to interfere. He'd wager his life, he says... What the hell kind of game was he playing at?

Subaru slowly turns back towards Nagito, more cautious than curious. The smoke continues to billow from the car, but a wind blows by as if to grant Subaru the clarity to observe Nagito's expression— that indescribable smile as he continues, his words becoming less and less fathomable. Ticking bomb... Die?

Slowly rising to his feet, Subaru stares in disbelief, his mouth agape. This guy is absolutely crazy! What is he supposed to do against that? He's already seen that he can't even communicate with him on the same level. What could he possibly say now?]

What are you... talking about? [His voice is trembling, and his words are so quiet; it's hard to say if his sounds rise above the noise between them.] What proof...? Who...

Who are you!?

[Though he's asked it so many times already, he hasn't received an answer to his satisfaction; does one exist? Maybe it's just that he doesn't know what question to ask in order to find the answer he needs.]

( there he goes asking the same question yet again, even though komaeda answered it. he must have not been satisfied with his name, but what more is he in search for? there's only so much to explain, and here he thought that stating there weren't any lives at stake would calm him down. sadly, the situation they're in would make it difficult for him to accept komaeda's reasoning or to make sense of anything he says.

he decides to focus on the one question and maybe figure out the second. so much time has already elapsed since his departure in the night, he wonders if his assailants had possibly stopped the time on the bomb and gave him a few extra minutes. he did manage to pull someone else into his problem so they could at least take pity. )

You almost fell asleep on them.. ah, that would have been bad. ( his hand now raises to his chin, cupping it in thought as he thinks back to when the other started stirring from his slumber: "what happened...? did you... save me?" maybe komaeda did when he prevented that collision. ) They're watching us right now, and can shoot at any moment if I don't take this bomb where it needs to go.. I tried to warn you.

( "energy to find a different place to sleep?" and "i don't think this is the best place to exchange introductions, we could go somewhere quiet?" so that the people watching wouldn't hear, but unfortunately, they know how helpless this guy is.. of course, komaeda walks towards subaru to grab his hand softly like the frightened animal he is to calm him down. ) My identity is as important as I am so remember it well! ...Which isn't important at all for scum like me.. ( he sounds defeated while pulling subaru away from the vehicle, now whether he'll budge is a different story. ) ...Anyway, I'm lucky..

[Again with an explanation that, while understandable, is beyond comprehension. Just hearing that he almost fell asleep on a bomb is enough to make him feel sick, but there's active shooters watching them as well? You've got to be fucking kidding. He suddenly remembers that this guy introduced himself while apologizing for the "circumstances;" that much is finally becoming clear. Rather than being the culprit behind all of this, he's been forced into it...?

He stands still as Nagito approaches. He's pulled along easily as his hand is taken and he's led away. He stumbles, not quite making the effort on his own, but he allows it. He doesn't have the energy anymore to fight about it. All that he's come to understand now is that he's powerless in this situation and that he has no choice but to comply.

Nagito calls himself scum, but what does that make Subaru? Without understanding anything, he demanded so much, only to be dragged away like a disobedient child. Even so, he wants to ask more, but he can only try to sneak glances at their surroundings, looking for signs of the aforementioned shooters. The fact that he can't see anything somehow makes it that much worse.]

( once subaru finally relaxes — if you can even call it that — komaeda walks together with him across the street. the car behind them is none of their concern anymore, not when they have other matters to attend to. it shouldn't even be "they," but the other had undoubtedly put a target on himself for meeting with komaeda nagito. if only his "luck" didn't work in ways like this, then maybe they could have met under better circumstances where there wasn't people trapped in a car with its fumes slithering down their windpipe. )

It's going to be a long night, I hope you're excited! ( and then the phone's — subaru's phone — alarm begins to go off to which komaeda plucks it out his pocket. he squeezes the male's hand firmly to catch his attention, since he noticed him looking around. komaeda cants his hand to the side towards the direction of a building, and beside it is a shadowy figure that's quickly recedes into the darkness so they can't be seen. suspicious. after, he settles the phone back into his hand. ) I forgot to give this back, you must've had something to do or check on to have an alarm this late.

( and checking is right because if subaru looks at the screen, he can see a few text messages between someone else and komaeda. though, that's not as important as the notepad formatted post on the top that's titled: "READ THIS". inside: if you're seeing this, then i couldn't run you off and i told you my secret. how unlucky.. but, we have three hours until something unspeakable happens! this is how ransoms normally work, but that's enough time to get yourself out of this situation. killing me might be the only way to prevent what happens later though.. they think it's a bag of money. if you want to help the side of hope, play along.. yes, it might be odd why he said aloud that it was a bomb, but wouldn't anyone say something so they continue their timed ransom? besides, he doesn't think their shooters are smart enough to realize that komaeda was being honest. )

I'm not familiar with this location, I need to find an abandoned building... ( once they're at the bench, komaeda releases subaru's hand as he proceeds to pick up the bag which does appear rather heavy. ) Do you know a place like that? ( as he looks at subaru, he smiles softly with a small chuckle afterwards. )

[A long night... Subaru feels sick. The sudden alarm from the phone sends a jolt trough his body, signaling that he's clearly on edge, and the hold upon his hand tightens. Why? Is he trying to comfort him...?

As Nagito holds up the phone, Subaru remembers that it's his; he had completely forgotten about it. That being the case, there absolutely wouldn't be any alarms set on it, especially at this random time of night. So what the heck is he talking about?

Seeing as it's returned to him, he flips it open to silence it, and there are those mysterious texts and that even more mysterious message. He opens it, as instructed, and reads through its contents, his expression growing more troubled with each word. Something unspeakable; ransoms; killing. What the hell... He never asked to be any part of this. And yet he's being asked to play along. He clearly doesn't have any choice but to do so, but isn't that asking too much? It's all he can do to keep himself together right now.

He stares at the bag, eyes like death, as Nagito picks it up. What's in there is... a ticking bomb. Should he be moving it like that? He doesn't feel comfortable being anywhere near it, but from the sound of it, he'll be shot if he tries to get away. This just can't be real.

It isn't until his gaze finally finds Nagito's, until he meets with that unsettling smile, that he realizes he's been asked a question. He had heard it as it was asked; he simply couldn't process it until now.]

Why... would I know a place like that? I'm just a student...

[-ish. And judging by his appearance, his new acquaintance might very well be, too. It's amazing how different the two of them can be, though.]

( the expression worn on the other's face is more than understandable, and komaeda reads it as him being defeated. most people usually romance with the idea of despair around this time, but to see subaru hold on despite not being able to save the people in the car is something. the fact that he still wanted to help those people despite not knowing their living condition .. there must have been hope. that alone is enough for komaeda to sigh softly, relax in this situation and hum a little merry tone as he watches him.

while komaeda appears cheerful, inside his mind he finds this problem they're in no big deal. as long as he does everything correctly, the chances of him getting out of this while protecting hope is around 75%? it's hoping that the bomb doesn't go off before they hit their destination. )

Aha, I get it! You're not from here either. ( komaeda can't read whether subaru is just saying that so their shooters won't know he's a local or if he really doesn't live in these parts. that's smart of him, really, even though he doesn't know it. though, the student bit does raise a brow from him, they really aren't too different. no, they are different, and it's because subaru is beneath him. but, because he's willing to help be a stepping stone for hope, he gets a pass today. ) ....How lucky, to share this experience with someone as clueless as me.

( as he says that, he turns towards subaru and tosses the bag in his direction for him to catch. )

Here, hold that. I'll find us a map.

[Nagito gives Subaru entirely too much credit. As he's going on about how Subaru's also not from around here and being clueless, he fails (yet again) to pick up on the subtle cue and is completely ready to tell him what an idiot he is for assuming that—

Fortunately(?), he doesn't get the chance before the bag is tossed at him. The bag, containing a highly explosive device, is tossed at him, and chokes out a noise that's somewhere between a cry and gasp as he awkwardly catches it. He doesn't have a choice but to catch it, and yet he doesn't know how to handle it. He tries to not grab it too tightly but with enough force to secure it. Instantly, he finds that the ticking resonates through his whole body... or rather, it's his heart beating wildly against it.

It can't be helped that his legs give out the moment he's caught the bag, falling to his knees but clutching it close to him so that it doesn't slip away. His eyes stare forward blankly after another shocking development has rattled him to his core. He doesn't know how much more of this he can take.

He tries to get his breathing back in check as he turns his gaze toward Nagito, a mixture of indignation and exhaustion.]

What were you thinking...? What if I had missed it!? And what am I supposed to do with this now!?

( why does he act like he's never held a bomb before? clearly his life doesn't have an exciting dose of hope like komaeda's does — sadly, he can only give so much pity. especially when he turns his head to see the other cowering to the ground as he holds the bag close, which komaeda's unable to tell whether he truly wants to or not. a death grip would be understandable, but holding it in hopes that nothing goes wrong.. that's the sort of energy that wafts off his company. )

Well.... it's obvious, we would have blown up.

( straightforward and to the point, he wonders if that'll ease the other's nerves. with that done and ignoring anymore of his complaints, komaeda walks back over to the car. his hand raises to fan away the smoke, but he's not spared from the fumes as he proceeds to cough while drawing closer. the doors are still locked, he's sure, and his eyes glance over to the bodies inside. they've been here too long to the point their survival is questionable, and while there's nothing he can do... he focuses on the trunk. rounding to the car's back, he's slipping his fingers along it to see if it'll pop open — amazingly, it does. with the lid drawing up, more smoke leaks out from it and komaeda has to turn away so that his lungs isn't filled with it.

as be begins to rummage, he pushes around whatever's inside until he stumbles upon the very thing he needs. )

A map! How lucky... ( cough, cough. ) I didn't expect that.. ( quickly, he makes his way back over to his companion that's positioned on the ground to hand it over. ) You're not useless, right? So.. you can read this?

["We would have blown up."

Subaru's eyes snap open, as if this is information he doesn't already know, but those words reaffirm it, remind him that this is the reality of their situation. It does nothing to assuage the knot in the pit of his stomach or the thunderous beating of his heart, the latter of which alone deafens the sounds around him.

He doesn't move along with Nagito; he doesn't make any effort yet to rise to his feet. A large part of that is fear, but when Nagito returns with the map and holds it out to him, asking him to confirm that he's not useless, he realizes. It's not just the terror of the situation or even the helplessness— but the humiliation of it all. His mind starts running in a familiar pattern. If only I were stronger; if only I weren't like this; if only I were worth anything. He could have any sort of hold on what's going on, if only he were born with the capacity for it.

Still unwilling to move from his position, he doesn't take the map, but it's not as if he's never seen one.]

What am I even supposed to look for? What am I supposed to see that you can't?

( when he doesn't take the map, that's discouraging for some, but it's enough for komaeda to go further. he stands behind the other, crouching down until he's low enough to wrap his arms around the male's neck. he leans forward, his chest pressed against the other's back which is a telltale sign of how komaeda really feels. his heart beats at a normal rate unlike the fast thumps that come from his company, but his breathing sounds off — that's from the smoke in his lungs. as he holds the map up for both of them to see, his chin's nestled at the top of subaru's head. his gaze stares towards the paper as if waiting for something. )

What about... here?

( with one hand holding onto the sheet, he uses his other hand to point at a specific location. it's actually not an area they need to be bothered with because the math isn't drawn for the area they're in, and instead it shows the layout of hawaii. though, that's not what they should be focusing on. there's a red dot which doesn't seem to be of much help, but it's when he lowers the map that the dot stays in place, although indicating a different location. )

You should keep an eye out..

( he pauses, giving another warning of what subaru's dealing with. the types of guns that have the red dot that gives for easy shooting isn't something they should ignore. the difference between them is that komaeda's luck has always kept him.. alive and the other around him die instead. of course, subaru is just someone he randomly stumbled upon, and he doesn't believe his death will do much for hope. rather, if he stays alive, then maybe.. )

... on the place we're looking for so we can make it together!

[And there's the matter of this guy acting so overly friendly. That may be off-putting on its own, but coupled with the situation at hand, it really doesn't sit well with Subaru. As the arms wrap around him, chest pressed tight, it feels as though time's started moving again. His eyes narrow as he starts to turn towards Nagito, but when he starts talking about the directions again, Subaru instead looks at the map.

And instantly, his heart races again— rather, had it stopped at all? yet it feels as though it's started anew— and he can feel his entire body trembling. He can't actually be seeing this. Is that mark what he thinks it is? Nagito moves the map, and yet the dot doesn't follow. He knows exactly what that means. And when he's given another firm warning before Nagito shifts into cheerful gear again, he really feels the weight of those words.

And for the first time, he starts to cry. Even though he knows it's the worst possible thing he could be doing right now, how can he help it? He bites his lip, trying his best to hold it in, but he can't conceal that he's absolutely crying right now. Could he get any more pathetic? He does consider, for the briefest of moments, that he really would be better off dead.

But he's too cowardly on top of everything. This is really the worst... He is really the worst.

Making sure that the bag is rested safely upon his knees, he removes one hand to wipe his sleeve across his eyes and face, sniffling as he attempts to calm himself, at least enough to maintain the level of composure he had before... well, crying. It's not a high bar.]

I know... [He says so quietly, so reluctantly.] I'll do whatever you say.

( he's different from his companion — the guy who shows weakness and is practically trembling from their situation. people like this normally nurture weak hope, and while komaeda knows nothing about him, he feels that he shouldn't turn him into a loss just yet. at one point tonight, subaru tried his best to save bodies that he didn't know whether were dead or alive. that was strong hope, a look-alike of it anyway, that made komaeda consider bringing him along.

sadly, he wants to say that weak hope is eating away at him when he cries. komaeda's still remains in the same position with his arms around the male's neck, and the map loosely hanging from his grasp. he's detached from people and their feelings, especially when he only knows one thing himself: hope. there's no other emotion he can try and name, but the fear that overwhelms subaru — if he gives up — would be despair. komaeda frowns, wondering if he'll crack as subaru sets the bag down to wipe the tears away.

it's what he says next that makes komaeda blink once, then twice as he retracts one arm to rub at subaru's back slowly. ) Really? ( he sounds worried, finally concerned for his partner, well, that's until there's a tone shift. this time voicing a rather condescending suggestion while sneering — )

Why don't you get down on your knees and beg to me; show your loyalty.

( he pauses, finally getting up to his feet before extending a hand without the map in the other's direction. it isn't for him to take, and more of him wiping a few stray tears from subaru's cheek. ) Just kidding! ( again, he sounds like he's enjoying himself like they aren't in danger at all, especially with an added little laugh. )

[He slowly turns around, his eyes wide as he meets Nagito's empty gaze piercing through him. He towers above him now, hand extended, as might a religious figure offering salvation to the lowliest of sinners; he's thoroughly been judged.

Even though Nagito laughs his command off as a joke, the damage is done. It isn't until Subaru hears those words that he realizes what he himself had just said, how low he had placed himself. If Nagito had continued to demand for that display of obedience... It's not even a question of whether he would oblige or not. He knows the answer, and the only mercy is that he's been spared from having to actually perform the act. Well, he's already on his knees, so he's still halfway the very picture of worthlessness.

His fingers clutch the folded fabric of the bag. He has to do something to vent this anger, this frustration, this humiliation, this desperation— but he can't let go of the bag, and so he settles upon the looser folds, just to squeeze them in his fists as tight as he can, as if transferring his negative energy into the very bomb itself. If only it could be that simple, but humans are interesting in that such meaningless gestures can actually bring a measure of peace, somehow.

He can condemn himself for this later. There'll be plenty of time for that, so long as he's alive. Right now, that's all that matters. So even if it differs from the reason Nagito extended his hand towards him, Subaru takes it into his own with a grip stronger than any resolution he's shown thus far. It's to send two messages: one that he'll agree to cooperate until this is finished, and one that promises to be stronger going forward. He's not sure how well he can hold to this unvoiced promise, but it's more for himself than for Nagito, anyway.]

Let's just get going already. This thing... [A quick glance at the bag.] We don't have much time, right?

I guess so, they won't wait forever.

( neither will the bomb when komaeda has specific plans for its use. at the start of this, he never expected to have someone else accompany him during his mission. he's used to doing things alone considering how his luck swings, and even he's surprised the other is still here. he knows his luck, but he's unable to control it where there should have been many instances where he lives and the other dies. when komaeda kept his distance from the car and the other went over — it should have blown up. when he was searching in the trunk for a map, he expected to turn around and see the other leaned over when a shot through his head — yet, he's fine. something's building up and he wonders if this will all just backfire on him. he's always made it his job to stay away from others so they couldn't get hurt, but sometimes it's inevitable.

his eyes fall upon the hand in his own, noticing the amount of strength the other puts into it that causes komaeda to smile. even if subaru doesn't say it aloud, it's these moments where he believe that his hope will get him through. like all talentless, weak people that are meant to be disposed for those with stronger hope and talent, why hasn't the youth next to him disappeared? )

There's a forest not too far from here, right? I heard there's a building... I doubt it's inhabited. Too many ghost stories.

( finally, komaeda releases subaru's hand to cross his own arms as they proceed to walk forward. it makes him wonder why did he offer it in the first place when knowing the other could get up himself. it's obvious to him that the male's hope play a part at this very moment, hesitantly showing itself to remind komaeda that he's not fully useless. even now, he's unable to keep his eyes off his face, glancing at the tear stains left behind. what he does is lean over towards subaru, pressing their cheeks together playfully to reassure him that nothing's wrong. it's a rather random display of being annoying, but with his interest in the other, he doesn't realize something sharp and small flying towards him. it's too fast to tell as the item scrapes at komaeda's cheek to leave behind a thin cut and blood slipping between. it burns, red staining his pale skin as he pulls himself away from subaru's face to laugh it off — he's sure it's on a side he can't see, but who knows. ah, if he hadn't did that, would they have shot at his companion instead? maybe komaeda really is unlucky. )

You aren't scared easily, I hope!

[Subaru's resolved himself to accept his circumstances and to try to keep his composure, though his only real plan for success in this involves essentially pretending to ignore the gravity of the situation itself. Nagito nuzzling at his cheek, however, is another anomaly to normalcy, and it's not the way he'd prefer to distract himself from the ordeal. It feels derisive, like he's a child who's being pressured with kindness to take his first steps. But he has to bear it. No matter what happens, he has to endure.

When Nagito removes himself from the contact, it feels like a natural response to Subaru's lack of engagement. Determined as he is to keep his eyes forward, he doesn't sense anything amiss, and he doesn't look over, wanting to avoid unnecessary eye contact.

A forest and an abandoned building... It sounds too convenient to be true, but Nagito's clearly had some sort of plan for all of this in the first place, to whatever end. When they arrive there, will this all be over? Nagito's asking if he scares easily, another remark that must intentionally be meant to chide him, but one step at a time. In fact, it's all he can do to focus on the very movement of his feet, taking him steadily one step at a time, marching in time with...

The bomb.

Right, what's he doing still holding this thing? It's true that Nagito had so carelessly tossed it in his direction, and as such, perhaps he ought not to be trusted with it, himself. But the sooner that it's removed from Subaru's person, the better. Finally, he turns towards his temporary companion.]

Isn't it about time you took—

[And that's when he catches a glimpse of the blood. It isn't a lot... really, but does the amount matter? Where did it come from? It wasn't there just a moment ago! He can feel the panic threatening to surge within him again, but he restrains it, even if it doesn't quite show in his wavering voice.]

What is that?

( the other notices way too much, but that's a good thing — to be aware of surroundings because anything could change. so if he has a decisive ending he wants to make happen, he shouldn't latch onto the ideas of what's shifting around them. that being said, he shouldn't question the blood that's trailing down komaeda's cheek because it's none of his concern. just an unlucky circumstance that he couldn't prevent — )

It'd be nice to get a peaceful sleep.

( komaeda can never stay on one topic, he always veers a drastic left when making conversation. it could be that he doesn't find the blood a big deal that the other has to involve himself with considering he wasn't the one shot at. it's a warning that's telling him to hurry up, and he understands it with ease. )

I wonder... what were you dreaming about at the bus stop..

( he brings a hand to his chin, holding it in thought as he glances at the ground as the pavements begins to slowly shift into dirt. the outlines of the tree's leaves make patterns all over by using the moonlight that slips between their cracks. it's almost like charades with the images they manage to create. that one looks like a dog, that one has the appearance of a knife, and ... oh, what an attempt at a bumblebee. )

Maybe about your friends that you're going to see tomorrow? ( is that komaeda's odd way of reassuring him even though he knows the other is scared? that the situation he's been dragged in is wrongfully unfair, but it's just that komaeda was in the right spot at the wrong time. ) Or seeing your favorite movie?

[Nagito diverts his question yet again with his unnecessarily wistful commentary. Subaru should expect it every time, and yet he continues to believe that he'll receive a reciprocal answer. And even though he doesn't entertain the switch in conversation at all, Nagito continues it without him. Subaru hasn't quite realized it until now, perhaps, but the thought finally crosses his mind that he's not even being spoken to, but rather at. Is he supposed to just follow along obediently, then? The idea disgusts him, despite the fact that he himself has resigned to doing so. It certainly makes things easier on him if he chooses not to question it... Maybe it's his nature, but he just can't seem to take the easy route.]

And just who do you think those "friends" are? It should be obvious by looking at me, but I don't have any. If not for my overwhelmingly loving parents, I'd be extremely confident in saying that absolutely no one would miss me if I were gone.

[Despite all his fear and hesitation and anxieties, he seems to offer this sort of information easily. It's an unavoidable truth, after all, and while he gains nothing from voicing it, it's hard to argue that he loses anything, either. As far as innocent bystanders go, there are plenty whose involvement in this situation would be much more tragic and impactful to others in their lives. Rain or shine, the existential crisis is ever present, it seems.

Still, for one so detached from his own life, he sure has the tenacity to cling to it. He's generally aware of the various things that are hypocritical about himself, which only adds fuel to his internal fire, but if his vision were as clear as he believes it to be, perhaps the answers to his unspoken questions about life would manifest.

He looks away from Nagito again. Bringing up his negative outlook, while offered freely, is easily construed as a ploy for pity, and he realizes this even though it's not his intention. He isn't looking for an answer or a response at all, but why does he get the feeling that the one time he doesn't want a reaction, he's about to receive one?]

( bc actually i was thinking about you today, and look at that, i was blessed with your presence! )

( he keeps his smile despite their situation as he makes conversation, and it's true, subaru doesn't have to speak back. komaeda will continue to carry it without needing a response, especially when it fills the void of their silence so their brain has something to think about. the ultimate knows better though, he doubts any of his questions will be answered properly — why should they when he brought a random individual into his fun? it was against his will, not even having the chance to save the people around him with his own two hands and having to resign to feeling powerless.

all those who lack talent feel this so easily, and hence why komaeda continues to move forward without worry. the moment he parts his mouth, the voice that comes out isn't his own — his ears pick up sound and his eyes glance to the male next to him. as someone who put themselves in danger to rescue people he didn't know, it does show that he's brave unlike some — those who would cower immediately to the danger. )

Is that how disposable you think you are? ( komaeda's voice falls flat, grey eyes staring down at the other almost as if he's ready to scold him. he shouldn't expect much from a normal person, well, he doesn't know anything about him other than his flurry of emotions — they're more than komaeda has ever had or ever will. ) Your life that insignificant that you're ready to unacknowledge yourself because of what others think of you? That sort of hope.. is weak.

( the way he phrases that, almost seems like he's tired of dealing with him. komaeda has never been good at this sort of thing, emphasizing with others or saying comments that would calm them down. even as komaeda's frown remains visible on his face, he sighs in annoyance until the expression dies and becomes gentler, his voice airy and soft yet again. )

Pessimism will get you nowhere, you have people to go back to!

( he lays out something so little, something he doesn't have himself. )

getting comfy now .

good i can't wait for him to see komaeda at his best so when they both get arrested

Nagito why are you like this

what do u mean i think him and subaru look like a couple of besties from this

＼`•̀益•́´／

natsuki kun...

（￣^￣）!!!

looks at u with puppy dog eyes.. bats eyelashes... natsukun....

is someone saying something?? that's weird cause I don't see anyone here... hmmm

wtf natsukun are you playing hard to get we're friends we're here for each other

more than just hard it's like expert ultimate hardcore insane punishment mode

this is true despair natsu~n, it's bc im cute and lucky that you punish me smh

is it just me or are these nicknames getting shorter and weirder...

why does it seem like you never had friends na~n

YOU'RE NOT WRONG BUT PLEASE SPARE HIM

STOP.. MAYBE HE SHOULD GET A FRIEND TO GET HIM OUTTA THIS

it's too late for him, go on without him, save yourself

it's never too late when you have hope on your side

so what you're saying is it's too late

what im saying is you can call me a friend

(눈‸눈)

gasp.. are you saying we're more than friends natsu~n

you really see a rainbow out of a blank piece of paper huh

why would I see a rainbow when I can see hope? only hope natsuki kun

I'M SORRY I DIED... #justsubaruthings (but also me things)

STOP I LAUGHED NOOO NOT HIM AND YOU DYING but I hope things are going well!

YOU ARE CUTE (you as in you, not you as in Nagito... well sometimes maybe)

NO UR CUTER... IM ONLY BC U.. AND SUBARU MAKE ME THIS WAY

(∗⺣•̥̥̥̥◡•̥̥̥̥⺣) // ♡♡♡

who knew natsukun was a masochist..

Everyone but him-- also omg dw ate this notif??? thank god I happened to refreshsfdlkj

JAJSHSJSD HOW UR GUNNA WISH THAT YOU NEVER SAW THE TAG WHEN YOU SEE THIS

https://i.imgur.com/LRPgfce.gif

you're judging me! nothing BAD EVEN HAPPENED!

I WOULD... NEVER... ಗ‿ಗ;; (also sorry again to be so slow!!)

natsuki kun... are you lying to me...

(no subject)

(no subject)