Happy Birthday, Dork | Backdated to August 31

[crouching_sin]

Sender: Naoya
To: Everyone
Subject: Birthday boy

My cousin, who recently arrived, has a birthday today. Wishing him a happy birthday is encouraged.

He's 18 now after all. In many places that makes you an adult, Kazuya.

Yes, I know you can see me writing this.

Comments

[belheir]

I think I'd manage just fine.

[He says, with a completely straight face.]

Naoya too, probably.

[crouching_sin]

Heh, probably. But let's try to avoid that happening. You seem fine, and I don't see any reason to fight you right now.

[What a fine young man Ken is. So far.]

[whatsamada]

I don't want to fight either of you. Especially when the both of you seem really strong...

[He said before eying Naoya because he definitely knows not to mess with him!]

[belheir]

[ WOW! Kazuya is the stronger one, not Naoya!

Kazuya will remember this. ]

Let's make sure that doesn't happen then, yeah? I don't really like the thought of turning my demons against people anyway.

[crouching_sin]

[To be fair, Naoya definitely comes off as a villain. He doesn't particularly care, but he's aware of how people perceive him.]

Nor do I, unless it's necessary. The idea is... distasteful, to say the least.

[And Ken seems like a good kid, so he wouldn't really want to fight him unless he had to.]

[whatsamada]

[With that, he cleared his throat a little.]

B-But anyway, I think we might be done here? Is there anything else you want to do, Kazuya-san?

[Because he would much rather not continue to talk about fighting friends (again)!]

[belheir]

[ He looks at Naoya like he has a second head at his comment. Distasteful? This coming from the guy who told people that if he gave the word, they'd slaughter everyone in the blink of an eye.

The look doesn't last too long, though, just enough bewilderment before Ken speaks and Kazuya turns his attention to him with a small hum of consideration. ]

Ah... I don't think so?

[crouching_sin]

[Look. Look. He'd rather not cause problems here. He doesn't really control the narrative here.]

Then why don't you two go out and do something? There's plenty of places to explore. And it's not as if I've been able to show you more than the basics.

[whatsamada]

Perhaps I can show you the park? Or some other places to eat as a birthday present? I think that would be a good place to start.

[And you know, he doesn't want to say here any longer and cause even more trouble!]

[belheir]

[ coward ]

Sure. I did ask for you to show me around after we got done annoying Naoya.

[ He nods, lifting a hand to wave it at his cousin. ]

Don't get into too much trouble while I'm gone.

[crouching_sin]

Me? Get in trouble? Hardly.

... Go have fun.

[It's almost nostalgic, ushering him off like that. Those days where he was little and clinging to Naoya's side are gone. ... Maybe it's better this way, but he still misses it.]