video; un:youngsouldynamite

[nakatsu]

[What is up everyone??

Nakatsu is broadcasting live from the bathroom. He's sitting on the edge of the tub with his hair freshly done so it's at max spike levels. You can't smell the bleach, but he's spent the morning touching his roots and he feels and looks 1000% today. This is going to be a great post.]

So I'm pretty sure today's my birthday. I worked it out. It's August 20th, right? Does it work the same here as it does back home? Is a year three hundred and sixty five days?? Whether it does or not, you all have to say nice things to me!!

[There's no time to dwell on this joyous event. We're moving on.

As we move on, pay special attention. Nakatsu has the recorder propped up against something so he can make full use of his hands. And he does. He has the most expressive hands you've ever seen.]

Okay, I'll be honest. I didn't make this video to talk about me. I need a job. I mean. I have a job already. I walk this guy's chicken's around the neighbourhood and he pays me. They money's not bad. [But his expression looks pained.] But chickens? Come on. I can't walk chickens. Look. Someone give me a job, okay. I'm a great worker and I've got serious experience in a ton of useful areas. [It's a lie.]

I even got my two dumbass housemates to stop shouting at each other! They're practically best friends now! That's how great I am. [That's another lie. Theon and Robb are still the worst. He looks offscreen to the bathroom door, just to make sure neither of them can hear right now.] They'll give you a great recommendation for me, I promise! [thumbs up!

-wait] I don't want to be a guard though. I mean. I'm glad lots of you are out there fighting the fight and chasing down guys who steal ladies underwear or whatever, but. [shruuuuug] No way that's for me. [He's not even going to talk about getting a job in the red light district. Don't talk to him about it, he'll die.] I went to give blood! But, that's not a job either, you know?

[There's a pause of about ten seconds here as he stares off camera, apparently contemplating what kind of job it might be to donate blood for a living.

Focus, Nakatsu.] So! All you guys out there! Someone can give me a job, I know it! If it's working with food I accept already! If it's working as a dumb guard, forget it. Okay! Peace!

[He reaches for the camera- which he fumbles and drops to the floor.

This is a super flattering angle up his nose.] Hey, I almost forgot! If you're free sometime and you know what soccer is, let me know! We should play.

[A little more scrabbling and there's finally some silence. There. It's over.]

Comments

[nakatsu]

[He's about to argue that Robb can totally go without arguing for a day, but... apparently there's actually a present???

He shuts off the communicator and pokes his head out of the bathroom.]

What- did you? Man, Robb. You didn't actually have to get me something! [Despite his protestations, Nakatsu is actually quite touched. He'd been thinking of previous birthdays spent with his friends, and just knowing that someone's thought of him means so much.]

[northborn]

Why are you always in the washroom? It's very suspicious.

[ Robb quirks an eyebrow at him, then motions him over. ]

And I didn't 'get' you anything, technically, so don't fuss too much. [ Here, he looks almost abashed, tucking his chin down for a moment as he eyes the parcel — as if he could critique it through the fabric tied with string. Moments like this, the boy in him shows quite painfully. ] I made it.

[nakatsu]

[He shuts the door quickly behind him, to stop the smell of bleach filling the house too much. He's got the bathroom window open to help air it out.

Crossing the room, he takes in the present. His face is blank for a few moments, surprised.] You made it?

[northborn]

[ So mysterious, Nakatsu.

Robb stands, handing the gift to his housemate (and begrudged friend, despite his nosiness, let's admit it). It's not wrapped particularly well, and it looks oddly round and lumpy, tied up in a pillow case with knitting yarn — probably nicked from his sister — but gift exchanges were rare in the North. He'd asked for a few pointers, here and there. ]

It's probably not at all like what you're used to, but yes. Admittedly, it didn't start out as a name day gift. But I've been meaning to apologize.

[ In between the days he's not busy wolf-growling at Nakatsu for interfering in his affairs, that is.

When Nakatsu opens it, what he'll find is a pale replica of something he's regaled them all with stories of for weeks now. Robb had drawn pictures of it at first, curious. He'd put his housemate through so much strife that he felt the need to make up for it, somehow, and an idea struck him. Robb had been up late at night and secreting himself away to hunt for used, sturdy supplies and scraps, in turn... working on a slightly misshapen but robust attempt at a soccer ball.

It was filled with cotton and weights to keep its form instead of air, and the diamonds weren't quite diamonds, reused leather jerkin strips patched together with stitching he really should have asked Sansa for help with — it's atrocious — but he'd tried.

It was only a stroke of luck that the topic of Nakatu's name day had come up this week, really.

Robb feigns a proper posture, hands behind his back, waiting. (Truly he's just ready for Nakatsu to laugh.) ]

[nakatsu]

[When he looks up to accept the present, there's a wide smile across Nakatsu's face.]

Thanks, Robb. It's great.

[But he makes no move to open it. He's actually incredibly curious about what it is. He can feel it under the wrapping, but it'd be rude to focus on the present instead of Robb's kindness.]

We're going to get something to eat and play soccer later, if you want to come?

[northborn]

You're... welcome.

[ He's frowning in obvious consternation. The invitation to dine and play wafts right past his ears. ]

...You don't — want to see what it is?

[nakatsu]

I don't-? [oh no, it's another westeros thing isn't it.] Oh@ No! I really do want to see it, but I don't want to be rude- uh. I'm sure it's great!

[northborn]

[ Robb laughs, then, tension bleeding out. ]

Rude? How? It's customary for the giver to see you enjoy your gift.

[nakatsu]

Oh! [It's a weird way to think about it, but he laughs as well.]

Yeah, where I'm from some people think if you open your present right away it means you only care about receiving things. That'd be pretty rude, right? It's more important to be thankful.

[but... apparently it's fine so...] You're really okay if I open it now?

[northborn]

[ He lifts his hands in mock surrender, smiling. ]

Yes. I promise not to think ill of you.