Work Text:
"Are you sure about this Kamukura? I mean, I know you're the ultimate everything and all, but..."
"This is a simple procedure. I have multiple talents for this. I am as competent as an entire medical staff." Kamukura sighed, softening his tone to ease Naegi's nerves. "He'll be fine. This procedure has a 97 percent success rate."
Naegi smiled. That was really high. Being the naturally curious boy he was, though, he had to ask, "So, can I ask what's the three percent? I get nothing is ever 100, but I wonder what can cause any errors here."
"The only way an error can be realistically caused here is due to luck."
"Ah, so I guess I should leave? I wouldn't want anything to happen to Komaeda," Naegi said.
"The margin of error decreases significantly if you stay." Catching the blank look on Makoto's face, he explained why, "I've observed that your lucks cancel out. You may have noticed, but around you, even getting an event of very good luck will only lead to minor bad luck for him." He flicked his eyes over to Komaeda, who was sitting on the hospital bed, playing with the threads in his old and well worn green jacket.
Of course, Naegi had noticed. Komaeda always kept track of his luck cycle around Naegi. He was always paranoid about something bad happening to the Ultimate Hope, even though Naegi was lucky too. When they learned their lucks canceled out, Naegi started insisting they spend more time together to test it. Of course, Komaeda didn't mind any excuse to have more time with his hope.
"Thank you so much for this, Kamukura. I... think it would be good for Komaeda to get rid of it, too. It's a.. really nasty reminder."
Kamukura sighed. Naegi's selfless nature once again made him ignore something important. "It's good for you, too. It was not just the Remnants that were traumatized by Enoshima. I once again suggest beginning therapy-"
Naegi cut him off, laughing nervously. He didn't have time for that. The world needed him- needed hope.
------------------------------------
Komaeda marveled at his newly functional metal arm. "You really are amazing for making something like this, Kamukura!"
"...I had help. From Kazuichi."
Komaeda smiled genuinely. "Of course. I bet he'd love a project like this. So many complicated moving parts. And the fact that I can move it at all... it's incredible."
Naegi had never seen Komaeda so happy about something that wasn't hope-related. It was refreshing.
Komaeda notice Naegi watching. Their eyes met, and Komaeda beckoned him over. When they were about an arm's length away, Komaeda placed his metal hand on Naegis chest, over his heart.
"Look Makoto," He traced his hand up to Naegi's chin, then cupped Naegi's cheek "It's wonderful, isn't it?" Komaeda smiled wide, and unlike the games, it wasn't full of insanity or despair. He was happy. He once again had full control. None of his body belonged to her anymore.
There was hope buzzing around him. He's never been happier.