Two worlds, one family--

[mombastic]

[ It's strange to be in a world with not one set of memories from another world-- not two, but three, not that Otome can really discuss this with anyone. It's difficult enough, when she wakes up these days, and can't remember if she's in her own home, or her apartment. If she needs to call Fumi to check on preparations for the day, or...

But no. This is her world. And not a school day, so she's stuck trying to focus not on what she's missing or what she's lost, but on what lies ahead.

What that actually is, she doesn't know, but she's out and about today, and there's a strong breeze. Maybe today will be a good day for clearing her thoughts. ]

Comments

[mombastic]

Where you belonged...

[ It's still strange to think about. She had never known Leon Magnus existed until she'd been brought to an alien colony, and then she'd fought to give him another chance. Having him here at all... ]

I'm so glad... I was finally able to give you a home.

[discard]

... Ah, do not feel as though you need to go out of your way. I can always search up recipes either at the library or on the computer.

[ADJUSTING]

[penitentials]

...Thank you, Otome.

[He bows his head at that, until his forehead is almost resting on her shoulder.]

For that... I am truly grateful.

[mombastic]

I'm just as grateful. [ lowering her own head a little to touch against his. ] It's not really a home when you're by yourself, after all.

[ Leon was an irreplaceable part of her family. If he ever disappeared for longer than a night... she's not sure what she would have done. ]

[mombastic]

I wouldn't mind. Maybe I can improve at it a little myself.

[ So Leon doesn't have to cook all the time. ]

[discard]

I would not be opposed to showing you how to cook some of these dishes.

[Damage control--but also spending more time with mom.

It's a win-win.]

[penitentials]

[Like this... it's nice. It's warm, and it really does feel like he's home, and he doesn't want to move or pull away.

Not when he can be close to one of the only people who still matters, just like this.]

I apologize for scaring you, and... I promise. Regardless of what happens, I will always return home.

[To here.]

[mombastic]

Thank you, Leon! I'll do my best not to break anything or... at least I can try to make it edible.

[ It'll be fine. Probably. ]

[mombastic]

And I promise, regardless... I'll always be waiting to welcome you back.

[ At any hour, no matter what. She'll be there for him. ]

[discard]

... You will be fine, Otome. I will assist you. [And keep a careful, careful eye on her.

IT'LL BE FINE.]

[mombastic]

With you as a teacher, I feel like I should definitely be trying even harder...

[penitentials]

[He's quiet in response for a long moment, overwhelmed. It's... a big promise, and he knows it.

So all he can really do is whisper--]

Thank you.

[mombastic]

[ And all Otome does is smile, lifting her head a little, if just to press a kiss to the top of his head. No kid is too old for this treatment, as far as she's concerned. ]

I love you. You don't need to thank me for something that's only natural.

[penitentials]

Otome...

[It's clear on his face that he's startled to hear that--but instead of pulling away, his lips just curve into a slight smile, and he nods.]

I understand. As you well know... I do feel the same.

[mombastic]

Mm, I do. It's just not as easy to say it, but you do have your own ways of showing it.

[ She's never doubted it, honestly. ]

[discard]

I do not want to hear that from the actual teacher between the two of us.

[He seems more amused than anything, though.]

It is not as though I will be disappointed if you do not pick it up immediately. It is a matter of practice.

[penitentials]

... You are, as ever, far too patient.

But I am grateful for it.

[He huffs a faint laugh.]

I like to believe that I have grown some over the past few months, however.

[mombastic]

Well, you always want to look good in front of your family, right? Even I'm like that.

[ Just not too much. ]

[mombastic]

I can imagine. It sounds like you've truly been through a lot.

[ That she can't imagine. ]

[discard]

[Everytime she says something like that, it gets to him.]

Y-Yes, well... it is not as though... I would ever judge you for that.

I... I do think...well of you, Otome.

[penitentials]

... It does not matter now. What matters now is that... I am perfectly well.

[A beat, and he adds hesitantly--]

And that I am content.

[mombastic]

[ Coming from Leon, that's incredibly endearing, and the only reason Otome doesn't just squeal and lunge across the table to pull him into a hug is because it's Leon.

So she'll just beam happily to herself instead, this is fine. ]

Thank you very much!

[discard]

[Leon looks like he's a mix of flustered and pleased by her reaction... oh. Did he make her happy just from that...?]

...So do not even concern yourself with asking me for anything.

[mombastic]

... You don't have any regrets?

[ Had he seen his friends again? Had he had a chance to see what family he'd treasured? Was he really okay with everything now? ]

[penitentials]

None.

[He hadn't seen Marian again. He hadn't even gotten to see Stahn again, though he was able to see Rutee.

But... he was able to save Stahn.

Meet and protect Kyle.

Help right his own wrong.

... How could he regret that?]

I was able...to do many things I wasn't able to do when I was alive.