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

[discard]

[...Well.]

... As aware as I am that you are capable of taking care of yourself, it is my duty to look after you.

[This is what he's decided.]

[mombastic]

... Is it? I don't really seem to remember giving you that responsibility.

[ Leon... ]

[discard]

Of course it is. That is an inherent responsibility in me being your-- [...son.

...Ah. He can't just...say it like that.

Even if it's true. A son's responsibility is to take care of his mother, isn't it? And... and Leon wants to, more than anything.]

[mombastic]

... My son?

[ That's fine, she'll say it for him. ]

[mombastic]

I can't imagine a better person deserving that luck, then.

[ Especially after everything he's been through. ]

[penitentials]

I can think of a few.

[Stahn, Rutee, Otome herself... they are all first in his estimation of who deserves nice things.]

But I suppose even so, this worked out for the better.

[discard]

[His face goes through some really complicated expressions before he finally looks away, flushed.

But.

Well.

Even so, he answers.]

...Yes.

[As her son.]

[mombastic]

I'm sure those people were able to gain their own happiness, as well. That's just sort of how it works, even if it takes longer for some than others.

[ Even Yamato was happy, and that had taken years. ]

[mombastic]

Mothers are naturally protective, Leon.

[ For the record. But she's smiling softly, so fond of this painfully awkward boy that it almost hurts. ]

So the best we can do, together, is to look after each other... in our own different ways. It's the best way to guarantee that we're both safe.

[discard]

I suppose... if we must, that is how it has to be.

[He doesn't know, he's never had a mom!!!]

But even so... no unnecessary sacrifices. [Deal?]

[penitentials]

They have.

[HE SAW TO IT HIMSELF.]

... As they very well deserve, of course. And I am content enough with that as well.

[mombastic]

All right. I think that's fair enough to agree to.

[ But for now, she's just going to guide him out. Parfaits!! ]

[mombastic]

Mm! I'm glad, then. You've definitely worked hard, haven't you?

... Actually, are you tired? Do you need to rest??

[ says the person who ran around looking for him-- ]

[penitentials]

I'm fine, Otome.

[Calm down...]

If anything, I am more concerned about you. I shall have plenty of time to rest now, but you...have fretted, haven't you? I apologize for worrying you.

[mombastic]

It wasn't anything you need to apologize for. It happened without any warning for you, didn't it?

And you're back now, so I'm perfectly fine.

[penitentials]

[He nods slowly.]

It did, but... even so, I believe it is only natural that I be concerned over you.

[mombastic]

... Well. I'm happy that it's such a natural thing now, but I do promise I'm fine. I can definitely take the day off and catch up on my rest.

[penitentials]

...Very well then. I am glad for that.

[He nods simply.]

And in that case, I will also do the same.

[mombastic]

Perfect! Then I think we're long overdue for a nap, don't you think?

[ He's probably also worn out... ]

birthday;

[discard]

[He never really felt any reason to bring it up.

It wasn't even that he was willfully avoiding it. It was just that... birthdays were never a part of his world. His birthday meant nothing to anyone, he'd always known, and so there was no reason to bring it up.

But...

He always remembered the date even so.

And when he spots the calendar and makes a note of the date--well, he lingers.

Seventeen, huh?

(Can he possibly still be seventeen with all of the things he's been through...?

And yet... he thinks that very well must be true. It's his birthday, and now he's seventeen.)

But that's all there is to it; a moment later he shakes his head, and moves back towards the kitchen to begin making breakfast. At least it's a weekend--it means it's relaxing, today.

[mombastic]

[ Otome's actually not far behind him, and although somewhat tired, she's still taking note of the way he pauses in front of the calendar. Today...

As far as she knows, there's not any major holiday or any type of event happening today. It's a weekend. But all the same, something about the date had given him pause and therefore, Otome's curiosity is piqued.

For now, though, she'll keep her thoughts to herself, calling in the direction of the kitchen. ]

Good morning, Leon!

[discard]

[It pulls him out of his thoughts, at least; he tilts his head slightly, but responds entirely calmly.]

Good morning, Otome.

[A brief nod, and--]

What would you like for breakfast?

[At least he's adapted to domesticity pretty well.]

[mombastic]

Mm... I was thinking pancakes, but anything you're in the mood for is perfect!

[ She's pretty darn simple. ]

[discard]

Pancakes should be fine.

[They're easy!! So Leon will just roll up his sleeves and get to work briskly, focused on breakfast now, all thoughts of the date long gone already.]

[mombastic]

[ Too bad for Leon, Otome's mind is already hard at work-- ]

... Do you have plans for today?