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]

Well, I'm glad to know I'm at least a slightly better option than torment or death.

[discard]

I didn't--

[... A sigh, softly.]

I didn't mean it like that.

[mombastic]

I should warn you, the Japanese people are, as a whole, easily offended if you word things a certain way. You may have to be careful with that in public.

[ Otome herself? Used to it. ]

[discard]

[..... UGHHHH]

I am... capable of being polite. When the situation calls for it.

[He's a little rusty, but he did have good manners ingrained into him.]

[mombastic]

I know you are. You're actually very sweet, Leon.

[ Underneath all the harshness and disdain. ]

I was just thinking... if you wanted to try enrolling in one of the schools here, it might give you something to look forward to.

[discard]

[He is... not... shut up.....]

...School?

[That's... what a weird thought that is. He blinks, but... he's always been tutored at home, so the very thought is utterly foreign to him. Still, he doesn't want to be trouble on Otome while he's already making use of her hospitality, so:]

Do you think that would be best?

[mombastic]

It's ultimately up to you, but it's a good place for learning. We can enroll you, and see how you like it-- and then go from there?

[discard]

...Very well then.

[He's not so sure about this, but... she seems to think it could be a good thing, so for Otome's sake he'll give it a try.

(This can only go poorly.)]

You have been doing things to help me--now what should I be doing for you?

[He may be 16 and technically a minor but he's been working as a soldier/knight for a long time, so it's natural to him that he'd be doing something in return for all of this.]

[mombastic]

... Well, if you want to help me with my lecture materials every now and then, I'd appreciate it.

[ It's a lot of paperwork. But really, he's providing her with company, so what else could she possibly need? ]

[discard]

[That's... it? Leon blinks, for a moment thrown.

Obviously she wouldn't have missions for him. No knightly missions, no duties, nothing like that. But still... it feels strange. All his life he's had those pressures and burdens on his shoulders.

Now?]

... I can handle that.

[That sounds like practically nothing to him.]

[mombastic]

... Leon...

[ Sorry, she's got to laugh. ]

Did you expect me to heap loads of work onto you?

[discard]

That is...

[He trails off a little awkwardly, coughing into a hand.]

I am...used to working to earn my keep. That would be nothing unfamiliar to me.

[mombastic]

That's nothing bad... but right now, you're my honored guest. That much is more than enough.

[discard]

[Well......]

I don't believe I am.

[Her honored guest, that is.]

If nothing else, I am currently your freeloader.

[mombastic]

Mm, no. You're my friend. And I do intend to have you help me out, so don't worry!

[discard]

[...hmph.]

I intend to make myself useful, yes, there is no need to worry on that front.

[mombastic]

Then that's all you need to do. I'll speak to the nearest high school tomorrow.

[discard]

[...hrgnghansdl.

Words like this never come easy, so it takes a bit--almost to the point that it doesn't seem as though he's going to respond again.

And then, quietly:]

... I appreciate it.

[mombastic]

...

[ She's trying.

She's trying so hard.

SHE'S TRYING SO HARD NOT TO HUG HIM. ]

[discard]

[KEEP ON TRYING...

Because upon not getting a response, Leon is calling a tactical retreat. RETREAT.]

Then I am... going to rest.

[YEAH.

OKAY. RETREATING DOWN THE HALL TO HIS ROOM.

GOODBYE]

[mombastic]

[ HE'S ONLY SAFE FOR NOW. But it'll give her enough time to think things through and let the events of the day settle.

BECAUSE TOMORROW, SCHOOL ENROLLMENT. ]