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]

... That's the happiest I've seen you in awhile.

[discard]

I'm not--!

[...... ugh.

He just looks away, flustered and embarrassed.]

... I don't mind learning new things.

[mombastic]

It makes me happy, too. So I can still help you, even like this...

[ This was what he wanted. ]

[discard]

[W-well... if it makes her happy....

Though that does make it sort of vaguely easier for him to admit his opinions.]

Well, if you insist upon something like this because it makes you happy, I have no arguments against it.

[Which translates to "this makes me happy but it's easier to pretend it's for you"]

[mombastic]

I'm glad my opinion's so valuable here!

[ With a laugh, as she moves to leave the room. ]

I'm going to start dinner-- let me know when you've found where you'd like us to start.

[ RAMEN TIME... ]

[discard]

[RAMEN TIME...

Though Leon does hesitate at that. He's had so much free time while Otome was busy, that--]

... I'll cook.

[He picked up on it relatively quickly, actually, which is what happens when he stops being a baby about things and actually tries. Finding recipes was easy, picking up supplies at the store on his way back from school was cake. He hadn't really wanted to bring it up before now, but... Otome does deserve better than instant ramen.

He can at least make a proper meal.]

I should still have time to go through these textbooks tonight.

[mombastic]

... Are you sure? I mean, I realize I kind of burned the noodles last time...

[ Otome. Honey. You need work when the 16-year-old boy is offering to cook in your stead (and is probably better at it). ]

[discard]

It isn't for any reason like that.

[IT'S NOT BECAUSE YOUR FOOD SUCKS... well maybe a little but he doesn't want to admit to that, because he doesn't want her to feel bad.]

I want to see what I'm capable of.

[That much is true, he thinks he can handle cooking properly.]

[mombastic]

All right... but let me know if there's something you're unsure of, or need help with.

[ She'll start thinking about how she wants lesson plans to go, so she'll just go fetch a notebook to start brainstorming. Let her feel useful here, please. ]

[discard]

[This is the point where he would ask what she wants to eat, but honestly... he's still learning, so he's not confident enough in that. Instead, she's getting what he can make.

Which is...... omelette rice.

(Shut up, it's one of Stahn's favorite foods and it sounded easy-ish.)

So let him get to work in the kitchen, he's got this.]

[mombastic]

[ PLEASE DON'T BURN ANYTHING-- but no, she trusts him. It should be fine.

She'll glance up every so often to check on him, though. ]

[discard]

[Surprisingly, nothing is getting burnt here. In fact... it starts to smell pretty decently in time. Leon's talented when he stops being a fussy child long enough to actually try, and that's shining through here as well.

The food's coming together pretty decently, and... Leon himself seems really satisfied with this. It's nice to do something competently, and to contribute.]

[mombastic]

Mm... it smells good.

[ Well, anything smells good when it's not instant, but there really is a pleasant smell in the air. ]

[discard]

[He didn't really notice that she was paying that close of attention--he almost jumps when she speaks up, before clearing his throat.]

... It seems to have turned out well enough, for what it is.

[He's just trying to cover his bases for if it tastes badly, now he's nervous. Either way...]

It is finished, though. You can eat it if you want.

[NOT LIKE HE CARES IF YOU DO...]

[mombastic]

Will you eat with me?

[ No, Leon, you're not allowed to retreat quite yet. We're having a family dinner here. ]

[discard]

[At least he's used to first Stahn's and now Otome's insistence on eating together.... (and he likes it, even if he won't admit it). So he just makes an acknowledging noise before:]

Fine.

[He'll put their food on dishes!! Strange, he made enough for two exactly, it's like he wanted this to happen or something.]

[mombastic]

[ She'll get some water to fill a couple of cups, and get them set on the table, so he won't have to worry about drinks. He's fussing around enough as it is. ]

[discard]

[Thanks, mom.

He'll place the plates and then sit down and... pause....

Yeah he's going to poke at his plate with his eyes focused intensely on his omurice while he waits for Otome to taste it and give her verdict.

Not that he's nervous.

But.

Well.

He's a little nervous.]

[mombastic]

[ It's okay! She'll take a nice, healthy bite, and chew politely and swallow politely and-- ]

It's delicious!

[discard]

[ohthankgod-- that is.

He just takes a bite now, clearing his throat after he swallows.]

... It wasn't too difficult, I suppose.

[mombastic]

Was this your first time making it?

[ Are you a genius cook, Leon? ]

[discard]

It was my first time making the entire meal.

[... A-ahem.]

However, I have attempted making the parts to it before.

[When Otome wasn't around.

Ask him about that time he burned the rice and set off the fire alarm and panicked (but don't actually).]

[mombastic]

Really? You hadn't said anything about it before... if I'd known you'd had an interest, I would have let you use the kitchen more.

[discard]

[... Ah... well...]

It isn't... an interest, per se... I simply wanted something to further fill up my time.

[Next he's going to go back to practicing violin or something.

Keep him busy.]

[mombastic]

I wouldn't worry too much. I intend to keep you studying very hard.

[ LOTS OF COLLEGE-LEVEL STUFF FOR YOU. ]