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]

[ Otome misses the look he gives one aimless student, but she does look up, to see him focused-- and hm. He's shown more interest in the lecture than she thought he would, so maybe it's about time to get him more involved. ]

All right, let's split into pairs-- we're going to work on tourniquets. Leon, will you come up here so I can demonstrate?

[discard]

[... Oh.

He wasn't expecting her to call on him that way, but... if nothing else, Leon is good at faking poise until it's legitimate poise. So he doesn't say anything, instead standing and neatly walking over to join Otome there, head up and posture carefully perfect.

(He's kind of nervous being dragged up here in front of everyone, but you'd never know it.)]

...Very well then.

[mombastic]

It's nothing big, but you'll have to loan me your arm.

[ So she can show the class how to tie a tourniquet, what to do if they have to make a makeshift one, and so forth. You're a good sport, Leon. ]

[discard]

[It probably says a lot about how far they've come that he's willing to do that without argument. He just offers her his arm quietly, after rolling up his sleeve.

It doesn't mean anything to anyone else, of course. But for them... well, Leon's never been good with physical touch, but if it's Otome, for something like this, it's perfectly fine.

[mombastic]

[ He's such a good kid! And she'll be quick about it, even if she's thorough about showing off the steps, until she can untie his arm again. ]

Would you like to give it a try, Leon? It looks like everyone else has a partner, but you can practice with me if you'd like.

[discard]

[He glances over at the class (all of whom have paired up and gotten to work), before he hesitates,

... But...why not?]

...Fine. I suppose I may as well too.

[He's interested in learning, despite how his words sound.]

[mombastic]

All right. Do you remember the first few steps, or should I walk you through it?

[ Let her just shrug an arm free of a sleeve first. ]

[discard]

I remember. Allow me to attempt it first.

[Before coaching him further.

He was paying attention, mom, let him show you!!]

[mombastic]

Okay, then! Take your time.

[ And the sleeve is up, as she offers her arm. She believes in you and your ability to retain and apply information, Leon! ]

[discard]

[Thanks, mom!!

But yeah he really does have a pretty solid grasp on things from listening to her and having the benefit of having it demonstrated right in front of him.

It may not be perfect, but he does okay--and then immediately undoes it to try again because he knows it wasn't perfect.

Perfectionist.]

[mombastic]

[ Leon... Leon... ]

That's right... it's important to keep the patient's comfort in mind, but you still want it tight enough to keep them from losing any more blood.

[discard]

Right.

[He just nods, focusing entirely. IT'S GOTTA BE PERFECT.

OKAY.]

[mombastic]

[ She'll stay quiet to let him practice-- but you've got this, Leon!! ]

[discard]

[HE'S GOT THIS... after one and a half more tries (the half being a false start that he immediately undid), he does have it as close to perfect as he thinks he can do.

Ha!!!

He looks stoic, but he's definitely proud.]

[mombastic]

Very well done! You've got a very steady hand-- it's something all doctors need.

[discard]

Ah...

[Now he feels bashful somehow, glancing away and clearing his throat.]

... Thank you.

[He'll just reach out to undo his work and free Otome's arm, now.]

[mombastic]

[ Otome gives him a smile, before she starts to make her way among the students, correcting them and giving pointers. He's welcome to sit back down, if he likes! ]

[discard]

[And sit down again he will! He's really not much of a slacker, though, so... he remains in proper, prim posture in his seat, and sets back to reading one of his other books.

Which is probably a different textbook.

Leon, learn to have a hobby.]

[mombastic]

[ ... Her not!son is so studious, she's so proud. But no, the rest of the lecture should go on without a hitch, so hopefully he won't have any issues with the other students. ]

[discard]

[No issues here! The lecture goes smoothly, and he waits for the other students to file out before he stands, packing up his books and looking at Otome.

... Now what.]

[mombastic]

[ Now-- she's offering him a smile. ]

You can wait in my office if you want. I just have to pack up my things here.

[discard]

[Well, if you insist.....]

Very well then. I have no complaints.

[And then, as he waits for her, with more curiosity:]

Do you have more classes to teach today?

[mombastic]

Only one more, but it's more of a quick study session in preparation for midterms.

[ For the poor nervous souls. ]

[discard]

Mm.

[There's just an acknowledging noise at that, before he nods simply.]

Then I suppose waiting in your office is fine. [He can work on other things there.]

[mombastic]

It really shouldn't take long-- [ But some students are already entering, so she'll give him an apologetic smile. She'll be there soon! ]