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]

Thank goodness... [ THE KITCHEN WAS A WORTHY SACRIFICE IF LEON THINKS THIS IS EDIBLE. ]

[discard]

[He blinks at her then--before he awkwardly clears his throat.]

It...is not as though you are a complete disaster in the kitchen...any longer. You've learned to improve yourself.

[u did good mom!!!]

[mombastic]

I'm still no match for you, Leon. But I thought this might happen, so I'm very glad I worked at it.

[ More than worth it. Of course she wants to do all she can for him, especially when he's like this. ]

[discard]

[Mom......]

It... is not as though I am prone to illness, so do not concern yourself with that. I should be fine soon enough, and I will make sure this doesn't happen again.

[mombastic]

Mm, I know you will. But until then, help me take care of you, okay? No one knows your body as well as you do.

[discard]

... Okay.

[He's never been taken care of quite like this before, but it's warm and it's comfortable and Leon honestly likes it--so he won't argue that at all, instead sinking back against the pillows. He tried to eat, but he thinks he's about hit his limit. He managed a fair portion of it, though, so he glances at her almost anxiously through his bangs.]

I...apologize, but I do not believe I'm capable of eating any more.

[mombastic]

You did very well. [ And she'll take the tray so he can snuggle down under the blanket properly. ] Managing to eat something at all is already progress, and you honestly managed more than I expected.

[ What a good son. ]

[discard]

[Oh... phew. He slumps into the pillows and under the blankets then, sincerely relieved that he didn't disappoint her. He's new to this "getting taken care of" business, he doesn't want her to think he's not trying hard.]

... I see. Then... I'm satisfied with that as well.

[And a little embarrassed by the praise, if the way he's ducking his head a bit is any indication.]

[mombastic]

I may have worded it like a mission, but the important thing here is not to push yourself. Your body's already been through a lot.

[ And she'll give in to the urge to brush his bangs away from his forehead. ]

[discard]

[Mrmrmrmrrr.... He doesn't look all too happy at her words (he's not sure how to not push himself, and he's not happy that he's not feeling well) but he leans into her touch despite himself, eyes fluttering half shut.

And then.

A few moments later.

He catches himself, jerking away a little. WHOOPS. Got a little sentimental there.]

[mombastic]

It's all right. Try and get some more rest, okay?

[ Her hand won't be going anywhere, whoops. ]

[discard]

Mm......I will.

[He can't really argue that. And...with Otome's hand where it is, not moving, he just...settles.

If she insists, then...

It's comfortable like this. And he's happy.]

[mombastic]

[ She does insist! Gently, but insistent nonetheless, because Leon is family, and the last thing she wants is to see her family ill and miserable. She'll wait until he's asleep to clean up some of this, but for now, she's just going to keep lightly stroking his hair.

And thankfully not humming because she's tone-deaf. ]

[discard]

[It won't take him long to pass out again, at least, especially with the comfort of her stroking his hair, and he'll sleep for a good few hours--which means when he drags himself awake again blearily, he drags the blanket with him around his shoulders when he goes out to see if she's in the living room. With his hair rumpled and the blanket around his shoulders and the general sleepy cast to his expression, he looks very much like a kid.

Thankfully, he still won't act like one--and equally thankfully, he sounds better when he speaks.]

Otome..? I seem to be feeling somewhat steadier. [HE'S STATUS REPORTING.]

[mombastic]

[ Otome will look up from her spot on the couch, where she's been working on lesson plans for the last hour or so. A quick once-over and she nods, both relieved and satisfied.

Good, he looks less ghoulish. ]

You're already looking a little better, too. Do you want to sit down?

[discard]

... Please.

[He'll at least be polite about it, settling himself quietly on the couch. After living with her for this long, he finally seems a little less tentative about remaining in the shared living spaces together.

Progress!]

Thank you.

[mombastic]

It's no trouble. You're still going to want to take it easy for the rest of the day, and you'll likely feel some achiness tomorrow.

[ From all the sleeping. ]

[discard]

[Hm.......]

... I'll be certain to rest. I would prefer to be able to return to my classes tomorrow, after all.

[SINGLE-MINDED as ever.]

[mombastic]

Ever so diligent... well, if you keep it up, you should be in good shape to go back to school tomorrow.

But keep in mind not to push yourself, even then.

[discard]

... I... yes, of course. I will be careful to not push myself and cause you more trouble.

[mombastic]

This isn't trouble. I'm actually happy to get a chance to spend a day with you.

[discard]

... But even so, your classes--

[This is still trouble!!!]

[mombastic]

-- will still have Fumi, so it's all right. I'm really not missing much at all.

[discard]

[... well.]

It was not you who would be missing the most. [YOUR STUDENTS THOUGH... but oh well, fuck 'em]

... Either way, I suppose this sounds ungrateful of me. I do not mean to complain.

[He's honestly...sincerely happy, he's just bad at expressing that.]

[mombastic]

Not at all! If anything, it sounds as though you think you might be inconveniencing me-- which is far from the case.

[ stretching a little now-- ]

When you're ill, the last thing you should be is alone.