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]

I'm not--!

[aaaaaa

He just scoffs finally, crossing his arms and looking away.]

...Do what you want. I have things I intend to do tonight.

[(Cook mom a meal that will dazzle her, mostly, so he can get her attention without having to be pathetic enough to ask for it.)]

[mombastic]

Oh? Well, if you're busy, I can just move into the office to work there...

[discard]

[MOM NO

He flinches, before frowning.

Ah....]

...As I said. Do what you want.

I...certainly have no intentions of stopping you, but...

[mombastic]

But...? [ very gentle prompting here. Use your words, Leon. ]

[discard]

[Words are hard, mom.]

Perhaps... remain in your office only until dinner.

[And maybe he can dazzle her and she'll stay out in the living room with him then.]

[mombastic]

... Well, I do think a certain someone wouldn't be too happy if I didn't come out to eat...

[ Right, certain someone? ]

[discard]

[Hmph...]

... Well. It is important to gain proper nutrients. Is that not what we've learned in class?

[But he's a little relieved even so]

[mombastic]

Very true, and I'm glad you've been paying attention. I'll make sure not to work through dinner.

[discard]

I...would appreciate that.

[He can admit that much, if awkwardly. Now that he has a plan, he'd hate for it to be blown because Otome couldn't pull herself away from her work to focus on dinner.]

[mombastic]

Then consider it done. Shall we head home?

[ So he can fuss about some more? ]

[discard]

...Yes.

[And fuss he will! Though mostly he does wait until she goes into her office before he starts puttering around the kitchen.

He has to make something that will dazzle her with its UMAMI, so he needs to make sure that it's something really good.

Which means.

That he tries really hard to make it something good.

He's admittedly stuck on a student's budget, and so it's nothing remarkably fancy--but he does manage to cook it up and make it look rather nice as well.

And he'll make sure the plates are set before he finally clears his throat and calls out--]

...Dinner is ready.

[mombastic]

[ And she'll walk out then, stretching tiredly after some time spent hunched over a desk-- only to stop short, offering a few rapid blinks. ]

This is...

[ strangely fancier than usual? ]

[discard]

[On the one hand--it's good she noticed something's strange about it.

On the other, he can't tell if that's a good response or a bad one.

And he's not actually prepared for her to ask him about it, so he just shuffles awkwardly in place before he quickly adds:]

It will get cold if you simply gawk at it.

[mombastic]

I... imagine-- [ wow, how does she even react to it. But okay, she's stepping forward now and taking a seat, waiting for Leon to do the same before-- ]

Were you feeling inspired today...?

[discard]

... No. It was just...something I felt was necessary.

[Leon takes his seat as well, reaching for his silverware immediately. If he starts eating, Otome will start eating too probably and maybe then she'll be distracted and no longer question him about it.]

[mombastic]

Necessary?

[ Sorry, no, she's just going to stare at him. ]

[discard]

Yes. [But he won't be explaining himself.]

Is there something wrong with that?

[mombastic]

... Did I miss an occasion?

[ SHE'S ACTUALLY LOOKING WORRIED. ]

[discard]

No.

Stop fretting and eat your meal, unless you aren't happy with it. If so, just say so.

[HMPH......... (he just wanted to make something nice so mom would notice him, but this is the wrong kind of notice.)]

[mombastic]

[ Leon, sometimes you have to be honest with mom, or she'll worry herself with what it could possibly be. Which is why she still looks concerned, but she's also shaking her head. ]

No, it's incredible...

[discard]

...Then eat it.

[Moooooom. He can't be honest about this.

Much.]

I made it for that purpose.

[So Otome could eat it. That's all there is to it.]

[mombastic]

[ THERE'S MORE TO THIS, SHE KNOWS, and she does want to discuss this more... but Leon still looks so petulant, so Otome takes a mouthful before she replies (after chewing and swallowing, of course. ) ]

Mmm! It's delicious!

[ AS EXPECTED OF LEON BEING FUSSY. ]

[discard]

[PHEW...... he relaxes immediately when she starts to eat and seems to enjoy it. That's really all he wanted (unsurprisingly), so Leon just settles then and sets to eating his own meal.

He's not going to be volunteering any information, but at least he seems to be less fussy now.]

[mombastic]

Leon, you... [ after a few minutes. ]

... Did you think I was angry?

[discard]

[He chokes.

It takes him a moment, but after he takes a sip of tea, he clears his throat.

AHEM...]

That... no, that is not right. [Just mostly right.] I was simply... aware that you were not happy with my behavior earlier.

[Even if he also thinks that it was necessary still.]