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]

Then... perhaps we would be able to work on our respective assignments...

[You can do it, Leon, get the words out!!!]

... Over those parfaits in the living room.

[...together.]

[mombastic]

[ ...!!

Hanging out with her in the living room when he isn't sick and miserable???? ]

I'd love that!

[ No, really, she's beaming. ]

[discard]

[... oh... she's so happy.

For a moment, he just blinks, blindsided--and then he clears his throat, some color rising in his cheeks from the realization that he's pleased that she's pleased, and he looks away.]

Then... that is what we shall do.

[He's...really glad.]

[mombastic]

Let me know when you're ready to go, then. We can put something on the TV for some background noise, too.

[ Leon's slowly growing to want to be around her, and expressing himself, and getting the opportunity to have more time with him where they truly feel like a family... Otome couldn't be happier. ]

[discard]

Very well then. As soon as we have finished with dinner.

[Which he will eat now with more gusto than he had before, when he'd been picking at it disheartenedly. Sometimes, Leon really is far too obvious about things.]

[mombastic]

I'm glad... it looks like your appetite came back.

[ As she refocuses on her own dinner, hiding a smile. Leon, seriously... you're much too obvious. ]

[discard]

... [AHEM...]

It is not as though I had no appetite before, I was simply making certain that the meal was acceptable before I began to eat.

[CLEARLY]

[mombastic]

You didn't taste-test?

[ No, she's pretty sure he fussed himself close to death over this, but Leon really ought to know better than to try and make excuses to someone who's heard a variety of them from a ton of different tsun personalities... ]

[discard]

[...... Mom why.]

... Not as well as I could have, perhaps.

[He's not backing down on this!!!]

[mombastic]

That's a shame... it really is fantastic.

[ He's going to spoil her for any other dinners if he keeps this up, goodness. ]

[discard]

... Then... I'm glad.

[He can admit that, ducking his head a little--but he's sheepishly pleased.]

Admittedly, I would... like to make more dinners to your taste.

[Let him spoil his mom...]

[mombastic]

I don't think you've made a single thing that I haven't liked.

[ sincerely. ]

[discard]

That...is admittedly not helpful.

[Otome, please!!]

I believe you are simply easily pleased. But if you have a favorite dish... I would like to know it.

[mombastic]

A favorite...?

It's nothing fancy, actually... but I do like sesame tofu.

[ And anmitsu, but let's not have Leon get too fancy here. ]

[discard]

Hm... I will keep that in mind.

[(He'll make it tomorrow.)]

For now, I have simply been making whatever catching my interest, honestly.

[mombastic]

Maybe we should get you some more cookbooks... you took to it more than I expected.

[discard]

... Ah, do not feel as though you need to go out of your way. I can always search up recipes either at the library or on the computer.

[ADJUSTING]

[mombastic]

I wouldn't mind. Maybe I can improve at it a little myself.

[ So Leon doesn't have to cook all the time. ]

[discard]

I would not be opposed to showing you how to cook some of these dishes.

[Damage control--but also spending more time with mom.

It's a win-win.]

[mombastic]

Thank you, Leon! I'll do my best not to break anything or... at least I can try to make it edible.

[ It'll be fine. Probably. ]

[discard]

... You will be fine, Otome. I will assist you. [And keep a careful, careful eye on her.

IT'LL BE FINE.]

[mombastic]

With you as a teacher, I feel like I should definitely be trying even harder...

[discard]

I do not want to hear that from the actual teacher between the two of us.

[He seems more amused than anything, though.]

It is not as though I will be disappointed if you do not pick it up immediately. It is a matter of practice.

[mombastic]

Well, you always want to look good in front of your family, right? Even I'm like that.

[ Just not too much. ]

[discard]

[Everytime she says something like that, it gets to him.]

Y-Yes, well... it is not as though... I would ever judge you for that.

I... I do think...well of you, Otome.