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]

Oh--is that what you were getting at?

[Leon just nods in response to that, pouring the batter out onto the pan as he goes.]

That should be fine, yes.

[mombastic]

[ Good, that's the hardest part of this newly-formed plan down. Otome beams, before she moves past him to pull plates from the cabinet. ]

Perfect! I was thinking it's been awhile since we've just had a day to ourselves. [ Even on the weekends, she tends to work. ]

[discard]

[And he'll neatly deposit the pancakes on the plates when they're finished, nodding simply. He's still not thinking about much in regards to the date--so he's just assuming Otome has decided she wants a day at home, which is nice.

She deserves more breaks.]

I suppose it has been some time--but today should be perfectly serviceable for that reason.

[mombastic]

Mm, I think so too. It's important to spend time together, as a family... so I hope I haven't been neglecting you.

[ She does have to work, yes, but she at least tries to bring her paperwork out into the living room while Leon's reading. ]

[discard]

No, of course not.

[Mom, pls, you're great!!!

Granted it's not hard to be better than Hugo, but still. Leon thinks she's the best mom ever.]

We are still able to take dinners together, and generally have time for such things. I am not concerned with it.

[mombastic]

You'd tell me if you were?

[ IT'S OKAY TO BE DISSATISFIED. ]

[discard]

[Slowly, he blinks.]

Well... yes, I suppose. [No, probably not.]

But I have no reason to be dissatisfied with things right now. [??? Otome is Superior Parent to Hugo by 170%]

[mombastic]

[ That really isn't hard, considering Hugo. ]

... Okay. You can leave the dishes to me today, too. I should have some time before that call.

[discard]

Ah... very well then. When we have finished eating, I will go pick up that book.

[But first, breakfast!]

[mombastic]

Thank you, Leon!

[ BUT FIRST. Delicious pancakes, yes. ]

[discard]

... Naturally.

[But yes, he'll settle down to pancakes as well.

With lots of syrup.

Mmm, syrup.]

[mombastic]

[ She won't have as much syrup, but at least he's happy(???) so it's fine! And the pancakes are so nice and fluffy and warm and honestly, she's half-surprised he'd not interested in becoming a chef with his skills.

... Then again, maybe that's just her proud mother side. ]

[discard]

[He's just a perfectionist, mom....

Either way, it's a nice, warm and comfortable breakfast. Leon's content with it, and... it's a weird feeling, to realize that he's so commonly happy.

It's something he's never experienced before, and...it's all thanks to Otome.

For now, though...he keeps his eyes on his pancakes and eats, quietly.]

[mombastic]

[ It's fine, she's still thinking over her plans here-- but once she's done eating, she'll reach into her pocket and pull out a key to pass over to Leon. ]

Here you go. This should get you into the office.

[discard]

Thank you.

[He accepts the key and stands, nodding.]

Then I suppose I will leave dishes to you, and go run this errand.

[Bye mom!!!]

[mombastic]

Mm, I'll be waiting!

[ ... and hopefully it actually takes him a while because now she has to go run and buy a cake at the nearby bakery and do some manner of birthday decoration and hope she's actually right about this, because otherwise it's just going to be embarrassing. ]

[discard]

[Wow, that really would be embarrassing.

But he's gone for awhile, don't worry. The woes of getting motion sick on the bus means that he opts to walk instead, so she'll have plenty of time.

Eventually, though, he'll text her to let he knows that he properly obtained the book and that he's on his way back.]

[mombastic]

[ And he'll get a text back that the door will be unlocked, in case her call's not finished.

Interestingly enough, though, it's weirdly dark inside when he gets home?? The plot thickens... ]

[discard]

[Dark...... did Otome step out for a bit? It seems strange that she'd leave the door unlocked, but... he'll go ahead and enter anyway, reaching out immediately for the light switch.

Click!]

[mombastic]

[ The table's been cleared off! On it sits a rather cute, reasonably-sized cake with candles forming a neat circle on the top and at the table is Otome-- who's beaming widely as she sets off one of those fun party poppers. ]

Happy Birthday!

[ ... hopefully it's his birthday. ]

[discard]

[Leon freezes.

He can't help it, really. He's never had a birthday celebration in his life, so when Otome suddenly dumps this on him--

He's not sure what to do.

He stares at her with wide eyes, and then shifts his gaze to the cake, and then to the party popper and confetti--

And blinks again.

Help.]

[mombastic]

... Oh... [ well, she'll slowly lower the popper now. From the way he's staring at her... ]

Was I wrong?

[discard]

... No, I...

[He frowns a little uncertainly, hesitating in the doorway.]

... I was simply...caught unawares. You are correct, of course. It--I suppose it is my birthday, yes.

[mombastic]

... I don't think I've ever seen anyone so uncertain on their birthday before.

[ but she says it gently... with a father like his, that's unfortunately unsurprising. ]

[discard]

Do not... misunderstand me. I am--grateful for this.

[Probably.

It needs to sink in before he can be properly grateful--but then he's just ducking his head, bangs hiding his expression somewhat.]

I just have never...done this before, so I am uncertain what to do. [He's never celebrated his birthday before.]