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]

[ It's all right, Otome's reaching for his hand to keep him close and safe from all of the people-- just in case. And she'll only release him once they've ascended the steps and it opens out into... well. A lot. Vendors, a place to hang bad fortunes and wooden plaques with wishes inscribed on them... ]

Here we are!

[discard]

[... Oooohhh...

He's never seen a place like this before, and it's obvious from his expression; the temples he's seen are nothing like this, and while he doesn't release Otome's hand, he's definitely clearly engrossed and fascinated.

Also he has no idea where to start.

But whoa.]

[mombastic]

Are you hungry, Leon? [ Let's start there. And then, she thinks, she can show him the fortunes and take him over to ring the bell--

Really, it's been awhile since Otome's been this excited for a shrine visit, but seeing Leon's reactions just makes her feel as though she's also witnessing this for the first time. ]

[discard]

... I suppose I haven't eaten.

[He's still looking around, wide-eyed, but he finally turns his gaze back to Otome.

And.

Flushes when he realizes he was like a kid in a candy shop. A-AHEM.]

Was...there something you had in mind?

[mombastic]

Not really, but let's see what they have to offer.

[ which is amazake and a whole lot of delicious things that Kia is too lazy to look for BUT FOOD ]

[discard]

[FASCINATING FOODS, OOOH, AHHH

Which

Admittedly the foods do look and smell pretty good, but Leon can't help but drift when he spies the desserts.

Look!! At these!!]

[mombastic]

... [ she really should have seen that coming. ] Why don't you take your pick? It's your first time, so I'll treat.

[discard]

[...!!!]

W-well, it is not as though I know what any of these are, so...!

[he wants the sweets]

[mombastic]

Well, the little rounded balls over there are mochi...

[ He'll get a dessert lesson, that's fine. ]

[discard]

[he's listening, thoughtful--and then he sees it.

holy shit

He straightens despite himself, brightening a little.]

What--what are those?

[HE'S TRYING NOT TO SOUND TOO EXCITED but it's not really working]

[mombastic]

-- Oh! Taiyaki! It's, ah... sort of like a waffle with filling inside. Ice cream in this case, it looks like.

[discard]

I... suppose I should... not mind trying that, then.

[it looks delicious wtf]

[mombastic]

All right-- hold on, then.

[ She's going to speak to the vendor and grab one of the taiyaki for him after paying, passing it over. ]

Let me know what you think?

[discard]

... Of course.

[He accepts it with a nod of gratitude, and...casually takes a bit...

(This is the best thing ever.)

A-ahem.]

It is...tolerable.

[(He's so happy.)]

[mombastic]

Tolerable? [ Hmmmm. ] Well, if you'd prefer a different flavor...

[ Leon, you can say it's good, it's fine!! ]

[discard]

N-no--!

[...ahem]

That won't be necessary.

This is fine.

[mombastic]

If you're sure...

[ She honestly looks a little uncertain-- but he had looked happy, for about two seconds, so maybe it's just another Leon being reluctant to admit his love of sweets thing. ]

[discard]

[He's sure... he's very sure, evidenced by how he takes another bite, looking away.

It's delicious.

...]

Please...do not think I am not grateful for this.

[He definitely is.]

[mombastic]

Oh no, I didn't think you weren't! I just thought maybe you're the type who'd try something and then not like it but not want to be rude...

[ Just in case. ]

[discard]

No, it is--

[Delicious.

A-ahem.]

... It isn't as though I...enjoy things like this. But if I did, it would be... very good.

[mombastic]

...

Leon, I really hate to inform you of this, but I've known you enjoy sweet things for awhile now. There's nothing wrong with that.

[discard]

I--! I don't--!

[Aaaaaaaa.

He honestly looks more panicked over this than anyone should be over someone learning they like sweets.]

[mombastic]

There's. Nothing. Wrong. With that.

Okay?

[ CALM DOWN. ]

[discard]

But it is...

[It's hard for him to calm down. He's gotten used to Otome being a lot more caring and warm and accepting than any parental figure he's ever known--

But it's hard to shake associations that have been ingrained in him since he was a child.]

It is...childish, and... [Weak. Useless. Pathetic.]

[mombastic]

Not at all. I happen to like sweet things, myself. In a sense, they can be a good pick-me-up when you've had a long day.

[ And you don't want to drink Fumi's misovitawhatsit. ]

At any rate, Leon, I promise I'll never think of you as childish for liking anything.