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]

Not that often, no. [ She'll admit it. ]

I usually go to see my aunt and uncle and Koharu, or I'm out with the others. Fumi will come over and crash if I can tell she hasn't been getting enough sleep, but that's rare these days. There's... [ a pause, and she sighs a little. ]

There's not much of a reason for people to come see me here.

[discard]

[That's.... kind of sad. Leon considers that for a moment, but he's honestly not in a position to judge someone for their loneliness.

Instead, he's quiet, before nodding.]

I see. It was just a question. [Don't read too far into it.

A pause, and... well, that was kind of a whirlwind, but--]

...And now what? I... admittedly am not sure what I should be doing here. [Presumably trying to get home, but the idea doesn't really appeal, all things considered.]

[mombastic]

That's up to you, Leon. [ Finishing with the groceries, she walks back around the counter. ]

I can help if you want to research ways of returning to your world, but I can't say I like the idea of sending you to...

[ Well. To his death. ]

Or you can stay here. Or any other option.

[discard]

[... He's quiet for a moment in response to that, before he does offer up tentatively:]

It was my own actions that led to that situation. The fact that I died was the natural conclusion to what I did. It may be the only "right" option.

[But it's not said particularly certainly. He doesn't...really want to be dead now, even if he does think he deserved it.]

[mombastic]

When you died, in your world... it means that the Leon there is gone forever, doesn't it?

If you don't return, what part of that actually changes? You'd still be gone.

Here, however, you're alive. It might mean that you won't be able to return to your world, if that's what you choose, but that's the same as if you'd died.

[discard]

[She's not...wrong. The problem is still his own guilt, as it always has been. Dying had been a way for him to atone, and... he ducks his head, hair falling into his face.]

... It doesn't seem fair.

[after everything he did to Stahn and the others, he doesn't really deserve a second chance like this.]

[mombastic]

... [ Gently: ] Fair to who? As far as I know, your friends wouldn't have wanted you to die. And I certainly don't.

If you're regretting, then maybe there's something you can do for this world, or for your friends, by living now.

[discard]

They... no, they wouldn't have wanted that.

[They're so sentimental... he doesn't understand it at all.]

... Well, regardless, you have nothing to worry over. It isn't as though I'm going to be throwing myself off the roof.

[He's still not sure he deserves this, but he won't be killing himself.]

[mombastic]

I'd hope not. I'd have to catch you, and that would end badly for both of us.

[ Otome may be mentally strong, but physically? She's no Jungo. ]

[discard]

[... Honestly, Otome.]

That won't be necessary, so you can rest easy on that count.

[Why is she always so concerned for him... it's something he'll really never get.]

For now, I'll stay here.

[mombastic]

... I'm glad. Honestly, I'm happy to see you again.

[ Alive. She hadn't even considered him being here a possibility, but she's very grateful that it happened. ]

[discard]

[Ah. Well. That's...]

There are... worse places to have ended up, I suppose.

[A-ahem.

(He missed her too.)]

[mombastic]

Well, I'm glad to know I'm at least a slightly better option than torment or death.

[discard]

I didn't--

[... A sigh, softly.]

I didn't mean it like that.

[mombastic]

I should warn you, the Japanese people are, as a whole, easily offended if you word things a certain way. You may have to be careful with that in public.

[ Otome herself? Used to it. ]

[discard]

[..... UGHHHH]

I am... capable of being polite. When the situation calls for it.

[He's a little rusty, but he did have good manners ingrained into him.]

[mombastic]

I know you are. You're actually very sweet, Leon.

[ Underneath all the harshness and disdain. ]

I was just thinking... if you wanted to try enrolling in one of the schools here, it might give you something to look forward to.

[discard]

[He is... not... shut up.....]

...School?

[That's... what a weird thought that is. He blinks, but... he's always been tutored at home, so the very thought is utterly foreign to him. Still, he doesn't want to be trouble on Otome while he's already making use of her hospitality, so:]

Do you think that would be best?

[mombastic]

It's ultimately up to you, but it's a good place for learning. We can enroll you, and see how you like it-- and then go from there?

[discard]

...Very well then.

[He's not so sure about this, but... she seems to think it could be a good thing, so for Otome's sake he'll give it a try.

(This can only go poorly.)]

You have been doing things to help me--now what should I be doing for you?

[He may be 16 and technically a minor but he's been working as a soldier/knight for a long time, so it's natural to him that he'd be doing something in return for all of this.]

[mombastic]

... Well, if you want to help me with my lecture materials every now and then, I'd appreciate it.

[ It's a lot of paperwork. But really, he's providing her with company, so what else could she possibly need? ]

[discard]

[That's... it? Leon blinks, for a moment thrown.

Obviously she wouldn't have missions for him. No knightly missions, no duties, nothing like that. But still... it feels strange. All his life he's had those pressures and burdens on his shoulders.

Now?]

... I can handle that.

[That sounds like practically nothing to him.]

[mombastic]

... Leon...

[ Sorry, she's got to laugh. ]

Did you expect me to heap loads of work onto you?

[discard]

That is...

[He trails off a little awkwardly, coughing into a hand.]

I am...used to working to earn my keep. That would be nothing unfamiliar to me.

[mombastic]

That's nothing bad... but right now, you're my honored guest. That much is more than enough.