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]

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.]

[mombastic]

It wasn't anything you had to make up to me... whether I sometimes disagree with your behavior or not, it doesn't change the fact that I love you.

[discard]

[Otome says that so easily...and Leon is still not entirely sure how to take it, though bit by bit he's getting a little bit better at it.]

I...still do not believe my actions were wrong. It was clear to me that they were wasting your time for the sake of having your attention and nothing more.

But...

[He clears his throat awkwardly.]

... I apologize for making a scene even so.

[mombastic]

Leon...

[ Otome's expression softens, and she reaches out to set a hand on top of his. ]

You're looking out for me, I know. And I appreciate it.

[ Even if she'd prefer he didn't do it to the point where he earns himself more enmity. ]

[discard]

I...can hardly say that it is that altruistic.

[Leon just...doesn't want anyone to take her away. And honestly, if there's ever someone deserving, he'll probably have to accept that and let go, but...

That hasn't happened yet.]

You do not have to be grateful for something like that. [He still knows she wasn't pleased; she so rarely scolds him, after all.]

[mombastic]

I still am.

... But Leon, if it happens again, please let me handle it. Okay?

[ SHE'S GOTTEN VERY GOOD AT SHUT-DOWNS. ]

[discard]

[He's quiet for a moment, poking at his meal half-heartedly, before he finally nods.

He doesn't want to, but he can tell when something isn't really a request he has the right to deny.]

I understand.

[He'll let her handle it from now on, even if it means he has to bite his tongue.]

[mombastic]

Mm. Then, since you made such an amazing meal, what do you say I treat us to those new stacked parfaits down the block after this?

[ he's a good kid. ]

[discard]

[... Is this supposed to be some sort of bribe or reward... either way, Leon doesn't really think he should be accepting it.

(And either way, he's going to.)]

Yes, well... I suppose a walk would be healthy enough.

[And... this way he does get to spend time with Otome.

It's what he wanted.]

Do you have a particularly large amount of work tonight?

[mombastic]

[ It's possibly both, honestly. And Otome does love spending time with Leon, so really, it sounds like a good plan all around. ]

Not particularly large... it's about the normal amount.

[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. ]