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]

Don't worry, I'd shield you.

[ But she's glancing at him expectantly and tilting her head. Shall we? ]

[discard]

... Otome?

[???? Why are you like this.]

It is only ice cream, I do not need you to shield me.

[mombastic]

Oh, I know... but my sentiment still stands.

[ She'd shield him from anything, honestly. ]

[discard]

[He's quiet for a moment at that, frowning.

And then--]

Do not mistake this as me being unhappy with either the sentiment, or the fact that I am living here, because neither could be further from the truth.

[He's happy, he really is, but--]

But you had better never shield me in any way. It would not be worth the possible damage to yourself.

[mombastic]

And am I allowed to say that you shouldn't shield me either, then?

[ And will he actually abide by that? ]

[discard]

[...Well.]

... As aware as I am that you are capable of taking care of yourself, it is my duty to look after you.

[This is what he's decided.]

[mombastic]

... Is it? I don't really seem to remember giving you that responsibility.

[ Leon... ]

[discard]

Of course it is. That is an inherent responsibility in me being your-- [...son.

...Ah. He can't just...say it like that.

Even if it's true. A son's responsibility is to take care of his mother, isn't it? And... and Leon wants to, more than anything.]

[mombastic]

... My son?

[ That's fine, she'll say it for him. ]

[discard]

[His face goes through some really complicated expressions before he finally looks away, flushed.

But.

Well.

Even so, he answers.]

...Yes.

[As her son.]

[mombastic]

Mothers are naturally protective, Leon.

[ For the record. But she's smiling softly, so fond of this painfully awkward boy that it almost hurts. ]

So the best we can do, together, is to look after each other... in our own different ways. It's the best way to guarantee that we're both safe.

[discard]

I suppose... if we must, that is how it has to be.

[He doesn't know, he's never had a mom!!!]

But even so... no unnecessary sacrifices. [Deal?]

[mombastic]

All right. I think that's fair enough to agree to.

[ But for now, she's just going to guide him out. Parfaits!! ]